Enchanted Kitchen at Fire Fly Farm

The Dark Side

2012-01-22T03:24:00.000-08:00

The poverty and population of Mumbai is staggering. It is considered the richest city in India as well, which is not the statistic that comes to mind when walking the streets. It is all thrown together here, the spectacular, heartbreaking, chaos, peaceful temples...everything. The population of Mumbai is over 20.5 million and growing. 10~15 people die each day on the public transportation system. Mostly from people hanging on from the outside or sitting on the top of trains, the wires above that the trains pass under are 220 watts, this is the reason for the highest mortality in this horrifying statistic. So many people, even with trains leaving every 5 minutes, it is not enough to accommodate the demand. Once on the trains, it is often impossible to make it in time to the door to get off at your stop. There are no maps on the train and no one announcing the stop.

The signs and the smell of poverty that you witness no matter where you are here is something you cannot even conceive. Due to a corrupt government, things happen here even if illegal. Gut wrenching barbarity like child prostitution. I can only imagine how a place like this must dull your senses after a long period of time. I hear that people who have grown up here have a hard time leaving, they feel lonely, that it is too quiet elsewhere.....

Tamarind Jungle

2012-01-19T23:44:00.000-08:00

Reality India is a tour group that is beyond any tours I have ever imagined. They are fabulous. Only three in our group each time and 80 percent of the money goes to the place you are visiting and Dharavi. My amazing sister with her extensive research found them, they came highly recommended and I certainly know why. Yesterday I attended the Village Tour. The translated name of the village is Tamarind Jungle. I left the apartment at 6:30am and returned after 9pm speechless with the whole spectacular adventure. We all met up at the Gateway of India in South Mumbai. I hadn't been there yet and at 7:30am, it was just starting to take a morning stretch. Marine Drive was full of people taking walks, stretching, doing yoga, some in what we see as workout clothes but most in traditional clothing of India, women walking in sari with sneakers.

On this tour were two other women, Rosemary and her daughter, Sonja, both from Germany. Rosemary has been living in Mumbai for three years. We were instructed to board the ferry and our guide (one of the founders of Reality India) would meet us on the other side.

We met up with Krishna and hopped on the bus. I had the adventure of hopping on as it was traveling down the road, determined NOT to be separated from the rest of the group. Before catching the rickshaw, we stepped into a cafe for some late breakfast, tea and discuss what we would be doing for the day. The food here was amazing. Everything I have had out has been made from rice, even the unleavened breads. Then I discovered what an Indian toilet is like. Here, there are no seats. You squat over a hole. Some places have a spigot and pail to fill and "flush" or rinse the hole. It smelled as if I was the only one who did the rinsing step. We then clammered into a rickshaw for a long dusty trip. We stopped to pick up as many school kids as we could fit on our way to the school. The school had a handful of small classrooms that had to hold 60 students, many sitting on the floor since there were not enough seats and desks. It was an exam day so after much commotion of us being there and them wanting us to take their photos (Krishna downloaded our pictures so he could make copies for everyone) they settled in. With much giggling, the girls shared with me that my name in Hindi means cat. The feathers in my hair has been drawing much attention everywhere I have been going. I pulled some out and pinned them in their hair. Much excitement.

Then off to the village. About 200 villagers had left that morning on a pilgrimage to a holy place three day's trek away, so it was very quiet. It was peaceful anyway, no automobiles just bull driven carts. It was like being on another planet after Mumbai. I loved it here. The land was covered with rice fields, some trees and a small cluster of brightly painted homes. Each home had an elaborate alter to the Basil Tree with a Basil tree growing on top. Everyone came out to great us, we were invited to lunch with many homes. We did have an arrangement to have lunch with one family. The two young girls of this family joined us for the whole walk, gathering tamarind, fruit and berries for us to try along the way. The village had one shop that was half of the shop owner's home. The owner was also a musician so with his wife's prompting, he pulled out chairs and his piano accordion to play and sing for us. Most of the remaining village gathered as well. It was fantastic.

We walked to the rice fields to see families threshing the rice. It is the time of the winds so men were sifting rice as the wind blew to remove the chaff. We were invited to join them for lunch also.

There is a tribal village above this one. The tribal residents make temporary dwellings of straw here in this village and are the brick makers. Bricks are all made by hand, sun dried and then kiln dried. We visited the tribal village briefly before heading back.

Lunch was incredible and served in traditional style. We sat on a mat on the floor and ate together without silverware. This is what I had been preparing for back in Maine. I had given up using silverware and switched from coffee to tea a week before the start of my trip.

The ferry ride back to Mumbai was festive and lively. Not just us but everyone on the boat was rejuvenated. We were on the roof of the ferry, the boat was packed due to the next one being canceled. Music was playing, people were dancing and laughing. A man was selling potato chips he was kettle frying up fresh before boarding the boat. One of the young men bought a huge bag and the whole ride the young men were feeding the seagulls from their hands. The seagulls wildly followed the ferry all the way on our one and a half hour journey to Mumbai.

Mumbai is breathtaking at night. The lit up skyline is magnificent and from this view coming in from the harbor, it did not seem chaotic at all. Even after getting off the ferry and walking thru the throngs of people selling balloons, cotton candy, bubbles, tea, trying to take my picture and hail me a cab.... as I stood on the street deafened by the horns, cracking up over the gawdily flower decorated and neon lit horse drawn silver carriages, I found all the craziness of Mumbai somehow alluring after dark. Mumbai is growing on me.....

Slumdog Millionaire

2012-01-18T06:01:00.000-08:00

There is so much here in Mumbai to take in that is so foreign to anything I have ever seen. By the end of the day I am utterly exhausted beyond imagination. It is like my brain is learning something new and incredibly difficult each day just by witnessing these things. I don't even think I can attempt to recount the events. Jen described it wonderfully, it is like trying to describe a taste of something to someone who had never eaten that before, like a strawberry. After today, I am now thinking it is like describing a strawberry to someone who cannot taste at all.

I went on a tour of the largest slum in India, Dharavi. I felt torn about this, that it would just break my heart and seem a disrespect and violation of the resident's privacy. Jen explained that the money went to the community and we read the debate that the folks, Reality India, gave about how it was to educate people about what was actually happening in this community and what the industry was there and the work that was being done....the tour was fascinating. The guides for the tour were young men from Dharavi and the community center that the Reality India tours created and funded taught Dharavi residents the computer and language skills to continue to college and help with job placement.

Dharavi was incredibly intense. The feeling I am left with is the remarkable pride of these people, they work hard and everywhere I went I was greeted warmly. The "tour" is kept small, there were three of us. I could go on and on about the fraction of this amazing place that I saw. One million people in Dharavi which covers just over one half a mile. Most of what we saw was the recycling of plastics. What the companies make and the pittance of what the workers are paid and the conditions they work under is a crime. The industry makes 650 million after taxes a year and pays out 150 rupee a day to the workers which is $3. The residents who stay do not want to leave Dharavi due to the close sense of community. Most of the residents work outside of Dharavi. It is mostly migrant laborers from other villages in India that do the industry work inside Dharavi.

The ride to and from Dharavi was in itself an epic adventure. The four lane highway is just a guideline at best. Most times there were six or more cars careening around and down the highway. Anyone who has ever had me as a passenger in their vehicle knows how challenging that can be. I decided to NOT look at the road at all ahead of me if I didn't want my heart to explode and to focus instead upon the other mind boggling scenes we zoomed past. It was the best call I could make.

Streets of Mumbai

2012-01-17T01:41:00.000-08:00

There is so much to see and take in while roaming the streets of Mumbai. My head hurts after. I felt better prepared today, yesterday was just intense and overwhelming. Today I was READY. The sounds of Mumbai are a constant, endless around the clock blaring of horns and hammering. At dark add dogs barking, at about 3:15am the roosters start. The air is thick with smog, heat and a smell you don't want to think much about, later in the evening and early morning there will be a lingering scent of smoke. Hitting the streets I started on a lovely road lush and shaded with greenery and a perfect breeze. The streets are not marked so trying to absorb the landmarks when not familiar with anything and feeling overstimulated is always interesting. Jen and Vladimir made a good point, try looking up, the building of school, apartment and new apartments being built are all quite tall. When I hit the major street of my day's adventure it was complete chaos. Crossing the road was one of those life threatening challenges, that when I finally made it to the other side, my heart was racing. I crossed this street twice.

I saw everything you could imagine. There were chairs set up on the side walk with a man lathering up a man's face for a shave, others cutting men's hair in front of a stand selling cups of tea in front of another tarp roofed shop selling sandals. A bicycle with a grinding wheel to sharpen blades, vans parked with doors open to display incense and bags full of colorful spices, chickens in cages with the racks of eggs for sale right above the chickens, young boys pushing carts up steep hills full of pineapple, with a machete to cut it up for you, loads of street food vendors with carts or make shift tables, tarp covered shops selling everything, fruit piled upon tables lining the sides of streets and flowers that looked like carnations strung on strings of garland. All of this with a constant noisy stream of cars, buses, trucks, rickshaws, bicycles, motorbikes and loads of people on foot, the horns going off continually. Attempting to take in the vast array of shops, I noticed there were also pockets of shops, a horse shoe alley of sorts to check out. These shops are mingled in with dwellings. This is where I found my salwar kurta, orange of course! It is a casual wear one and I love it.

I stepped into a bank since my ATM card is free anywhere for currency exchange. There was a man standing at the entrance with a shotgun. At the end of this street there was the Oberoi mall. I wanted to check this out and perhaps find a restroom. I walked thru security like at the airport, complete with walk thru metal detector, bag search and pulling me off to the side for the wand scan. The mall was huge, several stories and air conditioned. Restrooms were spotless. As I stepped outside the mall, there were three men scrubbing the walkway around the entrance.

From the apartment where my sister and her lovely family live, is a lush view of the milk district. Seeing so much green space in such a tremendous city is like comforting eye candy. People here work endlessly, Mumbai does not sleep it seems. This is a city of monumental population, 24 million and growing. I wonder what people do all hours of the night and where they are continuously rushing off to....

