Photobucket

Monday, October 4, 2010

All in a day's herb.

 We split, we hauled and we stacked. Repeat.

Yesterday was wood day. We made a small but usable dent in our pile of spruce logs to add to our hardwood for the winter.  

It's hard labour for a body accustomed to office work but the physical exertion is a surefire way to let off steam. Most of all, I enjoy the puzzle of stacking, looking for the best way to fit each piece to maximize space and to prevent the whole stack from toppling over and quickly, before the next load arrives. Back in the city, I would have never imagined that I would one day be stacking wood, let alone enjoy it.  Good thing because there is enough spruce out there to keep us busy for a month of Sundays. 

We were threatened with our first frost this weekend, but I think it was more hype than substance. Nevertheless, we brought in all of our herbs. Some are drying as we speak, the Artist made a batch of pesto and we tried our hand at herb weaving.  Each spring we plant more herbs, and each fall I wish I had planted more. A bigger herb garden is definitely on the farmhouse to-do-list.

In the meantime, I'm enjoying this simple herb bouquet while I wile away the evening hours washing dishes.


 Ah me! love can not be cured by herbs.  ~Ovid

 Perhaps not, but they sure make kitchen chores more palatable!

 ~Be well friends~
 

13 comments:

Verde Farm said...

Such a pretty arrangement. I bet it smelled nice too :)
Amy

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Hi Andrea!
Oh my...we haven't even started doing our firewood yet but then we had 90' (low 30C) temps up until just over a week ago. Doesn't really put you in the mood for doing the 'wood' thing. Don't you just love that feeling of knowing that you're getting ready for winter? I love doing firewood and it's fun trying to fit the wood into the row isn' it! We used to do approx 8 cords a winter when we lived in BC and we always had enough left over to start the next season with dry wood. There's nothing like a wood fire to warm the bones. I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday.
Maura :)

Teresa said...

I love the puzzle part of stacking wood - that does make the job fun, doesn't it?

Tidy Brown Wren said...

I love looking across the yard to the wood shed and seeing all of our winter wood stacked neatly. I get the same joy from seeing all of the canning jars lined up neatly in the pantry. It means were stocked up and ready for winter.

Mary, Windy Meadows Farm said...

We're doing exactly the same thing. I brought a wagon-load of wood next to the house, and yes, began tackling the barn cleaning. I hope you enjoyed making your herb weaving...any questions? My directions may not have been as good as they could have been! Today? More barn cleaning...yay. (Can't you just hear the excitement and see the joy on my face?!)

Jackie said...

Herb gardening is my favorite. I enjoy it more than the vegetables. Your arrangement is lovely.

Rural Rambler said...

The herb arrangement is very pretty and kitchen chores would be much easier with the lovely fragrance from it floating about!

Flat Creek Farm said...

Ok, Andrea, I'm trying to get myself psyched up for stacking wood this year :) I will picture all of your beautifully stacked wood.. that should help! I love your little herb bouquet, and I did head over to read about herb weaving. What a wonderful idea! -Tammy

Chris at Red Gate Farm said...

Andrea,
There's nothing better than working outside in the fall.. the air is crisp and cool, even on a sunny day.. a whiff of woodsmoke. My favorite time of year, although I'm not sure I'd enjoy wood stacking nor be very good at it!

I do have to say, after a long week at work, I really enjoy the physical and sometime mindless tasks at home. My kids bought me an ipod a few years ago to listen to books while weeding and I discovered I like my own thoughts and ramblings better! I guess I might be able to get into wood stacking after all.

Hope you're enjoying your week,
Chris

Dog Trot Farm said...

I love my herb garden too, I also love when my girl's forage around in it and come out smelling like lavender and rosemary. I do need to harvest before the frost hits, thank you for reminding me to do so.

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

I'll bet it smells heavenly. I want to plant herbs next spring. Do you have any tips or favorites?

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

We stacked on Sunday! It makes me all giddy :)
And we had our first fire that night. Yippeeeee!!
The pups and kitties all gathered around the wood stove. So sweet.... Oh, me too. With my blankie and pillow!
xo, misha
Annie sends kisses to you, Auntie Andrea!

Shannan Martin said...

Your herb bouquet is a beauty!

My basil died a painful death last week and I"m still lamenting that I didn't freeze some pesto while I had the chance.