Archive for September, 2012

Malibu-bound

Posted on September 4th, 2012 by Tonia 2 Comments

Photo credit: tobysx70’s flikr stream

Mike and I are off to CA for a photo-shoot for a client. It’s going to be eight days of crazy-hard work, but I’m looking forward to ending each day with an incredible meal at one of the thousands of awesome places to eat in LA (any suggestions??). I can’t wait to indulge in the things that are hard to find in Northern Wisconsin: ethnic food, fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Mmmm!

Sunny Malibu with its aqua-blue ocean and tan citizens and salty air will provide the perfect grand-finale to summer. I’m packing sandals and light dresses and breezy tops to work in, because we’ll mostly be outside in the heat…and of course my bathing-suit, because I’ll be damned if I don’t get to jump in the ocean at least once!

When we return, we’ll be coming home to the best time of year here in the north: FALL! I can barely wait for crisp evenings, cider pressing, garden harvesting, and the leaves changing colors.

Catch you all on the flip side!

A Sweet Farmstead Wedding

Posted on September 4th, 2012 by Tonia No Comments

Our dear friends Jenn and Trevor got married this past Saturday under an old apple tree in the field behind their yurt with 40 family members and close friends in attendance.

It was a magical moment, listening to them read their vows to each other while their beloved dog Coal pounced on field-mice behind them in the long grass and the evening sun warmed our backs and glinted off the tears on our cheeks.

Mike and I took photos for them as a wedding gift. It was pretty easy to come away with good shots, considering the setting and the subjects were so beautiful! I’d love to share some photos of the reception once we’re done editing them. Jenn put so much work into all the little handmade details- everything looked so beautiful.

We could not be happier for these two- they’re soul-mates and their love and partnership is an inspiration. We’re so blessed to have them in our lives, and I look forward to many many years of memories and merriment together. Congratulations, J&T!

Putting up Tomatoes for the Winter

Posted on September 3rd, 2012 by Tonia 2 Comments

We’re drowning in ‘maters over here! Aren’t they beautiful to behold? Warm little spheres of juice. I’d tell them how great they are, but it would go to their heads. They’re already smug enough as it is.

When tomatoes are ready, they need to be dealt with RIGHT NOW. They’re kind of the diva of the garden. Say, for example, that you wanted to perhaps go to the beach today because it’s Labor Day and it’s 85 degrees and sunny and all your friends are there grilling out and drinking beer. Logical thing to do on a day like this, right?

Nope. You’ve got 900 ripe tomatoes to process, you fool! And they ain’t gonna wait around while you frolic about in your bathing-suit. They’ll go right ahead and rot, right under your nose, if you’re just a tiny bit too slow about picking them.

So I am in my hot kitchen. Processing tomatoes. And even though I’m slightly crabby about it, I’m going to be really happy to have all these jars of delicious sauces, soups and whole tomatoes in the middle of winter.

I’ve been loosely following this excellent blog post that details the canning process for tomatoes except that I’ve been roasting my tomatoes instead of blanching them. How do you can tomatoes? Any favorite tricks or tips?

Happy Labor Day, dear readers!

Raspberry Picking

Posted on September 3rd, 2012 by Tonia 2 Comments

{Alternate Title: ERMAGERD ERTS SERPTERMBER!!}

Ohhhhh geez. I’m so behind on blogging!! August flew by at light-speed and I’m still reeling from it and trying to come to terms with the fact that it’s SEPTEMBER already! There are photos on my camera from JULY that I have yet to upload and share (I keep waiting for a quiet day with nothing to do but sit down and edit photos and write…..HAHA!)

…Starting with these from when my mom came to visit (in July!) and we went to Blue Vista to pick raspberries together. It was a beautiful day, but very hot. Our berries were melting in our fingers!

We had to work quickly, and when we got home we plunged them into cold water to rinse them before spreading them out onto cookie sheets and placing them in the freezer to firm up. Then we bagged them and stacked the bags in the freezer. It’s so nice to have a plethora of berries to enjoy all winter. I’ve already made smoothies with them a couple times!

Besides berries, we’re also putting up lots of tomatoes, pickles, and beans from our garden this year. What are you bagging/canning/storing away for winter? I’d love to know your favorite recipes for canned goods!