Either the lighting was weird and I didn't know how to fix it, I only got one shot in before the kids were moving on to the next thing, or you can speculate just from the picture why I didn't keep it.
And that's a wrap, folks.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Photo Shoot--Part 2, Outakes
Here are a few that didn't make the cut.
Either the lighting was weird and I didn't know how to fix it, I only got one shot in before the kids were moving on to the next thing, or you can speculate just from the picture why I didn't keep it.
Either the lighting was weird and I didn't know how to fix it, I only got one shot in before the kids were moving on to the next thing, or you can speculate just from the picture why I didn't keep it.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Photo Shoot---Part 1
Last week the ladies in my Care Group met at Conestoga House & Gardens for the evening. It's become a tradition to enjoy this local gem together once a year.
Located right along Marietta Avenue and just west of downtown Lancaster, Conestoga House is the former estate of the Steinman family. It is only open to the public June 15 to September 28 on Wednesdays, from 1pm-8pm, but it's free. 
There is an outside area with a few tables and chairs, so we take in tea, fruit and scones with lemon curd. (They have a take in--carry out policy.) And while there, enjoy the beautiful flowers and ideas they generate.This year I happened to be filing mental notes for this photo shoot more than for my flowerbeds. I try to take some candid shots of the kids at least once a summer since I don't take them for studio pictures. And in the midst of such beautiful scenery, positioning is the least of my concerns. Every background is fantastic.
The kids did pretty well. I was determined not to fuss at them. That never works. I asked my mom to join us, mainly to keep an
Both children didn't stay still for more than a few seconds (if that), so I just kept snapping frames. I'm happy with the few "good" shots I did get, AND I ran into an old high school friend too!
Now, which ones do I choose to frame? Help me out here...
(Outtakes will be posted tomorrow.)
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
Friday, July 22, 2011
Retrospection
I've been tagged by my friend Zoanna for a blog post survey of sorts. Kind of like the Senior Superlatives section of a high school year book...but for my blog. Get the gist?
So, after wading through 444 posts from the last 4 years...
First up, CATEGORY 1: MOST BEAUTIFUL
I'm going for the most literal interpretation here.
Favorite Pictures From 2010
CATEGORY 2: MOST POPULAR
Because I have no idea what my non-commenting readers liked the most I picked one that DID have a lot of comments. It was a particularly fun post to write too.
Sorta' Crunchy
CATEGORY 3: MOST CONTROVERSIAL
It was a toss up between the book review post that included THE SHACK and my first post detailing OUR EXPERIMENT in raising pastured poultry. In the end, I chose Why We Do What We Do--Part 2 because it's likely the post that informed people of what they really didn't want to know, and/or they misread my intention for posting it in the first place. I hope they go back and read Part 1 and hear my heart.
CATEGORY 4: MOST HELPFUL
I hope Part 1 of the Why We Do What We Do series I just mentioned was helpful. It was constructive for me to struggle to articulate what I was learning and mulling over. I find the questions section something I go back to again and again.
CATEGORY 5: THE POST WHOSE SUCCESS SURPRISED ME
Homemade Condensed Soup. Recipe posts usually do not generate a lot of comments. The timing of it was just right I guess.
CATEGORY 6: THE POST MOST IGNORED
This one was hard to choose, because how do you judge, really? It's not the only time a post didn't receive any comments. And that doesn't upset me.
The Warmth of Other Suns was a book review that either came at the wrong time (right after Christmas when people were thinking of other things) or ...well, I have no idea. I really enjoyed the book and relish the mental challenge of writing an interesting and encapsulating book review. Maybe now it will garner a second look.
CATEGORY 7: A POST I AM PROUD OF
I would say the post(s) I am most proud of are the end-of-the-year "What I Read" posts, namely this one and that one. And while I like being known as a bookworm, I am aware that at times my voracious reading can take priority where it should not. So I sort of cringe at the word "proud"...because it is revealing.
BUT, being well-read is also a good thing, I'd like to think I've moved beyond just fluff, and while my other hobbies have taken a back, BACK seat to mommying, reading is a feasible form of recreation for this season of life.
~~~~~~~~~~
And, because I just waded through 444 of them, I'm adding 3 more categories to this meme:
CATEGORY 8: WHY I LOVE HAVING A BLOG
How else would I get such prompt feedback from wide-flung friends when it comes to things such as this?
Now everybody sing, "I get by with alittle help from my friends."
CATEGORY 9: KEEPING IT REAL
Blogging can easily become a portrayal of all that is "pretty" or "glamorous" in your life and essentially a betrayal of who you truly are. I've tried to blog with balance. To be mindful that anyone can read this stuff, and to show good cautionary restraint about what I reveal. But, at the same time, I want to be real with you all, because if I'm not that, what's the point?
This particular post was hard to share, but I'm so glad I did. It's the real me...flaws and all.
And, CATEGORY 10: WORDS THAT WERE TIMELY THEN...AND NOW
I loved reading back through a number of these old posts. This particular one caught my eye and fit the bill for this category.
So, after wading through 444 posts from the last 4 years...
First up, CATEGORY 1: MOST BEAUTIFUL
I'm going for the most literal interpretation here.
Favorite Pictures From 2010
CATEGORY 2: MOST POPULAR
Because I have no idea what my non-commenting readers liked the most I picked one that DID have a lot of comments. It was a particularly fun post to write too.
Sorta' Crunchy
CATEGORY 3: MOST CONTROVERSIAL
It was a toss up between the book review post that included THE SHACK and my first post detailing OUR EXPERIMENT in raising pastured poultry. In the end, I chose Why We Do What We Do--Part 2 because it's likely the post that informed people of what they really didn't want to know, and/or they misread my intention for posting it in the first place. I hope they go back and read Part 1 and hear my heart.
