Flower Power - Ode to the Dandelion

Many of the lawns in Lexington, Kentucky, are covered in dandelions.  Little yellow flowers everywhere.  Some yards have many.  Some, like ours, just a few.

My husband Chip is not a dandelion fan.  He likes a well manicured yard, and somebody, at some point, decided that dandelions are not an ingredient in the recipe of the happy weekend gardener.

It seems a popular way to rid a lawn of dandelions is to spray the flowers with Roundup.  Roundup is made by Monsanto (not my favorite corporation).  http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/02/04/monsanto-the-evil-corporation-in-your-refrigerator/5

It's interesting to me that people actually pay money to purchase dandelions.  People eat dandelion greens.  Check out this recipe:  http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com//recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=681  People consume dandelion wine.  There are known health benefits to eating dandelions:  http://www.leaflady.org/health_benefits_of_dandelions.htm Why, oh why aren't we picking these weeds, taking them to the Farmer's Market, and making a profit off of them?  Wouldn't that be smarter than burning gas to drive to Home Depot to purchase Roundup, that puts money in ugly Monsanto's pocket?  Seriously!  Wouldn't that be better than spraying chemicals on something somebody could eat?

Yes, I know.  Really, what's the big deal about dandelions?  That's precisely my point.  What's the big deal?  They're pretty little yellow flowers that become instant blow toys for children.  Maybe God doesn't care for our lawns to look like August National.  Maybe we shouldn't become aggravated with the neighbors when they are a bit more nonchalant about weeds than we are.  Perhaps you're thinking I read too much Wendell Berry and Barbara Kingsolver.  I'd be happy to discuss their works with you over a cup of dandelion tea:  http://www.dandeliontea.org/dandelion-tea/dandelion-tea-recipe

The First Dandelion

Simple and fresh and fair from winter’s close emerging,
As if no artifice of fashion, business, politics, had ever been,
Forth from its sunny nook of shelter’d grass — innocent, golden, calm as the dawn,
The spring’s first dandelion shows its trustful face.”

–Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

Life on Lansill - Please pass the veggies, part 2, AKA Faux Meat

We are so far, so good on the whole "Allie becoming a vegetarian thing."  We have hit a few milestones this past week.  Let's just call them the "faux meat milestones". 

On Thursday evening, we decided to grill outdoors.  It was the first grill of the season for the Kentucky  Moncks, and the two males in our family were happy to get out on the patio and utilize the propane induced device.  Earlier in the day I researched how to make homemade veggie burgers, knowing our Allie would need something to satisfy her want of dinner.  I found this recipe:  http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Veggie-Burgers/Detail.aspx, which turned out to be pretty good.  I, as well as Allie enjoyed a veggie burger on Thursday night. 

On Friday evening, we went out to dinner in celebration of Chip's birthday.  The restaurant's menu included a veggie burger, so that's what Allie decided upon.  There were other options, including a veggie plate, but I think she really wanted to try out the restaurant version of faux meat.  Well, when our meals arrived, the waitress set down a burger plate which included a ground beef patty.  Not what Allie ordered.  Allie's first thought, not wanting to displease, was to eat the fries only, and not ask for a replacement burger.  We quickly talked her into sending the plate back.  Soon she received her original order - what I believe to be a Boca burger patty on a bun.  Allie enjoyed it also, bringing half of it home for lunch on Saturday.  She mentioned she liked our homemade version better (much to my satisfaction, of course!).

Tonight Jamie (our carnivorous 15 year old son, who is also our resident gourmet chef) made veggie chorizo burritos for himself, Allie and I.  He wasn't real thrilled about the product beforehand, actually he was skeptical, but he ate two (rather large) burritos filled with the chorizo, eggs, potatoes and cheese.  Granted, I've taught him you can put about anything in a tortilla and enjoy it - that comes from growing up on the border.  Allie ate one full serving, as did I.  So, this made a total of three faux meat experiences in the last week.  Three fairly successful faux meat experiences. 