New Year~

2012-01-14T18:47:00.001-08:00

As a blogger it would be shameful that it has been this long since I have blogged. It has been a wild ride since I have last posted. A blur of an amazing season, the highlights being the farmhouse has a *new* roof, brilliant new paint job and the inside front two rooms re~taped, mud and painted. Huge. The exterior work prompted by the insurance company which has my coolbot walk in cooler project postponed another year.....ah, well, the house looks fabulous. I am still in the process of putting it all back together on the inside, which of course has spurred on a feng shui attack. Much needed. Having piled two rooms (and of course epic rooms, the kitchen and living room) into the other already full two rooms for several months as the schedule of markets and farm never cease, has led me to feel as if I could be on the edge of being a hoarder. Which scares the crap out of me. But, hey, if this is what it takes to make my life more simple, I welcome it!! Purge!

Another of the many highlights is: Fish Tacos at the Common Ground Country Fair!!!!!! I finally did it, applied and was excepted as a food vendor at the Common Ground Country Fair. This fair is a spectacular event of all Maine Organic fare from celebrations and DIY workshops of all types of rural living. I have been doing the Farmer's Market at the fair since 1993, making crowns from dried flowers and the ever fragrant signature scent of the fair: Sweet Anni. This year, I had my amazing staff doing the crowns for me and another fabulous crew assisting me with Fish Tacos over in the food area. Fish from Port Clyde, hand pressed masa tortillas formed and cooked right there, with the crunchy slaw and chipotle crema, all made fresh and from Maine (except the lime....). We had such a blast I wondered why it had taken me so long to do this? We laughed thru the three days that flew by.

I am now on the trip of a lifetime. I am in Mumbai visiting my sister and her lovely family. I have been here one day and know this will be the trip that will change my life. I am thrilled and always wanted to go to a place that would have such an impact. Photos and adventure tales will soon follow.....

April Fool

2011-04-02T16:25:00.002-07:00

It was the best April Fool's joke in Maine since the flood of 1987.....this time instead of flooding rain, we received 18 inches of heavy, wet SNOW! It was incredible, snowing, at times horizontally with the strong winds for over 24 hours. Many are still without power. Today, the day after the storm, it is still breezy, the sun brilliant to make all the perfect untouched fresh snow all sparkly.

Packing up for the farmer's market was a wonderful workout of snowshoeing, shoveling and balancing act while hauling tables, baskets, pastry boxes and glass jars of treats while on snowshoes to the van that for the first time was not parked in front of the bakery. The roads were a mess until Canaan so it was a nice slow ride in. I made it. The winter markets are a complete blast. Not as many in numbers but for us who come, it feels like survival camping. What we do for any farmer's market is incredible but the winter ones throw in a whole new realm of endurance. Today was sunny, altho a bit windy. Winter markets are more laid back and there is time to be social with everyone. The mutual respect for the vendor and customer relationship that each are so committed to come to the market in any weather is tangible. It is the most special event. I always know why I am there and I adore my loyal customers.

After a much less strenuous unpacking of the van upon coming home, I went for an afternoon snowshoe to enjoy the last (?) snowfall of the season which is destined to not last long. Out in the back field, the breeze was strong, the sound of water moving and crows calling, the smell of melting snow and tree bark warming in the sun.....Spring is still underfoot....just waiting to burst into full bloom.

Cold Climate Grape and Wine Convention

2011-02-23T04:32:00.001-08:00

I had the great fortune to visit Jen, Maks and Vladimir and also attend the cold climate grape and wine convention.

Maks, Jen and Vladimir were loads of fun as always, I feel so fortunate when we can all get together. I miss Maks’ laughter already.....

The cold climate grape and wine convention was incredible. I am so impressed with the folks that organized this spectacular event which about five hundred people attended and it ran smooth as silk. The coordinators were few yet dynamic and knew how orchestrate this event with subtlety. I have been attending loads of meetings, conferences and conventions this winter and could really appreciate what they accomplished. The detail that we were able to cover in our workshops was priceless, identifying wine flaws with eight glasses of wine in front of each of us, seven of which having flaws for us to determine by smell. Wine tasting and blending, each group of four having six bottles of wine for us to identify and blend, all local wines. Speakers from all over the country. I was on the enology track, other tracks were viticulture and marketing. Meals were included, wine strolls, socials and breaks to network with other growers and wineries. Speakers, vendors and us attendees all had the chance to mingle together at each break and mealtime. It was fabulous. The convention vendors were amazing and I feel like I now have a handle on what equipment I am ready to invest in. From the crushing, fermentors and oak....right down to the yeast, bottles and corks. I have ordered loads more vines to plant soon but want to get my hands on some grapes! What I would do for a small batch to play with right now......
Cheers!

Dearest Oscar will be missed

2011-02-20T17:18:00.001-08:00

I am heartbroken to share that my beloved adopted barn cat Oscar has died. It seems he has been diabetic all along. Something that tragically had gone undetected until it was too late. He got sick and then crashed so hard within mere moments that the vet hospital in Dover Foxcroft could not revive him. They were wonderful and tried everything. He was on an IV to try and rehydrate him for five days before it was clear he was not going to recover. He had been drinking loads of water but had an episode of vomiting during a ride to David's so he could watch him as I was to leave town. It is hard for me to comprehend that a cat so vibrant and playful just hours before could crash so hard. But he had been slowly diminishing due to the disease of diabetes, I am just sick over not knowing this in time to save him.
Rest in Peace Dear Oscar~

Winter Pace

2011-01-31T10:15:00.000-08:00

What a great week....it all started with National Pie Day. It was a true holiday for me, eating pie all day and not having to bake a single one. I don’t think I have ever laughed so much with folks I hadn’t ever seen before. Who couldn’t be happy, a bright, brilliant day in Rockland, walking around with others joyfully laughing, eating amazing pie at the lovely restaurants and historical Inns along the ocean in Rockland! Each venue had a savory and sweet to try. I thought I would try them all. Pacing myself when it comes to food has never been my forte....I was reminded of this while at the very first place I stopped. The savory pie was so fabulous, I had a second sample.....a little voice reminding me this was not a great way to start. I didn’t regret it, it was the best one I tried all day. Smoked porkloin on a cheesy quesadilla with smoked tomato and cilantro pesto.....it was smokey, creamy, tangy...all my favorite flavor sensations. After recovering from my pie hangover, there was much skiing to do to make up for such decadence. The cross country skiing has been fabulous and having the company of my neighbors makes it all the more fun.

January seems to be the meeting palooza month for farmers. The dates for meetings seem to be stretching into February all ready.....fantastic meetings mind you, much inspirational things learned and shared and great to see everyone. SInce we never have time to meet until this time of year, it always seems intense. This weekend has been the Farmer’s Market Convention which was fantastic. The workshops were wonderfully attended and the presenters amazing. I cannot say enough about this conference, incredibly reasonably priced and packed with irreplaceable information. The facilitation was scrupulously effective which is something that is not always seen at meetings. So much was packed into the time and it all ran smoothly and promptly.

I face another week of meetings and deadlines of things I let slide a bit....enjoying January and realizing spring will be here before I know it so I am cracking the whip upon myself to get caught up in the small window of time left to do it all in.....before the whirlwind of summer.....aaahh~ summer~

May everyone be keeping warm

Snow Days and Homemade Stock~

2011-01-12T12:04:00.000-08:00

What a stormy snow day we are having too!! Dark with winds over 40 mph and the snow falling so thickly, it is white out conditions with the wind. I am hoping to go x~country skiing later if I can make it to the woods without being blown away. It is the perfect day to read and cook....soup!! I traded John from Maine~ly Poultry for some of his smoked turkey legs. Deep, dark, smokey skins, perfect for soup. The bones and meat have been simmering away for hours....soon to add the vegetables. It smells divine in here and am getting incredibly hungry. Taking a sip now and then from the pot as a taste test makes me realize that there is nothing better than homemade stock.....and snow days!

Winter Sundays~

2011-01-09T10:03:00.001-08:00

I LOVE winter Sundays. They are perfect, today sure is anyway. I have been a bit under the weather since New Years so today I awoke feeling a step in the direction of better. Yoga, poached egg on my bread. Yoga kicked my butt since I hadn't in far too long. My New Year resolutions are getting a late start....I blame it on not feeling myself. Poached eggs. I have not made a poached egg in I don't know how long and they are divine. Eggs are the staple this time of year if you have chickens so I will be featuring recipes with EGGS for my markets these next few months. Poached egg on my bread....wow, did I miss my bread!! I baked for market yesterday, the first market since December 18th with the way the holidays landed this year. So I may have thrown off the value of poaching my egg with all the bread and butter I ate along with it but oh well, that is what happens when reunited with a long lost love, sometimes you lose yourself. And what better day to luxuriate in such indulgence than a winter Sunday.....woodstove radiating warmth, sun popping out to motivate something adventurous....the whole day lies ahead....
May you all find something to relish upon this fine wintery Sunday~
Cheers!

Best Of 2010

2011-01-01T11:11:00.001-08:00

I just Love New Year's Day and today is a stellar one with temps into the 40s and a brilliant sunny start. It is sad to see the snow melt and I am soon to head back out to play more in the disappearing heavy wet white before the predicted rains start.
The first day of a new year is bursting with possibilities untainted by the realities of the days ahead, gripped by an optimistic, exciting, anything~can~happen feeling that I Love to embrace. I try to feel this every day but New Year's Day is even more special, like a birthday. This week, I have experienced one of those "watch what you ask for" moments....the classic resolutions of wanting to lose some weight and cutting back on caffeine have been floating thru my mind and to my surprise, I was seized with a bout of food poisoning the last four days and has made a very good start to this resolution. It made the long travel home from my family holiday in Michigan an interesting one, as you can imagine.....
I also Love to reflect back on the "best of" the year passed. I have so much to be grateful for each year and this one was huge with the completion of my commercial kitchen, breaking ground to my new vineyard and working in my clay wood fired oven. I am completely grateful for the loyalty of my customers, friends, neighbors, family and farm help whose support is what makes my dream become a reality. I am blessed and grateful beyond words. Here are more of the highlights and Best of 2010:

Favorite new adventure
My *new* kitchen!!!! I now have an amazing commercial kitchen separate from the house. Which I cannot say enough amazing things about....AND now my house is not taken over by catering equipment, I have a storage floor above the kitchen for everything related to the business, aaaahhhh~

Favorite new DIY projects
My clay wood fired oven!!!! I have had a few pizza parties in this amazing oven and am now playing with baking in it.....my dream is coming true.....

