Author: Heath McConnell

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Solo Stove Campfire

 

The sun came out today and it was glorious. Spring is in the air. I decided to sit outside  today and make lunch with my Solo Stove Campfire.

I grabbed a shirt load of small pine cones, which are everywhere, and got the fire going.  I then put 3 liters of water on to boil. I then waited.

The fluffy clouds were moving to and fro as I watch from the bench I am laying on in the yard. Every time the sun pokes it’s head out, it feels warm all over.

As I lay here, I I hear the wind chime on the porch once in a while. I hear birds and a chipmunk. I hear the bells on my goats collars as they forage around the yard. Wait…what is that I hear??? It’s the wild turkey’s not far away. Reminds me of the little turkey poults and 8 chicks I’m raising in the barn.

Well, after 27 minutes, the water begun to boil and it’s time to add noodles.

What a wonderful day, except, that it could be much better if my friend or children were here with me.

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Coconut Ginger Verde Chicken

Coconut Ginger Verde Chicken

Coconut Ginger Verde Chicken

I didn’t know what to make with the night getting late so I decided, as usual, to create something with what we had available in the kitchen. There was half can of coconut milk from a previous Satay dinner. There was also a 2″ chuck of ginger, which I love. I started cooking and saw the Herdez salsa verde and decided that anything with salsa tastes good. So I created a tasty Frankenstein of a meal with hints of ginger, coconut, and lemon, this is a tasty quick meal for the family.

Makes: 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:
1 large shallot, sliced fine
3 finger size fresh ginger, non-peeled, grated
1/2 can Coconut milk, sweet
1 tablespoon finely sliced Lemongrass or use freeze dried chopped in a jar (litehouse brand)
1/2 cup Salsa Verde (I used Herdez brand)
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 dashes Asian fish sauce
8 chicken breast halves, boneless, skinless cut in 2″ pieces

Notes / Directions

-Sauté the shallots and ginger in 1 tbls olive oil in until translucent.
-Add chicken pieces and cook until no more pink is visible.
-Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Cook on medium high heat, stirring occasionally, until a thick sauce is made and sticking to the chicken pieces.
-serve on a bed of rice.

Source: Heath McConnell

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Salt Creek Falls

Salt Creek Falls

I took a trip to Salt Creek Falls this weekend to see the second highest single drop waterfall in Oregon, which cascades 283 feet. Salt Creek Falls is one of Southern Oregon’s most powerful falls, with an average yearly flow of 50,000 gallons per minute flowing over the rocks. The primary observation platform at the top of the waterfall is only 50 yards (45.720 m) from the parking lot. However, The entrance was snowed over and the gate closed. I parked at the gate and hiked on the snow about 5 minutes to the platform. The platform is wheelchair accessible with railings that accommodate wheelchair sight-lines. A loop gravel trail (Salt Creek Falls Trail #3673) with interpretive signage offers a short hike with multiple vantage points along the canyon rim.
A steep trail from the platform to the waterfall’s base is short, but is not wheelchair accessible due to numerous stairs. The best viewpoint is said to be halfway down this path. I felt it was the very bottom of the falls being blasted by the wind and spray created by the falls. This required leaving the main trail and climbing down a steep section of hill while trying to keep from sliding on loose rock fragments all the way to the waters edge.

Directions:

To get to Salt Creek Falls from Interstate I-5, take HWY 58 about 57 miles to Forest Service road #5893. Once you turn right onto aforementioned road, stay right and continue about 0.5 miles to the parking lot.

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Live with a heart exposed?

The joy in my life from living from the inside out, a heart exposed, has made this life one of exquisite beauty and an even deeper joy. Words can’t describe the love of life I am experiencing. Friendships take it even higher than that!

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The depth of it

Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your love? to be out of your love? If I climb to the sky, you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there! If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon, You’d find me in a minute— you’re already there waiting! (‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭7-10)

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No matter what your situation looks like, you have to have faith…

You can’t let all the things you see going on in a major situation get you down…and you may be way, WAY down… you have to have faith.

Sure, the situation may seem hopeless. You may have much to worry about, but faith looks past all those things.

Faith keeps your head above the water and gives you the drive to stand with your sword on The Rock as the wind blows, as the sea rages and the waves come one after the other. Faith gives you the courage to stand and slay the beast that rises from the sea against you.

Faith brings hope worth fighting for!

-Heath McConnell