2009 draws to a close.
We enjoyed a fabulous feast with Kathryn and kids tonight. Whole trout, roasted with garlic and olive oil, boiled salted potatoes, sauteed green beans. A beurre blanc citron (lemon butter sauce) fromo Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Champagne for the grownups, club soda for the rest of the gang.
Sitting around the festive table, candles aglow, we covered at least part of the highlights of 2009. Special hikes, journeys to far away places like Texas and India and New York, fun visits with friends, gifts received and given. What a huge year. We had some wonderful and horrible moments.
We acknowledged gratitude that this year the farm generated a decent amount of food and income for our family. Tomorrow we will enjoy New Year foods and dream dreams of the days to come.
After clearing our plates we all ran outside, hoping for a glimpse of the moon.
She shone bright like a beacon, swathed in sheer flowing gray clouds. We laughed in delight as we noticed our moon shadows. Even the trees in the woods cast long, stark shadows.
Patrick and Max ran with delight down the field, whooping as they explored their territory, lit up by magic.
We wondered if the blue moon, blue not due to color, but due to the rare occurence, portended good news. We hoped so.
Dogs barked on the other side of the ridge. Our animals slept on in the barn, not caring one bit that the old year was passing and the new was sliding in, just like the shimmery grey clouds sliding over the face of the dear, sweet moon.
We hugged and said our good nights and happy new years. Children play board games and mind the fire. They don't worry about sleep deprivation and grumpy mornings. They are energized by the blue moon and play happily. I think about them, smile, and prepare to go to bed.
Grateful.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The 5th Day of Christmas
The moon is almost full tonight. The snow glows.
The wind blew in last night. Blew so hard it knocked off a very large branch from the Bradford pear on the driveway. Julie and the boys cut it up into firewood. So thankful for all the teamwork. The other children played in the snow. Still plenty for sledding on the north hill.
We said goodbye to Julie and kids and hello to King Max and his mother and sister.
After sharing of stories the fireplace and woodstove are fully stoked and we are full of split pea soup and toast. Time to tuck in.
The temperatures are falling and already down in the low 20s. Somebody better get up and feed the fire now that Julie is not on duty, otherwise we are going to wake up very, very cold. Thomas and Patrick split a nice bunch of firewood so we should be good. I love a nice cozy house. Not much is worse than a freezing cold one.
The holidays continue. How blessed we are to enjoy the company of so many dear friends, both in Texas, Tennessee and Arkansas and here at home.
Coco and Priscilla are tucked in the barn tonight, in a special stall, just in case. One of these days they are going to surprise us with babies. We don't want them to be out in the cold at that time. I certainly am thankful for a barn full of hay at this point. Thanks to our friends who helped us this summer. All that sweat equity is making a lot of herbivores very happy.
The wind blew in last night. Blew so hard it knocked off a very large branch from the Bradford pear on the driveway. Julie and the boys cut it up into firewood. So thankful for all the teamwork. The other children played in the snow. Still plenty for sledding on the north hill.
We said goodbye to Julie and kids and hello to King Max and his mother and sister.
After sharing of stories the fireplace and woodstove are fully stoked and we are full of split pea soup and toast. Time to tuck in.
The temperatures are falling and already down in the low 20s. Somebody better get up and feed the fire now that Julie is not on duty, otherwise we are going to wake up very, very cold. Thomas and Patrick split a nice bunch of firewood so we should be good. I love a nice cozy house. Not much is worse than a freezing cold one.
The holidays continue. How blessed we are to enjoy the company of so many dear friends, both in Texas, Tennessee and Arkansas and here at home.
Coco and Priscilla are tucked in the barn tonight, in a special stall, just in case. One of these days they are going to surprise us with babies. We don't want them to be out in the cold at that time. I certainly am thankful for a barn full of hay at this point. Thanks to our friends who helped us this summer. All that sweat equity is making a lot of herbivores very happy.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Back in the Saddle, Metaphorically Speaking
Now I feel like we are officially home.
We cleaned out the barn this afternoon.
We have house guests, dear friends, Julie and kids from Charlotte, NC. House guests or no, the barn is dirty, missing us for over 2 weeks. I couldn't deal with it and make Christmas dinner, so put it off til today. After over a week of 2 feet of snow, a mysterious flood and many cold animals hanging out in the barn, we had quite a chore.
I have discovered that Thomas is kind of like a diesel engine. 16 years old, he would prefer to read fourteen epic novels, play 24 hours of Monopoly and study 20 semesters of World War II history than to shovel out the barn. The first 20 minutes or so I direct, he moves slowly. Finally, divine inspiration falls. As Julie and I move soaked and sodden straw and manure, standing in water that has flooded the entire middle section of the barn (remember, Ingrid?), Thomas carefully and meticulously moved his shovel.
Very carefully.
The other kids did their part, some better than others, but I have rather high expectations for a strong, young man.
Our dear friend picked up the pitchfork to start loading the trailer. So did Thomas.
He continued to work carefully.
Loading manure into a trailer is not careful work. It is hard, use all your muscles, get that job done so we can go back into the warm house work.
I threw down the gauntlet.
