Welcome Comfort Farm

Last of the Garden Flowers.

The herb garden is on it's last legs, but even with much cooler nights, the salvia hang on. I will need to harvest the herbs in the next few days and dry them for use this winter. The sage grew well this year, as did the flat leaf parsley, rosemary and thyme. I bought the neatest mini clothes rack to hang the herbs on for drying and can't wait to use it.

The days are shorter now and we begin to make our transition to late fall. I have been busy "putting things to bed" for the coming winter. I grew birdhouse gourds last season; dried and drilled them and hung them up for the birds. I'll be curious to see what if anything come in the spring to set up house. I like the look of them, even if they stay vacant. The leaves are past their peak around these parts now but I still marvel at the yellows. This year they were so vibrant, even on an overcast day. Sure is beautiful driving around. 

Cupcakes with a Twist.

I found these neat suckers with skeletal hands and feet for sucker sticks, so I sunk the sucker part into the cupcakes I made for Derek's class tomorrow. Scattered yellow sprinkles to cover the hole. I love them. Michael asked if it was ok to actually take them to school. Well, I'm thinking even if I get called into the office, it will be worth it. Ha. 

Jack-O-Lanterns.

 Words can't quite describe what Derek does with his pumpkins every year, but it glows none the less and these two carved orbs sit proudly on the front step attempting to scare any passer-bys. I roasted the seeds this year with butter, salt, and worchestershire (sp?)  sauce until they were crunchy and we have those to snack on as well. 

Look Out GQ!

Michael and I were taking a walk down along the river and he decided to strike a pose. Ha. I just had to share. 

Ray has some Visitors!

(Pictured left to right) Ray, Nancy and Paul 

My dad Ray had some visitors out from Nevada for a visit. He brought them out to the farm and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner together. These three go way back and the stories flew about their adventures from when they were young and restless. Paul has an ornery sparkle in his eye yet and I suspect can hold his own with the best of them! Having just celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary, it was great to spend an evening with such an enjoyable couple.  

Yuck.

Does anyone know what kind of spider this is? I watched it make this cocoon and then go about it's merry way. This spider is large...bigger than a half dollar large. I was totally creeped out just getting her picture. I am assuming there are a million little copies of her in the sac and have snapped off the stem and placed it in a lidded jar just to see what comes out. But yikes! This is new to me!  

Remember.

Fire station in Marshall, MI today. 

First Day- New School!

Wow...Do you even recognize them!? They looked so handsome this morning. High expectations both academically and behaviorally at the new school. I can't wait until they get home today to tell us all about it. We are NOT used to getting up this early though! Especially after the long reunion weekend! ZZzzz..

Here piggy. piggy...

We were at the Hiday Farm picking up our vegetable share and Derek ran out to check on the pasture raised pork. They seem to be a happy lot. Certainly leading a much nicer life than corporate pork. 

I have spent the week trying to pass a kidney stone and have been miserable. Two visits to the ER and one visit to a urologist. I am home on pain meds with instructions to try and pass a 6mm stone hung up in the tube coming into my bladder from my kidney. I have a few weeks before they go in and get it, unless I can't bare the pain or start running a fever. Oh Joy. 

We are back from Vacation!

Kristy and Jennifer were able to be at the lake all week and Christopher had a few days as well, so it was great to have so much family be able to get off work at the same time. The weather was cooperative and we had a wonderful week together.

Michael floats on foam and rides the waves.

Derek enjoyed the Kayaks, wearing blisters on fingers he paddled so much!

Emma went along too, as she is still very much a mamma's girl. She was interested in the hubby's reading material, and also used him as a jungle gym. She is finally gaining and starting to explore. I'm confident she'll eventually catch up in size to her litter mates, who have already been released.