Wide Open Spaces

i've joined some leagues

2010-06-23T10:51:00.006-06:00

It hasn't taken long to fill up my time this summer with activities. Though I've never considered playing in a golf league, somehow this summer I've talked myself into playing in a women's league on Tuesday nights. My handicap is something to be ashamed of, but all in all it has been a fun experience. And besides that, my partner and I have successfully lowered the average age of the league participants. We are going multi-generational this summer!

Saturdays I've committed to playing coed slow pitch softball for the Rochester Telephone Company's team. We are small and weak, but pulled out a win last week, so we are hoping our time is coming. And I've even had a few fans stop by and catch a couple innings! Thanks Grandpa and Grandma.

The 11-12 year old softball team that I am helping coach is in tournament play this week, we are seeded #1 and hope to win the whole thing on Saturday. The other coach is trying to talk me into helping coach the all-star team. I'm not sure I'm interested, but we'll see.

Summers are fun, ice cream always hits the spot, berries of some sort are always ripe, and I am always willing to eat them.

the recap

2010-05-28T10:11:00.003-06:00

You may have noticed my reading list, on the right side of this blog, has been stagnant for a few months. Or maybe you've wondered what I've been up to lately, and popped on to the blog to check it out. Nothing new since March 17! Same old post. Yet the days keep ticking along.

Unlike the stagnation of my blog these past few months, life here in Rochester has been rather interesting. Interesting is one of those throw away words that can be literally used for a variety of situations, sometimes even contrasting situations. So I will elaborate as to what "interesting" means for my life these days.

Getting up at 5:30 am isn't my favorite thing to do, though I would consider myself a morning person for the most part. But most days of the week I rise as the sun is rising. Preparing myself for another day of teaching high school Biology & Anatomy. My long term substitute teaching position ends today as school is out for the summer. Substitute teaching was interesting this spring in many ways. Interesting in how I had to study my tail off to teach Anatomy for the quarter. Interesting that I had to lead a fetal pig (week long) dissection, though I had never even seen the inside of a fetal pig. Interesting in the array of discipline issues that were ever present and increasingly annoying as the days progressed.

Residing in hometown America brings out all kinds of interesting situations, too. Some of which I have previously elaborated on. Recently, I've volunteered to help coach an 11-12 softball team that plays twice a week, been recruited to play coed slow pitch softball on Saturdays, and have been tossing around the idea of joining a women's golf league on Tuesdays this summer. When I moved to Rochester I was envisioning a slow paced life with lots of spare time to read, enjoy the sun and walk the dog. What I've found is that reading doesn't make the priority list anymore, the dog's walks are increasingly shorter (sorry Jasper), and I've desperately missed the sun, which stayed hidden much of May.

But...summer is here! I would like to think I would have more time to sit and contemplate my next move in life, but reality speaks loudly as I notice, free time is someone else's luxury.

this is how I know spring is here

2010-03-17T06:22:00.004-06:00

There is nothing like warm sunshine on a new spring day. I'm discovering the first buds on the trees, daffodils pushing up between dead leaves and rocks, and song birds cheerfully greeting me in my predawn walks with the dog.

All of these are signs of spring, along with, late night basketball games at the local park, and pairs of people taking long walks or short ones, just to breathe in the cool first breaths of the new season.

The first signs of spring also usher in the beloved season of march madness. Weeks before the tournament, analysts make their predictions, fans voice their opinions, and the masses converge to carefully fill in their brackets as the teams receive their final seeds.

If you have not noticed the changes of the season, look around, feel the energy in the air, enjoy the fresh air, and don't forget to fill in your NCAA tournament bracket. And may the best team win!

it's official...i'm old

2010-03-10T12:36:00.003-07:00

Student: "How old are you?"
Me: "31"
Student: "No you aren't. You aren't that old."
Me: "Yes, I am."

As I walk away, I hear her turn to a friend and say, "I want to look that good when I'm old."

I turned around and looked at her, and she kind of turned red. "I mean..."

in the paper today...

2010-03-03T10:20:00.002-07:00

As I was perusing the paper today I came across an article describing a fire at the New York City courthouse. Lucky day for rapper 'Lil Wayne', who had had his court date suspended due to the fire. This was the second time the court date was suspended. Evidently last month the date was pushed back so he could have surgery on his gemstone-encrusted teeth.

looking for a job?

2010-02-13T11:03:00.002-07:00

"Love sports, strong women and have some free time?? Do you lose your voice during other sporting event screaming at a referee's "bad call" and think....I could do that? We are looking for dedicated people, male & female, age 21 or older to train to become a FW Derby Girl referee. If you are unaffected by angry, screaming skaters and can handle a small bruise or two, then we'd love to meet you. Please click on the coaches/referee contact link above and tell us about yourself. Some skating ability is preferred."

Hmmm....a roller derby referee? Now there's an exciting job!!

I managed to talk a friend into heading to Fort Wayne last night to catch Fort Wayne's Derby Girls taking on a Canadian team from Hamilton City, Ontario, as well as, an Indianapolis team called the Circle City Rollers. Roller Derby was a new experience for me. After getting an explanation of the rules and a demo before the first bout, it was actually quite exciting. I do have to admit there is somewhat of a "professional wrestling" feel to the whole experience which mostly has to do with the fact that each player has a pseudo name and sports accessories such as fishnet stockings or hot pink bloomers.

Here is a sampling of the type of names we are dealing with here:

Vicodoom
The Pink Painther
Perky Set
Develyn Side
Dicey
Pushy Cat

How popular is this sport? Well, lets just say it was a sold out crowd last night at the Collesium. Nuts! But tons of fun!

high school - round 2

2010-02-02T07:11:00.002-07:00

The last two weeks I've been substitute teaching in a high school resource classroom. Students come in and out all day to get help with their regular classes. All of these students have some sort of learning disability and receive a variety of services from the teachers in this classroom.

The time I've spent in the "learning lab" helping students understand Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, English, Business Math, and Biology has been a stretch for me. I feel transported back in time to high school. Studying Odysseus's seaward travels, plotting algebraic equations, figuring out dimensions of packing materials, working punnet squares to determine genetic traits. And I'm hearing from the English teachers that the poetry unit is coming up. Yikes!
Maybe when I finish this maternity leave position, I'll be eligible for an additional high school diploma.

My time here will last through mid-March where I will then move to a Biology/Anatomy classroom in the same school to fill in for another teacher until the end of the semester. Dissection and all!!

You know you live in a small town when...

2010-01-24T10:53:00.004-07:00

1...after filling out a P.O. box application form, the postal clerk says, "Oh, so you're moving into Bob's house, eh?" Startling. No where on the form had I written my grandparents names, just their house address. This guy is good, real good.

2...upon introducing myself to some students studying at a table in the special education room where I am now working, one of them says, "Are you related to Steve, the realtor?" I replied that he was my dad, and he continues with, "I need to talk to him!" Okay, that was a little too much. Here is a 17 year old student who evidently is interested in fixing up old houses, and wants some purchasing advise from my father. Weird.

3...as I was bending down to pick up a 4o lb bag of dog food that I had just paid for at the Wal-Mart register, I hear, "Hey, ex!" What? I turn and look, and there is my ex-neighbor, Dave, shouting out a friendly greeting. I was a little taken aback, being that the term 'ex' could be associated with just about anything, but most commonly, ex-spouses. He quickly realized that yelling out the word 'ex', in the middle of Wal-Mart, was a bit awkward and immediately corrected it with "ex-neighbor", as I looked up to see who was addressing me. Hilarious!

4...you get mistaken for your brother's wife. Wait till you hear this...I was called to substitute teacher in one of the local elementary schools for gym class. I arrived and was directed by the secretary to call the gym teacher to get the lessons for the day. When I called her (she happens to be my old elementary gym teacher), I first gave her my name and then asked her what we were going to be doing for the day. She immediately starts with, "So, are you Evan's, Leslie?" I started to answer yes, because I had no idea what she was talking about, but then I corrected myself and told her I was Evan's sister and Steve's second daughter. She proceeded with, "I heard Evan married a Leslie, so you are his wife?" Um, no. I'm his sister, Evan actually married an Emily. There are two Emilys in the family, not two Leslies. Her next remark continued to confuse me, "Oh, so who are you?" I couldn't think of who I was, besides Evan's sister and Steve's second daughter. So I just repeated that statement. The connection must have clicked after that, because she immediately exclaimed, "Oh, are you the hiker?" Whew, we got that cleared up, I guess. I'm 'the hiker', here in Rochester, evidently. Good to know.

Moving Day

2010-01-19T11:43:00.003-07:00

Imagine that - I've moved again. Four times in 365 days. And for the first time in four years, I can't haul all my belongings in my Jimmy. Makes for more of a headache on moving day, eh?

After reflecting on my random and sporadic moves hither and thither, I've made, what I consider, a wise decision to get a P.O. box this time around. At least for the next 6 months. So if anyone needs my address I'd be happy to send it your way. Just shoot me an email.

the beauty of frigid temperatures

2010-01-12T11:38:00.003-07:00

I've missed ice skating. Ever since I moved away from Indiana (2001), the timing of my return at Christmas has been too early to reap the benefits of lake frontage in Indiana winters. So year after year, I would gear up for my flight home to Fulton County at Christmas time, hoping this year would be the year the ice would be thick enough for a long overdue ice skating adventure. And time and time again I was disappointed. Only to get a phone call a week or two after returning to everyday life in North Carolina, Montana, Washington (wherever it was I was living) to describe the depth of the ice that had now formed on the lake.

To the best of my ability to recall past events, I haven't laced up a pair of ice skates since I was 20 years old. Now crunching the numbers, and doing the arithmetic, that calculates out to be about 11 years of winters absent of the beloved activity of ice skating.

This realization lead me to endeavor the great task of shoveling about ten inch deep snow off of a small section of frozen Lake Manitou. Thankfully Dad made his way out to the rink to aid me in my obsession. And together we carved out of snow a perfect little rink. Admittedly, a small rink for ice skating, but just enough ice to enjoy on skates.

neighbors

2009-12-17T17:53:00.004-07:00

I wonder how many people have "good" neighbors? I've often wondered that. I've lived in a variety of places, in some different situations. I've observed people, neighbors, neighborhoods. And sometimes I'm saddened by the hurried life that we seem to live. The time crunch is such that we forget to be good neighbors. I look forward to a time when I can live in a place long enough to be a good neighbor and have good neighbors. Here are the kind of things I'm thinking of -

A good neighbor is the person who will...

willingly lend you baking ingredients
offer to pick up your mail when you are away
initiate a friendly chat across the fence
invite you over for dessert or coffee
help you move something heavy or awkward
smile

It is a stretch to reach out to people that are outside of our circle. But if each of us did, in our neighborhoods or cul-de-sacs think what a different feeling we would have when we stepped out of our cars after a long day at work. We would be greeted to smiling faces and friendly waves. To real conversation, not just the same ole' small talk. I would eat that up. That's a place I would want to live, year after year and decade after decade.

This blog was prompted by my new neighbor who walked over, introduced himself, welcomed me to the neighborhood, and helped me carry furniture from my car into the garage. Unbelievable! You inspire me, neighbor Dave. I want to be more like you.

the hometown is calling

2009-12-09T12:57:00.002-07:00

As we all know, moving is routine for me. So here it goes again. A week from Friday I'll be packing up my clothes, some food, a dog, a few houseplants and piling it all back into the Jimmy to take a drive to Rochester, IN, the county seat of Fulton County, and my hometown.

Moving back to my hometown will be great; familiar faces and places, family (plus the new addition - Baby Jane), old friends. But at the same time it will be completely strange. I've been trying to process this move mentally and I don't really know what to make of it. On the one hand I'm really excited to start again in Rochester, where I got my initial start in life. But on the other side of things I don't really know how I'll fit back into life there.

I'm trusting that this chapter in my life will be another satisfying jaunt. My life has been full of them, I'm lucky, I know. So I go with no preconceived notions of how life looks for me in Rochester. Just an understanding that it will all work itself out.

outcome, not surprising

2009-11-27T19:28:00.003-07:00

I always told myself I'd never in my life substitute teach.

I've since realized that the phrase, "never in my life", shouldn't escape my lips....ever. I don't know how it happens but, just as soon as I am dead set against something, all of a sudden, through twisted circumstances I am staring that "something" right in the eyes.

And so...of course, I am a substitute teacher.

In case you have never entered a school as a substitute teacher let me share a few things about what I've picked up on in my three weeks of work.

It is definitely as bad as it sounds.
There are some bright spots, but they are few.
Lots of kids hate substitute teachers just because they are substitute teachers.
God gets me through the day, not my self-acclaimed wit.
It is the closest feeling I've had to being invisible.
High schoolers act like middle schoolers.
A substitute has almost zero authority walking into someone else's classroom.

I still haven't figured out why semi-retired, 60-something year old ladies are the majority of substitute teachers. This would literally be the last place I'd want to spend a day when I am 60. I come home feeling like I've just been in a psychological battle all day, with a couple of sucker punches thrown in there at some point.

