ARCHIVES

February 2016
A time for rest. I’d say our growing season is o v e r. Ha, well past over. With the solstice behind us, the sun is growing stronger every day which is rather exciting for us gardeners and our pasture-grazing friends. Still, it IS winter and with that comes an appreciated reprieve from our outdoor projects, well most of them anyway. This time of year our outdoor activities include: barn chores-taking care of our alpacas, geese, and chickens (who are keeping warm in their barn down the hill); ice skating on the goose pond; snow shoeing & tree trimming; blowing our driveway; and some good old ice fishing. What a treat it is when Steve comes home with some fresh fish for dinner. Taking a breath, taking a pause, embracing the season. And beneath the winter snow is life waiting to be reborn.

March 2016
There are signature signs of spring at The Farm. The warmer temperatures melt the snow and the frozen layers of last year carrying within them the potential for renewed life and a fresh beginning. The air has a freshness, a crispness, and a warmth that we welcome with grateful smiles and open arms. Our alpacas are nibbling on last year's grass uncovered by the snowmelt, and our gray toulouse geese are taking their spring baths in the goose pond down the hill. The sunset in the west is making it's journey across the horizon where it will peak in June and set just over the lake creating spectacular evening boat and canoe rides. Our driveway is quite the quagmire with the ground thawing, but the sun's warmth, the spring winds, and the ground filtration will dry and filter out the moisture within the next few weeks. 
But perhaps our favorite sound of spring is the first "HONK" bellowing across the sky bringing with it the first sighting and the annual return of The Canada Goose. Before long they are arriving in flocks, flying overhead, flying so close that we can hear their wings flapping. On The Farm we all take a pause to welcome their return. 
And, of course, springtime is Maple Syrup Season! It is the beginning of March and our trees are tapped and sapping. We decided to tap five trees which will give us enough of sap to boil down into a few gallons of 100% pure maple syrup. It takes about 20-25 gallons of sap to produce 1 gallon of syrup. Steve's great grandparents planted these maples over 40 years ago and during spring clean up we uncovered Eddie's old stove from his wood working shop; a well preserved cast iron wood burning stove. We are excited use his stove for the refining process this year. 
If your interested, you can watch the "how to tap a maple tree" video on our YouTube channel. And since we've had many questions about how we make our maple syrup we decided to create a video of our refining process and will be adding it to our YouTube Channel in the coming weeks. Just click on the YouTube icon below or search "Nature's Economy" on the YouTube site. Thank you for visiting!

April-June 2016
"This old world is filled with wonders. But, to me, there's no place more wonderful than a farm in springtime. When the sun is just lifting on the skyline. The air is so sweet and everywhere you look little miracles are happening. Buds swell into blossoms. Eggs hatch. Young are born. Everything's off to a fresh start and life is good and busy and brand new." -Charlotte's Web

What more is there to say. Spring is a glorious time of year on The Farm. Just like these vibrant crab apple blossoms on the tree just across our old gravel driveway, we are budding with possibility.

Along with planting our vegetable and herb gardens, expanding our alpaca pasture, and raising our new baby chicks, we will also be introducing two honey bee hives. Already, we have learned so much about these fascinating pollinators. The queen bee, the worker bees and the drones all serve different purposes in their colony and depend on one another to ensure a healthy hive, a sustainable community. A big thank you to Mark Muldrow, beekeeper and owner of Sweet Bee Honey, for his mentoring. Mark, we appreciate you.

Each time we embark on a new adventure out here we get a deeper glimpse into Nature's Economy, witnessing and particiating in it's beautiful design. Nature is one of our family's greatest teachers and we are so grateful to be a part of it.

Thank you for visiting. Be sure to check out our Blog for more of what we are up to out here on The Farm. If you would like to receive our Blog updates, just press the "follow" button on the right side of our Blog Page. 

July - September 2016
The seasons blend together so beautifully, we find ourselves having to make a conscious effort to acknowledge that today marks the first day of summer, the longest day of the year. Butterflies are beginning to show themselves, the Canada goslings are shedding their down and unfurling their gently tucked feathers. The field, garden, and all plant life is bursting at the seam and growing before our very eyes. We are in the throes of, in the height of new growth, of life emerging into its fullness. Welcome.