As I manned the other pitchfork, I suggested to Thomas that whomever finished with the biggest pile of manure/water-logged straw on the trailer had to buy the loser a big, yummy, fancy chocolate bar. Make mine very dark, studded with nuts and orange peel.
He grinned, hitched up his pants, adjusted his handsome glasses and nice new winter hat, monogrammed by his Aunt Janet and picked up that pitchfork.
The motor started, we both got to work, bantering, laughing, occasionally splatting each other with sludge.
Julie, dear friend, continued to move that manure to us, occasionally assisted by other kids, mostly by herself.
What kind of friend comes for a Christmas visit, brings mountains of presents and food and then SHOVELS MANURE???!!!???
What seemed like an absolutely daunting, impossible task, a flooded barn, 2 weeks of manure and straw, turned into a challenge, an enemy to be conquered.
The mountain became a molehill. Teamwork once again proved to be the ticket to a job well done.
I think we tied.
Thomas thinks his pile is bigger.
Hmmm.
Guess I will get Philip to be the judge. Maybe we all need a chocolate bar. Make mine extra dark, nuts and orange peel.
I love my family and friends. But I guess they will love me better if I get my shower and make some supper. Pastured pork chops, spaghetti squash and butternut squash from the garden, green beans from my sister's garden (thanks, Tata!).
Right now some ibuprofen and a glass of red wine. I need something to help these aching muscles after trying to compete with a 16 year old!
By the way, it is great to be home. The sheep are so woolly! They are warm in their winter coats. Philip said that they looked like moving snow mountains after the blizzard! Several of the goats are looking nice and pregnant, especially Nita. She should be due in February. The goats are so fuzzy! Piggies like to bury themselves in the hay and straw. Silly things. Ducks enjoyed bathing in the melted snow today. So cold! Geese, chickens and guineas looked on. I wish they would start laying more eggs. Maybe in a couple of months or so.
We cleaned out the barn this afternoon.
We have house guests, dear friends, Julie and kids from Charlotte, NC. House guests or no, the barn is dirty, missing us for over 2 weeks. I couldn't deal with it and make Christmas dinner, so put it off til today. After over a week of 2 feet of snow, a mysterious flood and many cold animals hanging out in the barn, we had quite a chore.
I have discovered that Thomas is kind of like a diesel engine. 16 years old, he would prefer to read fourteen epic novels, play 24 hours of Monopoly and study 20 semesters of World War II history than to shovel out the barn. The first 20 minutes or so I direct, he moves slowly. Finally, divine inspiration falls. As Julie and I move soaked and sodden straw and manure, standing in water that has flooded the entire middle section of the barn (remember, Ingrid?), Thomas carefully and meticulously moved his shovel.
Very carefully.
The other kids did their part, some better than others, but I have rather high expectations for a strong, young man.
Our dear friend picked up the pitchfork to start loading the trailer. So did Thomas.
He continued to work carefully.
Loading manure into a trailer is not careful work. It is hard, use all your muscles, get that job done so we can go back into the warm house work.
I threw down the gauntlet.
As I manned the other pitchfork, I suggested to Thomas that whomever finished with the biggest pile of manure/water-logged straw on the trailer had to buy the loser a big, yummy, fancy chocolate bar. Make mine very dark, studded with nuts and orange peel.
He grinned, hitched up his pants, adjusted his handsome glasses and nice new winter hat, monogrammed by his Aunt Janet and picked up that pitchfork.
The motor started, we both got to work, bantering, laughing, occasionally splatting each other with sludge.
Julie, dear friend, continued to move that manure to us, occasionally assisted by other kids, mostly by herself.
What kind of friend comes for a Christmas visit, brings mountains of presents and food and then SHOVELS MANURE???!!!???
What seemed like an absolutely daunting, impossible task, a flooded barn, 2 weeks of manure and straw, turned into a challenge, an enemy to be conquered.
The mountain became a molehill. Teamwork once again proved to be the ticket to a job well done.
I think we tied.
Thomas thinks his pile is bigger.
Hmmm.
Guess I will get Philip to be the judge. Maybe we all need a chocolate bar. Make mine extra dark, nuts and orange peel.
I love my family and friends. But I guess they will love me better if I get my shower and make some supper. Pastured pork chops, spaghetti squash and butternut squash from the garden, green beans from my sister's garden (thanks, Tata!).
Right now some ibuprofen and a glass of red wine. I need something to help these aching muscles after trying to compete with a 16 year old!
By the way, it is great to be home. The sheep are so woolly! They are warm in their winter coats. Philip said that they looked like moving snow mountains after the blizzard! Several of the goats are looking nice and pregnant, especially Nita. She should be due in February. The goats are so fuzzy! Piggies like to bury themselves in the hay and straw. Silly things. Ducks enjoyed bathing in the melted snow today. So cold! Geese, chickens and guineas looked on. I wish they would start laying more eggs. Maybe in a couple of months or so.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Eating Locally-summary
Eating locally is better for the economy. Better for small communities. Better for families. Better for the country.
Eating locally helped us to connect with people and appreciate their jobs. We prayed a blessing for each of the families who owned the restaurants that served us.
Eating locally is more expensive if you do not carry your own food with you. Even so, it isn't really more expensive than most fast food establishments.
