tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44096630893389079902024-02-07T15:42:01.724-06:00My Four ChicksA place for birds, beers, bikes and good food!Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-68620431915345274352010-08-20T18:54:00.001-05:002010-08-20T18:54:31.508-05:00First Egg!<p>Well, it finally happened…we got our first egg from the chickens!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcs34kCSl1PkFD7yczvuVPcyOiNzoy9JOUnzM3fFqRUyzE7sfXEvFng8VJ6prKHe16vAyYA_UOtPs4eWEspq4rnkFiDlyKZ1mJuGLy6NZXfIq67ouFwFKtRhq9MywvsbBfZh1wLpKRDA/s1600-h/IMG_0221%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0221" border="0" alt="IMG_0221" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TG8UnUuYJjI/AAAAAAAAAVA/97lHLX86iIE/IMG_0221_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="287" /></a> </p> <p>Laurie went out to feed the chickens yesterday morning, and to her surprise, a nice brown egg was sitting in the roost box.  Amazing!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkUa69tMJibtn-JR58GmMmLduPfQpg2URQRG71z0HG-CkyPsTPef_YkXTfEGmw06j54Sdzs8RnwMd-SFTkYbzqUoFPalZfuHWa7WUehpA2HDHZqL0uJwnfxlXbvxjUWf_tY7lDTIrVgg/s1600-h/IMG_0230%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0230" border="0" alt="IMG_0230" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TG8UqTqt7bI/AAAAAAAAAVI/kK9onJnHT7E/IMG_0230_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="291" /></a> </p> <p>The likely culprit is Cinnamon, our Cinnamon Queen.  At 5 months, she’s the oldest.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgES6fPKQotntkm54Aa9Xu3x9m0ZTufulqtvkABo2RMhpyB5c4pb8Q_CYc5yr31qhaLoQ_CFhoReYrCKIX9OiEoKNC6-XDC0ufvTyE6rc53vbyRHx0Ye8c-hE39-L_uXGLqsBvBLdL6GAs/s1600-h/IMG_0231%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0231" border="0" alt="IMG_0231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKr88ffppmuqFC9RYLWuOKVboQYpIHkX2kOE8Mn8-oBrgiR7dNtsP4oCW8OuQlvhJqESq0rdF5NeKczxBhJQ3lLRQACBJ1P27XB8F_FaWkn-XhLbQKEOAUNOxNjtSkH6l7a93g1uQ9AA/?imgmax=800" width="382" height="292" /></a> </p> <p>The egg on the left is Cinnamon’s.  The egg on the right is an Organic Valley large organic egg from the store.  As you can see, they are very similar in size and color.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="300"><tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="150"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjio1u4ZPdblgU1EMxqbcfOB8EOc4gPVsNwfvGARSIJDr52n2gwt238x1hAUvaikDaVl_9BT_pkdpMyEVx3oHW3OOtG2lYbCsmmRP9JCB5m3Sjncv-ivRUjYR9Px39Hw5ObQTG5jJrdY00/s1600-h/IMG_0233%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0233" border="0" alt="IMG_0233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_oANzhteTO0Ih05mMft1VmPmYVs6JSHUOO6E0aqtM9r1CwBdQW-ThRVwb0hO-wJs4mlRkoj3MHbruplrbluBuqAforZe4leqp1jl5gUOQB7pyINS0RLyHsAl9ZRgKG3s_G_c0MOHcKA/?imgmax=800" width="226" height="288" /></a> </td> <td valign="top" width="150"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TG8UuNcDStI/AAAAAAAAAVc/21aVjK4471I/s1600-h/IMG_0232%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0232" border="0" alt="IMG_0232" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TG8VqYARv_I/AAAAAAAAAVg/oNmKYQahwpI/IMG_0232_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="290" /></a> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I weighed the eggs using Laurie’s food scale.  They are both 58 grams.  Cinnamon’s eggs are almost identical to the ones in the store that cost $5 a carton!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TG8VspDKi6I/AAAAAAAAAVk/OHBYrcOg5W4/s1600-h/IMG_0225%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0225" border="0" alt="IMG_0225" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TG8Vtgv1XCI/AAAAAAAAAVo/wkZ4hj4oS2A/IMG_0225_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" height="296" /></a> </p> <p>Once the others start laying, we’ll probably have about 20-25 eggs a week.  No word on whether the other girls are jealous.</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-42743993309382257592010-08-11T10:05:00.001-05:002010-08-11T10:05:06.975-05:00New Orleans Cuisine<p>This past weekend my brother and I took a road trip to New Orleans.  It was the first time in the Big Easy for both of us.  We wanted to see as much music as possible and eat as much good food as we could.  Here are the highlights:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TGK8EyCQ-KI/AAAAAAAAAUM/oPGMRChNiU8/s1600-h/Backflip%20006%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Backflip 006" border="0" alt="Backflip 006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-491Pj3iE1L0A6imVxmPhH6lSgDSC0cNPIhbCTVgCe-koylY9wdPPR_RpGfk-RqAxhiBwcGwi5P3-3akXpA_eDittaEfQ38smBSyVizbIpVR6w4EZdAIm0v5WK57yWK4vVzDZtyQ4jmk/?imgmax=800" width="301" height="394" /></a> </p> <p>My first beer (of many):  Abita Amber, which interestingly is a lager, from <a href="http://mollysatthemarket.net/" target="_blank">Molly's at the Market</a> in the French Quarter.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TGK8FwO1yeI/AAAAAAAAAUU/1_NCwXd2tOo/s1600-h/Backflip%20010%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Backflip 010" border="0" alt="Backflip 010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bE5HRy_4s0udjo0SqceCELhLX7KRJeJBGhAVL2EKXxvDALuqBT95c1TwuL0G_QuqYgLhf7gGevVkqG8uplcvOtreckekWRC-f6prB8m5dHpEaYXfNyHQ3e4NjXGRZNtbo4dUbymopWI/?imgmax=800" width="417" height="319" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Seafood Gumbo from <a href="http://www.coopsplace.net/" target="_blank">Coop's Place</a> in the French Quarter.  We were told this was some of the best gumbo in town.  It was certainly one of the spicier dishes we had.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFePhZFWHHuC-2XT3pHoGpKh6usheux-flsexZtGwBRPh11FXG0ATeDe04dnUNovru79KkK6hfDHiY2qPD7vkxX-LGSdU8u99YHJ5o0wVok2XW2wObDSH0BVo7M7gKJ8KgGC8ZGRF9og/s1600-h/Backflip%20021%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Backflip 021" border="0" alt="Backflip 021" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TGK8GzL31wI/AAAAAAAAAUg/sn1Qz9lvhfM/Backflip%20021_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="319" /></a> </p> <p>Ahhhh, the Hurricanes.  Can’t say I remember too much of them.  I’m pretty sure my brother puked his back up!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TGK8HOqWl8I/AAAAAAAAAUk/hZiBE6UbxV8/s1600-h/Backflip%20024%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Backflip 024" border="0" alt="Backflip 024" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TGK8HXDWpVI/AAAAAAAAAUo/eBH6QecrCUI/Backflip%20024_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="316" /></a> </p> <p>Coffee and beignets from <a href="http://www.cafedumonde.com/" target="_blank">Cafe Du Monde</a>.  And yes, they are every bit as good as advertised.  Perfect Bourbon Street hangover cure.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sT0eLg8uxuMrcPKvHUD2Puu_6KY4M26ULFEyi4SwKZYjQOpzJ2OUDMEzo5ghbHaCnJM5XQCMKQVsvL1Sr1kPWhyphenhyphenjQDXtaX7TN0RNuURsI6nC2HlGdFUKj1OzRQ5E0y_m_So3OG1H_WE/s1600-h/Backflip%20034%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Backflip 034" border="0" alt="Backflip 034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcqNZlYOBOBYgTX29e3CVpZYIoGEHuHH7mYPSKQT6nUhmugvw3f_6pz_ieR9RD0N1zs6iaDYFrRJ2yiiu8NF5gGKlDs98QjbYbNqCuIDDh-g7enJLg7AH2b_4Fcm3u2Ha6hc8HUn7oBU/?imgmax=800" width="409" height="313" /></a> </p> <p>After a long day of walking and biking around in the 1000000% humidity, I was dying for lunch.  I happened to stumble upon <a href="http://13monaghan.com/" target="_blank">13 Monaghan</a> where I demolished this veggie po’ boy.  The cream cheese sauce made it one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYxKzm9vEQymosvH8QUNr04JSFwEoRQeoEXlfm2l22vdwtdSPT34mfYKGPXb-UI-BZZ0s_GeUNsIa-HAPHIdpR0HKsHaJey_Y0jvb4ODQ3kXbpngysiNmnHi2pqGChjroSohmvfXcdNY/s1600-h/Backflip%20048%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Backflip 048" border="0" alt="Backflip 048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgf5w50dkbZCxYm9qsotUQ_U73uSg4mnAjZItKjF0VPMVgoInGufl1ZOdSZ6BUmRLl3EDlQ33bH75ho2hyphenhyphenheb-axW5zoAkUpNYLSnIDNa63MlX4IDbXlFrHS-Uls-Rup5oC_z-TGGOpE/?imgmax=800" width="393" height="300" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Rebirth Brass Band playing a free show on Frenchmen Street at the Satchmo Festival.  Unbelievable!</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-17162844050821820402010-07-27T10:01:00.001-05:002010-07-27T10:01:01.990-05:00Chicken Update<p>It’s been about 3 1/2 months since we got our <a href="http://myfourchicks.blogspot.com/2010/04/day-1.html" target="_blank">original four chicks.</a>  Sadly we lost two, but happily we gained three more.  Here’s a quick pictorial update.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TE70og38HrI/AAAAAAAAATc/M0HRMuWGA3Q/s1600-h/Chickens%20004%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Chickens 004" border="0" alt="Chickens 004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjchFwm8qGkp__lWRe0dgZp2MwEcLduAmseMdabdULL7oiE2Va9RwpIYVMJ4rps7itTkRIuyQH0vUDYpKTLhACYKcd58gedF6k19ZKWjL8pw2olzoCiq_etVOZecfszKbG49CVLvElgU/?imgmax=800" width="427" height="326" /></a> </p> <p>Spanky (white) and Honey were two of our original chicks.  They’ve gotten so much bigger!  It took them awhile to get used to the new chickens, but now they are all friends.  Spanky is still my favorite.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjT_Kb98RytOlRwdix9RY0suooAFMANYf3r4byTUN9OfFNXXxDTY5QsZWF9_nfsb1Be6P2p-sXFdL8VKtLiwcUcz9kkbxFFzYK1c9yEWNqM-UPXXhE1OYJIoxWZfMrFo0wB-cS01tAh8/s1600-h/Chickens%20036%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Chickens 036" border="0" alt="Chickens 036" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjTIsQ7HcAI3aHLggFf4PCgr7J5vJvCIoTO4cVyUQBfjm7WujVijhtV7DgYDhG9igHrCEE9zZG0fT1YEKJb-kJp2Dv9n5wjQbmgXYvfCOfapCRdekhR9jMk9J40tRwLkIsuZ-i9enuOI/?imgmax=800" width="438" height="335" /></a> </p> <p>Of the three new ones, Cinnamon (reddish-brown) is the biggest and oldest.  She’s probably about 4-5 months old.  The other two, the Wyandotte (front right) and the Ameraucana hybrid (front left), are starting to fill out and look like real chickens.  They are around two months old.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TE70pnAR86I/AAAAAAAAATs/vcEUHR6cgkY/s1600-h/Chickens%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Chickens 001" border="0" alt="Chickens 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93vZWGeY4hqclShlEQqbdhGAU_o7ej6TPeFsiM36vcHyxQTGLyzfJRiyp4kOI9G7B-QxJk80xuO4p7p_kVPYXuWpkqguLxUsnblnl0uB2D55NrcGoSYlHOgLwfIA4mvGBzweNQgMt2uU/?imgmax=800" width="435" height="332" /></a></p> <p>We’ve recently allowed them to explore the backyard for short periods of time while we are home.  For some reason they LOVE a small portion of the yard by the fence in the back.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4nP0A5SN0LF2KGJoWyA-XNbCgyuhBRB8RC3MxEgPoRKtjJZcqoQRZ7Me_huEFthLAEXV5kfkc4e7lLYf21g5TFJeT5JGK8NhddgmbKNj39zNmqKUnzBtQ4HlQqyWLS-yB6YUng2rkDs/s1600-h/Chickens%20021%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Chickens 021" border="0" alt="Chickens 021" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilZxcllnyjdWCJmsfA5ydGtOEzlDnhQ5tJqZjuV3Ebv6BVWY0fmuU7M0aikbLpFooI4lFUGYLO30fzRIOLghqEvWnl3LdvcydIdwDVyJa-0kZReopxvCJIiPlmSDNVuCtbAEaT_lpPNk/?imgmax=800" width="440" height="336" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>They aren’t laying eggs yet, but they are starting to roost a little bit both in their coop and in the backyard.  Hopefully we’ll get some eggs in a couple of months.