week one

rain has been falling for the past 4 days and this morning i woke to see one of the paddocks flooded. yesterday alone we got 3 inches. needless to say, we didn't do any riding this weekend. and katie and i, well our mouths are watering to start training faith, her 3 year old paint mare. she is just beautiful, with perfect confirmation and a friendly disposition.

the garden is shaping up pretty well. kenny had tilled a nice 1/4 acre plot earlier this spring so now we just need to figure out what goes where and when. so far they've planted some starters: green beans, tomatoes, summer squash, jalapenos, cauliflower, broccoli, and there is lettuce which is ready for harvesting. yesterday we started mint, basil, dill, two varieties of radish, two varities of lettuce, and swiss chard. i want to sun-dry some tomatoes so i have to plant romas, and i also have a beautiful heirloom variety for fresh moz.

the other day i picked some lettuce and made a mixed green pesto [romaine & red leaf, parsley, raw pumkin seeds, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper - food processor]. simply spread it on a baguette or mix it into some tunafish - just add some lemon, extra salt and olive oil. it's versatile and so good. today i'm going to toss it with chopped tomato into some whole wheat capellini.

katie, kenny and i have discussed the possiblity and we've decided i will be staying through the summer to help with the farm and the kids. instead of sending them off to the Y for day camp, they'll be staying home with me. but before the school year ends the barnes family is going to the beach for a week, which means i get the farm to myself. they'll be taking the camper so if weather permits i'll be staying in my tent. i vacationed on the farm last summer while they were away and i gotta tell ya that trip has to have something to do with the wanderlust that drove me out of nyc.

i believe my stay here will be a nice detour through the south before heading to who knows where.