Gadgets and Ideas

I came across some ideas and gadgets you might find interesting. Thought these soup bowls were unique. They wouldn't stack in a cabinet very well though. Maybe not so practical.

I especially liked the idea of putting essential oil on the inside of a toilet paper roll to keep your bathroom smelling fresh. Everytime you take out a new roll add a few more drops. Click this link for 15 more ideas. 

Now do you know how to get rid of squirrels? Yes, they look cute but they can be quite destructive. A squirrel actually ate a hole in one of the plastic gas cans Gary keeps outside for the fuel for our mower. We're worried the gas leaking out could start a fire. Our neighbors feed the squirrels. How to diplomatically tell them not to do that. These squirrels are getting more and more brazen. One didn't even run away when I came out of the door, even when I clapped my hands. Ugh. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

Cranberry Beans with Chorizo & Poblanos

Red Mill cranberry beans are an heirloom been and slightly expensive compared to the usual packaged beans. When I read all the vitamins they contain I decided to splurge. The bag contains about 4 cups of beans and was over $6. I used half the beans for this recipe and it made a large batch which we'll have for several days. I'll serve them over rice. Then I still have half of the beans for another time.

Folate, iron, potassium, and magnesium were 20% and calcium was 2%. Not bad for a lowly bean. Isn't folate the mineral pregnant women are always lacking? It must be good for you. I think heritage food products actually contain more vitamins and minerals then the usual items we consume in mass. I'm going to try and incorporate more of these foods in my diet.

The beans are speckled a cranberry color but they fade during soaking and cooking. They are soft and nutty flavored. Next time I think I'll try some other heritage beans, orca beans, I spied on the shelf. Ok I just checked the label on the Red Mill site and the orca beans have even more nutrition. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

Ivy Creek Road

Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

What is it ? A Critter Waterer !

For the time I've lived here I've provided a drinking bowl for the critters and insects. I've set the bowl next to the railing so birds can quickly escape if my cat comes by. Sometimes I go out and an insect or bee has died since they couldn't fly or climb out. I found a rock in the garden to place in the water to provide a ladder for them to climb out. It's a big rock so I'll look for a smaller rock. But in the meantime this will help them get a drink and still fly away. The possums and raccoons would prefer and open bowl but they'll have to adapt. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.