October - November 2016
The seasons have changed. It is autumn, my favorite time of year. Grabbing jackets to take our evening walks, enjoying a  warm ‘cuppa tea’ in the afternoons, watching the farmers harvest the soy beans, experiencing the deeply appreciated reprieve from the mosquitoes…..we are embracing the season and every  moment we are together as a family.
Our garden is still producing abundant food. 'Tis the season for baking zucchini bread and freezing tomatoes. 
The geese are beginning to move again, after a long summer of raising their young and teaching them all the things that a goose needs to know. They will begin the great migration soon and we will await their return next spring.

December 2016 - March 2017
Winter is here and the cold weather always makes our family grateful that we have a warm home to live in during the frigid winter months. Watching the wildlife outside our window sparks intrigue and amazement at their resilience through these extremely cold temperatures. In this moment, I am watching a squirrel nibble on an over ripened apple that we tossed under the cedar row just out our kitchen door. One person's old apple is another squirrel's treasure.
The winter season is a fantastic time to work on cozy alpaca scarves, rugs, and other fleece creations for our friends and customers.  I just completed a Windy scarf using the hand/finger knitting technique. No tools required. A tradition that has probably been around for a very long time. 
The couple that processes our fibers in Utah is finishing up another order. We will have some exciting natural on natural blends and a few bumps of colorful silk interwoven through our alpaca yarn. Very fine indeed. Thank you Spinderella's!
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season filled with joy and love. May your days be merry and bright.


April 2017 - December 2017
There is a green tint underneath the forest canopy and throughout the pastures. The geese are nesting, blending into the tall grasses, visible only when necessary. Our goosepond is teaming with life: wood ducks, frogs, pairs of mallards and a muskrat. Spring can't decide if she wants to be hot or cold; typical. Our family is hopeful that the 'April showers will bring May flowers" as we are excited to see bright colors again. Although our son is still mourning the end to snowmobiling season. 
We've tilled and fertilized our vegetable gardens and will be placing our seed order this week from Seedsavers. Deciding on whether to experiment with some new mini green house ideas, using materials we already have to create something new. I simply love that process.
To the right is a picture of Windy, one of our female Alpacas. She has a lovely fleece, most of which we have either sold or passed on as gifts to some special friends. We just may have enough to make a scarf.....or two. Already scheduling the annual shearing day with our pals from Montevideo, we are picking through their fleece removing as much winter hay as possible. On this day, we all descend upon the small farm where any alpaca who was every born or lived unite for the afternoon. King Tut gets to see his brothers, Dante his mother, and all our alpacas get to see their dad, Exodus. What a day
With buds on the apple trees, red robins in the grass, we are soaking in the spirit of spring. And to top it all off, we get to enjoy some of Great Grandma Harriet's famous ginger cookies. Breathing it all in.....delicious.

December 2017
The alpacas are out grazing in our front yard thanks to the, so far, mild winter conditions. Since their pastures are eaten down and there is no snow on the ground, we just can't justify feeding them hay yet when there is so much grass to be enjoyed! Of course, should they start exploring too far we will have to say good bye to their 'free ranging'. Our mail carrier is quite perplexed by the six alpacas, minature goat, and a goose who come to greet him at his car window when he delivers our packages!
Our family loves the holiday season; the home is so lovely and filled with festive energy. Unpacking the ornaments, listening to holiday classics, and nestling together around the twinkle lights on the tree is both nostalgic and magic-filled.Feeling blessed and profoundly grateful, I extend this wish to you: May your days be filled with wonderment and love during this season, and always.

January 2018
Thoughts for a new year: As the sun gains momentum, waking to the morning light and fresh air of a new day, let my approach be light and renewed also. In midst of this bitter winter, may the rays of warmth melt the frozen layers around my heart nourishing the roots that give life to unnamed blossoms of Spring. Gratitude for all seasons. 

 

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Web Site by Dennis Benson