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Michelle W. Flannery

Michelle W. Flannery's Blog (25)

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In Spite Of It All

Once my summer garden was established this year, I started planning ahead for the fall garden. I was anxious for a successful harvest of collards, broccoli, cabbage and other crops to round out my pantry and freezer storage. Unfortunately, or fortunately, as the case may be, my summer garden is not ready to let go of the fertile soil it has so comfortably spread it's roots in. Even when I turned my back on the garden, and left it alone for several weeks to wither and pass on so I could return l… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on September 23, 2009 at 11:00am — 6 Comments

Of Rain and Floods, and Grubs and Chickens

Georgia has been blessed this year to receive more rain than we've had in a decade. But the blessing became something more difficult this week, as an enormous amount of rain, especially in the last 3 days, has fallen in heavy showers lasting day and night. Today, there was severe flooding in many areas. I'm sorry for all those who have suffered the damage and loss of property and life in this downpour. I'm blessed to be able to say that we have not experienced flooding or damage on our property… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on September 21, 2009 at 11:25pm — 3 Comments

For KGI Rhubarb Growers and Eaters: Rhubarb Recipes

Rhubarb has been the topic of discussion a few times here at KGI, I think. I don't grow it myself, or eat it. However, I subscribe to a recipe newsletter that, today, posted a number of rhubarb recipes from other subscribers. It looked like too great a group of recipes all in one place to just delete. So I thought some of you who are growing rhubarb, and do eat it, might like to see them. Here you go! RHUBARB PUNCH Chop rhubarb and cook it in water. After it's cooked, mash and strain. Us… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on August 14, 2009 at 10:17pm — 3 Comments

Preserving Figs and Fig Recipes

My figs started coming in three days ago, and now folks at KGI are discussing their fig trees and, hopefully, their abundant harvests of these delightful fruits! I've learned to be more selective about giving them away. Last year I gave several pounds to a relative who didn't bother to refrigerate them, and allowed them to spoil before tossing them out! I might try to sell some at the local farmers' market if I can get them there fresh enough and keep them cool. We'll see. As it is, I'm process… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on August 3, 2009 at 3:00pm — 5 Comments

Summer Squash Pancakes

I found this recipe and thought some members might like to try it. If you've got an over-abundance of squash this year, then you're like me, looking for something to do with them all! Summer Squash Pancakes 3 c. grated squash 1/2 t. salt or lemon pepper 3 t. minced fresh parsley 1 clove garlic, minced 3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese 1 egg 3/4 to 1 cup Italian style bread crumbs Dash of pepper Mix all ingredients to make a fairly thin batter. Drop by spoonfuls into oiled skillet. Cook. Tu… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on July 26, 2009 at 8:16am — No Comments

Zucchini (Squash) Relish

I've been beyond busy keeping up with all the produce coming out of my garden the last few weeks. Squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers (bell, banana, hot), and coming into watermelons. Later, corn, beans, winter squash (acorn, butternut, spaghetti). Last weekend, I bought some things from the farmers' market too, to round out my food storage - okra and extra bell peppers (since I'm not getting many), oh, and hot banana peppers for John! I've been freezing, drying, and canning day and night!… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on July 22, 2009 at 10:49pm — 3 Comments

Please Remember To Share Your Blessings!

Hi Everybody! Many of us, especially in the United States, are well into the growing season now, perhaps already wading through knee deep rows of squash, peppers, and eggplant. If we aren't already harvesting our own produce, we certainly soon will be. As you anticipate that first bite of a freshly picked tomato, and make room in your pantry or freezer for quarts of home canned veggies, I hope you will also make plans to share your blessings with the needy in your community. In an earlier blo… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on June 25, 2009 at 7:04pm — 3 Comments

Scoot Over!

