Waking up

The past couple of days, I have felt spring approaching faster than I expected. With no garden to plan for the summer, I hardly know what to do on these days when it seems like a crime to be indoors.
St Patricks day this year was my first in 6 that I didn’t spend working down at McCreary’s Irish Pub. Instead, I stayed home, and our good friends and neighbors, Matthew and Allison Neal came over. They own and operate Arugula’s star farm in Bethel, just south of Leipers Fork/Hillsboro, on Leipers Creek Road. My big ambitious idea was to find a grassfed brisket and make my own corned beef! Unfortunately for me, I declared this intention before actually researching the recipe. Much to my chagrin and embarrasment, I found it took 3 weeks to cure in the brine. What saved me were the eggs I had picked up at Puckett's. They come from Summertown. Two quiches and a cobbler later, with the crust expertly made by Jacob, we had a stand in. Allison brought fresh baby arugula and spinach greens from her garden, tossed in some sort of heavenly vinaigrette, with soft boiled eggs from her very own hens. I had at least 3 helpings. Matthew left me with an organic Hefe-wiezen called Pinkus. Jacob doesn't care for alcohol, but I like to have a good beer. I’m drinking it now, and am sad to see that it is almost gone. If you are looking for sustainably grown, organic, top of the line produce, you should go to their website http://www.arugulasstarfarm.com/
For the past 2 days we have gotten out and walked down to the Trace, where the buttercups come up. With the babies on our backs, and Cloe in the jogging stroller, I feel like we could walk anywhere. I love the open space and the freedom it suggests. I am scared, but ready for this trip. Well, ready to be ready---er---getting ready. I must whittle us down to what we need to take with us. I feel a yard sale coming on.....stay tuned :)