my daily reminders

The post-its on my computer - they apply to everyone:

- Every problem is an opportunity in disguise

- There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, 

and that's your own self (Aldous Huxley)

- Fuck the naysayers, 'cause they don't mean a thing (311 lyric)

- trust your struggle

Michigan spirit

Had some visitors from a new distillery out of Lansing last week - American Fifth are doing Michigan sourced and distilled spirits, and their beautifully packaged vodka is their first product to hit the market.  Super nice guys making a great Michigan product - here's to American Fifth

thank you, Mark!

see you again soon!

Small Farming Conference

I could have posted a million pictures from this past weekend's Small Farming Conference, but instead just chose these two.  Jamiroquai was there.  Just kidding, this was some young Mennonite man who made his own clothing from fur and hides.  He was accompanied by two women who were dressed like pilgrims, with their hair covered in long white cloth. I tried to ask him why they had to dress so conservatively and he got to dress like a pimp, but he didn't get it.  He was 17.

This was a time machine that transported you to the land of garish carpet and drapery.

bionic woman

I went to visit my yoga sister and magic farmer Laurie, who had her knee replaced a couple of weeks ago.  She is healing up well and being vigilant about her physical therapy - she looked beautiful

Jenny said but love me for love's sake, that evermore, thou mayest love on, through love's eternity

Laurie always makes whole series' of things from her kitchen, and she presented me with not one or two, but six infused olive oils that she made

I'm a pepper too

Big & baby wheels of pepper jack, with my home grown pickles peppers

Boss Charcuterie

I have been a vegetarian for 25 years and will never change my diet.  A friend of mine recently killed a deer this past hunting season and asked if I would make her some charcuterie, the type which needs an aging cave to cure.  I was ethically  conflicted about the project, but accepted as I love her and like trying new crafty things in the kitchen.  I live in a  rural place where virtually everyone hunts and eats wild game, so while it was strange to sink my hands into meat, I gave it a go.

Here is a 6 pound link, as well as some smaller pieces of Spanish hunter's sausage, a fermented, cured venison sausage with spices and a hilarious ingredient used in sausage making called 'Fermento'.  Brand new territory for me, I will post pictures of their progress.