More Peas, Please

Shianne, Nora Beth and I decided in March to have a garden this year. We have lived here in this house for 6 years and have never planted anything outside of flowers and a tomato plant that I tend to kill each year before we get any tomatoes. We had some unused yard on the side of our house that I had planted a bulb garden in, but neglected. The bulbs all rotted in the clay soil.

We had a very unusual spring this year with snow in mid April. This led to a late start on getting the ground ready for planting. Lamar helped us bring in compost and I used the rototiller to break up the soil.

I asked the girls what they wanted to plant - so we have blueberries, corn, peas, beans, zucchini, pumpkin, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. I was not sure if anything would grow in this spot. It is more shaded than I would like to see, but it was worth a try.

We planted three blueberry bushes. I knew that we would not have any measurable amount of berries this year, but is fun to see a few berries on the bushes. We just might get enough to put on some cereal in the morning.

The zucchini's are growing. These may just make an appearance on our grill later this week

The girls discovered today that we had an overabundance of peas ready to be picked. They headed outside with bowls and started picking.

We had a bit of a problem with stringing the peas this year. The original posts that were installed just did not work. By the time I got around to fixing the situation, the peas had grown so much that they do not want to climb the strings now. Oh well, the peas are still growing. Next year I will be more on top of it.

The girls really enjoy being in our garden. Nora Beth will also eat anything that she picks.

These peas are the fruits (or should I say "vegetables") of thier labor. We will sautee them tonight to have with the bbq tenderloin. Pass the peas, please!

Making Butter

The beautiful butter!

Nora Beth enjoying herself as she shook the jar.

The fresh milk!

I just picked up some raw cow's milk from a local dairy. There was so much cream at the top of the jar. It was screaming "make butter out of me."

I got the girls involved. They really enjoyed shaking the jar. Shianne seemed doubtful that this cream would actually turn to butter. Nora Beth did not know what we were doing, but she knew that it involved food, so therefore she was interested.

The girls had fun shaking the jar. It took longer than I thought it would. I think I put to much cream in the jar - not enough air. Then suddenly the sound changed and we had BUTTER! It was a beautiful yellow color. It tasted wonderful on the fresh whole wheat bread. Yumm!

(I know these pictures posted backwards and not with the text - I am still learning how to do this - bear with me while I learn! LOL)

My First Post

Here I am, finally putting my first post to print. I have been thinking about this for quite some time. What do I write about? Who is my audience? Why am I putting random events from my life down so strangers can read? Will anyone read this?



I am not sure exactly what I will be posting about, besides the randomness of my life. I will have family info so our family can see what is happening, birth info for my clients to see that I have another side of me and daily musings to keep myeslf interested.



I have been feeling out of place in my life recently. Part of me is missing. Where did it go? I know it is still there, just buried underneath all the "stuff" that has to get done everyday. I once had time for craft, leisure and sleep. I once was spontaneous and independent. I now chase two kids around, schedule activities, work a job with no set hours and depend on my husband more than I admit to. I really do love my life, but in order to be fair to all it's elements, I have to do some self care. I need to find "me" so I can be better for them.

What does my life include? I have a wonderful husband, Lamar, two beautiful girls, Shianne and Nora Beth and a housefull of pets, cats Jasmine and Jibby, dogs Boba and Zara and a fish tank full of non interesting fish. I am passionate about my work as a doula, although I am underpaid on many levels. We have a home up on a hill, a garden on the side, and dreams for the future. We have come a long way over the years. I want to be able to be present for what is happening right now.

Welcome to my journey Up On Lavender Hill.