Farming 101

Alternate title for this post = City Girl's Guide to Life on the Farm!

Sometimes I feel so stupid. After nearly two years of being married to a farmer, I am only now learning some of the lingo used around here. Remember the time I thought that "a cow dropped" meant that she had cardiac arrest and just collapsed in the field and died? Hubby had to tell me that it meant that the cow gave birth to a calf. Sheeesh! There are some expressions that just aren't natural or don't make sense to city folk like me.

I'm pleased to say that I have learned what "seeding" means. It does not mean when a man goes around and "spreads his seed". I've learned that "first cut" and "second cut" aren't expressions used only in the movie/film business. I've learned that "baling" is an agricultural term used when a farmer "bales" hay (or whatever else is in his crop). I've also learned that "wrapping" refers to wrapping bales with plastic and not wrapping presents for your wife! ;)

I know what baler twine is. I know the difference between round and square bales...which is rather obvious since one is round and the other is square! Duh!

"Calving" is when the cows have their babies. Not all bovines are "cows". Funny, growing up in the city, we were never taught the difference! Show me a photo of a "cattle beast" and I'd tell you it was a cow! That is not so. A cow is what they call a female, therefore a bull cannot be a cow. There's a huge difference, people! Teachers never taught us that in kindergarten! Hubby had to explain to me that there are cows, bulls, heifers, steers, etc. Now, when I drive along the highway and see cattle grazing in the lush green pastures, I never yell out "Oh! Look at those cows!!" anymore. That is, unless I know that they are in fact cows and not bulls, heifers, and...well, you get the point!

I've also learned that making bread is an art and a science. You absolutely must sterilize your jars and lids when canning! Oh, and "canning" does not refer to the act of firing someone from their job. It's the process of making preserves!

Ah! Another thing I learned shortly after moving here is that small rural communities have what is called a "reeve". A reeve is sort of like a mayor...and not reeve as in "Christopher Reeve". The community is a really tightly-knit one. Members of the community generally help each other out when someone is in need. People actually greet their neighbours here. Oh, and a neighbour does not mean just your immediate neighbours. People down the highway about 4 miles away call us their neighbours. If you ever ditch your vehicle like I did, know that people will always be there to help.

Many of the wives get involved in the community too. There are functions where they socialize, such as the teas and bazaars. Some join a quilting guild, the hospital auxilliary or other groups and organizations. I've learned a lot from some of the other ladies in town. The pie crust for a pie is the most important part. If you can't make a good pie crust, your apple pie is doomed. Also, homemade is much better than store-bought! There's a huge difference! I will never eat another store-bought pie again. Ever. Actually, I'm not really a pie fan so it doesn't really matter to me (but don't tell Hubby, he loves his cherry pie...and blueberry pie...and apple pie)!

*sigh* It really, really shocked me to see how little I knew. Coming from a lifestyle of world travels, big charity fundraisers and soirees, art gallery/theater/museum excursions, university education, and life in the big city, I thought that I knew a lot. I knew about world issues, current events, social issues, environmental issues, human rights, politics, history, art, literature...yet on the farm, I am just learning the ropes. It's a rather humbling experience. I'm not a know-it-all after all. Who would have thought that I'd ever need to know that the word for bear poop was called "scat" and that fiddle heads were just the curled up tips of ferns!?!

Though I may sometimes feel like a fish out of water and get frustrated because I'm used to being a know-it-all when I'm in my element, at least I'm trying...and loving every bit of my new life! Yes, even those difficult, challenging, and not so clean moments! ;)

Throwback Thursday #27

I know I'm way behind in posting my Throwback Thursday posts. Again, no excuse other than it's been crazy busy around here. Haven't we all heard that one before? ;) Though I've been really bad terrible horrible at keeping up with my TT posts, I'm glad that the Pinks & Blues Girls came up with this fun idea of taking some time to walk down memory lane. When I do actually get around to posting, I always enjoy reminiscing.

This set of photos is from my not so distant past. The photos were taken on June 1, 2001. I was twenty-five years old, living in Toronto, enjoying my life as an ESL teacher at a really good ESL school and just loving my time with my friends.

Here I am with some of the other teachers I worked with. Oh, we weren't always allowed to wear casual clothes! Only on Fridays! Plus, we were taking our students to Canada's Wonderland via bus and subway that day. My beautiful friend, Gavie's Gal is posing in the top photo with me. Gosh! Look how young we were in that photo!!!These photos were taken at Canada's Wonderland. Part of the activities at the school included field trips and outings. There were Niagara Falls trips, a trip to the "sugar shack" to see how maple syrup is made, New York trips, and local excursions (like Canada's Wonderland). Of course, the teachers were eager to go on this particular outing with the students! After all, who doesn't love amusement park rides, over-priced souvenirs and greasy food? I can honestly tell you that now, seven years after these photos were taken, I don't like any of those things I just mentioned! Is that a sign of old age? I have no idea how I used to be able to stomach all those rides. Now, I get sick even thinking of being on a roller coaster or being on a ride that spins while I'm upside down!!
I decided to throw in a few other photos. Here's a photo of some of our Korean, Japanese and Mexican students. Gavie's Gal and I took them for their first maple syrup experience. The students were able to see how maple syrup is made and they had a big, hearty breakfast (everything slathered with maple syrup, of course)!

This last photo is of a little "Bon Voyage"/"Going Away" BBQ I threw for some of our graduating students. My parents were kind enough to let us host the BBQ at their house. The students enjoyed lazing around the pool. I just realized that Gavie's Gal is in this photo too! I love looking back at old photos of my ESL years in Japan, Toronto and on the Island. Most of the ESL students I've had are wonderful, hardworking, fun, funny, and very special individuals. I'm still in contact with most of my former students. ESL students hold a very special place in my heart. I guess this is why I continue teaching ESL

An ex is an ex for a reason

That is what my wonderful friend, Gavie's Gal told me many, many years ago in our lovely yet over-priced rented Elmhurst Avenue house. In her infinite wisdom, or possibly just to soothe my aching heart at the time, Gavie's Gal told me that "an ex is an ex for a reason" and that sometimes people just aren't right for each other no matter how much they want things to work out.