CATEGORY 4: MOST HELPFUL
I hope Part 1 of the Why We Do What We Do series I just mentioned was helpful. It was constructive for me to struggle to articulate what I was learning and mulling over. I find the questions section something I go back to again and again.
CATEGORY 5: THE POST WHOSE SUCCESS SURPRISED ME
Homemade Condensed Soup. Recipe posts usually do not generate a lot of comments. The timing of it was just right I guess.
CATEGORY 6: THE POST MOST IGNORED
This one was hard to choose, because how do you judge, really? It's not the only time a post didn't receive any comments. And that doesn't upset me.
The Warmth of Other Suns was a book review that either came at the wrong time (right after Christmas when people were thinking of other things) or ...well, I have no idea. I really enjoyed the book and relish the mental challenge of writing an interesting and encapsulating book review. Maybe now it will garner a second look.
CATEGORY 7: A POST I AM PROUD OF
I would say the post(s) I am most proud of are the end-of-the-year "What I Read" posts, namely this one and that one. And while I like being known as a bookworm, I am aware that at times my voracious reading can take priority where it should not. So I sort of cringe at the word "proud"...because it is revealing.
BUT, being well-read is also a good thing, I'd like to think I've moved beyond just fluff, and while my other hobbies have taken a back, BACK seat to mommying, reading is a feasible form of recreation for this season of life.
~~~~~~~~~~
And, because I just waded through 444 of them, I'm adding 3 more categories to this meme:
CATEGORY 8: WHY I LOVE HAVING A BLOG
How else would I get such prompt feedback from wide-flung friends when it comes to things such as this?
Now everybody sing, "I get by with alittle help from my friends."
CATEGORY 9: KEEPING IT REAL
Blogging can easily become a portrayal of all that is "pretty" or "glamorous" in your life and essentially a betrayal of who you truly are. I've tried to blog with balance. To be mindful that anyone can read this stuff, and to show good cautionary restraint about what I reveal. But, at the same time, I want to be real with you all, because if I'm not that, what's the point?
This particular post was hard to share, but I'm so glad I did. It's the real me...flaws and all.
And, CATEGORY 10: WORDS THAT WERE TIMELY THEN...AND NOW
I loved reading back through a number of these old posts. This particular one caught my eye and fit the bill for this category.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Lemon Ice Cream Pie
This recipe was first shared by my friend Lynn who loves desserts and is not ashamed to say so. If she says it's good, IT'S GOOD!
I made a few minor changes, rearranged her directions and inserted my own crust recipe, so to make things simple I'm posting my version. The end result is basically the same though, so feel free to hop on over to her post...even if it's just for her "male refrigerator blindness" comment.
I doubled the recipe for a 9x13 since we were having guests. It was good I did too because you need to use a metal pan (and I don't have a metal pie plate--only glass). Thinking ahead...I hear it's a good thing. :-P
This is a great recipe for a "make-ahead-dessert" (don't let the long directions fool ya--it's really not that laborous). If you start around 9 in the morning, you can complete all the steps by bedtime, let it freeze overnight, and have it ready to serve the next day. I've inserted extra space in between the steps where it's hanging out in the freezer.
Lemon Ice Cream Pie (9x13 recipe version)
CRUST:
3 c. finely ground graham cracker crumbs
(I used 1 sleeve of graham crackers + 24 GingerSnap cookies--just because)
1-1/2 sticks butter, melted
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
(I omitted this because of the GingerSnaps)
LAYERS:
1.5 quart container BREYER'S All Natural "Natural Vanilla" ice cream
1 stick + 2 Tbsp. butter
4 lemons, (at room temp. will yield 4 tsp. zest and 2/3 c. juice)
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. + 1 c. white sugar, divided
4 whole eggs + 4 eggs, yolks and whites separated
DIRECTIONS:
1. Sit ice cream container on counter to soften and preheat oven to 375.
2. Crush cookies into finely ground crumbs, mix with 1- 1/2 sticks melted butter (and cinnamon if using) and press firmly into 9 x 13" metal cake pan. Bake for 7 minutes. (No longer!)
3. After crust has cooled for 5-10 minutes, spoon ice cream into pan gently and evenly spread over crust. Cover and put in freezer for a few hours (about 3) until ice cream layer is completely frozen.
4. As that is hanging out in the freezer, melt the stick + 2 Tbsp. butter in a saucepan over medium heat while zesting the lemons/squeezing the juice into a separate medium-sized bowl. Add the zest, juice, salt and sugar to the butter. Rinse the bowl you used for the lemons, and use it to whisk 4 whole eggs and the yolks of the other 4 eggs together. Add a few spoonfuls of the butter mixture to the eggs, then very gradually add the egg mixture to the butter mixture, stirring continuously. (This will ensure that your eggs won't cook when you add them to the hot butter mixture.) Cook for 10 minutes on MED. heat, stirring often, until it has thickened to the consistency of Greek yogurt . Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until completely cooled.
5. Spread lemony layer over ice cream layer and put pan back in the freezer for at least 4 hours (maybe longer) until completely hardened.
6. Preheat oven to 475. Beat 4 reserved egg whites until foamy, then slowly add the remaining 1 c. of sugar while mixer is still on high speed. When stiff peaks form spread on top of lemon layer, gently pushing the merigue down so no air bubbles remain between layers. (It's okay if the top is not smooth--the bumps and ridges are pretty when "toasted".) Bake for 4 minutes, promptly remove from oven, cover and stick in freezer right away. Freeze overnight and let sit on the counter 5 minutes before serving.