Eating locally takes a lot more time. We added many hours to the two-week trip looking for businesses that were family owned. Keep in mind we were in some pretty remote places, but the most difficult places to eat locally were the towns situated along the interstate. The little podunk towns actually had pretty thriving local economies. But they had to be quite far from the interstate.
Eating locally can be more healthy than eating corporate food, but not necessarily so. Healthy ingredients are more expensive. Our challenge wasn't to eat all locally sourced ingredients, but to do so when possible. The challenge was to support local economy. Local doesn't equal healthy or organic or grass-fed. But it did keep us from eating a lot of junk food. We ate more picnics and boiled eggs are certainly more healthy than the dollar menu items at the corporate fast food chains.
I have many more thoughts on eating locally and traveling and Wendell Barry and Christmas, but I think I have spewed forth enough for the moment! Tired! Must go to bed. But at least I can sleep now that I have some of those posts off my chest!
Eating locally helped us to connect with people and appreciate their jobs. We prayed a blessing for each of the families who owned the restaurants that served us.
Eating locally is more expensive if you do not carry your own food with you. Even so, it isn't really more expensive than most fast food establishments.
Eating locally takes a lot more time. We added many hours to the two-week trip looking for businesses that were family owned. Keep in mind we were in some pretty remote places, but the most difficult places to eat locally were the towns situated along the interstate. The little podunk towns actually had pretty thriving local economies. But they had to be quite far from the interstate.
Eating locally can be more healthy than eating corporate food, but not necessarily so. Healthy ingredients are more expensive. Our challenge wasn't to eat all locally sourced ingredients, but to do so when possible. The challenge was to support local economy. Local doesn't equal healthy or organic or grass-fed. But it did keep us from eating a lot of junk food. We ate more picnics and boiled eggs are certainly more healthy than the dollar menu items at the corporate fast food chains.
I have many more thoughts on eating locally and traveling and Wendell Barry and Christmas, but I think I have spewed forth enough for the moment! Tired! Must go to bed. But at least I can sleep now that I have some of those posts off my chest!
HiDHo
Must mention that after we said farewell to Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Janet it was lunchtime.
I needed something fast for the drive but wanted to stay local. Found the HiDHo, a burger/icecream joint that was around when I was a little girl. We got our meal and headed down the road. Can't say that the food was great. Well, it was abysmal, actually. But we were happy to support an institution that has been around for decades without corporate backing. We probably should have had the milkshakes. That is their specialty!
As we left Rogers area and headed to Ft Smith and I40 the rain began to fall. It got worse and worse and by the time the dark fell upon us, the traffic was thick and the roads slick and miserable. I kept reminding myself and the kids that we counted the cost and knew it would be a difficult drive home.
At some point we stopped in a little town for coffee. All we could see were Starbucks, McDonald's the usual. I said to the kids that we didn't have time to drive all over town for local coffee. The kids were divided. Just stop at Starbucks. NO! Don't quit yet!
I decided to drive 2 blocks and see what we could find.
A coffee shack! Small, family owned. I got coffee, we chatted, and I was happy Patrick encouraged me to not give up so easily.
As we drove on and on, I felt a niggly feeling telling me we needed to get off the road and pause for an hour to eat and let traffic calm down. I was having to drive 45 miles an hour on the interstate, it was dangerous and messy. Couldn't find a grocers. It was dark and businesses were closing. We found a little Chinese restaurant. The buffet was definitely over our budget. What to do? I asked if we could order off the menu and the young girl assured me we could. Egg drop soup, rice, egg foo yound and some chicken dish was half the price of the buffet. We were served sweetly, we ate all we needed without being tempted to overindulge in the all-you-can-eat buffet. After getting back on the road, we passed several accidents and wondered if our meal spared us?
At this point in our journey we knew that we had to keep driving if we wanted to get home by Christmas Eve night.
Drive we did. With an occasional nap.
We listened to more Chronicles of Narnia. Didn't even bother us that it was the second time around!
BUT at 5am I broke down and bought a cup of McDonald's coffee at a gas stop.
Sad.
But needy and needing to stay awake to get home.
Too many hours to go. Long distance driving for that many miles is not healthy. I don't recommend it on a regular basis. However we continued to remind ourselves why we were having to push so hard and sang some more Christmas songs.
Thankfully we reached my sister's home in Kingston in the early morning hours, ate some breakfast, washed faces, brushed teeth and left for the last leg of the trip with the gift of a ham, green beans from her garden and many other goodies.
The main worry for the children had nothing to do with food, eating locally or budgets. Their main concern was the snow. And would there be any left on the farm.
Happy day! The white blanket covered everything and we were so pleased to see the hills, the mountains and Philip. After unloading, returning rental van and getting back home, we had a nice supper of locally popped corn, the kids decorated the tree and we frantically wrapped gifts, regaled with stories from Philip of the huge snow the week before. Must have gotten over 2 feet of snow.
Home.
Cold and wet, rainy or not, we are glad to be home. No baby calves yet. All the animals seem fine and the dogs and cats especially glad to see the kids. I am glad to see Philip and I think he is very glad to see us!
I needed something fast for the drive but wanted to stay local. Found the HiDHo, a burger/icecream joint that was around when I was a little girl. We got our meal and headed down the road. Can't say that the food was great. Well, it was abysmal, actually. But we were happy to support an institution that has been around for decades without corporate backing. We probably should have had the milkshakes. That is their specialty!
