Duty or Heartbreak- Is There A Line?

Sad-

My son, Patrick Elliott is headed from Fort Riley, Kansas to California on Thursday-for deployment training.

Patrick Elliott is my middle son. I have been blessed by 5 children but only 3 made it all the way. That is why I feel doubly blessed by my 2 step sons. I feel that although I lost 2 along the way that I picked up 2 more and it makes the pain a little less.

If I could wish anything, it would be that I could crawl into a cave and fast forward the remote to when my baby boy gets back onto US soil. The train has been coming hard and fast at me and I will admit that I have ignored that light coming down the tunnel. Not all parents have to deal with their child going to war. I have had a child go off to college and one go into a trade and into the workplace. I have 2 more in high school deciding on their paths in life. I can see them when I want to. This is entirely different.

If you have a family member in the service or a neighbor or a friend- call them tonight and give them your love and support. As for me, I will hug my boys. I love them. I love you, Patrick Elliott. This is my reach out and hug... You are my hero- for now and for always...

Soap Making On The Farm-First Time Is A Charm!

So, on this beautiful 40 degree January day, I stayed inside and made my first 2 batches of soap. I overcame my fear of lye and basically jumped in and made something wonderful! My first batch consisted of:

4 oz. Avocado Oil
2 oz. Castor Oil
16 oz. Coconut Oil
2 oz. Jojoba Oil
16 oz. Olive Oil
16 oz. Palm Oil

22 oz. water
8 oz. lye

It all went according to directions...I had safety goggles, gloves and long sleeves and I used the utmost of care when handling the lye. I measured out the oils and when the temperatures were the same, I combined the lye water with the oils. I mixed and mixed until trace and then poured the mixture into my beautiful mold that my husband made for the purpose. It is now sitting in a safe, warm place and is working its own magic.

My second batch included my above list (only half of each amount) and I added a scent called "Energy" and enough colorant to make it a light fuchsia color. This I poured into some plastic molds made especially for soap. Those soaps are also going through their metamorphosis. It smells fantastic in here and I am now completely obsessed with making soap as well as the thought of a new avenue this could open up. As soon as I get more comfortable with the process, I am planning to make a video and post it to YouTube. I'll keep you up to date on that project.

Again, I have conquered a fear, put those doubting voices to rest and created a useful and beautiful product. I can do anything I put my mind to and I would love to think that I might empower someone to do the same. A leap of faith! Except...I'm not sure who is going to let Mr. Sample know that the kitchen is officially open for more than his yummy cooking!!!

The Mootel pt. 3- Drunk Cows and Other Tidbits

***continued from pt. 2 Originally published by W. Alan Henderson- Edgecomb Maine***


"One of the outstanding stories of the year in the Maine paper concerned a turn of events that turned out humorous, but might have been tragic. Elliott was feeding potato pulp to finish off his steers. The potato pulp is fed from feeders that hold 3000 lbs. each and they are open in the front to let the cattle help themselves. Came a 3 day slashing Nor'Easter and the rain beat in on the potato pulp which is dry and looks something like bran flakes. Of course, the pulp drew up the moisture like a blotter, and all the bins became saturated. Then the sun came out nice and warm, and nature went to work. Every bulk bin became a huge fermenting vat, and began converting potato starch into potato alcohol.

But Elliott knew nothing of this so you can imagine his distress when he stepped out on the feedlot one morning and found the steers all staggering around and singing, "Swe-e-t Ad-o-line!" One steer had fallen over on his side and was kicking feebly with his legs. Elliott took one horrified look and got Doctor McClure Day over from Damariscotta on the double. Doc Day sniffed the potato pulp, examined the "far gone" steer and grinned. "These steers aren't sick! They're drunk!" and so they were! Plastered! Doc Day pulled them out of it o.k. but Elliott says one steer became an alcoholic.

That, of course, is one of the humorous incidents, but here is an incident that wasn't funny at all. There was the day that Elliott was turning a new bunch of steers into the feed lot. One of them, a 1000 pounder, was reluctant to go through the corral gate and Elliott slammed the gate too soon and accidentally banged the stubborn steer on his stubborn rear. That did it! The steer lashed out with both feet just like a stallion, and kicked that 300 pound gate right into Elliott's face. He almost lost the sight of one eye. They say a steer can't kick this way, but Elliott knows better.

Then there was the day that a cow moose wandered into the pasture- walked right up to the brood cows- and presto! The moose put all 20 of the brood cows and even the cowardly bull right through a 4 strand barb wire fence, and they didn't stop running until they got to The Common in Boothbay Center. On the other hand, they tolerate deer amongst them without batting an eyelash. But when they see a moose on the loose-they vamoose!

