I have scoured through the e-mails in hopes of answering some of the questions you have. If I've missed a question, please feel free to e-mail me with it again.
Question for you...how do you keep your dog(s) and cat away from the chickens? Our dog would love to take a bite out of ours so we can't let them out in the yard. :(
Well, luckily none of our cats have ever bothered the chickens, nor has our golden retriever/collie dog. When we first got chickens though, our cocker spaniel, Zoe, thought it was her duty to chase and attack them. As soon as we realized this, we kept a very close eye on her. The next time she chased a chicken, my husband gave her a swat and reprimanded her in his most disapproving voice; she has never bothered the chickens again. Now, if we need help getting a chicken back into the pen, she does an excellent job of gently 'herding' them.
Talk to me about your clothes pin bags-- do you have a pattern? Is it your design?
I looked at a lot of clothespin bags to find a style I liked. I came up with a size, and a pretty typical shape, and have gradually perfected my construction method. So many have asked about a pattern ~ I would like to do a tutorial as soon as I have a bit more time, probably this winter.
I need to ask --- what kind of camera do you have?? I need to buy a new one and would appreciate some feedback... thanks!!
The camera I use is a Kodak DC210 Zoom. It's the first digital camera my husband bought and so simple even I can figure it out! I've claimed it as my own, as Mike and Stephanie wanted something with more megapixels.
Oh, I would love to learn how to make an ottoman slipcover like yours! Can you post a pattern or directions? The hard part is the piping.
I promise to try and post on this. I'll be making some slipcovers this fall/winter and will try to post some pictures.
Just wondering... my containers never end up looking very good; is there a secret to keeping them looking so gorgeous?
The secret I've discovered is to water EVERY day. I didn't always do so until this summer, and I can see the difference it makes. And I feed them about once a week.
I really like those (clothespin) bags. Where did you get your hangers?
I have found the vintage wooden hangers at yard sales or on Ebay.
How do you freeze your corn?
I follow the directions in the Ball Blue Book: The Guide to Home Canning & Freezing ~ Scald ears of corn for about 5 - 6 minutes; cool in ice water; cut kernels from cob, and pack in freezer bags. I use my vacuum sealer to seal the bags.
I'd love to know more about your ironing table--did you make it? If so, how?
You can read about how I made the ironing table here.
please do share your Enchilada Casserole crock pot recipe!
I found this crock pot recipe here, at a beautiful blog called Eyes of Wonder, with which many of you are probably already familiar. I had to cut it down for my much smaller family ~ I only used about 1/3 to 1/2 the measure of ingredients that Jewels has listed. It is very good and I would definitely make it again!
I'll leave you with a few more late summer flower pictures...