As It Looks Right Now

Autumn is here and as everyone who reads this knows, we are as likely to see our national bird in the sky over Tulin Road as we are to see it on currency. Still, Today was a really treat. On the run into town to pick up preserving supplies, I spied an young eagle sitting on the edge of the water, down at the slough. I pulled into the park and just watched him watch the world for several minutes until the youngster flew off into the backwoods to see if it offered better hunting. What a nice reminder of the beauty in our region.

Today we are reminded of why green surrounds us all year long- the veil of rain. With warm temperatures, I am off to gather art items for a printing project and a gluing  project -pictures later depending upon the success rate. Right now, a little proof of yesterdays efforts to stock pile the small fall garden harvest which is weighted heavily on the side of zucchini and chard. Yesterday I made pickles, relish and bread from the bountiful zucchini and still there are 4 medium large squash in my refrigerator. I also made a green tomato cake which was possitively reviewed by friends but only marginally successful in my book. I also made a great potato-chard ravioli. The filling will became gnocchi tonight. After all that time in the kitchen, today is a day for fun projects and maybe a walk on the beach if the rain stops.

But before I sign off, I will pass on a new study result. We all acknowledge that studies will say whatever the author want us to hear but this one I like. It seems that hugs, hand holding and other affectionate touching release chemicals in the body that reduce anxiety and stress! SO- do yourself a favor.Give all you friends and lovers hugs and  neck rubs. Shake hands when you meet people and endeavor to create positive physical bridges to improve your own health and reduce your levels of stress. There you have it- just like drinking wine and eating chocolate...it is all healthy living.

Have a great week ahead and live healthfully.

Love ,
Mama Llama

Happy Birthday!!

A day to celebrate the 60th birthday of a little lady with a huge heart, who makes every day brighter and everyone's life more than a little bit richer.

A huge toast to MOM! We love you more than words can say!

First days of Autumn

School days, school days

Dear old golden rule days

Readin' and 'ritin' and 'rithmetic

Taught to the tune of the hickory stick

Music by Gus Edwards; Lyrics by Will D. Cobb, 1907

Just in case you are going on with your life and thinking this might be behind you, school has started! I am back substituting, although so far only a couple of days in the library - an easy transition. Colin and Susan are back to the classroom as well, although Susan pretended she was working while we adventured through California and Oregon. THAT was very fun and very interesting. Here are some of the highlights for your enjoyment and to remind us all that summer adventures stay in our hearts, to warm the winter

HERE WE GO NOW!

After a great wedding in San Mateo, we headed north up highway 101 towards an organic, bio-powered CSA in Mendocino County. The morning drive through the Sonoma wine country was beautiful and although we were rushed to get to the farm interview, we did stop for gas in Kyrsa and Dave's new home - Healdsburg.

Our destination for this day was an older CSA operated by a couple from my own my generation. They are committed to a social and economic ideal that makes their operation interesting, as well as being beautiful in its setting. As Susan interviewed, Colin and I watched the farm manager explain economics and agriculture while processing vats and vats of  tomatoes. She worked so fast we could not really see where she was getting these vast vats of ripe red beauties but we were mesmerized by the speed and efficiency of the process. One interesting concern she expressed was the negative impact of the illegal marijuana growing on Mendocino  farms and communities. She voiced this as the biggest challenge to small farmers in the area. I know we all hear about this but to realize the size of the problem was surprising to me.

Traveling north on highway 101,we talked about this and many other entertaining topics . The drive through the California redwoods is always awesome in the way that word is meant to be used.Coming out of the trees and into view of the Pacific Ocean is really the best of California on a summer evening.

Driving on into Oregon, listening to an audio-book on murder and mayhem in the Alaska's wilds and feeling removed from the everyday schedules and expectations! 

The next afternoon we were visiting a goat dairy in southwest Oregon. These small farmers have a lot of hard work and certainly don't get rich but they DO live in the most beautiful spaces! We had time to interview the goat dairy, hearing all about the social and economic concerns of its managers, visit the resident donkey and donkey-baby and taste local cheeses and chocolates made in southern Oregon. Not a bad day, especially when you include lunch by the Rogue River.

Our last day of farm adventures took us to Lake Oswego- What ? farming in Lake Oswego... I don't think so! But in this suburban enclave they has survived an original farm site, now part of a pea-patch style plot program and a city recreation district. Amazing use of Green Belt Space! As a celebration of a great road trip, we spent our last night in Portland celebrating the city of books and beer. What a wonderful opportunity it was for me to spend time with two of my favorite people and learn a little more about their world and my own.

