The last of the plums

Well that time of year has come where I'm processing the last of the plums. I always hate it because it means winter is on its way. These will become plum jamBut the Jerusalem artichokes are still in full bloom and loving every ounce of sun they are soaking up. I'm already drooling over soup with these yummy tubers on cold winter days.There is still so much to do in the next couple of weeks.  I never realized when I was young how fast time really does go.  Here's to enjoy the last few beautiful weeks of fall......then the snow comes.

A cold and wet kind of day

It has been one of those days today....cold, wet, and miserable!  All I want is to be playing in the garden. Sunshine on my face.  Dirt under my fingernails but alas it is not one of those beautiful days. So I thought I would take a moment and catch you up on what happening on the CityFarm.

A few weeks ago we picked up some more bees.

Here they are. All tucked inside their box for the 2 hr. ride home.  They did great and are adapting well. We are hoping for a very productive year for our bees as they had a head start with the unseasonably nice March weather.

We also just spent some time as a family. Enjoying Easter together.

I hope that you had a special day as you remembered the beautiful and meaningful gift the savior gave each of us.  

Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day so I can snap some pictures of all the things growing and put some radish seeds in the ground!!

Things are growing!!!

So many things are coming up in the garden. Rubarb, strawberries, garlic and so much more.

We also spent Saturday afternoon planting onions. It's crazy weather...in a good way....so we're going to take advantage of every second.

Our walking onions are starting to come up as well.

And when it gets dark or a little too cold I get to come inside and dream more about my garden while quilting

This is by far my favorite time of year!!!  Happy spring!!!

The Garlic is Growing

In SE Idaho we should normally still have snow on the ground but not this year.  We have had unseasonably warm weather and the plants are loving it.  Over the past few years we have been working on creating a yard that features edible landscaping. 95% edible is my goal.  People have looked at us like we are a little crazy as each year we remove more and more of our lawn. But it is moments like these that make it all worth it for me. Watching the beauty of edible plants come to life.  Knowing that in some small way we are producing something amazing and delicious for our family.  This week the majority of the garlic that we planted last fall peaked thru the wood chip covering. I love fresh garlic!  It really does taste so much better!  I'll keep you updated on its progress and other things around our little homestead as things spring back to life.  What is growing at your home?

Challenge Today: Clean your Refriderator

Something that we often ignore but desperately needs our attention is our Refriderator.  Here you can see a picture with everything pulled out to review.  Some to save, some to trash, and some for our chickens.  This is definitely not the funnest job but it is so nice when it's all done.  We took out a broken drawer and added some new bins for organization.......and the end result 

Clean.  Organized.  But most of all STRESS FREE!!!  I hope that you take this challenge for the day and March into Spring Cleaning with me!

Taming the closet monster

Our front hall closet has always caused us problems with clutter and chaos.....until now. For years I had been searching for an organized way to store gloves, hats and masks. Living in the North you need to have these things on hand because it can get very cold.  I had tried little totes but the always just ended spilled in the bottom of the closet as kids were trying to find matches.  Not any more.  Now they are organized and easily accessible. Even our 4 year old can now get her gloves and hat and know exactly where to put them away when she's done.  I'm so excited for this system!!!!  Hope that you all are enjoying "Marching into Spring Cleaning". Another post will be coming soon!

Marching into Spring Cleaning

For the month of March I'm going to be "Marching into Spring Cleaning". I got this idea from a gal I love to watch on YouTube called "She's In Her Apron" (it's a really great channel.  You should check it out!!). Three times a week I'm going to post featuring a project I have completed to clean and get ready for spring. Some will be big projects and some will be small. Hopefully no matter the size of project it will serve as inspiration to help you do the same. Let me know if there is something specific you would like to see!  Happy Cleaning!!!

A Happy Heart

There are a few things in life that just make me happy.....Quilting is one of them.  On a monthly basis a group of about 50 ladies get together in my home town for Quilt Guild.  We laugh, cry, learn new skills, eat yummy food, find inspiration and celebrate each others accomplishments.  I LOVE this time and I LOVE these amazing women.  Each one teaches me something new and I am so grateful for them.

No matter what makes your heart happy....find it, love it, live it, and enjoy every moment doing it!  In the past year I have seen way too many examples that life is short.  We all need to find a little more joy in the little things of life.  Make your heart happy today!

Sunday Inspiration

As Sabath days come around I like to record little inspirations.  Today we sang this wonderful song entitled "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief".  It is a song with lyrics that will touch you to the core.  

"A poor Wayfaring man of grief hath often crossed me on my way, Who sued so humbly for relief That I could never answer nay.  I had not pow'r to ask his name, Where to he went, or whence he came; Yet there was something in his eye That won my love; I knew not why"

How often have you passed those who, usually on the side of the road, are humbly asking for relief?

"Once when my scanty meal was spread, He entered; not a word he spake, Just perishing for want of bread.  I gave him all; he blessed it, brake, and ate, but gave me part again.  Mine was an angel's portion then, For while I fed with eager haste, The crust was manna to my taste."

No matter what religion you believe I know that when we love others more than ourselves and give what we can to those in need our Heavenly Father will fill our soul and heart with what we truly need.  We have had a few beautiful instances where those we helped blessed our lives more than we ever helped them.  Clarence was an angel for our family.

I hope as we go forward this day that we look upon others as Christ would look upon them. With love, compassion and service.  Because in the end drawing nearer to our savior is the most important work we have in this life.