My Shiitake Mini-Farm

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Shiitake Mushroom Kit

My neighbor was thoughtful in gifting me with a shiitake mushroom mini-farm/kit after returning from a trip to CA this winter. He knows I enjoy new things.

The mini-farm comes with very clear instructions on how to grow Shiitake mushrooms from a block. I have had 2 harvests of mushrooms thus far. Currently, the spore block is back in the refrigerator to “rest”. Once done resting for 3 weeks, I will pull it out and enjoy another harvest. When the mushrooms are growing, I keep the kit near our work area for all of us at work to enjoy. We are all amazed at how quickly the mushrooms sprout up!

This would make an really cool gift for a family with young ones or a budding young scientist. There’s not a lot of work involved at all and it’s fun. http://www.farwestfungi.com/

I have dehydrated some of the mushrooms for a treat during the winter months (we don’t get any shiitake mushrooms in our grocery stores here) and cooked the rest. What a delicious treat!

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Winter? REALLY?

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Winter Beauty

I cannot lie: Winter is my favorite season! REALLY, you say? Let me explain…

We live in a tourist area where many flock for a bit of rest and relaxation. About 60% of homes in our area are 2nd homes. We have a major influx of retirees who choose to relocate here to enjoy a slower pace. Our area’s claim to fame is having the largest inland chain of lakes in the country. Many come to enjoy resort life or go to camps. There is a ton of stuff happening here in Eagle River, WI especially during the summer.

HOWEVER, the “traffic” can be a bit much for some of us who want to lay low in the summertime. I readjust my schedule to do more grocery shopping at odd times: very early in the morning or late at night. I try to drive through town making right-hand turns only. I muster up my strength to do any gift shopping downtown because of the parking issues. So summer is just different. It’s busy and bustling.

To ensure that you don’t get the wrong impression, I like that so many families enjoy our area. It’s good for them and good for our local businesses. Again, it’s just different.

So back to winter…The woods are not as crowded with tourists during the winter. It’s quiet, tranquil. And the snow-covered views in winter are amazingly beautiful! It’s a time for renewal, more time to read books, quilt, connect with family, sit by the wood fire. I am glad winters are so long here! And this only begins to explain my favorite season. What’s yours? And why?

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Greetings, Followers!

Home of Annie and Annie's WoolensAnd thus begins another blog into the vast blog universe…

If you have ended up here, I thank you. My intent is to document bits and pieces about myself and the life my husband and I lead in Wisconsin’s pristine Northwoods. We feel blessed to have settled here. The daily joys of owning our own separate businesses gives our lives daily purpose. The special people who work with us are part of our daily mission. The views at any time of day from any home window gives us restoration and peace (and often amusement). We live in the woods with plenty of views of nature.  My hope is that you, too, can enjoy some of the goings-on of my life in the Northwoods as either being similar to or totally different from yours.

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