Thank you, to Susan especially, for allowing me to peak into her world of changes and visions for a better tomorrow.
    Happy travels to you all.
    Love,
    Mama Llama

The Road Ahead

In another day I hit the road- I wonder if I can start my road trip novel like Jack Karawak? I will be attending the wedding of the year and visiting counter-culture farming groups so clearly there is material to be had.

In the meantime, Kyrsa and Dave will be packing up and saying good bye to Maple Leaf. Colin, Susan and I  will wave to Dave as we see him passing us on the highway, driving south to Healdsburg. It was great being part of their moving adventure for a couple of days and helped me feel the reality of changes ahead. I never envy anyone the act of packing, cleaning and moving but the adventure can not be topped for challenges and growth- in good ways. So, just a little shout out of support of Kyrsa and Dave on the journey ahead. I suspect there will be lots of other journeys, yet unknown; so everyone get ready and take lots of vitamins. Complacency is really not in the cards for any of us right now. We might as well expect the challenges and face them with enthusiasm. With the future unknown to us all, we might as well expect good outcomes. They are not less realistic and are much less frightening. Have fun this last week of real summer before Labor Day. Have wine on the patio, watch the sun shine on the water and remember that summer always comes around again. It will be here encouraging us onward with hope and excitement.

Have a great road trip through the rest of the year.
Love,
Mama Llama

Today is your BIRTHDAY

Today, August 24, is the most auspicious day of the month if not the entire summer. It is both the apex of summer freedom and fun and the beginning of the end. Always strange not to be at the lake on August 24, having angel food cake and peaches and celebrating another year of amazement with Colin, this year we celebrate from many corners. But celebrate to do- with memories and smiles in our hearts.

It is hard to imagine a more amazing year than this one for Colin and for the entire family- I can't really! So many challenges and changes, frustrations and successes. I think we would all explode if any more could have been packed in. So, while we are celebrating Colin's year, let us take a minute to remember how full this year has been.

One year ago Colin and Susan were on the Colorado River encountering the Grand Canyon first hand; really  symbolic for the enormous energy ahead. Good-bye bike shop and gardens, politicos and friends and hello to sunshine all year long with lots of fresh veggies. The changes have included lots of challenges: the frustrations of sharing unemployment with the nation but learning to be a farmer and the success of choosing new directions,being accepted into a program of research and learning- having options! There have been trips to visit friends on the East Coast and in the Midwest. Friends and family have come to visit in California-celebrations seem to multiply with friends and family coming together to make partnerships or just be together.

The opportunity to climb the highest mountain has not only been metaphorical. There have been hikes to the mountains, lakes and sea, camping and sharing the beauty and diversity of the West Coast. 
Small moments have opened to make room for art projects, chicken-sitting and the most important task of building new community while staying connected with those already loved. No growth comes easily, while we sit and eat bonbons. While this thirtieth year has not been easy, it has been full of new adventures into unknown territory. Really, it is all the years before promised with more of the same to come. We always need to remember to enjoy the moments, realize our blessings and let go of anything that takes the smiles from our hearts. We can't  let the trip into the future scare us even if we loose the map.

Colin always reminds us to rush ahead and show no fear. I guess everyone was watching and learning. Lynne rushed ahead, right off the roof so was forced to slow down and smell the roses. The challenge to her was huge, with medical reports heading in all directions. She kept her focus and found her footing again, walking back to work to reclaim her profession with renewed energy and enthusiasm. This was a huge challenge but no one doubted she was up to it.Still, her strength has been inspirational for everyone who knows her. Linda had no small part of the challenge and the success. Being "The Support" takes extreme patience and love. As well as being a part of Lynne's challenge, Linda faced her own by energizing her search for a new job offering a happier professional life for her. She was successful! Her new company is lucky to have her intelligence,  commitment and loyalty.

Not everyone felt the need to take on physical limitations to find new meaning in life. Kyrsa felt the pull to new professional growth, leaving  the world of public relations and opening a new door, but to where? Passion and some new learning brought her into the wine industry full of energy and enthusiasm. She had so much fun and energy, Dave became jealous and wanted  that same feeling. Kyrsa's example lead him to try new roads. Theirs is now leading south to California, close to Davis and into Sonoma wine country. Kyrsa took up the challenge of school, volunteering, keeping old networks and building new ones.( Not to mention the HUGE house projects she and Dave tackled  throughout this year!) With lots of changes ahead, their energy, intelligence and enthusiasm will guide them while encountering some difficulties and many new successes, including  how to find time to themselves when family and friends book visits to their new home.