</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-48998446542341885982010-07-26T09:54:00.001-05:002010-07-26T09:54:41.943-05:00Indian Food<p>Last night Laurie and I had a craving for Indian food.  Rather than spend $40 for dinner for two though, we decided to create our own feast.  We found a great non-meat recipe at <a href="http://glutenfreebay.blogspot.com/2006/12/aloo-gobi-mattar-potato-cauliflower-and.html" target="_blank">Gluten-Free Bay</a>.  The main ingredients were potato, cauliflower, peas and spices.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TE2hp0YQfCI/AAAAAAAAAS4/kYGLON_AkTc/s1600-h/Indian%20Food%20004%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Indian Food 004" border="0" alt="Indian Food 004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2F91d_-QQk0V6iOo_eMUa15st8pFxzzvlZgQINGrloFYH46o1m8rbgTDjvArEWfg05KImLea_QXITQJ3Hdg8-iQFKnRIyDjd-uN-hwX6D0ykLIs8llNPVYBGCHXHRu4mLc6XJQGsV_4/?imgmax=800" width="416" height="318" /></a> </p> <p>Getting the spices exactly right is the key to making great Indian food.  Once you have all the ingredients, you just simmer all the ingredients together until they combine flavors and aromas.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_-nIBrdtd5GpwG15PyMh866J-W8RCJBThYsryvALdp3YFHHU4Ka8mfdPaYmFI8oSU4B37r0xUP5QYoB03Ss_fTSchtgFdqnO2gDJ3tZ_6MUDmRdadR2MyeEqg7JJd1CHtibw_8-n1ZE/s1600-h/Indian%20Food%20007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Indian Food 007" border="0" alt="Indian Food 007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRyho-D_UumvaksdlEJs0EMd2q7I4ZzGN9lD48tYFN2_LLOXDiqDokjKSkkZZX6zbcpI3zQ87dyQ_IH5fHKxzYsQJrxJgyPeeeQ3eLvEDvlzy-PmHwcFMA2r03twCrsNLuuLewhL96Nk/?imgmax=800" width="421" height="322" /></a> </p> <p>The hardest part about Indian food is making the perfect rice and naan.  We could have made our own, but there’s no way we could replicate the taste and texture that you find in restauants.  So I cheated and picked both up from our favorite Indian restaurant Sarovar :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TE2hrWmv5TI/AAAAAAAAATI/JN00rRAT3ao/s1600-h/Indian%20Food%20008%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Indian Food 008" border="0" alt="Indian Food 008" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TE2hrvq0m5I/AAAAAAAAATM/JEt4n_XeAIE/Indian%20Food%20008_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="329" /></a> </p> <p>Indian food is great because there are so many meat-free options.  We chose this one simply because we had almost all of the ingredients in our fridge.  This recipe is definitely a keeper.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtbjehGZirSSMsqbxR1vN9sDOw6HLDzRXcQE1h5fFcasCgKFDlUkN_jhYXtyVWkDFJ4nKhZ8n3dHnt0Z5c0WuoJxT75Fsh3kvK0-8lwZf06YivIzwJklghXppka9eejhXAbw6QndGngs/s1600-h/Indian%20Food%20011%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Indian Food 011" border="0" alt="Indian Food 011" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-igW3lWtDDmnINUpSslHs-R5eq4_iZwTUcF5ZkxMpkXcCWusUhfNFB-HPj14KJ0DRlvE11peoXpT2AAG0cYEBMVYd7SQO7GSfOiiGuIteWIunH-1N9HIH9rF7D4bRJM8dQZ0RdOxKyKk/?imgmax=800" width="430" height="329" /></a> </p> <p>For a total of $10, we had an awesome meal that was as good, if not better, than any Indian food we’ve ever had.  We also have plenty of leftovers for dinner tonight!</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-88206230509500348642010-07-08T10:06:00.001-05:002010-07-08T10:06:18.431-05:00Like Riding a Bike<p>Austin is one of the more bike-friendly towns in the country.  People bike to concerts, festivals, restaurants and bars.  They even have organized “social” rides around Austin on Thursday nights.  This is great…if you own a bike.  Fortunately I do.  Unfortunately Laurie didn’t.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTvyTD7rpd-6-tNw84ysv3-pGwfzIwqfUmPjczQi9VLJsZxbjnYeWrYPc8fapp3uNfwYFd_2w5VfqpP04yx8t0dgN7hF8U7HAk9PSGxpjvciG8uRK6tOQ8v_nHUWLCWrPXthk47sNupU/s1600-h/Bike%20013%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Bike 013" border="0" alt="Bike 013" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTW25qsS84sWbjxMoM_0i47AC8nrRaNkR5oMuZvWWiaTQoae0aWtkKre6JqaWGAqJbxPlIsuTF2FtiMZvN0a3bQ8pnA-NMDtoZ8rYVy3buFVzXk0TWw3O_0ns2xnKTR9uzRDB5C6AmUQ8/?imgmax=800" width="379" height="290" /></a> </p> <p>All summer long we scoured the internet for a great bike deal.  We looked at Jamis, Trek, Giant, and a couple of others.  None of them, however, seemed to be the right bike.</p> <p>Then, while walking back to our car from 4th of July fireworks, Laurie saw a lady riding a Kona.  “I want that bike!” she exclaimed.  Amazingly on July 5, she found the very same bike for sale on Craigslist.  It was meant to be.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAobGpWY-UDAKAknMclAcgO_njTv9g7aposiIa1W0RuBTnWyhQS0T944ANuJAAl1vTJDCu4mOI5yS9iTwpIO47USD0SdgFOMs8yHDqrSVuvrL7JqRj63osFZu09rR1tN6_dBaSG8L9eo/s1600-h/Bike%20008%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Bike 008" border="0" alt="Bike 008" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TDXpZvcXMQI/AAAAAAAAASs/0ZviTB_fVmM/Bike%20008_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="292" /></a> </p> <p>She got a lightly-used, 2009 Kona Dew.  It’s 45 cm, and it’s awesome!  The person who owned it before either took very good care of it or never really used it.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItUZsa-yO0rrAZxGC2CJzwID5Sb2A_zSKvc5kWuYJm6-DufFnrlQY0Po_eW53_6XAyWA25GDtFOgRtJariWA_m3Jlu54_L8UgtNq_aq72C4xTBEQ0vPM5C9qDXLrr7m5pLLV1XgxbfaI/s1600-h/Bike%20005%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Bike 005" border="0" alt="Bike 005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7l8LB1XjbmQnDjl5YlvmdUHgOs63oT-58lN-IyT7eYqmvQpMchnSNzddq1mNiGJRXsWLATdhce1X9cdz6j9Q3aMDT9fkgINbiJWRPiy6R1MzkAexM-tWETZVEaD_AeFLchbfrviZvRk/?imgmax=800" width="380" height="290" /></a> </p> <p>Last night we went for a 45-minute ride around the neighborhood.  The weather was perfect.  Tonight we’re supposed to ride down to the restaurant Shady Grove for their “Unplugged at the Grove” concert series.  It’s raining now, so fingers crossed.</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-36684882814909866892010-07-06T10:09:00.001-05:002010-07-06T10:09:37.402-05:00Eggs<p>When we got our new chickens a few weeks ago, we bought them from a chicken lady who has over 300 chickens of her own.  With so many chickens, she had a ton of eggs.  Luckily for us we got 3 dozen for free.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIq1x94OHhs-zXhxDALb5Zrn0d9RzuuVfGvru_YaE4egHhxLMAaPeKlxxoxfAHCJudIxufnA550j84cteqa76oge5_-MFjxtiLeAQIvYpSkSY7Xh70vXBjXVORSorO-5ifD2hqj4XMRXo/s1600-h/Eggs%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Eggs 001" border="0" alt="Eggs 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSZFPuVsbwFY2KZShU4i4jOR9Koc_w1k8S1D2AdcZcAR0rwe9gCq4Jq8buNvAkdwwzvDoyvu0-4OkbtLt0UrR-TJCuax_wWOzT3dTXcr7s0dVUW-EnaxDYZOFJu8wnC5hyzErTlOHEk4/?imgmax=800" width="382" height="292" /></a> </p> <p>I just wanted to post a few pictures to show everyone how many different variety of eggs there are.  As you can see there are white, brown, beige, and even blue eggs.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TDNHK8yp5aI/AAAAAAAAASQ/by5L4f_YIzg/s1600-h/Eggs%20003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Eggs 003" border="0" alt="Eggs 003" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TDNHLJOKdAI/AAAAAAAAASU/Vh6HGTcLLzY/Eggs%20003_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="297" /></a> </p> <p>The blue eggs are my favorite.  Our old Ameraucana, Peanut (RIP), would have laid blue eggs if she were still around.  Our new hybrid Ameraucana/Black French Copper Maran should give us an olive-colored egg.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrenxlWGglyTT8b9NTDpGVBdOkUpF3x-DmDKbweJCdK7ODrf7ekPn247nplsIQ66BcHezbOWL9UYxYg3ufoCaSG9XUzutwKbvWYZUqbukH4Gvo8ZKdQTELS5yG3wg2VMPD325faaurqHw/s1600-h/Eggs%20005%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Eggs 005" border="0" alt="Eggs 005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TDNHMC9OaqI/AAAAAAAAASc/azUWMLrGIJM/Eggs%20005_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="302" /></a> </p> <p>It’s amazing how many different shapes, colors, and sizes the eggs are.  It’ll also be interesting to see if there is any difference in taste or texture.  I’ll be sure to post pictures when our chickens start laying.</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-22654961526136305692010-07-05T09:50:00.001-05:002010-07-05T10:56:43.659-05:00Brewing Beer with Mini Mash<p>I’ve already posted on how to <a href="http://myfourchicks.blogspot.com/2010/05/brewing-easy-way-part-1.html" target="_blank">brew beer the easy way</a> using malt extract brewing.  Now it’s time to take it one step further and discuss brewing with mini mash.</p> <p>Rather than relying solely on malt extract for flavor and color, mini mash uses both extract AND grains in the production of the wort.  This process gives the beer a more natural and earthy taste and color.  Extract brewing and mini-mash brewing are very similar except for the addition of the grains.  Here are initial steps for mini mash using the Pale Face Pale Ale I brewed yesterday:</p> <p><em><strong>Sanitize Everything!</strong></em></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7ZC1keu3q9Ch4Pm505q1BsJ3Rg5v_V3kzqSOmdaNSOT1zFfEG-gtQlCSIuRATDuz9SdNVnGtum5A8uTQKYefK4Ukf7xyepUPJFIoKuwcC3df9fHZ96HSK_IMROCyUsfMVd8g86y8ExM/s1600-h/Mini%20Mash%20003%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Mini Mash 003" border="0" alt="Mini Mash 003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TDHxPqypaRI/AAAAAAAAARU/EybDVIS0ksM/Mini%20Mash%20003_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="291" /></a> </p> <p><u>Step 1</u>:  Add about 2 1/2 gallons of water to your stockpot and heat to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcQuFvgEm7HANbDSbecR319G5VluU3YUUDN0f4uubEHYTkSG0YWiPzc0LTwzE-G9ux30x9sthNwqwf9uU0vyQl-4bJvt3jZvTZMwsuD-G4DlruT42wa_7E2K-3iX6S9fZwL7P_tZBvLY/s1600-h/Mini%20Mash%20007%5B15%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Mini Mash 007" border="0" alt="Mini Mash 007" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TDHxQt3JwvI/AAAAAAAAARc/XYUS3mmUTTk/Mini%20Mash%20007_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="285" /></a> </p> <p><u>Step 2</u>:  Put your grains into the grain bag.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TDHxQzkLDVI/AAAAAAAAARg/jK2dFBtQW6g/s1600-h/Mini%20Mash%20009%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Mini Mash 009" border="0" alt="Mini Mash 009" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhZQYTztfSdalYYtOsLgFWy_xq5EDfP7nd4BpM5ZhDwUWKGcyuFbifZUjad07fj7tGrFHmtlqQ6EXTV5oXE56hKAqaYN7VjpQp8J9jmR2hLw1Gf9R2tZ_9tI-u_3y565e4lF2p6cdLL8/?imgmax=800" width="371" height="284" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p><u>Step 3</u>:  Place the grain bag in the hot water.  Be careful not to let any of the grains spill out of the bag.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TDHxRWFjiaI/AAAAAAAAARo/I71X8qTcUyY/s1600-h/Mini%20Mash%20013%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Mini Mash 013" border="0" alt="Mini Mash 013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TDHxRwvgTCI/AAAAAAAAARs/fOr0bcoVJ3A/Mini%20Mash%20013_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="292" /></a> </p> <p><u>Step 4</u>:  Monitor the temperature and maintain around 155 degrees Fahrenheit.  Let the grains soak for about 45 minutes.  You will notice the water turning a darker color.  