Who We Are



The past few years, the area where I live, Crawford County, Ohio, has seen a wonderful explosion of younger families who are embracing the joys and challenges of living off the land. Because of them, amazing things are happening which have been embraced by our community. Farmer’s markets have been created and on-farm stores have opened. Families dedicated to growing organic produce and naturally raised meats are meeting the public’s needs for locally raised foods. And at the heart of this movement are the women.



Ohio Country Journal is my attempt to share the essence of farm life, focusing on, but not limited to, women. My goal is to bring you into our circle of friendship by inviting you to share your stories and experiences with us. You don’t have to be a full time country woman to benefit from joining us; you just have to be you.





The full-time country women featured in Ohio Country Journal are an inspiration to anyone who dares to follow her dreams, whether it is to live in the country or to bring the country life-style to their urban neighborhoods.





Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Harvest Your Blessings

 





This Thanksgiving, and every day, really, my wish for  us all is to gather blessings in bountiful harvests. 

Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving song? Mine is one that I learned in the rural North Robinson, Ohio elementary school. 



Marcheta *Gather together




Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Spring Foraged Mandala


 


 

It is a wonderous thing to experience the earth’s awakening after its long winter nap. Winter wheat fields are suddenly green, bushes and trees are full of blooms giving not so subtle hints of things to come as the sun warms the soil (and winter-weary souls).  And the first local harvests are ready if one knows where to look.

 

My husband is an expert of knowing where to look. On May 2nd  Jim channeled his inner Euell Gibbons by foraging in our woods. At lunchtime he surprised me with morel mushrooms, plus a good handful of asparagus from our patch. 

Not wanting our first meal of local food to be devoured and then forgotten, I decided to photograph it. In a spurt of inspiration to make it look even prettier I created what I am calling my Early Spring Foraged Mandala.

I gathered Sweet Woodruff, violets, chive buds and, for a pop of sunshine, a dandelion head to my arrangement. 

   



Jim was impressed enough with the result that he photographed it, too.

 

 I hope that you enjoy my mandala and that you’re inspired to make a few of your own with items you find as you take walks. Some ideas are pine needles and cones, blossoms, pretty stones, twigs, leaves….really anything you find will turn out beautifully.

 

Marcheta *fungus among us

 

How I prepared our delicacies.

Mushrooms: rinse the mushrooms under running water, pat with a towel to dry (get out as much moisture as you can). Slice the mushrooms lengthwise to remove more water and to ensure that there are no slimy creatures in residence. Put flour, salt and pepper in a gallon food storage bag and give the mushrooms a good shake cover. Sautee in butter and *W*O*W*, are your tastebuds in for a treat.

 

Asparagus: simply steam, add salt and butter to serve.

 

Sweet woodruff, violets and dandelion?  They were sacrificed as eye candy for my photo….and for that I give much appreciation.