As we left Rogers area and headed to Ft Smith and I40 the rain began to fall. It got worse and worse and by the time the dark fell upon us, the traffic was thick and the roads slick and miserable. I kept reminding myself and the kids that we counted the cost and knew it would be a difficult drive home.
At some point we stopped in a little town for coffee. All we could see were Starbucks, McDonald's the usual. I said to the kids that we didn't have time to drive all over town for local coffee. The kids were divided. Just stop at Starbucks. NO! Don't quit yet!
I decided to drive 2 blocks and see what we could find.
A coffee shack! Small, family owned. I got coffee, we chatted, and I was happy Patrick encouraged me to not give up so easily.
As we drove on and on, I felt a niggly feeling telling me we needed to get off the road and pause for an hour to eat and let traffic calm down. I was having to drive 45 miles an hour on the interstate, it was dangerous and messy. Couldn't find a grocers. It was dark and businesses were closing. We found a little Chinese restaurant. The buffet was definitely over our budget. What to do? I asked if we could order off the menu and the young girl assured me we could. Egg drop soup, rice, egg foo yound and some chicken dish was half the price of the buffet. We were served sweetly, we ate all we needed without being tempted to overindulge in the all-you-can-eat buffet. After getting back on the road, we passed several accidents and wondered if our meal spared us?
At this point in our journey we knew that we had to keep driving if we wanted to get home by Christmas Eve night.
Drive we did. With an occasional nap.
We listened to more Chronicles of Narnia. Didn't even bother us that it was the second time around!
BUT at 5am I broke down and bought a cup of McDonald's coffee at a gas stop.
Sad.
But needy and needing to stay awake to get home.
Too many hours to go. Long distance driving for that many miles is not healthy. I don't recommend it on a regular basis. However we continued to remind ourselves why we were having to push so hard and sang some more Christmas songs.
Thankfully we reached my sister's home in Kingston in the early morning hours, ate some breakfast, washed faces, brushed teeth and left for the last leg of the trip with the gift of a ham, green beans from her garden and many other goodies.
The main worry for the children had nothing to do with food, eating locally or budgets. Their main concern was the snow. And would there be any left on the farm.
Happy day! The white blanket covered everything and we were so pleased to see the hills, the mountains and Philip. After unloading, returning rental van and getting back home, we had a nice supper of locally popped corn, the kids decorated the tree and we frantically wrapped gifts, regaled with stories from Philip of the huge snow the week before. Must have gotten over 2 feet of snow.
Home.
Cold and wet, rainy or not, we are glad to be home. No baby calves yet. All the animals seem fine and the dogs and cats especially glad to see the kids. I am glad to see Philip and I think he is very glad to see us!
I did give fair warning about the volcano of erupting accumulated posts!
After a huge breakfast of overly processed refined foods at the $40 Name Your Own Price Hampton Inn in Springdale we drove the the Retirement Home apartment where my grandparents now live in Rogers, Arkansas.
I haven't seen my grandparents for a couple of years and was a bit surprised to see how they have aged. I wanted to cry. Guess I did cry a bit, but tried to be discreet. My grandpa is a retired minister and even upon retirement spent many years sending out an email Bible study. Parkinsons and other old folks issues has made it hard for him to type and to even pray out loud.
My aunt directed the kids, Grandma and Grandpa and me up to the library where we sat and visited. We told them about the farm and asked them about their young days of milking and making butter. Grandma told us that her grandma was the one who milked the cow and made the butter. She sold it to neighbors. (Guess it was legal back then when people weren't so "protected" by the govt.) Grandpa said his mom did the milking but as he remembered taking a turn with the churn, it was amazing to see his arm and hand immediately take up the proper positioning. I think he had many turns with the churn! We told him we use the blender and it takes 5 minutes to make but many more to squeeze out the water. He told us it took a very long time to churn the butter and even longer to squeeze out the water. He said everyone liked his mom's butter the best in all the area because hers stayed sweeter for a long time since she was so meticulous. He also remembered being a seven year old and riding horses with his friends, jumping over wagon ruts. He went to court my grandma on horseback. They washed clothes with a scrub board and he could remember the blisters on raw knuckles and the harsh homemade lye soap.
We loved hearing the stories and I felt so privileged for the kids to be able to relate to so many things! Thank God for moving us to the farm.
We took pictures then moved to the little chapel down the hall where the girls played their piano pieces and Aunt Janet played Christmas carols out of the hymnal for us to sing. Teary farewells were said.
No regrets.
Wise decision.
Even though horrible weather accompanied us all the way out of Arkansas, we rejoiced to know that we got to share some very special moments with my grandparents, the GREAT grandparents of the kids. Married for over 74 years. Remembered the ice box and the 50lb chunks of ice delivered several times a week, remembered the day when all eating was local eating. Fast food was the burger shack situated along the highway. Nobody drove 70 miles an hour. People travelled at night to avoid the sun.
We said I Love You many times. We said goodbye.
I grieved as we drove for several hours.
