Silver Linings Boutique

Silver Linings Boutique

There is a new shoppe opening up in Twin Bridges.  Jessica Hutchinson is the entrepreneur behind Silver Linings Boutique:  a high-end second hand retail outlet.  Silver Linings is located in the Hardware building at the junction of Highway 41 and Highway 287.  Bring in your clean and in good condition clothing and accessories in exchange for cash or in-store credit (by appointment only). 

Jessica is shooting for a Saturday, July 6^th Grand Opening.  The boutique will be open Tuesday thru Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm.  I took in a tote-full of clothes the kids grew out of, clothes I no longer wear, and some extra goodies that we had been given lovingly but were not using.  I walked away very pleased to have turned my “stuff” into cash.  Clean out your closet, grab up your goodies that didn’t sell at Garage-A-Rama and call Jessica to set up an appointment:  684-5325.

Our community will be blessed to have another shop open, especially for our friends and family that are coming to visit.  Tourists will appreciate another open store front and the opportunity to buy cowboy and fishing gear, a swimsuit to wear in the river when they desperately need a dip, and other unique items.  Silver Linings is selling men’s, women’s and children’s clothing.  New moms will benefit from the chance to buy high-quality children’s clothes at a discount price.  Those same moms will benefit by having a place to sell their in-good-condition clothes and toys.  Jessica is going to be selling brand new items as well.  In need of a gift for a friend?  Come to Silver Linings for affordable, cowboy bling handbags.  A dress you wore once that hides in the back of the closet?  A brand new cowboy hat that is the wrong size?  Kids clothes?  Montana, cowboy, or fishing specific (coffee table) books?  Call Jessica and schedule an appointment.  Bring your out of town friends by when shopping after the Farmers’ Market.  

Support your local businesses!  Our area is rich with gift ideas!  Check out the blog, www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com and comment with your favorite local gift shop.  Thanks for reading!

Twin Bits

The next TBCA meeting will be at Noon at the Ruby Valley National Bank in Twin, Wednesday July 17.

Twin Bridges Farmers’ Market Saturdays, 9 am to Noon, Twin Bridges Main Street Park.  Contact Sarah Miller at tbfarmersmarket@hotmail.com.  The Farmers Market will be at the Fairgrounds the Saturday of Floating Flotillas and Fish Fantasies.  No charge to vendors to set up that day. 

Sheridan Farmers’ Market begins Thursday June 6^th, 4 pm to 6 pm at Sheridan’s Main Street Park.  Contact Ann Goldthwait at Kindred Spirits LLC gift shop in Sheridan. 

Floating Flotillas and Fish Fantasies will be Saturday July 27 at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Twin Bridges.  5k run, cow pasture golf, River Parade, kids games, BBQ, ice cream and beer!

Alder Site for Bountiful Baskets

Alder Site for Bountiful Baskets

A while back I wrote about the Bountiful Baskets program.  Now I am happy to write that there is a Bountiful Baskets site here in the Ruby Valley.  Saturday, June 22, I will be picking up my Bountiful Basket from the Alder School.  Kaycee Gilman is the site coordinator working hard to make sure that everything runs smoothly.  The next pick-up will be Saturday, July 6 with ordering beginning at 10 am Monday July 1^st…you must order by Tuesday July 2^nd at nine p.m. if you want to get a basket July 6.  Ordering early is the best chance to get a basket (there are only so many) and get the add-ons. 

“Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op (BBFC) distributes produce baskets, organic produce baskets, artisan bread and sandwich bread every other week.”  It is “a grassroots, all volunteer, no contracts, no catch cooperative.”  According to the website, bountifulbaskets.org, because they don’t pay employees (rely on volunteers) at the sites, they are able to sell produce for “rock bottom” prices. The program would not happen without volunteers.  If you choose to participate, choose to volunteer once in a while, when you are able. 

Go to the Bountiful Baskets website (www.bountifulbaskets.org) and create an account.  The one-time ‘first time’ basket fee of $3.00 applies to all the sites you visit.  These three dollars goes towards the laundry baskets used at the site.  When you participate, you transfer your basket of produce (approx. 50% veggies, 50% fruit) from the white baskets to your own container(s)—laundry baskets, reusable grocery sacks, cardboard boxes, etc.  There is no commitment.  Close to where we live in the Ruby Valley, there are 2 sites in Dillon that alternate weeks, a site in Whitehall, a site in Ennis and now the site in Alder.  Butte also has a half-dozen sites and Bozeman has sites that you could schedule into a big shopping trip.  There is no commitment to just one site and the benefits of the program are amazing.

Our family has been so happy with the Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op.  I know we save money on produce.  We get good quality produce that has allowed us to incorporate veggies into every dinner meal.  It has helped to plan a week’s worth of meals knowing that I have certain items that need to be used quickly.  We eat a lot more fruits and veggies and if there is a vegetable I need for a meal, I just go to our local grocery store.  The friend that got me hooked on the program shared that her family was able to cut back on extra starches, eliminating rice or pasta by adding more veggies to the plate.  There are add-ons:  cases of produce, breads, oils, extra packs with herbs and veggies specific to regional cuisine and they are great deals.  The case of broccoli mostly went in the freezer and we enjoyed some great broccoli-rich meals. 

