Digging through the cupboards..

So the genetic modification debate continues...

I've found some items in my cupboard which are questionable, one of which contains cotton seed oil.

I phoned the importer of this product this morning and asked if the cotton seed oil came from a genetically modified crop, and was told by a very nervous man on the other end of the phone that 'all the ingredients are natural'.

This didn't answer my question, so I'm digging further. I've emailed the manufacturer in India and am awaiting a reply. I'm going to keep searching through my cupboards and will let you know how it goes.

In the meantime, I'm starting to think more about seed saving...

I would have told you you were Nuts...

If you'd told me 6 months ago that I was going to be making protest placards this weekend I would have told you you were nuts.

Funny how things happen. You learn a bit about something, realise it's not right and is harmful, so you search for more information.  When you find it you realise the risks are right on your doorstep, and literally in your kitchen cupboards. That your children have been consuming it without your consent and that you've been feeding it to them yourself.

Genetically Engineered Food.

Then along comes an opportunity to do something about it. Freedom of speech. It's a wonderful thing!

So we're off on an adventure next Saturday 25th May. We're going to join the 600 or so other cities around the world and March against Monsanto.

Live in Sth Canterbury and want to come with us? Well done. Contact me and I'll give you the details so we can carpool...

What is GE Food:

http://www.organicnz.org.nz/node/118

What foods in your cupboards may contain it (Greenpeace are currently working on a list also)

http://www.truefood.org.au/documents/TrueFoodGuide_Kids_2011.pdf

Getting grubby gathering tea... our first video

Tongue Tied for Ox...

Over 1000 recipes!
Written in 1949

I don't like to waste food at all now, especially meat from an animal. And the bits that usually get wasted (like offal) make most people squeamish, myself included.

Two pigs heads arrived for dinner the other day. I wasn't keen! At all. But you know what, my husband turned them into a delicious, succulent sweet and juicy meat loaf. I'm telling you this has got to be one of the most incredible meat dishes I have ever eaten. I was shocked.

It's going to take a bit of courage on my part, but next up is Ox Tongue. Yip. I've said it now.. I'm going to try... Ox Tongue. I can't believe it.

Author Elizabeth Craig
Looking Fabulous.

But where do you find a tongue recipe? Not many cookbooks around these days gloating about tongue.

It turns out Liz Craig does. She cooks almost anything, so if this divine looking woman can enjoy cow's tongue for tea then so can I damn it!

Life has Changed... our first little Animation

I made our first little animation today. I had so much fun with this! I love working with moving images and can't wait to make some more of these about our journey.

Apologies for the powtoons advert at the end, I haven't yet decided on animation software so this is here to stay for now. Any advice about software out there?

Feel free to share this vid with your friends on the links below, spread the love!

Small moments often uncover amazing things...

We've had a massively enjoyable day today.. along with many other moments this was definitely one of the highlights.

We're busy scratching away in the soil for yams for tea with our fabulous neighbours, and when I turn around Sienna has a gorgeous worm in hand.

I don't ever remember playing with worms when I was young. Did you? I was too squeamish. So for me this is a major achievement!

I reckon some of the best childhood moments are when you're left alone, even just for a moment, and you discover something amazing for yourself...

Ok we're just showing off now!

Parsnip... Kettle.

Ever been to a Poultry show?

The big fella

When I heard there was a poultry show coming to Timaru (the Heartland Poultry Club) you have no idea how excited I was. A poultry show! Have you ever been to one? I hadn't, and I was keen as mustard to find out what it was like and hopefully just hopefully come away with some poultry friends of my own to keep.

So I donned my wollen rooster hat and set off on an adventure...

Well, the show way exceeded my expectations. They sound amazing for a start! The calls of all those roosters is like nothing you've ever heard.

And this here rooster was the star of the show for me, he even won a prize.

I entered a few raffles trying to nab myself a new chicken coop, and I found two smart looking ladies just waiting for me to take them home.  Sandy and Dolly, who've already started laying us eggs.

I wanted to go back to the show again the next day, it was so good but I knew I'd end up coming away with more laying friends than we have room for...

Oink

Teeny Tiny Egg Display

Sandy and Dolly, our new Sussex chickens
Sandy is a pullet and Dolly a Hen