I hope I'm not crushing anyone's spirit who was planning on making a career out of substitute teaching. I'm just saying if that person is you, you might want to develop a back-up plan.

adoption

2009-11-11T14:35:00.003-07:00

Like so many of my friends and family have done past and present, I made a big decision this year. I've adopted! Okay, the adoption that I am associated with is largely different from that of which my friends and family have been involved with, but similarly I've taken the responsibility to take care of an orphaned being. That this being happens to be four legged, furry, and will not be able to carry on a conversation in English...ever, are some of the differences that stand out. Here is how it all went down.

This year has been one of many surprises, and by the end of October when I was packing up my belongings to move on to my next place of residence, I quickly realized that I had acquired four houseplants and a pet. Now you have to realize that I've been working my whole adult life to avoid houseplants and pets, not because I hate those things (I actually enjoy both, quite affectionately), but in active knowledge that to take care of these things will affect the pack-up-and-leave lifestyle that I so cherish. So you can imagine the constriction on my heart that took place when I realized the weightiness of the situation!

The houseplants I accepted from others either as gifts or as a favor, but the dog...hmmm. Jasper came to the farm in April, abused, neglected and starving for food as well as attention. Since no one on the farm cared for dogs, I was unanimously put in charge of trying to "make a farm dog" out of him. I'm still not sure what that means. Months later after working with him diligently, and sharing time and space I began to realize that it would be hard to walk away from him. I was in trouble.

I searched and searched for a home for him, everyone I met I asked if they needed a dog. I literally asked every local member of the farm if they wouldn't mind taking Jasper home. Poor bugger didn't have any takers.

Therefore, last week I officially adopted Jasper, and we both left Victory Acres. He's done well adjusting to life in a pen, rather than 'free range'. And I was forced to buy him a dog sweater (which I was so annoyed about) but in his defense, he was constantly shivering.

So although it is a big hiccup in my life having a pet, I'm going to brave it and give it a go. I know he needs me, and truth be told I probably need him a little bit too.

eye catchers

2009-11-11T14:23:00.004-07:00

I spent some time outside last week, enjoying the warmth and finally a reprieve from October's deluge. Though most of the fall colors were gone, besides the few bradford pear trees around, there were some tidbits of beauty that caught my eye.

white oak leaves fallen on a bed of brown leaves

wild blackberry leaves stand out from the drab grasses

locust thorns showing off the new growth

packing and unpacking

2009-11-05T09:36:00.005-07:00

What is a year of my life if I can't up and move at least twice, eh? It is true, I've become an expert in moving. Not necessarily one of my lifelong goals, but I guess you take any expertise that manifests itself in one's life along the way. And so, moving day has come and gone.

I officially left Victory Acres Farm after a very thoughtful send-off party last Saturday, that included lots of Himelicks, two Chases and myself (Jasper was not invited, hmm...). A casserole dish of lasagna, a cheese ball, garlic bread, salad and a chocolate cake all served on tables in the greenhouse.

With God's help, I've procured a house-sitting gig for the next two months a block from main street Upland. I spent Monday packing, moving and unpacking. And I can say I am all situated and loving the extra space that is at my disposal.

My intention is to substitute teach for the winter while coming up with a plan for the spring/summer. When you run into me and ask what I will be doing in a few months, you may be disappointed with a reply along the lines of, "I'm not sure". So be patient, let time pass and know that I'm not worried about it. Life has always worked out quite nicely whether I spent time worrying or not. Therefore, I will choose not to worry. If you would like to worry in place of me, feel free.

shearing sheep

2009-11-05T09:20:00.004-07:00

On my last work day at Victory Acres Farm, the sheep shearer showed up. He came from Wabash county and had already sheared 52 sheep in Hartford City. He was very gracious to come to our farm to sheer the mere four that we had acquired a few weeks back. It couldn't have been worth his time, I'm assuming. But sometimes when you know someone who knows someone, grace befalls.

The wool from the Hartford City 52. The shearer says he can only get 17 cents a pound for their wool.

It really was amazing to watch the wool come off in masses. These particular sheep are Merino Sheep. Their wool has a very high content of lanolin. An oily residue remains on your fingers after touching it. As opposed to the 17 cents per pound that the shearer could get for the Hartford City 52, he can get about 50 cents a pound for the merino wool.

The sheep were very cooperative, though I'm guessing they miss their warm wool about right now. Here is the silly looking outcome of all that shearing. A little before and after shot.

Meaning of Life moment

2009-10-20T18:04:00.002-06:00

My sunday school class is working it's way through Ecclesiastes this semester and it has been a fun journey. Our discussions have centered around where we look for meaning in life, and how that never seems to fill us unless we get our meaning from God. Yet if we do put God in the center, and work to remind ourselves that He belongs there and our wants/needs belong elsewhere than center, He is faithful to remind us of his love through life's many enjoyments. And we can begin to truly enjoy God's gifts of food, homes, jobs, children, sports, family, etc.

My "meaning of life" moment came about a week ago as I was making a much needed trip to Marion's Tractor Supply Co. I had been putting off buying a new pair of work boots this year, hoping to make it through the season but alas an inch long hole and a few days of poorly timed rain and cold, drove me to misery, and thus to Tractor Supply Co. Starbucks happens to be right on the way to Marion, and although I am not a fan of Starbucks coffee in general I do love their Pumpkin Spice Lattes that magically appear on their menus in the month of October. It was a quick decision to pull through the drive-through, a quick decision to buy a "grande" size, and in no time at all I was continuing my journey to TSC. A spontaneous call to mom to tell her about a frustrating experience earlier in the week and a few sips later I was pulling into the rain soaked parking lot in Marion.

Mmmm. "This is the best drink in the world!" escaped my lips before I knew what I was saying and I grabbed my money, keys, much-cherished fall drink and headed for the doors and the new boots that awaited inside. Literally four steps from my car and a split-second later I found myself juggling my favorite drink in the world and watching it crash onto the pavement at my feet. My initial reaction was to stomp around and kick the empty cup halfway to the entrance of Tractor Supply, grieving over the loss of $4 and "the best drink in the world". But in the back of my head, I could hear my sunday school teacher asking, "where do you find the meaning of life?" So instead of getting angry (which I wanted to do quite badly), I began laughing out loud. Consciously noting that God was most effectively teaching me a lesson about my foolhardy attempts at getting meaning from life.

Have you had a "meaning of life" moment lately? Don't forget that the little things are really just little things, and God is most definitely still God. He is the meaning. Rest in that.

this is what I saw today

2009-10-12T19:45:00.003-06:00

a shattering reality

2009-10-11T20:18:00.003-06:00

Pretty much my entire adult life I've gotten away with people imagining that I'm actually younger than what I really am. I attribute this to various facts: the fact that I'm single, nomadic, not career obsessed, silly (some might argue immature). But whatever the reason, people are usually shocked when I confess my age, since they were guessing that I was 5-8 years younger.

I know that this trend is only temporary, and eventually I will hit the tipping point. And though I know my day of reckoning is coming...eventually, I don't think about this too often. Well, eventually happened a few weeks ago and I am still laughing at the scenario. It goes something like this...

I attended a high school football game with a college friend a few weekends ago. It was rainy, cold and I was starving. The lines at the concession stand were long, and I didn't want to wait for marginal food in the pouring rain. So at 10:00 pm that night after the game was over I made my way to the closest Subway to procure a $5 foot long that could serve as my dinner and lunch the next day.

I was the only patron at that time and per usual I was chatting it up with the young (eighteen or something) sandwich maker. I shared with her about my night at the football game, we talked high school football and homecoming nonsense for a bit. And then I found myself picking out two oatmeal cookies before paying for my long awaited supper. As she rang up my order, she asked one last question that shattered my wishful imagery of my youthful self. And I quote,

"So, does your kid play for the Madison-Grant football team?"

Wha...What? I'm sure I flashed her an "are you serious?" look before answering with an emphatic, "No". As I made my way out of subway and to the confines of my vehicle, I had to laugh at myself. And at the pieces of my youthfulness that just eroded away with that one question. Wow? Do I really look like I would have a high school age child? Maybe. Maybe not. Regardless, it was a startling reality that I am getting older and maybe I finally look like it too.

Ah well. Sometimes the future is all of a sudden the present. Kills me.

from the farmers almanac

2009-10-06T19:23:00.002-06:00

I picked up a 2009 farmers almanac the other day just for fun. And oh, has it been fun. There is some crazy stuff in there:

astronomical glossary
configurations of Sun, Moon and Planets
Gardening by the Zodiac and the Moon's Phases
gestation table
strange headlines

There are also some really great things in there:

general weather forecasts
sunrise and sunset times
hints for your health
frost date chart
planting tables
natural pest control

And then just to keep things lively:

crossword puzzle
"Storks - the ultimate social security model"
"News to Amuse"
Facts and Fancies
Cookery Corner

Even if you aren't a farmer, I encourage you to pick up an almanac sometime. Take a gander. It will be quite enjoyable. This particular almanac is titled, "The Almanac for Farmers & City Folk". And proclaims on the front cover that it is your "entertainment and information for the entire year".

2009-10-06T18:16:00.001-06:00

These three little pigs found their way to Victory Acres about a month ago. Their time here will be short, though they are making the best of it. They have successfully rooted through our compost pile, working the new matter in, and turning it for us. Those little noses are big deals. Their last day on the farm is at the end of this month. I keep hinting to management that I wouldn't mind a Christmas bonus in the form of half a hog. I don't think anyone is taking notice of my memos.

30 days has september...

2009-09-30T18:15:00.002-06:00

Last year at this time I was enjoying the last few days of my month long vacation in September. Some of you won't remember, but September was a stellar month for me. I spent a week hiking in the Northern Cascades, a week in the Olympic Mountains, a week in Bozeman visiting Montana Conservation Corps friends, and a week back in Indiana for Lana's wedding. I sure jammed some killer trips into that thirty day period. It was so worth it.

This September was slightly different than the last. Instead of hiking up to glaciers, spotting a dozen black bear, and rock climbing with friends, I've been focused on harvesting fruits and vegetables that just keep coming. Their will to live and thrive is inspiring. A few weeks ago a light bulb clicked on in my thick head and I was reminded that, though the harvest is plentiful now, it won't be long til I'll be begging for some fresh vegies from the fields. So in answer to the longing, I decided to spend some quality time preparing for the barren months of winter.

Mom graciously skipped bible study to teach me how to can tomatoes and beans a few weeks ago. A day and a half later we were looking at a table full of 34 quarts of tomatoes, tomato juice, and green beans, as well as, 10 pints of beans. I promptly came back to Upland and started dehydrating garlic so that I can make my own garlic powder. And in between work, bible study, watching football and playing catch with Jasper, I've frozen red raspberries, jalapenos, green bell peppers and carrots.

I'm not sure where I will be this winter, exactly. But whether here or there, I know one thing is for sure. I will be eating well!!

Fall Treats

2009-08-31T09:02:00.003-06:00

Candy Corn:

How can something be so good, yet make you so sick?
Those little corn kernels and the happy little pumpkins.
I love them.

Pumpkin Goodies:

Anything pumpkin flavored, bring it on!
Especially with ice cream.
Baked goods - scones, muffins, breads, cheesecake
coffee and creamers

Eggnog:

Not quite time yet, but I'm anticipating

Butternut & Acorn Squash:

casseroles
soups
breads

before it is gone

2009-08-23T15:32:00.003-06:00

Before the summer is gone I better show you'all what I've been up to. July kind of whooshed by me in a warm summer breeze. I don't even know what went on that month. But starting in August I have a better grasp as to what has been happening.

The summer vegetables have been coming on full force. We spend 8 or 9 hours each work day harvesting, washing and counting the produce for distribution to Muncie, Fishers, Indy and Upland/Marion. The picture above is Geoff and Frank digging potatoes with an old potato digger chained behind the ATV. So glad for that digger. Would have been using garden forks and pitchforks, otherwise.

An amazing discovery the other day in the tomato rows - a tomato horn worm (nemesis of the tomato plant) covered in parasitic wasp eggs. Since we don't use any spray on the farm, this evidence of natural pest control is an exciting thing to witness. The wasp larvae will hatch from their eggs and devour the horn worm. How cool is that? Organic farmers actually purchase parasitic wasps to release on their farms if the horn worm is a big problem.

Our fall broccoli, and red and green cabbage are looking great. A few more weeks and these babies will be cut, washed, and distributed.

Lana, Kyle and I spent our vacation week with the Edwards family in South Carolina and North Carolina. Great weather, good eats, and lots of laughing. I caught up with teacher friends, Concord buddies, and happened on to some of my old students as well. My best visit since leaving for the Appalachian Trail.