Talk to friends who have used the Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op.  Split baskets with your friends.  Volunteer!  Check out Bountiful Baskets on Facebook; join the Ruby Valley Bountiful Basket group.  As local produce becomes available, make sure to support your local farmers and Farmers Markets.  Thanks for reading and I hope you are enjoying the short summer.  Share at www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com.

Twin Bits

The next TBCA meeting will be at Noon at the Ruby Valley National Bank in Twin, Wednesday June 26.

Twin Bridges Farmers’ Market Saturdays, 9 am to Noon, Twin Bridges Main Street Park.  Contact Sarah Miller at tbfarmersmarket@hotmail.com.

Sheridan Farmers’ Market begins Thursday June 6^th, 4 pm to 6 pm at Sheridan’s Main Street Park.  Contact Ann Goldthwait at Kindred Spirits LLC gift shop in Sheridan. 

Floating Flotillas and Fish Fantasies will be Saturday July 27 at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Twin Bridges. 

Wear Sunscreen

Wear Sunscreen

Summer is finally here (at this exact moment, outside my window it is a downpour and the water running down the streets reminds me of living up in V.C. and watching the water rush down the streets and gulch)!  Thursday the 20^th is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year and one tip I’d like to start out summer with is wear sunscreen!

When I was younger I would skip the sunscreen, after that initial burn the skin turns that perfect brown.  But the reality is that too much sun damages the skin.  In order to keep the body looking youthful, it is necessary to protect yourself.  Sun burn is hard on the skin and after healing what you will be left with is scarred to some degree.  With the kiddos, I am chasing the older kids around the yard with the spray sunscreen and then just always trying to keep the six month old in the shade (away from mosquitoes! ha!)

I know it does get expensive.  When I started to stock up on sunscreen for the summer, I found myself using $1.00 off coupons on $8.00 a bottle or higher products.  It seems that end-caps and 2-pack offers are the best deal for purchasing frugally.  As the Summer speeds by, the price of sunscreen should drop.  I think you could stock up at the end of this summer to save for next year, and for those warm winter days we get. 

I keep sunscreen by the door, in the car and with the stroller.  I would do anything to save my kids from hurt, so even though they wiggle and complain, I spray them down and wipe sunscreen on their faces (carefully attempting to keep it out of their eyes and mouth).  Anything less than 15 SPF is worthless in terms of protection.  There are natural make-up products that contain minerals that provide protection. 

And you can search the web for DIY sunscreens that are made out of oils, beeswax and zinc oxide.  Putting sunscreen on tattoos preserves your ink.  Take the time to protect your skin.  Thanks for reading, and share at www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com.

Twin Bits

The next TBCA meeting will be at Noon at the Ruby Valley National Bank in Twin, Wednesday June 26.

Twin Bridges Farmers’ Market Saturdays, 9 am to Noon, Twin Bridges Main Street Park. 

Sheridan Farmers’ Market begins Thursday June 6^th, 4 pm to 6 pm at Sheridan’s Main Street Park. 

Floating Flotillas and Fish Fantasies will be Saturday July 27 at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Twin Bridges. 

Gearing Up for Summer

Gearing Up for Summer

This long weekend marks the beginning of Summer—for us in Southwestern Montana it usually marks a weekend of rain and snow.  Despite the usually drippy weather, many venture out in their campers and head out to enjoy our amazing amenities.  It is a great weekend to check out what’s new in Virginia City as this year they kick off 150 years of history for the mining town. 

Montana summers pass by so quickly; I think it is important to have a plan for taking advantage of the nice weather.  This is a busy summer for us; our daughter will be here in the middle of June to spend six weeks with us and I am determined to do a big grocery shopping trip before she gets here so that we are all stocked up on kid-friendly foods and I don’t have to waste any of that precious time with her.  We are making a list of activities we want to do this summer, accumulating a list of restaurants we want to try.  Crystal Park and rock shops, a day in Phillipsburg, swimming adventures, float trips, camping, hiking...it’s shaping up to be a busy summer and I want it to be organized and fun!

I’m working on a chore list for the kids that will keep them productive during the down time.  I saw an idea on Pinterest.com for assigning a dollar amount to a particular chore making it easier to determine a weekly allowance and I’m hoping that it will help me to keep the house clean.  I’m hoping the incentive of 50 cents will encourage the older kids to pick up a broom and sweep the kitchen.    I’m planning on daily family reading time, for at least a half hour a day. 

I’ve also made arrangements for a family photo shoot with a local photographer so we can memorialize these years that pass so quickly.  It will be time to start saving for a back-to-school shopping trip.  I need to make a list of family friends we would like to have over for barbequing.  What are you doing to get ready for summer?  Share at www.facebook.com/SustainablySadie.  What are you favorite summer activities?  What hike do you have to do every year?  What local events do you make sure to check out?  Where do you look for inspiration for Summer Fun?  Thanks for reading!

Twin Bits

Garage-A-Rama is Saturday June 8^th at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Twin Bridges, 9 am to 1 pm.  

 Twin Bridges Farmers’ Market Saturdays, 9 am to Noon, Twin Bridges Main Street Park. 

