It is always fun to try to capture that PERFECT picture of the fireworks!

We found a great article on itsoverflowing.com that gives some great tips using a Digital SLR Manual Camera. And if you are using your Smart Phone Camera check out this link at NorthStar Photography. 

Simple Cheesecake Tart for July 4th

Ingredients

1 package {8oz.} cream cheese, softened
3/4 can {10oz.} sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 waffle bowls
Favorite Topping: cherry pie filling, strawberries, blueberries, chocolate shavings, etc.

 

 

Instructions:

In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. 

Add milk and vanilla extract, beat until smooth. 

Stir in lemon juice. 

Spoon about 1/3 cup cheesecake mixture into each waffle bowl. 

Top with 2 tablespoons of your favorite topping. 

Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.  Enjoy!

Keep any leftovers stored in the fridge.

Direct Link to ItsOverflowing.com for this recipe!

From Pre-School to High School, graduations are taking place everywhere, CONGRATULATIONS!

Graduating Seniors, we wish you a safe graduation and be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire!

We wish all students a safe and fun summer!

Is Your Backyard Safe?

5 Summer Safety Tips to Consider by The Allstate Blog Team - Click Here

1. Find and Fill Holes in Your Yard

2. Grill with Caution

3. Test Playgrounds for Safety

4. Brush Up on Home Swimming Pool Safety

5. Be Careful with Pesticides

 

5 Home Safety Tips for Summer Vacations by Elli Bishop - Click Here

1. Hold Your Mail

2. Trick Potential Intruders

3. Ask Neighbors to Keep an Eye Out

4. Avoid Social Media

5. Nix the Spare Key

 

Vermont City Marathon

Memorial Day weekend, being a long weekend and the guiding date for the last frost, is also considered the unofficial start of summer.  

Weather permitting, most have outdoor plans for visiting cemeteries, attending parades, picnics, and planting gardens. With that in mind, we wanted to share with you local parade information and share some tips for preparing your plants for the transition from a protected inside environment to the outdoors.

 

Transitioning Plants to the Outdoors

Plan on a slow transition over 7-10 days

Start by putting the plants in a sheltered spot for only 2-3 hours the first day.

(sheltered from Sun, Wind, Rain and Cold)

Gradually increase the length of time outside by an hour or two a day and  

also increase exposure to the elements.

SUN- start in full shade, move to filtered sun for just part of the time, then to some direct sun for short periods, gradually increase exposure to sun, if a plant that will be in full sun. 

WIND– Protect from wind, then slowly expose to more wind.

Lastly expose to soft rain and cooler temps. 

Also decrease watering, but do not let wilt.

 

As Dandelion season is upon us, here are a few tips on how to put them to good use.

DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) Americans have benefited greatly from this European import, though many people would disagree. Dandelion is a beneficial companion plant, breaking up hardpan, pulling up deeply buried nutrition (calcium especially) and creating channels for earthworms to move freely. As the dandelion roots loosen the soil, they also ensure that water can move freely, allowing toxic salt levels to leach downward and prevent unhealthy accumulation. Contrary to popular belief, the roots of dandelion do not compete with shallower root systems, as they are not feeding in the upper three feet of topsoil. It is only when the flower blooms that the plant begins to cause a negative effect, slowing growth in the plants nearby. Managed well, dandelion is a valuable asset to the garden.

Work with this Weed: Dandelion can be allowed to grow in the garden, but should be scrupulously dead-headed or simply harvested before it is allowed to turn into that familiar white puffball. Turning the leaves and roots back into the garden as mulch or via compost teas can be highly beneficial.  

DANDELION GREENS PESTO

• 4 cups washed dandelion greens. Do not blanch.
• 2/3 to 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup nuts  –  almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, etc.
• 2-6 cloves garlic according to taste
• 1/4 cup romano or parmesan cheese

Put all ingredients in a food processor and process on high until creamy, making sure all ingredients are well blended.

Use the pesto on baked potatoes, as a dip, on pizza, noodles; he choices are endless! The pesto can be frozen for up to a year.

Bon appetit!     

Note- Dandelion is a digestive bitter. It heals, nourishes, and balances the entire digestive tract, including the liver.   