And I don't want to forget the newest additions to Victory Acres Farm. The day I left for vacation, Terry picked up and delivered two calves to the farm. One is a Brown Swiss/Jersey mix, the other is a Jersey/Holstein mix. Both are males, so we aren't going to get any milk from them, and I'm not entirely sure of the overall vision of getting two male milk cows. The calf pictured above is the Swiss/Jersey mix. He is about 4 months. This one doesn't have a name yet, so if you want to weigh in, we are looking for a good one.

life in a list

2009-07-27T14:33:00.002-06:00

It seems whenever I get the rare opportunity to be "online", I am without inspiration (in the blogging realm, that is). I'm not saying that life on the farm is boring, for it is not that, at all. Or that nothing interesting or exciting happens over here, for that is not true either. But I just don't know what little life tidbit to share. And even if I have decided on a topic for posting, it never magically works itself out in words, sentences and paragraphs. Seems it takes more effort than in the past.

So in short, since I am struggling to be creative, here is what has been going on.

blueberry picking with Emily, Lana, Mom, Madeline and Katie (50 lbs in 2 hrs)
harvesting squash, green beans, swiss chard, blackberries, raspberries, onions, garlic, kohlrabi, cucumbers, scallions, basil, parsley
catching up with Megan, Tara and Jake on Lake Michigan
witnessing a Jasper- baby mink fight (sidenote: baby mink was winning, so I had to step in and give it a wallop with the shovel. Nasty little creature.)
visiting college friends at IWU (visiting from Ohio, New York, North Carolina and Michigan)
various bonfires with friends and family
baking breads and muffins, making fresh basil pesto
Indianapolis Indians baseball game with Kyle and Lana
playing slow pitch softball every Monday night (and winning every game, our team rocks)
being chased and attacked by mean rooster when collecting eggs

Oh and I almost forgot, somewhere in there I got another blasted speeding ticket. I swear I can't get through a year without getting one of those things. I need to stick to my hiking boots. 2006 was probably the only year of my driving life that I haven't gotten a speeding ticket. Which was of course because I was walking for 6 of those months. I'm a sorry lot.

2009-07-13T15:50:00.002-06:00

Life and death are so very present here on the farm. We experience the effects of living creatures daily through pollinators, pests, laying hens, puppies, visitors to the farm. Death is so very real, as well. Mink and owls sneak around at night or early in the morning waiting for a chance to steal the life of our chickens. Cars fly by on the road. Drivers oblivious of the carefree puppy that dashes out into oncoming traffic when he is "on the scent" of something or other. Even microscopic organisms in our soil, water and air can be killers too.

Last week we lost our dear goat, Annabelle, to a microscopic organism that causes tetanus. Unexpected and horrible. She became sick on Tuesday morning and didn't make it 24 hours. We are very sad to see her go and all miss her very much. Even Jasper was very sweet to the sick goat, licking her face when she couldn't stand and lying next to her while we tried to help her fight for her life.

priceless photo

2009-07-13T15:41:00.000-06:00

Corn on the cob. Who doesn't like it?

Berry Pickin'

2009-06-29T10:14:00.003-06:00

In spending so much time outside in amongst edible plant life, I have become aware of the cycles of certain wild plants. Mainly berries. As strawberry season has ended, and sad that is, other berries come on in fullness. The mulberry trees are loaded with those almost too sweet berries. We have white mulberry trees as well as black ones on the outskirts of the fields and along the creek. Mulberries are a sweet treat, but it is queer how I never hear of them being eaten apart from a few hand fulls as one passes by a tree. As many berries as those trees produce, and for such an extended fruiting season, you would think people would be making mulberry pies, muffins, sauces, and jam. Why don't we hear of such things?

This week I spent four or five hours walking the perimeter of the various patches of woods to locate the first fruits of the black raspberry bushes. I enjoy picking black raspberries for a few reasons. Firstly, they are generally waist high. Very little bending and reaching is required when picking. Second, they aren't hard to find. They grow on the edge of forests and along fence rows or creeks. It is true that you can get all scratched up from the thorns, but oh how it is worth it. To find a thick patch of black raspberries is the ultimate prize. In my hours of wanderings I've located a few thick patches that will be a perfect place to return for round two of black raspberry pickins.

During my pilgrimage around the acreage here on the farm, I also spotted wild blackberries that will be ready for picking later this month. I mentally noted their locations and will be happy to return in a few weeks for the next onslaught of berries.

In addition to these wild berries, we are growing red raspberries on the farm. These berries will be the last ones to fruit and worth the wait. Until then, I'll be enjoying the wild fruit that are so abundant here at Victory Acres.

shifting views

2009-06-21T12:08:00.004-06:00

Sometimes our view of how things should go in life prove to be wrong. Here's an example of what I mean.

I saved a chicken liver from one of our freshly butchered chickens the other day to give to Jasper as a treat. I safely stored it in the fridge until I was ready to give it to him, imagining it would be the best thing he had ever laid his little puppy mouth on. As I brought it out of the house he immediately sat down expectantly awaiting the treat. Eagerly, he snatched it from my hand, paused, and then proceeded to drop it to the ground, turn tail and walk away, uninterested.

I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. I tried one more time to give him the tasty morsel, that any other dog would find heavenly, and this time he wouldn't even sniff it. What? This is the dog that eats literally anything.

I mean, his morning routine when we walk down the hill in the morning, is to chase Annabelle to the top of her house so he can steal the alfalfa pellets, and field corn. To which he slowly and deliberately picks kernel by crunchy kernel off of the cob. He is the one that follows all of us through the fields waiting for a handout of snap peas, turnips, or asparagus. He is also the one that I've found gorging himself in the chicken house on ground corn. So I was shocked that he was being choosy about anything edible. And especially meat. Canines are carnivores. Or am I mistaken?

A few minutes later I was sorting through some strawberries, pulling the rotten ones out of the good ones and tossed one to the dog, to see if he would eat it. He snapped up each berry I tossed. One after the other.

Slightly confusing. He turns his nose from meat, but scarfs anything vegetable or fruit. Am I raising a vegetarian dog? A vegetable farm might not be the perfect environment for a vegetable eating dog. Of course, that is from a farmer's perspective. If I am Jasper, I'm thankful for being dropped on this lush piece of earth.

Cartoon Trivia

2009-06-01T12:55:00.002-06:00

Did you know that the Disney movie Dumbo was made in the 1940s?

I'm not much of a cartoon fan. I never really have been, even as a wee little tyke. Sometimes it is all I can do to sit through a 30 minute cartoon show, let alone a cartoon movie. It might have started with my parents taking me to my first cartoon movies, The Fox and the Hound, and 101 Dalmatians. Both of which had very scary scenes in them for an under 4 year old. I mean, Cruella Da Ville. She is one scary beast. Even now, after all these years...yikes. And that big ole black bear in the Fox and the Hound. I can't remember if it was me or Emily who was screaming bloody murder in the theater during that scene, but it made an impression on me, none the less.

Some members of my family love cartoons. Have always loved cartoons past and present.

Last week I watched two old Disney Cartoon Movies with Lana and Kyle. Lana finds these old gems in the Taylor library and will bring them home occasionally for a little walk down memory lane.

Robin Hood - circa 1971
The Jungle Book - circa 1962

Some things I learned: Interestingly, the voice of Baloo the Bear in the Jungle Book is the same guy who plays Little John's voice in Robin Hood. Both bears, so I guess that is not too surprising. Though the snake voices in both movies, Caa and Hiss are not the same person. Go figure.

The funny thing about old cartoons is that they are musicals. Catchy little tunes, that run through your head days later. "Bear Necessities", anyone? I hadn't seen The Jungle Book since I was probably six years old and I still could sing a good bit of the "Bear Necessities" song. Weird.

Though cartoons aren't my thing. I am entirely impressed with that form of art.

this day in history

2009-05-18T13:06:00.003-06:00

It's the anniversary of the eruption of Mt St Helens. 29 years ago the Washington mountain blew 1500 ft off of it's top and side, killing 57 people, producing as much energy as 500 atomic bombs, and blacking out the sun in the middle of the day.

Days Off

2009-05-18T12:56:00.003-06:00

Days off are good for lots of things. For sleeping in, doing laundry, sipping coffee, going on walks. My favorite thing to do on my days off, however, is to bake. I like cooking, I like baking, I love eating. It is a win win situation. Lately I've been baking bread every other week. I've found an oatmeal bread recipe that is quite delicious. I make bread the old fashioned way, no machine. It definitely takes time, but that's okay, because it's my day off.

Today I made a rhubarb custard pie. I also attempted making yogurt for the first time. Yogurt is easy to make, why have I waited this long to make yogurt?

Chocolate Chip Cookies. Another favorite. This time I added whole wheat flour and I liked them better. Now I can tell myself that they are healthy. Sweet, I've got a breakfast cookie.

Things I don't like doing on my days off: cleaning up dog puke from my car, going grocery shopping, paying bills.

being a puppy

2009-05-16T13:25:00.003-06:00

It is a good thing that my charge, Jasper, is an animal and not a human child. When he has totally made me crazy I can, without much guilt and within the law, lock him in the greenhouse, put him in the garage, drive away...you get the picture. I come back later and I feel 100% better and he is as happy to see me as he ever is. Can't do that with kids, I'm told.

It is also a good thing that he has more sweet moments than irritating moments, or to the pound he would go. I keep telling him that he's one lucky dog, I don't know if it is sinking in or not.

He has a rotten habit of chasing Annabelle, the goat, who by the way is tethered to a skid and therefore can't get very far. She is, thankfully, agile enough to jump onto the roof of her doghouse/goathouse to escape Jasper's nipping teeth. But he will bark and bark and bark in a frenzy until I come out there and spank his puppy rump. And then he is golden, for awhile until he remembers Annabelle again and off he races. It is a rarity that I can finish a task without having to stop numerous times to discipline the goat chasing puppy.

At the end of the day, when I have a moment to sit and relax I can see the humor in the whole escapade. It is true that upon occasion, Annabelle will headbutt Jasper in the side just to get him going. And that is funny. And Jasper mainly wants to get her up on her house so he can eat her alfalfa pellets. That's funny too. But I tell you, it is so not funny when it is this constant and ear splitting battle each day.

special delivery

2009-05-04T13:58:00.004-06:00

A phone call on Sunday from the post office led to a Sunday drive to pick up our newest farm animals. 80 tiny, cheeping, chicks. All fluffy and yellow except one little bitty brownie. Earlier in the week we acquired some meat chicks, this week's batch are all laying hens.

Lots going on around here. My college buddy, Mel, came to the farm for a visit late last week and helped us trellis our blackberries. She also worked in the greenhouse part of the day, making soil blocks, planting squash, and otherwise learning the tools of the trade. Mel has spent the last year in India and it was such a blessing to spend time with her and look at life through her lens.

its raining, its pouring

2009-04-29T19:11:00.005-06:00

The greenhouse is filling up out here. Hundreds of plants waiting for a chance to get into the fields. We've been delayed in our planting due to the outrageous rains this spring. Terry was able to plow the rye under a few nights ago before this week's rains, thankfully. So when we do have enough sunshine to dry things up, we will be busy bees. Little plants just waiting include: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, lettuce, parsley, kohlrabi, cabbage, cucumbers.

Last week we were fortunate to have a few groups come out and put some volunteer hours in while the sun was shining. Leeks, onions, broccoli, and potatoes all got planted. And later in the week carrots, snow peas, radishes, spinach.

For the livestock update...Walter the rooster is not fairing well these days. His harem has evidently not been appreciating his ever watchful eye and has begun picking at some wounds on his wings. Constant nibbling has created this nasty bloody mess that Terry has to cover with pine tar. Disgusting.

where the wild things are

2009-04-20T13:09:00.005-06:00

In two weeks time Victory Acres Farm has welcomed ten new animals. Eight of them are chicks, one of which spent what must have been a frightfully cold night in Terry's vehicle unbeknownst to us all until the following afternoon. (I wondered why I only counted seven chicks when I knew Terry had told me we were getting eight). Of the eight chicks a few appear like they will be roosters. Too bad for them, that will get them a ticket to the stewing pot. The happy little hens will be joining our older layers once they get a little bigger.

Annabelle, the goat is getting along rather well as she helps us mow down our rye grass in the fields. Eventually she will be staked out along the creek to clear brush. This fall she will help us clear fence row, as she is a voracious eater of all things shrubby. She is quite the social beast and makes her presence known by her constant and mournful bleating.

The last animal that got the drop at the farm last week is Jasper, the abused and abandoned puppy. Due to the fact that no one on the farm likes dogs besides me, I get the joyous responsibility of trying to train poor Jasper to be civil to all. A daunting task since his six month life has been a mixture of being tied up and tortured by children. He has found a friend in me and sticks close, but he is suspect of everyone else and has an aggressive running bark. Scary. He's got about three weeks to get it pulled together or he gets ushered out of here. I'm hoping he chills out a bit, being that this might be his best shot of having a happy home.

And so...life remains in motion.

virtual farm tour

2009-04-12T18:43:00.005-06:00

Mom, Dad, Grandpa, and Grandma made the road trip to Upland for a late Easter lunch with Lana, Kyle and I. Lana and Kyle were gracious hosts in their mini-kitchen. Mom brought the ham, salad, and brownies. Lana made the biscuits and I fixed the potatoes. It was a patchwork effort, and delicious at that.

Grandpa and Grandma were treated to a personalized tour of Zondervan Library on Taylor University's campus; Lana's place of employment. And a cool, windy tour of Victory Acres Farm via golf cart.