Sheridan Farmers’ Market begins Thursday June 6^th, 4 pm to 6 pm at Sheridan’s Main Street Park. 

Recycling Ziploc Bags

Recycling Ziploc Bags

While unloading groceries from massive shopping trip (trying to stock up for the summer), I noticed that the package of Ziploc bags offered this website on the bottom of package, under the “Environmental Facts:” www.ziploc.com/sustainability.  The pervasiveness of plastic annoys me and pushes me to obsess about how much of the potentially toxic stuff enters our home.  I am constantly trying to figure out ways to reuse plastic packaging and finding this Ziploc web address has proven to be serendipitous. 

Locally, we are able to recycle #1 and #2 plastics at the Twin Bridges Landfill.  But what of these plastic bags?  Wal*Mart in Butte accepts plastic grocery sacks for recycling.  A recycling center that processes the plastic grocery sacks will also accept clean and dry Ziploc bags, newspaper bags, dry-cleaning bags, bread and produce bags, toilet paper, napkin and paper towel wraps, plastic shipping envelopes, and all clean bags labeled #2 and #4 (according to www.ziploc.com/sustainability).  Plastic bags are not meant for Single Stream Recycling operations.  The plastic bags will gum up the complicated works of a conveyor belt-style sorter. 

Reseal-able plastic bags have many uses:  food storage for everything from snacks to freezing, and for use as dry bags for valuables when floating rivers or lakes.  Crafting centers and diaper bags can be organized with the help of these containers.  Re-use plastic bags whenever possible.  When heading out on adventures with the kids this summer, encourage each child to bring their own empty bag to fill with cool stuff they find while hiking, biking, and exploring.  Interesting looking leaves, rocks, shells, bugs and more can be brought home for further discovery.  An inexpensive magnifying glass can be found in toy and craft sections of larger stores and your little scientists can do some investigating that will help make learning fun. 

I am encouraged that a large corporation is taking positive steps.  Rinse and dry your Ziploc and other plastic sacks, stash them away in a home recycling center and then drop them at the appropriate recycling locations.  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rethink your purchases (i.e. Buy More Locally).  Do your own research.  Share your successes at www.facebook.com/SustainablySadie.  Thanks for reading!

Twin Bits  

Garage-A-Rama is Saturday June 8^th at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Twin Bridges, 9 am to 1 pm. 

The next TBCA meeting will be Monday June 10, Noon at the RVNB in Twin Bridges.   

 Twin Bridges Farmers’ Market Saturdays, 9 am to Noon, Twin Bridges Main Street Park. 

Sheridan Farmers’ Market begins Thursday June 6^th, 4 pm to 6 pm at Sheridan’s Main Street Park. 

Floating Flotillas and Fish Fantasies will be Saturday July 27 at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Twin Bridges. 

Make It From Scratch

Weekends are great for so many reasons.  One of my favorite aspects of the weekend is getting to have a large, family breakfast.  Last weekend, my husband opened the cupboard looking for Bisquick and a happy opportunity presented itself as we were out of that particular food item.  The waffles he ended up making from scratch tasted far better than any waffles we had made using the convenience of a packaged food. 

Packaged foods can be a time saver; Bisquick is a mix that makes it easy to prepare biscuits, pancakes, waffles and many other dishes.  It has been around since 1931, but it also contains preservatives to increase its shelf life.  Making biscuits, pancakes or waffles from scratch eliminates the need from preservatives and keeps you in control of the ingredients.  There are organic and natural versions of Bisquick like Arrowhead Mills and Bob’s Red Mill.  Those varieties do not contain Dextrose, Soybean Oil or Cottonseed Oil.  Or you could create your own Bisquick by searching the internet for recipes.  You could also try combining the dry ingredients of your favorite recipe and store in an airtight container.

One way to shop healthier at a grocery store/ super market is to shop the outer aisles.  Stick with the fresh foods in the produce section, buy fresh meat and avoid the freezer and packaged food aisles.  Making foods from scratch avoids the fillers and preservatives.  You can control the amount of sugar and fat in your diet.  You can eat healthier by making your favorite foods from scratch.  With a little proper planning, you can make large batches and freeze smaller portions for later. 

I have a friend who is eating Lean Cuisines daily in preparation for her upcoming wedding.  With all the stress that comes with a large wedding, I have decided to not share with her my concerns but it is not only a very expensive way to try to control portions, there are so many extra ingredients in those products.  One suggestion I came across while researching Lean Cuisine, “if you can’t pronounce it or don’t recognize it, don’t eat it!” (Goff, www.fitday.com/fitness-articles)

This is a great time of year to get amazing fresh produce.  Buy in bulk and put up the food.  Share your favorite methods of putting up food at sustainablysadie.blogspot.com.  Canning, freezing, drying…what is your favorite?  What local foods have you stored away for later?  Thanks for reading and sharing!

Twin Bits

Garage-A-Rama is Saturday June 8^th at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Twin Bridges, 9 am to 1 pm.  

 Twin Bridges Farmers’ Market begins Saturday May 18, 9 am!  First 2 Saturdays FREE for Vendors to set up booth.  Twin Bridges Main Street Park. 

Sheridan Farmers’ Market begins Thursday June 6^th, 4 pm to 6 pm at Sheridan’s Main Street Park. 

