External inputs

Well gosh, this could become an addiction...a fun (and very swanky) award from Claire. Don'cha know this is how all the farm women around here look? Anyway, thanks Claire! I think the "fabulous" award fits you better than me!

And now back to the addictions part, I am supposed to list 5 addictions...

1. Coffee...every morning, preferably with half & half. Cold coffee in the summer.

2. Ice Cream (right there with you Claire!) Any time of the year, bring it on! In July...homemade ginger peach is hard to beat.

3. Fiber...I totally blame this one on Maggie. All natural fibers, ready to be spun into yarn, or wonderful yarn produced by others...I will probably be found dead someday, suffocated under a giant pile of fibery products, with a big smile on my face.

4. Outdoors, can't live without it. Our farm, timber, natural grasslands...you name it and I am happier there than I could ever be in any mall.

5. Friends. Espeically now that we live so far from them, friends seem so much more important. I'm quickly becoming addicted to these electronic means of staying in touch.

So there you go...and my awards for other Fabulous Blogs go to:

Prairieland Herbs, because everything they have is truly Fabulous!

Walk Slowly, Live Wildly, because I am always amazed at Sara's talent and enthusiasm

Sugar Creek Farm because Kellie writes a wonderful blog with great farm and nature pics.

Cold Antler Farm because this is one of my favorite blogs to read daily. Check out the January 30 post about things to bring back. It is one of the best lists I've seen in a long, long time.

Farmgirl Fare because its about food, farming and great dog and sheep photos...what's not to like?

Tree of Happiness Award!

Gosh, we haven't gotten a blog award before, what fun! Thanks Karen for the honor! And don't worry, I think we have just the "spot" for you.

Ok, so now I'm supposed to list 6 Things That Make Me Happy...

1. Beautiful sunrises with the new morning sun filtering through the hedgerow. Doesn't matter the time of year, this view always starts my day with a smile.

2. Long, straight rows of beautiful, healthy vegetables.

3. Sharing our lives (and our produce) with people who are interested and/or excited about them.

4. Amazing friends (with their beautiful hand-made gifts) who support, cajol and more importantly, laugh with me whenever I need it.

5. Most importantly, my family. Especially Sean who's willingness to give up exciting lives in the big-city-theatre-world was a good idea. And all the rest of our family who's support and willingness to jump in and help has made our lives here on the farm possible.

6. And finally, crystal clear nights with the moonlight so bright that it seems like day.

So now I'm supposed to tag other blogs that make me happy...oh the choices!

Adventures in Wonderland, because Maggie is a wonder-woman who always has such great things to say about life in general

Miss Effie's Diary because Cathy is one crazy, creative woman who knows her own mind

My Total Perspective Vortex because they are true life adventurers and their daughter has names for all the fairies and brownies living in their new house.

The Beginning Farmer another new farming family that approach life's challenges with thoughtful reflection.

High Hopes Gardens Blog a creative farming family with a sense of humor and great photos

I would have tagged Is this Heaven? No its Iowa! but Karen beat me to it. You are one popular blogger Claire!