I reside in an upstairs room in the old farm house (est. 1893). Cora Mae lives in the main floor. It is her house, she has lived there over 50 years and is kind enough to let me share space with her. She recently celebrated her 83rd birthday and proudly displayed her 23 birthday cards on her dining room table. Impressive!

The greenhouse is where it all happens right now. Due to the very wet and sometimes cool weather, we have been busy planting seeds into soil blocks, germinating them in a dark, warm box, and then moving them out onto tables in the greenhouse once the seeds pop up. It will be very crowded in a few more days when the eggplant, kohlrabi, and peppers all decide to show signs of life. So far we have lots of lettuce, broccoli, pea, tomato and parsley babies.

The "chicken tractor" is a movable laying house. It has nesting boxes on the end for easy access for the egg collector and can be moved around the farm with an electric fence to keep the birds in. Happy birds = yummy eggs!

The wood stove is a beast. It is our main way of heating the greenhouse on cold nights. We try to maintain a temperature of at least 50 degrees in the greenhouse at night. This means taking shifts throughout the night to stoke the fire. With the help of some coal dust and some skill at packing in the wood, we can get at least four hours of burn time out of each load.

Hope you enjoyed the virtual tour of Victory Acres. Feel free to stop by if you are in the area, we would love to give you a live tour of the farm. More going on all the time!

humility, in a nutshell

2009-04-05T15:04:00.003-06:00

Humility: Knowing one's place in nature. And though it would be nice to control the weather, realizing it will ceaselessly do as it pleases.

And so it continues to rain. The temperatures drop. The nights are cold, the frost greets me in the morning as I pedal down the lane to the farm.

The staff performs in shifts at night to keep the wood burning stove in the greenhouse stoked. Every four hours. Open the trap, shove it full, shut the door. Back to bed.

Warm nights are much anticipated around here. Looks as if this week will be another week of working hard to maintain a minimum temperature of 50 degrees in the greenhouse.

The daffodils, crocuses, and bluebells are a cheerful reminder that spring is here, though it may not feel like it at the moment.

Fire!

2009-04-05T13:50:00.002-06:00

Taylor University Prairie Restoration Project: Annual Controlled Burn

Hot Tamales, it's smoky around here! Check it out.

happy spring

2009-03-21T20:05:00.002-06:00

It is officially spring. Changes are in the air. The sun is hanging around a bit longer, the birds are feeling happy enough to sing again and living on the farm means constant motion.

Collecting and washing eggs, planting seeds, prepping soil, completing crop plans, changing oil and tuning up the machines. The greenhouse tasks themselves require all day vigilance. Monitoring temperatures in the germination box as well as the green house. Opening doors, closing doors, watering seedlings, thinning seedlings, building and maintaining a fire in the wood stove all night.

I get encouragement from the tiny vegetable plants that are happy and growing in their cozy environment. Broccoli, lettuces, parsley, turnips, and much more to come. Tis the season, eh?

buried treasures

2009-03-21T19:32:00.002-06:00

Even when I was much younger I loved the idea of hidden treasure. My friend, Ivanna, and I were always dreaming up hopeful illusions or delusions of finding trinkets or valuables (didn't matter to us) deep in the woods, floating just beneath the surface of murky Lake Manitou, or even in the most common places. It was a few years later, when I was in high school and then in college when I made a habit of randomly hiding $10 and $20 bills in my car, in pockets of my jackets, anywhere where I'd promptly forget about them. Only to stumble onto them again sometime in the future, surprised.

One of the benefits of living a transient life is that I tend to forget what I own. My belongings have been spread out between states, houses, and rooms over the past three years. I've developed an annual tradition of spending an afternoon or evening in my grandparents' basement opening and closing box after box in order to remind myself of my forgotten treasures.

A week ago I made the pilgrimage to Fortna Dr on a Sunday evening. I spent an hour sitting on the cool cement floor discovering some of my "old friends". Buried in the dust, I found:

a globe
a bread machine
my college bat bag, metal spikes, and ball gloves
a travel size bible
an apron with my name stitched on the front
a pouch of arrowheads
a photo of me and my hermit crab, Gretel

I don't enjoy all aspects of being the nomadic one of the family. And having to re-inventory my life every year, isn't necessarily a joy. However, the hour in Grandpa and Grandma's basement was a journey back in time and it was good. Good to be reminded of important moments, people and gifts.

basketball...its madness

2009-03-19T18:55:00.003-06:00

It is the middle of March. March Madness has begun, and it is like a breath of fresh air. It has been three years since I've been able to watch NCAA basketball. For three years I've had to rely on others to keep me up to date on the season and the tournament. Not a great way to stay informed, I've discovered.

2006 I was preparing for the Appalachian Trail, visiting friends and family. No time for basketball. 2007 I was living in Billings with a roommate who valued Ugly Betty over NCAA basketball. I had never met, nor will I meet ever again, anyone who would admit to that. I was shocked, and depressed. And that brings me to 2008. Whidbey Island. No television.

So, back in Indiana, 2009...yeehaw! Basketball galore. I'm totally stoked. I've got my bracket filled out, I'm reading the papers, staying up to date, watching the games. I love it.

And, as a side note, the Rochester Zebras boys basketball team have been enjoying extended success this March. They will be playing in semi-state's this Saturday. Go Z's. The last time my high school boy's basketball team won their Regional was in 1943. So this is a big deal for our little town.

you heard it here

2009-02-25T09:19:00.002-07:00

"You gotta be 5% lunatic to do this!" (per sustainable farming)

Quote by one of the speakers at the Food, Farm and Energy Gathering that I attended last weekend in Indianapolis.

Jiggity Jig

2009-02-17T08:46:00.002-07:00

After 2600 miles of interstate driving in combination with nearly 40 hours of watching the road pass under the wheels of my truck, I can't describe how nice it is to be stationary for a moment or two, before heading into my new field of hands-on study at Victory Acres Farm. I'll be back and forth between there and mom & dad's until the remodel is done on my room at the farm. Most likely the beginning of March.

I have a new address now. If you would like it, feel free to shoot me an email and I'd be happy to pass that on to you.

As a side note: if any of you saw that program on t.v. about the killer on the Appalachian Trail, that guy was not the guy Megan and I ran into in 05. I've gotten a few emails, texts and calls about him, and I had never even heard of him. The guy we ran into did not kill on the Appalchian Trail, he was just hiding there. Not that that is any better, since he did kill elsewhere, but I thought I'd try to clear up any misunderstandings. Thanks for being concerned.

bob the builder

2009-02-08T20:02:00.005-07:00

Bob the builder would be proud of me. Well...proud of Mare and I, that is. The past couple of weeks we have been commissioned to build Lavender Wind Farm a cold frame the size of Noah's Ark. This cold frame will be home to wee little plants that have been started under lights and on heat mats and are ready to begin their hardening off phase of life. The cold frame will create a warm little home for these plants until they are ready to face the chilly spring of the great northwest.

Though at times it seemed more like a comedy of errors, Mare and I successfully finished our project this week. This 8' x 4' box will be a great addition to Lavender Wind Farm's organic growing vision.

On the same note. I had been wanting to build a cold frame for Suzie here on Spyglass Dr for some time. After starting the project at the farm I decided that procrastination could no longer be a legitimate excuse. On Saturday, Amber helped me construct this much smaller box (made of an old window and scrap lumber) for Suzie's garden. I think it turned out great, I do hope she likes it.

380 days

2009-02-08T19:51:00.005-07:00

380 days. That is how many days I lived on Whidbey Island. When I moved there, I didn't know how long I would stay, or if I'd ever leave. I tried not to think about it, but as time dissolved around me, eventually life began to change shape. And that is why I love this thing, life. I love the unknowns. Unknown people. Unknown places. Unknown experiences that shape our ever-changing life.

Tomorrow morning I get up, sit behind the wheel of my truck, and roll on out of here. It feels weird and exciting. Sad. But right. I love life on Whidbey Island. And my experience here has been full. But it is time to continue life elsewhere. Home, I shall go.

Reporting in: Live from Whidbey Island

2009-01-30T20:09:00.005-07:00

The end of the month is here, thus the decision had to be made. A little like Carmen San Diego, I'm on the move again. This time, folks, I'm headed to the crossroads of America. That's right my friends, Victory Acres Farm (my new employer) can be found just outside of Upland, Indiana.

The farm apprenticeship begins the first of March. The farming season will be quick approaching and I'm stoked to see what life on the farm brings. Who knows what I will have learned a year from now? Hopefully I still have room in my ole brain for some new knowledge, after spending the past year enrolled at Lavender University.

I am amazed at this decision, never guessed I'd be rolling back around to Indiana for a spell. But the longer I thought about it, the more I thought - Why not?

It tears me up to say good-bye. To mountains and sea, to Bald Eagles and Harriers, to Orcas and porpoises, to Spyglass and Lavender Wind Farm, to Bailey and Amber & Dan. But you know? It is as it should be. And I'm feeling fine.

Hello Hoosierland. Hello Basketball. Hello sweet corn. Hello watermelons and hello Beefsteak Tomatoes. It has been a long time old friends. And I can't wait to see you Mom & Dad, Grandpas & Grandmas, Lana & Kyle, Evan & Emily, all my cousins, my friends, my aunts and uncles. And even you Jackson, even you.

an unwelcome visitor

2009-01-26T18:15:00.006-07:00

I love visitors, generally speaking. Hosting guests is exciting. Usually when people arrive for a short stay I get to do extra fun stuff. Visit new places, or at least go to some old favorite places. Eat out, play games, laugh out loud, tell stories.

Some visitors, however, are unwelcome no matter when they arrive.

Some examples include:

giardia
ticks
rats
sweat circles under the arms
slugs in the garden

I've had experience with each of these types of visitors in my 30 years of life. One, more recently than the others. A year ago when I arrived here on Whidbey Island I often heard stories of the island's most common pest, the rat. I filed these tales away in my mind until they became pertinent.

The stories became pertinent about two days ago when a rat was in Bailey's dog food bag. A few days before, I had heard an unfamiliar sound coming from that direction, but had written it off as a wind gust. Hmmmm. And then I heard it again. And again.

Needless to say, the rat scored the big one when it found the hole in the drywall behind the water heater, and right next to the dog food bag. Three times that night (starting at 3 am) I had to get up and kick the food bag so the rat would run back into the wall. Freaky.

A full day later, the wall is patched, there are a number cubes of rat poison under the house in the crawl space, and I haven't seen the unwelcome guest since.

This picture is of another rat that we found poisoned in the pump house. Relative of the unwelcome visitor, I'm sure.

Random Info
On rodent poison: "To kill mice apply 1 to 2 blocks of poison in high traffic area. For rats use 6 to 23 blocks."

Wow! Does that rat advice seem a little intense? 23 blocks of poison? That has some scary implications about rats, doesn't it? Am I the only one that is disturbed by this?

Rocky Mountain High

2009-01-21T23:33:00.002-07:00

For the last ten days I've been hanging out in Colorado. I think I've decided to make it an annual trip. Last January I spent time in Colorado Springs, Denver and Breckenridge. This January I made it a priority, to do the same. I am fortunate to have great friends in Colorado. I love visiting, relaxing, and getting beat up on the slopes.
Kajsa Joy is my friend Rudy's (IWU alum) daughter. She is six months and beautiful.

Me, Erin, Megan, Cliff and Riccara hit the slopes on Saturday at Breckenridge.

Calli treated me to a tasty lunch at a small town restaurant called "Taste Buds". The special - Rocky Mountain Oysters. That's right folks, you are looking at fried bull's testicles.

Chad and Megan fight for the title of "battleship champion". Megan wins...again...and again.

a new season

2009-01-21T23:14:00.003-07:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone, Christmas has come and gone, kind of like 2008. What ever happened to that year, anyway?

Seriously.

I'm sitting here, trying to remember what I've been up to these past 365 days? It was about this time last year that I made the move to keep heading west out of Montana. Nearly as west as I can get without getting a salty sea bath. And with the old year coming to a close and the new one before me, I'm once again contemplating my next step. What to do? Where to go? What's the best thing for me this year?

To give you all a peek into my future - God willing, this is what 2009 will look like for me.

My 2009 life plan consists of living and working on an organic CSA farm. I have applied and interviewed with five CSA farms in different parts of the country and am in the last phase of deciding which farm program will best fit me. My goals for the year include gaining first hand knowledge and understanding of how a CSA farm works in hopes that I will be qualified to be a small farm manager the following year. I've slowly and painfully narrowed down the options to three - a farm in WA, one in NY and one in IN (that's right, hoosierland). Can you believe it?

By the end of this month I will have decided which farm will be my new home for the year. I'm excited, a little nervous, and mainly curious as to what this new year will bring forth for me.

This Blessed Thing We Call Water

2009-01-09T20:39:00.006-07:00

Water. The life giving liquid created by the bonding of two hydrogen atoms to one oxygen atom. We can't live without it. It quenches the thirst that no other liquid can quench. It is good.

It is good, that is...only when it is, in fact, good. Bad water can be quite detestable.