I haven't seen my grandparents for a couple of years and was a bit surprised to see how they have aged. I wanted to cry. Guess I did cry a bit, but tried to be discreet. My grandpa is a retired minister and even upon retirement spent many years sending out an email Bible study. Parkinsons and other old folks issues has made it hard for him to type and to even pray out loud.
My aunt directed the kids, Grandma and Grandpa and me up to the library where we sat and visited. We told them about the farm and asked them about their young days of milking and making butter. Grandma told us that her grandma was the one who milked the cow and made the butter. She sold it to neighbors. (Guess it was legal back then when people weren't so "protected" by the govt.) Grandpa said his mom did the milking but as he remembered taking a turn with the churn, it was amazing to see his arm and hand immediately take up the proper positioning. I think he had many turns with the churn! We told him we use the blender and it takes 5 minutes to make but many more to squeeze out the water. He told us it took a very long time to churn the butter and even longer to squeeze out the water. He said everyone liked his mom's butter the best in all the area because hers stayed sweeter for a long time since she was so meticulous. He also remembered being a seven year old and riding horses with his friends, jumping over wagon ruts. He went to court my grandma on horseback. They washed clothes with a scrub board and he could remember the blisters on raw knuckles and the harsh homemade lye soap.
We loved hearing the stories and I felt so privileged for the kids to be able to relate to so many things! Thank God for moving us to the farm.
We took pictures then moved to the little chapel down the hall where the girls played their piano pieces and Aunt Janet played Christmas carols out of the hymnal for us to sing. Teary farewells were said.
No regrets.
Wise decision.
Even though horrible weather accompanied us all the way out of Arkansas, we rejoiced to know that we got to share some very special moments with my grandparents, the GREAT grandparents of the kids. Married for over 74 years. Remembered the ice box and the 50lb chunks of ice delivered several times a week, remembered the day when all eating was local eating. Fast food was the burger shack situated along the highway. Nobody drove 70 miles an hour. People travelled at night to avoid the sun.
We said I Love You many times. We said goodbye.
I grieved as we drove for several hours.
Eating locally on a budget is easier at the beginning of a two week trip with a full ice chest from home.
In Fort Worth we had to make a decision. Go to Arkansas and see my 98 year old Grandparents and visit with them, adding more time to the trip, meaning we would get home late Christmas Eve, or skip Arkansas and have time to prepare for Christmas.
We deliberated, counted the cost, figured that it would be costly, both in travel money and time.
Earlier that morning I was praying, seeking wisdom. Went to the Proverbs. The chapter of the day included the verse, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it."
It flashed at me like a neon sign.
I knew we needed to go see my grandparents so my children would learn to value the elderly. So they could hear stories and see old precious faces and hug necks and play the piano and sing songs and give joy. If we didn't they might learn the lesson that decorating the house and wrapping presents is more important that family.
So we set our faces to the north and joined the masses of cars heading out of the city and drove toward Arkansas.
Tired of the van, stories finished, we sang Christmas song after Christmas song, scanned the radio stations, bickered, ate oranges, bickered, ate Aunt Jo's christmas cookies (YUM), and silently watched the flat lands turn into the Ozarks.
We tried to figure out how in the world we were going to eat locally as the money drained into the gas tank. We found a Braum's, a regional icecreamery/burger joint. Instead of the prepared foods, we went to the grocery section, bought a loaf of discounted bread, lunch meat and cheese and made sandwiches in the car as we drove. No romantic picnic grounds, just plain sandwiches and the road.
Sort of local.
We deliberated, counted the cost, figured that it would be costly, both in travel money and time.
Earlier that morning I was praying, seeking wisdom. Went to the Proverbs. The chapter of the day included the verse, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it."
It flashed at me like a neon sign.
I knew we needed to go see my grandparents so my children would learn to value the elderly. So they could hear stories and see old precious faces and hug necks and play the piano and sing songs and give joy. If we didn't they might learn the lesson that decorating the house and wrapping presents is more important that family.
So we set our faces to the north and joined the masses of cars heading out of the city and drove toward Arkansas.
Tired of the van, stories finished, we sang Christmas song after Christmas song, scanned the radio stations, bickered, ate oranges, bickered, ate Aunt Jo's christmas cookies (YUM), and silently watched the flat lands turn into the Ozarks.
We tried to figure out how in the world we were going to eat locally as the money drained into the gas tank. We found a Braum's, a regional icecreamery/burger joint. Instead of the prepared foods, we went to the grocery section, bought a loaf of discounted bread, lunch meat and cheese and made sandwiches in the car as we drove. No romantic picnic grounds, just plain sandwiches and the road.
Sort of local.
Dr. Pepper
Our travels took us through many worldly cities! Athens, Palestine, London, Marathon and even Dublin!
Dublin is the home of the world famous Dr. Pepper.
We don't typically drink soda. High fructose corn syrup is our enemy.
However, it seemed only right to pop into the Dr. Pepper factory and museum to buy the kids a locally-owned and produced soda pop!
8 oz little glass bottles house a soda with an amazingly short ingredient list, for a soda pop. that is. If you grew up where I grew up you would call it a Coke. Even if it were Dr. Pepper. The Dublin-made Dr. Pepper is made with Imperial cane sugar, grown in Texas.
Dr Pepper isn't exactly healthy, but it made for a very fun treat. The kids agreed that it was the best Coke they had ever consumed!