I made a few minor changes, rearranged her directions and inserted my own crust recipe, so to make things simple I'm posting my version. The end result is basically the same though, so feel free to hop on over to her post...even if it's just for her "male refrigerator blindness" comment.I doubled the recipe for a 9x13 since we were having guests. It was good I did too because you need to use a metal pan (and I don't have a metal pie plate--only glass). Thinking ahead...I hear it's a good thing. :-P
This is a great recipe for a "make-ahead-dessert" (don't let the long directions fool ya--it's really not that laborous). If you start around 9 in the morning, you can complete all the steps by bedtime, let it freeze overnight, and have it ready to serve the next day. I've inserted extra space in between the steps where it's hanging out in the freezer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lemon Ice Cream Pie (9x13 recipe version)
CRUST:
3 c. finely ground graham cracker crumbs
(I used 1 sleeve of graham crackers + 24 GingerSnap cookies--just because)
1-1/2 sticks butter, melted
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
(I omitted this because of the GingerSnaps)
LAYERS:
1.5 quart container BREYER'S All Natural "Natural Vanilla" ice cream
1 stick + 2 Tbsp. butter
4 lemons, (at room temp. will yield 4 tsp. zest and 2/3 c. juice)
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. + 1 c. white sugar, divided
4 whole eggs + 4 eggs, yolks and whites separated
DIRECTIONS:
1. Sit ice cream container on counter to soften and preheat oven to 375.
2. Crush cookies into finely ground crumbs, mix with 1- 1/2 sticks melted butter (and cinnamon if using) and press firmly into 9 x 13" metal cake pan. Bake for 7 minutes. (No longer!)
3. After crust has cooled for 5-10 minutes, spoon ice cream into pan gently and evenly spread over crust. Cover and put in freezer for a few hours (about 3) until ice cream layer is completely frozen.
4. As that is hanging out in the freezer, melt the stick + 2 Tbsp. butter in a saucepan over medium heat while zesting the lemons/squeezing the juice into a separate medium-sized bowl. Add the zest, juice, salt and sugar to the butter. Rinse the bowl you used for the lemons, and use it to whisk 4 whole eggs and the yolks of the other 4 eggs together. Add a few spoonfuls of the butter mixture to the eggs, then very gradually add the egg mixture to the butter mixture, stirring continuously. (This will ensure that your eggs won't cook when you add them to the hot butter mixture.) Cook for 10 minutes on MED. heat, stirring often, until it has thickened to the consistency of Greek yogurt . Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until completely cooled.
5. Spread lemony layer over ice cream layer and put pan back in the freezer for at least 4 hours (maybe longer) until completely hardened.
6. Preheat oven to 475. Beat 4 reserved egg whites until foamy, then slowly add the remaining 1 c. of sugar while mixer is still on high speed. When stiff peaks form spread on top of lemon layer, gently pushing the merigue down so no air bubbles remain between layers. (It's okay if the top is not smooth--the bumps and ridges are pretty when "toasted".) Bake for 4 minutes, promptly remove from oven, cover and stick in freezer right away. Freeze overnight and let sit on the counter 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Multitude Monday #3
Multitude Monday is about intentionally fixing my eyes on God's blessings, big and small, whatever the season, whether life is good or the road has been rocky. Picking up where I left off last week...
31. Our marriage. We just passed the 11 year mark at the end of June and will take some time before the school year begins to celebrate. We've hit rough patches along the way, but the last 6 years have been particularly sweet as God has grown us and surrounded us with many godly examples and sources of counsel. I am so thankful to be married to my best friend.
32. Creature comforts--I so often take them for granted. A clean (indoor) bathroom, safe drinking water, a house with central air, cars that function, ceiling fans, electricity, high-speed internet, green grass to run around in barefoot (and an association that mows it), grocery stores, washing machines...
33. Heather @ Sit A Spell--she challenges me and I so appreciate her candid thoughts about loving and caring for the poor, whether it's right where we are, or in the mission field as her young family has been this past year in Haiti.
34. Homegrown tomatoes. Tonight I'm trying out a new recipe: Double-Crusted Tomato, Onion & Bacon Pie. Can't wait!
35. Friends coming for dinner tonight. Besides the Tomato Pie, I'm dishing up the Spinach Quiche I posted the recipe for in June.
36. Summer employment for Pete. He had 3 days of framing work last week and it looks like regular hours might be possible until he returns to school in late August. A definate answer to prayer!
37. Visiting with college roommates/friends yesterday. Carolyn, her daughter Julia, and husband Eric, drove up from VA earlier this weekend and came to church with us. Karla and her family and Shelley-Ann joined us later in the afternoon.
38. Our local library. For a small town it's a great little library. And by borrowing from other branches in Lancaster County it's rare I can't get a hold of what I'm looking for. Right now I'm re-reading THE OMNIVORE'S DILEMMA--this time taking notes. Should have done that the first time.
39. Summer reading program. Pretty soon we'll fill up the kid's 30 book slots and get our tickets to Strasburg.
40. Tiki torches for the flowerbed. On sale at ACMOORE for $1.50 each! Hopefully they'll help to keep the bugs away from our deck area in the evenings.
41. Dates on the calendar with 3 couples we've wanted to reconnect with or get to know better. What's funny is that ALL the men are named Josh!
42. A solution for our truck conundrum. Since starting our pastured poultry operation last year, we've been borrowing my dad's truck alot (not counting the other household/yard projects that we've needed it too!), and going back and forth on whether we should replace Pete's car with a truck. But buying a truck that could fit the kid's carseats in the event of an emergency was out of our price range...and we don't want a gas-guzzler if we can help it. SOLUTION: a hitch on our Subaru wagon and a trailer from Pete's dad that just needed some assembly.
43. Vibrant, gospel-centered worship with other believers. I so appreciate the songwriting and composing gifts represented in Sovereign Grace Ministries, their incorporation of hymns, and especially our particular church's worship leaders.
44. Getting to watch THE KING'S SPEECH with my husband. We had tried to see it when it was in the theatres but tickets were sold out by the time we got there. I ♥ films with Colin Firth. He is such an excellent actor.
