Family

Monday evening finds me with a smile on my face.  I had a wonderful weekend with my mom and grandma, my sister went to the prom, friends came by to chat and help out, goals were accomplished, I ate too much..
I did have to cut off the ring that I've worn for 15 years or so.  One swollen finger and Sheldon's snips later and I regained feeling!  I planted seeds, harvested lettuce, moved the goats around, introduced the chicks to the outside world and dirt... I feel calm and yes, rather collected.  Having my family here was so fulfilling and needed.  I was surrounded by their sounds and laughter and love and I am reminded of how very blessed I am.
The garden is alive and green. Right now I'm harvesting lettuce, chard, and kale.  The arugula bolted way too early to even harvest more than a few springs.. Soon to come are beets, radishes, onions, potatoes, and maybe a few peas if it doesn't get too hot too soon.. Or tomatoes if it does?  The chickens have finished their short molting spell and are laying again.  The bees are busy gathering nectar and I hope to gather their honey in a month or so.  The baby chicks went out into the new coop yesterday and seem to be content and comfy.. Their first rains came today.  Charlie and Butterbean are in the old portable chicken coop for now.  They've figured out the electric fence.. again.. so I'm trying this for a while.  They'll be moved around the yard every day to eat a rectangle of grass.. I think they'll get bored very quickly but it's worth a try for now.
The farmers market is coming up in two weeks and I have a lot of work to do.  Yard sales yielded lots of baskets, a board for posting products and pricing, grandma brought coolers, table cloths, and aprons, and I'm on my way!  I am very excited about the prospect but rather nervous at the same time.. I'm hoping I'll have enough to last three hours a week, but I'm thrilled at the opportunity and challenged by the idea so this too is worth a try.  I will put out a list of available goodies a few days before the market.  In the meantime, if you're in the neighborhood stop by!  I have eggs, lettuce, kale, spinach, and chard available now!