It was so much fun for me to be at the farm for one night last week. Firstly we had the goat "kid" born and then the green of the grass. Summer is short in North Country, and we are grateful for every day of it, and always aware that this is the shortest season (well spring too) of them all. Winter and fall are spectacular and nothing I would trade for any other season.
The herb patch by the mud room (kitchen) was in good health. Aasha can be seen in the background, wondering why I am at the herb patch, and not with her, playing in the green.
And here a side-view of the house, looking at the basement entrance and the herb patch by the mud-room entrance.
Adirondack chairs that were from the previous owners. The couple that restored the house. They gifted them to another neighbor, who gifted them to us this year. Back home, they are between the pond and the guest cottage. Adding color and joy to the farm.
The pond and the geese are highlights of the summer. Alive in ways that are different from fall and winter.
Fuzzy Wuzzy all sheared and enjoying the warmer weather. Leicester Longwool sheep are beautiful and rare. Fuzzy Wuzzy is English Blue, since he is black with a bluish tone. We are proud to be sharing the farm with 8 Leicester Longwool sheep. With time we hope to grow the herd, and then milk them someday.
Turmeric yellow is a very auspicious color in India. Especially to the Hindus. And so in the summer, that color is pronounced that much more, in contrast to the green. Not that it fades against the white of the snow. Cheery and wonderful, the color was chosen by the people who restored the house. We inherited it, and with it so many other wonderful things that make American Masala Farm idyllic and special beyond belief. I cannot wait to be back at the farm, enjoying our home, the animals, the plants and vegetables, and herbs, and also all the critters big and small, that come alive during this warmer weather.
Ah, I am missing the farm. Will be making the trek this week to cook rabbits with Charlie! And you are so right, we have to treasure every day of spring/summer, but winter we can take for granted because there is so much of it!
Posted by: Sally | Sunday, June 13, 2010 at 02:55 PM
I will miss cooking with you both. Have fun cooking the rabbits. Take photos... and email me about the experience.
Enjoy the summer!
Posted by: suvir saran | Sunday, June 13, 2010 at 03:09 PM
How is Monkey Business doing?
Posted by: Stephanie Rigione | Monday, June 14, 2010 at 05:41 PM
What made you think of Monkey Business? He is well, thanks for asking.
Posted by: suvir saran | Monday, June 14, 2010 at 05:55 PM
You were very much missed as we were cooking the bunnies - there was a fair amount of butchering to be done, which we totally butchered! But the results were amazing, truly!
Who is Monkey Business? Some offspring of Romeo, already??
Posted by: Sally | Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 10:15 AM
Monkey business is one of our neutered male goats, also called wethers. He is adorable. Maybe next time you will spend some time enjoying the farm. I am sorry we always have you working away and cooking and prepping and cleaning. You are too much of a family member. Be a visitor next time.
Posted by: suvir saran | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 10:35 AM
Are you joking? I would much rather be part of the family, busy in the kitchen, than sitting around doing nothing. It is not in my nature to loaf about - I think I drove Charlie crazy sometimes in my eagerness to move to the next step. Thank goodness he was the "brakes" of the operation, making sure everything was accurately recorded! I had so much fun and felt totally relaxed and happy for the first time in a month.
Posted by: Sally | Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 02:19 PM
I must say I'm afraid to dive off that dock after Charlie's heroic turtle story this past weekend. Is it safe for geese and human toes alike now? This is why I've always worn sneakers when swimming in fresh water. I can't help but hear strains of "Jaws". lol. It was wonderful having you two in CT!
Posted by: mary | Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at 12:02 AM
The geese have been safe for the last couple of years.
They were killed en masse at the very beginning of our move to the farm, and soon after they came to us as goslings. Charlie took care of the snapping turtle situation as soon as we were presented with it.
http://suvirsaran.typepad.com/suvir/2010/06/thank-god-youre-home-ive-been-waiting-soooo-long.html
Read the post above and you shall realize that Charlie tackles situations promptly and without fear. He has been exceptional in how he has adapted to farm life and how quickly he has grasped the many layers of stuff that happens.
I am sure the pond is safe for humans as well. But I would never jump into it, especially knowing that we have our beautiful and loving geese and ducks enjoying it all day long.
Smart of you to wear sneakers in ponds. Other locals tell us they do the same. As a precaution against snapping turtles.
We loved being at the Silo and to be teaching alongside you Mary. You are wonderful and so very generous of your time to the Hunt Hill Farm and to the students. Thanks for two great classes and this opportunity. Hope you were not disappointed.
Posted by: suvir saran | Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at 12:50 AM