I had my two-year check up on Wednesday (August 3). It's hard to believe it is just about two years since I had the bilateral mastectomy. I admit to feeling nerves as I waited for Dr. Ginny to complete her examination. But the good news is there is no sign of any lumps or bumps. She thought the reconstruction looked very good.
In farming news, the tractor arrived on Friday. A pretty mid-sized John Deere. We used it on Sunday to take the old hay out of the main floor of the barn. We're going to reinforce the barn in that area in order to store the boat and tractor for the winter.
Saturday I picked the last of the peas and pulled the vines (which I fed to the pigs). I then planted turnips, beets and carrots with hopes of getting a fall crop of each. The rain this morning should help things along.
Jessica and I took our first riding lesson together on Friday evening. She has grown so tall this summer that she has been moved to a larger mount and she has to mount from the ground. I, on the other hand, get to use a mounting block (which after years of riding western, still feels rather foreign).
Also on Sunday, I cleared a bunch of weeds out of the flowerbed by the kitchen wing. I plan on moving everything to a temporary bed this fall to facilitate construction in the spring, but I had no idea of what was actually in there because it was so overrun by weeds and an annoying ground cover. It looks much better now, and I have a much better idea of what I'll need to accommodate in the new bed.
We have Oscar for the week. Wally and Jen are camping with the kids and Max is with Jen's mom.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Peas in the Garden
I have peas growing in my garden. Not just vines, but actual pea pods filling with sweet green peas. Although small the garden is growing lush and green and it is a battle to stay ahead of the weeds. It is kinda of like staying ahead of the dog hair in the house.
In addition to peas, I've already been eating lettuce out of the garden, in fact this week I must think about re-seeding some more lettuce. I believe the beets are also just about ready to harvest. The tomatoes all have flowers on them and I may try pulling a shallot to see how they are.
I went to the Middleton Market on lunch yesterday. The Valley floor was a whopping 38 degrees. It was marginally cooler on the mountain and by supper time the fog crawled in and cooled things off, making it almost comfortable by bedtime.
Rob cut a couple of the branches of the big ash tree at the edge of the large field. He'll probably put his tree stand there this fall. He's captured photos of a doe on both cameras in the past week and seen her in the big field as well.
The electrical work is finally done on the house, with a few small exceptions. On to the next project, getting the outside painted. We also went out to look at wood stoves. We have some hard decisions to make and some prioritizing to do. They are much more expensive to install and hook up than we anticipated and the cost of a good stove is also more than we originally budgeted.
On a more positive note, Rob ordered his tractor. He'll receive a shiny green and yellow John Deere in about three weeks. That will help with getting the firewood in and a lot of other chores too.
Too hot to think of more type. Time to kick back with a cool drink.
In addition to peas, I've already been eating lettuce out of the garden, in fact this week I must think about re-seeding some more lettuce. I believe the beets are also just about ready to harvest. The tomatoes all have flowers on them and I may try pulling a shallot to see how they are.
I went to the Middleton Market on lunch yesterday. The Valley floor was a whopping 38 degrees. It was marginally cooler on the mountain and by supper time the fog crawled in and cooled things off, making it almost comfortable by bedtime.
Rob cut a couple of the branches of the big ash tree at the edge of the large field. He'll probably put his tree stand there this fall. He's captured photos of a doe on both cameras in the past week and seen her in the big field as well.
The electrical work is finally done on the house, with a few small exceptions. On to the next project, getting the outside painted. We also went out to look at wood stoves. We have some hard decisions to make and some prioritizing to do. They are much more expensive to install and hook up than we anticipated and the cost of a good stove is also more than we originally budgeted.
On a more positive note, Rob ordered his tractor. He'll receive a shiny green and yellow John Deere in about three weeks. That will help with getting the firewood in and a lot of other chores too.
Too hot to think of more type. Time to kick back with a cool drink.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
July Already
It's July already, and the middle of July at that. We are now on the farm full-time. The house in the city sold and we closed on the property on July 4. We're making headway unpacking, but it is a slow process because we have no closets in which to hide things.
The pigs and chickens are growing. As are the weeds in my garden. The pigs have double in size since we brought them home. Their snouts are now at my knees and any time I go into the pen to get their feed container I get pig kisses (at least I hope that's what they are, and they aren't thinking about making me a snack). As a result my pants are covered in mud from my calf to my knee.
The first back of chicks now look like full-grown hens. They still have some filling out to do and some are trying to crow. On Wednesday we heard a commotion at the pen and when we looked out there was a hawk sitting onto of the chicken wire roof.
