We’ve all been battling a cold for a little while, but Olga started running a high fever and it turns out that she has an ear infection. Poor little weasel. We’re trying to take it very easy around here, with lots of popsicles to keep her fever down. The good news is that we saw our new doctor for the first time and we all like him a lot (even Gavin, who played shy, started talking to him after a few minutes). Of course it didn’t hurt at all that the Doc had a healthy stash of Tootsie Pops.

Life never seems to slow down anymore, but for a few moments. This weekend my step-mom came to visit for a very quick trip, and even though she was only here for a couple of days, we managed to pack the hours with a whole lot of… nothing. Which was just perfect. It was so lovely to sit with her and a hot tea, crocheting and knitting and talking about the future.

Deadline is in less than two weeks, so things are very busy again already, but for just a moment we were all on vacation.

We’re so glad you could visit, Lenie!

My apologies for not posting in a few days. We’ve been very busy here with spring, friends, and the every day things that go along with an absent Daddy (in the field again).

On Friday, the children and I started some seeds in improvised pots (gallon milk jugs, apple juice bottles, and miscellaneous other containers destined for the trash and recycling bins). The weather has been mild and wet, so I’m just keeping them outside on the deck.

On Monday the littles and I spent all day helping our friend get ready for a baby due next month. We’re all very excited to have a new baby “in the family.” My kids already think of her daughter as their little sister. We ended up staying all day, and got to admire her beautiful seedings and garden. She’s got a major jump on me. I don’t know how she gets so much done with a one year old and a tummy. You can see her tray of seedlings on the table above.

Yesterday I went out to check on our seedlings, and discovered, to my utter amazement, that most of them had already sprouted — in only four days! Here are our sunflower sprouts, which we’ll plant all along our fence.

And here they are today!

along with good jam, good coffee, and the quiet of early morning.

This is, so far, the best 100% Whole Wheat recipe I’ve found. I discovered it in the most obvious of places: printed on the bag of King Arthur whole wheat flour. Time again these “free” recipes become our family favorites.

Classic 100% Whole Wheat Bread (makes one loaf)

2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast or 1 packet (that’s 2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast dissolved in 2 Tablespoons water
1 1/3 cups lukewarm water
1/4 cup vegetable oil (use Canola, it’s better for you)
1/4 cup honey, molasses, or maple syrup
3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/4 cup nonfat dried milk (I didn’t have any of this, I just used regular milk and reduced the water above)
1 1/4 teaspoons salt

Mix it all together. (The recipe doesn’t give any order in which to add ingredients. I let the yeast dissolve in the water/milk mixture first, then I added everything except the flour, mixed it up well in my stand mixer, then slowly worked in the flour.) Knead for a few minutes (I love to knead, so I stopped myself after about 10 minutes). Let rise in an oiled bowl for about an hour. Punch down and shape loaf, and allow to rise for another hour (or less if your kitchen is warm… it was quite chilly here yesterday). Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.
Bread is done when it sounds hollow when thumped.