-Bracken’s first tooth coming in! Very exciting indeed.

-Finding a jar of dried apples (sprinkled with cinnamon) in the pantry. They were pushed far back on the shelf and we had forgotten about them. What a good surprise! (Yeah, they’re all gone now.)

-Jeff checking the sauerkraut in our crock and deciding it was done to perfection. Then filling the fridge with different flavors- garlic, cayenne, dill, celery… mmm! I’m so grateful for sauerkraut because not only is it delicious, the way Jeff ferments it makes it full of enzymes and probiotics- it makes my body feel so good when I eat it.

-Hearing the baby swallows in the birdhouse while we worked in the garden. What a delightful sound!

-Bracken trying blueberries for the first time. He loves them! He’s also been enjoying homemade bone broth, little tastes of pastured chicken, and mashed avocado mixed with breastmilk.

-Garden time. There was a time last week when I felt overwhelmed by all that needed to be done and for a moment I wondered why are we growing such a big garden this year? Then I laughed out loud as I realized that there was no where else in the world I would rather be than spending time in the garden with Jeff and Bracken.

-So much company in the garden. Jeff, Bracken and I. The goats free-ranging around the perimeter (which is very convenient for us to throw weeds over for them to eat.) The dogs watching. A birdhouse full of swallows. The ducks nearby making lots of noise (and splashing.) What fun company we have.

-The laundry drying so fast on the line during those hot days. Laundry starts out as a “chore” on my to-do list. I’ll think the laundry is piling up, I gotta do a lot of laundry today! Then I will be outside and I’ll start hanging the clothes to dry on the line and suddenly it’s not a chore at all. It’s a peaceful, quiet, meditation and I enjoy it. It makes me slow down, appreciate the moment and all the beauty outside.

-Jeff making the first batch of sun tea. Oh yes, it’s that time of year again. How I love that time! 

–Two giant moths (the biggest I’ve ever seen) hanging out by our front door all week long. I really love moths. They were so beautiful. It felt like a good omen.

–Finally getting a clock in our truck so we can know what time it is when we go to town. It’s the little things that can make life flow so much smoother, right?

-Getting Bracken his own potty for downstairs and one of those small toilet seats (to put on the regular toilet) for upstairs. It has been making Natural Infant Hygiene a lot easier because I am more comfortable while holding him and he’s more comfortable. He can take his time and it’s so much better for everyone.

-Farmer’s Market Abundance. Carrots. Beets. Zucchini. Cucumbers. Basil. Broccoli. Cauliflower. Morels. Porcinis. Eggs. Goat Summer Sausage. Raspberries. Blueberries.

-Remembering to breathe deeply when I feel afraid. (And always!)

-Open windows and fresh-feeling breezes blowing throughout the house and giving it new energy.

-Getting my new MaryJanesFarm Magazine in the mail! What a treat! 

-And finally, for all the things that are healing to my soul. Kind words. Gentle and steady support. Sunshine. Fresh air. Affection. Being in the garden. Loved ones. Summer berries. Fresh farm foods. Flowers blooming. Deep and regenerating sleep. Prayer. Laughter. So much more. (And yes, the way comfrey looks in the afternoon light.)