Below are two pictures taken in my house. This is the water that is coming out of the tap. The lower picture (toilet) is the "clean" water after the flush. I'm not lying.

I'm a little scared. Yikes.

still snowing....

2008-12-23T13:12:00.004-07:00

ten inches later...

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-21T15:29:00.003-07:00

The weather has been quite unpredictable this year on Whidbey Island. According to the locals, this has been a very strange year. First, an unusually long, wet and cold winter/spring. A chilly summer, but a nice warm fall. Winter hit like a thunderbolt about five days ago and it hasn't quit. First snow, that turned to ice. After the nice thick layer of ice, the snow has continued to fall. Spyglass, the road I live on, is a complete sheet of ice. So far I've witnessed around fifteen cars careening down the street at an unsafe angle, completely out of control. Sand and salt trucks are non-existent, plows are, as well. So I've just decided to hole up and ride it out. My car has been stuck behind a gate that I can't get open now that the snow fell, so it has been a strange adventure.

On a bright note: I am house/dog-sitting for some neighbors two houses up the hill. The house is warm, there is a hot tub at my disposal, and the dogs are friendly.

Rocco and Jambo enjoying the snowfall, and disrupting the beautiful snow angel.

Seasonal Gems

2008-12-11T19:19:00.003-07:00

I love Thanksgiving and Christmas time for various reasons, but one of the best outcomes of this time of year is the annual revamping of drink and dessert menus. The last couple of years I have been thoroughly enjoying such tasty holiday treats as: pumpkin pie blizzards, pumpkin shakes, eggnog lattes, peppermint ice cream, and the list could go on. Since the season only comes around once a year, I have been reminding myself to take it all in, enjoy the moment, and by all means, don't take any of it for granted.

And because of this, I've decided to pen a poem in honor of my favorite holiday drink: the blessed eggnog latte.

Words for the Nog

I'll miss you eggnog latte.
Why do you have to tease me like you do?
Hanging around for a month or two, and then disappearing.
Only to reappear a year later.
You tricky little bugger.
Quit burning my tongue.

a surprise package

2008-12-06T22:52:00.002-07:00

After being away for the day I returned to find a usps box on the step. It had traveled from the farthest point from Whidbey Island in the continental U.S., South Florida. Packages are a rare occurrence for me these days, so I immediately sliced the packaging tape and opened the box. Hidden by the plastic peanuts, there before me lay a towering stack of People magazines.

It seems I am not the only one I know who has a fetish with People. And because of that, I reap the benefits! Thank you Aunt Connie! You rock!

And the end of this little story is...it didn't take but a few minutes before I was reading the first of stack. Don't mind if I do!

you guys rock!

2008-11-21T21:34:00.005-07:00

Living large on Whidbey. If you haven't visited yet, I hate to be so direct, but...you totally should. It is pretty great out here. I've been blessed this year with quite a few visitors to 307 Spyglass Dr.

Last December, two months before I actually moved to Whidbey Island, my first visitor, Evan, purchased his ticket for February. Since February, Ricarra, Calli, Gretchen, Mackenzie, the Tillets, and just recently Mom and Dad have all made it safely across the ferry, to this little, floating piece of rural America. I don't have pictures of all my visitors, but I thought I'd post a few pictures of the visitors from this year. Thank you for blessing me with your visits, friends and family. Sometimes it is hard to live on an island, most of the time it is cool, but each visitor has enriched my life this year.

Whidbey Times - police blotter

2008-11-21T21:15:00.003-07:00

Whidbey Island is probably the safest place I've ever lived. There are a few sheriff deputies employed up and down the island, but I see them rarely. Unfortunately I had the chance of seeing one rather closely a few weeks ago when I was racing through the small community of Greenbank after church. I was in route to the last farmer's market of the season and looking forward to a delicious lunch of homemade soup and potatoes with Mr. Mobley's special tahini sauce. The deputy was not impressed with that story and pointedly wrote me a $144 ticket. Wow! I've been served many tickets in my day. I think this one raises the median cost. Ouch.

At any rate, the police on this island are not busy keeping order, busting up drug cartels, nailing drunks, or writing burglary reports. It is comforting to live in a place where doors needn't be locked. I love that characteristic of Whidbey.

A humorous extension to this fact is that the police blotter in the local papers are filled with ridiculous, hilarious notations. I found one the other day that deserves a highlight on my blog.

Saturday, November 1

@ 8:10 a caller reported a woman, dressed in a flapper costume with high heels, was
trying to get to some puppies in a ditch off Hwy 20 near Sleeper Rd.

Blog Tagged

2008-10-15T22:24:00.005-06:00

I've been tagged by Raleigh. Blog Tag goes something like this: I tell you 6 random things about myself, then tag a few other people who proceed to post 6 random things about themselves.

1. I have a strange fetish for 'People' magazine. I wouldn't consider myself superficial or materialistic, mostly I'm a realist who is not deceived by fantasy, but for some odd reason I can get hooked on the celebrity gossip commonly found in magazines like 'People'. When I lived in NC with Mindy she had a subscription, so I could get my "fix" each month. Since then I've refused to buy them, because I'm too practical to rationalize the expense for, what I even consider, trash. But at doctor's offices, libraries, friends houses, and now, even at Lavender Wind Farm, I find myself drawn to the ridiculous, paparazzi-driven magazine. Unbelievable!

2. Auto Mechanic: I've tossed around the idea in my head to take a few classes. I am completely ill-equipped to diagnose, assess, or fix my car. That, makes me feel ignorant. I'd like that to change someday. I mean...I can change a tire, change the oil, and check the fluids, but anything above and beyond the basics, is completely out of my realm. The knowledge of an auto mechanic would be invaluable to me!

3. I hate crickets. Even after "getting close" to bugs in my Entomology class in college, I reserve a cold place in my heart for crickets. Especially those disgusting, brown, camel crickets with the hunched backs. Sick! They aren't easy to catch, like spiders, or cute and furry like mice. They are completely unpredictable. I've had one leap up on me when I was trying to corner it in the bathroom to get rid of it. Scary! And the worst is that they crunch when you kill them. That just makes my stomach turn.

4. I wish I could live on bread alone. Truly, I do. I love all bread. Sweet breads like pumpkin, zucchini, apple, or banana. Healthy breads like multi-grain, rye, whole wheat, or oat. Other breads like baguettes, biscuits, corn bread. Mmmm. Pancakes, waffles, scones, muffins. Yes, I even consider those, breads. If only I could live on bread alone...Oh to be a pastry chef...

5. If I could pick any sport to play throughout life, I'd choose ping pong. Referred to in most countries as table tennis, this sport has all the components to make it the perfect game. It has individual and team aspects, hand-eye coordination requirements, it is fast paced, with little room for error. It is extremely competitive and can be played and practiced practically anywhere. Not to mention, it is completely cost effective (paddle and balls?). In college, my friend Kate and I, used to spend hours in the game room perfecting our serves, backhands, and spins. We jokingly spoke of giving up our softball scholarships to take on our new passion of ping pong (if only we could find a trainer/coach). To be quite honest, I think we would have ditched softball if someone approached us with the offer.

6. Most of you probably know this, but for those that don't: my two front teeth are fake. And since their placement in my mouth, at the age of 21, I've been nervously awaiting the moment in time when the glue doesn't stick anymore and that moment will be one scary picture show! I have two tiny little whittled down teeth that pose as anchors for the porcelain caps to afix to. So when the caps do decide to come loose and fall off of their posts, the remains of my teeth will be stage for one horrific smile! Lord help us all when that day comes!

I've done my duty, so it is my turn to tag some people. Here it goes: Lana J Wilson, Kristi Miller, Alaina Falk - YOU ARE IT!

Last Trip of the Season

2008-10-15T21:48:00.002-06:00

Dan, Bailey and I decided to finish the hiking season with one last overnight trip. We chose Buckhorn Wilderness which shares the eastern border of Olympic National Park. We were hoping for views of Puget Sound, Whidbey Island, and the Cascade Range. After gaining 3,000 ft elevation we made it to the campsite that sat at 5,400 ft. Most of the trail we followed was covered in snow. The temperature starting out was 37 degrees at 2,300 ft. We should have known then, that it was going to be a cold night in the mountains.

With the closing of the backpacking season I am gearing up for snowboarding season. Let the snow begin!

Marmots that Whistle

2008-10-15T21:24:00.003-06:00

Amber, Bailey and I spent some time in the North Cascades at the beginning of September. Pasaytan Wilderness was dog friendly, had phenomenal vistas, and was only a three hour drive from the island. An hour into our four day hike, I realized we had left matches at home. Quite disheartening at the beginning of the trek to imagine cold rice at the end of a strenuous day. Thankfully a few hours in, we passed some hikers who were headed out and they passed us their spare matches. Whew. That could have been a disaster.

This panoramic picture shows Crater mountain with Jack mountain just behind. Our 43 mile Devil's Loop hike circled these two mountains providing us with great views for four days.

The highlight of the trip for me was a whistling marmot that was brave enough to stand his ground as we hiked through his territory. The brave little bugger nearly stared Bailey in the face before diving into his burrow, where he continued to whistle his muffled warning from his underground tunnel.

Reflecting on the Olympics

2008-10-14T23:55:00.001-06:00

I haven't given any of my backpacking trips enough print. I was feeling a bit guilty, so I thought I'd post some pictures to satisfy my guilt and hopefully impress you with the beauty of Washington State. Heidi, Kendra and I spent a week in Olympic National Park. This park gets more rain than any other park in the US - 220 inches annually. We made it out that week only experiencing one night of rain and part of a day. Other than that, the weather was near perfect.

Lots of wildlife in the park made this trip exceptional. It is mating season for elk, so we were lulled to sleep most nights by the bull elk's bugling. The herd pictured above contained one bull elk, while the other 30 or so were female or young. Decent size harem, buddy. We watched this group for a spell, and got to see Mr Bull Elk chase off two younger males who were trying to get fresh with the ladies.

Though most days were bright and sunny on the mountain tops, it wasn't unusual for there to be a thick cloud encasing the valleys. This is what I would call, "socked in". We spent two nights at the bottom of this valley camping along the Hoh River. The cedar, douglas fir, and western hemlocks were the biggest trees I'd ever seen.

Many "firsts" for me on this trip.

blonde marmot
9 black bear within 2 hours
black bear swimming and then shaking like a dog
hike to a glacier

post sabbatical

2008-10-14T23:27:00.003-06:00

Exactly two weeks ago I completed my month long sabbatical from the lavender farm. Upon returning to the island, I feel like I've hit the road running. Back to working two jobs, tending to the garden, and wearing windbreakers (fall is really here, there is a chill in the air).

In these past two weeks I've tilled, weeded, planted, attended a hockey game, watched numerous movies, trimmed shrubs, harvested vegies and fruit, bought new hiking boots, tested out the new hiking boots on a twelve mile over-nighter, and tented in the snow.

It is nice to be back in the swing of things, watching the full moon set over the water, baking and cooking, getting the mail every night after work, finding excitement in phone calls and cards from friends and family.

Mom and Dad are within 48 hours of arriving in Seattle for a whirlwind tour of Whidbey Island and the greater Seattle area. We are hoping to spot some Orcas on our whale watching expedition, maybe see some starfish and anemones in the tidal pools on my beach, eat some fresh seafood, and visit Seattle's famous Pike's Market. One thing I know for sure: Seattle will not disappoint. Come visit.

do you forget more than you retain?

2008-10-09T21:51:00.003-06:00

I like to think that I learn at least one new thing each day. Honestly, its probably more like three or four new things most days. Unfortunately, most new things I learn I file away in my mind where they are promptly forgotten. This, indeed, is a sorry state to be in. Always learning with equal amounts of forgetting yields nothing new.

So it is with great satisfaction that I can claim a new fact that has stuck in my mind for over a week now. I don't know how long this fact will be with me, so I figure I better get it down in print before it escapes the precious gray matter.

Did You Know: 12,000 laptop computers are left at airports every week

A startling realization, isn't it? I was glad I didn't' have my laptop last week when I was flying. I probably would have forgotten it at the airport.

the mystery of milk

2008-10-01T07:29:00.006-06:00

Mom and I met Grandpa, Grandma and Aunt Janet at the Fair Oaks Dairy the other day. The farm that we visited is one of 10 that make up the Fair Oaks Dairy operation. Though this particular Dairy has 3,000 cows and at least 6-8 calves born each day, a cheese and ice cream factory on sight, an education center, and a birthing barn it does not draw on the local electrical company for it's operation.

The farm uses four anaerobic digestors to break down the cow manure and create methane gas which is then used to produce electricity. Enough electricity, in fact, to power their entire on sight operation (milking 2,800 cows three times a day) and still have enough to sell back to the grid!

This ginormous wheel moves very slowly and milks the cows as they take a ride. They are creatures of habit so they know when to get on and off. Kind of crazy. The cows take a ride three times a day, giving up about 86 lbs of milk a day each(12 gallons).

