Author Archives: Julie-Ann Baumer

Sowing Seeds

Wednesdays are supposed to be “Tiny Steps Gardening Days.” Sometimes Wednesdays fall on January 23; when this happens, it will always be my brother’s birthday and family birthdays trump 500 word essays about starting sprouts, saving seeds, or growing tomatoes … Continue reading

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For Whom the Bell Tolls

I was kicking around Portsmouth late yesterday afternoon and the bell in North Church rang the hour. The day had been windy and cold and the sky was preparing to spit snow.  The weather puppets had not agreed on their … Continue reading

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Heroes, Idols, and Worshipped Things

It’s a sad day here in New England.  One of the teams we worship, the New England Patriots, came up short last night in a football game.  I listened on the radio; I didn’t care for the national broadcasters.  I … Continue reading

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The First Opera of 2013

I jetted up to Maine yesterday for a “Live in HD” presentation of Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda.  I got caught up with fellow opera fan and friend Faye.  I love how the broadcast starts, with a view of the orchestra pit … Continue reading

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Bloggernot, Part Two

Last Friday, I suggested five reasons why a person might want to write a blog.  Did any of my readers rush out and start a blog?  Please let me know if you did and “congratulations.”  Blogging is not for everyone … Continue reading

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Snow Day for the Chic Boutique

It snowed yesterday.  I spent the day working in Portland, Maine and it was slushy and messy.  Two farmers showed up in Longfellow Square and I bought some grass fed beef. I left the office around 4:00 p.m. and headed … Continue reading

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Aunt Tomato Reads…Gene Logsdon

Every time I pick up a Gene Logsdon essay, I say to myself “why don’t I read more Gene Logsdon essays?”  They’re thoughtful, pastoral, and practical.  And they’re contrary. Mr. Logsdon’s Wikipedia biography can be read here and includes a … Continue reading

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Winning One for the Farmer

My father, Herman the German, loves football.  He likes the NFL, college football, and once in a while, he’ll even go to a high school football game.  A football letterman himself, he enjoys monopolizing the Tee Vee in the winter, … Continue reading

Posted in Experiments and Challenges, Farmers | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The End of an Era

I was making a pot of the easiest lentil soup ever last Friday night.  I followed my own instructions, plugged in my slow cooker, and turned it on the low heat setting.  Nothing happened, which is normal for a Crock-Pot … Continue reading

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Winter Nerve Food

January can be a long, dark, and damp month.  Nerves are frayed from being cold and inside.  Nerve food is needed. Work on this year’s Moxie Festival theme begins this week.  I’m going to rest today to get ready for … Continue reading

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