The Things That Keep Us Busy

We are so fortunate to be enjoying beautiful Fall weather here on the farm.  So many are not so lucky- with these past few weeks of hurricanes and typhoons.

We've had cold nights, days in the upper 60's, and intermittent evening showers.  As a result, the grass continues to grow.  (And we continue to mow!)

 The pastures all remain so lush and green.  It's a great way to head into winter.  There will be plenty of grass available for grazing in the coming months, lessening our dependance upon hay.

Fall days are busy days.  The weather makes outdoor work so much more pleasant that during the hot summer months.   We've been weeding, and generally cleaning up some of the excessive summer growth in preparation for winter. 

 I've cleaned up the cottage gardens around Maven Haven and replanted her window box with asters and ornamental kale.  A couple of pumpkins complete the minimalist autumn look.

As I worked, my two friends talked to me from the other side of the fence.

With the recent rainfall, mushrooms have finally erupted.

While we were cleaning the front pasture, we came upon these...

lovely red,

and yellow,

and spotted,

 and dimpled (reminds me of an egg bagel!)

I am starting a new book about fungi, entitled Entangled Life.  (Tag line reads:  How fungi make our worlds, change our minds, and shape our futures.)  Hubbs just finished it and found it fascinating.

Of course, while out in the pasture, we stopped to visit with the pigs.  

Ginger flopped right over for Hubbs to rub her belly.

MaryAnn headed to me and did the same.

And just like magic, Moll cat was there to perform a cat scan.  Her diagnosis?  MaryAnn is doing great!

Hubbs has been continuing the building of gnome houses for our trail in the woods.  Here is his latest... a tiny gnome barn.   I painted the Pennsylvania Dutch hex sign and added some critters.  This has now been added to the dragon trail in the woods.

As for me... I've been spending more time in the kitchen.  Cheddar/broccoli quiche for today's lunch...

and a new recipe for a long-ferment pizza dough.  Look how bubbly this was!  There's only a tiny amount of yeast in this recipe, but the overnight rise really gets the yeast working.

Now, it is proofing in the refrigerator in small amounts that will each become an individual crust. 

 

We are having some friends over next week for a homemade pizza meal - made in our outdoor pizza oven.  I am hoping that this new crust recipe makes a big difference in the taste (which was already pretty good - but it's always fun to kick it up a notch or two!)

You might remember a few months ago that Chester had surgery for a tumor in his nostril.  He was diagnosed with Discoid Lupus, an autoimmune disorder.  After surgery, he was on a course of steroids. The steroids were eventually stopped and we kept a close eye on his nose.  I noticed last week that his nostril was swelling again, so, we have resumed his steroids.

We give them to him each morning in a little peanut butter.  I took this photo to show you how submissive he becomes when it is time for his medication.  He doesn't seem to mind taking the pills in the yummy peanut butter.  But each morning, he submissively falls to the ground as we put the dollop of peanut butter in his mouth.  

Chester swoons.  Silly dog.

PS:  In case you missed yesterday's non-post, I took the day off in favor of a dinner/movie date with Hubbs.  Some times it's fun to be a little spontaneous!