Barbara RoosinAn Idea (by Ingenious Piece)52 Good Things from 2020My husband, Dave, and I decided at the beginning of 2020 to create “gratitude jars” — each week writing down something we were grateful…Jan 2, 2021Jan 2, 2021
Barbara RoosinAn Idea (by Ingenious Piece)Reflecting on 2020This year has been an undeniable dumpster fire. A global pandemic has killed more than a million people so far, and tanked the economy…Oct 11, 2020Oct 11, 2020
Barbara RoosPressing & Canning Apple CiderApple season is upon us, and a few years ago Dave and I tried apple pressing for the first time, using a press we borrowed from a friend…Oct 5, 2020Oct 5, 2020
Barbara RoosLemony Grilled Shrimp Panzanella with Basil, Tomatoes and MozzarellaPanzanella is a Tuscan chopped salad of soaked stale bread, tomatoes, and various other seasonal ingredients.May 30, 2020May 30, 2020
Barbara RoosBringing the outdoors insideLearn how to easily press and dry flowers using a microwave and fireplace bricks.May 24, 2020May 24, 2020
Barbara RoosBecoming a mason bee keeperI’m often surprised when I mention our mason bees to friends and family members, and they look at me blankly and ask, “What are mason…May 22, 2020May 22, 2020
Barbara RoosRecipe: Dave’s Speedy No-Knead Kalamata olive breadDave started experimenting with baking bread a few weeks into the pandemic, when we were finally able to get our hands on some flour. The…May 16, 20202May 16, 20202
Barbara RoosMail-Order CreativityExploring our creative sides with monthly arts and crafts subscriptionsMay 12, 2020May 12, 2020
Barbara RoosRecipe: Soy-Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon with Broccoli RiceOn Friday, with Portland’s high temperatures shooting up to over 80 degrees, we decided it was time to pull the cover off the grill and…May 10, 2020May 10, 2020
Barbara RoosProtecting our fruit trees now, for a bountiful harvest laterWhen we bought our homestead, we became caretakers to several mature fruit trees, including a very prolific apple tree, an Asian pear tree…May 10, 2020May 10, 2020