From TBS Calendar:

Wed May 22:  Kindergarten Celebration! 1:30 pm @ MP Gym

May 24-25:  State Track Meet @ Laurel

Friday May 24:  Last Day of School!  School out at 2 pm

Candles

Candles

I think that candles are wonderful.  They make wonderful gifts.  They are fun to receive.  They make my house smell nice.  There is a comforting glow and warmth that comes from a lit candle.  Besides a sustainable light source for the home, candles are also a great way to support your local economy.

There are local candle makers whose wares can be found are local shops and at your local farmers market.  If you are in need of gift giving ideas, choosing candles can help support your local shops and buying candles from vendors at farmers markets will encourage those vendors to return.  Incense is another product that is being produced locally and makes a unique gift item. 

There are many recipes for making your own candles on-line.  On Pinterest, I pinned a page for making soy candles economically and in large batches.  Stockpiling candles can come in handy for those times when the power goes out unexpectedly.  If planning on camping, candles can be a cheaper way to light a campsite or cabin (and better for the environment) than flashlights with batteries.  Please be safe.  Always extinguish candles before leaving the home.  With our dry, dry, dry conditions please be extra careful with open flames. 

There are LED, battery-operated candles that would be a safe alternative to traditional candles.  They are safe for kids and reduce the risk of fire.  They often flicker to simulate the romantic glow of real candles.  They make excellent stocking stuffers. 

Try making your own.  Search on-line for local, Made in Montana candles and incense.  Use unscented candles on the dinner table (fragranced candles will affect how food tastes).  An all-natural way to fragrance the home, stress relief, and fun to gift.  Support your local economy and your local crafters this farmers’ market season.  Buy candles! 

Share events and news at www.facebook.com/SustainablySadie or email sustainablysadie@hotmail.com. 

Twin Bits

Notre Dame Catholic Church of Twin Bridges is hosting a Rummage Sale Saturday May 18, starting at 9 am.  Carol Wilcox is the contact, 684-5142.  Volunteers and additional rummage sale items will be welcome and appreciated. 

  Twin Bridges Farmers’ Market begins Saturday May 18, 9 am!  First 2 Saturdays FREE for Vendors to set up booth.  Twin Bridges Main Street Park. 

Sheridan Farmers’ Market begins Thursday June 6^th, 4 pm to 6 pm at Sheridan’s Main Street Park. 

From TBS Calendar:

Thurs May 16:  Cheerleading Tryouts @ Main Gym, 3:30 pm; Reg School Board Mtg, 7 pm @ MT Room

Friday May 17:  Divisional Track Meet @ Missoula; K-4 Field Day @ Carroll Field; Seniors Last Day

Sat. May 18:  Divisional Track Meet @ Missoula

Sunday May 19:  HS Graduation 6pm

Mon May 20:  Trailblazers 4-H mtg, 7 pm @ Lunchroom

Tues May 21:  8^th Grade Promotion, 6 pm; Regular School Board Mtg, 7 pm @ MT Room

Wed May 22:  Kindergarten Celebration! 1:30 pm @ MP Gym

May 24-25:  State Track Meet @ Laurel

Friday May 24:  Last Day of School!  School out at 2 pm

Garage-A-Rama

Sustainably Sadie

Garage-A-Rama

Whenever I see posts entitled “Ways to Make Money from Home”, I read those posts hoping to find new ways to supplement our family income.  One suggestion mentioned in such posts consistently is “Sell Your Stuff.”  If you have stuff to sell, you should consider taking advantage of one our community’s greatest annual events:  Garage-A-Rama. 

Friends of the Twin Bridges Public Library host this fundraiser at the Madison County Fairgrounds in Twin Bridges.  This year, Garage-A-Rama will be Saturday June 8^th, 9 am to 1 pm.  Last year, there were 67 booths split between the Round Building and the Jeffers (square) Building at the Fairgrounds.  Seven to eight hundred people cruise through the massive garage sale; at $15 per table, it fares to be the most cost-effective way to “sell your stuff.” 

There are spaces available.  Call Cynthia Osborne at 684-5993 to arrange a table or with any questions.  If you feel that you don’t have enough stuff to justify a table but want to participate, phone your friends and go in on a table together.  If by the time you call all the spaces have been filled, host a yard sale that same Saturday while shoppers are out on the prowl for amazing deals. 

Take a few minutes to wipe the dust off the stuff you plan to sell.  Think of vendor booths that have caught your eye and try to mimic that effective marketing.  Go through your closets and if you have clothes you haven’t worn in over a year, pass them on.  Go through the kids’ toys and books.  Mark the prices of your items clearly.

It is a great day to get out and socialize with your friends and neighbors.  Catch up with folks you haven’t seen since last fall.  At only $15 per table, you are sure to walk away from the event with cash in your pocket.  Shop the great deals.  Tell your friends.  Advertise with The Madisonian. 

Share events and news with me, sustainablysadie@hotmail.com. 

Twin Bits:

There is a Mother’s Day Brunch

    May 12th 10:00am to 1:00pm at the historic Ruby Hotel on Main Street -Sheridan a fundraiser to benefit Jackson’s Garden.