Not to be left in the dust, Erin continues finding  financial and professional footing in New York while the publishing industry crumbles around her. This year has been one of building and changing- changing jobs and expectations only to have new ones open ahead. The speed at which she contracts her way through copy writing and magazine building is daunting. Add a few shoots to style, writers to encourage, fashion weeks to post and 24 hours rapidly become 48. Still, she has found opportunities to travel the country and Europe more times than even she would have imagined. New York is a lot more fun when you have a chance to get out of town occasionally. Ideas change, new challenges lay always ahead and it is assured that new decisions will lead to more success, challenge, struggle and joy with friends and family keeping smiles in the heart. These are the elements that lead to all the best of life.

And all the best of life is where Barb finds herself this August. Last August she was struggling with the depressed economy and limited job opportunities. She was hiking with Lucy and biking with Karen. A year later year we find her married to a great "Dave" who hikes and bikes with she and Lucy. She is on the go MORE than ever before- working for non-profit and for profit with lots of fun in between. Always great at making time for friends and family, she has even more of them to enjoy. She is our poster child for the message that you don't know what lies just around the corner until you turn it.

So, happy birthday to Colin and best of all wishes for more of life's joys, challenges and times together with people you love. Take time to realize the amazing moments of living as you encounter them. Be thankful for those that love you and those you love. Continue to be silly when ever possible and have a very great year ahead! You are the best son ever.


Love.
Mama Llama

Eggcellent!

Finally!
(this is my little hand)

Already August

It really is true that summer days are faster that any others. Every summer I repeat the same words- where has summer gone? BUT there have been lots doings so that can't be the problem. We had much fun at Lacey and Corey's wedding, old friends to see and a beautiful summer day in Kingston with a beach wedding-what is not to like. Katie Pichoute was the celebrant. When she pronounced the final words ..."with the power vested in me..." an involuntary giggle passed through the crowd. It was nice having Erin here working away from the coffee shop but still able to have a beach walk before dinner. I finished the blanket for Lacey and Corey this week and am happy with the result. It is an unusual but strong color group and is very soft. All of the mohair was carded and ready to spin at the beginning of the month which has inspired me to send off another few bags to Barry in Quilcene where wool goes in and soft roving ready to spin comes out- really such a treat to spin. Just too much fun to use without the lumps and bumps usually part of the process.

August will hold many fun times too with a trip to the lake in a week. I only hope to find real summer weather while we are there because low 70's just doesn't feel quite right. Since I haven't been sipping juleps on the porch I will share the recent project from Kingston.

The chickens were complaining about the size of their summer cabin so I gave them their own range. I added chicken wire to the south side of the raspberry bushes with a little gate at the end and voila- free range chickens that get locked in at night. This was a great solutions but for some reason the chickens seem to want  to hang right at the gate. The first day there was a mass escape but I plugged the hole and felt reasonable confident again. Yesterday the Little Red escaped again and to my chagrin, I discovered that she was flying over the gate. I returned her to the range only to note that Buffy was sitting in the peach tree. AGH! these stupid chickens!

Today it will all change- hopefully! I have watched UTUBE so am now an expert on clipping chickens wings. Here I go again! I will let you all know about the success there. As well as wing clipping, there are rabbits to clean and groom, roses to tend and maybe even stepping stones today, though that may be one project too many and push me into insanity. David and I are making a rare visit to the Angeline Bistro in Suquamish tonight to celebrate our anniversary. We have been married for 36 years and it must be a successful connection when all is said and done because we have 3 children that could not possible be better.

Have a wonderful August everyone and enjoy the moments as they meet you.

Love,
Mama Llama

July Daze

The fourth of July has come and gone. Cameron's patriotic lei kept him warm while we all wore sweaters ! Cameron also taught l
Lynne the real words to "It's a Grand Old Flag" as she was humming in parts forgotten! Already  it is well past the middle of the month. How is that possible?

