So it seems like everyone around here is growing squash in his/her personal garden right now. Trent brought some home for me, but I don't know how to cook squash in a way that Trent might actually eat it. Come to think of it, I don't really know how to cook squash at all! However, in the past week, I have tasted three new delicious ways to enjoy squash.
I have previously tasted steamed squash (I think that's what it is called) and squash casserole (which is mighty tasty, but once again, do not know how to cook it myself.) Well, here are three more ways to cook squash:
1. Deep fry tiny squash cubes with other veggies such as ocra and onions
2. Deep fry thin slices of squash into crispy squash chips
3. Chop and mix squash with jalepenos and onions, and then batter in flour and eggs and fry
Ok, ok, I have to admit...even though these recipes are delighful, they all void the nutritional value of great veggies. Turns out, the only way Trent's family will eat most vegetables is if they are deep fried and will possibly clog an artery. Yummie!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
I'm Freakin' Famous!
Everyone has heard that news travels fast in a small town. There is even a song called "Everybody Dies Famous in a Small Town". Well, let me tell you...it is not just a cool saying or a good country song. It is for real!
Today I went to the pharmacist in Olton for the first time. I did not know who he was, had never heard his name from any of Trent's family, and had definitely never met him before. But he knew who I was. Well, he at least knew that my last name on the label might be Laxson, but it is now Parish, and he knew that I would be teaching in Olton this year.
Well, he could not take my current insurance so I had to go to Muleshoe to pick it up instead. Muleshoe is about 20 miles west of Earth and about four times the size, so surely they don't keep track with us Earthites in such a big city such as Muleshoe! WRONG! Even the pharmacist at United knew that I had recently married, moved to Earth from San Antonio, and would be teaching in Olton.
It's a good thing I don't do anything embarassing, because I'm pretty sure everyone in a 20, maybe even 40 mile radius would know about it.
I must say, I feel special!
Today I went to the pharmacist in Olton for the first time. I did not know who he was, had never heard his name from any of Trent's family, and had definitely never met him before. But he knew who I was. Well, he at least knew that my last name on the label might be Laxson, but it is now Parish, and he knew that I would be teaching in Olton this year.
Well, he could not take my current insurance so I had to go to Muleshoe to pick it up instead. Muleshoe is about 20 miles west of Earth and about four times the size, so surely they don't keep track with us Earthites in such a big city such as Muleshoe! WRONG! Even the pharmacist at United knew that I had recently married, moved to Earth from San Antonio, and would be teaching in Olton.
It's a good thing I don't do anything embarassing, because I'm pretty sure everyone in a 20, maybe even 40 mile radius would know about it.
I must say, I feel special!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Friendly Neighbors
So one of the refreshing qualities of Earth is that neighbors actually stop by to meet you and bring you a bundt cake. This might happen other places also, but it is a requirement if you live in Earth.
Trent and I have been visiting different churches just to get a feel for our options and where we think the Lord might be leading us. So yesterday the preacher from one of the churches we have visited stopped by our house (since he did not have our phone number) and asked when his family might be able to stop by and meet us. So last night him, his wife, his two daughters, and one of their friends, came over with a delicious pan of brownies (Mmmm) just to say hello. We did not talk about church, mostly just our backgrounds and interests. I think they heard that we had Rock Band and wanted to come check it out. JK. However, they did mention that whether or not we chose to attend that church, they were hopeful to get to know us...either way. I just think that's cool!
But then his wife said something really cool! It was music to my ears. She asked me something that I will never forget: "Do - you - like - playing - games?" My jaw dropped. I pointed to my entire closet full of games. So hopefully I have some potential game opponents for the future! YAY!
Oh, one other side note - "neighbors" in Earth refers to anyone within six houses around you in any direction. Everyone keeps telling me that they are our neighbors, and I'm thinking "I thought Bobby Sue was my neighbor!" "No, we are the neighbors behind Bobby Sue and next to Billy Ray." So whether the person actually lives next to you, across from you, behind you, or four doors down and caddy corner...they are your neighbor! It's very hard to remember all of my neighbors.