Favorite new ground breaking adventure
Grape vineyard. This last spring I broke ground for the site in a field I had been cover croping for six years and planted dozens of grapes for making table wine. Dozens more are to be planted in the spring of 2011. I am currently working on having my license for being a farm winery. YES!! I am sooooo excited!!!!!

Favorite food adventure
France....traveling to Rouen to eat at the restaurant, La Couronne (established in 1345) where Julie Child first had her French culinary experience that changed her life. It changed mine as well....

Favorite new ingredient
pear flavored Modena balsamic vinegar, oak barrel aged for 20 years. Simply Divine.

Favorite new pairing
Delicata squash, oyster mushrooms, shallots and gruyére cheese. Richly Divine.

Favorite new staple
red quinoa.....I Love quinoa and this one takes one more step into taste enlightenment. The perfect grain, loaded with complete protien and an enchanting history......

Favorite new ice cream recipe
Strawberry rhubarb crisp...fresh and exquisite....

Favorite gastronomic meal
La Couronne~Rouen, France and Nostrama~Bar Harbor, Maine

Favorite escapist experience
snorkeling off Culebra Island. All I wanted to do is float, staring at the brilliant wonders beneath me, hoping to have this luminous sight etched permenantly in my mind’s eye

Favorite new tradition
Skiing out to join my neighbors at their cabin in the woods on New Years Eve for thier unbeatable New Year’s festive revelry

Favorite event
the first day working in my new kitchen.....the favorite event that still continues....

Favorite new kitchen gadget
Knife magnets!! No more knicking knives or fingers searching for the right knife. Knives are now organized neatly in a row on the magnet mounted right where you need it on the wall.

Favorite new appliance
Convection oven!! This is not new, far from it. I purchased my convection oven at an auction eight years ago. It has been stored until this year. Placed in my new kitchen this summer, plugged in and it sparked right up and has been a miracle appliance ever since.

Favorite new cookbook
Thai food made easy.....this book is fabulous. Made easy is the key. Fabulous Thai food made in a snap.

Favorite new pieces of cookware
Le Creuset, my collection is slowly growing and I am completely in Love with each piece

Favorite new knife
Kuhn Rikon, Switzerland made, sharp and light as a whisper. The lightness I have to be careful of but when cutting tomatoes it is superb and for cutting the crustiest of bread, the Rikon glides thru as if cutting butter.

Hair raising event
The fire on my apprentice, Laura's first day......short lived, thank goodness due to the fabulous Saint Albans fire department!!

Happy 2011 one and all, may your resolutions, dreams and wishes all start to become a reality~
Cheers!!

Countdown to 2010

2010-12-27T17:49:00.001-08:00

Here we are, the last days of December and 2010.....in full holiday swing, festivities a bound, I am trying to grasp that it is almost 2011. It has been a wonderful time with family and friends here in Michigan for the holidays. I don't get to visit but once a year so making the voyage for a couple weeks, thinking I will have time to see everyone is a huge fantasy. Who I do get to see and what we share together is fabulous but the time slips away and before I know it, I am heading to the airport.

I am thinking of what 2011 holds. It will be twenty years that I have lived in Maine and the end of 2011 will be the ten year anniversary of purchasing Fire Fly Farm. Incredible.

I also am thinking of what resolutions to be made for the New Year. I find resolution creating fun, the beginning of a new year, what transformation, opportunity and new adventure it may hold. I feel 2011 is going to be a magical, exciting new year, I can feel it.....
I wish everyone a wonderful end to their December, time to rest and safe travels if traveling. Here is to the countdown to 2010!
Cheers!

Winter Eclipse

2010-12-22T16:57:00.001-08:00

I would love to hear how many folks out there were able to view the solstice eve’s eclipse. I tried. I set my alarm for 1am to catch the beginning. I am in Michigan for the holly~daze with family so I quietly bundled up, but Momma with her bionic ears met me at the door, she knew what I was up to....I went out to the crisp night, in the crunchy snow and watched thin clouds pass over a brilliant full moon that the eclipse hadn’t yet started to touch. I stayed out bathing in the full moonlight until the cold made me think I could give it a bit of time as I warm up. I set my alarm again for 2am, in case I fell asleep. I was watching the most amazing full moon eclipse, the darkness was floating over the full moon that was blazing, as I watched, my whole family arrived to join me, my sister, Maks and Vladimir arrived from Germany, my brother was suddenly beside us days early, my cousin Kolene and her family and my folks all stood beside me as we gaped at the eclipse swallowing the full moon. Then, my alarm went off, as I groped for the alarm in my disorientation, I couldn’t believe that I was INSIDE and had yet to go out and view the eclipse that my dream so vividly lead me to believe I HAD seen. I bundled up once again. Sadly, the skies were completely shroud in clouds that were so thick, only a blur of light was visable where the moon had shown full less than an hour before.

I have had the amazing fortune to see a full moon eclipse I believe 1993. I was floating down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon with three other adventures.....we were camping out, I think it was the first week of December, snow was falling on the canyon wall, I slept out with just my sleeping bag. The four of us canyon floaters were sitting at the campfire, howling at the full moon and suddenly, a dark shadow crept over the fullness of the moon. Being on the river for a month, we had no idea.....it was a full eclipse that made this trip of a life time all the more magical.
Happy Winter Solstice!!

Winter's Great Embrace

2010-12-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

Winter is here in Maine. The ground is covered with several inches of snow, the temperatures are plummeting to the single digits for the next few days, holiday carols are at full tilt and the Salvation Army bell ringers outside the shops. Me, I have been in denial of where we are on the seasonal calendar. I can't quite understand why since I enjoy the holiday spirit. I haven't yet adjusted into winter mode altho I am excited to bust out my cross country skies tomorrow. Time is just traveling too fast, I haven't had time to psychologically catch up. Embrace it I must or it too will fly wistfully past.

Appleton Creamery had their annual two day Holiday Market that I was grateful to again be invited to vend. This year it was at the Sweetgrass winery and distillery. They have a beautiful copper distiller that produces their brandy, rum and award winning gin. They have very special wines also. It was a fabulous time.

Last evening I was invited to join my dear farmer friend Matt Gerald at Nostrano in Bar Harbor. It was an Italian feast of localvore delight. All I can say is it was one of the best meals I have ever experienced. Matt's friends made it all the more special. Nine of us sitting around our private table, sharing wine, stories, laughter and amazing food.....nothing is more perfect than this. I have been wanting to attend this special supper club since I first heard about it two years ago. We booked this date several months ago. Of course, it was the date of the first major storm we have had this season. I called in the morning....no snow date, it is still as scheduled. So I headed off, giving myself plenty of time in my new/used all wheel drive van. My all wheel drive somehow mysteriously disabled (my "message center" alerted me of this just a couple miles down the road) and my ABS light came on. Then, my wiper fluid ran out. It was a white knuckle 2 1/2 hour drive that I was in desperate need of a shoulder massage but I made it to Matt's in time. As I drove up his drive, I saw another vehicle. It was Isabella and Danielle. I thought they may need a ride....stuck? No, there was a large tree down in the driveway. Matt arrived with his chainsaw and we hauled the tree out of the way so we could all get to our much awaited dining experience. Yes, just another day in Maine.
I stayed over on the coast (not about to drive again until the roads had cleared) and had time to stroll thru Matt's heated greenhouses this morning, grazing on all the fresh greens and edible flowers in his greenhouse as I listened to the lovely music he has playing for his plants. Maybe that is why they taste so extraordinary. Matt had an inversion table and shoulder stand device also in the greenhouse. I did both and I have never felt lighter. As I hung completely upside down by just my ankles I felt something snap in my abdomen. It was strange but whatever it was enabled me to feel like I was standing taller when back on my feet. I now LOVE the inversion table.

I made it back home in time to bid another dear friend Bon Voyage as they leave for St. Croix for a four month work assignment. They are saving a stand by ticket for me to come visit them. How lucky is that?! I think March may be the perfect time to take advantage of such a gift of tropical paradise.....

Winter farmer's markets are going full tilt. I will be in Belfast this Friday 9am~1pm at the Aubuchon Hardware Greenhouse. Not only will I have my baked goodies there, I will be doing a hula hoop workshop. Come on down and decorate your hoop and hoop for health. An absolute blast....
Saturday's winter market is in Orono, 9am~12 in the municipal parking lot behind Pat's Pizza.
I hope to see you there and you will be surprised at all you can still find at the farmer's market all winter long.
May your holiday preparations be joyful~
Cheers!

Last days of November

2010-11-26T09:02:00.001-08:00

The day after thanksgiving.....I believe there is always so much to be grateful for. Where to begin is the only question. Living my dream and having the support of my friends and family sizes it up pretty well. Without support of family and friends to share it all with, it would mean nothing to me. This holiday, I am fortunate enough to be with family. My sister, her beautiful son and husband. All together, the rooms filled with laughter and joy. I tear up to just witness it, let alone be a part....
Gratitude is mine.

Full Fledged Fall

2010-11-08T11:03:00.001-08:00

Aaaaahh~ November, the depths of Autumn. Most of the leaves are on the ground, and the rains are here. Several inches of it and water in the basement. I have live trapped my stray barn cat, had him snipped and he has taken being inside with a warm embrace. HE won't even go out in this weather! He is a darling, ole Oscar.