When we reached Ft Worth, I continued the locally grown junk food theme. We bought Mrs. Baird's fried pies at a gas station. We knew the Bairds from our church days in Ft Worth. The grandmother, Mrs. Ninnie Baird, started baking bread to sell in her woodstove oven in 1911. Her children delivered the breads and pies on foot. Little by little her business grew and now Mrs. Bairds is a huge company. Philip reminded me that the family sold the company in the 90's, so when we bought those fried pies, it wasn't really locally owned by the family anymore. Oh well. When we got the Mrs. Bairds fried pies, I told the kids about how Mr and Mrs. Baird gave Philip and me valuable marriage counseling via a program at our church, and how much they blessed us and prayed for us, and how they gave more than they received. It felt local!
And it was food with a story. Which is very valuable.
In Fort Worth we drove around and saw our old homes. Shared memories. Wondered why the owners of our old home cut down the wonderful mulberry that gave the kids so much delight. Maybe they didn't appreciate the messy fruit that delighted little children and many little birds.
Dublin is the home of the world famous Dr. Pepper.
We don't typically drink soda. High fructose corn syrup is our enemy.
However, it seemed only right to pop into the Dr. Pepper factory and museum to buy the kids a locally-owned and produced soda pop!
8 oz little glass bottles house a soda with an amazingly short ingredient list, for a soda pop. that is. If you grew up where I grew up you would call it a Coke. Even if it were Dr. Pepper. The Dublin-made Dr. Pepper is made with Imperial cane sugar, grown in Texas.
Dr Pepper isn't exactly healthy, but it made for a very fun treat. The kids agreed that it was the best Coke they had ever consumed!
When we reached Ft Worth, I continued the locally grown junk food theme. We bought Mrs. Baird's fried pies at a gas station. We knew the Bairds from our church days in Ft Worth. The grandmother, Mrs. Ninnie Baird, started baking bread to sell in her woodstove oven in 1911. Her children delivered the breads and pies on foot. Little by little her business grew and now Mrs. Bairds is a huge company. Philip reminded me that the family sold the company in the 90's, so when we bought those fried pies, it wasn't really locally owned by the family anymore. Oh well. When we got the Mrs. Bairds fried pies, I told the kids about how Mr and Mrs. Baird gave Philip and me valuable marriage counseling via a program at our church, and how much they blessed us and prayed for us, and how they gave more than they received. It felt local!
And it was food with a story. Which is very valuable.
In Fort Worth we drove around and saw our old homes. Shared memories. Wondered why the owners of our old home cut down the wonderful mulberry that gave the kids so much delight. Maybe they didn't appreciate the messy fruit that delighted little children and many little birds.
Cheap Fast Food Costs Too Much
Monday morning, the 21st, we celebrated Patrick's 14th birthday. How could that cute little fella turn into a young man so quickly? I remember when we hiked the South Rim, Patrick and Thomas and I, when Patrick was 7 years old and Thomas, not quite 10. What was I thinking? We will never forget that hike, and the biggest cheeseburgers we ever ate afterward!
As I packed up camp the kids and their grandpa took one more 5 mile hike. I had the idea we would leave the park by 10 am or so, but couldn't resist the opportunity for the kids to spend a bit more time with their cousin and grandparents and aunt.
Mom made us egg salad sandwiches with the rest of the smoked trout for lunch and we filled up our water bottles and mason jars and tearfully said goodbye. One is not allowed to take anything out of the national park, so as soon as we hit the outer boundary of the park, Thomas and I picked some creosote to take home so I could smell it any time I wanted.
Eating and drinking locally is fun, but a bit challenging. I wanted a cup of coffee in Fort Stockton. Could have gotten one at the gas station, but felt that was cheating. We looked and looked for a diner. Finally we found a Mexican cafe, locally owned taqueria with a drive-up window. I bought a huge cup of coffee and felt happy to support their business and keep the $3 dollars in Fort Stockton instead of the Exxon corporation.
Our "Eat Local While Traveling" challenge made me consider so many things. For one, sustainability really does require diversity. The only way to sell only coffee, if you are a local business, is to sell it out of a shack or a little trailer. Most little towns cannot sustain a coffee-only shop. Starbucks can survive in a busy community but it is awfully hard for a locally owned business to make it. Possible, but hard. We saw very few "coffee shops" on our trip. Many Starbucks. Few coffee shops. Had to buy coffee at diners, taquerias, Mom and Pop restaurants. Rent is too expensive for most people to sell only coffee. I love Starbucks coffee, but felt so much happier drinking coffee that supported families and local communities.
As we drove through Central Texas we covered much territory. Lots and lots of little towns. Not too many places to grab a quick cheap bite of locally owned food. I didn't know what we were going to do. Most little towns close up by 8pm. At 8:45 I was praying about where to eat. Wanted something that would feed the family for under $20. We reached Ballinger. White and blue neon sign flashed. Best Fried Chicken.
Yes.
We considered the drive-up window and decided that in honor of Patrick's birthday we would walk in. The chicken place was nicely painted, meticulously cleaned and it was obvious that the crew of young people were doing their best to get closed up and home right on time. I hated to order, but did it anyway. Box of fried chicken, box of fried okra and another box of french fries. Under $20. Plenty for everyone, plus leftovers that covered lunch the next day. I was so happy to give our business to a nice local business. We drove past many McDonalds and were sorely tempted to make it fast and cheap.