Trent and I have been visiting different churches just to get a feel for our options and where we think the Lord might be leading us. So yesterday the preacher from one of the churches we have visited stopped by our house (since he did not have our phone number) and asked when his family might be able to stop by and meet us. So last night him, his wife, his two daughters, and one of their friends, came over with a delicious pan of brownies (Mmmm) just to say hello. We did not talk about church, mostly just our backgrounds and interests. I think they heard that we had Rock Band and wanted to come check it out. JK. However, they did mention that whether or not we chose to attend that church, they were hopeful to get to know us...either way. I just think that's cool!
But then his wife said something really cool! It was music to my ears. She asked me something that I will never forget: "Do - you - like - playing - games?" My jaw dropped. I pointed to my entire closet full of games. So hopefully I have some potential game opponents for the future! YAY!
Oh, one other side note - "neighbors" in Earth refers to anyone within six houses around you in any direction. Everyone keeps telling me that they are our neighbors, and I'm thinking "I thought Bobby Sue was my neighbor!" "No, we are the neighbors behind Bobby Sue and next to Billy Ray." So whether the person actually lives next to you, across from you, behind you, or four doors down and caddy corner...they are your neighbor! It's very hard to remember all of my neighbors.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
That's a Whole Lotta Corn!
So the "putting up corn" party was interesting. Since I was not really sure what that meant, I threw on a very comfortable skirt and blouse. It was steamy hot that day, so I thought the skirt and loose blouse allowed for a nice breeze. Well, when I arrived at Trent's parent's house (Trent had to stay late in the fields, which is why I went alone), his parents suggested that I go home and change into "work clothes". Trent had made a comment earlier that day about "better put on your work boots!" But I thought he was kidding!
There was a pile of 550 ears of corn in the back of a pick up all waiting to be "shucked". So first you must shuck the corn. That means you take the leafy things off from the yellow part that we eat. Then you must wash the corn, cook the corn, and finally, cut the corn. I did cut corn for very long, since for every one corn I cut, Trent's mom was able to cut four. I finally earned the job of the "corn bagger". I bagged the corn to be put in the freezer until the perfect day came for that lucky bag of corn to be chosen for dinner.
I have some pictures that I will post soon hopefully.
Crop Dusters - one almost hit me yesterday as I pulled out of my driveway. I did not see it coming, and all of a sudden I thought a huge truck was about to plow me over, but then I saw this little red airplane zoom past my windshield. Ok, it wasn't low enough to actually hit me, but it was just low enough to scare the snot out of me!
Jacuzzi Baths - Our new master bathroom is finally finished and I have already enjoyed three lovely baths in my brand new jacuzzi bath! Yay! But here is something I had to learn the hard way: Jacuzzi baths and bubbles do not mix well! Attempt only with caution!
There was a pile of 550 ears of corn in the back of a pick up all waiting to be "shucked". So first you must shuck the corn. That means you take the leafy things off from the yellow part that we eat. Then you must wash the corn, cook the corn, and finally, cut the corn. I did cut corn for very long, since for every one corn I cut, Trent's mom was able to cut four. I finally earned the job of the "corn bagger". I bagged the corn to be put in the freezer until the perfect day came for that lucky bag of corn to be chosen for dinner.
I have some pictures that I will post soon hopefully.
Crop Dusters - one almost hit me yesterday as I pulled out of my driveway. I did not see it coming, and all of a sudden I thought a huge truck was about to plow me over, but then I saw this little red airplane zoom past my windshield. Ok, it wasn't low enough to actually hit me, but it was just low enough to scare the snot out of me!
