Welcome Comfort Farm

Groundhog Day and ol' Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. Must have timed it right because the sun was certainly not out much of the day. No complaints from this Michigan girl though, because, truth be told, it doesn't even feel like we've had out first six weeks of winter!

With all the rain and what little snow melt we did have, the holler below the homestead is full. The Coldwater River overflowed it banks and formed what the geese best enjoy as heaven on earth. Normally they would have to wait another eight weeks or so for such deep waddling.

Breakfast, freshly laid. Thank you my ladies. For those of you who do not have access to farm fresh eggs, surely you must go on a mission to find a local farmer or neighbor with backyard hens willing to part with these little powerhouses of nutrition. Coming from hens free to roam as nature intended makes for quality and taste that cannot be beat.

The MIL (Mother-In-Law, [who lives with us]) and myself will be eating these sunny side up over fried red potatoes. It is an unbelievably balmy 41〫on this first day of February with a pleasant week forecast ahead and I am grateful for the mild winter thus far.

My youngest daughter recently moved to the "Gateway of the Ozarks" accepting a difficult to find, full time teaching position in her field, and I am hoping she can now also find a local supplier for the quality of eggs (and more) she knows from home.

So I received a text message from her a few days back that simply read, "Last post on blog=May 24, 2011". So, my dear youngest, I will do my best to keep you updated on the daily drama that is your home sweet home, otherwise known as "Welcome Comfort Farm".

I'm not a Walmart fan, but we stopped in for something the other day and discovered their "Artisan" Breads. This is "Everything" bread, freshly baked and it was surprisingly delicious! I will have a slice for breakfast along with some berries. It is early and there is a chorus of birdsong out the kitchen window. The husband has left for work and my day will begin as well. Laundry, chores, 30 minutes in the garden, a walk with Jen and Ellie, and then off to the studio office. We have a dry day today, ( yeah!) so this evening will find us working in the garden before the rains come again for Wednesday and Thursday. Spring is a such a busy time here on the farm, and all this rain has us a bit behind. Not to complain though. Things are looking lush and our shallow well is sure to be alright for a spell!

My youngest daughter arrived early this morning to the farm and made the husband and I a wonderful breakfast of French Toast with Cream Cheese and Raspberries. Inspired by the gesture and the aroma of the lilacs wafting in through the screen door, the husband brought in a bouquet. I plopped them in an old Mason jar on the table and here we sit, drinking coffee, inhaling good smells, eating great food and enjoying each others company. Life is good :-)

We have had a wet and cool spring and as predicted, it is quite suddenly hot (88〫yesterday) and we are a couple weeks behind with our planting. It will be a busy weekend as the seedlings waiting patiently in the hoop house finally make their way into the soil. I have a sweet potato sprouting in the windowsill, plunked in a canning jar with water, just as my Amish friends instructed. This will be my first year planting them and I am very excited to have homegrown sweeties! I planted the Coneflowers and Shasta Daisy seedlings all along the patio fence and they have taken off nicely with the rain and heat. That fence line ought to be a burst of blooms come this summer! We are also very excited to have Rose Breasted Grosbeaks and Baltimore Orioles hanging around. Beautiful plumage and song throughout the day!

Got a Facebook news flash that today was "Chick Day" at Voyce's Elevator. I made an immediate call to the husband to stop on his way home from work, buy a bag of chick feed and score some free chicks! We love Chick Days! Thank you Voyce's! Aren't they precious? Now I need to look them up and see what kind they are!

I'm whipping up some Cranberry Crispies this morning to go along with the Turkey Potato Tetrazzini that will be supper tonight. I'm trying a new recipe, only I'll be making my own Alfredo sauce and using freshly steamed broccoli in lieu of chopped frozen.The turkey is simmering on the stove and things already smell yummy in here. It is overcast and cool, making for a good morning to transplant some perennials before work too. Later this afternoon, I'll head over to the Amish farm where the fella that shears our sheep lives. I am certain the sheep are quite ready to lose their winter coat. There are several Gold Finch at the feeders this morning. They have nearly lost their dull green winter coat and will soon be sporting their bright yellow plumage; a sure sign better temperatures are on the way!

While staying with the Amish last week, the ewes started to lamb, making for an exciting and busy time. This group of mommas seemed like a particularly friendly bunch and I regret having to leave before they were well on their way to birthing twins and triplets. I am certain they could use some extra hands and I would have totally enjoyed being in the nursery this week!

I'm spending this week with my Amish "family". Marie and I woke up early this morning and made home made cinnamon rolls. Yum! I ran up to the nearest town to an internet cafe to work just a bit while the rolls rose and baked. Will be back soon to eat them for morning break. Love it here!

I'm leaving the husband behind to hold down the farm for a few days and heading off for another Amish adventure. Catching the train tonight and going back in time to a completely different culture!