I think it costs too much to eat cheap.
We listened to the last of our Chronicles of Narnia cds. We enjoyed little Texas towns and county seats and courthouses. We sang Christmas songs and the girls played many games of Concentration.
Texas is a very big state. Especially when driving through from bottom to top!
As I packed up camp the kids and their grandpa took one more 5 mile hike. I had the idea we would leave the park by 10 am or so, but couldn't resist the opportunity for the kids to spend a bit more time with their cousin and grandparents and aunt.
Mom made us egg salad sandwiches with the rest of the smoked trout for lunch and we filled up our water bottles and mason jars and tearfully said goodbye. One is not allowed to take anything out of the national park, so as soon as we hit the outer boundary of the park, Thomas and I picked some creosote to take home so I could smell it any time I wanted.
Eating and drinking locally is fun, but a bit challenging. I wanted a cup of coffee in Fort Stockton. Could have gotten one at the gas station, but felt that was cheating. We looked and looked for a diner. Finally we found a Mexican cafe, locally owned taqueria with a drive-up window. I bought a huge cup of coffee and felt happy to support their business and keep the $3 dollars in Fort Stockton instead of the Exxon corporation.
Our "Eat Local While Traveling" challenge made me consider so many things. For one, sustainability really does require diversity. The only way to sell only coffee, if you are a local business, is to sell it out of a shack or a little trailer. Most little towns cannot sustain a coffee-only shop. Starbucks can survive in a busy community but it is awfully hard for a locally owned business to make it. Possible, but hard. We saw very few "coffee shops" on our trip. Many Starbucks. Few coffee shops. Had to buy coffee at diners, taquerias, Mom and Pop restaurants. Rent is too expensive for most people to sell only coffee. I love Starbucks coffee, but felt so much happier drinking coffee that supported families and local communities.
As we drove through Central Texas we covered much territory. Lots and lots of little towns. Not too many places to grab a quick cheap bite of locally owned food. I didn't know what we were going to do. Most little towns close up by 8pm. At 8:45 I was praying about where to eat. Wanted something that would feed the family for under $20. We reached Ballinger. White and blue neon sign flashed. Best Fried Chicken.
Yes.
We considered the drive-up window and decided that in honor of Patrick's birthday we would walk in. The chicken place was nicely painted, meticulously cleaned and it was obvious that the crew of young people were doing their best to get closed up and home right on time. I hated to order, but did it anyway. Box of fried chicken, box of fried okra and another box of french fries. Under $20. Plenty for everyone, plus leftovers that covered lunch the next day. I was so happy to give our business to a nice local business. We drove past many McDonalds and were sorely tempted to make it fast and cheap.
I think it costs too much to eat cheap.
We listened to the last of our Chronicles of Narnia cds. We enjoyed little Texas towns and county seats and courthouses. We sang Christmas songs and the girls played many games of Concentration.
Texas is a very big state. Especially when driving through from bottom to top!
Hiking is another of my favorite things. (OK, I guess I have a lot of favorite things)
Maybe sausage and pancakes for breakfast might just possibly be better than bacon and eggs while camping out. At least homegrown sausage and homemade 4-grain pancake mix is a wonderful thing to enjoy on a freezing cold morning in the mountainous desert air. Coffee with cream from a local Texan dairy, Promised Land, was great. French press is the only way to go on camping trips.
The agenda for Day 3 of our camping trip was a hike to the South Rim. An aprox. 14 mile hike up and back. The day before I mentioned that we might want to pack and be ready to leave early as it is such a strenuous hike. No one seemed terribly interested in preparations. Consequently we got off to a very late start, but at least we were sufficiently fed! And with backpacks filled with boiled eggs, smoked trout, grilled chicken, nuts and lots of water a small propane cooker and tea bags, we were sufficiently stocked for the trek.
We took the trail that headed for the Pinnacles, some amazing rock formations. Several miles of switchbacks, valleys, various varieties of oaks and pine trees warmed us up. Frost dusted the shady spots on the trail but sun was shining and sweaters and gloves were quickly shed. The warm sun toasted the pine needles and the perfume seemed to energize us.
Due to the late start I was a trail warden. No, too early for lunch. Keep moving! Not quite yet!
Even so, we paused to take many pictures along the way, especially when we reached Boot Canyon. There is a huge rock formation that looks like an upside down boot. Once we reached Boot Spring we picnicked. "Local" food tasted like food for the gods as we stretched our sore muscles. Over three miles of uphill hiking made me feel like I was not 20 anymore! Burn, baby burn. Goodbye fried pies!
Alligator juniper, weeping juniper, Texas madrone, Arizona Cypress, Chisos red oak, oh why didn't I remember our tree book?
As we hiked up the 2000-3000 foot incline we marveled at the change in flora and fauna. The meadows filled with feather grass made me want to sprawl out for a nap. I remembered past hikes and naps in the sun, cushioned by the grassy pillows! The deer especially enjoy those nice meadows.
We reached the South Rim and couldn't believe how far we could see! Miles and miles of desert, on into Mexico. Wow.