My garden is indeed flourishing! In just a few short weeks, we have already harvested 30 pounds of squash, 14 pounds of cucumbers, enough banana peppers for 9 pickled half-pints, a dozen bell peppers, a handful of jumbo jalapenos, 2 eggplant, 5 tomatoes, and an unknown number of cherry tomatoes. There are numerous baby pumpkins, baby cantaloupe, and baby watermelon; and corn, beans, and winter squash (spaghetti, butternut, acorn) are emerging nicely in the lower garden. So what do I have to com… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on June 19, 2009 at 1:14pm — No Comments

Garening Is a Quirky Economic Indicator

This is excerpted and condensed. I thought KGIers might enjoy this particular bit. --------------------------------------------------------- 10 Quirky Economic Indicators by Candice Lee Jones, Reporter, Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine Friday, June 12, 2009 See the full article here Everyone is scrambling to get their fingers on the pulse of the economy. When will it turn around? Have we seen t… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on June 19, 2009 at 10:00am — No Comments

Singin' 'Bout the Rain

Wouldn't you know it? I haven't watered the garden in a couple of days, so I got up extra early this morning to go out and water the garden while it was still cool. Within an hour of finishing... it rained. Then, it rained well into the afternoon. I spent the day puttering around the house a bit, but mostly sitting at the computer waiting to follow activity here on KGI. I've never been one to go out in the rain. As a child, I'd watch all the other kids out playing and laughing, squealing in the… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on June 4, 2009 at 5:51pm — 6 Comments

Meximixup

I seem to specialize in meals with great versatility and budget stretching capability. Well, here's another one. I call it Meximixup because it's a little bit Mexican and a little bit something else (not sure what!), and it's so many meals in one! This recipe is good for meat-eaters and vegetarians/vegans alike. Add or remove any ingredients, and you've still got a good, basic, versatile meal. I'll give you the simple version, tell you how I change it up, and offer some variations… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on May 29, 2009 at 10:00pm — 5 Comments

Plant a Row For the Hungry

If you haven't heard about it, Plant a Row for the Hungry is a wonderful program that operates nation-wide, encouraging farmers and gardeners to plant extra crops to assist neighbors who cannot afford adequate (fresh) food for their families. Many of us accidentally grow more food than we can use. This year, think about deliberately growing a surplus of veggies, and contribute your excess to a local food pantry or soup kitchen. Or you can donate your excess produce to an area Food… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on April 22, 2009 at 4:00pm — 5 Comments

And Then the Sun Came Out

It's been a difficult two years. We've faced many hardships that I thought were going to finally take me down, not the least of which have been crippling financial problems brought on by my husband's increasing health problems. I've been widowed once already. I don't want to do it again. But, for now, we have found a little breathing room in our finances, and John's health is stablizing. We're working around the rest. It is the grace of God that has sustained us, renews our hope, and rejuvenate… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on April 20, 2009 at 10:18am — 9 Comments

CATCHING UP

Although I have checked in on the KGI website several times, reading blogs, looking at pics, and peeking in on friends, I have essentially been away from the website for several months. My apologies. John had numerous doctor visits, tests, and exams before having heart surgery in early December. Then the holidays were upon us and I had done nothing to prepare for them while looking after John. Family descended, etc., etc. More visits to the doctor. Winter was passing. John started working again,… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on April 6, 2009 at 7:02pm — No Comments

GEORGIA HASH

I love to cook, but sometimes I'm just not in the mood. On those occassions I leave the family to fend for themselves (it saves me having to clean the fridge out). Sometimes, however, my imagination will kick in at the last minute and I'll throw together something worthwhile. I prepared the following meal a few evenings ago when it was pretty cold here. My recipe was inspired by a recipe for Scottish Hash I found in the newspaper. I call mine Georgia Hash. It's a very hearty meal that works for… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on January 28, 2009 at 11:00pm — No Comments

KUMQUAT RECIPES

For those of you wondering what to do with your kumquats, I found these kumquat recipes at the kumquat growers website: http://www.kumquatgrowers.com/morerecipes.html I only found one recipe for kumquat pie, but there are many good recipes here to choose from, and many more at the website. ------------------------------------------------------- Kumquat Puree Preparation (for your favorite recipe) Wash fruit, cut in half and remove seeds. Place in blender or food chopper (A blender makes a fin… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on December 12, 2008 at 7:05pm — No Comments

CALAMONDIN MARMALADE, PRESERVED WHOLE CALAMONDINS, AND CALAMONDIN PIE

Here's one recipe for Calamondin Marmalade made with orange juice, and two other Calamondin recipes that might interest you. CALAMONDIN MARMALADE WITH ORANGE JUICE 2 c. puree Calamondin 1 c. orange juice 3 c. sugar Wash, halve and seed Calamondins. In a blender puree coarsely the Calamondins. In a stainless steel kettle combine juice and the puree. Bring the mixture to a boil over moderate heat, stirring. Add sugar. Boil over moderate heat, stirring 15 minutes. Pack in sterilized jars and sea… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on December 11, 2008 at 8:00pm — No Comments

LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW MAN!

