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An April Monday
Easter is over and with it all the friends and relations have left-the-farm. It is back to life as normal. And today that means trimming the trees. It is very late for some. The apples and the cherries, the pears and the roses should have been done on the coldest day of winter. And I meant to do it, I did. But did you see how cold it was out there? Well, I did and I tucked the blanket a little tighter under my chin and pronounced I would do-it-another-day. Well. I am here to say that day never came. The days just kept getting colder and windier, and that…
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The Day After the Seder (Good Friday)
And so, all went as hoped. The roast got roasted as well as the carrots and the potatoes. There was no raw lamb smiling up at me as I carved. And, as expected, the night was deep and rich and full. And so now, comes today. Good Friday. Probably the most meaningful day of the year, at least for me. It’s a quiet time. A time for reflection. Usually we watch either the book of Matthew or the book of John (two wonderful films which carefully recreate these books word-for-word). And we may still, but for now we are taking this day a bit slowly. A bit thoughtfully on this…
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Seder: The Day Of
As I write this, it is 0700 in the morning, the sun has just begun to shine through the sea of grey that surrounds the Farm and in just a little while, eleven hours to be exact, fourteen people (including myself) will be here to participate and engage in this year’s Seder. And oh, how much has to be done between now and then! The Baklava has been made. The wine brought up. The tablecloths are currently in the washing machine. So, in reality I am in very good shape. But that’s not how I feel. I feel like there is so much to be done. True, I do need…
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A Christian Seder–the day of preparation
Today is the day of preparation. It is the day the linens are washed and ironed. The “good” dishes are pulled out of storage and given a good look-over. Are there chips? Cracks? Are there enough? Once that good work is done, it’s on to the rest. And by the rest I mean the cooking and the cleaning. Thankfully, my mother is here to do the cleaning part for me, freeing me up to do what I do best. And today that is making the Baklava, which is the dessert I always serve after the Seder. There is something wonderful about a routine. A tradition. I’ve learned that. That a…
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The Stuffing(s) and A Good Loaf of Bread
The turkeys are now processed and sitting in a row in the barn fridge, waiting for their chance to shine this Thursday. And shine they will. But for now, they are not the only items that need to be addressed to prepare for that great day. Of course, I’m talking about the Stuffing. If I were to wait until Thursday to begin, there would be nothing of that nature to be had. Because to be a true and proper stuffing, the bread must be stale. And to be stale, it must be made in the first place and allowed to get that way. This year, we will be having Stuffing…
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Hidden Hollow Turkey Farm and the First Big Snow
Every place deserves a name. For so long now, our place has been called, simply, The Farm. It is the same in the books as it has been spoken aloud. The Farm. Well, that has been itching at me for a bit. But what to call ourselves? We are on the Stone Road–so shall it be Stone Hollow Farm? I had thought that was it. Until I went to Market, and saw Stone Hollow Bakery–true, their Stone Road and their Hollow was two towns over–regardless, it was back to the drawing board for me. The Hollow felt important, seeing as that is the nature of our Farm–when you come and…
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A Special Visit and the Turkeys Escape. Again.
Aunt Mary stopped over today. She does that from time to time. Usually to sit and talk, drink coffee and make something special. Today that was bread. And cookies. We had a slice slathered in butter and slurped up some Firehall Chowder and before either of us knew it three hours had passed. She visited the turkeys, who are spending more time out of their yard then in these days. But I don’t bother too much about it. Thanksgiving is a little more than a week away-if they want to explore the greener grasses a bit, more power to them. It’s the least we could do. We visited Piggly and…
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When Lovely Neighbors Come to Call
There are days when I love having a Farm. The sun is shining. The tomatoes are juicy (and plentiful). There is joy in any and everything. Today is not one of those days. Either was yesterday. Did I tell you the pigs got out? Oh, yes. They did. I was taking a little mid-afternoon stroll in the backyard (feeling a little under the weather, actually) and there they are, digging deep ruts in the Turkey yard. Well. Let me tell you, the Turkey’s must still be upset over it, because they themselves showed up at my backdoor this afternoon to lodge an Of-ficial complaint. So, I had to usher them…
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Garden Expansions and Excellent Toast
The East Garden has been completely laid to rest for the Fall. Each raised bed has been stripped of it’s vile weeds and a thick coating of compost has been laid over it all. Even the bed that surrounds the fence (that surrounds the garden) has been cleared and thus treated, so that next Spring all I must do is plant and water, water and plant. This has been such a strange year! Usually about this time (actually, two months before this time), I would be done and ready to be so. Now I find myself pouring over plans for next years garden. Some things are already known. That bed…
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The Birthday and Fluffer-Nutter Tart*
The good weather continued throughout the weekend, making it an all-around remarkable birthday, really. We (being my sister and mother) went kayaking at my favorite hidden lake (it’s tucked in behind a cemetery–you’d never know it was there–and it’s a honey-hole for fishing–caught my first fish of my life there, as a matter of fact). That was Saturday. On Sunday, which was the actual birthday in question, we had a fairly low-key kind of day. After church we came home and settled in a bit. I took my standard Sunday nap, and then got to cooking. Hey. Leave me alone. It’s something I enjoy. And enjoy it I do, but…
