Vintage 1905 Juice O Mat

Have you ever heard of a Juice o Mat? I found one this morning at a garage sale. I went to lift it off of the table and it was heavy...no aluminum here! It had a beautiful retro look and it seems functional. I looked around on the internet an apparently folks collect this item but there doesn't seem to be much history on the piece. I wish the Rival Company would create a product history on their web site. I definitely would like to learn more.

Fooducate

Fooducate is an interesting web site and iphone/android app that GRADES the food you buy at the grocery store. "Fooducate's scientific algorithms grade each product and provide simple, concise explanations. The Grading system is developed by scientists, dietitians and concerned parents." I try to buy locally and in our home, we preserve food that we grow ourselves. I believe that food takes time.... cooking takes time.... I also have a busy family and work outside the home so I like convenience as much as the next guy. However a balance must be established between convenience and the food we eat. This is my two cents for the day. Feel free to explore the Fooducate web site. Think critically and ponder your options.

Living Homegrown

Living Homegrown has a wonderful presence on the internet. The blog is well written (unlike here) and emphasizes the things I would like to try. This year they are beginning their blog with "31 days of Living Homegrown". I found it quite interesting thus far as Weck Jars and Beekeeping have been highlighted(amongst other things). I look forward to reading the remaining entries this month and adding more to my "to do list". :)

Welcome Back

Life has a way of side tracking me. My friends and family enjoy viewing our farm through this blog but I have been lax in doing so. So I will attempt, once again to restart this blog. Something new this year: I was selected to be an Ohio Cultivator. This is someone that applied to the program that wants to emphasize agriculture, gardening, cooking and promote local sources of food etc. This is promoted through our Farm Bureau. Apparently these folks believe that I would be an effective participant of this program. I will try to document here the journey of a "first year" Ohio Cultivator! Join me.