Q & A - Growing Herbs

Question: Can I grow herbs indoors?
Yes, you can grow herbs indoors. Your herbs will need enough sunlight and also cool temperatures. Rosemary is the easiest, but basil, mint, parsley, thyme, chives and bay will grow as well. If you have been growing your herbs outside, you can bring them in during the winter and set them back out again in the spring.

Special Upside Down Cake

Special Upside Down Cake

1 can pie filling (blueberry, apple, or cherry)
1 box white cake mix
½ cup melted butter
½ cup nuts
¼-1/2 cup sugar

In 9x13 pan spread filling, then sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly. Dribble melted butter over, then sprinkle sugar and nuts. Bake 350° for 35-40 minutes until brown. Slower baking at 325° might work better.

Ranch Life

My summer has gone well. Summer is always busy on a ranch and this year is no exception. We have to feed the baby calves, brand and then make sure the fences are not broken. The kids always enjoy riding the 4-wheelers and doing the chores. We have two baby calves we need to feed with bottles, bulls to feed and cows. I used to have to deal with the horses too, but my dad finally let them out. It was not easy to let the milk cow, because the horses wanted out. When I have a lot more time on the computer I will tell you more about the fun of doing chores and life on the ranch.

Q & A - Ferns

Question: What type of fern would work best in a shady spot in my house?
The best type of fern would be the holly fern, Cyrtomium falcatum. It gets its name because it looks like English holly. This plant can grow in deep shade and needs little water and fertilizer.

Spanish Rice

Spanish Rice

1 ½ cups uncooked rice
12 ounces tomato sauce
1 medium chopped onion
8 strips bacon
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Fry bacon until crisp. Cook the rice. Sauté onions in the bacon grease. Crumble up the bacon. Combine all the ingredients. Place in a greased pan. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Bake at 325° for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Serves 4. Yum.

Q & A - What is a hybrid plant?

Question: Could you please explain what a hybrid plant is?
A hybrid plant is the result of mating two related species of a genus, mating two genera, like with orchids or by mating true-breeding strains. Sometimes the result is a stronger, more attractive plant.

Popsicles

Popsicles

1 package flavored gelatin
1 package powdered drink mix
1 cup sugar
2 cups hot water

Dissolve all the ingredients and add 2 cups cold water. If it is a pre-sweetened powdered drink mix you can eliminate the sugar. Pour into your containers and freeze.