Buffet to include breakfast casseroles and strata's, quiche, potatoes, fresh fruit, muffins, croissants with a custom dessert bar including assorted cheese cakes, carrot cake, pie, etc. Coffee, tea and juice included. Mimosas available!!

   $20 per person, ages 12 and under $10, age 3 and under free. 

   Reservations recommended call Carla at 842-7956

Twin Bridges Farmers’ Market begins Saturday May 18, 9 am!  First 2 Saturdays FREE for Vendors to set up booth.  Twin Bridges Main Street Park. 

Sheridan Farmers’ Market begins Thursday June 6^th, 4 pm to 6 pm at Sheridan’s Main Street Park. 

From TBS Calendar:

Thurs May 9:  HS Spring Concert, 7 pm @ MP Gym; 7:30 pm Veterans Mtg @ MT Room

Friday May 10:  Retirement Celebration w/ Staff, 3 pm (potluck); 6,7,8^th Grades Spring Dance @ Lunchroom

Sat May 11:  District Track Meet @ Bozeman

Mon May 13:  Spring Awards Banquet, 5:30 pm @ Lunchroom

Tues May 14:  Elem Spring Concert, 6:30 pm @ MP Gym

Thurs May 16:  Cheerleading Tryouts @ Main Gym, 3:30 pm; Reg School Board Mtg, 7 pm @ MT Room

Friday May 17:  Divisional Track Meet @ Missoula; K-4 Field Day @ Carroll Field; Seniors Last Day

Sat. May 18:  Divisional Track Meet @ Missoula

Sunday May 19:  HS Graduation 6pm

Mon May 20:  Trailblazers 4-H mtg, 7 pm @ Lunchroom

Tues May 21:  8^th Grade Promotion, 6 pm; Regular School Board Mtg, 7 pm @ MT Room

May 24-25:  State Track Meet @ Laurel

Friday May 24:  Last Day of School!  School out at 2 pm

Small Farmer's Journal Draft Horse Equipment Auction

Small Farmer’s Equipment Auction, Part One

I spent hours as a kid spray painting horse drawn equipment—a paid chore rewarded with a calculated wage that encouraged steadfast effort.   John Deere green and International Red by the case full.  The mowers, cultivators, and plows would then be loaded onto a flatbed trailer, strapped down, and hauled to auction. 

Once upon a time, in our country’s history, all farming was done with horses.  Along came the steam engine, the tractor and the heavy iron equipment became part of the landscape—tucked away in corners of the parcel, disappearing underneath the tall grass and weeds. 

The Small Farmer’s Journal Horse Drawn Equipment Auction (my father-in-law’s auction) has been taking place for 34 years.  Our parents’ shared interest in using draft horses for farming is how my husband and I met, 30 years ago.  This past weekend, my husband and I struck out with our boys and drove North to Pablo to pick up some pieces of equipment to haul to the Auction in Madras, Oregon the third weekend in April. 

The trip went so smoothly compared to what could have happened.  Rusty relics could have been buried in all areas of the seller’s place; as was, the mowers and cultivators were close to the driveway and loading went smoothly with the aid of a skid steer.    

Early April went the way of the previous 2013 days- in the blink of an eye- and now we are en route.  It is Baby Ruben’s first trip out West to visit my husband’s family and we are blessed to stay with loving friends along the way.  We are too young to be the typical haulers of these iron implements—Spongebob (pillowcase) looks out of place waving out the back window to passersby as we cruise down the road.   When we stop for fuel, those reminded of the old days quiz us about the load: “I recognize the mower from my days as a boy on the farm.” 

Next week, I will conclude with Part Two of this journey.  Comment on the blog, www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com or at www.facebook.com/SustainablySadie.  Thanks for reading! 

Twin Bits

The Buy Local Business Expo will be held at the fairgrounds on 4 May 9 am to 2 pm.  There are still a few vendor spaces available for Ruby Valley businesses.  Call BoB Reimard at 842-7900 to reserve a space. 

From TBS Calendar:

Wed April 17:  Big Hole Watershed mtg @ MT Room, 7 pm

April 19-20:  District Music Festival @ Deer Lodge

Mon April 22:  No School, Spring Break

April 21- 28:  Close-Up Trip to Washington D.C.

Tues April 30:  Nat’l Honor Society Induction/ Banquet, 6 pm

Auction, Part 2

AT the end of our journey to central Oregon.  We arrive at the Madras Fairgrounds and are met with big hugs.  Rows of equipment are beginning to come together.  As the week progresses, more and more iron equipment arrives.  Shiny horse-drawn mowers, rakes, cultivators, and plows, rusty piles of harness, wagon tongues, eveners, single-trees, double-trees.  Chariots, people haulers, sleighs, wagons, fore carts and Family!

There are more young families than you’d expect—babies in front packs and toddlers in cowboy hats following in their father’s footsteps.  And there are those of the generation that farmed with horses because there was no other way and the grand parents may have a new cane, a new small dog but the same warm and friendly smile. 

