July 29, 2015
Look who I found hiding in the grass along the edge of the trail like a scene out of a Beatrix Potter book.
So adorable.
woodchuck
He lives along the shore of the pond near the pine woods. Hope (my puppy) and I walk through his territory daily. Many times I have rescued him from the threat of Hope’s jaws. On this day, Hope didn’t notice him and was far ahead on the trail.
As he stared intently into my eyes, I felt our spirits lock.
goldfinch
I think you are beautiful, I said with my eyes.
Thank you for saving me, he said with his.
Queen Anne’s Lace
Something about his wild penetrating gaze made my heart melt like butter.
House Finch
Speaking of butter, it and a wee bit of salad dressing were the ONLY store bought items in my dinner last night!
Every other ingredient was fresh from the garden. I thought about adding some salt and pepper, but in my zest for living off the land, I decided to try it without.
The flavor of fresh-picked vegetables, sprinkled with fresh-picked herbs, and dripping with melted butter, made my taste-buds purr like a contented cat lazing in the sunshine.
Dill in my garden.
Yesterday, I concocted a fresh-from-the-land soup which also made my taste buds purr. Since I want my readers to beam with health, I will share it with you. It contains the powerhouse vegetable, watercress, which is loaded with Vitamin K. New research is showing Vitamin K cleans out your arteries, so eat it and savor the flavor of youth flowing in.
Living Green Soup
- 1-2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 leek
- 1 small can chicken broth
- 3-4 medium sized red potatoes cut into small pieces
- 1 cup of watercress
- 1 cup of broccoli
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Soak watercress (especially if hand picked from creek) in salted water for 1/2 hour. Melt butter in soup pot over medium heat. Add leeks and cook till tender. Add chicken broth and potatoes. Cook till potatoes are tender. Add watercress and simmer till wilted. Puree in blender and return to pot. Add broccoli and simmer a few minutes till tender. Add cream. Enjoy!
I’m headed to the mountains of New York on vacation and leaving my computer behind. I will miss you all while I am gone but look forward to catching up upon my return.
Since this is yesterday morning’s cucumber crop (I pick every 2 days), I tremble to think what will happen during my absence.
Organic gardening– gotta love it!
Blessings to you all, and. . .
may
your
bread
be
buttered
with
purring.
Peacock Prairie 
Enjoy your vacation. I know about leaving a garden. We returned from Oregon to giant, seedy produce that had to be composted. They will be next year’s surprises in the garden. Stay safe Jewel.
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I’ve notified the neighbors to raid the garden while I am gone. If they forget, I predict ‘amazing’ photos.
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Another enjoyable post. Have a good vacation
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You are sweet. Thank you Derrick.
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So beautiful, Julie. I love Queen Anne’s Lace this time of year! Hope you have a great trip!
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Ah yes, Queen Anne is lovely. One of my favorites as well. I like to stand among them and feel the energy. You should try it. It is lovely.
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I will, Julie. That’s a lovely thought.
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Cucumber picture made me laugh out loud! I am going to try and find watercress and make your soup! Thank you for another beautiful post. Have a great trip!
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You will not be disappointed. 🙂
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Beatrix kid is quite adorable.. Lovely photos…lush of greenery…sigh..!! What i miss about here in this dessert…may u wl have a great happy vacation ahead… !!!
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Love that last pic (truth is I love them all) .. That soup sounds amazing. I can grab watercress from the creek, but hadn’t heard about the salted water. Thanks for that! How good is being organic? Love it! Wonderful post as always
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Have fantastic holiday 😃
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What an impresive post! Enjoy your vacation!
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The picture of the woodchuck had me melting too. What an adorable face! When I used to live on a farm, we grew much of our own food and raised animals and it was such a delight to serve a meal of home-grown produce to the family. I most impressed by your organic food growing. The last pic with the peacock eating food made me laugh too. A beautiful post as usual. 🙂
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Very nice selection of photos. That woodchuck is a cute little fellow.
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Have a great vacation! Lovely post, thank you. 🙂
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We just made your recipe for watercress soup. It was delicious! Thanks!!
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