Thursday, June 5, 2014

days 4 and 5

I missed posting the 4th day of June due to the joy of the day… the arrival of our son, Phillip. Then Anne and Matthias and the dogs joined us for grilled burgers and generally hanging out til nearly dark, which in western Wisconsin is 9 pm.
Today it's sweetness and light, birdsong and sunshine.


And newly opened iris everywhere, such as these in the pond.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Monday, June 2, 2014

joyful june day 2

the girls who share each day





and bring the joys only they can bring.








Sunday, June 1, 2014

the first of June

I know if I type these words they'll revolve in my head all day, but I can't resist. June is busting out all over! It seems all manner of growing things exploded around here since my last post. Tiny buds and shoots are full blown and summer is here in earnest. There's joy at every turn.
Speaking of joy, I will be joining Anne in her focus on joy in June. I love the idea of a single photo with bits of comment. Should fit into the full agenda June has in store. Thanks again for a great idea, Anne.
And speaking of joy and great Anne ideas, I can finally post on my participation in Anne's 3rd year of Handmade Joy Exchange. 
I had been waiting for Laura, the recipient of my hand-mades to actually receive them and have the time to post about it before I wrote a blog sharing both my sending and my receiving. Though I had feared my package to England was "lost at sea" it just decided to take the scenic route, much to my relief. Sorry about the delay, Laura.
Meanwhile, my package from Laurie arrived quickly and beautifully right on time. I felt I should wait to post about them at the same time, so my apologies to Laurie. Everything about her package to me was/is beautiful.






Laurie, aka Hedgerowrose, must have an amazing life, crafting and growing such beauties. I am thrilled  by each of these. Thank you, Laurie.
Thank you Laura.
Thank you Anne.
Joy abundant.

Monday, May 19, 2014

a couple of joys on a rainy, windy, chilly Monday

I did my walk about this morning, collecting eggs and checking the gardens just before the thunder storm arrived. Our fruit trees are still holding their flower buds close, waiting for what we all hope will be the reliable warmth of spring. Our vegetable bed soil is still cold to the touch and a bit too wet to plant. And so I've been weeding and pruning and generally keeping an eye out for what's been reaching out from under the soil. All the baby seedlings Anne and I started are tucked into miniature green houses on the back porch, faithfully taken out and tucked back in each day. The tomatoes are finally putting on a little height and weight, but the peppers are more reluctant in this chill. This week for sure!
On the non gardening front, we've had a bit more forward motion. Phil spent the past two weekends with us and in between Terri and Pete visited, Pete's first visit to the farm. They sold their restaurant, closing on the first of May. Now they're looking for a new direction. I hope we set a good example.
The day after Jerome's birthday the materials for our new pole barn arrived about 7 am.




Here lies a whole barn...

Within an hour our landscapers arrived to prepare the site.




In all, 14 truckloads of gravel were needed.

Tuesday May 13th the crew arrived to begin the building. Despite the frequent high winds and rain up here on Asbury Ridge, our construction days were calm and dry. Jason and Kelsey worked just shy of 4 full days to complete it.









Just about here our electrician arrived to dig the trench for the electrics.




Thinking he could dig the short trench by hand, he soon discovered several very large rocks from what may have been an old building site. So he called for his trench digger and the job was finished without a single additional rock in just minutes.




Just before the roof was finished, we had a short snow shower! The date was the 16th of May!
Then last of all, my cupola and rooster weather vane were put in place.
Now we await the scheduled cement pour, the doors to be installed, the river rock put in place around the footing. But our lovely new barn is up.

Despite the rain and chill here today, and being disappointed that I can't be in the garden,  I am cheered by the blooms indoors. The orchids seem to arrive in chorus during April and May. Even my very elderly streptocarpus and African violets decided to harmonize.








"May all your weeds be wildflowers."

Monday, May 5, 2014

happy birthday, sweetheart

He gave up a house that was totally rehabilitated for a hundred year old farm house that needs much love and labor. He retired from working three jobs, seven days a week, so he could work from home part time and slow down a bit.


He offered me a condo in Hawaii, but I had my heart set on a piece of earth in the driftless region of Wisconsin. And so ...









with a generous heart, limitless energy, and unfailing patience with his partner, he moves through his days. 





Gentle, constant, supportive. 
Thank you, sweetheart-o-mine. And happy birthday.


Thursday, May 1, 2014

the first of May

Happy anniversary.
May 1, 2009


May 1, 2010



I totally love all three of you.