I've almost finished reading "Fast Food Nation."  Quite informative, and more than a bit frightening!  We've recorded Jamie Oliver's show http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution.  I planted a blueberry bush on Sunday (please send suggestions if you've ever done this!).  We'll soon be planting our two vegetable gardens.  We are buying much more organic food.  Allie and I made homemade granola last night (does that mean we're Granola People???).  And I realize that THINKING about what you're going to eat takes a lot of effort!  We weren't terribly horrible eaters before.  We weren't one of those everyday through the fast food drive through families.  But, good grief, if you truly are what you eat - and you are - we weren't doing a fabulous job.  I don't want my kids to drink.  I definitely don't want them to do drugs.  But I also don't want them to be unhealthy because of the garbage they eat. 

So once again, congrats to The Albear (our affectionate name for our girl child) for keeping up her commitment to be meat free.  And for trying new things.  Even when it's not easy. 

Life on Lansill - Please pass the veggies

Allie, our 11 year old daughter has decided to become a vegetarian.  We recently watched "Food, Inc." http://www.foodincmovie.com/ as a family.  This film shows how terribly animals in our food supply are treated.  Allie is an animal lover.  It bothers her to think an animal suffered before becoming her dinner.  So, she's made the change.  No more meat.

A few people have asked me if she's now a vegan.  The answer is no.  She continues to eat eggs and cheese, and enjoys other dairy products. So far she's fine and hasn't looked back.

The other three of us are still carnivorous.  We have made, and continue to make changes.  We are more careful about what we buy and are striving to eat more organic, leaving behind the processed.  I believe last week we ate three meat free meals.  We are fortunate to receive a good portion of beef from my parents, who live in Oklahoma.  My dad's cousin sells them beef from cows he raises - grass fed on the range. 

I think I could go meat free.  Husband Chip is happy being careful about his diet.  Fifteen year old son Jamie doesn't have the desire to live meat free.  I think if I could document that Jack White http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_White_%28musician%29, Jack Bauer and Dwight Schrute (Jamie's heroes, and yes, I realize 2 are mere fictional characters, but hey, he's 15) are all vegetarian, he might consider taking the plunge. 

I'm reading "Fast Food Nation" http://www.amazon.com/Fast-Food-Nation-Dark-All-American/dp/0060938455, at the suggestion of a vegetarian friend.  I've come to see an entire industry differently.  I wonder what our society would be like without McDonald's and the like?  Obviously healthier, and we'd waste less gas if we didn't wait in drive through lines.  Not to mention time.  And money.  And I could go on and on about labor, greedy corporations, etc.

I think my biggest concern about Allie becoming a vegetarian is school lunch.  Her vegetarian school cafeteria options are a peanut butter Uncrustable, or sometimes a salad.  She can also eat the meal minus the entree, although that doesn't leave a lovely plate of fruit and vegetables.  Today she chose the salad option, but had to remove deli meat from the top (slimy & gross!).  Aren't there more vegetarian kids out there?  I try to get her to take her lunch, but she dreads one more thing to carry.  Her book filled backpack weighs a ton and her locker doesn't accommodate much.  Excuses, I know, and we might have to push past them. 

I checked out two library books of vegetarian recipes yesterday.  So far, so good with all this.  We're proud of Allie.  She's made a good decision.  We realize she's eleven, and might change her mind back.  She might binge on a pepperoni pizza at a friend's house next month.  But, we give her grace and we applaud her convictions.  I surprised her with a bouquet of sunflowers last week, as opposed to a candy bar or some other unhealthy food treat.  We're starting to think about our garden plots for the Spring.  We're THINKING, not just eating, not just grocery shopping.  We hoping it makes a difference. 

Life on Lansill - Snow Day = Sledding & a King Cake

Today was a snow day, meaning no school for the kids.  What's better to do on a snow day than sled?

Since it's Fat Tuesday, we decided, why not make a King Cake?  We've never made one before, but I found this simple recipe on allrecipes.com:  http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/King-Cake-in-a-Bread-Machine/Detail.aspx.  Yes, you can make a King Cake using your bread machine.  So that's what we did.  Voila!  Here's what we got:

We're looking forward to enjoying a piece while we watch the Winter Olympics.  

