Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Boo!
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Its been another busy 2 weeks around the house. The cats are driving Greta Crazy. Dixie has stalled in her growth at 25 pounds and we are all well. Gina and I blasted off to Charleston, South Carolina for whirlwind visit to attend my Cousin Samantha’s wedding.
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It was a blast. Gentle walks along the beach, delicious dinners and a lovely wedding at the Rutledge house. The highlight was seeing all the family, something we don’t do often enough. DSC_8925DSC_8914
Well that and watching my dad try to skim board. Now that was entertainment! Go Dad & Happy Birthday! Go big 60!
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DSC_0056DSC_8919To see Gina's big spill cart yourself over to Garrets blog at http://www.garrettsblogspot.blogspot.com/
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Save for the gentle (abusive) brow beating that indeed I was still the oldest and the remaining unmarried adult in the Brightwell/Sexton family of hitching age the trip was pleasantly wonderful. Note: my family loves and adores Gina, thus all of our families problems reside in my inability to propose. Go figure.
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On to other exciting things! This past weekend we picked up 5 gallons of Cider form the Chapin farm outside of Essex, Vermont. The mix of apples was specifically designed for making cider from a dazzling panoply of heirloom varieties.

Also we spent 1 day photographing our dear friend Lind Furyia and her son Manfred for their Christmas card. Additionally, we photographed her making home made Tofu. Now, despite the wrinkled noses of those of you who are not fans of Tofu, home made varieties are significantly different, much lighter, creamier with a delicious flavor.DSC_0736DSC_0527DSC_0445
Our replication of the process last night was less than successful since you must use a special magnesium based salt instead of regular sea NaCl. So all we got was a big ol vat of salty soy milk. However the flavor was wonderful, just too salty! Gina did perform some kitchen magic turning the spent beans and husks into a lovely crumbly pancake to go with her soon to be famous orange/ginger/garlic glazed Salmon with fresh steamed kale! We ate like kings last night!

Otherwise, life has been busy with work work work. Around the house the leaves are all gone, we have the occasional snow and sleet showers though it is still too warm for anything to stick, thank god. I’m not quite ready for winter yet. Come on Global warming! We are in the midst of winter prep work, gas the snow blower, sweep the chimney, buy extra batteries, stock up on food, etc… as it looks like we are in an area that has frequent power outages. Ugh. Guess I’ll have to start shopping for a new more efficient woodstove AND a backup generator.

Anyway, I took out the ‘ol measuring tape and produced a hyper accurate survey of the land. Although I do need to get some surveyors out here to truly define the property one day. I’ve constructed a graphic for planning purposes as I need to put some fencing up for the sheep. Yes you herd right! ;) Sheep. Uncle Gary and Aunt Kim are helping Gina and I develop a herd of sheep. They have been phenomenally successful with a small herd of California Reds, and they look like a great way of augmenting our income and gleaning some of the finer raw materials for our home, raw milk for cheese, wool and mmmm mutton. Gina said, no killing of the sheep for meat. Shucks. I guess its wooly cheese then! I’ve been plotting and planning the best possible methodology for practical and easy pens and pastures for next year since I have to include the pigs Jon is bringing up from Ticonderoga!. Wahoo what fun!
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So that’s about it from the north pole. Happy Halloween everyone!

Scott & Gina