The meat birds are partially fledged; they still have bald patches here and there which makes them appear partially plucked.
I picked a flat of berries today. It is the end of the strawberry season and picking was slow going. There's nothing like the smell of a berry field, the ripe sweetness of the berries tempered by the smell of dry grass. My hands are stained red by the juice of berries past their ripeness. There is a certain luster and glossiness to a perfectly ripe berry. Too dark a red you can be sure the bottom is soft, or a slug has snacked on it. Too orange and it won't be sweet. The berries are small this year due to the cold season we've had. However, hulling the flat will keep me busy this evening and freezing berries and making jam will keep me out of trouble tomorrow.
I've started working from home and commute into the city one day a week, unless there is a business need to have me their more. It's working out well so far, and I love it when I finish the day and walk out into the fields.
I showed the fields to Peggy, Mark, Sam and their friend Amanda yesterday. It's wonderful to share this property and its views with family and friends.
The pigs and chickens are growing. As are the weeds in my garden. The pigs have double in size since we brought them home. Their snouts are now at my knees and any time I go into the pen to get their feed container I get pig kisses (at least I hope that's what they are, and they aren't thinking about making me a snack). As a result my pants are covered in mud from my calf to my knee.
The first back of chicks now look like full-grown hens. They still have some filling out to do and some are trying to crow. On Wednesday we heard a commotion at the pen and when we looked out there was a hawk sitting onto of the chicken wire roof.
The meat birds are partially fledged; they still have bald patches here and there which makes them appear partially plucked.
I picked a flat of berries today. It is the end of the strawberry season and picking was slow going. There's nothing like the smell of a berry field, the ripe sweetness of the berries tempered by the smell of dry grass. My hands are stained red by the juice of berries past their ripeness. There is a certain luster and glossiness to a perfectly ripe berry. Too dark a red you can be sure the bottom is soft, or a slug has snacked on it. Too orange and it won't be sweet. The berries are small this year due to the cold season we've had. However, hulling the flat will keep me busy this evening and freezing berries and making jam will keep me out of trouble tomorrow.
I've started working from home and commute into the city one day a week, unless there is a business need to have me their more. It's working out well so far, and I love it when I finish the day and walk out into the fields.
I showed the fields to Peggy, Mark, Sam and their friend Amanda yesterday. It's wonderful to share this property and its views with family and friends.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Middleton Market
What a beautiful day. It's been breezy up here on the mountain, but the sun has been shining on and off all day.
I started the morning with a ramble through the fields with Cole. Rob, Ian and Dave were off to the Annapolis River early this morning to start leg one of the annual Amigos Fishing Weekend. Dave caught his first shad and I guess this means the formula used to determine who takes home the trophy will need to be tweaked as it only accounts for pickerel and bass.
When they returned from the river, Cole and I gave Dave the nickle tour of the property before they loaded the boat to head to the lakes.
I spent the afternoon visiting an old friend and learning from a master gardener. I still have to take it easy, so I watched as Debbie G. filled a bed with snap dragons. I toured their new barn to get ideas of what to do with our barn and left with an armful of fresh rhubarb and a promise for some plants this fall so I can grow my own for future years.
One the way home I stopped at the used bookstore in Middleton and picked up a copy of "The Good Life" a book which is considered the forerunner of books for people seeking self-sufficient living. I think all of the books Rob and I have purchased over the last year reference this book.
My final stop of the day was the Middleton Farm Market. I picked up two loaves of bread, a birthday gift for Trudy and two tomato plants from Annapolis Seed.
I think I'll make a rhubarb jam and try that with the bread.
Overall, a busy day and I'm feeling good. I need to behave myself for the rest of the weekend -- no heavy lifting, no stretching. Hopefully the nicer weather will hold and Cole and I can spend some time outdoors.
I started the morning with a ramble through the fields with Cole. Rob, Ian and Dave were off to the Annapolis River early this morning to start leg one of the annual Amigos Fishing Weekend. Dave caught his first shad and I guess this means the formula used to determine who takes home the trophy will need to be tweaked as it only accounts for pickerel and bass.
When they returned from the river, Cole and I gave Dave the nickle tour of the property before they loaded the boat to head to the lakes.
I spent the afternoon visiting an old friend and learning from a master gardener. I still have to take it easy, so I watched as Debbie G. filled a bed with snap dragons. I toured their new barn to get ideas of what to do with our barn and left with an armful of fresh rhubarb and a promise for some plants this fall so I can grow my own for future years.
