Common Interests

We see this bird very often down by the lake where we walk, usually perched on a rock or branching while sunning itself. I did some research online to learn more about it, and turns out it's an Anhinga. They're underwater hunters that feed mostly on fish, hence the sharp bill and webbed feet. The species is not considered rare or endangered.

I like knowing what something is, even if it's a common creature like this that is evidently in no need of official protection. Being aware of the living things that share the world with me makes me more mindful of my impact on the environment. Buying a set of reusable straws and cutting my own thread bobbins out of recycled cardboard are two things I've done this month to weed more disposable plastic out of my life. It would be nice if I could get to zero plastic waste someday, so that these guys can go on sunning themselves by the lake long after I've moved on to the next place.

Comments

Make It Yourself

As we head into December, here are ten ideas for easy handmade gifts: Cookie Exchange: If you live close to your friends invite them over for a cookie exchange. Basically everyone bakes a set amount of their favorite cookies, and these are exchanged at the gathering by lottery, sharing a little from each batch with everyone, or however you want to do it. You can also exchange recipes, too. My neighbor did this once and it was wonderful. Favorite Recipe Cookbook : For my favorite person I found a copy of my favorite cookbook from a vintage bookseller (yes, I am that old) and went through it making notes on all the recipes I used, how I tweaked them, etc. Ornament: There are probably a million free tutorials on how to make your own holiday ornaments, so do some research online. I like to make hanging pomanders , which smell heavenly and are biodegradable after the holidays. Mug Rugs: If you sew, making up a set of mug rugs is simple and easy; I add these every year to my ...

Better than Fried

I cut some chives from the kitchen garden to make garlic-chive baked fries for dinner. This is a great side dish for veggie burgers. Click here for the recipe from Taste of Home.com.

In the Kitchen Garden

Our strawberries are taking over the kitchen garden, but I don't mind. This week I want to make some strawberry banana nice cream (a vegan version of ice cream) and maybe a chocolate cake with berries and cream for the topping. There's thyme in the garden now, too, which I'll dry and jar for cooking along with the chives and the oregano. Next we'll plant cucumbers, as I use a ton of those in our salads and for snacks.

Rayen

Search This Blog