This is good!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFelPzpAeFSU-lV8WfL2b5uwD40RBe10T2Vp1YAynksU296-3DEGL0Nitmgsy_BorSSdhKvABaL4keOS4gCkZABgnWrRQSERaixIS9iF0b7kzKdjoehFzruViXZcV7IQkVlQNvRFdwtcE/s1600-h/Mini%20Mash%20015%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Mini Mash 015" border="0" alt="Mini Mash 015" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TDHxSTYerdI/AAAAAAAAAR0/uPwSYtngLN8/Mini%20Mash%20015_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="279" height="365" /></a>   </p> <p><u>Step 5</u>:  After 45 minutes, pull the grain bag out of the pot.  Place a strainer over the pot and put the grain bag in the strainer.  Slowly pour a few cups of hot water over the grain bag.  Allow all water to drip into the pot.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwQOMpxt0Bs-c2WYOQgHMZUDvF5IKAD660rO2qf6FJHRwb68G6EVSRxIFn1Dq4h9_NjF0LnLPdacPLCNhEd918zBzqJg1wdvCuFnLiCMsNjE9arHGY7QgdBWkoua6dGl32HzW0Z9dLVQ/s1600-h/Mini%20Mash%20018%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Mini Mash 018" border="0" alt="Mini Mash 018" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TDHxS7GjK-I/AAAAAAAAAR8/mFP_oRuS-T4/Mini%20Mash%20018_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="363" height="278" /></a> </p> <p><u>Step 6</u>:  Remove the grain bag and strainer.  Turn stove top on medium high.  Add in malt extract.  Be sure to stir the pot immediately after you add the extract.  It contains a lot of sugar and can burn easily.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TDHxTYG7CVI/AAAAAAAAASA/7cWalBqlGlY/s1600-h/Mini%20Mash%20019%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Mini Mash 019" border="0" alt="Mini Mash 019" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOj4fjFTIcpM_evPm9S7MuYNvYKdnuasxkCxd9iHOhDuBTSK_6nE_G766aJhhCQSehHPqeV_yxP3CLGkbUHueap2LG1ODEiP6P0grL-tOIvh64bG-eFvgYElJTrI8Rk_MhqYSLJoHyUS4/?imgmax=800" width="361" height="276" /></a> </p> <p>You now have the beginnings of a mini-mash wort.  Simply follow the rest of the steps for extract brewing (adding hops, chilling the wort, adding the yeast), and put it in the primary fermenter for a week.</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-38651960331895911312010-06-28T09:42:00.001-05:002010-06-28T09:42:29.746-05:00Summer Garden<p>It’s almost July, and summer is in full swing.  That means BBQs, Saturdays at the lake, late-night dog walks, and summer gardens.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Alwi8vqHDdxhHWuc-ogLW_Bj6s1-Ac_gUlWv0HhdyfTFOt1chL-TpcXveovVYTUTgWRQPu6898bCMaEqvEqlZU56iFeBI7R_IPh4fLNg8fvpMtpDq4M-Jmwr31-LZ7BXWckS-Z7WogQ/s1600-h/Summer%20Garden%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Summer Garden 001" border="0" alt="Summer Garden 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCu2PcC9ZiF5C5CSpqnW15NavxuZZwdVP0q02m2gZ5ub9y1fj0mTiDscFE_pS0Svz31ic3gXmiBMGQaaWMlJtEP0hA4H9XXCjRb8NeBu2huYQelBqRkuSDWn4Q69Ab7hwctS4pWoHSoA/?imgmax=800" width="369" height="282" /></a> </p> <p>Unfortunately we got going on ours a few weeks late.  We planted everything in early June when we should have planted it in early May.  But when it comes to a garden, it’s better late than never!  Here’s what we have:</p> <p><u>Tomatoes</u></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYbvI5_Lmso-KEmJ_mTRBxNdsO_sz8uNMl2R_74BjQUPqW2F_X9VGJRRP4LdfzGc8_l66W3FfHahwf-ifmltYIAbuhJoAT6VOAD_BIDbBuXfIT7NumA10Fzd9-KI35FbmA5NFuNk6Lwk/s1600-h/Summer%20Garden%20002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Summer Garden 002" border="0" alt="Summer Garden 002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TCi00IQ_V8I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/oRbGkBdjPqs/Summer%20Garden%20002_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="371" /></a> </p> <p>By the time we got around to starting our garden, all the tomato starter plants in Austin were gone!  We clearly missed the ideal time to plant.  Fortunately we found a couple of <strong>Cherub tomato</strong> plants for sale at a local restaurant.  They’ve been struggling a bit, but they have gotten bigger in the last few weeks.  I’m not holding my breath, but hopefully they’ll take off soon.</p> <p><u>Squash</u></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8apFy3nt-6gs_xtMNwkXX-MCw5eLRnIKUd_bA8TWjcbLUlB6hk45EQ9sZ5IYr_sF2hFvDwg7OL44JmNBbIfKNr3hxLnEFjlT9z9hlLsV71dMkOnJSz21-CXwejtwuM_X5_oe3gswOqY/s1600-h/Summer%20Garden%20003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Summer Garden 003" border="0" alt="Summer Garden 003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyJjXWPB5BpJcjoOpINqUJAnXb_u3lTOEPL6ikPWJIOgIjft2fL2wDt5X725V6QeHBi2nDMNkv__gxDDxx2bUN9M0uik3lhsMvq4z_meRtL3K7UAv4aKtXJ1XrHMt7wRQKMXhMz3YGJ8/?imgmax=800" width="288" height="377" /></a> </p> <p>We planted both <strong>Crookneck squash</strong> and <strong>Zucchini squash</strong>.  So far they have grown a ton.  They plants are healthy looking and should provide us with as much squash as we can eat all summer long.</p> <p><u>Beans</u></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TCi00_JOarI/AAAAAAAAARI/KC4H3vqbG6s/s1600-h/Summer%20Garden%20004%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Summer Garden 004" border="0" alt="Summer Garden 004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTR40lwpM2_e0vk6YejKgGDN5Qbx0vtcA801w13Y9k_txnS3KEks6D7VUy-R3BPK18kPSRSrX1SQGycrlXGFppfw16G_Cxl-rSSsQ381PVPK90jT2EvAuKcEzCooHNp3AEgYN8LzVZk4/?imgmax=800" width="292" height="382" /></a> </p> <p>Last summer we had tremendous success with our beans, so this summer we decided to use the leftover <strong>Mixed bean</strong> seeds from last year.  They should give us both purple and green beans.  They began “climbing” the bean pole about 2 weeks ago.  These guys should be quite fruitful in a few weeks.</p> <p>Gardening is a useful and rewarding hobby.  Just make sure you do your research and start your garden on time!</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-53623029704603436252010-06-21T10:39:00.001-05:002010-06-21T10:39:14.202-05:00Our New Chicks<p>Sadly we lost two of our original chicks last week – the Ameraucana and the New Hampshire Red are gone.  We were letting them free range during the day, and they either escaped and/or got eaten by something while we were not home.  We had definitely grown attached to them, so it was quite a loss.  RIP Red Baron and Peanut :(</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz30bsm5hRheVhkISWCmyZPSK_aYdRQ7uL0BHLYmC1wsRUnDXEyfZBOD23xgIxORZmgyliZV8MAStn15ugqTc9GhLaXiOMPbvuQi2iXtjl5xrH9phPFCWfKKSMgfvXy2fRyIQRWSChR2M/s1600-h/New%20chicks%20007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="New chicks 007" border="0" alt="New chicks 007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbO7y2Jdz3dsBC_erY0g65A3jlC47bquGyFjmHz56lcCOzhsWEQGcK4CXXTE_kIy87kIsLkjsTYl1-kZvOOIynmqrRx4zNgHTU5x-7rLr-2XmKWK4BDLdK-TgndMzmAszJBKx5kWXUBY/?imgmax=800" width="352" height="269" /></a> </p> <p>The chicken coop was quite a sad sight with only 2 birds left in it.  Spanky and Honey were clearly missing their buddies, so we decided that we needed to get more chickens.  We found a “mobile chicken lady” on Craigslist, and she delivered them last night.  Here’s what we got:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wX7lBn2Vh5CaOpuaRvDNnB6_-ZfOHQg_zdo2t9-YLRVtU-A8tmcL2idkWBrOWIwSCIb9kJvl5TtVJVc04YGQonjI3-i4lxH3fPyY7jZFPGfTKk0_UrC_dBJ7yBxrHHStr3kdS4DNxts/s1600-h/New%20chicks%20008%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="New chicks 008" border="0" alt="New chicks 008" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TB-G2xSvtQI/AAAAAAAAAQU/va8gUvggGMw/New%20chicks%20008_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="270" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p><u>Cinnamon Queen</u>:  Cinnamon Queens are noted for their tremendous egg production.  They lay large light brown eggs that are similar to the expensive ones you find in Whole Foods.  She’s about 4 months old and should start laying in a couple of weeks.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ6u2KVlUH1h8rz9REjADwS0MCBf5J4S7bZpR9aM7UOlMfGJC2PxnfX54lUREhM0_X-xHcZmb7Me_6Z1HAqFD9gUx4KtF5qKUfq_BzX5qPtrKslhvjCN9gX94OuATxZ2DPYCxBSXciNg/s1600-h/New%20chicks%20005%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="New chicks 005" border="0" alt="New chicks 005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTW5a3_ikWjjN_JxoVysKkTV_GeVTdACfyW_Ou2kVItx6kKSUVM5Y1OyZjlRVSQ4X0f37icpXbG9krntzdhiC34EFN5YHm8TWD18pDiffVdI9kjqJ1upG3MNvwOiTiSEnneN5dJyCiIw/?imgmax=800" width="362" height="277" /></a> </p> <p><u>Golden Laced Wyandotte</u>:  These birds are quite sweet and easy-going.  They are dependable egg-layers of large brown eggs.  She was pretty shy at first and spent most of the morning hiding in the roosting box.  She’s about 8 weeks old.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipViMZQeTHkAchZTONBBEsaYd9_S9o_qJu30JkthSt1YwSFBjk2RtvP0I80vi2n0s7Sk9VwjB_tqu9tgaLAj4pwhQF09iSmIb5Zzg5mZbjrqKCy_XUBhylbL7ykhrU7jqxmshcMg1qyNs/s1600-h/New%20chicks%20013%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="New chicks 013" border="0" alt="New chicks 013" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoL64FoKcDNMmEg0eXaJNeiWSowSpHCRd4D1HyoNTIRc1XMdJj9t1ICkpak6vFiIdj_YRro-C2MSy-MxIi-1OEQSel51Z5A8OWujBP9APDiJQ6oTatHBwJVhWTGtvhE-worXi5P1HR5Nw/?imgmax=800" width="371" height="284" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p><u>Ameraucana</u> mixed with <u>Black French Copper Maran</u>:  This little girl is a hybrid chicken.  I loved our other Ameraucana (Peanut) because she would lay blue eggs.  This chick will end up giving us olive-colored eggs, although they will tend to be on the smaller side.  She’s about 6 weeks old.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5L_OvX9OsbRsjErhX9bKrWgk-qJEpa9DHA6MDnbI7l9GscuhmunAueQT2F6BnE4frBM8OyIx1yOzD-ZHYrHuvK1OjAnnqrPcBf82ZYRKaKsFaId9-5v3JxikWwENHA231R9j8cEwN65Q/s1600-h/New%20chicks%20017%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="New chicks 017" border="0" alt="New chicks 017" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TB-HofWTL4I/AAAAAAAAAQs/6JAvNeybjGc/New%20chicks%20017_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="393" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>We introduced them last night after dark, so it was hard to see what was going on.  This morning, however, the Cinnamon Queen was trying to establish herself as the “top bird” by chasing the other chickens and pecking at them.  They’ll supposedly settle in to the pecking order soon, but for now we’re going to have to keep a close eye on them to make sure no one gets bullied too much.</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-19360463760325917592010-06-18T10:14:00.001-05:002010-06-18T10:14:54.663-05:00How to Select the “Best” Seafood<p>Yesterday was the 3-month anniversary of my killing and eating my own chicken.  Since that time I’ve eaten fish once, but I’ve had no other meat.</p> <p>My objection towards eating land animals is based primarily on how they are raised and slaughtered.  My objections to fish, however, are based less on the humane aspect and more on the environmental impact.  Since overfishing has huge ramifications for the environment, it is important to know where your fish comes from and how it affects the world.  