You know, we get produce throw-away from a local market. We receive the items in a bag and it is quite neat and tidy. Sometimes we buy boxes of bananas for a dollar a box, but mostly the items are free. I have made many banana bread loaves from this produce.
We checked with another market, and unfortunately, their policy is to throw it all out, in the dumpster. Luckily, the produce folks put their toss-outs in a box, usually on top. Today, this is what Rusty and Nick brought home for our animals.
a pumpkin, cucumber, tomatoes, apples, green peppers, doughnuts, and pudding
collard greens, black raspberries, bananas, romaine lettuce, cabbage, and pears
loaves of bread - no mold
Best if PURCHASED by date.
these bananas are perfect for baking, but today's went to the pigs and goats
$2.99 bag of greens
yummy $2.99
Earl loves magical dumpsters
Nick and my his dog Tonka, enjoying the animals enjoying their food
It feels good to give our animals such a variety of whole foods. We usually don't get doughnuts and pudding, but the pigs loved the pudding and both the dogs and pigs shared the doughnuts. It is a Holiday. Why not?
But what if I was hungry? What if I could not feed my children? Doesn't this food look edible? Wouldn't the hungry be grateful for something to eat? I would. I am not saying the poor should eat out of dumpsters, I am saying I would. I think all of this food "waste" should be re-distributed. I don't know how, but I do know that we are a country that wastes food. Me included.
Yule has come and so starts the celebration. We are a mixed bunch here; a Buddhist, a few Pagans, a Agnostic, a Christian, and a Universal Believer. A colorful bunch we are. But we do hoist up that Yule tree. I know Christ should be put back in the tree, but really the Christmas tree comes from Pagan roots. Most Pagans are pretty used to sharing though. You might think because I say that I must be dancing with the devil and stuff. Problem is: I don't believe in that Christian deity, therefor I can't rock around the Christmas tree with that horned guy. It's a Yule tree here.
Let me give you a glimpse of holiday preparations here. It is nothing fancy, but very eco-friendly with my vintage ornaments mixed with some years of collected newer ornaments. The kids have grown to love them. It was love at first sight with me. I love old stuff.
I Spy for Owen
perfectly imperfect
somebody showed up
they are like ants, but cuter
oh she is up to no good
home invasion
So, I figured I better make a refreshment to help calm myself. I am no Martha Stewart, but this is a great holiday cocktail that can be made in a virgin state or a spiced up mix.
Start with some spiced dark rum, eggnog, whip cream, nutmeg and a vessel.
that tattoo stuff is dark and crazy spicy
rum
add eggnog
stir
add whipped topping
garnish
enjoy
Especially yummy after coming in from feeding the animals in the rain. Warmed me right up. One of my dogs got to my beverage before I did, so I have to make another. I also popped some gingerbread in the oven, as I had a chill and gingerbread makes everything right in the world.
baking gingerbread
Tonka our dog opened some presents from under the tree early. He smelled candy. So, poor Sophia had to disobey her Nanny and was forced to enjoy her gift before the 24th. I remember having to wait... it was so hard to wait as a child, but we got to open the presents from my Aunt Jeanne on the 24th, Christmas Eve.
oops
So tonight the new tradition is to fix your dog a cocktail and let them open you forbidden gifts. However, I am still sticking with elf appearances, comfort foods and remembering more simple times.