Jacuzzi Baths - Our new master bathroom is finally finished and I have already enjoyed three lovely baths in my brand new jacuzzi bath! Yay! But here is something I had to learn the hard way: Jacuzzi baths and bubbles do not mix well! Attempt only with caution!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Welcome to Earth
Earth has welcomed me as a new member of the community. I have already been initiated into the Earthite life just in the five weeks that I have been here so far. Here are some of the highlights (in no particular order):
1. The Earth wildlife - Here are some of the fine creatures I have found in my yard: lots and lots of birds (which means lots and lots of bird poop), a dead bird (unfortunate accident with the window), a large frog, a jack rabbit, a bull snake, and my dog, Harley. I expect to also witness raccoons and coyotes, but hopefully not on our property.
2. Fourth of July parade and picnic - Community members line up at the Springlake firehouse to show off their hot rods, horses, tractors, and riding lawn mowers. There is a picnic to follow at the Springlake park with burgers, fries, and all the homemade ice cream you could want. Lawn chairs scattered across the field and a mediocre band plays Oakridge Boy songs. The night ends with a nice display of fireworks in the clear sky.
3. Homemade ice cream - I mentioned the ice cream at the picnic, so as a new member of Earth, I thought it appropriate to try to fit in by preparing my own homemade ice cream for the picnic. BIG MISTAKE! This was my first time to attempt this on my own. Well, I never made it to the picnic with ice cream, but I did get my aggression out on the ice cream maker. It took several hard jabs with the ice pick and a few curse words from my mouth. I found out later that it may not have worked due to an overload of salt in the ice (now that I think of it, that is probably right.) But I have not brought the ice cream machine out again since that tragic day.
4. Sweet Corn - Trent and I picked up some sweet corn for the family out of the back of someone's pick up. After testing the corn and approving its tastiness, Trent's parents went back and bought 500 stalks of corn. Trent surprised me today when he announced we would be eating dinner at his parent's house so we could "can corn." Excuse me? Apparently we will be canning 500 bushels of corn to eat over the next century. Yay!
5. Town and Country - Yes, the gas station. Right now, Earth only has an Alsups, but word on the street is that Town and Country might be coming to Earth! And not only that, but it might also have a Subway in it! What a dream come true. I also heard that someone was looking to reopen the old Dairy Queen that closed down. I guess since the Earth population has grown by 6 (Me, Trent, and Trent's sister's family), Earth is in the middle of a major growth period and must prepare for this boom.
6. Earth Rodeo - The Earth Rodeo was this past weekend, and boy was that a treat! I'm used to sitting in the nose bleed section to watch Keith Urban perform at the rodeo. But this weekend I got a very close look at what actually happens on the ground at a real rodeo. Cowboy's came from Abilene, Clovis, Muleshoe, and Earth to compete in standard rodeo games, and some not so standard rodeo games. Ever heard of a wild mare race? Teams of three race to catch a wild horse by its ears and tail and saddle it up. Or how about this one - the wild cow milking race! Yup, teams of three race to catch wild cow and MILK IT!
7. Rock Band - Trips to Lubbock, and even Plainview are a real treat for me. Trent takes me there when I've been real good. Just kidding. Well, since there is not a whole lot of entertainment in Earth, Trent and I thought we should invest in some stay-at-home entertainment, so we bought...ROCK BAND! And let me tell ya, Trent and I ROCK! Soon all of the Earthites will be lining up at our door. Let's see, what should our cover charge be?
8. The Tractor - Trent called the other day while he was working in the fields and invited me for a romantic ride on the Tractor. When I say romantic, I mean: it had two cushioned seats, was air conditioned, played music, and he let me drive! Working on a tractor seems kinda fun!
Well, those are all of the highlights I can think of right now. Trent and I are still fixing up our house. Our master bathroom should be finished today. YAY for not having odd men in my house anymore! We moved all of our bedroom furniture in yesterday and it looks GREAT! So I'm very excited about that.
Now, that I have internet, keep checking back to see what other crazy things are going on in Earth. Thanks for stopping by!
