Farm Life

We decided to take a trip over to our
brother and sister-in-law's farm on Saturday.
I figured that I won't be getting over for a few weeks
after Dorothy arrives.

All of the laying ladies were out in full force.
This mix of chickens lay beautiful brown and green/blue eggs.

Tom the turkey cracks me up!
He hangs out with the chickens all day
and struts his stuff for anyone who walks by.

Although they have been cutting back on their cows,
T and Ellen still have about a dozen of this heritage breed.
They are a great looking--short and stocky with wide faces.

These are a few of Ellen's milkers.
Ellen is getting ready to start up production of
fresh goat milk and cheese.
She taught me how to make some cheese last summer,
and I'm hoping to learn more from her this year.

And here are just a few of the sheep and lambs they have this year.
The wool from these animals will be making a good deal of
quilts, sweaters, and hats for next winter.
The little lambs were so sweet--
wanting to come up and suck on our fingers, hoping for milk.

Sometime this late spring/early summer,
T and Ellen will be starting up a small CSA program
(community supported agriculture).
We're thinking about snagging a spot on their list.
Every week we will be able to stop by and pick up a basket
filled with fresh farm goods.
Fresh eggs, milk, cheese, meat, bread, fruits, and veggies
will all make their way into the baskets.

We're also excited to have our own garden space
over at mom and pop V's this summer.
We are hoping to get all of our produce straight from the garden
for at least a few months this year
and to be able to can up tomato sauce, pesto, grape juice, salsa,
and a bunch of other goods for the fall and winter.

As long as the weather cooperates,
planting will start in just a few weeks!
And I'm hoping that the asparagus and rhubarb
will start coming back not too long after our 1 year anniversary.

While I'm all excited about fresh/local eating,
I have to recommend a great book:

I read this last spring
and have just started to read it again this spring.
I love the idea of having almost everything you need to
sustain your family right in your own yard.
Talk about provident living and self-reliance!
Barbara Kingsolver and her family spend an entire year
consuming only (for the most part) local foods, most of which
they grow themselves.

I think it is such a great idea to try and buy
as much local food as possible;
it sustains local agriculture and has the most nutrients for your body.
I can't wait for our experiment
with local foods to begin this summer!

1. days with no agenda
2. flip flops
3. surprises in the mail