The first crop of hay is done and it’s hard to believe that the second crop of hay is almost here. I’m always surprised by the passing of time. In my head it’s still the end of winter, then all of a sudden spring is gone and summer is here! Are we living on purpose or are we just passing the time? If I’m not careful, I can get into the endless rut of doing the daily … [Read more...]

I got a few comments on my last column about making salsa verde and hopefully a handful of you tried it out.  Writing about it triggered me into picking up all the ingredients and making a nice 4 cup batch.  I made the roasted tomatillo, garlic, and serrano pepper green salsa and then put it a Dutch oven with 3 pounds of large trimmed chunks of country style pork ribs (which … [Read more...]

Nowadays we look forward to a sunny day.  Just a few weeks ago the world “woke up” and blossomed due to the warm temperatures and the sun beaming its rays down on the earth.  The greening of the landscape is expanding. I have been drawn to the flowers and vegetables we have transplanted into the soil.  One afternoon, after watering them, I decided to cut the asparagus that had … [Read more...]

Everyone knows I’m crazy about kefir, but I heard something this week and I had to share: Did you know kefir can act as a natural antidepressant? I always heard kefir could help your mood, but I didn’t really believe it until this week! A new farm guest was picking up raw milk from our farm store and told me that when he regularly drinks kefir made with raw milk, he can tell … [Read more...]

I remember doing dumb things. The worst part is, at the time, they all seemed like great ideas! I don’t know if it’s true for most teenagers, but it seems that the majority of head-shaking ideas come from overly excited boys in the midst of development. One of my all-time favorite memes is of two young boys taking turns hitting each other in the forehead with a garbage can … [Read more...]

“I am my own muse, the subject I know best” – Frida Kahlo We were fortunate enough to spend an entire month in Mexico this year.  My travels to Mexico span over 30 years, and I absolutely love the climate, the people, the culture and of course… the food!  Mexican food, or at least the flavors and ingredients, are one of the anchors of my culinary style and tastes.  Mexico is … [Read more...]

I had a pile of old calendars in my office. They stretched over several decades. I just could not destroy them since they documented so many little details I preferred to not forget. Some have great photos from which I might get some use. But the dates and the events we have participated in bring back special memories.  So in an effort to “spring clean” the office, I decided … [Read more...]

I have an inquisitive 6-year-old who thinks the best way to get my attention is to repeatedly ask me the exact same question without even pausing for a breath. Even if I heard him the first time, there is literally not a moment of silence to respond to his question before he’s asking it again, and again, and again, and again. It’s frustratingly ridiculous in the moment when … [Read more...]

By Angela Denstad Time and again I notice in so many aspects of life that there are those who jump headfirst into the deep end, and those who cautiously tiptoe in from the shore. So, too, are differences of temperament on display as winter comes to a close. There’s no denying, of course, that the days have grown longer, the birds have returned, and school children have long … [Read more...]