We took a tour of the farm on a bus full of middle school students, therefore, some of the facts about the farm were lost due to the distraction created by 39 adolescents gagging and choking due to the farm smell, the closeup view of a cow pooping, or who knows what else. It is sufficient to say these were 'city kids'. And they were getting an education.

We just missed the birth of the twins. They were about 70 lbs each.

roaming freedom

2008-09-30T09:00:00.006-06:00

Though I moved to Washington State at the beginning of this year, I haven't had much of a chance to explore the wild places here. And since my appreciation of a location partially depends on getting out, exploring the mountains, forests, and lakes, I was ecstatic to have the month of September to do just that. Although, I did manage to make it to Montana and Indiana, as well.

To keep it short and sweet, here is a rundown of my month of freedom:

Travel:

3800 miles on airplane
850 miles in car
700 miles on a greyhound bus
90 miles on foot (backpacking)

Animal Sightings:

3000 dairy cows (Fair Oaks Dairy)
40 elk
13 black bear
7 marmots
1 banana slug

Other:

9 times a bridesmaid
8 pieces of cake
3 parties in 1 weekend (wedding, 60th anniversary, 20th birthday)
2 rock climbing routes
1 glacier
1 sister married and off to Costa Rica

Blue Glacier on Mt Olympus - the highest peak in Olympic National Park

Ross Lake in the Northern Cascades, Washington

Lana and Aunt Connie (who traveled from Fort Meyers, Florida to attend her wedding)

comical exchange

2008-09-30T08:27:00.003-06:00

It was a few weeks ago that I traveled from Everett, WA to Bozeman, MT via Greyhound bus. Though I have had opportunity to travel extensively around the country in the past 8 years or so, this would be my first time entrusting a bus driver with my safety for over 700 miles of travel.

I walked into the bus station in Everett without really knowing what to expect. What I discovered was a hodge-podge group of people with few things in common besides the urge to smoke a cigarette every time the bus slowed to a stop in the random Washington and Montana towns along the route. Old people, young people, people excited about life on the outside (having just been released from prison), people with tattoos, people with children, hikers, hippies, business men, college kids...it was all very interesting.

My route was scheduled to take over 15 hours to complete, so on the morning of my departure I chose a seat next to a sweet looking older lady with silky white hair reading "My Utmost for His Highest". We exchanged a few pleasantries and then I hunkered down for the duration of my ride with a book and my ipod. A few hours into the trip and the lady next to me was nudging me. I pulled off my earphones in time to hear her ask, "Would you like some steroids?"

I wasn't sure how to react to the shocking question, so I quickly replied, "Excuse me?" Immediately all these scary images of "bus people" came to mind. And here is an old lady offering me steroids in the middle of Eastern Washington. What had I gotten myself into?

Clarification of her offer came in her outstretched hand. There in the palm of her hand lay a tin box of Altoids. "Oh, thank you. Yes, I'll have a mint."

I couldn't help but laugh quietly to myself as I let the mint dissolve in my mouth.

I made it...

2008-09-01T13:15:00.006-06:00

...to the end of August!

Months ago I requested a large chunk of time off from my job at the Lavender Farm. Sarah willingly agreed to give me four weeks of time off so that I could get into these mountains that I spend day after day looking at and longing to lace up my boots and walk those rocky paths. So, with anticipation I've been watching the days slowly pass from one to another silently waiting for the first of September to approach. And here it is! Finally.

My month is chock full of fun. Starting tomorrow I'm headed into the North Cascade Mountain Range with Amber and Bailey. We are backpacking for six days/five nights along Devils Ridge, Devils Creek, Devils Dome - the aptly named trail "Devils Loop". I'm not sure what is so devilish about all of it, but I'm headed there to find out, I guess.

I will return to Whidbey for a night, before catching a bus to Bozeman, MT to reconnect with some MCC friends and the Gallatin Valley as a whole. Hopefully I can do a three or four night backpacking trip in the Beartooth or Gallatin Mountains while I'm visiting. I've missed Bozeman, the town itself, the group of friends that live, work, and recreate there, the three mountain chains that surround the valley. I'll be glad to get back, even if it only for a week.

On the 16th, my friend Heidi and I will be driving to Seattle to pick up a friend of hers from the airport and then head into the wild Olympic Peninsula. I've just recently reserved four nights of backcountry campsites in Olympic National Park. One of which is right up next to Blue Glacier, which stretches from the heights of Mt. Olympus (the highest peak in the park). It is going to be outstanding!

And just to pack it all in nice and neat, I'll have a day between my return from Olympic and my flight out to Indianapolis, back to my roots, to celebrate Lana's wedding with the rest of my family. Another trip I am anticipating and have been since June when Lana called to tell me she was engaged.

Should be a whirlwind month, but this time the whirlwind has nothing to do with growing vegies, weeding, harvesting lavender, doing yard work on the side, cutting blackberry canes, or watering plants. I'm extremely grateful for the break from work, for the natural beauty of this state and the Big Sky state, and for family and friends. So, hooray for September, I've been waiting for you!!

los montanas - the mountains

2008-08-23T17:39:00.005-06:00

Rita, Wes and Toby came to visit last week. They have been anticipating this trip for almost a year - dreaming about all there is to do in the Pacific Northwest. Their vacation required stamina, determination, and not a whole lot of down time. I was happy to join them for a whirlwind tour of Mt Rainer, Mt St Helens, and the lovely city of Portland.

Rainer can be seen from Bush Point beach, where I live, creating a sense of close proximity. But when all the hours of travel are summed up, it takes about four hours to get to Rainer National Park from Whidbey Island. We had a beautifully hot summer day to tour the park. A perfect day for travel, best noted by the hordes of visitors who were driving the same roads we were and stopping at the same pullouts we intended to stop at.

After flying through Rainer National Park we headed across the back roads of Washington State to get a view of Mt St Helens. After a few hours drive we were tragically disappointed to find that two years ago a flood had washed out the road to Spirit Lake (where we were headed). So we had to settle with a view of the mountain, but no real view of the total devestation created by the volcanic eruption of 1980. Blast!!

Portland was a great place to end up, though. And we had fun touring the street market, the parks, the river, the country's largest used bookstore and the eateries. I can't wait for my next trip to Portland.

Year of the Bird

2008-08-23T17:30:00.003-06:00

The year of the bird continues for me in 2008. Besides the fact that a bird landed on my back while I was harvesting lavender a few weeks ago, creating a weird scratching sensation on my back, I have had close encounters with a nest of barn swallows that have made their home above Sarah and Rick's front door. It has been fun watching the momma and papa bird build the nest, sit on the eggs, feed the fledglings. And the loud, and quite demanding, chirping of the babies as the momma and papa spend all day catching insects and feeding the hungry mouths. It was a monumental day when the three surviving babies took their first flight, and I was there to witness it. Since that day the babies don't come back to the nest that often, but upon occasion I see three sets of beady eyes looking down at me as I am coming or going from the house. They remind me of 25 year olds that aren't ready to face the world quite yet. Still benefiting from their parents hard work.

Life is fascinating.

Lavender Lovers Unite

2008-08-10T13:08:00.007-06:00

Part of the reason for my blogging tardiness is due to the annual "event" at Lavender Wind Farm known as the Lavender & Wind Art Festival. Since beginning my job on the farm in February, a group of people have been meeting every month to plan this August event. I initially thought this seven month in advance team meeting a bit premature, but amazingly the time disappeared somewhere between February and August.

My duties for preparing to host possibly thousands of people from the Washington area included: weeding, harvesting, watering, and the like.

Other staffers were in charge of making products, planning and ordering food for the fundraising tent, reserving chairs, glasses and the like, committing musicians for two hour time slots.

The event came and went, the first weekend of August and was a whirlwind of activity on the farm. Musicians, artist booths, beer & wine tent. An insane number of people wandered the grounds, filling our shop, buying lavender plants, browsing the artist's tents. It was a weekend of sunshine, smiles, and adrenaline (at least for the six of us farm staff).

And now maybe my life can resume some sort of orderliness. Right...

life in fast forward

2008-08-07T20:52:00.003-06:00

The month of July flew by, it started out with a much anticipated visit from Calli and it ended with an equally anticipated trip to Lake Tahoe for Megan and Chad's wedding.

And then all of a sudden it is August 7th already. What in the world?

A few noteworthy events:

a bird landed on my back as I was harvesting lavender yesterday, I must have seemed like a very strange colored bush, maybe?
the acronym NADM stands for National Association of Diesel Motorsports
Gretchen, a friend from IWU (whom I haven't seen since 2001), visited me last weekend
lavender beer tastes decent, if you can believe it
i harvested my first cucumber

Thanks, the library is closing, must go. More later friends!

the best and the worst

2008-07-28T21:38:00.003-06:00

You know most people have at least one friend who has seen them at their best and their worst and has amazingly decided to continue being their friend. This is the best kind of friend. A friend who knows you when you are fun and somewhat funny, and a friend who knows you when you are in pain, complaining, and smelling like rotten vegetables. That is who Megan is to me.

We met playing softball against each other in college. She was an all-American catcher for the Bethel Pilots, and I was the goofy, left-handed second baseman for the Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats. We were conference rivals and competed against each other for four years. My second year in college I noticed that there were a core group of Bethel softballers who were always having way more fun than anyone else and , true to form, I wanted to know them. And that is where it started.

Both Megan and I graduated with teaching degrees, she moved to South Bend, Indiana to teach Special Education and I moved to North Carolina to teach eighth grade science. Midway through my first year of teaching, she called me up and asked if I wanted to take a road trip to Montana during summer break. I couldn't think of anything more fun, and so our annual backpacking trips began with a whirlwind trip out west.

We learned a lot about each other on that trip, marveled at sights every American should see (Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons, the Black Hills), and at trips end realized we had never actually made it to Montana.

Four years later, Megan and I walked the 2,174.6 miles of the Appalachian Trail. We started it together, we finished it together. Believe me, she has seen the worst of me, not to mention smelled me at my worst. She has witnessed me cry and rage and pout and whine. And through it all she was right there, never far.

And so this weekend I found myself in Lake Tahoe, California at Megan's wedding. Celebrating life, her life, what it is and what it will be. I adore her husband, Chad, and am looking forward to sharing life with them.

Megan and her father head down the aisle Friday, July 25.

Some memories of Megan:

hearing her belches from the visitors dugout when she was warming up a pitcher in the bull pen
helping her move her stuff out of a flea infested basement apartment
horseback riding on the postman's horse in Andover, ME
oozing, infected, silver dollar size blisters and the numerous emergency room trips
hitch hiking halfway across the country to get home for her mom's birthday
sharing a cigar and champagne at the top of Mt. Katahdin, the last stop on the Appalachian Trail

My life would be very different if Megan and I weren't friends. I hate to think about it. So here's to friends who have seen you at your worst!

Maddie's Gift

2008-07-21T23:50:00.003-06:00

Maddie drew me a very cool picture of Bailey and I, for my birthday. So I wanted to post a picture of Bailey appreciating the work of art. She loved it.

mid-July rush

2008-07-20T15:14:00.006-06:00

It has been a busy few weeks. I'm sharing space with Dean and Suzie the rest of the month, it's harvest time on the farm, the weeds still grow, the plants still need watered. And, I ate my first Dungeness Crab (the local crustacean) last night for a belated birthday feast. Thursday I leave for Lake Tahoe, California for a mini vacation to celebrate Megan's wedding.

Since nearly all of my vegie seeds were free this year, I couldn't be choosy. Thus the purple and white carrots. I love the purple carrots, they are so cool sliced in discs. Their inside is orange like a normal carrot, but the outside is deep purple. They look like little bulls eyes.

I plucked my first garlic from the garden. Again, I was a bit hasty, it wasn't at full maturation, but it still tasted good in my stir fry.

Harvesting lavender makes all the rest of the work around the farm worth it. It smells great, the bees are buzzing around all happy and full of pollen (except that one time when the swarmed me and attacked me), all the visitors are enthralled with the process. It's a happy place to work.

Here is Mr. Crab who graciously sacrificed his life for my birthday feast. I watched Suzie gut her crab and then she passed the torch to me. My crab, my gut job. Nasty business, but not as nasty as filleting a fish, I say.

a needed vacation

2008-07-13T17:23:00.006-06:00

Calli has been visiting since Wednesday, we've been traveling the island doing usual and unusual things. I told her the other day that I was glad she came for a visit so I could take a vacation. My life has been most frequently run by work. Work at home, work at work, and work after work. Makes for a slow-building frustration of sorts. I'm not one to get stressed out that easily, but I was definitely feeling overwhelmed. And I know that I am on the verge of the same for the rest of the summer, as soon as Calli flies eastward on Monday. But for today, I'm going to just chill.

Thursday, Calli volunteered at Lavender Wind Farm while I worked. We were able to harvest fresh bunches of lavender in the morning before lunch and hoe weeds in the field after lunch. A fun and educational day, I think. Above, she is learning how to bind lavender bunches with rubber bands for drying. We were able to try some lavender ice cream at the end of our work day. I chose a blackberry lavender ice cream sandwich, while Calli decided a vanilla lavender sandwich worked for her.

