Tuesday Tunes: Good Times

Hamish and Friends Green Hill Farm   It’s cold….A-GAIN.  I don’t know what it’s like where you live, but around here, it seems like it’s either 60 degrees or 15 degrees F.  The temperatures have been so up and down!  We began the new year with a lovely polar vortex, single digit temperatures, and pipe freezing winds–just to remind us that, yes Virginia, it’s still winter.  Then, Mother Nature, Father Forecast, or some other maniacal meteorologic relative decided, wouldn’t it be fun to give everyone weather whiplash? So, just like that, we were hurled out of the depths of an arctic blast, only to land in what my grandma used to call “pneumonia weather.”  You know what I’m talking about…first, it’s a bone-chilling 7 degrees, and then, out of the blue, some warm-a$$ El Nino winds blow in a humid 68 degree day—all within a two week period.  Yeah, good times! You see, this warmer weather, while appearing to be a reprieve from winter, actually isn’t good for anyone—human or animal.  It’s hard for sheep as their bodies have trouble acclimating to the changing temperatures.  And, that balmy 68 degrees can feel warmer than it actually is to us as well…so warm, that we’re running the air conditioner or having wine on the patio without coats, hats, and gloves—cue pneumonia weather. And, you don’t have to be a sheep for that difference in temperature to make you feel crummy. Unfortunately, […]

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It’s Never Too Late…

Farmgirl 2017 RdV Vineyards Delaplane, Virginia   If someone asked me five years ago what I’d be doing today, I really don’t think my answer would have included writing a blog, taking art classes/painting, and pursuing my WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust based in London) Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits.  But, here I am. Five years ago, […]

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Tuesday Tunes: In the Valley

“Simple Gifts” written by Elder Joseph   ‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free ‘Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be, And when we find ourselves in the place just right, ‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight. When true simplicity is gained, To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed, To turn, turn will be our delight, Till by turning, turning we come ’round right.   Originally, a Shaker hymn, this music was mostly unknown outside Shaker communities until Aaron Copland composed its melody for the score of Martha Graham’s ballet, “Appalachian Spring” which premiered in 1944.  Copland was awarded the 1945 Pulitzer Prize for Music for his achievement; however, when he began his award winning ballet score in 1942, he couldn’t have foreseen that it would become one of the most inspiring and symbolic works of the century.              

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Tuesday Tunes: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

Alison Krauss is one of my favorite bluegrass artists, and most everyone is familiar with the fabulous Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin.  Happily, I just discovered their Grammy-award winning collaboration that was released in 2007, and it’s really wonderful.  The first song, “Your Long Journey” was written by Rosa Lee and Doc Watson and first released in 1963 by The Watson Family. I’m leading with this song, because although it’s beautiful and so very moving…it’s also sad.  The second song, “Fortune Teller,” was written by Allen Toussaint and first recorded in 1962 by Benny Spellman, in 1966 by The Rolling Stones, and in 1970 by The Who. This tune is fun, upbeat, and with Robert Plant leading the vocals, it’s oh, so Zeppelinesque….I absolutely LOVED it!  And, I hope you will, too.   Happy Tuesday!!    

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Winter Grapefruit and Avocado Salad

When I first saw the recipe for this colorful winter salad in the cookbook, Southern My Way–Simple Recipes, Fresh Flavors by Gena Knox, I knew I had to make it.  Mainly, because it looked so healthy, but also, because it contained many of my favorite foods and spices—avocados, citrus fruit, basil, and ginger. Plus, it’s nice to enjoy food fare that’s […]

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Friday Farm Favorites: BRRRRR

Farmguy spontaneously took this photograph a few winters ago during a polar vortex.  We were headed out the door to feed our sheep and chickens, and he was amused by my “winter outfit.”  During this time of year, Green Hill Farm is our version of a tundra—we’re in a valley of sorts, surrounded by mountains…and the wind blows with a vengeance.  So, with temperatures dipping into the teens and single digits over night, I’m back to this lovely look, again. Ughh! But, wintertime isn’t all bad.  Even though it’s cold and not fun to go outside, I thought I would embrace the beauty of the season by sharing some of my favorite photographs from past winters on Green Hill Farm. Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm!  

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