Eightymillion

A DIY craft and photography blog. Dogs included.

Today’s Catnap

Fresh air, green grass, and blue skies!  What more could one want?
We’re almost through our stack of catnap photos.  No worries, Spring is right around the corner and we’ll soon be on the road collecting more moments.
*Fact:  This place no longer exists.  The area has been commercialized into office space and a sky-walk.  This is why we’re encouraging you to get out and take more photos.  Capture those moments before they are a piece of the past.
Are you new to the catnap series?  Start with this post.  And then catch up here.
Until the next nap…

Today’s Catnap

Yesterday I announced a new series that my boyfriend and I are working on.  If you missed that introduction click here.
Every Friday a new image will be released.  This project is solely for fun, but we hope that it encourages you to get out and take more photographs.  Especially those in which you’re enjoying a quick “catnap”.

DIY Refrigerator Pickles

Here’s a recipe just in time for Spring.  It’s easy and inexpensive.  Have you ever made refrigerator pickles? I’ve come across different versions but this one is by far my favorite.  Pretty soon our local farmer’s markets will be offering all the fresh produce from the garden.  These pickles will make a great addition to your summer picnics and barbecues.  New neighbors?  Gift them a jar.
Supplies:

Quart mason jars with lids (3)
Large mixing bowl
Batter bowl
Pinch bowl
Colander
Cutting board
Knife
Whisk
Egg Timer
Ingredients:

5 cucumbers
1 large white onion
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. celery seed
1/2 tsp. mustard seed
Salt
Instructions:

Wash the cucumbers and slice.  Don’t peel them.  Slice up your onion.  In your large mixing bowl soak the cucumbers and onions in salt water for one hour. 
In your pinch bowl, mix together the garlic powder, celery seed, and mustard seed.  Set aside.  Whisk together the sugar and vinegar in the batter bowl.  Add the dry seasonings and mix together.
Drain the cucumbers and onions from the salt water and start packing them into your mason jars.  I left a little room at the top because you’ll be shaking them once everything is in the jar.  Pour the liquid mixture over the top until all is covered. Tighten the lid and shake until the sugar is well dissolved.  Do the same with the other jars until the cucumber mixture is gone.  I only used three mason jars for this batch, but depending on the size of your cucumbers you may use more/less. 
Store in refrigerator.  I was told to wait 24 hours before consuming, but that didn’t work.  I was snacking within the first hour. Vinegar based foods are my favorite.  My boyfriend has used them on hamburgers and hot dogs. They’re tasty on subs.  And you can chop a few up and toss with your salad.  Or just grab a fork and dig in!
This recipe was given to me from a friend.  I asked him for their shelf life and he laughed at me.  He said don’t worry, you’ll eat up them rather fast.  He was right. 
Enjoy! 

My Life With Dogs: Waiting For Spring

All of us here are very anxious for Spring to arrive.  It’s right around the corner.  We can hear the robins singing in the morning as the sun comes up.  
Disco was happy to find his football that was buried under all of the snow.
Until the next word…

Vegetable Garden 2013-What We Planted

One week ago today we put the garden in.  We look forward to this day every year.
Red Potatoes, Kale, Collard Greens, Spring Mix, Spinach, Garlic Chives, Green Onions, Lady Bell (Green) Peppers, Golden Bell Peppers, Sweet Banana Peppers, Anaheim Peppers, Jalapeno Peppers, Packman Broccoli, and Husky Cherry Red Tomatoes. 
Our very own salad bar right in our backyard.
We use half starter plants and half seed packets.
I’ll be going back for some annual flowers to plant around the house.
My Uncle loaned us his tiller to get the dirt ready.  One powerful machine.  This is the first year we used one.
I hate the weeds and refuse to use any chemicals due to the dogs.  Therefore, every year we lay down the fabric landscaping before planting everything.
Everything is growing at lightening speed!
Remember last year’s post about recycling a dog kennel to keep the dogs out of the garden?  If you missed it click here.  Our’s is still standing strong.