Today .... Much Better Than Yesterday

What a day! But first, yesterday. It seemed like a normal day, it really did. In the afternoon I spent some time outside working on the terraced path and stone steps. I think I have finished it except for adding gravel (actually some of the "base course" that they used in my driveway, because it is firmer than just gravel or just sand; it will pack into a good walkway) in the flat areas in the terrace to deter the when it is raining or snowing. By the weekend I will probably be able to take some pictures. It is working out even better than I thought it would, and it is nice. I'm really glad to have it. It is going to make my trip up and down so much easier.

After I finished I came in the house, showered, and sat down to rest a while, planning to post, but when I tried to log on, I had no signal. I ran through the paces of resetting the modem, etc., but nothing. So with a huge sigh I picked up the phone to call freaking w*ind*stream. Again. No dial tone. It was only then that I realized that there was a small work crew on the road while I was working on the steps. Crapola. They'd cut my phone line again! I called from my cell phone and the computerized system said it would be fixed by this evening. Grrr.

This is the third time this has happened. I'm not sure whether to complain to the county or to the phone company. I'm sure each with blame the other, but I'm leaning toward the phone company not burying the lines deep enough as being the really problem. They should .... should .... know that their lines must be far enough under the surface to avoid that. I donno, but tomorrow, they are both getting calls.

And yesterday morning ....




.... our little stag was outside and .....







.... The Kids were going crazy. this goes on almost every morning. And while I was out working, not long before I quit, he was in the front, right in the middle of the driveway, watching me and laughing about how silly the dogs were acting, running up and down the deck and barking. He was completely relaxed and seemed merely curious.




Then today Linda and I got up and left early and drove about 40 miles to the Lavender Springs Farm. It is located at the East end of the Capitan Mountains. Remember, the range runs East and West. The farm is literally at the foot of the range where is ends. There are hills and high mesas that continue to the East, but not mountains. If you care to look at a map, it is just about a mile from the dot on the map which represents the little village of Arabela in Eastern Lincoln County.


This picture is the end of the mountains just to the west of the farm.








A view across the farm. We walked across this field of grass to the fields of lavender.










Some rows of lavender.








Another field of lavender.








After taking a walk with the owner through the fields and hearing her explain about the different kinds of lavender, we walked back to the store. Linda decided she wanted some raspberries. I was hot from the sun and chose to sit in the shade with a glass of lavender lemonade (to die for!!) and a fresh made lavender shortbread (soooo good!).


Yep, that's Linda!








After she got a few berries, she had lemonade and shortbread, too, and while we sat there I decided I wanted some fresh produce.


I had one of these for dinner tonight, and they were amazing!









And the owner went out to pick these (and a half dozen more) for me! They were from her private garden. I've been drooling for these for weeks, and couldn't find any green ones. These are for dinner Friday!







And this is what I wanted from the garden, so I braved the sun again, and armed with a bag and scissors, I gathered about 3 pounds. Fried okra AND fried green tomatoes on Friday!!







They had a little sampler of this with some crackers. I could not help myself! I had to bring home one jar! I'm not really big on jelly, but when I find one that is unusual and good at the same time, yes. And this stuff is really, really good!


The farm is totally organic. They use nothing chemical on anything. And reportedly the previous owner of the property didn't farm, used it as a ranch, but also avoided chemicals. Rather than spray the grasshoppers that were all over today, they plant extra, enough for the grasshoppers (or whatever other pests) and enough for their use and sale. She says that it has worked, because if there is enough for everyone, the grasshoppers tend to eat just certain areas. I donno, she says it works, however.

It was a very good day. On the way home we stopped at another place where they make jewelery from pewter. They gave us a tour of the shop and showed us the process which was fascinating.



I bought a pair of earrings and pendant for $24. They had some gorgeous bracelets, but they were more expensive, so I didn't get foolish.





It was a good, good day.

Last night I was so tired from the physical work that I couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned, aching and hurting. Even after Tylenol PM which usually knocks out the pain and then me, I couldn't get comfortable. I tossed and turned all night. When that happens, I usually turn to the computer and surf for a while and it takes my mind off the discomfort. I didn't have that last night, and I ended up trying reading, TV, crossword puzzles, but nothing got between my head and the pain. Tonight I will sleep well. It was a good, good day, indeed.