For a quick look at the best types of fish to eat based on environmental impact, check out the Environmental Defense Fund’s <a href="http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=1521" target="_blank">Seafood Selector</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TBuNUGqR4XI/AAAAAAAAAPY/VmPFDZiIlu0/s1600-h/3%20Months%20002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3 Months 002" border="0" alt="3 Months 002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TBuNUYaSMFI/AAAAAAAAAPc/q4i-OtJijUk/3%20Months%20002_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="268" /></a> </p> <p>I, like many of you, have cravings for meat.  Chicken, beef, and pork are not options, but using the Seafood Selector, I found that Pacific Halibut is a good environmental choice and a tasty way to satisfy my craving.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBAUm0U31QAWlb4IHqxIQRjQrY1j1H1LI_aH-8CI_exuLnpJgMGJIPWdgfxhfknDkC1rEfM9xZhfE_IX5T-wUX9_BwORJhMFtI7ub4YEIn9ac3UnAtozVDrbXSA47vh9dWD9eBXSKcQ0/s1600-h/3%20Months%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3 Months 001" border="0" alt="3 Months 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3aLiyZ4Ls35s8m7DS4qSPSuXJL9VACputiYnBaPYVHbhhi34zBQhZKbPLctdzarFWFBJACREA2KlqFSHZ6Jqq0ObMdYzlz2KYe8HBP4xqbHPJzvDS6kkW0OSYLeMsPIIu6dkign9f3s/?imgmax=800" width="362" height="277" /></a> </p> <p>Last night I cooked dinner for me and Laurie.  I got 2 portabella mushrooms, some asparagus, and the aforementioned Pacific Halibut.  I marinated the mushrooms in balsamic vinaigrette, seasoned the asparagus with lemon, salt and pepper, and seasoned the fish with cilantro, lemon, salt and pepper.  Then I put them all on the grill.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-l1GtvAZ4KDeZmojFijCEsjwAp6VlWDPrc9TXxH2dIWgmiwBjnTzpUjX18MABB57dDIla1z3dZxoSbY8CC_zV3zlVIBTgGfzdpZSrX9AB3V7XNQlsl-mBN1mtc4nJUbtd9ds8CAYyug/s1600-h/3%20Months%20005%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3 Months 005" border="0" alt="3 Months 005" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TBuNZAq4fvI/AAAAAAAAAPs/0rRoe_ifruw/3%20Months%20005_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="362" height="277" /></a> </p> <p>Meanwhile Laurie cooked up some Israeli couscous, which are basically little balls of wheat flour.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5qZlASX0FBwk5FKMzTWEvZkQ3GzNsgYD7YjJx4lSvDgmV-HWr2DHe_ZI_cx7pJlT4MzI8DMn02i4SPT8O-qv7TfNGfvirJwWjEcbqOnnv3-U4VsDqZoy9459RwaIljDnlxLgzw0DVFc/s1600-h/3%20Months%20006%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3 Months 006" border="0" alt="3 Months 006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TBuNZtdHNyI/AAAAAAAAAP0/vdi3EphsRYI/3%20Months%20006_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="272" /></a> </p> <p>She also sautéed some yellow and green bell pepper with onion to add to the couscous.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJwHj0kfhCaqdxYQFqTomCRpp-F5jRu6Yqli2m30RBFJPdQ4lFOzz3WEDoCtbMl6UHO4syHn5Zd7RL3xIIZ6BfxPoXDNybGQzCqa4pGdydJo2ILvelhJwH-ye5R1LqWw6CK56weFfo-M/s1600-h/3%20Months%20007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3 Months 007" border="0" alt="3 Months 007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vvN9PpwnvCH30zR_By3L3rIx_RdlA-lL1sEPOhgaLe_felILe6E0XQz0R4IMwbU5ZTjHjiFS7wuqH8VjLWWbsp4wGssV9sj0njEUxp1B_l1sfaLv_zoPhZAgkqYpIuSorf0F9nRWE-U/?imgmax=800" width="294" height="385" /></a> </p> <p>And of course if you have fish you also MUST have margaritas!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IQfYayqqKmyA4MupVqKX1uyk0EAjoGZalJfTbQcUn0u520eSmWJSxS0MWjlaJhuPjgZVyjCaKqrKYt996CG9mRpBezG1sBY-SrJIKaVzjJ6O2TwdSc59BtIAXqlO2E-9cSWaKCnJmds/s1600-h/3%20Months%20008%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3 Months 008" border="0" alt="3 Months 008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvWrTtIGfnp_I3C6-0b3BfFfWgjpuVITWMqH0AjzIe0UlPsN9FSQ0TWyAjpzVK4U-rPrTLr3bI-lXAORdW46AHHyx1Ov6FSE3dG9e3EiXWgf6fWTrew0SJywycs9gqJvAA7U8lvuV1rg/?imgmax=800" width="383" height="293" /></a> </p> <p>The final result was quite tasty, healthful, and environmentally friendly.  Next time you eat fish, try using the Seafood Selector to make sure you are getting the best overall product.</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-20887096030094575432010-06-09T09:05:00.001-05:002010-06-09T09:05:59.687-05:00Dirt Remedy<p>This June Pure Austin is hosting a 4-race mountain bike series on Tuesday nights called the <a href="http://web.me.com/urbanchapman/site/home.html" target="_blank">Dirt Remedy</a> at City Park.  I missed the first one, but Max and I made it out for last night’s second race.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUL1QL7EVwP5SHnlAQ510f0qK_TrZ2_Uj1WpCXLUHEq2UTBg0m06GOw-VQ1yL1RJvwmHG4hQAO3dsZRemmV3jSVK2py1RW9RJgU3v9JFaSxNF-tCzkXhFe_JuayVK1wh1SnlFHdYBeFDI/s1600-h/Start%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Start" border="0" alt="Start" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TA-ftGvEBOI/AAAAAAAAAO0/w_Zv6BBnANc/Start_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="276" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>We both raced in the “B” division which is equivalent to intermediate.  There were 24 of us at the start line.  The course is a short, sweet 4-minute loop that you do continuously for 40 minutes.  The winner is the one who finishes the most loops.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UJISpnTPqnInn1zJ0yoO_1Mt2sXiE3kgV-ltNwxQ3QAKcG6POOExHZGtJTiZdt-78yxCx2BxfTxHC1ZDs_ALeiZMwCKbIZm3lXYfE_hiCSUA19L_uZ_UYvR2HUGjDjn31SFbd2wL-Jk/s1600-h/Max%20winning%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Max winning" border="0" alt="Max winning" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DqvowcS5zsIXv_HJvhQUeUTw5yACVfTA1JSBx5oxwC1Vf0C8ttlSOridGpXOotgdPOGjhfeoERqqwt-8kMXvXUJebs2MtiUUXvm8iK8QUxwlKauKa5G8A5GRdy8OcHeHD8E-tRZjk9o/?imgmax=800" width="276" height="403" /></a> </p> <p>Max finished 2nd last week and was going for the win this week.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCTS7uCL9fytPbe81VNDsoT9tPmHfBaVvSPjCACSnw10PJ-Ho9bAJKL7hTRg6klFmZmA7588T37zcC8r87MEqfhrijy4bJyMDyyEgDWqPMbXMCjtJ2pECtFezAfwOkTHQSaWAIa_pXRs/s1600-h/Adam%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Adam" border="0" alt="Adam" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLI2FObjZYoB6gq9wMLKqM2-O6JIvTXMKGuljkzuWSX9d7zD9XgWpIys6hmZ4KEsQZf0OniNAjfe002opIYpJTrD1j2aUWG3KVpRGGPC1w-Rw5tUOL7uCEEf9kXrfcda3O7vX6_Wgsc0/?imgmax=800" width="287" height="419" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Unfortunately I got a flat tire on the second lap and had to take an 8-minute break to get it fixed.  I was pretty much out of the race at that point.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9F2y0oZmppEbZw6ZT9PD9UB7ozN6GOfCHIl_5S_Si35mTJma_U9BOi_os6RJM1xJaTnnSmv38FMm3mb_-dl2KPNfDwnPIX_JLak8FHLiLtBYASK-A0-I6vrBalbep2HrcTeuTLywEwvM/s1600-h/Max%20finish%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Max finish" border="0" alt="Max finish" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuJc5YCQKXP3rjaFA6evHMydv1ob5RRE496UxS0p5g-mgEivy27PwqE-79aj1ybrQY2w3FPE3uOdCZELANevxfhzA9UD9UgNUS2GIPAlkuJyofJ35GlyL5El75BpDJQY6b8Ru3iJABJ0/?imgmax=800" width="397" height="272" /></a> </p> <p>Max showing off at the finish line with after his first win.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TA-fwpHPX4I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/XvvHRv_nM7A/s1600-h/Dirt%20Remedy%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Dirt Remedy 001" border="0" alt="Dirt Remedy 001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TA-fxcID2-I/AAAAAAAAAPU/iRajBaeGa5M/Dirt%20Remedy%20001_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="295" /></a></p> <p>40 minutes of all-out pedaling is tough, but the race is definitely an awesome way to spend a Tuesday evening.  We’ll be back next week for the third race in the series.</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-18365604442669529012010-06-08T11:11:00.001-05:002010-06-08T11:11:05.852-05:00Potluck & Keg-tapping Party!<p>I’ve recently demonstrated how to brew your own beer the <a href="http://myfourchicks.blogspot.com/2010/05/brewing-easy-way-part-1.html" target="_blank">easy way</a> and how to <a href="http://myfourchicks.blogspot.com/2010/05/kegging-your-homebrew.html" target="_blank">keg it</a>.  Well now that that process is complete, there is only one step left:  drink it!</p> <p>Last weekend we decided to have a potluck party to drink my Texas Blonde Ale.  About 15 of our friends came over, and we finished off the entire keg…all 48 or so beers!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TA5rh8yqdeI/AAAAAAAAANw/BNyMD_ndcxo/s1600-h/DT%20009%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DT 009" border="0" alt="DT 009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TA5riJgN8KI/AAAAAAAAAN0/vSfz1dZMyzk/DT%20009_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="362" height="277" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>The beer turned out pretty well.  Here’s Jarod finishing one of the last few cups.</p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPR7YbZIW5PRImpUWk7Iy-WlNOt-Or9C4Tup4NvyboSRnwqQb4To6B81ubJ5-Ezs4wunl7dCTpSlzU_dXnesgDCdGUsfD-17GS_9dpqfhXZ17wSKCan5aHsTlk7PcZ8hofNt03qpJar8/s1600-h/DT%20003%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DT 003" border="0" alt="DT 003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TA5rjR0D4MI/AAAAAAAAAN8/2Lp_yCNTiqY/DT%20003_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="358" height="274" /></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgIO7_ndiKgfmR8teqLuW2Cp75WFL5iAr2VyEYMpd3j_rYjOo6ZISxgrx0_jzLmogJZkxS9DcazMX9_Jlf-JFqzWUMP-3yPrMOmAFT01ogU0vMjMrwc7gYtKRu8CuOTccbnLK20-xJ6s/s1600-h/DT%20005%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DT 005" border="0" alt="DT 005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqibkqxM312SZtVZ9N1oFT6_h28bVpQz5d-PZkiT0cfLGcthvrflIwnJdbqXVuc3U3ChK5Y0EL8ew5Xec3LRPKbR6BwotQ3h3EsiaN8ZqugVIiBp57OZ0RLKpmeinub8zXLQCv5EPOago/?imgmax=800" width="365" height="279" /></a> </p> <p>We also had PLENTY of food.  Quinoa salad, spinach salad, grilled chicken legs, potato salad, homemade salsa, 7-layer dip, mac ‘n cheese, guacamole, and tons of other stuff I’m forgetting.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TA5rkN1bYsI/AAAAAAAAAOI/9ZOuOL4sTPk/s1600-h/DT%20019%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DT 019" border="0" alt="DT 019" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX2rHgJErLolwqeK8g20POdk0m1ZLmpJtr0aeebvSxGywZ7lUSa0eJ3x5uJkujRCSzWiW_U0JeHYC_kJmDGIwRuXgD1UtQTyTWofnCpubAtTxuWrLdAzkZrEZ1kMp9YdBf2Y1cW5N5aI/?imgmax=800" width="370" height="286" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>We even had s’mores for desert on the open gas range.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4zN6ZiVHrgA0Y-LgFpnYDqQKdFLBHf5bHBhUtaIqvoLtOjAqmoRZF2imPU62BP2iOlayWXHRaDzOXx-xJ80TU_AuZfy9Z6tUlW7AVUaPmmmErkghYLcON-BP0pnra4HrjtyvAGf2NC4/s1600-h/DT%20021%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DT 021" border="0" alt="DT 021" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXctOWK4jvvF1VzViS59_NdGr8b9OLYCEt95bki_4v_U8HF4Ryact0fAGx9LqPsPyuQD_xVveMhIqE9v_7Jf_A-5hxmSbP4rbzTLH7b-T6cQWsF15AkH4uveyLRFU_J4O5yP4S4UISJE/?imgmax=800" width="374" height="286" /></a> </p> <p>Mmmmmm, s’mores.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wTsNnvBbXy_s6ZtGz2gli51UvhfvPpJFaWqIGxCuRDpdZ55lOiwbOnopF4GegPtPR2t3B-BAsvTv4NwmW44SBPCStdQeFrk-5qeqFYNUdzOrby_7qD6a1zw7JUzbZBQyYepJ56f7vwQ/s1600-h/DT%20018%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DT 018" border="0" alt="DT 018" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TA5rl9eTpPI/AAAAAAAAAOg/3-GEBrIsfXQ/DT%20018_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="279" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TA5rl59yv4I/AAAAAAAAAOk/ZnyUDufeK0I/s1600-h/DT%20012%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="DT 012" border="0" alt="DT 012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TA5rmY8n5yI/AAAAAAAAAOo/7E8F2vmCb3Y/DT%20012_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="284" /></a> </p> <p>Lots of food, lots of drink, lots of conversation = fun Sunday afternoon!