45. My family. Life is messy because we're human and we sin, but I am so thankful that time with my family is not characterized by discord, tension, or indifference.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Multitude Monday #2
Multitude Monday is about intentionally fixing my eyes on God's blessings, big and small, whatever the season, whether life is good or the road has been rocky.
Picking up where I left off last Monday...
16. Meadow Tea. I was able to make a double batch of concentrate to freeze thanks to a nicely packed 2 quart of leaves from my mom's patch.
17. An excellent message yesterday morning from Doug on GOD'S UNBREAKABLE PURPOSES from our current series GOD BEHIND THE SEEN: the books of Esther & Ruth. I am so thankful for our pastors, their humility, their wise leadership, and the way they work hard to teach us well.
18. Natalia asking to pray before our meal the other night, and the sincerity and thoughtfulness of her words. It was one of those moments that really encouraged our hearts as parents.
19. Walls going up in our basement, separating the storage space, "play area", and my extra pantry shelves. When you see your son rearranging your quart jars of peaches all over the basement, you realize the hanging sheet ain't cuttin' it anymore!
20. Daisies. These flowers never fail to make me smile.
21. Books that ask hard questions and provoke introspection. MADE TO CRAVE by Lysa Terkhurst is doing that for me right now. I blogged about my struggles to eat and care for my body in a manner that glorifies God here. Her book has just been EXCELLENT! I posted about the book before, but I'll say it again--I love her Biblical, pull-no-punches, truth-spoken-in-love approach. And she's hilarious to boot.
22. Slowly but surely...8 lbs. lost. Happy to be a work-in-progress, rather than "stuck" and discouraged.
23. Re-discovering the LITTLE HOUSE series with my daughter. Sometimes I read, sometimes she listens to the books on CD from the library, but oh how I loved these books as a girl.
24. Our Care Group from church. Love and treasure these folks who are committed to live life along side of us. Time spent with them = priceless encouragment and laughter.
25. Free tickets to a Lancaster Barnstormers baseball game.
26. A homemade butter churn that works like a charm! Take a 1 gallon glass jar w/metal screw on lid (a hole drilled through it), a power drill, drywall mud mixer rod, and fresh cream from our neighbor's miniature jersey cows, and presto! Better than paying at least $250 for an electric butterchurn!
27. Feet that don't ache! Why did I ever wait so long to wear shoes that properly supported and cushioned my heels and arches?!
28. Our silly children and the joy they bring to our home. Yesterday my son displayed his love for Sesame Street on two different occasions: counting and laughing like THE COUNT during prayertime at church (!!!) and wondering why Mommy was telling him he couldn't eat his stir-fry with wild abandon like COOKIE MONSTER at the dinner table. My daughter and her endless imagination, especially when it comes to horses.
29. Cooking and recipe websites and blogs. What would I do without them?! We would be eating grilled cheese sandwiches, omelets, and spaghetti every night for dinner.
30. New neighbors. A single mom and her 2nd grade daughter just moved in a few doors down. Natalia is thrilled to have a girl to play with!
Picking up where I left off last Monday...
16. Meadow Tea. I was able to make a double batch of concentrate to freeze thanks to a nicely packed 2 quart of leaves from my mom's patch.
17. An excellent message yesterday morning from Doug on GOD'S UNBREAKABLE PURPOSES from our current series GOD BEHIND THE SEEN: the books of Esther & Ruth. I am so thankful for our pastors, their humility, their wise leadership, and the way they work hard to teach us well.
18. Natalia asking to pray before our meal the other night, and the sincerity and thoughtfulness of her words. It was one of those moments that really encouraged our hearts as parents.
19. Walls going up in our basement, separating the storage space, "play area", and my extra pantry shelves. When you see your son rearranging your quart jars of peaches all over the basement, you realize the hanging sheet ain't cuttin' it anymore!
20. Daisies. These flowers never fail to make me smile.
21. Books that ask hard questions and provoke introspection. MADE TO CRAVE by Lysa Terkhurst is doing that for me right now. I blogged about my struggles to eat and care for my body in a manner that glorifies God here. Her book has just been EXCELLENT! I posted about the book before, but I'll say it again--I love her Biblical, pull-no-punches, truth-spoken-in-love approach. And she's hilarious to boot.
22. Slowly but surely...8 lbs. lost. Happy to be a work-in-progress, rather than "stuck" and discouraged.
23. Re-discovering the LITTLE HOUSE series with my daughter. Sometimes I read, sometimes she listens to the books on CD from the library, but oh how I loved these books as a girl.
24. Our Care Group from church. Love and treasure these folks who are committed to live life along side of us. Time spent with them = priceless encouragment and laughter.
25. Free tickets to a Lancaster Barnstormers baseball game.
26. A homemade butter churn that works like a charm! Take a 1 gallon glass jar w/metal screw on lid (a hole drilled through it), a power drill, drywall mud mixer rod, and fresh cream from our neighbor's miniature jersey cows, and presto! Better than paying at least $250 for an electric butterchurn!
27. Feet that don't ache! Why did I ever wait so long to wear shoes that properly supported and cushioned my heels and arches?!
28. Our silly children and the joy they bring to our home. Yesterday my son displayed his love for Sesame Street on two different occasions: counting and laughing like THE COUNT during prayertime at church (!!!) and wondering why Mommy was telling him he couldn't eat his stir-fry with wild abandon like COOKIE MONSTER at the dinner table. My daughter and her endless imagination, especially when it comes to horses.
29. Cooking and recipe websites and blogs. What would I do without them?! We would be eating grilled cheese sandwiches, omelets, and spaghetti every night for dinner.
