Elk herd in our pasture

Several times per year, an Oregon coastal herd of Roosevelt Elk go into and/or through our outer pasture. The mountain-side is on the other side of the creek that runs through our ranch and the draw at the far end runs on up and into Forest Service land. There are game trails from government land that come down and cross the creek and onto a few acres of low-lying land, which sometimes floods over during mid-winter run offs. This low-land is hidden from view up on the road by blackberry vines and Doug fir trees. The Elk love the seclusion.

Every late May-early June, the herd comes into that lower land, browsing on blackberry vines and fresh grass. Even through we have mowed a grassy trail to the water's edge, even going near that area during this time of year is taboo. We have heard the bugling of the Elk in the early morning hours, which gave way to the gentle bleat of newborn Elk calves. Knowing they can trust their seclusion and privacy, the Elk have returned year after year.

The Fir & Cedar trees we planted at the far end of the property 20 years ago have grown into a young forest, providing considerable shade and privacy for any wild animals. Edible mushrooms have found the right soil and weather in that area, adding to browse for the Elk. Swamp grass near the remains of the old orchard contribute to their browse. When the pears and apple ripen, we can tell the Elk have visited: There is no fruit or leaves on the lower limbs and scatterings of Elk poop is on the ground around the trees. This year's herd numbers upward of 50 animals.

We have also posted "No Hunting or Trespassing" signs along the road, protecting the Elk as much as possible. As Spring comes along more fully, the leaves on the deciduous trees will give more privacy to the herd. It is a real thrill to watch two young bucks with budding antlers as they playfully joust for their audience of other Elk calves their age. More country living at its best.

Recipe - Blender Mayonnaise

Country Blender Mayo
(From "Dr. Mom's Natural Country Remedies:)

2 fresh large eggs, at room temperature
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
2 cups fresh Canola oil
1 tsp. sea salt (or real salt)
1/2 tsp. dry mustard

(It is important to have all ingredients at room temperature for easier blending.)
Blend eggs at high speed for about 30 seconds, then add the lemon juice, salt & dry mustard for about 20 seconds more. Pour the Canola oil into a 2-cup measurer and very slowly drizzle the oil into the egg mixture through the top of the lid (most blender caps are removable). You will notice that when the Mayo starts to thicken the mixture will no longer splatter the sides. Still pouring thinly, now remove the lid and continue until the mixture stops absorbing the oil poured into the middle. Now pour the oil a little faster. Stop the blender. Using a spatula, fold the Mayo into the oil. Blend again. Repeat until all the oil is added and blended thoroughly.

For a stiffer Mayo, add only small amounts of the oil before using the spatula. For creamier, easily spread Mayo, pour larger amount of oil toward the end. Store in a covered jar or plastic container in the refrigerator for 3 - 4 weeks. Makes about 2 1/2 cups. For smaller amounts, cut recipe in half.

Personally, I use half apple cider vinegar and half lemon juice. You can differ the taste to your own preference by substituting lime juice for up to half of the lemon juice. Experiment and find your own personal blend. Slightly less salt may be used. Most olive oils are not recommended because they do not blend well and can affect the final taste of the mayo.

If using a Vita-Mix, the speed must be reduced, or else the friction heat will break down the oil and reduce the mayonnaise to liquid. Check your Vita-Mix guidebook for exact speeds & directions.

Suggested uses:

• Our blender Mayo can be used in place of butter when coating the outside of sandwiches for grilling and produces an evenly coated golden grill as well as add flavor to sandwich.
• Mix 1/2 cup mayo with 2 well-drained cans of tuna or flaked canned chicken. Mix in 2 Tbsp minced onion. Can be grilled or served cold.
• Mix 1/4 cup Mayo with yolks from 6 hard-boiled eggs. Add 1/2 tsp minced garlic & generous dash of paprika for filling in Deviled eggs. 2 Tbsp finely chopped relish may be added.
• Mix 1 cup Mayo & 1/3 cup sweet or dill pickle juice thooughly and stir into fresh potato salad. For yellow potato salad, add 2 Tbsp prepared mustard to Mayo & pickle juice.
• For a delicious summer sandwich, spread 2 slices of bread with Mayo. Fill sandwich with thinly sliced sweet onions & fresh garden tomatoes. Thinly sliced cucumbers optional.
• Fresh green salad will taste great with a dollop of fresh Mayo.
• Add 1/4 cup of Mayo to your own recipe of Caeser dressing for a new creative taste.
• Stir rounded tablespoon of Mayo into homemade potato soup and sprinkle each bowl with a pinch of dried, chopped chives.
• For cracker spread, add 1 Tbsp minced garlic and 1/2 tsp minced Jalapeno pepper or 1/2 tsp. white pepper to 1 cup Mayo, mixing well. Let set for 4 hours before use.

Preparing for Spring Planting in Oregon

Since I erected my new portable greenhouse a couple of months ago, we have had rain, snow, hail, frost, and very few sunny days. It has been a strange beginning of Spring here in Oregon. But the little seeds I planted in their trays have sprouted and are slowly growing. Next year I may decide to put up a solar panel to heat the greenhouse trays and any tender plants I have therein.

I was trying to figure out how to fill the empty Earthboxes I have in the greenhouse without having to buy potting soil, of which I'm not too fond. While standing out in the side pasture, petting some of my goats, it came to me. Take a bucket and shovel. Skim the top soil off all of the gopher and mole hills into the bucket. The soil is already loosened and is not as wet as the compacted soil around the hills.

The grass around the mole hills is so richly green, fertilized by my herd of goats. I don't have to mess around with a heavy wheelbarrow or clumpy wet soil. It works great! Now I can plant my peas in the boxes and have a nice harvest in about 60 days. I soaked them in rain water for 3 - 4 days before planting. That seems to help, too.

Around the edge of the garden, where all my root vegetables are, I'm going to put in several mole plants. A friend did this in her garden and never had a bit of trouble with moles or gophers. Of course, she fertilized her growing area with mint fodder. It adds nitrogen to the soil and also seems to repel gophers and moles. We'll see what happens.

Many of the country people I've talked to lately are tabulating the cost of buying groceries against growing their own, especially with the rising cost of fuels. Other factors we are figuring in is the rising cost of electricity for running freezers. Many of our vegetables and fruits seem to do well coming out of a jar that we have canned in bulk. There are lots of shortcuts and money-saving ideas in doing home preserving: canning, freezing, dehydrating, etc. About the end of gardening season, I gather the basic veggies from the garden and combine them into what our neighbor calls "End of the Garden Stew". It can be a quick supper with only adding a little meat at the end of a cold winter day.

I've been planting gardens and harvesting since I was a little girl, over 60 years. Basically, I'm lazy so whatever way is going to gain the most with the least amount of work, is usually the route I take. Besides, anything left in the garden that we cannot eat (corn stalks, pea vines, rutabaga & cabbage leaves, etc.) the goats stand on the other side of the fence and drool, while begging for those morsels. Nothing goes to waste.

If I grow an abundance of one thing, I can always check with my neighbors for trading purposes. Local people have also organized a Sunday afternoon "Farmer's Market" located beside our little country market which is on the Highway. This begins when the seed planters among us have lots of small plants to sell.... all the way through the summer months and into fall. The extra dollars cover costs incurred when it comes to healthy country living.