</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-52168061960406349052010-06-02T09:41:00.001-05:002010-06-02T09:41:40.551-05:00Chicken Update<p>The chickens are now about 8 weeks old.  And they are getting big!  They are now each about the size of a football.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TAZtn_0GNaI/AAAAAAAAANY/6H0KgN8XuZ0/s1600-h/Beer%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Beer 001" border="0" alt="Beer 001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TAZtoKBo7gI/AAAAAAAAANc/IQcaKeeUxwE/Beer%20001_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="294" /></a> </p> <p>The stay locked up in their coop at night, but in the morning we let them out to free range all day.  Here they are at 7:00 a.m. begging to be let out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TAZtof-EVEI/AAAAAAAAANg/QHsRuJ8Clps/s1600-h/Beer%20002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Beer 002" border="0" alt="Beer 002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/TAZtojg2ZgI/AAAAAAAAANk/-kjZ_CLdeyM/Beer%20002_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="306" /></a> </p> <p>For the most part they are really comfortable around us.  Spanky (the white one) will let us pick her up without much fuss.  The darkest one, Honey, is the only one that runs away when we get too close.  The other 2, Peanut (the light brown one) and The Red Baron (the reddish one), let us get close but don’t really like to be picked up.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_W0Wa3I6t677OJPvoR03JyfzOFjereV8YrByELoiPj52EZfvT-vGN9LnMkL5iIhOZXGZhQZBkYHZf2LsT_U3kkf5whGgExR1GAyhBSTGSUxksCmy6vXJ7kmMi-x7PIPJIDO1FozIs0s/s1600-h/Beer%20004%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Beer 004" border="0" alt="Beer 004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0qfHxkzYbIuiiTFf1jONFpApOCq62Q1i70sulN8IqisxM_Bgt1HdGMAnME0-D-HcuNi_oQAcoRyU7mr0ar_Ln_E9jC-_Xc5yehzUA7sk91HfI7QY7_mmSRLY6zAO5Wgq4rIqfPjv5H8/?imgmax=800" width="410" height="313" /></a></p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-42530924541622356402010-05-24T15:34:00.001-05:002010-05-24T15:34:40.601-05:00Kegging Your Homebrew<p>Once your beer has fermented for 2-3 weeks, you have a decision to make.  Bottle it or keg it?  I’ve done both, and I prefer kegging.  It’s a much easier and less time-consuming process.  I only bottle if I intend to give out most of them to friends or family.  Plus beer just tastes so much better from a keg!</p> <p>The following steps will show you how to keg your beer and carbonate it using the slow-forced carbonation method.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpJhPwmIT3PKQwd7wlniDzDaTemJFAYkhm0VYPlpfwVFH9U1OXu7DLTAAc75y9-inN9wpItVL2wn4iSiuj8f5fRWa1-PA8ypwGRG60jaqI7J_sXiaBye-dBcq3AMIhAulKCRGPEr9uRE/s1600-h/Beer%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Beer 001" border="0" alt="Beer 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhY7s1lBUuVPwu_5VassClBQn53oqmfJRRoyLk8e4fSPa1-PAL42Gncqv2XRbK3DpnyA-BUQy5tAGfRpnGuzaA8Kvdzys2um8pakVAmvXVudwv52zreqe-OgGjI7e_Td1bxrGHMY_Ds0I/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="398" /></a> </p> <p>What you need:  a 5-gallon Cornelius (“Corny”) keg, brew cleaner, sanitizer, siphon, keg lube</p> <p><em><u>Sanitize Everything!</u></em></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrivmrCE1j4S1Lil_Bh5VNTWSgSrFREbV7w39ZSImSHYCDAE3XVs00EXKTfn9XGa_O67cfMnrq8JiAedYF5lMri6UFaVWbgXnyf5LvORDxc3HlY8aWIedh4kGFVlutyQwQBCwlM51Gszc/s1600-h/Beer%20002%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Beer 002" border="0" alt="Beer 002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hd96DRq7svOUaVfm_gDvtSp-hAZt9cKUKJUwsDmUeJ3KNZCO6-x2MtkQShb2TVcctjhsfXYk5MnD55ZotjiOoOOzZl1DGBwO_gGIhmgFJOaeWRrQEmi9mitEBcmAbGsewfzvTrLwHmQ/?imgmax=800" width="374" height="286" /></a> </p> <p>Step 1:  Fill up your keg with water.  Add brew cleaner to help dissolve any residue or buildup.</p> <p>Step 2:  Dump out water and make sure there is nothing left on the inside.</p> <p>Step 3:  Fill up your keg with water again.  Add sanitizer and put the lid on.  Let it sit for the recommended amount of time.</p> <p>Step 4:  Flip it upside down and let it sit again for the recommended amount of time. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S_ri1CgyGgI/AAAAAAAAAMo/CPNTrZM9LwY/s1600-h/Beer%20005%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Beer 005" border="0" alt="Beer 005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoRdLl6w73GMJZklexhWeqedBkSvC5kcF6_aSmIGBvopqtLqdbaTB7iJ7lvRJsq2IfkDJYHd6gtDw5ykeeOEetVApRaDBSJzIAkdVIo6J8ec9-vXYuzpTTqIayuvMpbxVLem5VrkXz7w/?imgmax=800" width="313" height="409" /></a> </p> <p>Step 5:  With your sanitizer and water still in the keg, hook up your gas and beer lines.  Turn your CO2 tank on to 25 PSI until the lid seals.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S_ri12oj3uI/AAAAAAAAAMw/ZX9QX_yrmM8/s1600-h/Beer%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Beer" border="0" alt="Beer" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2Hg0VwyMqgXIMKbUL0MiJDKiNOom5iD1C53Ni33POAer-lN9j9IXsD2Z-tBJrfJjdLm_o3_ipgpyAabRl5FnT7WmdPWGrKCgW9UM__5T625bIKkknhucQ6tiRotE-VAY6AeDc9ZLvXs/?imgmax=800" width="313" height="409" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Step 6:  Open up the tap and pour yourself a big cup of sanitized water.  This allows the sanitizer to run through the beer line and clean it.</p> <p>Step 7:  Turn the CO2 tank off, bleed your keg, unhook the lines, dump out the water.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S_ri2d5hnCI/AAAAAAAAAM4/jBm8n6ab03A/s1600-h/Beer%20006%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Beer 006" border="0" alt="Beer 006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M7mIT3EqdVFarJBdEBAwUCcunQuhi8WWNhjBzuYUykyNakWgOMAHTq-MB2C3IOWS7Kn48PQV9dhVDyTCTY_uqW0SEtvZoaVgO6Rthdyz1DwLbbkq65axH1HGPfT0VDjxmybYDY4HFUk/?imgmax=800" width="390" height="307" /></a> </p> <p>You now have a squeaky-clean keg that is ready for beer!</p> <p>Step 8:  Place your secondary fermentor on a table.  Be careful not to disturb the sediment on the bottom.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWB2JVLko0PUFBAAxMK6W3cM7HG0tra7Z15dE3DoVeI2uBkSHgHEpLxbU9TefizPKICXqIWykF1REEFEEFUf3AKNnYHPFTilRoco2scONxtcMKOiFqTCwZ0YeBHjtYj24s-X6gXXDL8Q/s1600-h/Beer%20007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Beer 007" border="0" alt="Beer 007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWV890cy64F892bzRaiNYcdmcEbvFU1sKeBff6gwXhd0_KHi5A8GVPWeyH_GU0BznvOjqIkDtO5wWGMUwgborbICuIxE63S49jojmd3soAlPJub7WzHyUhpmC1T4AIHw4T7qspcMMAI4s/?imgmax=800" width="297" height="389" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Step 9:  Siphon the beer into the keg.  Make sure your line is at the bottom of the keg so the beer doesn’t splash around inside.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fV-iyIDKRxysESNQ0MnwqdOLgbFWNNgtcDWbYYReVjvDhbgz2Rl9quBFNG8i_Q-cPFr0oDKmQqq1GzgmaBIFwOY5LCntVzp74DSbF0x4AtuuAf4OVZcnnhiP0S-AvOSDFlbiaFGxz3w/s1600-h/Beer%20008%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Beer 008" border="0" alt="Beer 008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWin4igCIka5ssrHQG9J_wHn4sHVZ-Dq6XGt57Pqud0MzbbtnFhTQcLhzWdYobGduN-rZcwvlIicGflxDt3ePoLEn53l66v2OS5lKKr5HlFFmRtLiehdtRJWh6gW_G-fkeg_glFiM0aI/?imgmax=800" width="370" height="283" /></a> </p> <p>Step 10:  Place the top back on the keg.  You might need some keg lube to help seal it properly.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu04Jd8S8_f4hEE-fi-JpvvNkfsCDmH_bu59C7oqGpvVFJR1fzqw1J2_JPCxFRgWWIPHIqM3VosOCZV2V3H8SBf26q1J6bk8PyCzttXaeNl8s8Q0eEtgP6cMy2yFPPvNRnndt79EPg8Z0/s1600-h/Beer%20009%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Beer 009" border="0" alt="Beer 009" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5Vdet62e2Ig-EcaiZwZw9vJXL9JPTgA6Na4A4jrZ4sYGjnhouHuk8Id9p9RlkpOLGwT0QjAIGPtPL65gwHrr62tVWYCFY-Gbab3ys5ZGDr1W42jHNmZl5g4YcnEpvtCPBxd9LCcMzps/?imgmax=800" width="376" height="287" /></a> </p> <p>Step 11:  Hook up your CO2 gas line to the keg.  Using a <a href="http://www.kegerators.com/carbonation-table.php" target="_blank">slow force carbonation chart</a>, select the appropriate PSI for your type of homebrew based on the temperature of the kegerator and your desired carbonation level.  Blonde Ales should be on the middle-high range of carbonation, so according to the chart, I need my CO2 level to be at 16 PSI for my 42 degree kegerator.</p> <p>Step 12:  Open up your CO2 and set it to the desired PSI.  You will hear the CO2 go into the keg and seal the lid.</p> <p>Step 13:  Turn off the gas and bleed the CO2 from the tank.  Repeat steps 12 and 13 a few times.  After the last purge, turn the CO2 back on to your desired PSI and leave the CO2 in the keg.  This bleeding process will force all the air out of your keg and keep the beer fresh.</p> <p>Over the next 5 days, the CO2 that is now in the keg will begin to absorb into the beer.  Check frequently to make sure that your PSI level remains at the desired level.  After 5 days your beer will be nice and bubbly and ready to drink.  Simply hook up the beer line, set the PSI to around 8, and pour your brew!</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-62817255921139091992010-05-19T09:43:00.001-05:002010-05-20T09:22:39.324-05:00Part 2 - Secondary Fermentation<p>In Part 1, I explained how to brew beer with the simplest method – malt extract brewing.  Once that process is complete and your beer has sat in the primary fermentor for 5-7 days, it is time for the secondary fermentation process.</p> <p>Secondary fermentation is not required for homebrewing.  However, it is recommended because it helps reactivate the yeast which allows further fermentation.  It also allows the beer to clarify a little longer before bottling or kegging, thus resulting in a better looking final product.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhpvrYxFg5TBNjt4sZwLa-SvugmDiDKtG_9RN-_qLpNeX4DUKaiRufuPUANNQA8TB2UlW0geIrGxIEASAKQ-K80_L_6vWErz2d-U9C8Apv6sH-jL7n1BjJU9qBqKzT7UkCYBwXEEpRtU/s1600-h/Beer0013.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Beer 001" border="0" alt="Beer 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzT1er-Q6KGIG7yAXl8uxi_bT8vkyuPpSXiqHahuXkcmgdsmcPl6EN5XNKIe8Jly6gQ30jIekfWKnwSHVn8umAIAXUTePPGJq_2mCStNOXI5aPfN7T0liP2t6KGRO8xzj8OKPstOlb0E/?imgmax=800" width="399" height="305" /></a> </p> <p>You will need a 5-gallon glass carboy, a hydrometer, a siphon, and a rubber stopper and airlock to cap the carboy.</p> <p><em><u>Sanitize Everything!</u></em></p> <p>Step 1:  Move the primary fermentor to a countertop or table.  Allow it to settle for 5 minutes.  Remove the lid.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S_VFqJEkRAI/AAAAAAAAAL4/4ahPuYF1Hsw/s1600-h/Beer0033.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Beer 003" border="0" alt="Beer 003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQI6aTqL4xzYqRTgTFxrlvGKL0ye5MnbIHh0vrww-IbXCitQqJ0CYM0TKtbh0cM3BNmXg8qKX-BQehSDhSft3roZNCQzhUXSdn82ZVqjWd-Ho3OMhfF0PBowdlhLnI97eCxPAh0asUsI0/?imgmax=800" width="392" height="300" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Step 2:  Place the hydrometer in the beer and record the final gravity of the beer.  