30. New neighbors. A single mom and her 2nd grade daughter just moved in a few doors down. Natalia is thrilled to have a girl to play with!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Birthdays, Barnyards, and Blow-Torches?
Independence Weekend is also Birthday Weekend in the Winkler house. Half birthdays, that is.
It's when we celebrate Adam and Natalia's 1/2 birthdays with the rest of our family and they give gifts.
We reserve our gift for the actual birth day when we celebrate, just the 4 of us. This tradition works well for our household that has 3 birthdays in the week before and after Christmas, it sets aside family time for each person to be celebrated, and it keeps our holiday schedule manageable.
So far, the kids enjoy the same kind of thing, so decorating a cake was pretty easy.
After everyone was adequately sugared up we decided the best thing to do next was to play with fire. But there was a decent wind a blowin' and we had trouble lighting the sparklers. Someone jokingly suggested a blow-torch. They should know better than to say such a thing around my husband. ;-)
This is how I remember handling sparklers as a child...holding it as far away from my body as possible!
Good times. :-)
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Why We Do What We Do--Part 2
This post will explain why we've chosen to raise pastured poultry, and to have our birds processed by hand.
LIVING ENVIRONMENT:
We built portable pens, like the one pictured below, according to the design that Salatin describes in his book. These 10' x 12' x 2' floorless structures are framed with lumber, enclosed with chicken wire and metal sheeting to allow for both sunshine and protection/shade, with an access door that flips open on top. Pete and my uncle fashioned a customized dolly to allow one person to move the cage, whereas before it took two people because of its weight and size. Some people use tractors , but because we raise our birds on our Amish neighbor's farm, a dolly was necessary.
Moved daily to a fresh section of pasture, these birds receive fresh air, exercise, sunshine, and all the genetically modified organism-free (GMO-Free) grain they want. We also want our birds to eat as much salad (green material) as their full genetic potential will allow. And knowing that chickens won't venture far for food if they don't have to, we ensure they have a nice saladbar at their fingertips, er, feet 24/7.
How is pastured poultry different from free range chickens? Well, chicken labeled "free range" means that they had some access to the outdoors during their life. That sounds kinder and gentler, but it only means that the animal had the option of going outside--there's no guarantee that it actually did. A chicken could still be raised in a confinement house with around 10,ooo others, with one door open to the outside that it may or may not use, and still be labeled "free range".
Even smaller chicken houses that provide greater access to the pasture aren't as effective as portable pens, because, if the structure is stationary, the birds eat/scratch up the area around it and venture no further. Eventually, their supplemental grain is closer and laziness wins the day.
A portable pen also provides a growing environment with the least amount of fecal contamination possible. The birds are not sitting in their own mess day after day (which burns their skin), they don't have to continually breathe in the fecal dust generated in a confinement house setting with even the best fans and bedding set-up, AND the light, even spread of droppings over the pasture actually fertilizes and promotes it's health.
The industry says Cornish Cross broilers cannot be raised without artificial vitamin packs and antibiotics. They are right, if the birds are raised in a confinement house setting. Disease is much harder to contain, therefore the entire house receives preventative antibiotics. We do not give our chickens any medication in their feed or otherwise. The sick ones are naturally eliminated.
HOW THEY ARE PROCESSED:
When it comes to processing meat birds, the traditional mass production method is done by machines. Even with the best technology, this approach breaks open the intestines and pours fecal material all over the carcass, inside the body cavity, thereby contaminating the birds. This is why mass processed birds receive as many as 40 chlorine baths.
Processing is an inherently filthy thing, but the larger, faster, and more automatic the system, the more filthy it is.
Our birds are killed and processed individually by hand at a local butcher shop. Our butcher says you can tell alot about the quality of an animal's life when you are processing it, and he has been very affirming of our practices. To which we turned around and quickly thanked him for still providing the service he does!
THEIR DIET:
We all know that green material (salad) is high in vitamins and minerals, but low in energy. It is good for us because of the chlorophyll, the vitamins, the minerals, and the fiber, but it doesn’t fill us up for long. In comparison, grains and especially corn, are high in energy but low in vitamins and minerals. When animals are fed a high energy, low vitamin/mineral diet, they tend to have more saturated fat (cholesterol) in their meat, milk or eggs. When these same animals consume a large percentage of green material, the saturated fat of their animal proteins diminishes.
If you have a cholesterol problem, your doctor will tell you to decrease your intake of animal proteins, exercise to metabolize excess calories, eat more “salad”, and reduce stress in your life. Current mainline livestock agriculture ensures the very elements that encourage saturated fat: high calorie/low vitamin-mineral rations, sedentary lifestyle, physical and emotional stress. Whereas, the yellow fat found in pastured poultry (and grass-fed beef), and extremely orange egg yolks in pastured layer hens, reflect high levels of chlorophyll in the diet and low levels of saturated fat. And that means good things for our bodies as well!
There really is truth in the saying that, "you are what you eat."
The food in this country is shipped hundreds of miles (if not more) until it reaches our grocery store shelves, where it then sits for another week or so until it goes on sale to make room for the next truckload of stock. For us, there is just something great about eating a flavorful, juicy piece of chicken that you know is so fresh it was running around the pasture that morning!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Joel Salatin's book, PASTURED POULTRY PROFITS, does a great job of illustrating not only the practical steps to take when raising your own poultry, but also the health benefits and reasons for chosing a process that breaks the mold of bigger, faster, cheaper. He outlines a farming practice that models respect for the animal, respect for the Earth God has created, and quite frankly, a lot of good common sense.LIVING ENVIRONMENT:
We built portable pens, like the one pictured below, according to the design that Salatin describes in his book. These 10' x 12' x 2' floorless structures are framed with lumber, enclosed with chicken wire and metal sheeting to allow for both sunshine and protection/shade, with an access door that flips open on top. Pete and my uncle fashioned a customized dolly to allow one person to move the cage, whereas before it took two people because of its weight and size. Some people use tractors , but because we raise our birds on our Amish neighbor's farm, a dolly was necessary.