On a quite different note: I was wondering why the daisies looked distressed. Can you figure it out? Might be time for some more beer. Toasting time!

Two different beasts here, can you believe it? Amazing!

living in the margins

2008-07-11T12:22:00.005-06:00

Organisms that live in tidal zones are some of the most adaptable creatures on earth. Their life is split into surviving the abrupt polar changes from life under water to life without the cover of the sea. And when you stumble upon these survivors, it is a peek into the incredible.

too many anemones to count out there

three happy sea cucumbers - a Chinese delicacy, I'm told
a ginormous starfish hanging on for dear life

on being 30

2008-07-05T21:40:00.005-06:00

I've been in my 30th year for six whole days so far and it sure feels like something, I'm just not quite sure what. Wait...I know what it feels like. It feels just like 29, which felt like 25. Whew, that's cool. I was afraid it was going to feel old. But it doesn't, it just sounds old. And I can deal with that.

A few things that I've learned in my 30 years of life:

when it thunders it is only a matter of time before the light follows
friendliness is contagious, except in extremely rare cases, in which case you should flee, because grumpiness is contagious also
the "wait and see" theory is boring, I prefer to live by the "go and learn" theory (of which may not be a theory at all, I just made it up)
acquiring new skills requires risk, patience and humility
friends are not a dime a dozen, so cherish those you have
my actions do matter (to others, to the earth, to God)
time will not wait on you, so don't wait on it
I am a unique individual so it is okay if others think I'm weird
and most recently - feed the soil and reap the abundance
don't be afraid to change and grow

Of course, I've learned much more in the 30 years and six days of moments that have been stitched together to yield my life. But if I was to record all that I've learned in life I'd still be sitting here next year typing away. So this condensed list will have to do, I suppose.

Life is a blessing. My personal suggestion is to "live it".

the dump

2008-07-05T20:05:00.002-06:00

As promised - a blog about the dump. And these chickens are happy little buggers. They get to live at the dump. So cool!

First, a haiku (inspired by Calli's haiku on gardening)

with limited land
try to conserve and reuse,
lets go to the dump!

true story:
I don't know how many of you know this, but my friend, Stacy, and I do yardwork after working on the lavender farm for a couple of Sarah's neighbors. We usually just spend an hour or so after work on the farm, and then head home. Stacy and I found ourselves driving one of our employers pickup trucks to the dump the other day to discard of the yardwaste that we had been collecting by means of clipping, pulling, and trimming. As we were on our way to the dump, listening to some tunes, Stacy looks at me from the driver's seat and says, "I can't believe we are getting paid to go to our favorite place on the island!" It took a moment to register what she meant, but after I did, I agreed whole-heartedly. It wasn't until a few miles later did we both burst out laughing at the nonsensical situation.

Strange but true - the dump is one of our favorite places on the island. Now with that said, let me explain this crazy statement.

the rationale:
I live on an island, where trash removal is very expensive. It is overly expensive because the trash, after being removed from your home and put in the dump, must eventually be hauled off island to dispose of long-term. Most people do not opt for curbside pickup because of the expense, and instead collect their own trash and take it to the dump, where the cost is determined by the weight of the garbage.

Since the weight determines the cost, most people are adamant about recycling everything possible. Instead of throwing an appliance away it goes to the recycling side of the dump where there is a graveyard of rusted out and broken appliances, tools, furniture, boats, car bodies, toys, bicycles, you name it. The best thing about it, is that all of it is for sale. Therefore, going to the dump is like perusing a ginormous yard sale. And for a couple of bucks you can walk away with a treasure or two.

My favorite part of the Freeland dump is the book mobile. A broken down bus has been converted into a, quite stationary, book mobile. The homemade shelves are chock full of all kinds of books; best sellers, Oprah's book club, picture books, inspirational books, fiction, non-fiction. For 50 cents a book, it is a hard bargain to beat. Some people call the "thrift store" of the dump the "Dumptique". A very fitting name, I believe.

So it isn't a wonder that I found myself exploring the dump after church on my 30th birthday last week. I walked away with three books for $1.50. Sweet. Wouldn't you like to visit my dump?

Garden Update

2008-07-01T23:19:00.003-06:00

It may seem odd that I blog about the happenings in my garden, but surely you realize that I live on an island, work two jobs, and my best friend is a dog. So the breath of fresh air that the garden provides is, indeed, a vital one.

I have been truly blessed to be in this most odd, yet cool living situation. Since I've never been a home owner, I've never had the chance to grow anything to speak of, besides the occasional fern (which I managed to kill annually). So when this opportunity came up to live on Whidbey Island, to plant a garden, to watch it grow, to eat it's produce. Wasn't a tough choice for me. As a matter of fact, the eating part is coming in full force this month.

So the update goes as follows:

I've frozen snow peas once already and have more than I can handle, still.
I've harvested four kohlrabi, gave one away, and still have three waiting in my fridge as I try to decide what to do with them.
The lettuce keeps on coming, as lettuce tends to do. I'm eating a huge salad for lunch every day and trying to savor the taste.
I have baby zucchini that are about the size of my fingers
I've eaten one ripe strawberry, the birds have eaten three. That ratio is not in my favor.
The purplette onions are showing themselves, and it is hard to resist pulling them.
The rainbow chard is gorgeous and delicious, a great combo.
I've prematurely pulled a carrot or two in hopes that they were ready to eat. I ate them anyway.

The constant weeding and watering of this needy little garden has me eating dinner at about 9:30 every night. I guess I do fit in a walk to the beach every night before dinner too. The sun is setting, the evening is cool, and the dog is itching to go for a swim. What am I supposed to do? So dinner waits and waits.

A picturesque view of Sunday's harvest. I didn't eat all this at once. That would not be wise.

Side note: I'm putting out a 'call out' for any known recipes for using kohlrabi. I was thinking about roasting them with some other vegies and potatoes in the oven, but I don't really know. They smell like cabbage, so I'm supposing you cook with them like you would cabbage.

the year of the bird

2008-06-29T00:28:00.005-06:00

I don't know what year it is, in terms of the Chinese year, but for me it is the year of the bird. There are few reasons for this.

Since moving to Whidbey Island I have been initially surprised, but more recently just plain grateful for the myriad of Bald Eagles that pass overhead everyday. Where I grew up, in Indiana, we never saw Bald Eagles. I know there are lots of eagles and they live all over the country, but for me, it is still a daily blessing to see these majestic birds soar through the air over water or land.

I am interested enough in identifying unknown birds to have a bird book next to the rocking chair by the window. With that said, I am slowly morphing into my bird-loving parents. Smiles.

Bailey, my canine boarder, has eaten two birds in the past month. The first, being the bird I was attempting to save. The second, a baby quail hiding in the lavender field. Frowns.

And lastly, strangely, I've had two birds fly into the house over the past two weeks. The weather has been warm enough that I keep both my doors open for a cross breeze. For some reason birds are feeling quite welcome. I had to rescue the first, a barn swallow, who repeatedly flew against one of the windows, futilely trying to escape. I caught and released it. The second, a hummingbird, flew in the kitchen door, through the dining room where I was seated, and out the living room door. Smart little bugger. I think he just found a shortcut to get from the front to the back of the house.

Now you see why I think it is the year of the bird. Not to mention the owl that I spotted last week, and the red tailed hawk that rides the thermals over the bluff, the crows that harass the hawk, the hawk that nabbed a rabbit in my yard right before my eyes, the hummingbird wars, the robins that love the juicy worms in my garden, the loons that dive for fish in the sound...wow. It is indeed the year of the bird.

a guest in the house

2008-06-28T21:47:00.004-06:00

A little over a week ago my friend and fellow IWU alumni, Riccara, flew in for a brief visit to Whidbey Island. We fit quite a few things in the four days that she visited. A trip to the thrift store, numerous walks on the beach, a ferry ride to Port Townsend for dinner and shopping, a tour of Fort Casey and the lighthouse, sidewalk shopping at Pikes Market in Seattle, and a behind the scenes tour of Lavender Wind Farm (with warm chocolate chip lavender scones, to boot). The only thing we didn't fit in to your weekend was a trip to the dump. I am in love the the dumps on Whidbey Island. More on that later.

Bailey loved having Riccara as a guest as well. Riccara has a soft spot in her heart for Golden Retrievers, she has a 100 lb retriever at home in Colorado Springs. Whew, that's a big dog.
My favorite part of Riccara's visit was the morning we walked down to the beach and found the tide farther out than I had ever seen it. We found all sorts of tidal pools full of anemone colonies, various colored starfish (maroon, dark blue, red), as well as bright orange sea cucumbers. It was like a treasure hunt, full of shrieks and pointing at every new discovery. If you look closely at the above picture you will find a light green sea anemone beside the large piece of seaweed.

It was fun having a visitor to share the unique wonders of Whidbey Island. Calli is coming to visit in July and I can't wait to enjoy the island with her as well.

a rare sighting

2008-06-18T23:13:00.002-06:00

I spotted an owl perched on a mailbox on my way to work this morning. I drove right passed it and then realized what it was, turned the car around and was delighted I had stashed my camera in my bag before heading out the door today. The owl was mostly ignoring me. Instead it was intent on something in the ditch below it's perch. I did catch a few curious glances in the midst of it's morning hunt.

After getting to work, Stacy and I grabbed the bird book and identified the owl as a Barred Owl.

I see Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks, and Harriers (small hawks) all the time, but an owl spotting is rare indeed.

the news

2008-06-17T22:12:00.006-06:00

News Worthy: My little sister called to tell me she is engaged. To be married in September, no less.

Also News Worthy: I've been asked to be a bridesmaid. Super cool.

Not News Worthy But Kind a Fun: When I worked with middle and high school youth I used to have an arsenal of games on hand to play in the unexpected and inconvenient down time that always seemed to surface. One of my favorites is called "two truths and a lie". The point is to say three statements about yourself, two of them true and one a lie. The other participants must guess which statement is the lie. It is a great way to learn quirky things about others. Below are two truths and one lie . Can you figure out which of the following statements is the lie?

I've been pooped on by a tiger.

I've been a bridesmaid eight times.

My favorite place that I've traveled, so far, is Italy.

what summer?

2008-06-10T18:00:00.003-06:00

I'm trying to be patient and mature about the whole thing. The whole temperature thing. I keep checking the calendar, and I have verified that it is June. In fact it is ten days into the sixth month of this year. Then why? Tell me why it feels like March?

High 54 today. 52 yesterday. 55 tomorrow.

The worst, is that I keep getting weather updates from friends and family members in the Midwest and the southern US. "It is hot out here". That is all I'm hearing. I'd like at least one day where I can say, "it's hot out here".

The only consolation I have is that it isn't actually summer yet. June 21st is still over a week away. I will, then, limit my meteorological outbursts until the change of the seasons.

Per Slugs:

Disturbing Discovery: 6 inch long slug
Disturbing Discovery # 2: slugs love Tah Tsai, Spinach and Mustard Greens
Removal Strategy: Beer (they are lured to a saucer of beer, where they drink to their hearts content and then find they can't escape)
Question: Have you ever shared a beer with a slug?
Toast: To the health of my garden and to the health of all slugs outside of my garden's perimeter.

I thought it was Bailey poop at first, but no. It is the most ginormous slug ever! And to the top left of the slug, there is another slug (dark brown). Under normal circumstances, I would have thought that second slug was huge, however, it looks like a pipsqueak next to "dino-slug".

living an adventure

2008-06-06T14:39:00.005-06:00

These little helpers have been vacationing here for a few weeks. Life is an adventure and children are perfect reminders to live it out.

A related quote by Rachel Carson:

"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder...he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in."

the battleground

2008-06-03T20:46:00.005-06:00

As stable as my life is, I do realize that around the country and world as a whole, there are numerous battles being formulated, fought and eventually finished. Winners and losers are being determined day and night.

With that in mind, the battle closest to me, regionally, is being fought in and around my back stoop. There are no weapons dealers, no government funded military, no deaths that I know of...yet. However, the warriors are tenacious, they are stubborn, and strong. Each fighter weighs in at only a few grams, they fly by their own means, and their weapons are their own beaks. The battle is being waged between a horde of hummingbirds. And the spoils of the victor is in the form of sugar water.

Like tiny fencing champs, these hummingbirds use their beaks and strike at each other while hovering acrobatically in the air. I've been mesmerized for whole quarters of an hour watching the battles play out. Today the winners are the females, while the losing males stay on the fringes, restricted to finding natural nectar in the flowering shrubs all around. I noticed one fat, little female sitting on the climbing rose bush near the feeder, just waiting for another bird to fly in for a snack. Then as soon as one comes in the "zone", she chases it off with the tip of her pointed beak. What a bully!

the last of May - bring on month #6

2008-05-31T14:30:00.004-06:00

Another week has passed on Whidbey Island. Another week on Lavender Wind Farm. Another week of spring. The days are finally warming up, the sun is less bashful than it has been for months. The bees, hummingbirds, slugs and snails are fat and content with the new green shoots and colorful flowers that insist on occupying every inch of ground space. The garden is getting quite 'bushy', in fact, some of the plants that were started from tiny seeds are massive - dense with edible foliage.

