Green Goodness

April was one of the longest and shortest months of my year so far. There has been so much going on, I feel I hardly have time to sit down and reflect on any of it. So, for lack of a clearer writer's head this evening, here is simply a list of thoughts & reflections of the past few weeks, and a few photos to boot! Love and May flowers to you all---

- April opened with snow and brown, brown, brown everywhere outside. Today it's 70 and sunny, the green is getting richer in color by the day, and there are even blossoms on the fruit trees. I walked into my parents' back yard on Sunday and was overcome by the smell of mulberry blossoms - ahhhh.

- Easter was celebrated at Aunt Becky and Uncle Ralph's warm home - another gorgeous day, a smorgasbord of delectable food, ball in the park, and some good time spent watching Ellis throw rocks into Becky's little pond.

- Chris, Ellis and I took a weekend trip to Fargo to visit Chris's Nana. Lots of Scrabble, goofing around with Ellis, and much excitement about the pool at Nana's apartment. Ellis swam up a storm...all his practice in the hot tub has paid off. He holds his breath for 5-10 seconds after jumping in and hardly takes a breath before asking to get out and jump again. Watching him made me so excited for the boys to be at Golden Lake this summer.

- Work has been busy for me with more days in the office than usual. It's good, but I'm ready for our "routine" once again. I've had hardly enough time at the farm lately, and it's exciting but overwhelming to look out at our rich garden soil, understanding that there is still much to accomplish before plants can go into the ground.

- The lower garden by the barn looks fabulous with beautiful new set ups for the hops and raspberries. We have been thrilled to receive loads of new raspberry starts from Doug, Chris's mom's new husband - we hear they bear big, juicy berries, so we're excited to watch them take off. The upper garden was plagued by grass last year, so it's been a battle to get rid of it this year, calling for full re-mulching of the space. Very time intensive, but hopefully it will pay off for the rest of the summer!

- There are probably close to 75 starter plants in our dining/living rooms, ready to be planted at the end of May. Tomatoes, basil, broccoli, peppers, melons, squash, and a flower box full of growing lettuce. The starts sit by the window sill, all leaning toward the glass, looking like they are begging to go out and play. Soon, little vegetables.

- I turned 32 in April and let me tell you, I feel about 72 today. But a few hours ago I felt 22. And playing with Ellis, sometimes even 12. My body seems to be falling apart in new ways each day, and yet I'm always amazed at the drive and energy I find when I'm in the midst of a progressing and beautiful project. Even just the drive back to the farm this morning made me feel more alive, seeing and hearing and feeling spring.

- Charis and I actually had a night out last night...we met up with good Menomonie friends for a concert at the Mabel Tainter theater by the Wailin' Jennys - a folk group of three women with tight harmonies and beautiful songs. It was well worth the long drive and little sleep afterwards - good music and good friends to soothe the soul.

- Yesterday I had the joy of holding a day-old baby boy. Our good friends Kevin and Alison welcomed their little Emmett into the world on Monday and it was incredible to see them and be with a new baby again. Another life-giving experience for my weary head and body.

- As Ellis and I pulled into the driveway this morning at the farm, I asked Ellis if he was happy to see Owain again. When we stopped, he jumped up and ran to the house, chanting, "Ow-n!, Ow-n!, Ow-n!" It's hilarious and sweet to watch them play together, screeching and chasing one another around the house - they just love each other so much - I can only imagine what the coming years will be like with those two.



I'm the last person up tonight at the ungodly hour of 8:15. I'm off to treat myself to some reading before bed. Looking forward to another day, digging in the mulch and chasing Ellis tomorrow. Peace. Becca