My wish this year for my birthday was help from my husband to start a butterfly garden.  The kids and I had purchased some plants from a great nursery near us, Kathan Gardens.  Over the summer, I plan to paint the rocks, in order to brighten the border. 

The kids and I love this song by Dog on Fleas called, “Dry Beans.”  It got me thinking about how much we love black beans and other dry beans so we tried it this year.  I’ve got some in the garden, but tried some in containers as well.  So far so good!Click here for the song.

Picked and frozen all in one day!!  Lots of yummy jam and treats to come!!  We love going to Wellwood Orchards in Springfield, Vermont!

The whole family is here! Lots of fun to be had for everyone! My favorite is the evening ghost crab hunts. Some of the most important moments are yet to truly be acknowledged. Afternnon chats with grandchildren and grandparents – may not seem like a big deal now, but later will be cherished.

Nothing like losing both your parents within 4 months to push you into a reality check of what is really important.  Cleaning out a house where your parents lived for almost 40 years and never met a book, picture, sale on chicken, tool, pretty much any scrap of paper they didn’t like, sure wakes you up to the stuff and clutter we can hold dear and in the end means very little and doesn’t bring them back.

Soooo….I’m cleaning house, literally and figuratively.  Sorting through e-mail, browsing through pictures, shredding and recycling whatever I can.  It seems easier at my own house.  I am dreading the return to my childhood home where I must continue through the piles of treasure from generations (seriously!) to decide what to keep.  What does one do with a wagon wheel?  Corn thresher anyone?  How about 20 year old spices from MY grandmother’s house.

I will be the first to admit I am not the most domestic person in the world. Cooking and cleaning are at the bottom of my favorite things to do list.  I’ve spent hours pouring over meal prep, freezer meal and crock-pot sites looking for ways to make it easier to have good meals, that the kids will actually eat on the table and still be able to work all day.

So, it is a year of action!  I have chicken marinating in the refrigerator!  Thank you Mom for the Ree Drummond cook book for Christmas.  Here’s the recipe I’m following:Grilled Chicken.  It’s meant to be a make ahead meal.  You can make a large batch and use for various recipes later.  I reduced the recipe to a more manageable single dinner portion, just to see if the family will like it.  Preparing one meal to cook, may not seem like a big deal to you – but to me, this is a major accomplishment.

Ordinarily I am not too big on resolutions. But this is the first year without my father. His rather unexpected passing is a reminder to not wait to follow dreams and to take care of myself. Eating the way I know is most natural and healthy, within reason. Doing the things I love to do – socializing, being active in causes close to my heart and honoring my spiritual self.

Purchasing the ingredients, does not a project make. After at least a full year, I have finally made laundry soap. It was super easy! Shredding the soap bar was the only time consuming part, but even that was minimal! 1 cup Borax, 1 cup washing soda and 1 shaved/shredded soap bar (I used Fels Naptha, not sure if there are other brands).