This past week I've been sharing space with Dean and Suzie and their two grandsons (twins of 6). The boys have spent lots of energy "helping" the adults. Helping with weeding, planting, shoveling, and surprisingly, even washing dishes (of which they insisted on washing today's breakfast dishes all by themselves).

The march to summer solstice has begun. Each night the sun moves further north along the horizon as it sets. By 10:00 the last streaks of light from the setting sun can still be seen lingering over the water. Dinner has been pushed further and further back as the sun is stalling before finally disappearing behind the Olympic Peninsula. And, as expected, dawn is breaking quite early. I wake to the singing of the songbirds as early as 4:30 some mornings. And if I dare to sleep-in until 7:30 or 8:00 it is as light as noonday!

I didn't try to save any birds this week, but I did manage to bury the latter half of a rabbit that I found under the fir tree. Must have been the leftovers from a hawk or an eagle. Nasty!

please try not to be jealous of my delicious looking lettuce, spinach, and other random greensthe bees have been pollinating, tirelesslymaking the days count is my main job

wonderful words

2008-05-20T08:26:00.002-06:00

I remember the first time I picked up a book of quotable quotes from Mindy's bookshelf. As a teacher, I was constantly trying to think of little ways to improve my classroom's environment. Make it feel safe, full of energy, and if I got lucky, somewhat inspiring. As I perused through the book I found myself laughing out loud, nodding in agreement, and at times being moved by the words in print. Not long after that first introduction into the world of words, I began using a "quote of the day" as a discussion prompt in my science classroom. The students ate it up, some would even write the quotes down in their notebooks. It became routine, one of those routines where if I forgot to start class with the quote, I would get three or four students urgently reminding me of my grievous error.

So here I am years removed from my science classroom and still sitting down with a book of quotes. Still laughing, still nodding in agreement, and at times being moved. To give you a picture of what I mean, I've chosen a few special ones for the readers of this blog.

a laughing quote: "If the world were a logical place, men would ride side-saddle." - Rita Mae Brown
a nodding quote: "The world is not conclusion. A sequel stands beyond - invisible, as music - but positive, as sound." - Emily Dickinson
a moving quote: "I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well." - Diane Ackerman

my short-lived job as a bird rescuer

2008-05-18T18:04:00.004-06:00

I discovered a small sparrow sitting in the grass today as I was pushing a wheelbarrow full of blackberry roots down to the burn pile. It obviously was distressed since it wasn't where birds are supposed to be (in trees, in the air, in nests), and it wasn't even using its wee little legs to hop around. So I bent down and scooped up the little bird. It released one short, staccato chirp just to let me know that it wasn't on the same page with me in my bird rescue plan. I really didn't have a plan, but I knew it couldn't just sit in the lawn out in the open.

I placed it on a mound under the big Douglas Fir tree on the edge of the property. It would be sheltered there and have a better chance of surviving, I imagined. Feeling downright kindhearted, I continued on with my yard work; weeding, watering, digging.

Hours passed and I didn't give the little bird the slightest thought. But as I was coiling up the hose by the side of the house there was the bird again, in the middle of the lawn. For a moment I thought it was another bird, but as I approached it, I recognized it as the bird I had rescued earlier in the day. It had successfully "un-rescued" itself into the great wide open. Crazy little bugger.

I, again, knelt down and gently lifted it up and placed it under the fir tree (what I thought to be a perfect little recuperation habitat for the little guy). I grabbed my camera to take a picture of it so I could remember the little bird that I rescued...twice. As I bent down to snap a picture Bailey aroused from her lounging in the shade and wandered over, curious as to what I was doing. I could tell she was interested so I told her to stay back, but I wasn't really too worried. Bailey is the kind of dog who ignores rabbits and birds, and barely acknowledges people. So much for having her keep the rabbits out of the yard.

She inched a little closer and sniffed at the little bird who was attempting to hop along, but was more or less falling head first each time it hopped. And then in a flash the bird was gone and Bailey was backing up quickly. I was horrified! From beneath Bailey's closed lips I could see a wing protruding. I commanded Bailey to "drop it"! But we all know how well she does that. Instead she shifted the position of the bird in her mouth, and the wing that was hanging out, disappeared. A minute later, and a few chomps, and that was it for the little bird.

I have, without hesitation, fired myself as a bird rescuer. I can not imagine what could be a worse offense in bird rescue than allowing and watching the gruesome and untimely death of a defenseless and not to mention, injured bird.

life with bailey

2008-05-17T19:08:00.004-06:00

Bailey has been a fun addition to 307 Spyglass Dr. She rescues me from talking to myself, is a good reminder to take a break from yard work to throw a ball or two, and enjoys running erands with me.

Her glances and doggy gestures speak volumes, I'm just not sure what she is saying. Sometimes when she wants to come inside she won't drop her tennis ball on the step. I won't let that slimy toy cross the threshold so it becomes a battle between her and I. She is stubborn, but surprise Bailey, I'm stubborn too. So far it plays out the same every time and it goes like this:

"Bailey, drop the ball!"

She looks at me quickly with her playful doggy eyes and immediately looks away. The ball remains in her mouth.

"Bailey, drop the ball!!"

She doesn't look at me this time, just stands there with her head down, stubbornly holding the ball.

"I'm not letting you in until you drop the ball."

Not a movement from her, ball tightly grasped in between her canines.

I proceed to shut the door in her face. Leaving her outside until she drops the ball. I glance out every few minutes to see if she is ready to come in. Ball firmly between her jaws. Quick glance my way, then head down.

It usually takes 5 - 10 minutes of waiting before I hear the ball hit the ground. I open the door, she prances in as if it was her idea to drop the ball.

I'm pretty sure it is a good thing that I am not a mother. My children would hate me, I can be a stubborn cuss.

the stuff bunnies' dreams are made of

2008-05-17T18:57:00.003-06:00

That's right folks, everything green and leafy in this picture came from my garden!

Check this out. I harvested some purple mustard greens from the garden, sauteed in olive oil, garlic, pepper and salt. A tasty compliment to my chicken breast in cranberry sauce. Also picked some baby red lettuce leaves and some Japanese mizuna greens for a fresh salad. A little homemade blackberry vinagrette dressing to top it off and life seems that much better.

Gardening...ahhh...this is the good part! Makes the weeding, watering, soil preparation worth it!

have you ever driven a scootcar?

2008-05-10T14:30:00.003-06:00

I would consider myself a person with a high degree of self-constraint when it comes to spending money on entertainment. Maybe self-constraint is the sugar coated way to hide the ugliness of the more accurate description of the fact that I am more or less "cheap". Nonetheless if you spend enough time with me, it will become quite clear that it is a rarity that I will self-indulge in forms of entertainment that I would deem "unnecessary" or "costly".

With that preface; I found myself on Orcas Island in the beautiful San Juan Islands, north of Whidbey and south of Canada, staring at a contraption known to the general public as a scootcar. I had never seen a scootcar before, but there it was parked outside a little shop, surrounded by mopeds, and sticking out like a dandelion in a green lawn. It took ten minutes or so for Amber and I to be talked into renting this little vehicle, while Dan rented a moped for a quick tour of the island. Wedged in there shoulder to shoulder, Amber and I navigated the scootcar along the roadside, barreling along at 30mph and sometimes 40mph on the downhill.

The scootcar is a glorified moped, it has three wheels and two training wheels to steady the vehicle as it turns. The windshield is kept dry by one wiper, but the driver and passenger are expected to wear rain gear (I'm guessing) if it is wet, due to the lack of a roof. Two seat belts and a roll bar are the safety checks in this little matchbox car. And that is pretty much the whole of the description. Well, besides the mini-trunk which worked well to hold a few handbags and nothing more.

It was hilarious, ridiculous, and worth the expense.

Bailey, the farm dog

2008-05-10T14:18:00.003-06:00

Amber and Dan have made their way across the country to Whidbey Island. They sold their house a few months ago back in Wisconsin and have been slowly progressing this direction in order to shove off from Seattle for a whirlwind tour of the globe that will begin with a flight to Lima, Peru on Tuesday. I've been grateful for their company this week and part of last and will miss them while they travel for the next few months. They are doing me a wonderful favor by allowing me to dog-sit their Golden Retriever, Bailey, while they are experiencing life abroad. I'm pretty stoked about having a companion for the summer, and have even got the okay from my boss, Sarah, for Bailey to be the new Lavender Wind Farm dog. How great is that?

good-bye April

2008-05-02T13:26:00.006-06:00

April has passed me by in a whirlwind. I've had company, I've been company, I've made bread, I've broken bread, I've been taught lessons, I've applied lessons, I've stayed put, and I've been on the move. I'm not counting the days, I'm making the days count. This is my life.

Since my last blog post I've (in no particular order):

eaten or shared all of the radishes in my garden
planted beans, more peas, strawberries and asparagus
picked up a part-time yard work job ($20/hour)
been to Bozeman and back
buried a rabbit
been defeated at Settlers of Catan four consecutive times
shared my homemade granola with a Chinese-Canadian couple (they didn't like it...too sweet)

Below are a hodge podge photo gallery of what I've seen lately.

These azalea blossoms were being pelted by hail in late April.

Last night of April treated me with a stunning display of light and shadow.Stacy and Mare discovered a rabbit nest under a lavender plant at the farm.Not a bad view at work, eh?
Tugboat passes by Bush Point.

first harvest

2008-04-20T16:42:00.003-06:00

In between the hail and the snow of yesterday and today, a small moment of sunshine broke the monotony of the weekend. I was outside piddling around the garden when I realized that my radishes were ready to be harvested. This was ultimately exciting.

I've never really had a garden before. My parents always had a garden as we were growing up, but I didn't really pay much attention to it besides the Saturday's that included a chore list to "pick beans" or "strawberries", or "weed between the rows". And sometimes at the end of the summer we would have a war with the green tomatoes that didn't have a chance to ripen before the first frost. And by "we", of course, I mean the neighborhood kids, not mom and dad.

Anyway, I've been enjoying the experience of observing seeds germinate, sprout, and shoot up toward the world of today. And though I don't really like radishes, I ate one. And I ate the greens off the top too. I would eat one again, too, just because it was in my garden.

the mechanic's apprentice

2008-04-14T20:42:00.004-06:00

Friday, Sarah traveled to Portland for a conference and left Rick with the instructions to "show Leslie how to change the oil in the tractor". I had been anticipating this for a few days, since Sarah and I had started the process a few days earlier, and by "started", I mean we collected a ground cloth and receptacles to catch the dirty oil before Sarah realized the tractor manual was no where to be found. Not wanting to pull the wrong plug, the oil change was delayed until further enlightenment. That, of course, came with Rick's fine tutelage, on Friday.

Rick is a very thorough kind of guy. His attention to detail could be referred to as obsessive compulsive by some. But I prefer to think of it is thorough. So change the oil we did, and the oil filter, and to top it all off, he got out the ole grease gun and showed me how to lube all of the movable parts. So by the end of the work day on Friday, my grease covered hands and clothing were a testament to my newly learned skill. Another day on the farm!

Weeds

2008-04-14T19:58:00.001-06:00

Tenacious little buggers.

the farm

2008-04-10T20:09:00.003-06:00

Due to popular demand, I have finally taken a moment to snap a few pictures of Lavender Wind Farm. The lavender won't be blooming until June and July, but most varieties that we have on the farm are just beginning to leaf out. We've all been spending time with hoe in hand or plodding behind the tiller, trying to combat the ever present weeds.

The first picture is looking out over the field toward the house, garage and gift shop. The second picture is trying to capture the lavender labyrinth. I couldn't get all of it due to its size. More pictures later, I'm sure. Tractor training soon to come. And for all of my Midwestern blog readers, the tractors here are tiny compared to the John Deeres of the American heartland.

Fact:

lavender wind farm has approximately 7,000 lavender plants

roadsigns of life

2008-04-06T16:14:00.004-06:00

One of the first things I observed about my new home on Whidbey Island was a blatant sign along Spyglass Dr. giving helpful tips to the passerby as to what to do in case of tsunamis. Tsunamis! I have spent little time in my life thinking about tsunamis. Of course this is due to the fact that I've lived in landlocked states most of my life, far from any volcanically active areas, and just as far from any coast.

I quickly realized that my new island locale sits directly in line of the Pacific Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire is one of the most volcanically active regions in the world. The ever moving Pacific plate grinds and slides against the adjacent tectonic plates. The result of this slow but continual process? A ring of active volcanoes that encompass the Pacific plate. The Japanese Islands, the Philippines, Mt Baker (of which I can see on clear days on my way to work), Mt St Helens, the Andes Mountains, and a whole list of other mountains and islands directly related to this amazing force.

Earthquakes, inevitably, precede volcanoes. In fact, seismic activity generally triggers the escape of poisonous gasses and magma from deep within the earth. So here I sit on 307 Spyglass, right on the water, on the edge of the "Ring of Fire", in the probable path of one of the most amazing and devastating natural disasters - the tsunami. Cool! Way cooler than the Midwest tornadoes!