Renfrew Museum and Park. Day Trip.

Last week, my parents took us to Renfrew Museum and Park. It's located in Waynesboro, PA and although, I grew up 20 miles away, I had never heard about it.

Boy, have I been missing out!

Renfrew is a terrific example of a Pennsylvanian German Farmstead on about 100 acres. 

It's a gorgeous location with an amazing Heritage Garden (with numerous Heirloom vareties and TONS of Herbs) and LOTS of space for the girls to run around. They do a fantastic job with the upkeep of all the homestead buildings and the grounds. There are a handful of nice trails throughout the property.

We went on a stormy day and we weren't able to play in the beautiful Creek or take a house tour. We will definitely becoming back.

On September 6th, they will be having a Heritage Day complete with a Conestoga Wagon!

You can learn more about Renfrew here.

North Beach, MD. Day Trip.

I can't believe it's been a month since I last posted.

We've been soaking up as much Summer as we can.

Lots of Gardening.

And, honestly, I've been a bit worn out from all the referring I've been doing. The girls adore each other, but they squabble A LOT. Nye-Nye starts Pre-school soon, so it will be interesting to see how that changes the dynamics between the girls.

No large Vacation for this Summer, instead we've had several Little Adventures.

North Beach was one of them.

Neither Papa Bear and I had ever been to North Beach before, which is surprising since we both grew up in the area.

In fact, I had never heard of it before I read an article in the Washington Post that mentioned the town. 

North Beach is a tiny, very low-key Beach Town complete with a Boardwalk. There are no serious waves, which is just right for our kids at this age. There is a lovely pier, perfect for fishing. There are nets that keep out jelly-fish and large fish. And, there is the cutest two-story ship play-ground right on the water's edge.

The best part?

North Beach is only 40 miles from our house.

We left house at Anala Bear's Naptime and arrived in time for Lunch. We played for a few hours,washed off, ate some funnel-cake and drove home at 4 pm. 

Everyone had a blast.

We can't wait to go back.

Supposedly there is a terrific Farmer's Market/Art Fair/Classic Car Show every Friday. We are going to try and hit that up one Friday in September, while the weather is still warm.

It was definitely worth the money. Beach fees for Out-of-County Residents are $15 ages 12-54 and $8 for ages 3-11. The Beach was super clean, the facilities were decent and we didn't have to deal with being stung by jelly-fish. We are thinking about getting a Season Pass for next year.

Friday: This Moment.

I will be busy tomorrow at a TRE Workshop, so I won't be able to post. Here is my This Moment (an little early).

Inspired by Soule Mama.

Breakfast. This Week.

Over the last year, I have insisted that we all sit down and eat Breakfast together. It's been a really nice way to start off our Mornings. 

Don't get me wrong, many days it takes every ounce of strength I have to drag my exhausted body downstairs and make some food. Nye-Nye is usually whiny and only wants to cuddle. Anala Bears is always getting into something. (Or locking me outside like she did yesterday). 

And, Papa Bear has merrily taken himself downstairs for a leisurely shower. I try not to get too resentful.

It's not easy. But, it's totally worth it.

This week I felt particularly Creative, so we had some extra-nice meals. On the Menu?

Cheesy Eggs with Black Beans, Bell Peppers and Sorrel topped with Crab Meat.

Cheesy Eggs with Thyme, Sorrel and Crab Meat.

Labneh, Cucumber Tartine with Mint and Basil (and eggs).

Rice Cake topped with Sunflower Butter and Dark Chocolate with a side of Melon and homemade Farmer's Cheese with Mint, Honey and Chia Seeds.

Most days it's just Soaked Oatmeal or Poached Eggs with some Fruit and Yogurt. 

Nothing like an itty-bitty Garden right outside your Kitchen window to bring a little Inspiration to your cooking!

Nye-Nye LOVED making the Tartine. The photo is of her own Tartine that she made herself using our own Cucumbers, Basil, Mint and ONE Cherry Tomato. Can't wait to make it again!

Hope this inspires you to make some yummy Breakfast this Weekend. 

Enjoy your Weekend!

Grilled Green Tomatoes with Goat Cheese and Purple Basil.

Papa Bear was skeptical when I mentioned I wanted to make this dish last night. But, after a few bites he was a convert! I reassured him that I left plenty of Green Tomatoes on the vine.

After slicing the Tomatoes in 1/2 inch slices, I marinated them for an hour. Then Papa Bear worked his Grill Magic. I chopped up some Purple Basil from our Garden and added some Goat Cheese.

So easy and so damn good.

Do yourself a favor and make these at least once this Summer.

Marinade Ingredients

• Olive Oil
• Lemon Juice
• Kombucha
• Brown Sugar
• Sea Salt

Claude Moore Colonial Farm Summer Market Fair. July 19-20th 2014.

This time of year it's so hard. There are just TOO MANY cool things to do.

I can't believe it's time for "Claude Moore Colonial Farm's Colonial Summer Market Fair" already.

We have been to two Market Fairs over the last few years and it is hands-down my favorite event in Northern Virginia.

The volunteers do a phenomenal job with authenticity and food (and beer) is top-notched. They have killer meat-pies and veggie-pies, baked olives, roasted chicken among other things. 

There is plenty too do, but it's not too overwhelming to go with small children (like the Ren Festival). They always have a Kids Area with a few interesting activities. 

Everything is very reasonable and the site is quite lovely.

Claude Moore Farm has three Market Fairs a year. Their Summer Market will be July 19-20th from 11 am - 4:30 pm.

Tickets are $7 for Adults and $3 for Kids.

More information can be found here.

Here are a few photos from the Autumn Market Fair that I never got around to posting.

These two were my favorite from the day.

Lacto-Fermented Okra.

This is the first year, I have ever grown Okra. Since it was an experiment, I only planted one plant. 

It has started producing but there's not a lot to make anything with and so I decided to just ferment them. As I each pod ripens, I will cut it off and add it to the jar. Right now I only have four!

I am using the same recipe as last year's Fermented Green Tomatoes. It such a surprising hit with EVERYONE in our family. 

I added three Garlic Cloves, 3 Dill Flowers (from our Garden), some Black Tea (the tannins help keep the veggies crunchy) and 2 quarts of Filtered Water with 5 Tablespoons of Sea Salt.

I boiled the water, put in the salt and then let it cool to room-temperature before pouring it in the jar.

The okra floated to the top. I haven't quite figure out how I am going to keep them from bobbing to the top and sticking out of the water. I may have to find some grape leaves (which also have tannins) or just use a cabbage leave.

I will be storing the jar in our nice, cool Basement.

I will try and resist and wait until September to try them. Have you ever lacto-fermented Okra? Do you have any advice?