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Trail Camera- White Squirrel and a Buck

I have been busy reviewing all my tail camera footage and found a white squirrel that hangs in the back of my cabin. I had posted previously another video of this cutie… you can click the underlined link to view it here.

Also, I will be adding new trail cameras within a few weeks to capture more wildlife. So stay tuned!

Warm Wishes, Debra Roinestad

White Squirrel, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

“I like squirrels. They’re so adventurous.”
—Gabby Douglas

Half a Buck is Better Than None

This teenage buck was so curious of the trail camera. He came so close… I guess he is proud of his large horns.

Close-up, Buck. (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

“All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” —Norma Desmond 

Large Horns, Buck. (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

P.S. Here are one of my favorite trail cameras.

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Super Easy Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti Squash, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

So when I first started making spaghetti squash I had no idea how to start. How to slice open a spaghetti squash was a complete mystery to me…lol. I would look forward to eating spaghetti squash at a favorite restaurant at the time when I lived in Minneapolis, MN. The rich and butter flavor of spaghetti squash had me captivated.

Jump to Recipe

I was determine to learn to make one for myself at home. After experiment different ways to prep spaghetti squash, I discovered a super easy way of making the process go faster. I used the magic of the microwave and learned that softening the squash was the best way to enjoy making this lovely side dish.

Super Easy Spaghetti Squash

The Comfy Cabin
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Course Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 spaghetti squash
  • 2 tbs. olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400° F
  • Pierce spaghetti squash with fork a few times.
  • Place spaghetti squash in the microwave with a paper towel underneath or a microwavable plate for 5 mins. This helps soften the spaghetti squash and makes prepping easier.
  • Using oven gloves, transfer the spaghetti squash onto cutting board and let it cool for about 5-10 mins.
  • Cut the top of the stem off and slice the spaghetti squash lengthwise.
  • Scoop out the seeds and ribbing with a large spoon.
  • Drizzle the inside of spaghetti squash with olive oil and add salt and pepper.
  • Add olive oil to the baking sheet.
  • Place the spaghetti squash face down.
  • Roast spaghetti squash for 40 mins. or 50 mins. *The time will depend the size of the squash.
  • Remove from the oven and use oven gloves to flip the squash upwards.
  • Let it cool for a few mins. Then use a fork to gently scrape the strands from the spaghetti squash.
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Trail Camera-Coyote in the woods of South Carolina

Hello Friends,

At night as I start to fall asleep, I often hear coyotes howling at night. I find the howling sounds comforting as if they are singing a sweet lullaby. So you can imagine how excited I was when I found out the trail camera captured this magnificent beauty.

Warm Regards,

Debra Roinestad

Trail Camera- Coyote, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Coyotes first began making their way into the Southeastern region of the United States in the late 1950’s and had become a common site in South Carolina by the 1990’s. They are now firmly established in every part of the state including the sea islands, Beaufort and Jasper Counties.

Here are some facts about Coyotes

They hide in covered open areas, raised grounds, or in dens during the day. Dens are most commonly seen in parks and forest areas, shrubbery, preserves, golf courses, and other such regions. These are difficult to come by in urban areas.

Legend and Symbolism about the Coyote

In Native American traditions, the coyote is a teacher of adaptability. So, if one thing doesn’t work out, you can pivot. There are always other opportunities out there for you.

Read more here: https://www.uniguide.com/coyote-symbolism-meaning-spirit-animal/

22 Fun and Amazing Facts About Coyotes

(c) Ranger Planet
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Crispy Oven-Baked Garlic Fries

These potatoes are so yummy…it’s like love at first bite. They are a perfect weekend meal when you are busy getting other projects done. Plus, it pairs well with other main dishes. I promise you it’s a win-win.

Garlic French Fries, The Comfy Cabin, 2022
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image by Quotes Gram

Crispy Oven-Baked Garlic Fries

The Comfy Cabin
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 45 mins

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp garlic powder optional, 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 large baking potatoes
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 450° degrees F
  • Cut the potatoes into ¼ sticks
  • In a large bowl soak the potatoes in cold water for 15 mins. and sprinkle salt. This helps with the crisping process because it helps remove the starch and adds extra flavor.
  • After 15 mins. drain the potatoes and pat dry with a paper towel.
  • Place the potatoes in a new bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to distribute all the spices.
  • In a large baking sheet, add extra olive oil and spread the potatoes. Leave some space in between each potato so they can bake evenly. Place on the bottom rack of the oven.
  • Bake for 45 mins. or until golden crisp.
  • Add parsley and serve immediately.
    Optional: You can serve the potatoes with parmesan cheese or crumble blue cheese.
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Winter Snowstorm in the Woods of South Carolina

Hello Friends,
I promised some pictures of the snowstorm from last week. I lost power and internet for two days. Trees are down because of the heavy weight of the snow. Overall, the beauty and serenity of the snow made up for the chaos.
Love and Blessings,
Debra Roinestad

Snowstorm in the woods. (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Snowstorm in the woods. (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Footprints in the Snow. (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Heavy snow on the Pine Trees, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Table Rock Mountain with Snow. (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Snow and Clouds over Table Rock Mountain, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Stopping by The Woods by Robert Frost

Debra Roinestad, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
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Southern Green Beans with Prosciutto

When I first moved to the South, I wanted to try Southern Green Beans and it was absolutely delicious! I decided to add crispy oven-baked prosciutto instead of bacon. It’s the perfect combination of rich flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Southern Green Beans with Prosciutto, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022.
Jump to Recipe

What is Prosciutto?