Moved daily to a fresh section of pasture, these birds receive fresh air, exercise, sunshine, and all the genetically modified organism-free (GMO-Free) grain they want. We also want our birds to eat as much salad (green material) as their full genetic potential will allow. And knowing that chickens won't venture far for food if they don't have to, we ensure they have a nice saladbar at their How is pastured poultry different from free range chickens? Well, chicken labeled "free range" means that they had some access to the outdoors during their life. That sounds kinder and gentler, but it only means that the animal had the option of going outside--there's no guarantee that it actually did. A chicken could still be raised in a confinement house with around 10,ooo others, with one door open to the outside that it may or may not use, and still be labeled "free range".
Even smaller chicken houses that provide greater access to the pasture aren't as effective as portable pens, because, if the structure is stationary, the birds eat/scratch up the area around it and venture no further. Eventually, their supplemental grain is closer and laziness wins the day.
A portable pen also provides a growing environment with the least amount of fecal contamination possible. The birds are not sitting in their own mess day after day (which burns their skin), they don't have to continually breathe in the fecal dust generated in a confinement house setting with even the best fans and bedding set-up, AND the light, even spread of droppings over the pasture actually fertilizes and promotes it's health.
The industry says Cornish Cross broilers cannot be raised without artificial vitamin packs and antibiotics. They are right, if the birds are raised in a confinement house setting. Disease is much harder to contain, therefore the entire house receives preventative antibiotics. We do not give our chickens any medication in their feed or otherwise. The sick ones are naturally eliminated.
HOW THEY ARE PROCESSED:
When it comes to processing meat birds, the traditional mass production method is done by machines. Even with the best technology, this approach breaks open the intestines and pours fecal material all over the carcass, inside the body cavity, thereby contaminating the birds. This is why mass processed birds receive as many as 40 chlorine baths.
Processing is an inherently filthy thing, but the larger, faster, and more automatic the system, the more filthy it is.
Our birds are killed and processed individually by hand at a local butcher shop. Our butcher says you can tell alot about the quality of an animal's life when you are processing it, and he has been very affirming of our practices. To which we turned around and quickly thanked him for still providing the service he does!
THEIR DIET:
We all know that green material (salad) is high in vitamins and minerals, but low in energy. It is good for us because of the chlorophyll, the vitamins, the minerals, and the fiber, but it doesn’t fill us up for long. In comparison, grains and especially corn, are high in energy but low in vitamins and minerals. When animals are fed a high energy, low vitamin/mineral diet, they tend to have more saturated fat (cholesterol) in their meat, milk or eggs. When these same animals consume a large percentage of green material, the saturated fat of their animal proteins diminishes.
If you have a cholesterol problem, your doctor will tell you to decrease your intake of animal proteins, exercise to metabolize excess calories, eat more “salad”, and reduce stress in your life. Current mainline livestock agriculture ensures the very elements that encourage saturated fat: high calorie/low vitamin-mineral rations, sedentary lifestyle, physical and emotional stress. Whereas, the yellow fat found in pastured poultry (and grass-fed beef), and extremely orange egg yolks in pastured layer hens, reflect high levels of chlorophyll in the diet and low levels of saturated fat. And that means good things for our bodies as well!
There really is truth in the saying that, "you are what you eat."
The food in this country is shipped hundreds of miles (if not more) until it reaches our grocery store shelves, where it then sits for another week or so until it goes on sale to make room for the next truckload of stock. For us, there is just something great about eating a flavorful, juicy piece of chicken that you know is so fresh it was running around the pasture that morning!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Why We Do What We Do--Part 1
We are not purists, here at the Winkler household.
When it comes to food sources and products we use, our efforts to go green and natural have happened very gradually over the last 5 years. Slowly but surely, change has come, and hopefully we've maintained a healthy attitude of balance throughout.
Before all of this began, I confess that when I heard the word "organic" I immediately thought "food snob", and mentally dismissed the issue with a "what's the big deal anyway". My husband was the first to look into the matter, and when he said he'd like to find a source for hormone-free beef I just went along with it.
Later, we began watching documentaries and films like SUPER-SIZE ME, FOOD INC., and THE WORLD ACCORDING TO MONSANTO, reading books like PASTURED POULTRY PROFITS, and THE OMNIVORE'S DILEMMA, and asking questions of our farmer friends.
We learned what certain labels on our food meant, and which claims were misleading. (For example: "Hormone-Free" really only applies to beef, because, by law, poultry and pigs are not allowed to receive hormones. So when you see this claim on a package of chicken, it means absolutely nothing.)
We learned about the digestive systems of animals, the importance of "salad" in their diet, the value of certain grains, and just as important if not moreso, the way the animals are processed.
Along with all of this information, we have been conscious of the natural tendency we all have to drift to extremes. To fear, disallusionment, obsessiveness, and self-suffiency. "Self-sufficiency?" you ask. Yes. Because when we are dependant solely on ourselves for our health and well-being, we will be frustrated. Being wise stewards of our physical bodies needs to flow out of trust in our True Sustainer. Even the most healthy body is still a finite body that will fail. But, neither is that an excuse to toss the issue aside, as if the physical condition of our body and what we choose to put into it isn't also a spiritual issue.
This article, CAN NATURAL LIVING BECOME AN IDOL, addresses what TRULY is most important if you too are pursuing this kind of lifestyle. My husband and I have been conscious that our children are taking their cues from us. So how we talk about certain foods will be repeated. The challenge is to use words that truthfully and adequately explain why some foods are better for our bodies, without giving our children "ammunition" to (knowingly or unknowingly) blast others who choose differently. We want them to appreciate natural, healthy foods without a superiority complex. (We want this for ourselves!)
