Simple pleasures

The joy of the Mallow in bloom

the first blueberries of the season

the return of perennials from previous years

A really high rope swing

May your day be filled with simple pleasures.

Farm fresh

Although we at present have not YET manifested a farm life of our own, we are fortunate

to have wonderful farm friends and every week we spend a day on the farm.

It is wonderful for the children to connect in a more personal way to where our foods come from. We have often taken part in the milking process, the children too have milked ( a little), and we have brought the milk home still warm.

For me, once you have experienced raw milk there is no going back.

I feel blessed that the children

have such a close connection to the cows that provide them with milk and yoghurt.

Quick stop at the outhouse...

and on to gather greens and strawberries

And finally the eggs.

The children were there when the baby chicks were brought to the farm, and have helped care for them. Before the frogs, the chickens were Kaleena's favorite and

she would spend most of her time on the farm with them.

I find it helps them not take the food they eat for granted, they have an experience of the process that happens in order to bring the food to their table..

then again, what do I know

And at the end of the day...

Such color, kale, lettuce, herbs and strawberries...

fresh milk and eggs. All freshly picked and gathered.

With love and gratitude

Tendernes

Today I share a wee bit sad story.

My sisters cat brought in a beautiful little cardinal,

and despite our best efforts he did not make it.

How precious this fragile little creature, the children loved him immediately, and of course wanted to keep him, they dug up worms for him, talked to him and gently caressed him, he seemed strong and with the will to live, and yet within a few hours he had gone.

It was so puzzling and disappointing, and it made me sad for the children, that they would not have the experience of saving the little bird, although they of course let go of the bird much more readily than I. They were tender and sincere in their goodbyes, and then on to play.

It was for me another reminder of how beautiful and fragile life is, how precious this moment, and how important to surrender and let go when the time comes.