Simple Rituals

6.2.24 There is something quite rewarding about getting the last batch of cured meat in the smoker following recently dispatching three pigs. After resting comfortably in the cooler for a few a days, the lovely looking sides of pork were soon disassembled and reduced to an abundance of little white packages that now are residing… Continue reading Simple Rituals

One of a Kind

5.19.24 There is something rather magical about making a wheel of cheese. A certain sense of eagerness fills you as you pour five gallons of fresh creamy milk into your stainless-steel cheese pot. Shall I make a cheddar today or maybe a crumbly Cotswold? How about a nice gouda or creamy Colby? It never ceases… Continue reading One of a Kind

Snapshots in Time

5.12.24 The Northern Lights visited our area of Oregon the past couple of nights, due to a rather violent solar storm. Folks who have never had the chance to witness this wonderful display got a glimpse of what my friends in northern climes see on a regular basis yet never tire of. I of course,… Continue reading Snapshots in Time

Living the Dream

4.21.24 I love this time of the morning. It is just before dawn, that period when the sky begins to lighten yet there is no hint yet of the sun waiting to brilliantly burst over the horizon. The roosters are starting to crow, the birds tentatively start their morning chorus, and a few Tom Turkeys… Continue reading Living the Dream

Hope

4.7.24 I woke up this morning, very content to stay snuggled under the covers a bit longer as it was still dark outside and there was a definite chill in the air. As I lay there for a while deliberating on if I should get up or procrastinate a bit longer, the thought came to… Continue reading Hope

Morning Has Broken

3.17.24 The first swallow arrived yesterday. A good day for it too as the temperatures zoomed up to a balmy 66 degrees! It felt more like the mid-70’s as Darrell and I sat on the deck, enjoying the feel of the sun’s rays on our upturned faces. The dogs, at first content to lay basking… Continue reading Morning Has Broken

The Volunteer

2.11.24 Yesterday was a glorious day. The sun was shining and there was a warmth in the air that almost beckoned you to sit outside on the front porch, albeit still bundled up as the breeze was a tad chilly. Darrell and I have been pretty much housebound this past week after coming down with… Continue reading The Volunteer

Thank the Lord!

1.28.24 It rained during the night, well the early hours of this morning actually, not a nice gentle rain but a hard downpour. Our snow and ice are finally melting since the temperatures have soared from what they were a mere fortnight ago. Now instead of zero degrees and below when I get up in… Continue reading Thank the Lord!