Bike trip, pantry hacks and edamame destruction

Last week we rode to Prince Edward County and back. It was our first family cycling trip and we enjoyed mostly clear weather despite the forecast. We got to see parts of the countryside we haven't explored before, and discover how places we've been by car look, feel and smell when you ride slowly by. On the road we  camped behind a winery, and in Sandbanks provincial park, we celebrated Tracy's birthday, and explored some trails and cafes. While we came back tired, we're glad we slowed down and took the trip, and look forward to further bicycle adventures in the future. We're grateful for our assistants who ran the farm in our absence.

Pantry Hacks
Three Tips to Maximize Your Food and Reduce Your Waste.

Tip #1: Dried produce and meats can be stored up to a year.
Tip #2: Keep your food scraps in an airtight freezer bag and use them to make soup stock.
Tip #3: Dry your fresh herbs using an oven or even your windowsill, and keep for seasoning.

(Courtesy of SecondHarvest)

 

One of our favourite crops is edamame - edible Japanese soybeans. We love them as a side or snack. And, most years we have enough to include some in shares. This year the plants have grown to a good height and are vigorous. And, before we went away they were covered in tonnes of pods which were quickly becoming plump and ready for harvest upon our return. Sadly, at Tim's last check before leaving the discovery was made that something was eating the beans. Not just a few, but a lot. The ground under the plants was scattered with  chewed pods. Now there's nary a bean to be found. It's sad, and we're sorry you'll miss out too. But, on the upside we have a lot of beets.