So it is official. I am not going tree planting at all this year. It may mean a more stressful time of it financially but I am truly enjoying being home. Friends, food, playing with and taking in all that I work hard for is a fabulous thing and I have never been happier. I love my farm and home. I love Maine winter and am thrilled to fully enjoy it this year. Having time to do the things I have always wanted is amazing also. I was invited to join my friend on her annual family wine making weekend. Third generation wine making family. What a riot!! Pressing grapes, bottling wine from oak barrels, the real deal, and what fantastic wine!! The best I have ever tasted from the United States.

Now that I am staying home, I am planting the greenhouse with hardy greens and going to begin my learning curve of baking in my wood fired clay oven. Time to whip up new goodies for all the loyal customers that continue to shop thru the winter at the Farmer's Markets. Fire Fly Farm's Enchanted Kitchen will be doing several winter farmer's markets: Fridays in Belfast at Aubuchon Hardware on Rt. 1 from 9am~1pm (until the week before christmas), Saturdays in Orono's municipal parking lot. Every Saturday this month 8am~1pm, then the second and fourth Saturday starting in December, hours being 9am~Noon until the end of April (then the summer schedule will start up again). Bar Harbor is starting a winter market also the first and third Saturdays 10am~1pm at the Bar Harbor Cellar Winery on Rt 3. I attended the opening Saturday and it was a blast. Inside a lovely renovated Barn at Sweet Pea Farm.
So just because there is snow on the ground, you can still get your farm fresh goodness thru the winter months of Maine at your year round farmer's market and winter CSA share farms!

May you keep warm and eat wonderfully~

Season's Fold

2010-10-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

I love love love October and Autumn. I really enjoy all the seasons but the thrill of October is brilliant. Foliage blazing, crisp air, the smell of the fields, so sweet and pungent. When the days are sunny I feel I have to be out in it since winter is coming. Putting the wood and food up is a labour of love, I think of all who will enjoy it and this reality warms me. Offering food is what I do and am happy it is something I can give since it is so important.
All the ovens going, baking, drying, roasting....reaping what I sow and putting up the bounty. Pure joy.

As the garlic is planted, food dug and stored and fields wrapped up, this time of year offers the window of opportunity to *play*, be social with friends and share meals together. THIS is the best. With the early dark, it feels luxurious to catch up on sleeeeep and reading. I am starting to feel like I am not yet 100 years old and a tad bit rested, it may take a few more days.....I will relish every moment. I have decided that I must take the time to enjoy all that has happened this year. It has been a whirlwind, a wonderful but wild one and to step back and out to truly enjoy all that has been accomplished is what I need to do, let it sink in and celebrate it. It is so easy to keep working hard and not stop. I love to work hard, it makes me feel content but stopping is amazing also. Time to indulge my secret lazy side.

The new kitchen is fantastic. This winter I am looking forward to playing in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes and becoming efficient in this large space. I remember a friend asking me when looking at this farm, "it is so big and there is only you, why do you want such a large home?" I replied that I had huge plans. My lovely Fire Fly Farm has been everything I dreamed of. The loyal support of my customers that come rain or shine to the Farmer's Markets has made this all possible. These moments of true community are what make all the difference. I am full of gratitude~
May you all be enjoying this most spectacular Autumn~

Post Common Ground Country Fair and Farmer's Markets

2010-10-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

It is one week after the annual Common Ground Country Fair, a one of a kind Maine event, it is hard to describe the Common Ground Fair. It is a complete DIY festival, I wish every region had one. All Maine, all organic. Workshops on how to build or craft anything and everything, how to be truly in tune with the land, farming sustainably and seeing a life style of self sufficiency. This event is always the third weekend after Labor Day weekend. I could go on and on about how fabulous the fair and MOFGA is, you can check out the website:
http://www.mofga.org/TheFair/tabid/135/Default.aspx

Being back at my regular schedule of Farmer’s market this weekend is like a festival also. I feel rich in fabulous food trades with all my favorite farmer friends. Missing just one week makes me miss everyone. This community of farmer’s coming together, creating/growing their amazing goods, then packing it all up at wee hours of the morning, driving to a vacant parking lot to set up a complete shop and transform this open lot into a festival of colorful and incredible variety of vegetables, dairy, award winning cheeses, wool, baked goods of all kinds, flowers, fresh meats of all sorts, smoked, cured meats too, seafood and poultry. Every farmer spends multiple hours making this open air market happen. Then at the end of the market, pack it all up and voyage home.
Some folks believe they can do anything. Farmers really can, I undoubtably believe this. After a farmer’s market of sharing stories and crazy adventures of the week on the farm, I am proud to call myself a farmer, to be a smaller version of what these great folks, our farmers, are all about.
Come out to your local farmer’s market. Experience the true spirit of community and how you can be a localvore~~yes, even in Maine.

Autumn in Maine~

2010-10-02T12:52:00.001-07:00

I guess it is terrible when my LAST blog post was~~ I cannot believe it is September and now here it is October and the same thought is in my head.....

October is one of my favorite months. I LOVE Autumn. Cool breezy, sunny days with brilliant foliage blazing and the signs of a time very soon when things will slooooow way down. At this moment, this thought of a slower pace is very comforting. Time to read, write, do yoga, create.....PLAY!!!! Now it is the time to scurry around with the squirrels, packing away my winter stash of the beautiful food I have grown, prepping the fields for winter and planting the garlic. The greenhouse is still going strong and is filled with plants offering freshness late into the fall and early winter. With these crisper days, one can muster the energy necessary to prepare for Maine winter. Even if in a state of exhaustion. It is exciting, the change of a season. Especially one so fabulously dramatic as Autumn in Maine. The strong winds are taking the rustling leaves from the trees all around. May you enjoy this Maine Autumn to it's fullest. It is really a spectacular one~

Tomatoes, squash, corn and raspberries.....oh MY!

2010-09-09T06:56:00.001-07:00

September already.....this is hard to wrap my head around, not that there is a lot of time to contemplate this at the moment.

The last wedding of the season I catered was a wonderful event on the top of Indian Hill in Greenville overlooking Mt. Kineo and Moosehead Lake. Such a lovely family and my staff was out of this world fantastic~

Now I am baking for my markets as well as gathering LOADS of bins of food that needs to be put up for the winter. What an amazing growing season and since I have not had irrigation, I am feeling very fortunate indeed to be swimming in such a variety of fruit and vegetables. Next week will be the real push to get this all processed. And to be able to do it all in my *new* kitchen!! A grand space and clean up is a breeze~
Happy Feasting~

August~

2010-08-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

As August comes to a close far too quickly, I want to fully embrace all that has taken place. Time passes in a whoosh yet so much happens. Things that I am truly grateful for and huge events that I want to let soak in and give the attention they deserve. This sometimes seems hard to do as deadlines of the height of summer never take a pause, not even for a moment as we try and live in the moment.

August holds amazing highlights for me and Fire Fly Farm. An incredible schedule (in one ten day stretch, we did seven markets and two weddings), an amazingly spectacular kitchen that I can now work in that is what I always dreamed of (a studio of a working area), the beginning of my little stonehenge magical space, a fabulous new/used van that wonderful friends I met treeplanting last fall found for me, and the departure of my apprentices. And of course, the feasting of fresh food that August offers. Delights of all kinds to be picked just before preparation, the food brilliantly vibrant with color and flavor beyond anything else one could imagine. Life is grand in August. I feel blessed. And exhausted, but it is good. Better than good actually, it is amazing and that feeling of true amazement and gratitude for dreams coming true is what I am taking a moment to be grateful for and to really let it all sink in. This is it. This is my life, it is happening, it is all real and I have never been more happy.

I raise my glass of homemade wine to a toast for your dreams to come true~
Cheers!

Whirlwind~

2010-08-11T06:35:00.000-07:00

The summer is flying past~
A marvelous one it is!! The weather has been stunning, the markets bustling and loads of catering events for us here at Fire Fly Farm. The kitchen is coming along and the gas is scheduled to be hooked up FRIDAY!! Oven moving TODAY!! Excitement and a bit of feeling anxious regarding moving the ovens, but all is good.

The catering events have been fabulous. Lovely weddings with great folks and spectacular locations and the Kneading Conference was INCREDIBLE. I could go on and on.....but must get on to my baking schedule. I wanted to drop a quick line and will hopefully find time to write more soon.

We are eating every type of fresh vegetable from the gardens these days and able to supply most of our catering events as well. I LOVE this time of year~

My lovely apprentices are leaving in a couple weeks to go back to school. I hate to even think about it, I will miss them so~

OH! The Perseids peak August 12~14 AND there has been Aurora sightings.....look to the stars~
Cheers!

Summer of all summers~

2010-07-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

Aaaaaahhh~
Another spectacular day~
Gentle shower in the wee hours of the morning, cleared late morning and full warm sun with a gentle steady breeze. The humidity has broke and this day seems perfect.

A nice balance of work and play. I met up with one of my clients and her family to check out their wedding site and discuss wedding details over looking Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo. What a lovely wedding site it is, I LOVE Greenville. On the way home, I saw a moose and met up with dear friends for lunch at Spring Creek BBQ.

The farmer's market and catering season is in full swing. Last evening, I catered a lovely 10 year anniversary party for the General Store Radio Show, http://www.welcomeradio.org, that was a blast and am getting ready for the Kneading Conference this Thursday and Friday. The Kneading Conference is one of my favorite events of the year. Fabulous workshop filled days covering everything to do with grain and baking in wood fired ovens. Wood fired ovens are on location, blazing away, with world renowned bakers pulling delights out of them all day for everyone to enjoy. I have the honor of preparing the meals for this fantastic event. Check them out at:
http:www.heartofmaine.org/kneading/

May everyone out there be enjoying their weekend~
Cheers~

Adventures of July~

2010-07-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

Another whirlwind week at Fire Fly Farm. Bee swarms, a vehicle accident that has totaled the fire fly mobile but everyone walked away all right, thank goodness. The first pizza bake in the clay oven that went fabulously and surprise guests that enjoyed amazing pizza, pasta salad and lavender and rose ice cream.

Between dealing with insurance folks, finding another van and the usual crazed pace that July brings, I am exhausted. I don't mind the physical exhaustion, the stress part I could do with out. But this too shall pass and summer is whirling by~ what a fabulous summer it is with the true weather of summer we are having!

