If you haven't already, go have some fun!!

It's tough to post this time of year with so much going on. The weather is beautiful, the gardens are going well, the baby goats want playing with..... Lots of wonderful distractions keep me from writing for the blog. :)

If your stuck in a rut, if your not having fun, be encouraged to try something new. I'll make a list to get you started with some ideas that are as frugal as possible.

1. Dig a pit in your back yard. Line it with bricks. Start a (safe) fire and roast marshmallows.

2. Dust off your tent and air it out. If you can't afford to go anywhere, just set it up in your front or back yard. Then camp out and do idea number 1.

3. If you don't have a yard, put a tent in your living room. We've done this and it's fabulous.

4. Lay blankets in the yard and watch the sun set.

5. Eat dinner outdoors. If you don't have a patio set (we don't) drag your dining set outdoors (don't laugh, we've done it) and enjoy a candle light dinner al fresco.

6. Roast corn on the cob for dinner. It is so delicious off the grill.

7. Go fishing and vow to eat your catch for dinner.

8. Make paper lanterns and hang them from your porch or balcony.

9. Borrow a telescope and stargaze.

10. Spend an entire day at the park, lake , or beach. No cheating and going home early.

11. "Summerize" your living space with wildflowers, throw pillows in summer-y fabrics, and don't forget to open the windows and let some light in.

12. Water balloon fight! You live near a dollar store, don't you?? Get 'em cheap.

Okay, that's plenty for now. Don't plan too much or think too hard, just go renew your spirit with some good old fashioned playtime.

love,
-E

Goaty Bliss

Maxwell wants to pet "Sheriff", who is orbiting his mother like a tiny, furry planet. She noses him indulgently, then turns back to her grain. As soon as Max gives up chase, Sheriff goes looking for him.

Feisty little Scarlett is happy to play with the humans, much to the chagrin of her mother. "Baa! Baa!", Robin calls her back. A tail wiggle, a pounce, and Scarlett is gone again.

Soon both babies are nursing their mamas. A deer watches this mixed-species gathering from the hill above. We notice her, she notices us and bounds into the treeline.

The Mamas are brought together to visit. Although grown mothers now, they butt heads like the doelings they once were. Their babies imitate their headstrong play. We laugh.

It is a great moment. One worth holding onto. :)

-Ellen

Quote of The Day

Lift the Wings
How can the small flowers grow
If the wild winds blow
And the cold snow is all around
Where will the frail birds fly
If their homes on high
Have been torn down to the ground
Lift the wings
That carry me away from here and
Fill the sail
That breaks the line to home
But when I'm miles and miles apart from you
I'm beside you when I think of you -
a Stóirín, a Grá
- From River Dance

Baby #3 is born!

John and Joy called about an hour or so ago: Robin gave birth to a little girl.

Locksley's babies are only 3 days old, maybe Robin was tired of her hogging all the attention. :) Robin has always been an attention hound.

More details to come. I am just happy that the mommas and babies are okay.
Oh, and that new baby goat? Her name is Scarlett. (as reported to me by Dante' LOL)

Honestly, I don't know how John and Joy get any sleep with all the goat drama. :)

happily,
-E

Eating Pasta , AKA "Please Try This At Home"

This isn't a recipe so much as it is an idea for what to make in a hurry. But it is one of the fastest ways to get a delicious meal when your tired of the same old thing.

you need:

long-cut pasta (such as linguine or spaghetti)
butter (margarine will do in a pinch)
anchovy paste or tinned anchovies (don't you dare say "Yuck", it doesn't taste like fish at all, but it imparts a gorgeous depth of flavor, I promise!)
Parmesan

optional: parsley, capers, fresh lemon

To Make:

1. Bring a pot of water to boil, add your pasta

2. While waiting for step one to complete, get out a saucepan and gently melt some butter. Use a few tbsp for one person, 1/2-1 whole stick for several people.

3. Squeeze in just enough anchovy paste for saltiness and flavor. If using tinned anchovies, start with one and take it from there. Stir to amalgamate the flavors.

4. Drizzle this velvety mixture over your already plated pasta. Top with Parmesan.

NOW, if you really want to make this dish _SEXY_ , add one or more of the following:

1. finely chopped parsley (chefs call it "chiffonade")

2. a sprinkle of capers (brined will do but the cured in salt kind taste better)

3. A squeeze or two of fresh lemon juice (don't used bottled, you'll regret it)

***** This pasta is the cure for bored palates!

Notes: keep tinned anchovy in your pantry as well as capers. You can make this supper anytime you want to without having to run to the store for ingredients.

First Pics!

Locksley's twins are one boy and one girl. They don't have names yet but we have some pictures to show off.

Twins!!!

We just got the call. Locksley had her babies last night. The first one popped out around two in the morning. The second one shortly after.

We are on our way to go see our new beautiful babies. We will post pics as soon as we return.

grinning,

Ellen