Wednesday, March 21, 2012

I Like Big Books

I like big books with a cup of coffee.

I like big books with a cup of coffee and no interruptions.

I like big books and I cannot lie.

I cleaned up my nightstand just for you.
Thought I'd let you know that I like to read for about ten minutes before I fall dead asleep.  And that I'm still alive.  And that I don't always read books this big.  See those skinny Sherlock Holmes novels tucked toward the bottom?  I hid them because I'm trying to stay away from fiction.  When I read The Hunger Games series a couple months ago, my floors collected two inches of dirt and my kids were washing out their own underwear.  Okay, maybe not that bad, but it was bad.

This week I've been chasing cows, watching kids, testing kids, stressing over Sally Fallon-style grain soaking (more on that after I smack myself in the head with Nourishing Traditions a couple times), and doing lots of heavy farm chores since Byron threw his back out this weekend.  So actually, he's the one who's had the tough week!

And maybe I'll get some brain and muscle tone between these two passions.  Who needs that Biggest Loser chick when you've got a farm???

7 comments:

  1. I read a great book this past weekend. And didn't get much done. A Dog's Purpose. I also cried. 3 times. But it was a great read. And fiction ;-)

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  2. When I read, I get nothing done, either. I read and read until the book is done. So I can relate to the dirt on the floor thing. Yep, I get obsessed.

    Noticed you had Alison Weir in your pile. I'm a big fan of her work. Her style has changed over the years, which is interesting. I think she's trying to compete with Phillipa Gregory. I still enjoy her writing, though. Big fan of that period of history.

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    1. This is my first book by Alison Weir, but I noticed she has several more recent ones that look interesting. I also want to read "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" - especially since my husband is related to Katherine Parr. I haven't read Phillipa Gregory...sounds like she's a fiction writer I haven't hit yet.

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  3. I think (and I've read :o) that fiction exercises your brain just as well as non. You may learn more from non-fiction..may..but fiction is my choice most days. Suspence, murder, mysteries! Yep. Love your articles!

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  4. Let me know if you're successful with the whole soaking grains thing. We tried it years ago, but gave it up quickly. Kevin loves "real" bread too much. I've never really tried the fermenting because that sounded gross, but if you're drinking apple cider vinegar straight, sounds like you can handle it :) I do use a few of the Nourishing Traditions recipes consistently, especially the stocks, yogurt and the baked salmon. Someday I intend to use the dairy recipes (buttermilk, creme fraiche, etc.). Right now I'm in the I'm-a-taxi phase of life and can't find time to expand my N.T. expertise.

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    1. Kim - I did try soaking flour overnight to make muffins the next day. I tweaked a Bread Beckers recipe, reducing some of the oil, and it worked fairly well. I also have been soaking the BB flour mix for pancakes overnight. Sandwich bread I make as usual, but I'd like to use longer rising times since this also helps break down the phytic acid. And frankly, there's so much conflicting info out there that it can make you want to throw your grain mill out of a second-story window!

      I'm not too into fermenting either. It was used as a preservation method in the past, not so much because ancient peoples knew secrets about its health benefits. And I imagine if they had something fresh, they ate it.

      I do the stocks and yogurt as well - this are great.

      You're doing great job feeding your family, especially with how busy you are!

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