I've been blogging here at 360 for two and a half years. In recent months it has gotten harder and harder to post, comment, view other folks' blogs, etc. For months they've been promising a newer, better platform. Last report was that it would be available the second half of this year.

I'm tired of waiting. Many of my friends have already moved to a different blog site.... one that I have to admit is very easy and user-friendly.

So.... after debating the pros and cons, I've decided to go ahead and set up shop at Blogspot. Once the changes have been made at 360, I'll make a decision as to whether to continue this blog or not. In the meantime, join me at:

I've been on a reading frenzy lately! Besides the usual magazines, I've enjoyed quite a few books the past couple of weeks. Check them out and see if any of them appeal to you!

The Good Guy by Dean Koontz: Koontz is one of those authors whose books I'll purchase without even reading the blurb on the back. Some are better than others, but overall I've enjoyed more of his books in recent years than his early ones. There's a fourth "Odd" book out, but I'll wait for paperback.

Lady of Milkweek Manor by Julie Klassen: This historical romance takes place in Regency era England. Although not quite what I had anticipated, I ended up really enjoying it.... and learning a great deal about women's roles during that period!

The English Breakfast Murder by Laura Childs: This is the 4th in the "Tea Shop Mystery" series. I found it to be just as fun as the first three. A typical "cozy", but that's what I was looking for!

The Way We Were by Judy Baer: I've gone through dozens of these "Tales from Grace Chapel Inn" and still love reading about the adventures of Jane, Alice, and Louise. They are a comforting, uplifting diversion from the real world.

In closing, check out this interesting clip someone shared with me about Jessica the Hippo!

Jessica

I use to prepare this all the time when my kids were little, but had totally forgotten about the recipe until today. I had all the ingredients on hand, so I made it for supper. When I don't have fresh rosemary available, I substitute dried. Also, I prefer to use the smaller chicken tenders rather than chicken breasts.

BALSAMIC GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

4 boneless, skinned chicken breasts (4 ounces each)

1. Combine vinegar, olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper in medium-size bowl. Add chicken breasts. Marinate, covered, in refrigerator 30 minutes.

2. Broil chicken in preheated broiler 6 inches from heat for 8 minutes or until cooked through, turning once.

It's always nice to see ways that your local government is saving taxpayer's dollars! That's the case with our county's "Pea Farm".

Located on a seven acre plot in our Industrial Park, the Pea Farm is planted, tended and harvested by the inmates of our local county jail. Our Industrial Board owns the land, but allows the jail to use the property for their farm. A number of crops are grown in an effort to utilize the ground all year long. Right now mostly squash, tomatoes and cucumbers (for pickles) are growing. As the summer wears on, there will be peas and corn. Fall brings turnip greens. Plants are either donated or cultivated from seed at the Sheriff's office. Some used equipment was purchased, only because shelling peas and some other chores would take entirely too long by hand.

Each week three or four inmates work at the farm. More join them for larger chores such as weeding. After picking, the crops are taken back to the jail in five-gallon buckets to be prepared for meals or frozen for later consumption. Any given day as much as 80% of an inmate's meal might come from produce they've grown!

Now in its third year, the farm's savings for the county have been substantial...about $20,000 per year!! There are plans to branch out into animals with a goal of 20 hogs by fall. If more land is donated, they would also like to expand the operation to include cattle.

I often pass the "Pea Farm" driving to and from town and I can honestly say I'm pleased to see my tax-dollars at work!