The final gravity of the Blonde Ale is 1.011.  </p> <p>Step 3:  Calculate the alcohol content of your beer by subtracting the final gravity from the original gravity and multiplying by 131.  For my Texas Blonde Ale it would be (1.042-1.011) x 131.  The ABV (alcohol by volume) for my beer is 4.06%</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S_VFquyCH6I/AAAAAAAAAMA/yZaFmTNh1lk/s1600-h/Beer0043.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Beer 004" border="0" alt="Beer 004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdm_ks7alIFCIC8cIM1ifRdxBTIwBKHVuUmSm6ira5O5HCFSKY2hR6wlSzjNC8sGfkR5uqLlzP4S5Pvu7EA4ZBo_SJNCjNy3i-OZzY94dNlG4SSLYFeZhQOG5WEMCdWG10Co5vDkcDL4I/?imgmax=800" width="401" height="306" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Step 4:  Place the siphon into the primary fermentor and begin to siphon the beer into the glass carboy.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI56hetBfFeJTsnZBy42Tvr2DspkGBMHgHkNcbiE5sxVdlD56T1AgCOci_bJpDKw5Fw-P81rYNdKlF5ywCqw-2wuKbdFApmgmHjXANvb_rhvkJ_ABPCRkFuaThIC6hOttSFtuSn3NQyPU/s1600-h/Beer0055.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Beer 005" border="0" alt="Beer 005" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S_VFrA8Lv3I/AAAAAAAAAMM/ykadeERwegQ/Beer005_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" height="461" /></a> </p> <p>You might have to tilt the primary fermentor slightly to get the last bit of the beer siphoned out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S_VFratM2HI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/qpOJ717eztw/s1600-h/Beer0063.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Beer 006" border="0" alt="Beer 006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFR5o2c4GwB14mX9DNQ5pLviZKZ9H1dcmb4ufZjrXE2cMHogDWTlysYpTLogY6Hz7tGl5Zn0aqDeBVDUm8HVSDvc2bdcJb29TXeVxYzisgHArBymBASvuSPRgO2-6SPYzHcPvjoEn1I8/?imgmax=800" width="351" height="459" /></a> </p> <p>Step 5:  Place the rubber stopper in the carboy and put the air lock in place.  Carefully set the carboy in a semi-dark place where it can sit undisturbed.</p> <p>The beer must sit in the carboy for about 5 days.  At that point you are ready to bottle or keg your beer.  In part 3, I will explain the kegging process.</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-53448473463462116002010-05-18T15:11:00.001-05:002010-05-18T15:11:21.267-05:00Rocky Hill Roundup<p>This past Saturday (May 16) was the Rocky Hill Roundup out at Rocky Hill Ranch in Smithville, TX.  I’ve ridden out there about a half a dozen times, and it’s definitely a tough course.  And just to make it even more challenging, we had a classic Texas-style rain storm two nights before the race.  Not only did that make it a slow and muddy course, but it also made it quite hot and humid.  Check out my filthy post-race bike…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxG7wQEWmhHXcah96BzsrNevZkgql5JZYMyPv_cdw_fEFiJO8PaDwmHpVFWtqTXo5QDDYB4aMYTLCaBrAXSG_qVrUvAs_NvcbMeBMVdt4bP7veJg-Rvk_LvvseCtDPIPJFQIYvpDwgd4/s1600-h/Coop%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Coop" border="0" alt="Coop" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S_L0Z43ryqI/AAAAAAAAALs/tNa9bGYJ0-M/Coop_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="276" /></a> </p> <p>I raced in Category 3 again, and there were 43 riders in my age group.  I finished 29th in 57 minutes, 16 seconds.  I started at a moderate pace in order to finish strong, but for some reason I never seemed to find my groove.  I was pretty disappointed with my performance, but I’m still new to racing, so I have to keep that in mind.  For now, the racing season is over.   We’ll just continue to train over the summer and get ready for next season.</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-3987099980882827652010-05-17T08:42:00.000-05:002010-05-19T09:56:15.859-05:00Brewing the Easy Way – Part 1<p>There are a variety of ways to brew beer, each requiring a certain skill level. This weekend I decided to brew a Texas Blonde Ale using the simplest method, <u>malt extract brewing</u>. This method is the quickest and easiest because there are no grains to steep. The homebrew store provides you with a malt extract that you use instead, thus eliminating the steeping process. </p> <p>If you are new to homebrewing, this is definitely the best way to start.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLwEy1bUBuOqhkPFWUr4xPvx0pTtSQGEKFvmAzTLA8GBqMrubP7Lc6wci_FaWLPKst0Oimrz84ACz414zzHIMy2GWeDlcSsPK18Tl63HBJO8W1Yz7nuv_Xjh8z1YAVwrRSLpe2vZYCek/s1600-h/Scout%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Scout 001" border="0" alt="Scout 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoA5GO5uGbeJDK9dwFZNCo-5PR9ny0gUA1YxxAdT_rLojB1TUbjH2dBcVFftj0TguCrJmzG4FEX6MEFXccYfblZdIRj90Jhgqmgwifi9TH0sSUfX0czSZDhqMpjfyKcKjV5_W-bEOfjs/?imgmax=800" width="369" height="282" /></a> </p> <p>The equipment you need for the first part of the brewing process: a large metal pot, a 7-gallon plastic bucket with air-tight lid, a large spoon, a thermometer, a hydrometer, and a sanitizing powder.</p> <p>Step 1: S<u>anitize everything meticulously</u> using the dissolved sanitizing powder.</p> <p>Step 2: Bring about 2 1/2 gallons of water to a boil. Once boiling remove from heat.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsKpRhIVuQAOsUTfK773xXh4Bps6kCv00_8FYVjPL1N-syQqXon-sRC8c-1rs5wfuL1SCy5QEuJjGvvQ7rqo8Ot4aw2iMCvNff4pHYWu6cW3X7dg9A95zIxXLrrzazuG71buhtaNWBo8/s1600-h/Scout%20002%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Scout 002" border="0" alt="Scout 002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vFkZg2LH3lvdMhE8VSkf8tuN2Uk6Nhxog3u_BA97wqUqb0UHvv-Okbd-AT7ernJhO95vj9incuFy5TFK4zAkVh99b-piFrPjSHQjKyDOauYmCe-cDqWBu-mEESZcwmv9Kqdgc0cfANA/?imgmax=800" width="374" height="286" /></a> </p> <p>The malt extract is caramel colored and very sticky. Be careful not to get it all over the place!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCUlKRxcdj8giYsJr_HJT6afynmZ_bvn8M95zMKYPMTUp1AFgWmkkLU12KOlS5BAw6SbydPFJ02UkP029E_81gIFBBpHXgzglM837W3mpTkyZUMDyU7-JF-bB3l4Uw_-0oDvB9kwIvVQ/s1600-h/Scout%20003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Scout 003" border="0" alt="Scout 003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAEt-O9SeSN0vJKKFJlMW9xhfgzi8naOwc5p2AuHiQxXAZrhEvAMdM2aYDWZvlpSB86oGMQJuzuMGEKpG-EqKkk8H7qseepV6BsPYBMK_QAkE9HQTrPv3PRVCmOU4LVYSIuTusvGH_VE/?imgmax=800" width="388" height="297" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Step 3: Carefully pour the malt extract into the pot of hot water. Because the extract contains a lot of sugar, you must stir it thoroughly to keep the sugar from burning. You now have made the <u>wort</u>.</p> <p>Step 4: Reheat the wort to a rolling boil.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S-gbHA0zuFI/AAAAAAAAAKI/zFh9b1rt3jg/s1600-h/Scout%20005%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Scout 005" border="0" alt="Scout 005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRAAnxu1c3gaMCsuB0h_GHMZ6gDttte2GEnUkm16kn8vCHgizHM7AG7uvdUMshdY6s6agc4jDpObgBSUgLyzOsKlkW3Aja1pFC4dd8YRKgJma6a45kBpm7MUIfT5M9O5LBgab_7hliQM/?imgmax=800" width="388" height="302" /></a> </p> <p>Step 5: Once the wort is at a rolling boil, add in the package of hops. Hops give the beer a little extra flavor and aroma. Let boil for 60 minutes.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKg74IykEIyjfmmMWWVw5h1ukGhDuWuKFDRx_47RlccT-70FbctLDHY_UUIqJ-71Hhx9KmB-6qGAaNPZoFm60EcgrIpT9PVxWVHl_97Z8iPp6VPGYsPkZ5usGXHajN9nswcRt9OxuHQg/s1600-h/Scout%20007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Scout 007" border="0" alt="Scout 007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLH4RYJLDIq-TmDvcRCAI1_6Vgw7hZ053cuzFHpslptpJen4egy15rzrLzzTF1XRVdgTloZLwxghNEwYD2YRpo6fdrSpKFUe85dicH0iBwjABXOKzP_IXhPHmoBuFgISeM_wOZ0wDdbT8/?imgmax=800" width="392" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>Step 6: After 60 minutes, remove the wort from the stove and cool it off to 80 degrees F (this is where your thermometer comes in handy). Ideally you want to cool it off within 20 minutes. I like to put half the wort into another pot and put them both in an ice bath in the kitchen sink.</p> <p>Step 7: Once the wort is around 80 degrees F, pour it into your 7-gallon plastic bucket (which serves as the <u>primary fermenter</u>). Carefully add enough water to make a total volume of 5 1/4 gallons (will roughly be 2 gallons of wort and 3 1/4 gallons of water).</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbB5N6F0gMqRW2K9O2JGjw_9FK99KJ7Q37ddDHtBAPX5BM5DHHGnlO-mTfGn179uMN5EKSCYJq0P36hYnAiEcs_ptxAcJRuNqgD2YU3lkHw-RXywD5V35KHXCGnSb9GV9Z-ulJsOZ8EA/s1600-h/Coop%20002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Coop 002" border="0" alt="Coop 002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S_FHKBX2UHI/AAAAAAAAALc/cKJMUn3fKhM/Coop%20002_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="302" /></a> </p> <p>Step 8: Place your hydrometer in the plastic bucket. Record the Original Gravity. The OG for my Blonde Ale is 1.042.  This number will help you determine the alcohol content of your beer.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_cJF4QUjHKx8zGdbBNizihhx6mNakxjLnvnKdS5AMEiigtcEObothksnDWzKyHNnG6Ui8TTXCsxqz5bHfbuDTvqaRObSBxr-ARjI7i5I5G3JN9vbfvIvv0-qmhBNT-T3X3ozfR7_OwQ/s1600-h/Coop%20001%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Coop 001" border="0" alt="Coop 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaS6Oj6x4uyYXdRmYglIPmGOUwbuMT4ufZeqSGm7zXfIHVe0_olG71TppsCbO8gMfu28hOD9njmYIjKDWbvCVy8n8w_rsYZEq0ypmwsyOD1IQJyBlBn_I2Hj8V0wbhXwJYSBQB4pxaSI/?imgmax=800" width="389" height="297" /></a> </p> <p>Step 9: Stir in the liquid yeast.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S-gcFoYzE9I/AAAAAAAAAKg/pMUYEAAg0Gg/s1600-h/Scout%20008%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Scout 008" border="0" alt="Scout 008" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S-gcGOftZmI/AAAAAAAAAKk/0HM0fjNc5uM/Scout%20008_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="297" /></a> </p> <p>Step 10: Place your rubber stopper and airlock into the hole on the lid. Store the bucket in a safe area that won’t be disturbed. </p> <p>Within 24 hours the beer will begin to ferment. This is the process in which the yeast is metabolizing the sugar in the wort. You will be able to smell the gases being released. That’s the smell of beer being made…mmmmm! After 1 week, you will be ready for Part 2.</p> <p>Part 2 will examine the secondary fermentation process.</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-29364401461210764562010-05-16T12:49:00.001-05:002010-05-16T12:49:20.069-05:00Mailbox Birds<p>Since my blog “<a href="http://myfourchicks.blogspot.com/2010/04/special-delivery.html" target="_blank">Special Delivery</a>,” Laurie and I have only seen the mamma bird fly out of the mailbox a couple of times.  It’s actually quite scary.  If you look in the mailbox she’ll fly right out at eyeball level with her beak pointed straight at you.  She even tried to attack our handyman Martin.</p> <p>Yesterday, however, Laurie got the courage to stick her head way into the mailbox.  And what did she see?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S_AwEyCKobI/AAAAAAAAALI/Rdz2v2Wo5T8/s1600-h/048%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="048" border="0" alt="048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GblJ9POJ8mElVn2fcyYDmEiunzGulLTsISEA5Cte_GcbD2FdtystQve5Qyrw3e8rPJtNTc0iMyYhnfl_UQ1fQYTyENGUfd4I0tm8YScnYIfVkIf1VoZYfZ4NSnWqvrNEqstcVrMun6o/?imgmax=800" width="380" height="290" /></a> </p> <p>The nest is still in there.  