Ahh, life on the farm! This will be a long post to catch up, Internet on the farm was not an option. We escaped from California just in time to make it to Garrett's Aunt's farm for the spring planting season.
Let me start at the beginning. Garrett made the concession to appease my desire to leave California. It was hot, crowded and expensive. Don't get me wrong, California is splendid - it is after all home to so many things I love. Wine country, a year-round assortment of fresh fruits and veggies equating to the eternal farmers market, surfing and snow in the same day.. the amenities go on and on.
Nature was calling and it was Oregon or bust! Making the drive north, we spent 17 hours going from warm and dry to wet and snow. What were we in for? Our celebratory arrival dinner was consumed in a Thai restaurant in Eugene. The food was great, on a hot scale of one to ten, it was a 100! We survived our burning meal initiation to arrive in the dark at our new home. We awoke happily surprised to a day of bright sun the next morning (we heard nasty rumors that it didn't shine in Oregon!) and the farm sprawling out before us.
The next few months were spent in the glorious, fresh outdoors. The days were consumed by Chores such as shoveling sledge, weeding, churning up the soil, cleaning the chicken coups, the cow stall manure, composting, weeding and planting - and did I mention weeding and moving manure?? It was spectacular to see the fruits of our labor (literally!) grow from the ground. It really teaches you the value of food and work. There are few feelings of contentment that rival the end of a solid days farm work. The shower, the wine and the meal are momentous. Every morsel tastes better than the last, and your body just kind of folds into wherever it lands. The items harvested and enjoyed at the meal have distinct layers of flavor that are unparalleled. The concentration of flavor begs to be savored. The amount of work that goes in, and then the yield you get are eye opening. It also reinforces the fact (in my humble opinion) that there is absolutely nothing that tastes better than fresh produce. Every time you go to the farmers market or a local farm stand, know that every penny you pay is well worth it. Eat fresh and eat local! We were privileged to do so while living in the coziest cottage. It sat on the Tualatin river where we would relax on our back porch enjoying a glass of wine watching the snowy egrets nest across the way.
Our experience was fantastic! The cows - well, they're cows. The chickens were cute! They made an adorable noise, they actually cooed. It was so funny - when one would lay an egg, the entire flock would have a party! They would cluck and coo and let everyone know someone laid an egg! Who would have ever thought I would consider chickens being cute? I love horses and had the opportunity to ride, train and win one over with carrots. I miss Marty - future posts will show Mr. Marty.
Finally, I will elaborate on our wine and food experiences. Every night was spent conjuring up some tasty farm inspired meal. We were located 10 minutes from a Whole Paycheck, er I meant Whole Foods. They had everything you could dream of that you couldn't find elsewhere. Our meager income was spent on meals such as local fresh goodies from the farmers market. Smoked Salmon, wild mushrooms made into "Risotto", sans dairy and gluten with a nice side of oh so tender baby kale, that was Garrett's favorite. There were the local wines from Oregon that are truly amazing as well as our adventures in Bordeaux. On that note, I will sign off and go from there on future posts.
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