Friday, April 8, 2011

Hunting and Gathering and the Game Called Spring

Actually, just gathering. 

I spent much of yesterday in Asheville -- buying seed potatoes here, printer ink there, olive oil and other supplies at a big discount store ...

Then to the Oriental Market for Vietnamese sweet chili sauce, mushroom soy sauce, and Sriracha hot sauce -- three staples our kitchen can't be without.  A final stop for vacuum cleaner bags and where had the day gone?
 It's a question I find myself asking every afternoon as I realize it's time to feed the dogs and think about fixing supper... and the days are only going to get busier.

John has been plowing and tilling; I have seeds and onion sets and some vegetable starts ready to go in the garden; there are those potatoes to plant; and 25 baby chicks arrive today.

Oh, yes, the game called Spring is definitely afoot!
 

22 comments:

Marilyn & Jeff said...

Lovely photos - your spring world sounds wonderful.

Reader Wil said...

Yes, Vicki, spring is an inspiring season and that's why the days come and go so fast. I am looking forward to my holiday, which begins today!

Martin said...

Yes, it's that time of year again. Busy enough for most of us, but what with your writing and the farm to keep on top of, I imagine some careful time management has to be applied.

Merisi said...

Live on the farm really gets into gear in spring, I remember that! Hard work from sunup to sundown, but also a very tangible one. I often wonder whether it would be better to plant seed than to work so hard to get a good picture!

Your images are wonderful, your lilacs are ahead of ours, but I expect the ones here to burst into bloom any hour now. Yesterday we had mid seventies, the warmest April day in 50 years.

A wonderful day to you,
Merisi

Desiree said...

Even though it sounds like you both have your time cut out, from here it looks as though you live in paradise, surrounded by so much pastoral beauty. Your world makes my heart burst into song! How wonderful to be alive and able to enjoy it all, Vicki! :)

Pat in east TN said...

I agree Vicki ... seems like there aren't enough hours in the day anymore.

Merisi said...

Vicki,
here is a link to an anchovy dressing for Puntarelle:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/PUNTARELLE-SALAD-WITH-ANCHOVY-DRESSING-1246142
It's pretty much how I would make it.

Bon appetit! :-)

Elora said...

Lovely lilacs! you're way ahead of us! We have two large lilacs right beside the bedroom window. Aaaaaah.....

Yes, in spring as you say, Vicki, all things are possible.

Elora

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Yes,the new energy I get each spring allows me to do things I really hate to do! Washing windows!!!!! But then it really clears my view on the world! Have a wonderful weekend! Cathy

Brian Miller said...

woo hoo it was 80 here yesterday...amazing...and the flowers....mmm...but i got to cut the grass...smiles

Friko said...

sounds like your day has actually been very pleasant. A bit of this and a bit of that, all of it outdoors in the fresh air, collecting pleasant things; I'll happily come with you next time.

Vicki Lane said...

Oh yes, washing windows and putting up screens is on the list!

Thank you, Merisi, for the links. Sounds yummy -- I love anchovies.

Jean Baardsen said...

Sounds like a great way to live - being in tune with the seasons!

Tess Kincaid said...

Aw, baby chicks! I can't wait to see them.

Alan Burnett said...

I love the way you inter-space those glorious Spring pictures amongst the description of tasks : Spring does that, doesn't it, put silver paper on the most mundane tasks

Suz said...

ah acts of worship

Darla said...

Love this... "the game called Spring is definitely afoot"! LOL

Folkways Note Book said...

Vicki -- Yes, each season has its business. I have a long list of things to do. If I don't finish it all -- I really don't care anymore as I am in retirement if I remember correctly.

Victoria said...

Beautiful photos! I'm itching to get into the garden, but it snowed here today. Our low temp. last night was 7F. I'm not sure, but I think that must be a record low for this date.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Hubs spent the entire day out in the garden..I love these first few days of digging in the dirt...then the reality of pulling weeds sets in and the feeling is dulled a bit.

Vagabonde said...

I have never heard of mushroom soy sauce and Sriracha hot sauce – in what recipes do you use them? That sounds interesting.

Vicki Lane said...

Vagabonde -- Mushroom soy sauce is just a fairly strong (Chinese) soy sauce that includes mushrooms. I use it in stir fry, steak marinade, and gravy -- to name a few. Sriacha is a hot sauce with some garlic in it -- I love it in scrambled eggs or anywhere one might add hot sauce,