Incidents such as these are all part of the game. There are other worries such as hunters shooting a steer for a deer. Dogs don't bother the steers, but they sure raise Cain with a flock of sheep Elliott tried to keep out on the range. He finally had to bring the sheep into the barn because the dogs were killing them..."

I hope readers have enjoyed the tales of the Mootel. I am so fortunate that I remember it, but it is part of my plan to make sure that more people know about the Mootel and the ingenious Grandparents I was fortunate enough to be given.

Thanks for reading!
Sarah

The Mootel- pt. 2 Growing Poles for CMP

***This is a continuation of pt. 1. Originally published by W. Alan Henderson***

"The first inkling that Elliott Barlow was up to something new on Highway 27 was when the motorists began to see a huge tract of swampy ground taking shape under their eyes. Day after day. Elliott and his bulldozer were grading and draining. The place was a tangle of alders and birch which were cut into firewood, and the brush was burned. The land was drained using the new technique of permanent grass waterways that permit gentle sheet drainage without erosion. Elliott claims that sod ditches do not stand up. The cattle break down the edges. To accomplish this contouring drainage, he had to move tons of earth, leveling here and filling there. Then he sowed it down to red clover and timothy. It took him a solid year to do this, and for his outstanding performance, he won the Soil Conservation Citation for that year from the Knox-Lincoln Extension Association. Incidentally, he is an executive member in that association, and he and his wife are hard workers for the benefit of the Association.

So that was the picture at the close of the first year of Operation Mootel: A dismal piece of land had been reclaimed from the swamp and now everyone wondered what the next step would be. Seemingly overnight-Poles. Poles-poles, poles began to spring up everywhere. HUNDREDS of them, running this way and that in some sort of geometrical design. That had all the motorists half crazy asking themselves,"What on earth is he doing now?" A corny joke went the rounds that Elliott was raising poles for the Central Maine Power Co.,but gradually the skeleton pole work was clothed in "flesh" and became an open shed 160 feet long, with a large feed lot all fenced in, and a barbed wire fence stretching over hill and dale. Definitely, the place was taking on a Western flavor, and when the first shipment of 100 Herefords arrived, even the city folks could tell that Elliott had become a Cattle Baron.

Being a "wag" at heart, Elliott coined the name "Mootel" which he placed in big block letters on the roadside end of his pole shed, and then sat back and waited for the action. It still tickles him to see the tourists jump out of their cars and snap pictures of that provocative word-"Mootel".............

The Mootel- pt.1- Pure Genius

***I am adapting a stack of papers I found in my Grandparent's desk one day. The original author-W. Alan Henderson (Edgecomb, Maine). The papers are a collection of Mr. Henderson's writings concerning The Mootel as well as spinning some amazing tales about my two heroes-my Grandparents. There will be a few parts to this one as there is so much to tell... Hope you enjoy it!***

"Boothbay Harbor, as you might expect, has plenty of hotels, motels and boatels. But it boasts only 1 Mootel, which is owned and operated by Elliott and Lib Barlow, who I nominate here and now Mr. and Mrs. Dirigo, so accurately do they exemplify the spirit of Maine.

The Mootel is designated Hidden Acres Mootel and it is possibly the only such design in the State of Maine if not the entire U.S.A.

What is a Mootel? In this particular case, it is a hotel for Happy Herefords:What is a hereford? To use a farmer's expression, he is a beef critter with a reddish colored coat and a white face which he keeps solemnly turned toward you every minute that you spend in the feedlot. The Barlow Hereford's are known as "polled" herefords, which simply means, "Look Ma, no horns!"

Elliott and Lib Barlow are living examples of the doctrine of hard work never hurt anybody. They are a medium- young couple who own a large tract of land principally located on Route 27 in Boothbay Harbor. Elliott believes that if you own land, you should make it work for you. His land, at various times, has been the site of a successful mink ranch, tourist cabins, a filling station, and just prior to the Mootel venture, a poultry business. The tourist cabins and filling station had to make way for a brand new First National Store which now sits on what was once a portion of the Barlow property. Mink ranching went out of favor due to its highly specialized nature and the egg business was changed to beef cattle to make use of all of the hay on the place. The Barlows had always cut and sold better than 100 tons of hay from their acres every year. Gradually the demand for hay dwindled to almost nothing in the Boothbay Region and Elliott made the decision to change from poultry to beef to utilize all the hay on his own place..."

Grandma's Soap Opera

A long awaited package arrived on the farm today. A large box full of all the magical ingredients to make my own soap. I anxiously unpacked; coconut oil, palm oil, sodium hydroxide lye (which I had to fill out a hazardous material waiver for), avocado oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, energy and rosehip jasmine essential oils, dried calendula flower petals, and fuchsia colorant.