An army of volunteers meets the trailer loads of equipment—fork lifts move the heavy equipment out to the yard.  There is an indoor arena full of Western treasures, bridles, pack equipment, kiche Americana and carriages.  Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the singsong chant from the Auctioneer can be heard all over the fairgrounds.  Even though everyone has a cell phone, it can be easy to forget what decade it is.  This life style reminds us of decades gone by, of a slower time and for those of us crazy enough—provides us young folk with the opportunity to farm and sustain our country life style.  Instead of farming in high speed fashion with a powerful tractor, the people at this sale are content to spend the day behind a team of horses—working with the animals to till the land.  Time slows down and the moment is all that matters—that zen-like peace is hard to find at the busy Small Farmer’s Journal Draft Horse Equipment Auction and Swap Meet but you will find the happy smiles of people who consider you family just for coming through the gate. 

The same weekend, my sister-in-law attended a chicken show in Portland—a cacophony of roosters and feathers on par with the cinematic parody, “Best in Show.” One of our most favorite parts of our journeying westward is stopping by my sister-in-law’s winery (Domaine Pouillon) in Lyle, Washington, on the North rim of the Columbia Gorge.     

We are lucky to have the resources we do as venture into our sustainable lifestyle.  If you have any questions for Justin or I regarding draft horse equipment or sustainably please ask at sustainablysadie@hotmail.com.  Thanks for reading!

Twin Bits

The Buy Local Business Expo will be held at the fairgrounds on 4 May 9 am to 2 pm.  There are still a few vendor spaces available for Ruby Valley businesses.  Call BoB Reimard at 842-7900 to reserve a space.

                               There is a Mother’s Day Brunch

    May 12th 10:00am to 1:00pm at the historic Ruby Hotel on Main Street -Sheridan a fundraiser to benefit Jackson’s Garden.

Buffet to include breakfast casseroles and strata's, quiche, potatoes, fresh fruit, muffins, croissants with a custom dessert bar including assorted cheese cakes, carrot cake, pie, etc. Coffee, tea and juice included. Mimosas available!!

   $20 per person, ages 12 and under $10, age 3 and under free. 

   Reservations recommended call Carla at 842-7956

Farmer's Market

 Each day gets us closer and closer to Farmer’s Market season.  What a wonderful time of year:  the weather is warmer, the days are longer and Saturdays are a great day to find yourself at a Farmers’ Market. 

That being said, I have heard that there will be a Farmers’ Market Thursday evenings in Sheridan.  Ann Goldthwait of Kindred Spirits Gift Gallery Ltd in Sheridan is the contact for the Sheridan Farmers’ Market, 842-7702. 

I love exploring our local Farmers’ Markets.  Missoula’s three markets can be an overwhelming display of color, local produce, yummy eats and amazing hand-crafted items.  I have yet to attend Bozeman’s Farmer’s Market, Bogert Farmer’s Market at Bogert Park near Bozeman Deaconness Hospital.  Missoula’s Farmers Market runs May 11 to October 26.  Bogert (Bozeman) Farmers Market will be June 4 to September 24. 

Find Madison Farm to Fork on Facebook and check out their website: www.madisonfarmtofork.com.  Whitehall and Dillon also host Farmers’ Markets during the summer.  During your travels this summer, strive to stop at 5 different Farmers’ Markets and support Southwest Montana’s local economy. 

The Ruby Valley’s original Buy Local movement, the Twin Bridges Farmers’ Market was organized by Paula Gilman over a decade ago.  My husband and I feel very fortunate to be acting Market Managers for the 2013 season.  The first Twin Bridges Farmers’ Market will be Saturday, May 18, 9 am to Noon.  Markets will be held at the TB Main Street Park every Saturday through the end of September.  Vendor Fees are $5.00 per booth space, no fee for non-profit organization and youth (16 & under) booths.  The first 2 weeks in May there will be no Fees for Vendors.  “If you Grow It, Raise It, Bake It, Make It then Market It!”  Email tbfarmersmarket@hotmail.com, or call us at 684-5222 with any questions.  Contact Sustainably Sadie with stories of your favorite Farmers’ Market experience.  Thanks for reading! www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com

Twin Bits

The next TBCA Meeting will be Wednesday, May 8^th at Noon at the Prudential Office in Twin Bridges. 

  The Buy Local Business Expo will be held at the fairgrounds on 4 May 9 am to 2 pm.  There are still a few vendor spaces available for Ruby Valley businesses.  Call BoB Reimard at 842-7900 to reserve a space.

                               There is a Mother’s Day Brunch

    May 12th 10:00am to 1:00pm at the historic Ruby Hotel on Main Street -Sheridan a fundraiser to benefit Jackson’s Garden.

Buffet to include breakfast casseroles and strata's, quiche, potatoes, fresh fruit, muffins, croissants with a custom dessert bar including assorted cheese cakes, carrot cake, pie, etc. Coffee, tea and juice included. Mimosas available!!

   $20 per person, ages 12 and under $10, age 3 and under free. 

