A little of my soapbox

My hope was to update my blog every Saturday, as you can see I'm late, very late. It's another goal. I think I'll break from my usual rantings about the garden and just write what's on my mind.

I did have 2 shows this past week, one was a green fair and I did OK, the other was a fundraiser which I completely tanked at, such is life. My next show should be the Chatham Borough Fishawak Festival on June 12th and of course Maplewoodstock in July. I may have my soaps at a local business which is very exciting, we're just ironing out the details. A business course may be in order for me in the future.

The most interesting part of these shows are the people. I've always enjoyed people watching, but to listen to them is remarkable. I met two very impressive young ladies from Drew University. I was lucky enough to have them stop by and feed the babies and we got to chatting. I can only hope my own kids will be so on the right track at the same age. The one question these ladies asked me was why am I doing this, I've been trying to figure it out ever since. I started with the chickens to show my kids a different way of life and give them a sense of responsibility. It didn't work by the way. Then the bees were to help pollinate the veggies and flowers with the bonus of honey as well as to help care for a creature that is so very important to our planet. The goats were just the next logical step, a kind of backyard homesteading. But why am I really doing this? Have you ever felt true peace, I know corny, but to be outside with my animals or in my tiny soap kitchen creating something wonderful, it gives me a sense peace. I'm happy,I mean really happy, I don't need anything else. Do I think every one should do this, absolutely not. I think everyone should take the time to find something that makes them HAPPY no matter what it is. If you do what you love you will have no choice but to be successful. Success should never be measure in things, but in joy. The older I get the more I appreciate the people in my life and the things just don't mean all that much. It's just stuff. My soapbox... the girls know what I mean :)

Quick updates, I have 250 bean plants sprouted in the greenhouse, now that's a lot of beans. Zukes are up as well as 2 watermelon plants no yellow squash yet :( about 60 tomatoes and countless pepper plants. This weekend the plan is to plant out the front porch and garage window box, maybe till the garden. I was planning on do the veggies and back window boxes around the 17th.

The chickens are amazing, I promise to get those pic's up this week. Still 12 to 15 eggs a day. I'm selling them at my school as well as TJS if you're interested just stop by, $3.00 a dozen. I'll give you the .50 tour and maybe you can feed the babies.

I did finally feed the bees,syrup NOT sugar, next I must get 10 new frames for the new hive. We don't want another swarm. Keep your fingers crossed that the frames arrive in time.

The goats are just fun. Still about 10 lbs a milk a day from Kota. The babies are growing way too fast and are very funny. They do these jumps and kicks that just blow me away.

The soap is getting better and better. Kota's milk is so rich it pours into the molds like silk. I did start 2 new fragrances, one on the recommendation of my best friends mom. Lettuce a very clean scent and sage lemongrass, which will replace my coffee and cream as a wonderful kitchen soap. How yummy do they sound! Next will be cucumber cream.

I hope that everyone finds this "thing" that I've found. I'm 43 almost 44, (my birthday is the 25th yeah me!), which I explained to my daughter is about 1/2 dead, and I've finally found what I love to do I'm a bit of a late bloomer. I know I'm terrible and I say ridiculous things but to know me is to be entertained by my ridiculousness. My family will always be my greatest accomplishment, but my "backyard homestead" is my personal joy. I think I'm going to start dreaming of a farm, not too big, maybe 10-15 acres with a nice big barn, chicken coop and a milking parlor, oh the cheeses I could make! I will write again soon.