Here in Seattle we can not count but a few warm days and no heat by any standard. Fortunately Lynne invited me to come along on a mid-July lake stay. The weather started cold and wet but ended with lots of sunshine and dock time, including a day with Dave and Gail. It felt like summer had really come to 2010- think jumping in the water to cool off and swimming because it just feels good. The water is still high so the cocktail cruise included a trip around the upper lake. It is surprising the number of changes and still things remain pretty much the same in a good way.

One of the nice parts of a time at the lake is the drive over the Cascades. The summer has been slow in coming, even to Eastern Washington. Purple wild flowers blanketed hillsides with borders of white daisies and sprinkles of yellow. The greens of grass and sage were the background along with the bright blue skies and dark blue river waters. Post cards just can't do it all justice but you have seen it all and I hope this is a reminder to look into your eye's memory for a moment.

Returning to Kingston has been busy. The garden is on auto-pilot for the most part. There is a lot of dead-heading to do but the weeds have slowed a little. The harvest is slow too and makes me jealous of desert living! The strawberries were great this year but the raspberries are late and sparse- the birds are getting the biggest portion because all the wild berries are even slower. Fruit trees missed the bees so we have no cherries for pies and the rest of the trees show little progress. Don't expect much in the dried fruit shipments this year. Greens and peas are the biggest portion on our menu but we continue to have hope for August, including maybe eggs by then.

Speaking of eggs, the summer home for chickens is built and ready for occupation. They won't like the decrease in space but, if they get comfortable in their new home, they may be able to free range in the orchard during the day. That won't be for a week so we shall see how it goes. For now all we have is a noisy rooster who crows in the morning for a few minutes and 5 hens that eat well. They tell me that the eggs come after 20 weeks or so which puts us at around the end of August! As usual we discover that it really it much cheaper to just go to the farmers market, no matter WHAT they charge!But where is the fun in that? So for now, we all say enjoy the heat because at least you can remember you had a summer. Make as many happy memories as possible, eat ice cream and jump into cool water. 

Love, Mama Llama

summer feasting

Well, we put up with 100 degree weeks for a reason (no, not just the tan and excuse to drink all the time). Good food has arrived. Thought I'd share a picture of the vegetables brought home last week for a dinner with friends.

Tonight, it's too hot to cook indoors, so grilling lots of vegetables, including peaches for dessert.snacking on sungolds with mozza, and fresh melons. i realize i mostly just talk about food and the outdoors now. but hey, you take what you can get in the desert.

Happy Celebrations

The house is quiet and the cool rains have returned but there are lots of warm feelings swirling around. Would that I could share some photos but I left my camera in Lynne's car. It seems that is the theme of the weekend- leaving little bits of ourselves around so that we will be able to return... but pictures will be here soon to make us all smile.

The word around Seattle is that this weekend was the best gathering the Haspedis clan has had in a long time largely because  nothing was required of us except visiting, eating and drinking, with enough time to do it well. Combine that with an extraordinary coconut wedding cake and there is little more to make a perfect celebration.

Having a long meal with lots of wine and conversation on Tulin Road always makes me feel like family time, especially when there is a little story telling and a bit of idea exchange to keep everyone thinking. It was great fun to have Susan in the kitchen with me making things come together easily and with extra fun. I think all of the girls would agree that nails and champagne are the perfect way to start a wedding day- a little female bonding, always full of laughter and the reminder that we are always here for one another. Seeing old friends and new family on Sunday was a great focus event around which to gather, continuing the theme of wine and sharing into Monday at  Airfield. Kyrsa is a master at the wine tasting! We all had a wonderful time but having Anita and Lynne there to continue the weekend celebration made it perfect. Is there a better way to end a weekend than with a picnic in the sun and a glass of rose? Lest anyone think I am passing them over, family always includes Alex and Lisa. Alex's absence was acutely felt Sunday evening and commented on by many.

These are the reminisces of the weekend but the real reason for this little review is to share the words I heard all weekend. "Your children are really great". Of course I can only agree ( for the most part) but I do want to thank you all for your  generous hearts as we shared time together.  Lynne and Anita both said it was the best time together because of the many chances to visit and share. Barb had a great weekend and was sad only because she and Dave were not able to be at the wine tasting event! She wore her "wedding sweat shirt" to Pilate's Tuesday and her trainer could not believe Colin was not a professional (professional what?). For me, I loved every minute of the sharing time and laughter and being squashed into the back of vehicles...all moments to remember when challenges wreak havoc or when stress seeks to overwhelm. Thank you to us all for a great reminder that life really is pretty great and so are we.