Things we've wrestled with:
1. When given the opportunity to host or provide a meal for someone, are we tempted to keep our "good" meat for ourselves, or do we wish to bless our friends with our best?
2. When discussing our food choices with others, do we model humility, or do we hinder fellowship because we are consciously or unconsciously forcing our views on them?
3. Are we tempted to buy "organic" at the expense of our budget? Are we tithing regularly and giving generously to those in need, or have we elevated our food budget beyond what it should be?
4. When eating a meal that someone else has provided, do we model thankfulness and tact, or do we turn up our nose and slight them by refusing what they've prepared?
5. Are we prone to fear? Has "healthy food" become our highest goal and gospel?
Some of you will read these posts and struggle with frustration, because you desire to make changes, but for whatever reason you cannot. For others, it's TOO MUCH INFORMATION--and not knowing feels better. I understand. I've been in all of these positions.
I urge you to press on. To continue to trust in God's provision, in all seasons. To be content where He has you. Natural Living will look different for all of us. We have varying bank accounts, geographical demographics, possibilities and priorities, but I hope these posts inform and encourage you.
When it comes to food sources and products we use, our efforts to go green and natural have happened very gradually over the last 5 years. Slowly but surely, change has come, and hopefully we've maintained a healthy attitude of balance throughout.
Before all of this began, I confess that when I heard the word "organic" I immediately thought "food snob", and mentally dismissed the issue with a "what's the big deal anyway". My husband was the first to look into the matter, and when he said he'd like to find a source for hormone-free beef I just went along with it.
Later, we began watching documentaries and films like SUPER-SIZE ME, FOOD INC., and THE WORLD ACCORDING TO MONSANTO, reading books like PASTURED POULTRY PROFITS, and THE OMNIVORE'S DILEMMA, and asking questions of our farmer friends.
We learned what certain labels on our food meant, and which claims were misleading. (For example: "Hormone-Free" really only applies to beef, because, by law, poultry and pigs are not allowed to receive hormones. So when you see this claim on a package of chicken, it means absolutely nothing.)
We learned about the digestive systems of animals, the importance of "salad" in their diet, the value of certain grains, and just as important if not moreso, the way the animals are processed.
Along with all of this information, we have been conscious of the natural tendency we all have to drift to extremes. To fear, disallusionment, obsessiveness, and self-suffiency. "Self-sufficiency?" you ask. Yes. Because when we are dependant solely on ourselves for our health and well-being, we will be frustrated. Being wise stewards of our physical bodies needs to flow out of trust in our True Sustainer. Even the most healthy body is still a finite body that will fail. But, neither is that an excuse to toss the issue aside, as if the physical condition of our body and what we choose to put into it isn't also a spiritual issue.
This article, CAN NATURAL LIVING BECOME AN IDOL, addresses what TRULY is most important if you too are pursuing this kind of lifestyle. My husband and I have been conscious that our children are taking their cues from us. So how we talk about certain foods will be repeated. The challenge is to use words that truthfully and adequately explain why some foods are better for our bodies, without giving our children "ammunition" to (knowingly or unknowingly) blast others who choose differently. We want them to appreciate natural, healthy foods without a superiority complex. (We want this for ourselves!)
Things we've wrestled with:
1. When given the opportunity to host or provide a meal for someone, are we tempted to keep our "good" meat for ourselves, or do we wish to bless our friends with our best?
2. When discussing our food choices with others, do we model humility, or do we hinder fellowship because we are consciously or unconsciously forcing our views on them?
3. Are we tempted to buy "organic" at the expense of our budget? Are we tithing regularly and giving generously to those in need, or have we elevated our food budget beyond what it should be?
4. When eating a meal that someone else has provided, do we model thankfulness and tact, or do we turn up our nose and slight them by refusing what they've prepared?
5. Are we prone to fear? Has "healthy food" become our highest goal and gospel?
Some of you will read these posts and struggle with frustration, because you desire to make changes, but for whatever reason you cannot. For others, it's TOO MUCH INFORMATION--and not knowing feels better. I understand. I've been in all of these positions.
I urge you to press on. To continue to trust in God's provision, in all seasons. To be content where He has you. Natural Living will look different for all of us. We have varying bank accounts, geographical demographics, possibilities and priorities, but I hope these posts inform and encourage you.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Multitude Monday #1
My friend Danielle has been doing this for awhile, and she borrowed the idea from Ann Voskamp's blog "A Holy Experience".
Multitude Monday is about intentionally fixing my eyes on God's blessings, big and small, whatever the season, whether life is good or the road has been rocky.
Here it goes, in no particular order:
1. My husband. Pete works so hard and diligently, not only to provide for our family, but to bless others. Renovating? He's there. Moving? Check. Fixing and helping maintain household things for his mom? No hesitation. His gift is serving. And I am on the receiving end of it on a regular basis. Love you, Honey!
2. Iced coffee. Since I rarely drink juice or soda, this is my beverage of choice after water. Okay, sometimes before water.
3. Our home. It's just the right size for our family of four. I can be tempted to fret when we have people over because it gets tight and loud quickly, but I'd rather a small, cozy home than one where everyone spreads out and doesn't interact until it's necessary. Personal space is important, but you learn valuable life lessons by sharing small quarters. Our home is God's good provision.
4. My grandfather is home. It's been a long road to recovery since his heart valve surgery in mid-March (followed by stroke, pneumonia, a pacemaker and feeding tube). Throughout his stints in the rehab center and the retirement facility, he worked with a physical therapist, re-learning how to do basic everyday tasks. They say he is a poster child for PT! I'm so thankful and proud of the way that he and Grandma walked through this very difficult season.