The baby chicks are growing incredibly, they will be joining the other layers soon~

My kitchen is sloooooowly coming along. I would love to post photos but I dropped my camera for the last time it seems. I will have to go camera and telephone shopping when I get a vehicle. Funny how everything starts to go at once.

May you all be enjoying this fantastic weather and summer bounty the gardens and farmer's markets are filled with~
Cheers~

Summer surprises

2010-07-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

This week of incredibly hot, amazing weather is made for swimming, which I had a chance to do a fair amount. The days sweating it out in the field and kitchen were "walk in cooler dreaming....."
I had a chance to help a little with Christa and Michael's wedding. What Christa and Michael have done on their new farm in just a few months is incredible. I LOVE farm weddings anyway and Christa and Michael's was simply magical, the two of them, the beautiful farm with spectacular views and their friends and family made the perfect day. They built a walk in cooler that I was running back and forth to and realized, I MUST build one immediately!! Thus the "walk in cooler dreaming~"

Today I had a swarm with my first hive. It is long story but from now on, I am trusting my own instinct on the swarm and not "the experts". The first sight they swarmed to, I was certain I could recover them....the way they gathered seemed too good to be true. As we scrambled to get another hive body put together, the winds kicked up and in between checking upon them, they disappeared. We searched but nothing. I will look again tomorrow but am feeling very sad to have lost them. I have learned a couple lessons. It is important to ALWAYS have an extra hive body ready for such events.

I am falling asleep waiting for bread to bake, I guess it is time to keep moving!
I hope all are enjoying this most amazing weather and harvesting summer treats from gardens or visits to the farmer's markets~

Coming back around to pie

2010-07-02T19:09:00.001-07:00

Several years ago I purchased a pie kitchen. For two years, I "seasonally" made pies. 27 different flavors of pie to be had at all times by the slice or whole pie. I never understood the saying, "easy as pie" and really felt it was a misdirected statement. I dreaded making pie, it didn't seem easy. Cake seemed easy, not pie. Perhaps it was the many types and flavors, perhaps the timing of this whole thing. This pie adventure wasn't truly of my own creation, it was one of those opportunities that came my way and I thought, I can do that......

The shortened version is, I stopped the pie gig, took my equipment and installed it at home. I stopped making pies as best I could. I had pie requests that I felt I forced myself to fulfill. I had a deep case of pie burn~out. So now, about seven years later, as I am rolling out the pie crust, because after all, pie burn out or not, what baker doesn't make pie?!!....I realize that am enjoying rolling out the crust and preparing the fruit I picked myself. The ritual of it all seems soothingly familiar. Instead of the dread, I feel the same joy as I do with everything else I bake. The words of the folks who enjoy my pie come to mind, bring a smile and as I relish in the texture of the crust I roll out, I realize that I have come around to pie. I still will not use the phrase, "easy as pie", but I now know that I enjoy making it again and will make time for new pie inventions and creations.....

Delights of the Garlic Scape~

2010-06-27T05:31:00.001-07:00

Fire Fly Farm has a BOUNTY of garlic scapes so they find themselves in every thing we eat this time of year. Garlic scapes are the seed pod the garlic send up and when you cut them, they are delicious to eat. Especially when they are are early and tender. I blend them for pesto with olive oil, a little pine nut or walnut, sea salt, nice fresh feta from the farmer's market and toss with fresh pasta. I steam them or roast them, chop them up to add to eggs, hummus, well, everything!. Because of their curly cue wildness, garlic scapes make fun garnish and even bracelets to wear for the farmer's market!

The deep bee hive supers I ordered have arrived. David and I put them and the frames together and my first hive now has two hive bodies!! Happy busy bees. I also ordered a new bee jacket with zipper attached veil that is divine. I was having trouble with my other set up and now fully understand the expression, "she has a bee in her bonnet".

The red squirrels are becoming a huge nuisance. Every year I have to remove a few, so am off to find the live trap. They start by robbing the chicken treats and then spend their time on my window screen watching me bake, screaming and whipping their tails, wanting to help themselves to what I am creating and I am certain, it is just a matter of time that they will find a way in the house. Already this morning they snuck into the van while we were packing it up with baked goods for the market. Darn squirrels.

I will be curing the wood fired oven for several hours today. Jeff Dec, my mentor extraordinaire, has shared with me that I am just a few more curing fires away from PIZZA!!!! I am VERY excited!

I hope you all are enjoying this most amazing weekend and many delights from your gardens or local farmer's market~

Summertime!!

2010-06-25T19:29:00.001-07:00

Well, it is officially Summer and what a summer indeed!! We know how to appreciate each and every gloriously beautiful day after last year's rainy summer......

It has been a wild week of great highs and stressful lows.....I realized something the other day, while I joke about really running off to join the circus someday, I don't need to. My life IS a circus. The circus is always in town at Fire Fly Farm. Circus's are a blast, but they also can be very exhausting.

SOOOOO, the fabulous highlight of this week: THE CLAY OVEN CRACK IS REPAIRED!!!!!! And a lovely six inch insulation layer we finished also. It looks fantastic and I am once again thrilled beyond words about the progress.
The lows of the week mostly come from how stressful building projects can be. I won't go into the gory details, they are too painful to relive. I am still hoping it will all be good in the end......it has been sloooooow~and darn right agonizing. But this week will be a new week~
Having this new kitchen will not come too soon, I cannot wait to spread out. Funny how creativity can be suppressed when one's space is so cramped. I am ready to soar in my new kitchen!!!!
Have a fantastic weekend everyone~

Ground Breaking~

2010-06-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, June 16, 2010 ground breaking was done for the new catering kitchen. I am excited and exhausted. Funny how so much excitement can be exhausting.....it was a loaded day, builders, tractors, new hive delivered, straw pick up, working with new apprentices, and baking, whew. Every time I am in my kitchen baking, all I can think about is how wonderful it will be in the **new** kitchen. I get so excited about just the vision of it, I have to suppress it since I get so beside myself and spin out. It really feels like it will happen now, not just my dream.

I now have three lovely apprentices. They are fantastic and all get along fabulously. They are all staying for various periods of time here at Fire Fly Farm. I feel so fortunate. With their help, things are getting all caught up so we can soon work on the wood fired clay oven again!!!! Hopefully we will be able to finish the crack repairs and insulation layer Tuesday.....

Today I am preparing for the bake off for markets~
Friday: Belfast's Main Street Festival Farmer's Market 9am~1pm on Main Street
Saturday: Skowhegan Farmer's Market 9am~1pm, you can meet all three of my lovely apprentices here
Saturday: Orono Farmer's Market 8am~1pm, I will be in Orono
Sunday: Bar Harbor Farmer's Market 9am~Noon, my lovely apprentices will be here

Speaking of Farmer's Markets....last Saturday I, with the help of my lovely apprentices, held a hula hoop workshop with the kids and customers. What a BLAST!! I want to offer this to all my markets now. Skowhegan Farmer's Market is doing a fitness/nutrition series that each marketer is sponsoring a Saturday. We at Fire Fly Farm put together a bunch of various sized hoops and had colorful tape for folks and children to decorate their own hoop. Then for the fun part, hooping all market with the fabulous live music that is happening each Saturday! Come join the fun!!
See you at the markets~

Memorable Memorial Day

2010-06-03T20:45:00.001-07:00

So I have gotten my bees and am thrilled. One nuc and another to be ready very soon. I drove very carefully home with a buzzing hive of bees in the back of my van. Boy do they ever have a sweet tooth. I am feeding them a sugary syrup I make up for them every day until they have enough food built up for themselves. They are slowing down on the syrup now but they were going thru four pounds a day for a couple weeks there. Their little leg satchels are loaded with bright yellow pollen as they roll back into the hive. All is well in the bee kingdom it seems.

The demolition of the packing shed is complete as of today. Whew! Construction on the new kitchen starts MONDAY!!!!! I am so excited that I could just burst!! I will be ready beyond words to spread out. I am down to half the space and half the ovens so as you can imagine, bake days have been interesting......

I have a new lovely apprentice, Laura. She is fantastic and as I shared with her the other day how happy I am and how comfortable I am around her and how much I appreciate her being here, Laura said she felt the same. She said being here is better than she ever imagined! I am relieved. It makes me happy when others are as happy here as I am.

Laura's first day, Memorial Day, was a huge adventure. I told her every day wasn't quite like this.....thank goodness. It is a loooooong story but the short version is we worked on salvage wood reclamation, forest fire suppression (with the assistance of the fire department) and a manure treasure hunt together. Then, finally, we were able to do some work in the fields transplanting before the rains came the following day. We enjoyed a fabulous feast of market and Fire Fly Farm cuisine at the end of the wild day. She is still here. I am grateful.

Catch up~

2010-05-19T09:51:00.001-07:00

Geez, so much has happened since my last post. Wish I had more time to update the ole blog....

The Beltaine celebration was fabulous as always and I think each year is better than ever. My wonderful neighbors came this time and other new faces which always makes the whole party! The perfect day for me is to have my friends together laughing, sharing food and having a great time.

The next week had challenges but they are over, thank goodness. The highlights were losing my apprentice and cracking my clay oven. My help leaving was best for us both in the end, we both knew. The oven cracking broke my heart. I realize I have to ask more specifics when someone advices, "go ahead and make a big fire, using wood stove sized wood" Me being the one who just dug an asparagus bed for 50 crowns and ended up planting 125 in that dug trench.....so needless to say, I made a ripping fire and later heard a bang, ran to the stove seeing smoke billowing out from everywhere. It is moments like this that I turn off, go numb, telling myself to keep moving, no time for a melt down and when ready, go for plan B. I am ready to tackle the oven again, but won't have time until next week.

This week has been incredible, I feel I am back on track and ready for my season. I am lining up more help, getting in my groove and getting loads done. The demo of the addition is coming along great, I have a lovely hive of bees and more coming in a couple weeks. The fields are mostly planted, greenhouse is cranking out the yummy greens, I am trying to shuffle my baking schedule around to be sustainable and life is good.