   Reservations recommended call Carla at 842-7956

From TBS Calendar:

Thurs May 2:  Top 8 Track Meet @ Townsend

Friday May 3: JrHi Track Meet @ Townsend; Mile High Track Meet

May 3-4: State Music Festival @ Missoula

Sat May 4:  JrHi Track Meet @ Bozeman; Track Meet @ Anaconda

Mon May 6:  Grades 5-8 County Track Meet @ TB

Tues May 7:  Election Day; 1^st & 2^nd grades Field Trip to Museum of Rockies, 6^th Grade Field Day

Thurs May 9:  HS Spring Concert, 7 pm @ MP Gym; 7:30 pm Veterans Mtg @ MT Room

Friday May 10:  Retirement Celebration w/ Staff, 3 pm; 6,7,8^th Grades Spring Dance @ Lunchroom

Sat May 11:  District Track Meet @ Bozeman

Tues May 14:  Elem Spring Concert, 6:30 pm @ MP Gym

Wed May 15:  Spring Awards Banquet, 6 pm @ MP Gym

Friday May 17:  Divisional Track Meet @ Missoula; K-4 Field Day @ Carroll Field; Seniors Last Day

Sunday May 19:  HS Graduation 6pm

Mon May 20:  Trailblazers 4-H mtg, 7 pm @ Lunchroom

Tues May 21:  8^th Grade Promotion, 6 pm; Regular School Board Mtg, 7 pm @ MT Room

May 24-25:  State Track Meet @ Laurel

Friday May 24:  Last Day of School!  School out at 2 pm

Extreme Couponing

Extreme Couponing

We save our family money by subscribing to Netflix—we stream shows instantly through our laptop and our Wii video game console.  Netflix suggested the TLC show, “Extreme Couponing” and I spent last week taking notes and terrifying my husband that I would try to save thousands of dollars, and begin a massive stockpile of nearly free household items. 

If you haven’t had a chance to watch the reality tv show, each 20-minute episode follows 2 extreme shoppers (usually obsessive-compulsives) as they prepare for gigantic grocery shopping trips.  Combining store deals, Sunday newspaper circulars, internet coupons and manufacturer coupons, (and set against the backdrop of the 2008 economic downturn) the shoppers take multiply cartloads of groceries out of the store for pennies. 

I have no desire to stockpile hundreds of rolls of paper towels or to collect products we don’t use just because they are free or create overages that could be applied to non-sale items.  But I am interested in saving our family money and the possibility of cutting our food budget by half is intriguing. 

I follow TheFrugalGirls.com on Facebook and they are always passing on great deals and DIY tips.   I have printed off restaurant deals that may only save us a buck or two, but I believe those dollars will add up.  I dipped my toes into the couponing pond this past weekend at Target in Bozeman.  It was really challenging with the kids in tow…and the store deals complicated my coupon strategy but in the end I was able to save enough money to pay for the gas it takes for us to get to Bozeman. 

Without getting in over my head, I am testing these money-saving tips.  The internet provides many options for couponing like coupons.com and other coupon databases; *Like* your favorite product providers on Facebook and you will have access to special deals.  Writing your favorite brands will most likely result in extra coupons.  Trying to eat healthier but find it cost-prohibitive?  A little bit of research and you may be able to score killer deals on organic and non-GMO products.  This latest craze has me looking more closely at the deals of our local grocery stores.  They spend money on their circular ads, you can save your family money spending a few minutes perusing their sales. 

Join the conversation started on www.facebook.com/SustainablySadie and share your tips for couponing here in SW Montana.  Thanks for reading!

Twin Bits

The next TBCA meeting will be Friday April 12 at 8:30 am at The Old Hotel.  Election of Board of Directors will be held that day.  Vote in person or by proxy.  Nominations:  Jack Leber for Chair, Heather Puckett for Treasurer, Pat Bradley for Secretary.  At this time the Vice Chair position is still vacant; the TBCA can operate without a Vice Chair but it is helpful to the organization to have the support of a Vice Chair.  There is room for Write-In nominations.  Paula Kinoshita, out-going Chair, is taking comments and suggestions until the April 12^th meeting at oldhotel@3rivers.net.  The civic organization is also looking to change the meeting time—on the floor is the suggestion of moving meetings to Wednesdays at Noon.  Pass on your ideas and volunteer by contacting Jack Leber at jack.leber@prumt.com.

The Buy Local Business Expo will be held at the fairgrounds on 4 May 9 am to 2 pm.  There are still a few vendor spaces available for Ruby Valley businesses.  Call BoB Reimard at 842-7900 to reserve a space. 

From TBS Calendar:

Thurs April 11:  Senior Citizens Spring Dinner, 11 am; Pre-Festival Concert 7 pm; VFW mtg @ MT Room, 7:30 pm

April 12-13:  Senior Class Trip to Salt Lake City

Fri April 12:  Track Meet @ Belgrade

Sat April 13:  JrHi Track Meet @ Belgrade; Track Meet @ Bozeman

Mon April 15:  Trailblazers 4-H mtg @ Lunchroom, 7 pm

Tues April 16: Reg. School Board mtg @ MT Room, 7 pm; Track Meet, Dillon

Wed April 17:  Big Hole Watershed mtg @ MT Room, 7 pm

April 19-20:  District Music Festival @ Deer Lodge

Mon April 22:  No School, Spring Break

April 21- 28:  Close-Up Trip to Washington D.C.

Tues April 30:  Nat’l Honor Society Induction/ Banquet, 6 pm

GMOs

Two products in our home that are labeled non-GMO, Silk Soy Milk and Annie's Mac n Cheese.