You can see the cave way in the back.  Upon closer inspection, there are actually baby birds in there!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial8qSeK9fgCsss_vRPTFY1wIqtCq0f-PjOkeemFG_P78JJxZ3Vq3J3e3MhLlpVpWKPfcCiJR543ZkNMbFrCdIP0OvkHVVR5Ac7Ye6QefqPB-EscVFCwVDmyusLKviCuwccNN4Jcv-OmA/s1600-h/047%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="047" border="0" alt="047" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S_AwH1p8x2I/AAAAAAAAALU/7LIPDpa4HWE/047_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="423" /></a> </p> <p>It’s kind of hard to see, and I didn’t want to be too invasive with the camera, but that little gray spot in the nest is the baby birds.  They look to be about the size of golf balls.</p> <p>We’re still having our mail but in a box next to the door so as not to disturb the nest.  I would imagine they still have several weeks left before they are ready to venture out of there.</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-31629014620519407902010-05-11T10:02:00.001-05:002010-05-11T10:02:42.970-05:00First Night Outside<p>Ever since we got the coop, the chickens have been staying outside during the day and loving it.  Now that the overnight lows are holding steady in the 70s, it is time for them to sleep out there.</p> <p>Since they have been sleeping inside for the last 4 1/2 weeks, I wasn’t sure how they would react to being outside.  I went to check on them around 11:00 last night, and they were all huddled up together in the corner of the coop – not a good sign.  But I figured I’d let them tough it out and see how they were in the morning.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5g-Oe6t1yhAiRi13A810JYdoxTnbpNRCGH4mTG5kgJXZC5uqnhsIzHXv_oo3Lsp9OSlXNnrMMwfpW82kZJZ7t53fVL2YRpQyKAVR-VupMH6vHb21QTzvUYsvDndHRVx1O1cbya7Y7QE/s1600-h/Coop%20003%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Coop 003" border="0" alt="Coop 003" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S-lxkDYAqtI/AAAAAAAAAK8/85dxlLuaj4Q/Coop%20003_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="438" /></a> </p> <p>This morning they were happily running around the coop as if they’d had a great night of sleep.  No signs of being cold and uncomfortable.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:be1bdbe3-143b-48f5-8f55-83f3676b8ff5" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="6af53b0c-0fbb-47c7-b17d-cf5c29c496e1" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hJ5cv7C24I" target="_new"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJRGuphFQuJg-5hqYbywZzZia9w7LGYOI7mGL9lTTauaXDLXfaPYKs4KQW5gZ4y2WT84wVC1iBRnZofqj5cTWAxwfpf1P6Jl89LXSZXrkeVLDnfz-cGw1Oz2z3-WnzZ5zPY2uLrYyYt0/?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('6af53b0c-0fbb-47c7-b17d-cf5c29c496e1'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/-hJ5cv7C24I&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/-hJ5cv7C24I&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p>And since they were so good, I even gave them a piece of corn on the cob…their favorite treat!</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:6533fbd7-0ecb-4a42-97ac-36c6bfa82edd" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="176c0cf6-2dd3-4234-ac43-ef5c97621481" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9tLlnuTJeU" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S-lxkshXs9I/AAAAAAAAALE/r6Pvxrcw8Kw/video02485962160a%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('176c0cf6-2dd3-4234-ac43-ef5c97621481'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Z9tLlnuTJeU&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/Z9tLlnuTJeU&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>Now that the chickens are out of the house, we finally have our TV room back!</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-47695376270324961082010-05-10T11:45:00.001-05:002010-05-10T11:45:16.447-05:00Summer Scout<p>While Austin has a beautiful Spring season, it only lasts about two weeks.  By early May our temperatures are already approaching the mid-90s.  It’s a rough adjustment period, but it’s also a good excuse to lounge by the pool or the lake.</p> <p>For my dog Scout, however, summer time means shedding and overheating.  After sweeping up an extra dog’s worth of dog hair and dragging Scout on her afternoon walks while she looked for any signs of water, I decided it was time for some drastic measures.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S-g4FQ-q61I/AAAAAAAAAKo/zFMOdnmbEVk/s1600-h/Scout%20004%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Scout 004" border="0" alt="Scout 004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3HhhS81cFd9tP9SMOerfCpdLDV0uMtWIU9Ras6Pb6xPnvk0AihUbM-TrifczKZI6t5jk5XeZO_ONISEdWrFi5NUbFuY6fDfv1caiKuCSzV3Md4fhZDESMN-8vljxv2j69v7yjWYWc4Q/?imgmax=800" width="374" height="286" /></a> </p> <p>Scout’s winter coat was great for our road trip to Colorado, but it was time for a change!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCB9dK5NaVZSMABCJfCs2IN7pYT7PZ9EjYvVnkakCid0z5y4Mih9dWTr7jVvmO0Ex-xON2sJMp03p-82j06a_rQ2k0WTpuAXiqNcJg1cDoU5XMtH-LsGFrp_1RH5qNrbswj4HV0xgu0rs/s1600-h/Scout%20005%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Scout 005" border="0" alt="Scout 005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9o7c6KR1c1rQU7l1FYlmVaWgFKnxbyVa8gWXUaEWm8xWEd9_7O1aWrK24UL8UbTWnx3ipi1Ox_vwNQRUGvy-ctoInoi-GFtvyCNH2wBYtK0efRCCaIfvNEjlH2eDsSbse8c5S5xB4NI/?imgmax=800" width="386" height="295" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>A lot of people say you shouldn’t shave a golden retriever, but I think Scout would disagree.  After the initial embarrassment of being nearly bald, she is loving her lighter, cooler look.  Plus there’s a LOT less hair to sweep up for me!</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-76572708763812019912010-05-06T09:33:00.001-05:002010-05-06T09:33:28.441-05:00The Chicken Coop<p>We finally got it!  Yesterday my handyman Martin brought over the coop he’d been working on for the last week.  Aside from the basic design that we discussed, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  But WOW, he did a great job!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehb2cC2sYRIwEFlC8GkS4ljbPJF9CMeaKxFexfgZr3Ve6s7QvhTaa56XbXwnQmZSgpaZxTMFSPTx5tBpRmc4JPX6L3LByYRBnYftj4OVBHwlbd0kj7zuoihfv5P25LJNeVelhs9ZrEx0/s1600-h/Coop%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Coop 001" border="0" alt="Coop 001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S-LTKYkdREI/AAAAAAAAAJA/cSMB5ES72Hg/Coop%20001_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" height="290" /></a> </p> <p>The whole contraption is 12 feet long by 4 feet wide by 3 feet high.  The whole run is enclosed with chicken wire, and there is a roof on part of the run.  It’s surprisingly light considering how strong and durable it is.  Martin and I could move it relatively easy by ourselves.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S-LTKyM-SVI/AAAAAAAAAJI/KDWs9R2QAWQ/s1600-h/Coop%20002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Coop 002" border="0" alt="Coop 002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S-LTLUHbXTI/AAAAAAAAAJM/FkbR6dizKgo/Coop%20002_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="297" /></a> </p> <p>There is a door on the end facing the house so the chickens can come in and out easily.  Once they are a little bigger we plan to let them roam the yard during the day.  Then we’ll corral them back into the coop for the night.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnjMKvj-BfMKcKpd5W8Ynk6kumxwXgFHJs80hflbnYkk8zEwdHfP9y6LR7WX0IsLD__Wn-H-lNKSpPWYGEvq30EFjsEKxZhc8CIglglDiN5PpE5ffQogglavcmZMKq0RpK6NbnaQxIqs/s1600-h/Coop%20003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Coop 003" border="0" alt="Coop 003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S-LTL1qtAfI/AAAAAAAAAJU/CrfvC66ht3A/Coop%20003_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="300" /></a> </p> <p>There is also a lid on top that pops open so we have easy access to the run.  Martin put a kickstand on it so we can prop it up.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98oQvueb9jmhqnBAXUSntDXXDR2vXnQszPoxHXs_NCHSQRCfJ3GVIrDedLWfSVXafqUf0i5qSf_dBTdvO06Eig3qqNPl_l_yH8XDjQxse59D_Yvf1FP5dErSAE9gcrh7JUAGA3n4BagY/s1600-h/Coop%20004%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Coop 004" border="0" alt="Coop 004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1XOkm-LCJUoc209qeoNQkiSyzPvglBdXtE_a9zT55P80ycklqfJnNrEzNbtz9gHgnW3Q8V4PCWdaTPgCog886QHafSvWinPm1DOmmjDO3x-Skye5uEIm-To9uhE06RHy3Gfd2yxRjmA/?imgmax=800" width="407" height="314" /></a> </p> <p>The actual coop and roosting boxes are at the end of the run away from the house.  It is a free-standing coop so it can easily be removed for cleaning, maintenance, etc.  There are 4 roosting boxes along with a nice roosting pole.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy87WVxew7T63IqOIgcfMBs_leGodLAq0Rg26DwruVXX4dtuYB4FoVzAQBiIYj6_EX3TYAO9Mit4XSPk6z-cPPYvQ6AElbrStUFEpEIFAlQunS3RkdLWQVKmRRIEmOStkr8s7WdjTE7-E/s1600-h/Coop%20006%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Coop 006" border="0" alt="Coop 006" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWoBO0h8Ct_TBszJKV51ybfQY2wxZB9UCdint8Qp1XUFDAaV_GFEbTQbRX9_wYJ3_MIrBjvWcuoFZleaDdX28PfUud9g5Yhyt7Xal5Z9Iikg5AoRxqlxIElNRk6zRusG7XNvtzspb1f8/?imgmax=800" width="400" height="306" /></a> </p> <p>Martin also put a lid on the run and the coop so we have easy access to the roosting boxes.  It’ll make collecting the eggs quite easy.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtSmwfOKxXztDV_a-CC1Adphwj5rDxGMHugRt5kZHBzg0xqB8JmTX0239i8Ec7awtu75oNiEh8DEVOkIQyJtW59wQDdshK19CXJDKLs-w_GBne0WRS6Zy9jAUjJkdNlTaEKqGFR-k1zI/s1600-h/Coop%20005%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Coop 005" border="0" alt="Coop 005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbi9i9KZemjJU-SipNsWqtvxlY6cSu_eNZfzprfqVNDXyeztD7wlkvcJ6MX2UUynAXMIHfP2wzSKAr6ZjSNhJYhfZpdKA4VeGd-02T9BrwRqG3n_CmcOUfVKgDXJU6JmAZNjJG6yXwq_4/?imgmax=800" width="414" height="319" /></a> </p> <p>The only thing left to do is put some straw in the roosting boxes.  Also, since the floor of the run is chicken wire, we may need to put down some straw in there if the chickens find the wire uncomfortable.  I can’t wait to take them out there tonight so they can check out their new digs!</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-6455704388394355652010-05-04T09:45:00.001-05:002010-05-04T09:45:38.221-05:00Adzuki Bean Burgers<p>Even before I gave up meat I had a fascination with veggie burgers.  Most of the time I’d opt for one instead of a beef or turkey burger.  There’s just something about the texture that I really like.  Plus there are so many different varieties that you can’t really get tired of them.</p> <p>Laurie and I have talked about making our own veggie burgers, and last night I decided to give it a try using whatever “stuff” we had in the fridge.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyVrLtHIufQzFesEmOVYTBXYD8GqKSIXcIlA59A8lwuKWA-01tNv6SbKQhcZSRLuLHEQHHtpfddlFyH75YHOuoG_O4xdyI5N-8x943r50uCBIKT-reXuO64_7UHTiKS0MTih_VHFRkmg/s1600-h/Birds%20003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Birds 003" border="0" alt="Birds 003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEShexydB67yS9vZO4ghm9f4PfZ7pkwgcCKkL85JdhX6TdnUIC0tkh8ss16AwTPvBgSfu6UqumoSNBt9VIZ5b9_xbQCNWacEz1pV6KQfuhK67sDRQ2VU49LoHPzO2o9G1ZRB4epvBTDqM/?imgmax=800" width="384" height="294" /></a> </p> <p>We had a big pot of Adzuki beans that we soaked and cooked a few days ago.  