The only living creatures around these parts that are NOT complaining about our recent wet weather are the ducks. While I'm huddled up inside next to the wood stove, Lovie, Ducky and Puddle are happily splashing and waddling about in the rain and fog. This trio seems oblivious to the fact that their pen has turned into a sink hole of muck! Each trip to the coop has me wading up to my ankles in the brown stuff. I have to admit, spring is often a very frustrating season for me. This recent streak of precipitation has left me longing for sun and chomping at the bit to give my green thumb a work out. The season brings about so much hope, anticipation and possibility, yet everything is on hold for the time being. I'm currently reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver as part of a book club with Taproot Farms, my local CSA. I've had my nose between the pages every spare moment from waiting in the car at school pick up to stirring the tomato sauce on the stove.
Has anyone else read this book? It's been out for awhile, which just goes to show how far behind I am on my reading list! She has me so inspired! Not only do I want to deepen my commitment to eating locally grown food, but I also want our family to produce more of the food that graces our dinner plates. I've always had a small back yard veggie plot to complement the offerings from our CSA. The morning after starting this book, I was out in the yard turning soil over, preparing for my great garden expansion. I need to take baby steps and I have to continually remind myself of this (or hubby does that for me!!).Yes, this rain has me impatiently playing the waiting game. Other efforts to expand our little hobby farm include the building of a barn....errrr church....barn. We purchased a 150+ year old church from rural Nova Scotia to be relocated on our property. The building was no longer needed or wanted by the parish, and we are so thrilled to provide it with a loving home! Those old hand hewn beams make a girl weak in the knees they are so gorgeous. A
s I run my hands over them, I can't help but wonder about the lives of those who built this structure so long ago. Would they believe it's now standing 300km away from the original location? Our expanding flock of chickens and ducks will be moving into the barn to more spacious and luxurious accomodations.With outdoor projects moving at a snail's pace, I'm focusing my efforts indoors - in the kitchen to be more specific. Inspired by Kingsolver's book, I just ordered the supplies to make my own mozzarella for our homemade pizza. The success and ease of my yogurt has me feeling pretty confident it will be as simple as she says. I ordered it from the New England Cheesemaking Supply Company and I'll be sure to let you know how it goes! I'm thinking this would be the perfect use for delicious milk from Fox Hill Cheese House, conveniently located down the street from my parents' house (they are so lukcy!).
Happy Mother's Day to everyone! I'll be spending mine tilling my new garden beds (hopefully) and enjoying some time with my own mommy, with a visit to Port Williams. All I really want for Mother's Day is some sunny weather.....and one peek outside seems to indicate I might just get my wish (:
6 comments:
We will be in the valley also on Sunday. We have the vines that need to be pruned! Let me know hoe the cheese goes. Your so inspiring! I wish I had more time to tackle more things at home . One day. For now i will live vicariously through you!
Ha! We'll get together in the end and have a wine and cheese party together. We make a good pair (:
You know where to find me on Sunday if you are driving by!
Yes indeed!
happy mother's day.....we should really meet one day...i live on the eastern shore too! anyway, i love that book too. i am jealous about your church barn. we too want a barn so we can get more animals....but like you said, one thing at a time......! i especially want a cow or some goats. the other issue is having the proper fencing to keep the animals from eating all my garden plants!
I'm thinking we have a common friend in April? (:
Oh, I know. I will have the barn, but no fencing of course. Baby steps, baby steps.... I dream of sheep and wool in my future. I come up with the ideas, but my poor husband is the one with the muscle strength and skills to execute! Poor guy. Chickens are probably the easiest place to start with pretty minor efforts required in housing and fencing.
Your church barn is so exciting! I head Maritime Noon last week when that other church was going down the river to Avondale. Wild! And those ducklings in your header are adorable. Perfect weather for them, indeed!
Post a Comment