Now it will be my task to create specialized soaps for my family, friends and my new business. I have watched so many youtube videos about soap making that my brain spins. It is time for me just to jump in and go for it!   I will admit that I am nervous as can be, but I remind myself of the myriad of skills I have taught myself over the last few months. I mean, I have learned how to preserve food for my family, make jams and jellies, create beautiful candles, produce stunning jewelry and knit. Whew! I can make soap! I can do this!

I have fond memories of my Grandmother performing so many tasks on the farm. She did everything and anything--- from washing to cooking, planting to harvesting, and raising up to slaughtering livestock (and everything in between) but I don't remember her ever making soap. I know she COULD have because my Grandmother was the one who conducted the sun to rise and set. She just never did.

I'd like to think that, as she is looking down on me from heaven---where she keeps those stars twinkling--- she is cheering me on in this new venture. I want to make her proud...

Some Like It Hot!

I have always struggled when growing any kind of pepper from seeds. I have tried various methods and end up disappointed every time. So, last spring I picked up green pepper and jalapeno plants from my favorite candy store--oh I mean garden center. I spent $2.49 for a flat of 4 green pepper plants and $2.49 for a flat of 6 jalapeno pepper plants. I wasn't happy with the yield from the green peppers (I harvested about 10) but my jalapeno peppers afforded me over 30.

Then the problem arose-"What do I do with all of these hot peppers?" Solution: I called a great friend and asked to borrow her dehydrator. While going through the process of hot pepper dehydration, I learned some very important things: 1- Wear eye protection and gloves when handling them, 2- Dehydrate in a well ventilated room and 3- ALWAYS remember when you go to cook with them that they are 10 times more potent in their dried state than they are fresh. Lesson learned last night- not that I minded- because spicy food is a sure way to thaw out on these frigid days! The steak chili and cornbread recipe you will find below are from my husband's archives and he has graciously allowed me to share them with you. They are favorites here in the Sample house. ENJOY!


                                                          Linc's Steak Chili


2 pounds sirloin steak cut into 1/2 inch cubes
12 oz. sweet Italian sausage-casings removed
1 onion- chopped
2 jalapeno chiles-remove seeds for less heat
salt and pepper
2tbs. chili powder
2tsp. ground cumin
1tsp. dried oregano
1- 28 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 tbs. cornmeal
1 cinnamon stick
3 dried bay leaves
2 cups beef broth
1- 15 oz. can kidney beans

Heat dutch oven. In 3 batches, cook sirloin until no longer pink. Remove and set aside. Add sausage (breaking it into pieces). Add onion and jalapenos. Salt and pepper. Continue stirring until sausage and onion are browned (5 minutes). Return sirloin to pot and stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, tomatoes (juice, too!), cornmeal, cinnamon, bay leaves and 2 cups of beef broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat.Cover and simmer for about 2 hours or until the sirloin breaks apart with a fork. Stir in beans. Heat for about 5 more minutes. Remove cinnamon stick and bay leaves.


                                                     Linc's Amazing Cornbread


1 cup butter- melted
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
1- 15oz. can cream-style corn
1/2 (4 oz.) can chopped green chile peppers, drained
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese-shredded
1 cup cheddar cheese-shredded
1 cup flour
1 cup yellow corn meal
4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish. In a large bowl beat together the butter and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. Blend in cream corn, chiles, and both cheeses. In a separate bowl stir together flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. Add flour mixture to corn mixture and stir until smooth. Pour batter into baking dish. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean.

Catalogues:Passion or Obsession?

Snow flurries today and 11 degrees---seed catalogues arrive in the mail!!! I received my Burpee and Miller Nurseries today. I am salivating. The first thing I always do is look at all the pictured temptations on each page. Then I start back on page 1 and read the descriptions for each tasty morsel. Phrases like "tender", "bears very early and heavily", "continuous harvest", and "high-yields" catch my eye and I wonder- how does one get to be a writer for a seed catalog and who gets to eat all that produce in the glossy pictures?

I then remembered the Mother Earth News magazine I had received last month and turned to the article regarding the top 15 seed companies in the U.S.  Out of the 15 companies listed, little ole frozen, shortest growing season, not much sunlight,  Maine got 2?!? I was excited and visited both websites. I want to always be on the lookout for local businesses when purchasing any products but I am also cheap and know my limitations in doing so.

The first was johnnyseeds.com. And I really mean the 1st. Rated number 1 in Mother Earth News. They are based in Winslow, ME and their site was quite inviting. I looked around a bit and jotted down some notes before I signed up for their emails and free catalogue. I LOVE catalogues! So now it is like Christmas all over again for me. Wait, wait, wait---until that shiny, attractive, great smelling catalogue  magically appears in my mailbox. It will cheer me on and give me all the confidence in the world. "YOU can grow this, too!" is what they are saying. Yes I Can!