GMOs

I have decided that researching seed saving is going to be an important step in moving towards 100% sustainability.  Last week I came across a headline in a newsfeed, “'Monsanto Protection Act’ Slips Silently throughUS Congress” and it seemed all too apropos to pass up the opportunity to touch on the enormous topic, a new dirty word-phrase:  Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).  

GMOs have had their genetic material altered through biotechnology.  This includes all organisms; for this article, I wish to address organisms people consume as food.  In laboratories, hybrids are created to be disease-resistant, drought-resistant and resistant to pests.  Hybrids are also created that contain no seeds, making it impossible to reproduce.  The antithesis of GMO is heritage breeds, heritage seeds:  their genetic make-up is as Nature created through evolution.  People have been creating hybrids for centuries, so why is the Farmer Assurance Provision in H.R. 933 so controversial? 

Please take a few moments to try to research this topic for yourself.  GMOs have been accused of causing cancer, causing infertility in livestock, and threatening our planet’s bee population.  The one paragraph “biotech rider” to the Agricultural Appropriations Bill is described as protection for farmers.  Also described as one long sentence, farmers who planted GMO crops that the USDA may find to be dangerous will be allowed to harvest and sell those crops.  I am paraphrasing from sources NPR, rt.com/usa, nongmoproject.org and from Monsanto.com.  Our very own Jon Tester is one of the few speaking out against the “backroom deal” and arming ourselves with knowledge is the best way to tackle this controversial topic.     

I have read that at some point in the near future, all food on the planet will be genetically modified.  Even if farmers want to grow non-GMO crops, cross-pollination makes it nearly impossible.  Pollen can travel on wind currents up to 200 miles.  If you wanted to have a 100% non-GMO diet, how can you be sure that your livestock are being fed non-GMO feed?     Organic does not equal non-GMO.  Only products that are labeled as non-GMO are non-GMO (nongmoproject.com has a list of non-GMO products).  If you are able to find non-GMO seeds and breeds, raise non-GMO, and eat non-GMO protect that knowledge…mega corporations have the resources to not only sneak “protection from litigation” through Congress, but also to come after the “little guy” who they feel may be threatening their mission. 

So support your local Farmer’s Markets.  Those products will be furthest removed from Monsanto and the like.  Please do your own research.  Support your local apiaries and buy local honey.  Put good food in your body.  Thanks for reading. 

Share at www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com. 

   Twin Bits

The next TBCA meeting will be Friday April 12 at 8:30 am at The Old Hotel.  Election of Board of Directors will be held that day.  Vote in person or by proxy.  Nominations:  Jack Leber for Chair, Heather Puckett for Treasurer, Pat Bradley for Secretary.  At this time the Vice Chair position is still vacant; the TBCA can operate without a Vice Chair but it is helpful to the organization to have the support of a Vice Chair.  There is room for Write-In nominations.  Paula Kinoshita, out-going Chair, is taking comments and suggestions until the April 12^th meeting at oldhotel@3rivers.net.  The civic organization is also looking to change the meeting time—on the floor is the suggestion of moving meetings to Wednesdays at Noon.  Pass on your ideas and volunteer by contacting Jack Leber at jack.leber@prumt.com.

The Buy Local Business Expo will be held at the fairgrounds on 4 May 9 am to 2 pm.  There are still a few vendor spaces available for Ruby Valley businesses.  Call BoB Reimard at 842-7900 to reserve a space. 

 Jackson’s Garden will host an afternoon of discussion about gardening with a panel of local gardening experts at their annual Spring Fling, Sunday April 7th at 2:00 pm at Bethany Hall in Sheridan. 

Mike Morgan will talk about composting; Sarris Marsh, owner of Marsh’s Mountain Greenhouse in Sheridan will talk about seed germination and container planting; Linda Day will describe how to start a lasagna garden; Debbie Rogers will explain how to extend your growing season with walls of water and how to protect your garden from herbicide contaminated manure. Paulette Hardy will discuss various ways of mulching vegetable and flower beds and will answer general gardening questions.  Plans for this year’s growing season at the Garden will be discussed as well as adult education, such as canning work shops, the Kids Club and opportunities for volunteers at the Garden.  Afternoon tea will be served and everyone is invited to this free event. For more information, contact Carla at 842-7956 or Linda at 842- 5678. For more information about Jackson’s Garden visit our website at jacksonsgarden.org

From TBS Calendar:

Sat April 6:  State FFA Convention @ Billings; Track Meet

Thurs April 11:  Senior Citizens Spring Dinner, 11 am; Pre-Festival Concert 7 pm; VFW mtg @ MT Room, 7:30 pm

Mon April 15:  Trailblazers 4-H mtg @ Lunchroom, 7 pm

Tues April 16: Reg. School Board mtg @ MT Room, 7 pm

Wed April 17:  Big Hole Watershed mtg @ MT Room, 7 pm

April 19-20:  District Music Festival @ Deer Lodge

Mon April 22:  No School, Spring Break

April 21- 28:  Close-Up Trip to Washington D.C.

Tues April 30:  Nat’l Honor Society Induction/ Banquet, 6 pm

I am here to promote activities and events in the Ruby Valley.  Please contact me at sustainablysadie@hotmail.com, call me at 684-5222 or snail mail: P.O. Box 491, 59754