garden work, valentines, yarn and reading

Today is spreading manure on the garden day!!!  I'm figuring we aren't going to be moved into the house exactly when I want to be, so that I can work on my garden like I want to.  So I've decided to just go with what I already have and make it work.  Will it grow...sure.  Will it look like I want it to...no, but no matter this year, as long as I can grow food ~ glorious food!  I am going to at least "try" to do something with these raspberry plants.  They produce tons of wonderful tasting berries, we just can't get to them from all the crazy mess and thorns.  I really don't know what I'm going to do yet but something must be done.

This week We've been working on valentines gifts for a little get together next week.  The kiddos love giving and love being creative with a purpose to give.  They are working hard to give something that will be used and cherished by their friends.

I've been working on food...what we need to be eating, no refined or processed, making from scratch, fermenting, soaking...oh my!  It seems I used to be better about this sort of thing and I've just let it go(maybe moving so much in the last years).  I do think I'm ready to get into the groove again.  I'm excited to be moving towards sourdough, and fermenting in particular.  Oh another thought ~ the food processor...how have I lived without one of these all my life!!!  I had no idea how wonderful this piece of equipment could be.  This week I have made desserts(healthy fudge), crackers that turned out great, hummus, grated and chopped veggies.  I've been reading cookbooks from the library on raw, whole foods, and such trying to learn and cram all this in my head!  I'm sure it will be like knitting, just take one row at a time and don't get overwhelmed.

Little misses dress has been cast on and the yoke is coming along smoothly.  I'm loving this yarn, it's so soft and such a beautiful color.  
Oh and this book... about an Amish and English friendship and how, even though worlds apart on lifestyle and standards they have so much in common and become very good friends.  A good lesson that although we carry certain beliefs within, we can still reach out to others not like us, and love and not judge, but be a friend.

Here is the house thus far.  All of the rooms walls have been framed in.  He's now working on framing in the vaulted ceiling to be insulated.  I am SO excited I just can't hardly wait to see the ceiling going up!!!  I've never had a vaulted ceiling and so excited he decided to do this in my kitchen/dining area!  Going down to the house is something I truly enjoy.  When all the kiddos and helpers have gone back to the cabin, it gets to be dark out and it's just hubby working and me getting to sit by the heater all warm and lit up knitting or just relaxing...oh some of my favorite moments!  

Blessings,
JM