Tomorrow's already been declared yet another snow day.  I'm not sure if I can top the excitement of today, but thankfully, youth group at the vineyard has not been canceled.  Something for the kids to look forward to.  Here's to clear roads on Thursday. . . . . 

I Am a Temporary Redhead

It worked!  (see post below)  The henna experiment was a success.  I now have fairly dark, red hair.  I'm pleased, because the henna covered the gray.  I look forward to trying a new color, next time around.

Can Henna Change Your Life?

Yesterday morning, while on Facebook, I noticed The Pioneer Woman http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/The-Pioneer-Woman-Ree-Drummond/111065157857?ref=mf was taking her daughters to get their hair cut.  While perusing the internet I saw that Kate Gosselin recently paid $7000 (allegedly) for her new blond extensions.  I knew that Great Clips has been running their deal, $6.99 haircuts, for a while.  So I decided, hey, this is the day for my long needed trim.  After work, I drove by a Great Clips, but alas, the $6.99 poster was not in the window.  Expecting the worst, I parked and walked in, to find that yes, the deal is done.  I said, "thanks" and left.

Yes, I know the regular price of a Great Clips trim is only $12, but I decided to head home, and cut it myself.  I've trimmed it before - it's not that difficult.  Plus, I never trim too much, that way if it looks too ghastly I still have something left for an actual stylist to work with.  Honestly, it's just hair.

I'm happy with yesterday's trim, especially that it was free.  Today I hope to get by Good Foods  www.goodfoods.coop  and purchase some henna http://www.light-mountain-hair-color.com/.  You see, I'm going gray.  I want to hide the gray.  But, I don't want to use chemicals.  Please, no offense if you're a dye-er.  I have friends who dye, my sister dyes.  I just really want to try this in a more "natural" way.  Granted, completely natural would be letting the gray show, but, well, I just don't like it.  I wear make-up on my face, why not a bit on my hair?  

Color suggestions?  I'm thinking I might end up in the red family.  A place I haven't peronsally been.  My husband's the red head.  Or maybe keep mine in the light brown family.   A bit dull, since that's what I've had most of my life, except for the blond college years. . . .

I noticed on the Light Mountain Natural Hair web page the question, "Can henna change your life?".  While I seriously doubt it will, their answer is:    "Maybe...But it will definitely change your hair. And with bright, lustrous, newly enhanced locks, who knows where the possibilities may lead?"  So in a couple of hours, I'll leave work, pick up my henna, and find out - where the possibilities may lead.  

Life on Lansill - A Month of Milestones

January is my least favorite month.  I don't particularly enjoy cold weather.  I grew up in the desert, and snow days and weather delays were non existent.  I prefer sunshine and warm days, and every January, I contemplate why EVERYONE doesn't live in Hawaii.  But, January does mark new beginnings, and most years I'm at least somewhat motivated to set a few goals for the year ahead.  Also, when I stop and think about it, January 2010 does hold a few milestones. . . .

This January marks our sixth anniversary on Lansill Road.  We've now lived here twice as long as we've previously lived anywhere in our marital career.  Lexington, Kentucky, has become "el permanente", so to speak.  Also, January 2010 marks four years of me working as an employee of Women for Life.  This is the longest I've ever been employed by one organization.

But even more significant is this:  January 2010 means Chip has been a part of my life longer than he hasn't.  We began dating when I was 20, in January 1989.  We've now been "together" for 21 years.  If that doesn't make me want to burst into the ballad, "Endless Love", I don't think anything will.

So, maybe that's how I should view January - the "Milestone Month".  Not concentrating so much on the fact that it's below freezing outside, the trees are bare and the sky gray, and I've already slipped and fallen once in the snow.  Perhaps dwelling on the accomplishment of sharing over 20 years with someone is a more worthwhile idea.  And celebrating the stability of knowing there are no plans to leave our Life on Lansill.