Evening stroll around the Farm

Greg perfecting the mountain unicycle.

We threw some free pumpkin seeds in hills in the middle of the summer, and planted a row of sunflower seeds from last year next to them.  Despite no time to weed, there are some small pumpkins growing, and the sunflowers brighten the field.

 I think I understand why pumpkins are planted in a patch now.  Though there were plenty of bees in the field, it seemed, and tons of blossoms, having them all in one, long row seems to make it harder for them to become pollinated either by wind or the bugs.  The amount of blossoms to the amount of fruit produced was a huge gap. 

I had good intentions of getting a picture of one of Greg's summer projects before the tomatoes all wilted and died, but at least you can see all 150' of what we had before the blight hit.  The tomatoes were all basically headed to the compost pile here, as Bill and Dianne had no room for any more up at the house, and from Ace hardware, as they were headed out to the dumpster.  Essentially free tomatoes that ended up in local restaurants, grocery stores, and at the local market.  It was a good experiment in growing, harvesting, packaging and marketing large quantities of produce in town, and brought in a little extra revenue for the summer.  

 

Our next joint effort: growing winter greens and selling them to the restaurants in town.

 

 

Mustard greens and Kale are popping up!  Now we just have to keep the turkeys from dusting in the high tunnel...

 

 

Start with Today.

I thought the days of hauling our dirty dishes to the creek were over.  I was wrong.  But this is only temporary, and a step forward, really, since the water is unhooked so we can soon have hot water.  Man, getting one convenience at a time here in the yurt really makes you appreciate every single one.  Running water was awesome, and now, it's going to be hot!  I can see why they are called conveniences.  They sure are convenient, but not necessary.  I am grateful for the time we had here in the beginning after just moving in to remind me that dishes and bathing in the creek were a chance to reconnect with nature, and live with and in it, rather than constantly trying to shelter yourself from it.  Stepping outside to go to the bathroom every single time started off a pain, especially in the pouring rain,but now I think nothing of it, and every trip becomes a mini nature walk, or at least a chance to check in with the weather and starry night sky. 

Living here has reminded me a lot of my parent's hunting cabin back in Alaska.  An annual fall trip there to stay for the month of hunting season was always looked forward to by my brother and I, because it was a break from the norm; a chance to live a little differently, a little closer, a little more appreciatively.  We relished simple things there that didn't seem as special at home.  Sitting around the oil stove warming our feet, sipping hot mugs of Tang, or cocoa, playing cards, campfires...I am happy that the home Greg and I are building together is turning into a place with that kind of magic.

 

And really, washing dishes in the creek isn't so bad.  Now that the cooler fall temperatures have arrived, and the beautiful slanted light hits the golden leaves just so, it is a downright pleasure.

 

So, starting with just today to avoid becoming overwhelmed with a year of catching up(how embarassing!), I am back on the blog train, and hope to keep it that way.  Welcome back to our lives :)  There's so much to talk about!