TOGETHER AT THE CABIN.
I am breathing a big sigh of contentment today. For the first time in MONTHS, Jesse and I were both together in Bugtussle, at the cabin. It was a complete breath of fresh air - seeing all of the work he has done, visiting with our Bugtussle Farm family, making plans for the future. Sometimes when I am stuck in the city, away from the farm and spending my days indoors, the worries and the doubts will begin to creep in. But every time I drive back to Bugtussle, down that gravel road past the cedar mailbox....I am sure. I am completely at peace, knowing there is nowhere else in the world I would rather be.- Hannah.
The cabin!
The homesite is SURROUNDED by irises, day lillies, and daffodils!
Finishing up the wiring and insulation.
The floating back door.
The totally trashed high tunnel....it clearly did not fare well in a recent storm.
Quince.
We've got a very amazing/terrifying pair of black vultures living in our barn.
The bees are alive and well!
One of Ira's chickens says hello.
The best eggs you will ever eat in your entire life ever.
Eric is experimenting with biochar - they will be posting more about it on their blog soon.
Collecting moss for his flower garden.
Magical.
THE GIFT OF SPINNING.
On my recent trip to Chicago, not only did I get to spend lots of time with my extended family - but I also got to bring home a very special gift: my sweet aunt's spinning wheel! She was a weaver in college, and this spinning wheel has been in her family for ages - we have no idea how old it is. It is honestly the most wonderful present. I have lovely dreams of the day we have our own sheep - shearing them, dying the wool, spinning it into yarn, knitting our own clothes. I am so excited to learn how to spin, but I have NO idea where to start. I do know that the wheel is missing a few parts, so I am planning on contacting a local spinning guild here in Nashville for some help.Any spinners out there with tips or advice?- Hannah.
FIND A FARMER.
How cool is this interactive map from Sustainable Kentucky? It shows all of the farms, businesses, and people that have been written about on the site, linking their locations to the articles written about them. *Can you find us on there?* This is a great idea, and a great resource for when you are trying to find the closest place to buy eggs, or recommend a good CSA to your northern Kentucky friends. Check it out, and be sure to watch as it grows....there is a lot of Kentucky still left to be covered!- Hannah.
///View Sustainable Kentucky Map in a larger map///
WHAT WE'RE READING.
//// Links we are loving this week ////
ONE: We just got our copy of Seasoned Quarterly, and it is so so beautiful....all about eating whole foods, living seasonally, and the fullness of a simple life. Julie, McKenzie, Kate, and lots of other wonderful contributors share their artwork and stories....can't wait for the spring issue!TWO: One of Jesse's favorite fermentation message boards is actually a facebook group. If you're into fermentation, or just curious, this is a helpful place to stop by sometimes!THREE: An old friend of Hannah's has started an amazing NYC-based store called Bare Bone Supply - "celebrating the passionately self sufficient." We are lusting after the recycled wood pocket knives.FOUR: Pretty interesting developments this week for Kentucky farmers: "The proposed bill -- which will now be considered by the full state senate -- would establish a process for Kentucky farmers to begin growing hemp, but only if the federal government first passes a measure to remove the crop from a list of illegal drugs."FIVE: Fig and Fauna is the website of a family living a rich, simple life on their 3.5 acre Florida homestead. This space is one of endless inspiration: some of the most beautiful food and farm photography of all time, and outrageously delicious recipes. Prepare to get lost.- Hannah & Jesse.