I also had some brown rice that I made a few nights ago, some carrots, onion, cheese, and egg yolks that Laurie had left over from her egg-white breakfast that morning.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S-AzA2TenqI/AAAAAAAAAIc/z-9KtKNJuv4/s1600-h/Birds%20001%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Birds 001" border="0" alt="Birds 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_CMajDFqGGivyanQwr01F9NriLVoVkJd4uCa1YD52I4vH6g5DL32qH1UwihxHDoitgoyZKgCN8pz71TsVhfRYPTGFlE4uAWXnc_xgBZ8kAitdQi9aieZfXipH2GQrxYwTyg4NlJSunPI/?imgmax=800" width="368" height="281" /></a> </p> <p>I put all the aforementioned ingredients plus salt, pepper, and cumin into the food processor and blended it together until it was a semi-sticky paste that had the texture of ground beef.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S-AzBp8wRiI/AAAAAAAAAIk/BrMDA4w_QaU/s1600-h/Birds%20005%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Birds 005" border="0" alt="Birds 005" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwS1tTuZo6j1KWOXIl3opH0smny46O0xltyUHTPX-kRztjDLXUcyJzEYUZdx2tYtSSBSpf0vA2Vf46fkIhFrb39EfnqAtQGoW7UxVnhQg9wIlgsXj1VPtuEcVlJSdT2Pj-h6rp8_DCbw/?imgmax=800" width="363" height="278" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Then I patted them into the shape of patties and put them in the fridge for an hour to solidify a little bit.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzoL6jA36dOaZhVsstRSgdoWaxmJI7ObhYMBLz4GNHlTreY-3LxVZDypyFxTnQdtcvA9KdHQkcFEiAP5oYoeqZSNa0wrPFzXGVHspXmfkkj9KYJ9RcHuQvTf6PMlfaMCOxhIuuTo4N_c/s1600-h/Birds%20007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Birds 007" border="0" alt="Birds 007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgUPtMZVi9I0r_nED9JPekbcq13PyhcbDywSjuYQml-bO3H6Ibf03WPb0rTkwhcEw_hS7ZVx6DzpV-24GSmU0ePAUkuqh1e2tG5JYrSGFdfSoEbbOMks-XVCWhf9YFHrPqy1574f99S4/?imgmax=800" width="376" height="287" /></a> </p> <p>I pan fried them with a little EVO, flipping them after 5 minutes or so.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU70xHdRM9ZGTRyPDWllmPuJTdc1SkdrifgZgaIpBaNzQWJhUc0ug9vbi_RJdhDRrEjDtzpX3_Zl13sqM803cr2dU4-BAsFFvKKACnkfC5S5NX1pwXhrMU1tvd9OX-3SJlX_CK2omVg_k/s1600-h/Birds%20008%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Birds 008" border="0" alt="Birds 008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnaOeoTgZTLROQ9FCvQVxcmTAwaBbsvwBmtyMq9K6DXj9ykOQAjhphMTP16vYuMzTQpBqEkW_VSA09lDYOMkmMyvdUTUxDtitOrJWfoEEBwdriffPADqfwpqTJTFa9TJQvn2ZEQT97xo/?imgmax=800" width="386" height="295" /></a> </p> <p>I topped it off with a little salsa and lettuce, serve with rice and adzuki bean chips and Laurie’s homemade tabouli and VIOLA!  A very tasty, nutritious vegetarian meal! </p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-75170403940360430332010-04-29T12:28:00.001-05:002010-04-29T12:38:52.577-05:00Workout Recovery Drink<p>Last night I was at dinner with several of my friends.  Among them were two personal trainers, a nutritionist, and five former collegiate athletes.  At one point I brought up the subject of the best post-workout recovery food/drink.  I wanted to see what the consensus was so I could adjust my diet accordingly.  The opinions were mixed.  Some felt that a PB&J was good, one even suggested Gummy Bears, but most seemed to agree that chocolate milk was ideal.</p> <p>With that in mind, I picked two drinks that we have in our weight room at school that I could easily drink after my workouts.  Because I workout in a college athletics weight room, all of the supplements they offer must meet NCAA regulations.  Here they are:</p> <p><u><strong>Muscle Milk Collegiate</strong></u></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyv_PFC3UttqtqlFA2mzq5qaL-JsPfSjkmjg1GCFiOKdjM6VSLWw5vkmL-doHBq1LqQG4vceoYTTYBFi2TUTtPsz1n6M7XDOuRm16ZFTiAuhxENrkO3zcK7HrE_idGsy-EmNXOrPbvoU/s1600-h/Birds%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Birds 001" border="0" alt="Birds 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVwoEbtSLFE7fwHPHrWfaCbMTZRFGyYznhk2H4oHHB_iVmwbp9RX3oEBlMlWTJqlQNQfn0tCMQOIsAy1-ukX3lEhuMFAoQ2JNI8QX2RLlv2yjjKsFK616xWhYKMDFtjNobSXbQqu64K4/?imgmax=800" width="256" height="335" /></a> </p> <p>Stats:  250 calories, 8 grams fat (2.5 saturated), 18 grams protein, 4 grams sugar.</p> <p>Thoughts:  It tastes pretty good going down, but there is a weird aftertaste a minute or so later.  Because it is a “collegiate” brand, there are several ingredients in it that aren’t in normal Muscle Milk.  A quick look at the ingredients list reveals at least 30 different ingredients, most of which I can’t even pronounce.  The first two are <strong>purified water</strong> and <strong>maltodextrin</strong>.  WTF is that?  Maybe that’s why it has an expiration date of 1 year!</p> <p><u><strong>Shamrock Farms Rockin’ Refuel</strong></u></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8FHXWtBQaD2rv1F2UI1XZoqHwSa-1HV7fu4ko1nktBrQig3l2N7gRbD7AdvWYCDmIv4Gvr2R8Ps4h9ds_pc2yd9x4EviM72mm4dMkSwkzJ3svzeSA5RkPxVDwVjkXbPhyphenhyphenrvbVLVvNlg/s1600-h/Birds%20002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Birds 002" border="0" alt="Birds 002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGag5Dz-m_ps7H8UfYn4W7avs3xgKArTV2qhxISUdG7YSxZXzy9QcvZdxvHezKa5Og6DFqC96PhUi_U4wk3aoaVruhTOYQlZhInLU2wiKYgmGmkrfRCAiIfDq6j2ExBhpnGh67_VS57BU/?imgmax=800" width="272" height="356" /></a> </p> <p>Stats:  300 calories, 4.5 grams fat (2.5 saturated), 20 grams protein, 44 grams sugar.</p> <p>Thoughts:  My initial reaction is, “Whoa, 44 grams of sugar!”  However, most of my friends say that sugar is really important immediately following a hard workout.  So I guess that makes those 44 grams good, right?  I also like the ingredient list.  The first two are <strong>lowfat milk</strong> and <strong>nonfat milk </strong>with only 11 total ingredients listed.  Also, it expires in a reasonable 2 months, similar to regular milk.</p> <p>Because I like natural foods, I am leaning strongly in favor of the Rockin’ Refuel.  I like that it’s mainly a milk product as opposed to Muscle Milk which ironically doesn’t contain any milk at all.</p> <p>What do you think???</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-16495406305031021142010-04-28T08:56:00.001-05:002010-04-28T08:56:49.301-05:00Jail Birds<p>So the other day I noticed a little spot of bird poop on top of the chickens’ box.  That’s odd, how did it get there?  The next day I walked into the chickens’ room to check on them, and lo and behold, Spanky was standing on top of the chicken box!</p> <p>Over the next few days I began to notice little chicken poops on the floor of the chicken room.  Clearly they were getting out of the box and exploring around their ever-expanding environment.  Since their room doubles as our TV room, I had to put a stop to it.</p> <p>With a little chicken wire, they are now securely confined to their box.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPbYZFHFhtvS8B1lCoK3ezBvnjt3n8l9AkO2HWk-B0n2V4qqBnCJHKNdtPsLn3tiyqEdhLQh6iUhPgzVg6Nff4C79ccBrZPG48lv1dguB2Gj5TR7-KaOIFhirBBBAM5chyAm-OpfO-9U/s1600-h/Birds%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Birds" border="0" alt="Birds" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiJDfzaT5a_nqhzDh5hcXZ8UKE5V7FMmVUOpPpWyJkV5v2w_RijKDy0UTUZC7f4UbZ8-Ifqp6VMCpTPwZjhsvIfR-DxQiOQGOKSG7wFXFpgasd4cJ09hhxmFU3q42ngGHCqeoXSZ9kLY/?imgmax=800" width="384" height="294" /></a> </p> <p>Despite being on lockdown, I did take them outside for 30 minutes of RNR.  Notice their feathers…they are getting so big!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S9g-nwf546I/AAAAAAAAAH8/AK27kstmbys/s1600-h/Birds%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Birds 001" border="0" alt="Birds 001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S9g-oM0EirI/AAAAAAAAAIA/ZOuQrP4nn08/Birds%20001_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="308" height="403" /></a></p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4409663089338907990.post-70206315034791563142010-04-22T09:29:00.001-05:002010-04-22T12:24:47.657-05:002 Weeks<p>It’s been 2 weeks since we got our first three chicks (1 week for Ms. Ameraucana).  It’s time to take them outside to play!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S9BdKyl_AjI/AAAAAAAAAG0/ZA_xGqWJRiI/s1600-h/Birds%20001%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Birds 001" border="0" alt="Birds 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCb1fIelnERT3I2AO1bciVz5AIglD-kx86LyrCy8T_uwqu7lJV8rn1lLeIJD8zCSw53vHRBCEHQuxVEhr-kbIrgD1gWZZ0ht7jKp3FAvxnvM7r1VF7ZaGFtS-xxNI7PeE7M7vMeJzFS4M/?imgmax=800" width="323" height="247" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>They were a little agitated that I was taking them out of their home and putting them in a dirty box.  Little did they know that they’d be clucking around the backyard in a few seconds.</p> <p>I was a little nervous to have all four chicks outside at once.  I wasn’t sure if they’d try to run away or hide under some impossible-to-reach spot.  I sure didn’t want to play hide-and-seek with baby chicks all night, so I took them out to the enclosed pen we have in the backyard.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJHIk477U3Ec4p4DF3foVTi9hYFmqYSAGUF6P_89VDPT9Z3X6n-F3HQuy0kK-IWRKYRB2q7n7oHXilZAzIwcU1qfjECwbe-KvFLbE9HjwYMHWliVVRkUSe6kA47bXDvkVk4Tje-S7v_Q/s1600-h/Birds%20012%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Birds 012" border="0" alt="Birds 012" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibtAHhDW9IlDObhQ_7WHn-6WEFsnVy5bOzyUtQrStp3CtQQIy-Eh3R2AZB0zH1LGjlOF3kUUOP1_yc_zM_yVZ58KxibbN3DtfVU54qk6kFVZhyphenhyphenyWhE2rDG2AMf8pPvqCqYDigtopUU0g/?imgmax=800" width="335" height="256" /></a> </p> <p>They loved it!  They were a little unsure of what to do once they were outside, but pretty soon instinct took over, and they were hopping around and pecking at the grass.  </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:4904e26b-54ae-4f21-a33d-86579177491b" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="af0522bc-8961-439a-aaa1-2a4c4d3f42fb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=586J8Yc_KoU" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_HzsKLfp4YUw/S9CGXm_G1dI/AAAAAAAAAHw/EzgR011NkPE/videoa2565177c105%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('af0522bc-8961-439a-aaa1-2a4c4d3f42fb'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/586J8Yc_KoU&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/586J8Yc_KoU&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>Even the little Ameraucana was figuring out how to act like a big chicken.  They definitely liked being outside though and even acted less nervous around me than usual.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSgKjwT2h54Oq8QM4uad2FidAA72cXz8w5JFChAv1tTYNOyr-H-YnTv4p9IwNl_VtHKWG-C-5R5As6A_7wWX1k7XdfxZEUI3768I8m9uJLe9zjR9IzWFfQ0us-YLmKiC6mJzd0N4DNIU/s1600-h/Birds%20007%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Birds 007" border="0" alt="Birds 007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUBAus2GDTVE7KRp-zcBnJGi8IPoj6H8FPfA2eZZYanJDWjZR0pZtQzxJvRdixYCzPvUIg-OfUQvSSH5bGb-JFHmrxT5xdv0tDAHz90K5OefrORjn9YTVWNjkuTHokeVWBJwirKcxmtc/?imgmax=800" width="356" height="276" /></a> </p> <p>They are also looking significantly bigger.  Their feathers are really starting to come in too.  It’s amazing how fast they grow!</p> <p>They could have kept playing all day long, but after about 30 minutes I brought them back inside.  I’m sure they are sitting at home right now dreaming of going back out to the yard!</p> Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17740011234225541374noreply@blogger.com0