One little family’s endeavor to live in the trees, surrounded by the birds and the bees
Sometimes (well ok- most of the time) I wish I could just go around life's hard patches. Alas, I find again and again these phases are not only inevitable, but vital if I am to come out the other side any wiser. Many times I go through adversity only to vow that the next time I will avoid the obstacle when it presents itself. "That was way... Continue Reading →
We had our first real snow of this year. It's really amazing that silently over night the yard can go from- to- I think the lettuce is finally done. The back garden is also out of commission till next year, season over. The chickens stayed inside for the first time in a long while to avoid... Continue Reading →
When we tell people that we live on a homestead we get a verity of reactions. They range from "oh, you live on a farm" to "so, you are like one of those doomsday preppers." While both reactions are not wrong they do miss the mark- for a couple of very important reasons. One of the best definitions... Continue Reading →
When I was in college, I would spend hours hiking the coast and mountains taking pictures of all the animals I found in my little haven. I used an actual film camera, you know the kind- where you have to focus by hand and then wait to see if you succeeded when the film was developed hours or even... Continue Reading →
Even though I didn't plant any this year, they are blooming all over the yard from last- with some scarlet runner beans for good measure.Along with more of our confused 'bean' pumpkin.Have a great day!
I feel now that so much of what I am looking for, the patience, the peace, the calm can only be found though my ability to let go. I have realized that when I try to change things I have no influence over, I find my greatest unhappiness. The concept of letting go of your expectations of control is easy enough. What... Continue Reading →
What felt like the shortest week ever in California looks like it was the longest seven days back in Maine. We knew it would be fun to see how much our garden had grown while we were away but neither of us was ready for the greeting we received upon our return to the homestead. The... Continue Reading →
This trip has left me with such an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness it is hard to articulate. Unfortunately, that is not going to stop me from trying. Here goes- I got to share the place I love, with those I love most. It that was one of the greatest blessings I have ever received. I was once again... Continue Reading →
In the next few days we will head West for my sister's wedding. (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Where the theme will be fighting Marmots (weird runs all over this family.) It is the oddest feeling in the world to have to travel thousands of miles from home- to go home, but there it is. It is nerve racking to leave so... Continue Reading →
Growing up my parents only had one bumper sticker. It said: "Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty." There are many things in our childhoods that we habituate to, never really noticing what a great an effect they have on our lives. In my youth, I took its meaning for granted. I was brought up in... Continue Reading →
There is a clip of Jim Carrey making a commencement speech has been making the rounds and struck such a cord with me and our current state. I was inspired by my dad's death to take a chance and try to make a living doing the things I love without the compromise the comes with a guaranteed... Continue Reading →
In our wandering around Maine we have seen some beautiful things. Peaceful rivers full of tumbled stones and some VERY cold water. Meanwhile down stream this lazy river joins with others and turned into a torrent. It even comes with multiple warnings. What siren?! Sudden release of water?! Good thing there is a family of... Continue Reading →
That is because we went to Mexico, Maine. We have been meaning to go gold panning since we moved. Yesterday we got our butts in-gear and headed north. We saw lots of nothingness; punctuated by small towns and tons of lakes and ponds. Some have little islands and the coolest private cabins. I kind of... Continue Reading →
I have never subscribed to the notation that I am the "mother" of our many animals. As I have written before our animals are not our children. Though they are our familiars. (Try saying that sentence five times fast.) They know you by your intimate actions and while they may not mark all the instances of... Continue Reading →
That I would eat candy all day, even the kind that would stain my tongue bright "colors not found in nature." That I would watch daytime TV to my heart's content. I would never do the dishes. Well ok , maybe once a week. And I would eat Marie Calendar chicken pot pies every night instead... Continue Reading →
A 27' Hunter sail boat, I don't count the bowsprit if you ask my love he will say it was a 30 footer- it. was. not. We lived in Santa Cruz harbor and life was…well, never boring (not that it is now) When he bought the boat, the slip that came with it was grandfathered in as a... Continue Reading →
Like many (or all) I became a true grown up by accident, or should I say misstep. The perpetration of something that I never intended to do. Could truthfully never have anticipated doing. In all my time till this point, I could I assured you without a doubt I would never be involved in. Well so much... Continue Reading →
For almost three years now we have not had cable TV. This started because we could not afford the $160+ a month bill. In the end it has been AMAZING! The only thing we both had to give up is live sports and we are getting by without them… kind of. This means that we... Continue Reading →
The first day journey was relatively uneventful (except for my love shipping ALL our shoes to upstate NY.) Most aspects of the move were completely unplanned. One of the few things we DID plan (besides mine sapphires in MT) was to visit as many national parks as we could. This resulted the trip being longer than necessary but much... Continue Reading →
Your animals should not be like your children. They should be your grandparents. I say this for one specific and important reason- it is unnatural to outlive your offspring. Barring some unforeseen tragic event, it will be your privilege to preside over the passing of your critters. I say 'preside over' because in modern times- it is the human parents (under the... Continue Reading →
To celebrate the fist day of spring, I went to the beach the other day... (Click for gallery.) I think I have said all I needed to.
My little town has always been the core of who I am. Even now as I sit thousands of miles away-it feels close enough for me to touch. It still stings my heart that I am too far away to do so. Boulder Creek still looks the way that most towns in the West used... Continue Reading →
Like so many of the things we see everyday I have rediscovered two of the items in my living room. They have been hanging on my walls for almost half my life- and there are long periods of time when I cease to see them. I have been welding since I was 12, but... Continue Reading →
This time last year I was doubtful that this day would come. All THREE dogs sitting quietly on the couch with the rest of the family. Our two oldest are old pros at the 'relax and cuddle' game but our newest edition has been a work in progress for what feels like forever, even though... Continue Reading →
Confucius say: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." I have not always gotten along with Confucius but here and now I find some solice in his words. I have been cooking professionally for more than half my life now. I have built a career out of burns, blood, sweat and... Continue Reading →
