CSA bounty

This year, we're participating in our first ever CSA — community supported agriculture. And today is the first box of the year. So excited!


Here's what we're going to get today — Broccoli raab, kale, oregano, lovage and green onions.


We're splitting a share with another couple so we'll only get a box every other week. Which is fine. I heard each week is loaded with goodies, which would be too much for just two people (although I could freeze or can most of them).


Splitting the share also helps out the pocket book. I wasn't looking forward to paying $480 in just a couple of months. The farmer was willing to work it out with us so we could spread the payments out. But we split the share, cutting the cost to $240 so we were able to pay that by the April 1 deadline, which helps the farmers too. (The cost includes a deposit).


The farm is Groundswell Farm in Galax, Va., and is owned by Sara Fennell and Greg Korbler and their two young boys.


A bonus, a friend said both Fennell and Korbler are trained chefs so they've promised to share cookbooks, recipes and ideas with the group. That's good because I don't know what some of the items planned for this year are. Here's what we can expect throughout the year (dates and veggies could change):

Summer Session (July 9 - Aug. 27):

basil, beets, broccoli, cabbage, chard, cucumber, dill, eggplant, fennel, lettuce, melons, parsley, peppers, potatoes, snap beans, summer squash, tomatoes

Fall Session (Sept. 10 - Oct. 29):

arugula, beets, chard, kale, leek, lettuce, napa cabbage, parsley, radish, red cabbage, rutabaga, spinach, turnips, winter squash

I can't wait to try these veggies out and to eat healthier this year!

Jacket progress

I'm making progress on my wool jacket. It's still cool in the mornings and evenings up here in the mountains so I should still have time to enjoy it before it's too warm to wear it.

Here's a close up of the pin tucks on the front and the darts on the back. How does it look?

All that's left to do is sew and set in the arms, sew in the facing and sew on the buttons.

Mom suggested that I resew the collar too. I didn't clip the curve that is attached to the neck so it sticks up a little bit.

Next sewing projects include shorts for hubby and a dress for two weddings we're attending this summer.

Hot weather already!

I can't believe how the weather's jumped from 30 degree weather here in the Blue Ridge Mountains to 80 degrees!

I'm still working on my wool jacket and knitted sweater. I wrote about the wool jacket here and I bought yarn for the sweater from here.

Where did the 60 degree weather I was expecting go to? I figured I'd have plenty of time.

I've gotta figure out a way to work in all my projects in a timely manner.

My husband's also got me helping him with painting every room in the house and I'm sure there are more projects to come. How can I squeeze all the things I want to do in with all the things I need to do, like work and chores?

Ugh. I've gotta find a better system! :)