Maybe Because it is Spring...

I was reading an article that addressed the cost of having and caring for a lawn. The cost of seed, fertilizer, water, cost of fuel to mow the lawn, along with how much time is put into maintaining a lawn. According to this article, you can read the whole article here, having a well cared for lawn can be costly.
 I have always told AJ that I don't need a large lawn, just enough for the us to relax and ride dirt bikes. Yes, we use our land!
We would rather have animals, garden, herbs, along with some fruit or nut trees growing in the ground rather than large areas of grass.
Part of my mindset concerning this subject might come from my growing up with land covered in pasture for animals, large gardens and fruit trees. Even our "flower boxes" were filled with strawberries!
 When I came to the comment asking what could be done with the space that at the moment was covered in lawn I was saddened and surprised that he did not think to plant a garden it it's stead.  Another option would be to put up some nice fencing and have a few chickens ( if allowed by the county ) , maybe plant an orchard.
   Maybe because it is spring my whole being just wants to plant and have something grow.
We did put up the white flag and admit that it is going to be a cool summer, we planted radishes, carrots and just recently beets. We have started plants inside but it is still a bit chilly for them to be planted outside, maybe next week. Baby steps.
 A book my Mom loaned me and I highly recommend reading is The Dirty Life A Memoir of Farming, Food, and Love by Kristin Kimball. You might have a hard time resisting the urge to plant a garden or buy a few chicks from the farm store after you read this book.  Enjoy!
 

Spring Snow

                When we brought the pigs home it was sunny and mild.

 I know that we often have a cool spring. I remember walking into church with my sister on Easter Sunday wearing winter coats over our short-sleeved, ruffled, Easter dresses. Despite this memory I was still surprised by the fact that there was snow on the ground this morning.
  I bundled the boys up as if it was January before we walked to the bus stop. My youngest was not very excited about putting his snow-pants on in springtime.
  When I was telling my husband that I had fed the pigs he asked me if I had checked the water in the hose to see if it was frozen. Feeling dumb ( I know better! ) I went back out with a bucket of water. Rule # 1 with pigs, they must always have water.
   I also gave the pigs some extra hay and bedding, now we are all snug and warm, hope you are as well!

All Within Five Miles

Last weekend we went to a book-sale at our local library, I walked away with two bags of very old history books for two dollars! The best part though was when the librarian announced that they were handing out bags, each child could fill a bag with any of the children's books for free! We enjoyed reading some of those treasures this morning!

 On the way home from this event we stopped at a farm that has Jersey cows. I was hoping to speak with the farmer and see if they would sell me milk for the pigs we may be getting soon. No one was home but I did meet the neighbor lady on the way to my car. She kindly agreed to give them my card and let them know that I was interested in buying about five gallons ( I came up with that amount on the spot, a good question, one I had not thought of, sigh ) of milk per week. 

 Now if you know me the fact that I stopped at a complete strangers house might come as a shock to you. The fact that I have been driving past this small farm for months trying to figure out what to say if I ever worked up the nerve to actually knock on the door is not a surprise to you at all. " Do I say my full name? Will they let me bring my own containers for the milk. How much do I want to pay? Do I admit that I would love to come and milk one of their cows by hand...hmm, maybe leave that part out." 

  Today we stopped at another farm and bought eggs. I love shopping this way, supporting the local farmers and knowing that we are putting fresh, real food on the table is wonderful! 

  TTFN! 

 

Blue Sky and Sunshine

The sunshine and open pasture is calling my name. I want to run outside so that I can run and jump in the warm rays of the sun. I want to smell the earth coming alive around me and rejoice with the birds!
 From the looks of these pictures, my nephew had the same desire. I love the openness Anna was able to capture in these photos.

"Our spring has come at last with the soft laughter of April suns and shadow of April showers." ~Byron Caldwell Smith, letter to Kate Stephens

Off to catch some sun!