In Over Our Heads

Yesterday, we took another trip out to the Ballard Market. We left with three 1/2 gallons of milk (for cheese making), two of Deborah's savory meat pies (we could hardly contain ourselves), 6 pounds of nectarines and peaches (for preserves), and two months or so worth of pasta (because we love fresh pasta from our friendly pasta maker who always throws in more food for free). It might be time to invest in a grocery cart....

Going to farmers markets to shop for our weekly groceries has been a treat, but come October most of these markets will be closed until next spring/summer. It's now time to prepare for winter. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all. We may be in over our heads. Whether I'm ready or not, we have entered a new way of life.

Michael recently ordered a manual covering the topic of spin farming. Ever since, he's been completely spun over the idea. He decided to install a produce cooler in our garage. The plans are in the works, and I'm pretty sure he hired his brother to complete the construction. Without any warning, a canning kit arrived in the mail along with The Complete Book of Home Preserving. Michael already canned two jars of pickles, all made from ingredients from our garden. The cheese making kit is a bit more of a mystery to me. The box came in the mail with a big smily face sticker on the front. Inside, the materials are packaged in "happy meal" like boxes. Clearly, the market is geared toward a younger crowd. Michael can hardly wait to make cheese, yogurt, and cottage cheese. I, on the other hand, am not so sure about playing with milk products.

Now, if our garden would just cooperate. Our tomatoes still hang greenly on their vines. Our dreams of tomato sauces galore are quickly fading. Our pole beans continue to show off their pretty white flowers. No beans in sight. The brussel sprouts are growing, but they're still too small to harvest. Clearly, it's time for a visit from Farmer Colin.

-Trisa