~The Farmer's Wife
1. The Earth wildlife - Here are some of the fine creatures I have found in my yard: lots and lots of birds (which means lots and lots of bird poop), a dead bird (unfortunate accident with the window), a large frog, a jack rabbit, a bull snake, and my dog, Harley. I expect to also witness raccoons and coyotes, but hopefully not on our property.
2. Fourth of July parade and picnic - Community members line up at the Springlake firehouse to show off their hot rods, horses, tractors, and riding lawn mowers. There is a picnic to follow at the Springlake park with burgers, fries, and all the homemade ice cream you could want. Lawn chairs scattered across the field and a mediocre band plays Oakridge Boy songs. The night ends with a nice display of fireworks in the clear sky.
3. Homemade ice cream - I mentioned the ice cream at the picnic, so as a new member of Earth, I thought it appropriate to try to fit in by preparing my own homemade ice cream for the picnic. BIG MISTAKE! This was my first time to attempt this on my own. Well, I never made it to the picnic with ice cream, but I did get my aggression out on the ice cream maker. It took several hard jabs with the ice pick and a few curse words from my mouth. I found out later that it may not have worked due to an overload of salt in the ice (now that I think of it, that is probably right.) But I have not brought the ice cream machine out again since that tragic day.
4. Sweet Corn - Trent and I picked up some sweet corn for the family out of the back of someone's pick up. After testing the corn and approving its tastiness, Trent's parents went back and bought 500 stalks of corn. Trent surprised me today when he announced we would be eating dinner at his parent's house so we could "can corn." Excuse me? Apparently we will be canning 500 bushels of corn to eat over the next century. Yay!
5. Town and Country - Yes, the gas station. Right now, Earth only has an Alsups, but word on the street is that Town and Country might be coming to Earth! And not only that, but it might also have a Subway in it! What a dream come true. I also heard that someone was looking to reopen the old Dairy Queen that closed down. I guess since the Earth population has grown by 6 (Me, Trent, and Trent's sister's family), Earth is in the middle of a major growth period and must prepare for this boom.
6. Earth Rodeo - The Earth Rodeo was this past weekend, and boy was that a treat! I'm used to sitting in the nose bleed section to watch Keith Urban perform at the rodeo. But this weekend I got a very close look at what actually happens on the ground at a real rodeo. Cowboy's came from Abilene, Clovis, Muleshoe, and Earth to compete in standard rodeo games, and some not so standard rodeo games. Ever heard of a wild mare race? Teams of three race to catch a wild horse by its ears and tail and saddle it up. Or how about this one - the wild cow milking race! Yup, teams of three race to catch wild cow and MILK IT!
7. Rock Band - Trips to Lubbock, and even Plainview are a real treat for me. Trent takes me there when I've been real good. Just kidding. Well, since there is not a whole lot of entertainment in Earth, Trent and I thought we should invest in some stay-at-home entertainment, so we bought...ROCK BAND! And let me tell ya, Trent and I ROCK! Soon all of the Earthites will be lining up at our door. Let's see, what should our cover charge be?
8. The Tractor - Trent called the other day while he was working in the fields and invited me for a romantic ride on the Tractor. When I say romantic, I mean: it had two cushioned seats, was air conditioned, played music, and he let me drive! Working on a tractor seems kinda fun!
Well, those are all of the highlights I can think of right now. Trent and I are still fixing up our house. Our master bathroom should be finished today. YAY for not having odd men in my house anymore! We moved all of our bedroom furniture in yesterday and it looks GREAT! So I'm very excited about that.
Now, that I have internet, keep checking back to see what other crazy things are going on in Earth. Thanks for stopping by!
~The Farmer's Wife
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Finally Online! Well...almost.
Well, hopefully I still have some readers because I am finally getting internet at our house on Monday. For the past month we have had to use the web at the in-law's house. Check back next week to hear some of the stories I have already obtained while my stay in Earth. Everything from Fourth of July parades, homemade ice cream extravaganzas, tractor riding, and rodeos.
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