Got gophers? Well, we sure do! So we're detailing our ongoing struggle to eliminate a huge gopher colony that has taken up residence on our property. The only thing that has worked so far is too expensive (Isn't everything? Sigh...). Then I talk about how much you can change recipes (after Brian wondered why his corn ferment wasn't like mine...) and still have them turn out - and which ones you should follow exactly (or it could be dangerous!). Plus updates on the farmhouse fixer, a phone app for blocking robocalls, and more.
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The Trouble With Gophers
Here's that article I mentioned about how destructive gophers can be, with some tips to get rid of them.
We'll keep updating on our progress with these wildlife pests - one day it will be nice to have just a weed/lawn pasture instead of dirt!
Farmhouse Updates
One side of the two-story main section of the farmhouse is ready for the winter! Plus, it looks all wonderfully old-house farmhouse now, doesn't it?
See the full exterior before tour to remember what it looked like here.
And this is what it looked like after tearing off the vinyl siding:
Which is the other side, but they're mirror images so you can imagine, right?
What's Cooking
Here is the link to the fermented corn relish recipe with it's actual amounts for red pepper flakes - not what Brian thought it was. And to think I titled it "foolproof," ha!
Here's the video of me teaching Brian how to make it:
Let's hope the fault doesn't lie with the teacher. 😉
While many recipes are fine with changes and substitutions, here are the two categories I mentioned where you really should follow the recipe exactly:
And here is the recipe to the yummy (and easy!) homemade tomato soup that isn't safe to be canned.
Have you had any funny recipe failures when you've tried to adapt them?
This is Really Cool!
Brian: Hiya phone app to track and stop - or maybe just lessen - robo calls on your phone.
Jami: Middlemarch by George Eliot. I'm really enjoying the audiobook of this 200+ year old classic and especially how much it is still relevant.
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Beth says
Sorry to hear about the gophers. And the dry rot. And the delay on your permit. However...I can just imagine that old farmhouse taking a huge breath when that siding was removed, and then heaving a big sigh of relief. 🙂
And I have to make that fermented corn relish. The recipe has been setting on the counter for a few weeks. Buried under tomatoes and zucchini, no doubt. It sounds delicious -- I was half expecting Brian to say he substituted cayenne for red pepper flakes (that would've been interesting...) but people mixing up teaspoons and tablespoons I can easily see happening.
(BTW, Mary Anne Evans 🙂 )
Another BTW, will barn-type cats hunt and clear off gophers?? Something's GOT to work (and be affordable)!