Like it or not, Winter is creeping in on us. Many KGI members will be getting snow. Some already are. Some folks love snow. Some hate it. Everyone will talk about it. Personally, I love snow, but it is a rare sight in my area of Georgia, USA. So I get my snow fix other ways. One is with the cartoon images of Calvin and Hobbes in snow. Do you remember Calvin and Hobbes? The cartoon retired some years ago, but some of us still treasure the memory of the mischievous little boy and his stuffed tiger… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on December 5, 2008 at 10:00pm — No Comments

TURKEY HASH BROWNS

Just one idea for using up that leftover turkey. 3-4 strips bacon, diced 3 medium potatoes, washed and diced, skins on (or use frozen diced hashbrowns) 1 onion, peeled and diced 1 bell pepper, diced 2 cloves garlic, diced 1-2 cups turkey, cooked, diced Salt and Pepper to taste In large skillet fry bacon until crisp. Add diced potatoes, diced onion, diced bell pepper, and garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook until potatoes are done and onions and peppers are tender. Add turkey and cook un… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on December 1, 2008 at 11:39pm — No Comments

Elizabeth Reeves' Creole Gumbo

Elizabeth Reeves of Brandon, Mississippi, joined KGI recently. I mentioned to her that we'd all love to see her recipe for Creole Gumbo, and she sent me the recipe. Since she might not get the time to post this recipe herself for all to see, I'm doing it for her. So all comments should be directed to Elizabeth's page. I'm sure she'll love hearing what you have to say. Now that cool weather is upon most of us, this will be a delightful warming dish to curl up with on a cold e… Continue

Added by Michelle W. Flannery on December 1, 2008 at 4:33pm — 1 Comment

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Latest Activity

amna mufti commented on Salma Kamal's blog post 'Pakistan: “Home Kitchen gardening to crush hunger”.'
........So the story is that this land is under the unlawful use of big wigs.No body dares to touch them.As they are usually in govt.or are the relatives of those in power.That is why I was telling Salma,problem is not simple.It is so intricate,it...
8 hours ago
amna mufti commented on Salma Kamal's blog post 'Pakistan: “Home Kitchen gardening to crush hunger”.'
Glenn! we also have the same allotment system.In which about 550 square feet ,(if I am not mistaken) or so is alloted to a family to grow fuel wood on it .Govt. only plants the trees and then the family looks it aftern grow what everthey want alon...
8 hours ago
Mussarat Nadeem is now friends with Kathryn and amna mufti
11 hours ago
Everett H. Scott joined Chris Bocchino's group
Wild Edible Hunters
DIscussion group for people who hunt wild edibles.
11 hours ago
Everett H. Scott left a comment for amy
11 hours ago
Kathryn commented on Glenn Fletcher's blog post 'What is an Allotment'
I would love to have an allotment, there needs to be more of them.
11 hours ago
Kathryn commented on Glenn Fletcher's photo 'My Allotment'
great shot, yours seem to have the most on it.
11 hours ago
amna mufti commented on amna mufti's photo 'Flight of fancy'
Thanx!
12 hours ago
Muhammad Nadeem Iqbal commented on amna mufti's photo 'Red bugs.'
Your Organic Friends...
13 hours ago
Muhammad Nadeem Iqbal commented on amna mufti's photo 'Flight of fancy'
BRILLIANT...
13 hours ago
Muhammad Nadeem Iqbal added 4 photos to the album 'TURKY'
13 hours ago
2 members updated their profile photos
13 hours ago
Glenn Fletcher commented on Glenn Fletcher's blog post 'What is an Allotment'
I pay £50 pounds a year approximately for my allotment. This amount has doubled in the last few years as their popularity has increased. Mine is 300 square yards, although there are smaller ones. The trend nowadays is to split them in two, so they...
16 hours ago
Glenn Fletcher added a blog post
Allotments are now very popular in the UK. I used to have empty ones around mine for years. This site describes what an allotment is. The main advantage of an allotment is that it does not have to be too tidy, so is ideal for trying out different ...
16 hours ago
Glenn Fletcher commented on Salma Kamal's blog post 'Pakistan: “Home Kitchen gardening to crush hunger”.'
I believe the British allotment system was developed in the late 19th & early 20th centuries to feed the urban poor mainly in the north of the country. Areas of land in urban areas were owned by local government and small parcels [300 square yards...
16 hours ago
Glenn Fletcher added a photo
My Allotment
16 hours ago
Kathryn left a comment for Mussarat Nadeem
18 hours ago
Kathryn commented on Salma Kamal's blog post 'Pakistan: “Home Kitchen gardening to crush hunger”.'
I am not in Pakistan as you know but there are very many similarities. The populace is very poor with the basic wage being given to most and usually without health insurance included, even though that is illegal here. The basic wage is not enough ...
19 hours ago
amna mufti added 6 photos to the album 'My farm'
2 more…
23 hours ago
amy left a comment for Everett H. Scott
yesterday