CLICK HERE for where we found Dandelions Green Pesto 

 

COMPOST TEA

                  A compost tea made from weeds from your yard is a simple and relatively quick way (compared with finished compost) to deliver the nutrients of your yard’s weeds back into your soil.

Ingredients:

* One pair of old/cheap women’s hosiery

* Weed of your choice

* 5-gallon bucket

* Distilled water

* Small fish tank bubbler (available for around 10 dollars on Amazon)

Instructions:

1. Fill one leg of a pair of old hosiery with the weed of your choice and add this to a 5-gallon bucket. Cover with distilled water. Be sure water does not contain chlorine or fluoride (don’t use city water in this application).

2. Let sit for 3 to 9 days in a spot out of direct sunlight or intense heat or cold.

3. Remove hosiery and add fish tank bubbler. Leave brew to bubble for another 24 hours.

4. When it’s ready to use, simply pull out the bubbler and dilute 1 part tea to 20 parts water. This can then be drenched directly on the soil. Save the remainder in empty milk jugs or other lidded containers.

CLICK HERE for where we found Compost Tea

 

Spring Break is a Great Time To Plant Seeds for Summer

 

Typically seeds should be started indoors 4-10 weeks before planting outside, after last chance of frost. Here in VT most people use Memorial Day weekend as the marker of when to plant outdoors, so planting during spring break gives you 5-6 weeks of inside growth. 

1. Good seeds for kids to plant with that time frame are Marigolds, Asters, Morning Glory. Sunflowers, Basil, Cucumber and Squash.

2. Container options are many from purchased to a variety of items you have right at home.  Egg shells work great, just remember to wash them out and poke a small hole in the bottom for drainage.  You can skip the eggshell and plant right in the egg carton also, again poke a small hole in the bottom of each cup.  Toilet paper rolls work well also, cut in half then cut 4 slits around 1 end and fold the pieces in to make a bottom.  You can even use a citrus rind, cut in half, remove the inside and poke a hole in the bottom for drainage.

3. Fill containers of choice with seed starter mix and plant seeds according to package directions.

4. Place containers in a waterproof tray and water until well moistened, but not soaking.  Either place tray in a clear plastic bag or cover with plastic wrap to hold in moisture and make a greenhouse until seeds sprout, then remove plastic, as sprouts need good air flow. 

5. Place seed containers in a warm room with lots of sunshine or under a grow light.  Best to water from the bottom, keep moist but not wet.

Click HERE to visit a direct link to Get Busy Gardening for an easy DIY Seed Starting Mix Recipe.

 

We would love to see your plants grow– Visit us on Facebook and

post your photos.

 

 

 

The below challenge provides eight categories of tasks and activities. 

Even if you don’t want to do the challenge, check out the challenge list and the VT State Parks website, as they contain a wealth of information on things to do outside.  Check out the “Things To Do” tab on their

website for information on Camping, Hiking, Swimming, Boating, Fishing, Biking, Parks Events & Programs, Venture Vermont, Winter Activities, Other Activities, Family Fun and Enjoying Nature.  

Venture Vermont will return soon for 2018 with brand-new challenges! Download your new score sheet below on April 15th to get started.

You and your family will never run out of fun things to do when you participate in the Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge.

 

Here's how it works:    

1. Download a score sheet (PDF)- here is last year's as an example

2. Do fun outdoor activities listed on the score sheet between April 15, 2018 - October 15, 2018.

3. Take photos of your activities

4. When you reach 250 points, submit your score sheet and photos to us

5. Receive a VIP gold coin, good for free state park entry for rest of this year and all of next!

6. Have a blast!

If you are doing the challenge as a family, you can take group photos, but each family member needs their own score sheet.

 

 

 

1408 Bovat Road, Georgia

Þ Wooded Lot

Þ 20.04 Acres

Þ Drilled Well

Þ Well & Septic Design Available

Þ Driveway

Þ MLS# 4648011

Þ $139,000 - Click to view listing

 

Lot #14 Oak Knoll Road, Williston

Þ Subdivision Lot

Þ .92 Acres    

Þ Drilled Well

Þ Electric  On-Site

Þ Paved Public Rd

Þ MLS# 4669162

Þ $135,000 - Click to view listing

 

Give us a call today if you are looking for a lot to build your home!