Some days, it's a very good idea to take stock. It's easy to think about how much has NOT gotten accomplished, or to stress about the very long list of things-to-do. But when I really look back and realize that just in the past two weeks, we've gone from this... To this... To this... And from this... To this... And this... It all feels really darn good. (The above photo is a newly planted bed of perennial flowers, herbs, and fruiting shrubs that got dug up in Oregon, moved cross country, heeled into top soil over the winter, and now planted on the land. We'll see which ones make it!) Wishing you a wonderful weekend, taking stock of what is truly good about life right now. … [Read more...]
What’s Growing
Robins on branches, 70 degree days followed by snow, dirt under my fingernails - Spring is coming! There is so much preparation, planning, and doing these days. I finally got around to placing my fruit tree order after spending days agonizing over which varieties and limiting myself to only 20 trees and a few bushes (I ordered from One Green World and St. Lawrence Nurseries). Some of the highlights are "Arkansas Black" Apple (a fantastic keeper), "Olympic" and "Nijiseiki" Asian Pears, and "Meteor" and "Bali" Sour Pie Cherries. While I wait for their delivery, I'm reading all I can about fruit tree planting and care (this book has been particularly helpful), and setting out stakes for … [Read more...]
Breaking Ground
Hello! Thank you all for the kind words of support after my grandmother’s passing. I was able to spend the weekend with my extended family on the East coast to celebrate her life, and especially to remember her legacy of four children and over 30 grand and great-grandchildren! Upon our return we hit the ground running with the myriad building details for the “Summer Shanty” (or as a friend suggested, the Summer Cottage – sounds so New England!). The Shanty will be a 20 x 20 foot uninsulated wooden structure. Half the structure will be enclosed and screened for a sleeping and living space. The other half will remain open-sided and will function as an outdoor kitchen, storage and living … [Read more...]