My life lessons are to live in the moment, have patience and to keep breathing~ as another spectacular birthday was celebrated last week, I made my toast to this!

Cheers everyone!

Excitement Abound

2010-04-24T17:19:00.001-07:00

Another whirlwind week.....

Last weekend I had the clay stompin' party to put up the dense layer of the clay oven. It went wonderfully. So many folks showed up and the air was filled with laughter as we took turns stomping clay barefoot as it drizzled and snowed around us. Yes, it was the coldest day of the last month but it made it all the more adventurous!! The oven is gorgeous.

Monday, I attempted the insulation layer but stopped after one ring of bottles. I felt like it needed a little time and I needed more materials. So today after the Orono Farmer's Market, one week from the building of the dome, I scooped out the sand that was the mold for the dome and what held it up. I took out the wooden form that we used to support the brick arch doorway and the arch crumbled and came apart in a couple places. No worry, breathe, that can easily be repaired I coached myself....the sand was still damp and packed tightly. As I scooped, I kept thinking "what if it collapses??" Kendra (clay oven builder and wood fired bread baker extraordinaire) has been one of many wonderful encouraging folks and she told me today at market, if it collapses, you will just build it again. Just the thought of it collapsing made my chest tighten and heart skip a beat. Better to find out now than spend more time and resources on the insulation layer. Okay. I can do this. So it started slowly and tentatively which was quickly replaced by excitement as I caught a glimpse of a piece of the interior clay wall as some sand fell away.....and it stayed intact!!!! Then the rest went swiftly and smoothly. Kendra also gave me a tip today at market of taking a tin can, punching holes in the sides along the bottom and lighting a small fire inside to be able to easily move it around. This worked wonderfully and I will do this each day until ready for a larger fire. So now I am VERY much looking forward to baking in this amazing clay oven! It has been so long in the making, I am beside myself with excitement to think of baking in it soon....

The week was also filled with preparing for the demolition of the attached building to the house and rebuilding it. A 20 x 36 foot structure. Permits, contractors, deposits, ready, set, GO!! Another dream ready to become reality. What an exciting year. So many ideas for the season to soon share.....

Jamie Oliver

2010-04-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

My new favorite program is:
Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution
and I don't have TV. I have been watching it online......
What Jamie Oliver is doing is incredible. Jamie is completely genuine and has such character, he is the perfect leader for the Food Revolution. Watching the Food Revolution is so inspiring, I am thrilled to be growing vegetables and being a part of the localvore community. Every school will hopefully embrace the Food Revolution!! Maine has been working on farm to school for years. It is exciting to see a major network supporting this and Jamie.
Here's to change~

Farm Fun

2010-04-14T17:51:00.001-07:00

Aaaaaah~ what a day! The fields are tilled! The back field that I put in clover last year, I am prepping to be the vineyard along the orchard and it looks fabulous. As I prepped the front field for tilling I noticed that the peas are just starting to pop up and I was delighted to forage some greens that had wintered over. I have been enjoying the chard and cilantro and noticed the watercress today~ YUM!! I dug loads of yellow dock root for tincture and the rest of the parsnips. There are enough parsnips for recipes to feed folks during this Saturday's clay oven building party here at Fire Fly Farm. We will be finishing the clay dome, I am SOOOOO very excited. The next party for the oven will be making pizza!!

I am trying to salvage some wild grapes that have taken over the back tree line along side the front field. They have been running wild longer than I have been here and have climbed several stories into trees. They are lovely Concord grapes but are so tall, I can no longer harvest the fruit. Inspired by Savage Oakes' pruning workshop, I set to work. Trying to pull them out of the trees is harder than imaginable. I was literally swinging from them and several wouldn't budge. Some came down and I realized that safety glasses would be a good thing when a load of debris came showering down and a large piece bounced off my eyeball, managing to scratch both my cornea and new glasses. Argh. At this point, I am happy I can see! Irritation will heal.

It has been the kind of satisfying day that you feel your muscles sighing in relief as you sit down for a moment~ I like these kind of days~

Early Spring~

2010-04-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

What an spectacular week here in Central Maine. Daffodils are blooming, lilacs are leafing out, garlic is several inches tall, an evening chorus of peepers, larger frogs and LOONS. The fields are greening and it feels like it is time to plant! I have several hardy greens and peas in the ground and want to do more, so I will.

The clay oven project is progressing as well as other exciting building projects. It is amazing to have this gift of early spring. Apprentice applications are still pouring in which is exciting.

I went to a grape growing and pruning workshop at Savage Oakes Winery last weekend in Union that was fabulous. I learned so much and what a beautiful farm and vineyard and lovely folks. Their wine is fantastic.

I am trying to declutter. Spring cleaning with an edge. It is so hard to separate. But it must be done.

I have participated in a couple online auctions last week. Interesting events, auctions, even online they can be intense. I am happy with the items that I won. The highlights are the stainless steel. Inserts, pots, a monster awesome griddle (cast iron), and wire racks (most exciting).

I hadn't been contra dancing for YEARS and went to the Belfast dance Friday. What a blast. For anyone wanting to contra who is or even more importantly ISN'T experienced, Belfast is the dance for you. What a wonderfully gentle crowd of all aged folks having the best time. The band was fantastic and Chrissy Fowler is the best caller ever. Every first Friday of the month at the American Legion Hall on High St, Belfast, 8pm.

Have a stellar week everyone~

Foodie t.v.

2010-03-28T19:59:00.000-07:00

March is coming to an end. It has been a little cooler this week but Spring is here. I baked this Friday evening, it is wonderful to break bread again.

I don't have television but can watch programs on the computer. I checked out Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution reality show. I really dislike reality t.v. but this one is so far palatable and I just adore Jamie Oliver.... so I enjoyed the two episodes I watched the other evening. I am impressed that ABC is showing this. Startling facts about how horrific many American's diets are and how the children of this time will have shorter life spans than their parents due to diet. Things like this NEED to be realized now and more importantly changed. I was speechless at how these children could not identify any vegetable, not even a potato. But they all knew what a french fry or chicken nugget looked like.

It is late....more soon~

Happy Spring!!

2010-03-23T13:33:00.001-07:00

**WOW** What a first day of Spring it was....almost 70 degrees, sunny, the perfect day....it just went too quickly~ It has been a fantastic week back. Spending time catching up and trying to focus on completing a few things. Coming home after an extended trip always seems overwhelming. I am happy to be here and excited to jump right in and end up jumping into everything all at once and the end result seems pretty scattered. Now time to make a list and stick to it. Big things are getting under way....very exciting ones that I will not mention right now....but soon.....

Managed to seed four varieties of peas and many hardy greens in the ground before the rain. Just couldn't help myself! The garlic in the field and greens planted in the greenhouse are up, as many other signs of Spring are popping up everywhere. It is here so early this year, it still feels so strange....

One of the best things about coming home is eating the food I have grown and put up. Farm meals which every ingredient has come from Fire Fly Farm is about as good as it gets. The next best thing, is to share it~ Life is good~

Arrival Home~

2010-03-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

I am home now, ready to hit the ground running. I cannot believe there is NO SNOW. Record winter cold and snow everywhere I have traveled to arrive home to bare ground. Amazing. I am now trying to switch into Spring mode and am very excited to be able to do so this early in Maine.

The last couple weeks of my holiday were perfect. Puerto Rico and Culebra Island. Cave exploring and snorkeling were the highlights. The best snorkeling in the Caribbean they say and it blew me away. I cannot even try to describe the colors and fish I saw, it was magical, I was so excited and snorkeling was all I wanted to do. The days flew by floating in clear blue water, swimming with the fish of every color of the rainbow, through waving vegetation and coral of equal stunning colors, it was breathtaking and blissful. As I sit here, I still feel as if I am floating upon the waves, a smooth rocking my inner body still is doing~

Camuy cave was incredible. There is something about a cave…..This one is the third largest in the world. There is a group of spelunkers that I want to hook up with next time to do deeper exploring. It had been closed several years ago when we tried to go due to a fatal accident so I was happy to go in at all.

The juicy ripe fruit was my favorite food eaten on this leg of the trip. Papaya large as foot balls, pineapple, mango…..with all the fruit, beans and rice and occasional fish, swimming and riding the bicycles we rented to get around, I feel as if I lost weight on this vacation! Especially when trying to out ride the barking dogs chasing us…..

I have never realized how many different types of rum there are either…..

The best ending to the amazing travels and time with family I have had the great fortune to enjoy this winter is coming home to Fire Fly Farm. It is a brilliant sunny morning here and I am just beaming with joy with all that I am filled with. I could not be more grateful.

Spectacular Switzerland

2010-02-22T12:10:00.001-08:00

I found out today, I don’t have my “mountain lungs” quite yet. I remember how wonderful I felt last year at the end of my spectacular Switzerland holiday with Jen and family. I felt like I had been in marathon training hiking every day and felt fabulous when I returned to the low lands, so much energy. It was very obvious that my lungs were NOT in that shape today. Pack mule lungs I called it then. I didn’t float up the trail, I more like flailed. Well, maybe not that bad but it took much longer to go the distance than I remember. Yesterday I did better but took an easier route. Today was another perfect day, sunny and warm, typical Switzerland winter day.

Jen, Maks and Vladimir are on winter break so that is why we are now in Switzerland. Since they had lived here for several years before moving to Germany, we all drove back for them to visit and Maks is old enough now to take ski lessons. Vladimir is a skier also, so the guys are going to hit the mountain on skis. I have lost my need for speed long ago and I hyper ventilate just crossing these insanely steep trails on my snow shoes! Skiers must wear helmets it is so dangerous. Not for me. If I injure myself or worse, I want it to be doing something I LOVE, so at least when my self employed self is healing I won’t be cursing myself, I will be fondly remembering the what ever of a lifetime. That is my adventure rule of thumb, be bold but LIKE it!

Maks was adorable on skis today. I can hear him purring in the distance, fast asleep. Sounds like a great plan~

LOVE LOVE LOVE Switzerland!!!!

