Today

Today I have some pinto beans soaking. I'll drain them later and set them to sprout. Boy am I loving having packs of safe cooked beans in my freezer!

I also took my #13 knitting needles and loaded them with 130 stitches in the same cotton and started a bigger better scarf. It's so simple, cast on first row, knit 2 more rows in heavier weight, 2 rows of light weight, 2 rows heavy, 2 rows light, 3 rows heavy and cast off. If you use heavier weight yarns use bigger needles.

I've also set up my little table for jewelry making. I've been loading head pins with little flowers, beads and stones. Now I'm gonna see if I can figure out how to attach them to a chain and tie them off. We shall see. I'm hoping I don't regret the small size of my new tools. I'll have some Dr. Who season 4 playing in the background just in case it gets frustrating.

In contrast to other beauty trees out there here is my beauty carpet.

Terrariums and Beans

My carnivorous terrarium including volunteer mushroom.

If you'd like to start your own you'll need...

1. jar with lid
2. sphagnum moss
3. potting soil
4. small stones
5. charcoal
6. long pokey thing (chop sticks or tongs)

My first terrariums housed carnivorous plants. I then found that the sphagnum moss harbored fern spores and I'd end up with cool ferns. As you know my latest jar plant is an orchid. Be mindful of how big your plant will get and choose tropical types. Many people are enjoying moss gardens now a days so simply popping outside and grabbing a clump of moss would be fine. You may be wondering why you need charcoal for a terrarium, it's to sweeten the water. It keeps the water clean like a fish tank. Next week we'll put it all together. I wanted you to be able to gather your supplies.

The charcoal I buy is from the pharmacy. People use it to relieve gas. Which brings me to another project I'm working on. The perfect bean! I like beans, any sort and they are very healthy. For someone who's already restricted by a gluten free diet they are a good food source. Except, they are not a food I am able to eat. But over the years I've learned something about beans and that is if you sprout them they convert from a carb to a protein which is more digestible.

The process takes several days but I believe it's well worth it. Soak your beans (must be organic beans) for 1 and a half to 2 days, changing the water several times. After they soak, pour out almost all of the water and find a dark cupboard to put your beans in. Honestly I didn't bother covering them but you should cover your container with cheese cloth. Gently give your beans a swish in clean water occasionally and drain again. When you see little sprouts appearing your beans are ready to be cooked and used as you'd like. Happy Bean Eating!