Rachael Eliker's Blog, page 81
March 8, 2015
The New 'Do
Completing a childhood rite of passage: cutting your own hair.Claire has long had a penchant for doing her own hair. So, I suppose it shouldn't have been a surprise when, a few days ago, she got a wad of gum stuck in her hair, got the scissors, sheared off the problem patch and threw it away, then returned the scissors to their appropriate spot. Independence is Claire's motto.
Her first "real" haircut.At first I was shocked, then a bit upset, then found it rather amusing. After some convincing...
March 1, 2015
Korean Beef
This is a dish I like to use when I'm not really in the mood to cook something elaborate for dinner. Traditionally, it's made with ground beef but I prefer it with a finely chopped, inexpensive steak. Serve with rice and steamed broccoli and it's on the table in 20 minutes.Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef or steak
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red peppers (optional)
Salt and pepper t...
February 28, 2015
Bucket-O-Hens
Bucket-o-hens.We were so excited to find chicks a few weeks ago not only because they're adorable and fun, but because it means they'll be ready to lay very soon (we love our fresh eggs!). However, the absence of warm weather has put a bit of a damper on their transition to the outside.
So nobody tries to escape...They're definitely feathered enough and have put on a few pounds of weight (which is a lot, considering they only weighed ounces when we got them) but I don't have the heart to throw...
February 24, 2015
Stay on the Path
Stay on the path.Having to push a wheelbarrow back and forth to bring hay to the horses, it's so much easier to follow the same path everyday.A metaphor with real world application.
February 22, 2015
Love Is...
We had a wonderful Valentine's Day, not because it was perfect or grandiose, but because it was filled with love in its many forms. But really, Valentine's Day is nothing special because I can see this kind of love daily. Instead of declaring what love isn't, here's what love is...
Stuffed, but going back for more.Love is being asked on a date by Jack to go to a fancy buffet once a year just because he likes to spoil me on occasion.
Let's just say, Evelyn wasn't feeling well.Love is voluntarily...
Stuffed, but going back for more.Love is being asked on a date by Jack to go to a fancy buffet once a year just because he likes to spoil me on occasion.
Let's just say, Evelyn wasn't feeling well.Love is voluntarily...
February 19, 2015
Snowy Backs
Wanting breakfast, pronto.I always keep a close eye on the horses, especially during the winter when their thick coat can hide weight loss and rain and snow make even the toughest animals shiver. Thankfully, there is one good indicator that they're doing well: snowy backs.
Nothing bothers Dancer when sweet feed is within her grasp.If there's snowfall and the snow settles on their backs without melting, it's a good chance that their body heat is being kept in by their fluffy hair and they are h...
February 16, 2015
Soon
Soon.(At least that's what I keep telling myself).
February 14, 2015
Bargain Hay
Kate helping with the chores.It's always a little tricky judging how much hay the horses will consume over the winter. It depends on the weather, how long they can graze the pasture before the grass goes dormant and how hungry they are. This year, after a bit of a disastrous experience trying to keep square bales dry, we decided to use predominantly round bales. They're easier to keep and are more cost effective than small squares.
Loaded up and ready to drive home!For months, Jack and I pushe...
February 11, 2015
Jungle Gym
I got Jack a chainsaw for Christmas and he's already put it to good use. Just about every weekend he's out sawing away, trimming up trees and cutting firewood. This past Saturday, he tackled his biggest project yet...
I was making dinner when one of the monstrous ash trees fell in the back yard. With cool confidence, Jack managed to make it fall in just the right spot and without smashing the fence or himself. Thank goodness he's watched his share of mountain men shows lately and gleaned some...
February 8, 2015
Lunge and a Haircut
Finally behaving herself.Yesterday was a beautiful reprieve from the gloomy, chilly winter weather so naturally, we took the chance to escape the house and get some fresh air. Since I have a goal of working the horses more frequently this year, I pulled Dancer out of the paddock after doing some chores. First order of business: a haircut.
I know a lot of horse people love for their animals to have long, flowing manes but around here, I like to be more practical and appear that I at least...