5. The sweet scent of my children's skin after their bath.
6. Watermelon. LOVE IT! I'd eat it morning, noon, and night if I could. It's also a great healthy snack that doesn't thwart my plan to eat right.
7. Our church family at Crossway Church of Lancaster. Last Sunday night we broke ground for our new building on the church farm property! So exciting! After 29 years of renting space it has been thrilling to recall how God brought this all about, and to consider what it will be like to (hopefully) celebrate our 30th anniversary next summer in our new building!
8. My DOGGERS. For less than $10 my feet have been very happy to not be in flipflops anymore. I balked at the whole Croc fad, disliking the bulky, floppy fit, thinking that my feet would sweat in them. My DOGGERS are narrow-fitting, dark brown, cushion my heel, support my arches, and don't make my feet stink. Cheers all around!
9. Chicken in my freezer!!! Last Monday was our first processing day of 2011--a busy day, but totally worth it. We ♥ Pastured Poultry!
10. Celebrating Natalia and Adam's 1/2 Birthdays this past weekend with my parents, Pete's mom, and my brother Joe's family.
11. Having Pete home to work on numerous house projects that have been on hold for the last year (some longer). I'm thankful for his wide range of handyman skills. He's a keeper for sure!
12. The way Adam wraps his little arms around my neck, squeezes hard, and says "I wuv you!"
13. A big box of blueberries to freeze, fresh raspberries, and corn-on-the-cob.
14. Developing friendships with women from church. Anytime you move or go through a significant season-of-life change, it can take a long time before you're able to name your closest friends. I've really struggled with this since we moved back "home" to Lancaster 4 years ago. I have many acquaintances, family closeby, and a number of people I was once close to in this area, but that's completely different from having 2-3 "sisters" who know me well enough to grow me, who I can call about whatever, whenever. God has been answering this prayer of my heart, slowing but surely.
15. That God is a perfectly loving, redemptive, and patient Father. I grow so weary of my sin, yet continue to fall short every minute of every day. But my failure serves a great purpose--to remind me of my need for a Savior. He is not surprised that I sin. He is capable of loving me anyway. He will never look at me in my pitiful state, having committed the same sin AGAIN, and say "That's it! You've used up your allotment of grace. We're through." No. His mercies are new EVERY morning, and I am His forevermore. Thank You, Jesus.
Multitude Monday is about intentionally fixing my eyes on God's blessings, big and small, whatever the season, whether life is good or the road has been rocky.Here it goes, in no particular order:
1. My husband. Pete works so hard and diligently, not only to provide for our family, but to bless others. Renovating? He's there. Moving? Check. Fixing and helping maintain household things for his mom? No hesitation. His gift is serving. And I am on the receiving end of it on a regular basis. Love you, Honey!
2. Iced coffee. Since I rarely drink juice or soda, this is my beverage of choice after water. Okay, sometimes before water.
3. Our home. It's just the right size for our family of four. I can be tempted to fret when we have people over because it gets tight and loud quickly, but I'd rather a small, cozy home than one where everyone spreads out and doesn't interact until it's necessary. Personal space is important, but you learn valuable life lessons by sharing small quarters. Our home is God's good provision.
4. My grandfather is home. It's been a long road to recovery since his heart valve surgery in mid-March (followed by stroke, pneumonia, a pacemaker and feeding tube). Throughout his stints in the rehab center and the retirement facility, he worked with a physical therapist, re-learning how to do basic everyday tasks. They say he is a poster child for PT! I'm so thankful and proud of the way that he and Grandma walked through this very difficult season.
5. The sweet scent of my children's skin after their bath.
6. Watermelon. LOVE IT! I'd eat it morning, noon, and night if I could. It's also a great healthy snack that doesn't thwart my plan to eat right.
7. Our church family at Crossway Church of Lancaster. Last Sunday night we broke ground for our new building on the church farm property! So exciting! After 29 years of renting space it has been thrilling to recall how God brought this all about, and to consider what it will be like to (hopefully) celebrate our 30th anniversary next summer in our new building!
8. My DOGGERS. For less than $10 my feet have been very happy to not be in flipflops anymore. I balked at the whole Croc fad, disliking the bulky, floppy fit, thinking that my feet would sweat in them. My DOGGERS are narrow-fitting, dark brown, cushion my heel, support my arches, and don't make my feet stink. Cheers all around!
9. Chicken in my freezer!!! Last Monday was our first processing day of 2011--a busy day, but totally worth it. We ♥ Pastured Poultry!
10. Celebrating Natalia and Adam's 1/2 Birthdays this past weekend with my parents, Pete's mom, and my brother Joe's family.
11. Having Pete home to work on numerous house projects that have been on hold for the last year (some longer). I'm thankful for his wide range of handyman skills. He's a keeper for sure!
12. The way Adam wraps his little arms around my neck, squeezes hard, and says "I wuv you!"
13. A big box of blueberries to freeze, fresh raspberries, and corn-on-the-cob.
14. Developing friendships with women from church. Anytime you move or go through a significant season-of-life change, it can take a long time before you're able to name your closest friends. I've really struggled with this since we moved back "home" to Lancaster 4 years ago. I have many acquaintances, family closeby, and a number of people I was once close to in this area, but that's completely different from having 2-3 "sisters" who know me well enough to grow me, who I can call about whatever, whenever. God has been answering this prayer of my heart, slowing but surely.
15. That God is a perfectly loving, redemptive, and patient Father. I grow so weary of my sin, yet continue to fall short every minute of every day. But my failure serves a great purpose--to remind me of my need for a Savior. He is not surprised that I sin. He is capable of loving me anyway. He will never look at me in my pitiful state, having committed the same sin AGAIN, and say "That's it! You've used up your allotment of grace. We're through." No. His mercies are new EVERY morning, and I am His forevermore. Thank You, Jesus.
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