2010-02-21T23:01:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Switzerland and all breathed a huge sigh of relief. We were all very happy to be back. Jen, Maks and Vladimir had lived in Leysin for two years, I had been visiting in the winters and it was a warm welcome for all and a brilliantly sunny day. To me, this alone seemed a huge, glorious change from the constant gray of Hamburg.

Leysin is a small village at the top of a stunning Alp. Where we are staying (just above where they had previously lived), the only way to get higher are the hiking and ski trails. The air and water are clear and fresh. Just being here makes you feel like you are doing something incredibly healthy. We unpacked the car and scattered for various missions, mine was to hike up Profandaz. I want to hike and feel like an olympic trainer for the last wonderful week of my fabulous European holiday. The perfect ending….and great balance to indulging in all the fabulous Swiss chocolate, cheese and baked goodies. Funny, it can be expensive here but the cheese, chocolate, wine and bread are inexpensive…..what else is there?? I dream of being here longer and growing the vegetables and fruit to round out my diet…..I have only yet enjoyed the winter wonderland here, I am afraid if I visit during the growing season, I would be a goner…..just seeing all the freshly pruned grape fields makes my heart ache. I fantasize about what if when I see these darling tiny chalet’s tucked into the remote mountain side with nothing more than a foot path to access it. But….I am truly and completely in Love with Fire Fly Farm…..that is why I return. It is hard to be torn between great Loves. My darling family here in Europe and my Farm.

Until I depart, I will enjoy my beautiful family and this indescribably amazing country completely~

The End of My Hamburg Stay~

2010-02-21T22:59:00.000-08:00

My last week in Hamburg was perfection. On Valentine’s, my sister had a beautiful bouquet of tulips (my favorite) and lovely local truffles (another favorite) for me. She threw an amazing dinner party, everything was fantastic. I went to the St Pauli Fischmarkt for the last time that morning and it was PACKED. If only our winter markets were that bustling, the only way through was to shuffle along with the throngs of customers. It snowed, but now that seems to be what happens each day.

I decided my favorite is herring. I enjoy pickled herring in the states but the herring in Hamburg is so amazingly fresh and the texture like sushi which makes it my favorite all the more. The ways to have herring are endless. I did not manage to try them all but if I could eat more I would have.

I bid farewell to Hamburg as we all packed up the car, Jen, Vladimir, Maks and I headed towards Switzerland~
The first day on the road we traveled to Stuttgart where I had a “typical German meal” and what I will refer to as a meat feast. The local red wine was fabulous.

After a nights rest….destination: Switzerland!!

snowy Hamburg~

2010-02-13T07:46:00.000-08:00

Having it snow here in Hamburg for almost two months is extreme for here but with all the record breaking snow fall everywhere in the states, it probably doesn’t sound as big a deal.

I am having a great time playing with Maks, the days are flying by with me laughing through them~ Today Maks lined up three gummy treats saying “I am three” after asking me how old I am and me replying, he looked at me with shock and said “how do you get that many?” as I laughed I was thinking, how did I get that old or how do we ever get that many gummy treats?

Yesterday I ventured to Hamburg to purchase a pair of red shoes. This has been something I have wanted for YEARS. Not being a big shopper it has easily slid for this long. The other day when I was in Hamburg, I noticed in the shop windows several nice pair….then doing some research online to see what these brands were…… If I am going to purchase a pair of shoes in Germany, I would want them to be German made. I don’t have a nice pair of shoes outside my hiking boots, boots and Birkenstock work shoes….I am now a very excited owner of the most beautiful German made brilliantly red shoes! I LOVE THEM.

I also noticed a long line in front of this fish restaurant that also had an outdoor section of cold fish sandwiches being made and these amazing newspaper cones filled with fish and chips cooked right outdoors on this very snowy day. I stood in line and purchased a generous cone of fabulously fresh, succulent, crispy on the outside fish and chips. Aggressive seagulls were noticing who had a new cone and after being beaten over the head by the wing of a few over zealous ones, I carefully took a picture of this overflowing delight….being mindful not to hold it too far away so the gulls wouldn’t snatch it. There I stood in the snow with many others enjoying our cones full of fried piping hot lunch, listening to the accordion musician playing for us (have I mentioned my weakness for accordion music?) and my new red shoes in my bag…..the perfect day in Hamburg….

France 2010

2010-02-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

How do I describe a trip of a lifetime? I could talk about it for days and wish I had endless hours and computer access at the end of each day to describe it instead of recalling it in one large chunk now as I bask in the glow of it all. Writing in my journal while traveling on the train was all I had time for.

I do have to share that I believe France to be a fun and generous place. I have heard how rude the French can be and I do not believe it. I am struck by the kindness I experience there. As I traveled alone, people not only went out of their way to help me when asked, folks would approach me when it just looked like I needed something.

The food was absolutely amazing. With a pastry shop and bakery on every corner, how do you choose? The lines out the door definitely help. One day I decided to try a pain au chocolat at every boulangerie I came to from the front door of my hostel on my way to the Seine. After three blocks and three pain au chocolat, I decided that was enough....the top pick was the one fresh out of the ovens, still warm, so buttery it actually felt like it melted in my mouth, a texture of puff pastry that I haven't ever experienced before....

I couldn't have possibly eaten any more cheese and bread, I would stop for a baguette for later but if it was warm, fresh out of the ovens.....half would disappear because it would never taste quite the same later.....There are open air markets to be found everyday (but Monday) to discover local artisan cheeses, fruits, meats, boulangers, seafood of ALL kinds....I went on a honey spree....I actually only sat down to a restaurant meal twice. The self catering options from the open air markets were such a daily adventure. I tried to try everything.

After arriving in Paris, I took the train the following day to Rouen, on my pilgrimage to enjoy the delights that changed Julia Child's life forever. I LOVED Rouen, what a charming city. I had the meal and experience of a lifetime at La Couronne. The oldest restaurant in France, starting in 1345. I was in gastronomic bliss for just under three hours, not only was my meal spectacular, I was able to see everything else on the menu prepared for the other diners around me. Very intimate, eight tables, an enormous fireplace and table set up near the fireplace with bottles to mix beverages.

From Rouen I caught the train to Nice. I stayed in the hostel Villa Saint Exupery which is rated the nicest hostel in Europe. This hostel is amazing, the services they provide are above what hotels would offer. I took the bus to Grasse to discover the capitol of fragrance....aromatherapy being a passion of mine, I was drawn to this place. I had an amazing crepe salees that redefined crepes for me. Not only are the fillings endless in either savory (salé) or sweet (sucré), you can find them light and crispy or chewy, soft and made from buckwheat.

The Côte d'Azur is filled with kind folks and sunshine. Nice is beautiful, as a friend has shared with me, the light is so unique there....she is right, it truly is....

Then a train back to PARIS!!!! I LOVE PARIS!! I walked all the daylight hours of almost each day. When my aching feet felt as if they could take no more and I found a metro....the sights beckoned me on, I just couldn't miss a corner or the next block. The architecture and history is astounding. I walked around in awe with a huge grin on my face the whole time, a tear in my eye while I walked around the last morning bidding adieu to this grand city.

Everything happened in a handful of days....visiting the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Rodin's museum, Notre Dame, evening boat trip down La Seine, Moulin Rouge (all I can say about this is **WOW** A must see!!), finding my temporarily lost wallet with EVERYTHING intact (yes, I do realize this is a miracle), being interviewed by two adorable French college students, being conned by a gypsy (who was blessing me in the start but I am sure was cursing me by the end....), meeting amazing folks, finding treasures every moment in every possible way, navigating the on strike train station back to the airport with two other folks who if you saw us would be the most unlikely trio, yet it was the most amazing and funniest encounter as we stuck together.....Paris is my absolute favorite city and I don't even like cities. Yes, the holiday of holidays. I could do it all over again each year and it never seem dull.

That being said, being back here in Hamburg has me filled with joy playing again with Maks and quality time with my sister. I am truly blessed to have this opportunity~

Preparing for France~

2010-01-25T15:52:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to have the chance to visit France again. Tuesday I will arrive Paris, skip up to Rouen for dinner at La Couronne, the oldest restaurant in France and the restaurant where Julia Child fell in love with French food. Yes, it is a pilgrimage. From there I will train down to Nice and Grasse, then back to Paris for several days. I am THRILLED. I have booked my hostels, have my train schedules, bag packed and doing some futile last minute cramming of French….
Aaaaah, yes, I am in Love with France….

More from Hamburg~

2010-01-24T04:34:00.000-08:00

Time here in Hamburg is flying by, all the fun with family is the reason I am certain. Maks and I have been playing loads of games and crafts, pictures to follow. Playing with Maks is an adventure always, he encourages creativity for all involved in the fun and he completely cracks me up.

Taste bud adventures:
Jen’s amazing cooking, as mentioned before, she creates beautiful and delicious vegetarian meals.

Seafood~I have tried a few things åla carte. Smoked salmon and fish cakes, crayfish, and a herring sandwich with pickled cucumbers, the fish so fresh it was almost creamy.

Bier~ I haven’t ever been a big fan of pilsner but here they are hoppy, full flavored and refreshing. The Czech Budvar, the original budweiser is amazing! I have tried a few microbrew pub pilsners and am looking forward to more.

I went to the St. Pauli’s Fischmarkt again this morning and what a riot!! I will have to go every Sunday I am here. It is an adventure making my way around without knowing any German but everyone is as helpful as possible. One of the wonderful market vendors took me in and showered me with fruit, sticking more in my pockets and bags as I paid. The baker was generous as well. It was packed this week with loads of vendors and customers. I will have to do some shopping there for everyone, nice craft items.

Vladimir has just returned from his brief trip to Russia with gifts for all. He brought me lovely handmade slippers (Jen has a pair that I adored) and caviar~ YUM my FAVORITE!!!!

