Terra Nova

Terra Nova means "new land" or "new earth," which in the James Taylor song, I believe he is trying to portray something Christopher Columbus-like. For me, the song completely describes what is going on in our lives right now. The property, the change in seasons, new land bringing new growth. The song is  

of course really good too, but I am a little biased as a crazy fan... Here are some photos of what's going on on the property with a few mixed in verses from the song...

 Owen wearing one of Gramps' garden hats.

 Moving cross the land, with my heart in my hand.

 Garden helpers, planting lots of seeds.

 Garden helpers, pulling lots of weeds.

 Garden helpers planting late potatoes.

 Garden helpers weeding 'round the tomatoes.

 Surrounded by awesome women in the dirt... 'NOUGH said!

 Here I sit, country fool that I am. Elbow on my knee and my chin in my hand.

 Growing food makes most want to eat.

 This turkey was basking in our shade up by the deck.

 Sweet ladies, always greeting me ever so kindly.

 May this day, set me in motion. I aught to be on my way.

 My prized rooster boy!

 Coop glories, 5-7daily.

 Snowpeas went crazy the last few weeks, 1/2 pound every few days.

 Butter lettuce looking tasty.

 Love this point on the onion tip. Onions are new to our dirt, so I'm learning as I grow.

 Chris tilled between the rows after this shot was taken.

 Red onion peeking out through the ground. They are still a little small, I was curious and harvested one. About plum size.

 BEANS!

 Potato flowers looking pretty.

 Romaine ready to harvest.

 Mustard greens, so spicy, but they mellow when cooked.

 Pesky radishes, they just pop right out when they are done!

 Pop!

 Handfuls every other day right now. Planted 2 seed packets, expect at least another 2 weeks of harvest.

 Amaranth pictured here. Orange and red, it is beautiful, but not sure how much grain we will actually get.

 Pensive pumpkin contemplating his next step.

 Dwight & Stanley (Our "peep"), and Fudgy Yo Llama hold down the fort, er, field.

 OBSESSED with PEONIES!!! Happy mother's day to me from Mama and P-diddy.

 Clematis in honor of Granny Mary.

 Mother's day present to myself, my first peony.

 Favas everywhere.

 Garlic's gone wild, still not ready yet. Pulled up a curiosity clove and it was still too small.

 Did you know foxgloves are FURRY?? I didn't notice this with my naked eye!

                                                                                I've come home to stop yearning.

OT is amazing

You ask Owen (any day of the week) who is coming over today and he says "Amy". She is his amazing OT. She has been working with him since before his last heart surgery. Over this last year she has helped him (and us) in her weekly visits. We all look forward to Tuesdays at 3pm. Here are a few photos of Owen, Amy, and the "tricky mouse". He gets the biggest kick out of this toy, and of course Amy.

He just started saying "Owen happy too!"

Our beautiful coop

The hens and the sweetest rooster I've ever met have been in the coop for a few weeks now. They are so very happy, and lay between 5-8 eggs per day. That's about 250 in a month! The coop turned out beautiful. Chris and his dad did quite the job- the siding even matches our house. The flock wont be free range until we can have a second secure yard with a "ceiling" net or something. The hawks around here are quite ferocious, as many neighbors have reported losing some of their hens to the hunters.

I am very sorry and sad to say that their previous owner John Z passed away last week. He was fighting a second battle with cancer, and it was just too much.

We are so honored to have this very special flock. These chickens were his friends, not just pets. I learned that he even paraded the rooster around in a few Search and Rescue parades on a leash! You can tell the difference between these hens and our last flock. Yes, chickens are independent, but with some added attention and TLC you get a very sweet and happy bird.

John, you will be missed, and we will care for your chickens as you have! Get ready for the parade!