From the KGI Main Site

Gardeners Have the Power!

Braised brussels sprouts with pine nuts

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KGI is going to the White House (and we want to take you with us)

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Roasted potatoes with basil vinaigrette

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Paella with tomatoes

Notes

HOW TO - ADD A LINK

Several people have experienced difficulty putting working links into comments and blogs etc and I know it is clumsy.... so here is how you do it.....

First type the text you want to appear....  ie  IAN'S PAGE

Then go back and highlight the link text.

Then hit the hyperlink button...a pictogram of a chain link.

Your browser may intervene and request permission to allow temporary scripting or some similar message.   Allow it and go back and highlight the text again

… Continue

Created by Ian Jun 7, 2009 at 7:28pm. Last updated by Ian Jun 8.

Forum Policy

Hi, I'm starting to put together a few guidlines on using the discussion forum on here.

I would be happy to hear any comments you may have.  This is very much a work in progress so plese feel free to ask me to add anything you think is needed.

I don't want to make our community hide bound by rules and regulations but I think that, as the community has grown, some explanation of what is expected is needed.

Administration

You can refer any que

… Continue

Created by Ian May 23, 2009 at 1:55am. Last updated by Ian May 25.

Climate maps

Hi following recent discussion I have put climate maps of the USA, Australia and Europe on here for reference..

 Climate map of the USA

Climate map of Australia

Climate map of Europe

 

… Continue

Created by Ian Sep 12, 2008 at 6:20pm. Last updated by Ian Apr 14.

Recipes, Recipes, Recipes

Hi Everyone,  I've started to collect together recipes from various posts on the site and put them all together here.

If you have a recipe you want to add on here, just post it on the site and leave a comment on my page telling me where it is and I'll go and fetch it back here.

They are organised in Contributor Order but I'm open to better suggestions!

BEVA'S RECIPES

… Continue

Created by Ian Jun 2, 2008 at 9:54am. Last updated by Ian Apr 13.

US STATES ABBREVIATIONS

 

US STATE ABBREVIATIONS

AK - Alaska               AL - Alabama              AR - Arkansas
AZ - Arizona              CA - California           CO - Colorado
CT - Connecticut          DC - Dist of Columbia *   DE - Delaware
FL - Florida              GA - Georgia              GU

… Continue

Created by Ian Jan 27, 2009 at 4:27pm. Last updated by Ian Jan 27.

HOW TO - MAKE COMPOST

Recently there was an excellent discussion about composting. I’ve pulled together all the various comments here. You can also watch KGI's video on composting here.

 

 

KATE’S ADVICE

I used to have a tumbler that we made from a wine-barrel but

1 you have to fill it up all at once

2. it seemed mostly

… Continue

Created by Ian May 30, 2008 at 5:29am. Last updated by Roger Jan 15.

Notes Home

Welcome to Notes.

To view notes that are in the system hit the "all notes" button above.

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Created by Ian May 28, 2008 at 12:10pm. Last updated by Ian May. 30, 2008.

A Note about Notes

I have just written this note so that I can see what we can achieve by using this new feature.

If you read this and have any suggestions then please leave a comment on my page or email me.

Ian

Continue

Created by Ian May 28, 2008 at 6:19pm. Last updated by Ian May. 28, 2008.

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