The second site I visited was Fedco Seeds- www.fedcoseeds.com (number 10 on the list). They weren't for me but I put it out there if you are so inclined to visit. You can't get a "real" catalogue from them (just online) but that isn't the cause of my dislike, just so you know.

So my next step is to get out all of my graph papers from the last 5 years and some blank pieces as well. I keep my seed packets from year to year as a reference and try to keep notes regarding the yield I achieved as well as any concerns. I make a very long wish list and then I make a practical one. I always try to add something different/new/interesting each year. This year will be "Miller-Certified Super Male Asparagus" from Miller Nurseries. Whoever wrote the summary in that catalogue gets all the credit for my purchase. How can I NOT order it?

Some might see me as a bit out of control in my excitement for the glossy paper, close up pictures, and lip smacking descriptions, but I would beg to differ. I know (from the energy here in New England) how important  tomorrow's football game is. I'm glad people hold that kind of passion- sorry to disappoint, but a passion for football when I can be dreaming of the spring's cold earth loosening as I run my fingers through the last of the unturned soil? Oh no. I must begin to plan. There isn't much time!

Unspoken Love

As the alarm clock rudely interrupted my slumber this morning, I rolled over and hit the snooze button.  My flannel sheets held me hostage and my brain started that nagging conversation. "Just 5 more minutes" "No it's too cold out" "That's why you need to get up!" Arguing with myself before I even open my eyes-not a great sign...but I got up.

Looking out the window, I noticed that it was 3 degrees (well at least there WAS a temperature!) but the wind was not blowing---yet. You see, when you are perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the wind can make or break you. So this morning, 3 degrees was pretty toasty. Putting on my Muck boots, Bean barn coat and insulated gloves, I struck out. The air was crisp and clean and I took a very deep breath- a living breath- just as my 3 sheep simultaneously called me to attention. Time to hustle- grain and hay loaded on the wheelbarrow and me pushing and trying to not fall on the ever present ice. As I entered their world, the matriarch, Maa (original I know) quickly welcomed me. As I up-righted their feeders and straightened their manger, she chewed on my jacket and rubbed against me like an anxious feline, almost knocking me off my feet. Peeper and Sage always take a backseat to these greetings but as the temperature drops, they like me more and venture a little closer. I bent down to rub Maa in that special spot just behind her right ear and proceeded feed up. The slow and steady dance of nourishing these amazing creatures had begun. Food is a bonding ritual, even in the world of livestock. There are givers and takers and in these animal's lives, there has been a lot of taking.

You see, all of our animals are rescue animals. They have come out of situations where people didn't, wouldn't or couldn't take care of them. We have allowed some to come to the farm to have a respite and then go to live with others, but there are some that simply will live their life out here with us. I love them. Deeply. They love me back. There is a mutual understanding in the world of human/animal communication. It is an unspoken love that can't be measured in any way but is something that just IS. Not to be questioned, just to be. I believe that if you have something to take care of in your life (from a plant to an animal to a child) it is yours to take care of always. It is not a car to "try out" or a pair of shoes that make you look good. (Please make your animal commitment for a lifetime-not to make you look good).

As I walked away, the goats and chickens joined in the feast. Maa gave me a bleat of "thank you" and I smiled quietly. We do share a bond. An unspoken love.

Writing a blog... who would have ever thought! I have been going through some transformations here on the farm these past few months and I have begun the process of re-defining what is important in my life. I think that is an important process to go through every ten years or so. So what will this blog focus on? The farm of course! My small piece of heaven here on earth.

Now when I say "farm" different pictures enter your mind. Allow me to paint a picture of Sample's Farm (formally known as Hidden Acres Farm). It currently consists of 16 acres (down from hundreds of acres in the 1930's-1960's)-we will get into that later. We inherited "The Farm" after my grandparents passed away in 2006 and have slowly restored the homestead and added sheep, chickens and goats. We put in raised gardens and continue to cultivate our blackberries, raspberries and high bush blueberries. Being located on the coast of Maine and having such a short growing season, it is important to be organized and ready to pounce when the frozen world starts to thaw!

This blog will hopefully be uplifting, thought provoking, exciting and insightful. I will include some of my most favorite recipes, homemade remedies, soap and candle making experiences, gardening successes and frustrations, canning and preserving food from your garden, farmers market or local grocery store, being prepared for emergencies, hobby farm issues and just plain fun! I would love to have feedback from you as to your trials and successes in these areas and I look forward to making this a place for me to expand my knowledge about those things that I am so passionate about.

I hope you will come on in and slow down- if just for a minute!

Thanks,
Sarah