One the way home I stopped at the used bookstore in Middleton and picked up a copy of "The Good Life" a book which is considered the forerunner of books for people seeking self-sufficient living. I think all of the books Rob and I have purchased over the last year reference this book.
My final stop of the day was the Middleton Farm Market. I picked up two loaves of bread, a birthday gift for Trudy and two tomato plants from Annapolis Seed.
I think I'll make a rhubarb jam and try that with the bread.
Overall, a busy day and I'm feeling good. I need to behave myself for the rest of the weekend -- no heavy lifting, no stretching. Hopefully the nicer weather will hold and Cole and I can spend some time outdoors.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Surgery Done
Well, the touch ups are done. We had a long day at the hospital. We were there at 7 for the pre-op routine, my surgery was at 10 and I believe it was about 5 when we finally left the building.
The surgery went fine. My surgeon seemed very please when he came to see me. Everything went smoothly. I have a follow-up with him on Monday to remove the dressings.
I was a little queasy following surgery, which seems to be par for the course, but the pain levels are easily manageable without drugs. I'm supposed to take it easy for the next couple of days, not lift anything heavy, not lift my arms above my head. I guess that means trying to get the rest of the garden is probably out.
Overall, all is well and I'm recuperating with the chicks at the farm. If the sun comes out I may go sit outside for a little while.
The surgery went fine. My surgeon seemed very please when he came to see me. Everything went smoothly. I have a follow-up with him on Monday to remove the dressings.
I was a little queasy following surgery, which seems to be par for the course, but the pain levels are easily manageable without drugs. I'm supposed to take it easy for the next couple of days, not lift anything heavy, not lift my arms above my head. I guess that means trying to get the rest of the garden is probably out.
Overall, all is well and I'm recuperating with the chicks at the farm. If the sun comes out I may go sit outside for a little while.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Final Surgery
On Tuesday I have my final surgery.
Unlike the others, this one will be short and sweet. Day surgery only, I should be in and out of surgery within a couple of hours and home in the country again before the end of the day.
The country is where the action is happening. Two weeks ago we purchased three-day-old chicks from a guy in Wilmot. Rob picked up eight Rhode Island Reds, six Barred Plymouth Rocks, a silver-laced and a gold-laced Wyandotte. We originally were going to purchase a dozen Chanteclers, a heritage breed developed right here in Canada, but it didn't work out. The lady wasn't at her home when we arrived, nor had she provided directions to her barn (where she was).
The chicks will grow into our layers and so far they have provided lots of entertainment. We have nick-named the flock the "Tick Disposal Unit." The wood ticks are quiet prevalent right now. Every time we walk through the fields we come back with at least one on us. Cole usually has several on him as well. Two more adventurous chicks will come right up to the edge of the cage to peck a tick from the tip of a finger.
Holding a worm out for them starts a foot race from one end of the dog crate to the other as they engage in a game of keep away, until the worm is gobbled.
We'll pick up two dozen meat birds from the Co-op in mid-June. At which point we'll put the first flock out to pasture. Then their fun and games will have prepared them for foraging for wild food.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
No News is Good News
I've had people complain that I'm not posting, that I haven't updated my blog recently. The main reason is simple, no news is good news.
This week I learned the last surgery in the rebuilding process is schedule for May 24. A couple of hours on the table and home the same day. The surgeon puts on the finishing touches, does a little fine-tuning and removes the ports. After that I'm done -- until the 10-year tune-up.
In other news we're selling the city house.
This week I learned the last surgery in the rebuilding process is schedule for May 24. A couple of hours on the table and home the same day. The surgeon puts on the finishing touches, does a little fine-tuning and removes the ports. After that I'm done -- until the 10-year tune-up.
In other news we're selling the city house.
We list it this week. We've decided, even though its a long way from my work, we want to be in the country full time. We'll figure out a way to make it work. If I go back to the whole analogy of The Hero's Journey, this final move is part of the elixer, the essence of that with which the hero returns. The journey has shown me this is how I want to live me life, closer to nature, more self-sufficient and in-tune with myself and my surroundings.
We started our garden in the country last weekend, planting cold-hardy crops of spinach, shallots, lettuce and swiss chard. We're anxious to see what pokes up through the established flower beds and I'm waiting expectantly for the apple trees and lilac bushes to bloom.
If you check back you may find this blog is about a different journey. One where we explore the land, and learn its secrets. One where we share with you the thrill of seeing a hawk sitting at the edge of the field or the deep satisfaction of hearing the first frogs of spring.
One truth we've learned since we began this journey: you never know what's around the next bend, or over the horizon, so you best make the most of it and enjoy each moment.
Blessings to you all.
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