So we are all happily together again, feasting on fruit, bakery treats and tea on this chilly Sunday~

Best of 2009

2010-01-21T07:25:00.000-08:00

I have been having some time to reflect upon the best of 2009. I know, it is usually done just BEFORE the New Year, but such has been my year....and since I feel I am racking up some best of 2010 already being here in Germany, I better write of the greats for 2009.

Favorite new piece of cookware:
My Le Creuset enameled cast iron dutch oven. I have always wanted one of these and although I did technically receive it as a gift for the holidays 2008, due to travels and an insane summer, I am just now feeling like I am getting some great, fun use out of it.

Favorite new cookbook:
I Know How To Cook by Ginette Mathiot. This amazing book is said to be the Joy Of Cooking and bible of French cooking. It is fabulous, over 1400 French recipes, simple to use and understand. I LOVE Julie Child and where her recipes are gourmet and technical, I Know How To Cook was created by a home economics teacher. It was first published in 1932 and has sold over 6 million copies. The English version has just been released in September. For a hardcover 4 lb cookbook, it is reasonably priced and worth every penny.

Favorite new toy:
My Macbook laptop!!!! Why would anyone want a desktop?? I am in LOVE with my computer and use it for everything now, also to justify the investment....I still had my first computer that was over 10 years old and not functioning compared to this *new* one, my friends warned me I would be amazed and I am. It is my research for recipes, food information and sources, my internet radio, my movie viewing device and my yoga class that I can take outside in the sunshine on beautiful days. The reason I finally have a blog is right here....

Favorite self made Tradition:
The tradition of hiking Borestone Mountain on my birthday. For the last two years of this tradition's creation, it has been the picture perfect day, sunny, dry, crystal clear and no black flies in sight. A most uncommon and honored day for Springtime in Maine.

Favorite event:
Circus du Soleil in Quebec City. I have always wanted to see Circus du Soleil and Quebec City. I was fortunate enough to have both in one quick trip. It was very abbreviated due to my August schedule, one evening and racing back but worth it and the drive was part of the adventure! Circus du Soleil was so incredible, I had tears of joy and amazement streaming down my face the whole first act.

Favorite trip:
Of course my trip to Switzerland to visit my beautiful sister, my sweet nephew and her wonderful husband. I had the time of my life, hiking the Alps, eating the best cheese and chocolates, playing with my (then) two year old nephew and everything about being with family.

Favorite escapist activity:
My sanctuary in the bathtub.

Favorite DIY project:
My wood fired clay oven!!

Favorite promo:
My *new* and improved website that Jess and Matt LeClair created for me!! www.enchantedkitchen.org

Favorite food adventure:
Switzerland and Italy, need I say more?!

Favorite Food event:
The Kneading Conference the last weekend in July held in Skowhegan Maine. I cater this amazing event that brings bakers in from all over the country and Canada for a two day baking adventure in wood fired ovens. This conference covers the process of baking from the farmers who grow the grain, to milling to the hand formed, wood fired loaf. Workshops also include making your own clay oven and baking everything from bread to your whole dinner and sweet treats in these beautiful artisan ovens.

Please share YOUR favorites of 2009, the comment section is all yours~
Cheers~

Hoofin' it around Hamburg

2010-01-20T04:52:00.002-08:00

There is something to be said about being a pedestrian in Hamburg….you definitely have the right of way. It is odd. Drivers just SEE you on the curb of a cross walk and they stop, even if you are checking traffic from the other direction. There are two types of pedestrian crossings, a crossing that has a light for pedestrians and another for drivers and a crossing that has lines in the road that is an unlit crossing. Pedestrians are also very serious. They DO NOT cross the road when there is a light for walking that is red. There may not be a car in sight, no matter, they still wait until the little red person turns green. And if you DARE to cross because there is not a car in sight, the people waiting for the green on the other side give you a most disdainful glare. I have yet to hear a horn beep at another driver. Very courteous traffic. There are cameras mounted on posts at lights that, if you are speeding, takes an accurate photo of your car, plate and YOU and then sends you a ticket in the mail!

I am trying to sample ALL the bread, pastries, beer, wine, local food…..it is all research after all….I LOVE what I do!!

Cheers!!

Exploring~

2010-01-20T04:52:00.001-08:00

This weekend has been sprinkled with exploring Hamburg. Friday I walked around the parks and river, you can walk from park to park all over Hamburg, it is said to be the largest green space city in Europe and it is spectacular. Well kept parks that are filled with people strolling, children, joggers, dogs and huge trees of all sorts and botanical gardens. Since it is the great German freeze, everything is covered in snow and ice, steps and walk ways are treacherous. A word here about the weather, there hadn’t been this much snow when I arrived in 20 years and it has pretty much snowed every day since I landed almost two weeks ago. You can imagine what it is like. German’s are a hardy folk. I had read before leaving that when packing for a trip, unpack half your clothes and double the money. I would think again about the taking out half the clothing next time. Perhaps I am a seasoned packer because this was a bit of a mistake. I under packed on warm comfy clothing. Being with my sister I have nice warm options for tops but she is much thinner than I. Note to self: just pack yoga style pants when hanging out with a three year old. You need the flexibility those pants offer.

The river Elbe is huge and busy with cargo barges, river boats, commuter ferries and offers a lovely path and beach all the way along it for walkers and runners.

Saturday after dark was a quick run to the city. Vladimir, my sister’s husband, accompanied me to show me a few things. We went to the microbrew pub, Groeninger cellar, that has been around since the 1800’s, they serve their pilsner brew made on the premises in beautiful copper vats. I had my first brotworst with spicy mustard on the street and checked out the Reeperbahn, the original red light district and sin city. It was pretty seedy but becoming trendy with fancy restaurants and bars as well as all the sex shows. There was a bakery that had some body part cakes….it is amazing the accurate detail one can achieve with fondant and air brushing these days…. The beer is not my favorite so far (blasphemous statement I know), I prefer the dark, heavy, chewy English styles. Pilsner and lagers (although much tastier here than most stateside pilsners) are not my preference so I have been enjoying the wines.

This morning held getting to the St. Pauli Fischmarkt at 6am in the blizzard snow (German’s blizzard conditions that is and snowing with earnest). This was a blast. The market started in 1703 and opens at 3:30am until 10am. Many folks have been up all night. The market is only open on Sundays and is filled with not only fish vendors but a full market, loads of fruit. ”Buy ins” are the norm it seems at this market. Everyone was set up in this snow, some vendors drinking champagne. There was an indoor place with a live band that was part of the market, we went in to the band playing Johnny Cash’s Burning Ring of Fire. People were sleeping on the tables, most still drinking and dancing. There was a beer tent and few hot food vendors. Outside and at the subway, folks were walking around with plastic jugs of beer, backpack of plastic cups and platters of snacks, a party on foot. The subway trains were incredibly clean.

Tuesday on my walk into town I will take more pictures since it will be day time. Hoping to be able to figure out posting photos here in the morning…..

Time Flight

2010-01-20T04:51:00.002-08:00

I cannot believe I have been here just over a week. The days are flying by, thank goodness I have an extended visit, otherwise a couple weeks would seem like a mere few days.

Maksism of the week: “what’s that?!” Him pointing at my upper lip. “why that is my beauty mark” “who put it there?” “I have had that all my life, since I was younger than you” “younger than me you have had your beauty mark?” “yes” “was it always fuzzy?” Me, now laughing so hard I have tears streaming down my face….which then encourages his best jokes, while I am laughing…
Now last year when he asked me what my upper lip mark was, I told him beauty mark and he asked if it sparkled which, of course, I adored and roared with laughter then also.

Tomorrow I am heading out to explore the city, I will try and figure out how to post pictures here.

I have purchased a ticket for my 10 day solo trip to France, I have to do some more exploring there while on my French obsession. Paris, Nice, Grasse and Rouen.

Each day I feel most fortunate to have this time with Jen, Maks and Vladimir.

Winter Wonderland

2010-01-20T04:51:00.001-08:00

Awoke to more snow and wind, not as incredibly windy as yesterday. Swirls of snow fell most of the day. We played outside in the fresh snow, building snow families, snow angels and a snow toss of sorts (gentle snow ball fight). Visited the brand new school that Vladimir is head school master of, a very impressive building with state of the arts equipment.
Another fun day that just flew by~
Relaxing by the lit fireplace with hot tea.

A random view inside

2010-01-20T04:50:00.001-08:00

I will have to start writing the Maksisms, they are just so funny….
We looked up jokes appropriate for a three year old and well, I think us adults laughed just as hard if not harder!! One of my favorites: What is silent and smells like carrots?
A Bunny fart!! Of course, as you can imagine, a young boy would love this too. Maks wants to test this one out, literally.
More of Jen’s magical off the cuff most amazing from scratch vegetarian feasts.
I haven’t ventured out, a wind storm is howling impressively outside….
We are six hours ahead of the east coast so it is quite late….the time change is the hard thing to adjust to.
Cheers~

Winter Weather

2010-01-20T04:49:00.002-08:00

I have been teased about bringing the winter weather and snow, a lovely snow today….
Playing loads with Maks, trying wonderful wines and ciders with Jen and Vladimir in the evening. Oh and the bread…..delicious!! The texture is almost creamy, dark and wonderfully rich. Bread heaven…..
I think my sister a better chef than I, she is a master of creation in the kitchen. Wonderful creative tasty dishes and delightfully adventurous.

Celebrations!

2010-01-20T04:49:00.001-08:00

Champagne and Belgium chocolates!!
Much to celebrate and what a lovely way to! Playing all day with Maks, my most amazing nephew, catching up in caught moments in between with Jen. All is fabulous in Germany or at least in this happy lovely home of theirs~
I am thrilled and truly fortunate to be here.
Cheers~

It's a wrap!

2010-01-20T04:29:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog!! I am a organic farmer, caterer, artisan baker and devout foodie. Please check out my website and photos on www.enchantedkitchen.org

I wrapped up the weekend cooking for birthdays and wedding folks, all went fabulously!
Not I am in Hamburg, Germany with my sister Jen, her sweet son Maks and her wonderful husband Vladimir laughing joyously~
All is fantastic!
Now for the bread and beer research!!
Cheers~