Backyard Farmgals

Because it's raining and because I have at least a million and one things to do, I potted a fabulous succulent pot this morning.  I was feeling rebellious.  Go away to-do list... a little Scarlett O'Hara moment rising up, "I'll think about that tomorra".  I guess I need a little fun.  I did finish planting the farm this weekend and I need to celebrate (this year was rough - too much school, two orthopedic injuries, and one horrible case of bronchitis that became a sinus infection from you-can-guess-where; May was not a good month for me).  This not-so-little nursery near me sells a big variety of tiny succulents in 2-inch pots.  They are so cute, I could buy a truckload of them, but I settled for enough to fill this stellar skinny metal pot that I have. I love succulents, they have texture and color in all shades of greens and purples, even a little pink.  I love the chunky leaves and stout fat shapes.  They are a texture freaks dream come true.  When

Just in time for Summer.  This little recipe is a great side or an awesome and pretty healthy main course.  You could add some shredded chicken or some salmon hunks to this if you need a little extra protein.  This has plenty of veggies in it, use what you can out of the garden.  This will be perfect Summer night meal when the garden is at its height.  My little farmhands absolutely LOVE these noodles.  These are just a little bit sweet, thanks to a little agave.  You can sweeten with honey, it is just a bit more difficult to work with (hint - heat it up before you combine with the soy sauce). COLD SOBA NOODLE SALAD backyard farmgals Printer Friendly Version Here 8 oz soba noodles, cooked, drained, rinsed with cold water and drained again 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced 1/2 english cucumber, quartered and thinly sliced 1/2 bunch of green onions, green parts thinly sliced handful of cherry tomatoes, quartered 3 car

With summer fast approaching and temperatures spiking up into the 90's (eek... it feels too early), it's time for some cooling off.  I have to tell you, since I have been married, I have NEVER had an air conditioner... and we live in a desert.  Go figure.  For some reason there always seems to be something more important, or necessary, to do with the air conditioner fund.  Every house we have lived in has had huge mature trees on the South-West side, making cool air "a luxury", not a necessity.  I even had a baby in July during a summer heat wave.  The day he was born, it was a cool 105ºF, at least the hospital had air conditioning.  I had been sweating like a mama pig for weeks...  all these sweaty memories keep popping into my mind.  BUT this year is different, my hot farm hand hubby worked a deal and... (drum roll, please) ...WE HAVE CENTRAL AIR!  In celebration of my coolness (meaning flowing cool air swirling around me, too much of a plant nerd for the other