Food stores depleted, water stores running low, we made our way down the mountains. Over 8 miles back to trailhead.
8 miles.
Tired feet and legs moved across the ridge. Worried mom looked at the sky. Dark comes quickly in the mountains. With dusk comes animal activity. I suggested we pick up the pace a little bit.
Endorphins are a wonderful thing. At the beginning of our hike my legs could barely move. They burned. They complained. They told me that I haven't been using them very often over the past couple of months.
After the 6 miles up the mountain they were nicely warmed up and as we jogged down they sang with joy.
You have to understand. I absolutely hate to run. Hate to jog. Hate it. I do not enjoy exercise one bit.
But hiking is different. The smells of the air, the view of the mountains and valleys make me feel exhilarated.
As we jogged down the smooth stretches of path I felt alive! I felt strong and healthy and free. I felt like flying. Even as I laughed at myself and my silliness, I thanked God for giving us muscles that worked for us. For the lungs that breathed, for the air to breathe, for strong back and feet (even if they really did hurt at that point).
The sun set. The sliver of crescent moon rose. The lights of the campground flickered. Christine, the tired 5 kids and I sang Christmas carols loudly. I am sure that every wild animal within a 5 mile radius ran far away after 12 verses of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Victorious, we reached the campground, tired, but not too tired to cook up a delicious meal in honor of Patrick's 14th birthday.
Grilled Porkchops
Sauteed turnips from my dad's garden and Christine's garden at work
Collard greens from Christine's work garden, sauteed in bacon and olive oil, braised with balsamic vinegar and garlic
Green beans from Daddy's garden
And stars. More stars. Millions and millions of stars. And laughter.
PS Thank you, Natural Gardener of Austin for the treat of the greens and turnips. We LOVE eating locally!
The agenda for Day 3 of our camping trip was a hike to the South Rim. An aprox. 14 mile hike up and back. The day before I mentioned that we might want to pack and be ready to leave early as it is such a strenuous hike. No one seemed terribly interested in preparations. Consequently we got off to a very late start, but at least we were sufficiently fed! And with backpacks filled with boiled eggs, smoked trout, grilled chicken, nuts and lots of water a small propane cooker and tea bags, we were sufficiently stocked for the trek.
We took the trail that headed for the Pinnacles, some amazing rock formations. Several miles of switchbacks, valleys, various varieties of oaks and pine trees warmed us up. Frost dusted the shady spots on the trail but sun was shining and sweaters and gloves were quickly shed. The warm sun toasted the pine needles and the perfume seemed to energize us.
Due to the late start I was a trail warden. No, too early for lunch. Keep moving! Not quite yet!
Even so, we paused to take many pictures along the way, especially when we reached Boot Canyon. There is a huge rock formation that looks like an upside down boot. Once we reached Boot Spring we picnicked. "Local" food tasted like food for the gods as we stretched our sore muscles. Over three miles of uphill hiking made me feel like I was not 20 anymore! Burn, baby burn. Goodbye fried pies!
Alligator juniper, weeping juniper, Texas madrone, Arizona Cypress, Chisos red oak, oh why didn't I remember our tree book?
As we hiked up the 2000-3000 foot incline we marveled at the change in flora and fauna. The meadows filled with feather grass made me want to sprawl out for a nap. I remembered past hikes and naps in the sun, cushioned by the grassy pillows! The deer especially enjoy those nice meadows.
We reached the South Rim and couldn't believe how far we could see! Miles and miles of desert, on into Mexico. Wow.
Food stores depleted, water stores running low, we made our way down the mountains. Over 8 miles back to trailhead.
8 miles.
Tired feet and legs moved across the ridge. Worried mom looked at the sky. Dark comes quickly in the mountains. With dusk comes animal activity. I suggested we pick up the pace a little bit.
Endorphins are a wonderful thing. At the beginning of our hike my legs could barely move. They burned. They complained. They told me that I haven't been using them very often over the past couple of months.
After the 6 miles up the mountain they were nicely warmed up and as we jogged down they sang with joy.
You have to understand. I absolutely hate to run. Hate to jog. Hate it. I do not enjoy exercise one bit.
But hiking is different. The smells of the air, the view of the mountains and valleys make me feel exhilarated.
As we jogged down the smooth stretches of path I felt alive! I felt strong and healthy and free. I felt like flying. Even as I laughed at myself and my silliness, I thanked God for giving us muscles that worked for us. For the lungs that breathed, for the air to breathe, for strong back and feet (even if they really did hurt at that point).
The sun set. The sliver of crescent moon rose. The lights of the campground flickered. Christine, the tired 5 kids and I sang Christmas carols loudly. I am sure that every wild animal within a 5 mile radius ran far away after 12 verses of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Victorious, we reached the campground, tired, but not too tired to cook up a delicious meal in honor of Patrick's 14th birthday.
Grilled Porkchops
Sauteed turnips from my dad's garden and Christine's garden at work
Collard greens from Christine's work garden, sauteed in bacon and olive oil, braised with balsamic vinegar and garlic
Green beans from Daddy's garden
And stars. More stars. Millions and millions of stars. And laughter.
PS Thank you, Natural Gardener of Austin for the treat of the greens and turnips. We LOVE eating locally!
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