The word prosciutto translates to “ham” in Italian. It’s 100% natural cured ham without any additives, preservatives, hormones, gluten or coloring agents. Prosciutto had been a popular dish in Italy for thousands of years. So, if you love bacon then you should try oven-baked prosciutto.

History of Prosciutto (c) Prosciutto Di Parma, 2022

Southern Green Beans with Prosciutto

The Comfy Cabin
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 45 mins

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 oz prosciutto, about 6 slices
  • 2 lbs string beans either fresh or frozen, with ends trimmed
  • 1 sweet onion, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • tabasco sauce, 2-3 drops
  • salt and black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place prosciutto slices on the parchment paper and make sure they don't overlap.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes
  • Remove from oven and transfer to a bowl and let it cool down.
  • In a large frying pan over medium heat, add olive oil and chopped onions.
  • Cook onions until they are translucent.
  • Add the green beans, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and tabasco sauce. Stir gently to combine.
  • Cook for additional 5 minutes.
  • Add chicken broth and cover with lid and reduce heat. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  • In the meantime, blot the slices prosciutto with a paper towel. Chop the prosciutto into small pieces.
  • Place green beans on a serving dish and add the prosciutto.
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Trail Camera – Fawn, Deer, and Crow

Note: Hi Friends, there’s a snowstorm coming this way to upstate South Carolina. I’ll post images and videos of the event. I might lose power/internet tonight due to the severe snowstorm. I’ll be safe…lots of love. ~Debra Roinestad (The Comfy Cabin)

In the meantime, here are cute videos of deer, fawn, and crows that were on the trail camera back in June.

(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
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Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

During the cold winter months, I have been craving shrimp and broccoli. I love the sweet and tangy flavors that would melt into your mouth. I recalled how easier it was to place a phone order from one of the local Chinese restaurants when I lived in New York City.

Please don’t get me wrong, I love living out here in a cabin in the woods. It’s that the restaurants out here are too far away, and they don’t deliver food.

I decided to create my version of shrimp and broccoli. With a little bit of experimentation, I found the right combination of simple ingredients. So far, I have been pleased with the results. This recipe is easy and brings back all the flavors of an elegant Chinese restaurant.

Enjoy!

Jump to Recipe

(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Here is what I used for the Shrimp & Broccoli Stir Fry

Ingredients for Shrimp and Broccoli. (c) The Comfy cabin, 2022

I am enjoying egg rolls from Feel Good Foods as a side dish. They are gluten free and very delicious!

Chicken Egg Rolls from Feel Good Foods.
photo by: The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

The Comfy Cabin
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 24 ounces broccoli
  • 1 1/2 lbs medium shrimps
  • 1/2 tsp ginger, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic, minced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 3-4 tbs soy sauce
  • 1 tbs white wine vinegar
  • 2 tbs dark brown sugar
  • 1 tsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions
 

  • For the sauce: In a bowl whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, white wine vinegar, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and sweet chili sauce.
  • Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent.
  • Add the red peppers and broccoli. Stir for about 5 mins.
  • Remove the veggies and place in a bowl.
  • Add extra olive oil if needed. Add shrimps and stir for 10 mins.
  • Return the vegetables along with the shrimps.
  • Add and stir in the soy sauce mixture.
  • Serve immediately and garnish with sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or scallions if desired.

Notes

Optional: Add mushrooms, snow peas, or water chestnuts if desired.
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The Sacred Scarab in the Woods

A few days ago, I came across the scarab or popularly known as the dung beetle during my afternoon walk. I truly admire how poised the scarab sits in his/her space. This was the second time I encountered this cute and astonishing beetle. I feel lucky to encounter the scarab at the beginning of the New Year.

Scarab (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Scarab (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

What makes this beautiful creature so sacred?

The sacred scarab was worshipped by the Egyptians as the embodiment of the sun god (the morning sun) Khepri. It is the most famous member of the beetle found in every part of the world except in the oceans and Antarctica. According to the National Geographic Magazine, there are about 30,000 scarab species. In Japan, they were kept as pets.

They are incredibly athletic with powerful legs. Their legs pull a whopping 1,141 times its own body weight.

Although they are not aggressive towards humans but do have a sneaky habit of destroying flowers, turf grass, and food vegetation.

What does it mean if you come across a scarab? 

 The scarab is a symbol of creation, resurrection, or new life.

Here is more information about Beetle symbolism and meaning. https://worldbirds.com/beetle-symbolism/