Friday 30 March 2012

This Moment

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember. Inspired by soulemama at www.soulemama.com

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.
Have a lovely weekend.

Friday 23 March 2012

This Moment

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember. Inspired by soulemama at www.soulemama.com

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.
Have a great weekend

Wednesday 21 March 2012

In the kitchen


These days have been spent busy in the kitchen.  Ava has really taken an interest in cooking lately and has been keen to help (and taste test!).  We made lasagne the other day and she did a great job layering the pasta, picking off fresh basil leaves and measuring out the ingredients.  Now when I'm in the kitchen without her (and she feels like it!), Ava pulls up her little stool to stand beside me, and will just begin to help, or watch with interest, what's happening in the kitchen.


I'm really glad for her new found interest as I love to cook and I hope that Ava can find the same enjoyment that good food brings in her life too. 
 We also picked our first apple from our Granny Smith apple tree that was planted two years ago.  It was an exciting moment!  The flavour was amazing - tangy and crisp - quite unlike anything we buy from the supermarket.
 Another baking activity in the kitchen!  We made this lovely wholemeal honey cake as a thank you gift for one of our good friends. It almost didn't leave the kitchen as it looked so good!

Friday 16 March 2012

This Moment

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember. Inspired by soulemama at www.soulemama.com


If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.
Have a great weekend!

Wednesday 14 March 2012

These Days

These days have been interesting with torrential rain and wintery weather again.  The garden has enjoyed it though and we took advantage of the one sunny morning to get out to do some pruning.  Our watermelons are ready and we have been enjoying the sweet juiciness of our blacktail mountains and sweet siberians! (my sister artfully composed the photo of the watermelon!)
We have also visited the local farmers market (in a major downpour!) to pick up some local goodies although my favourite chai lady wasn't there which was disappointing!  However, I found consolation in the craft market in the nearby hall and wandered about admiring many of the talented local crafters.




Monday 12 March 2012

A weekend at the beach

We spent the weekend away with my sister and her family at the beach.  It was great to catch up and spend some quality time relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.  I love the sea and the salty air and spent most of my time in the water whilst Ava and Phil made sculptures in the sand of sea turtles and mermaids (unfortunately un-photographed!!)
The area we visited is also the inspiration and setting for many of the popular children's books by  Alison Lester.  This beach is also known as Magic Beach which is one of Ava's favourite stories.  It really is a very special place.
We enjoyed early morning swims, lazing on the beach eating our homegrown watermelon and drifting off to sleep to the sound of the ocean.  I think it may have been the very last of summer..........





Monday 5 March 2012

The Two Little Pigs

For as long as we have been on the farm, Phil has wanted to keep pigs.  He has read every available book at our local library about pig keeping.  Phil watches episodes about pigs from Gourmet Farmer and River Cottage with delight.  There are a number of books on the bedside table that he frequently refers to about pigs.  
He is well read about pig keeping one could say.
I, on the other hand, am not a fan of pigs.  I have grown up without eating pork.  I had always struggled with the notion of raising pigs for meat.  I'm not sure why, when we raise cows and sheep for the same purpose.  So, when Phil saw the ad in the local paper for two Wessex Saddleback pigs for sale, I found myself saying - 'go ahead, lets trial keeping pigs'. Not what I expected myself to say! I think it was his unrelenting determination and interest that finally won me over.  They joy on his face when they arrived was well and truly worth it.  
One pig belongs to us, and the other belongs to our friends who also happen to be butchers.  So yes, we will grow them for meat and other small goods (for Phil and Ava) and in the meantime give the two little pigs the best life we can.  
So far they are lovingly tended each morning and evening with buckets of oats and leftover fruit and veg scraps (the chickens are feeling a little put out having to share the scraps bucket!)
I like them from a distance, and find myself outside, just watching their antics with humour.  They are really loveable creatures.  I mustn't get too attached.......








Friday 2 March 2012

This Moment

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.  Inspired by soulemama at www.soulemama.com

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see