Fast forward a few years, and Gavie's Gal's words rang true. I finally did get over "The Ex" and eventually I learned to let go and move on. When I least expected it, I met Hubby (he wasn't known as "Hubby" back then yet). I never realized how wonderful life would be when with the "right" person. Of course, one always hopes and dreams of finding the right person, but actually finding that person is a dream come true.

I recall having a serious conversation with my friend, Mr. WhomAllTheGirlsSwoonOver in his artsy High Park apartment one summer night after we had graduated from university. We were working on some sketches and writing poetry, when we began to talk about everything from the trivial nature to that of the more thought provoking. We often engaged in philosophical discussions and occasionally shared a few heated debates. Mr.W argued that there was no such thing as "the right" person. He said that it was "the right person at the right time". For example, had you not met your husband or wife, had you lived in another city or country, you probably would have met some other person who would then become "the right person"...at the right time and the right place.

Being the romantic that I am, I told Mr. W that I do believe that there is a special person meant for everyone out there. I believe that there's a soul mate for us all. At least, I thought so at the time. I still believe that. His argument did make me wonder though. What also made me wonder was how someone so passionate about social and environmental activism, the arts, and writing could be so...Pessimistic about love!

Oh, Mr.W with his patchouli scented incense, burning votive and taper candles, and that sketchbook he carried with him everywhere! He was always challenging my beliefs. What a twisted puppy he was. He thoroughly enjoyed seeing me angry with him and often played the devil's advocate...even when he fully agreed with what I had to say. Despite the fact that he loved to argue with me (and vice versa), we were the best of friends. Where he is today, I have no idea.

Then there was the age old question he posed: Can men and women really be just friends if they have been in a relationship with each other before? Can an ex be just a friend? I would like to think so, as I am friends with some of my exes. Of course, we were friends to begin with and ended things on amicable terms.

Mr. WhomAllTheGirlsSwoonOver said the answer was "No". Men and women can never have a purely platonic relationship because at one point in the relationship one of the members of the party will develop romantic feelings for the other. Jealousy will ensue and feelings will get hurt. It's human nature.

I don't know. I have always had more male friends than female friends since growing up there were mostly boys who lived on our street and all but one of my cousins are male. I've got a handful of really, really good girl friends whom I am very close to, but other than that, I've always had more friends that were guys.

I tried to offer a rebuttal, but when I looked deeper into past experiences (being friends with exes) it looked as though Mr.W's theory wasn't really that flawed after all. I'd like to think that men and women can be just friends and that exes can be friends (if they were really good friends to begin with and know that nothing will ever develop other than friendship). I don't know. It's really rather complicated sometimes. I guess the bigger question is: "WHY would one need or want to be friends with an ex?" If you are happy in your current relationship, then why drudge up the past? What good is it to go down that road again? Sure you and your ex may have both moved on and your partners may not care whether you are in touch with each other, but why bother? Should the past be left in the past?

As curious as I sometimes am about "The Ex" and how he's doing, I don't know if I care to be friends with him. As much as two people can share a history together, an ex is an ex for a reason. Sometimes one just has to close the books on an old chapter in one's life.

What do you think?

Blog Facelift

I was over at Starshine's blog and fell in love with her new blog template. For quite some time now, I have been contemplating a new look for the blog. I've become quite bored with the look and wanted to spruce things up a bit. I told you blogging was addictive! If I'm not reading blogs, replying to comments, commenting, researching, I'm looking for new ways to play with HTML codes and such. Errrrr...Uhhhh...That's when I'm not teaching, working, helping Hubby on the farm or anything! ;)

I have to admit that I was a little bit apprehensive at first. You see, I tried before to change my template and ended up losing everything! All that hard work with links, layouts, fonts, etc...all gone. Unless you've spent lots of time labouring over HTML codes and all things related to your blog, I don't know if you'd realize just how frustrating it is to have to start from scratch! *sigh* All those links I've acquired in the past three years...down the drain (or better yet, lost in cyber space)! GAHHHHHHHHHH! Can I tell you how upset I was?

Anyway, Starshine introduced her readers to The Cutest Blog on the Block. Thank you, Starshine! The Cutest Blog on the Block has lots and lots of blog templates and backgrounds to choose from. Not only is it super easy (especially for those technically challenged like myself), it's free!

Saying goodbye to the old look wasn't that easy. The old look was simple, clean, and fresh. It kind of grew on me. However, I'm the type of person who needs to change the looks of things a bit every now and then. I change our furniture around so often, I think Hubby thinks I'm a bit nuts!

What do you think of the new blog look? Now that I know how to change my blog template (to something that is not a generic Blogger template), let's see how long it takes me before I change it again! ;)

Love at First Blog

Hi! My name is C, and I'm a blogaholic.

I never imagined that I'd have a blog of my own. A few years ago, a friend introduced me to the wonderful world of blogging. I started to read hers and then a few others. All of a sudden, I found myself writing my own blog. I didn't think I'd have time to blog. Most of the time, I really have no idea of what to write about. Oftentimes, I don't even think what I have to say is interesting! This said, I still find myself taking mental notes of things to put on the blog while I'm teaching a lesson, doing chores or driving my car. I take photos in restaurants and when the wait staff and other diners shoot over odd looks, I keep saying, "It's for the blog!" Middle Bro once commented on my Facebook and said, "Why do you take so many photos of food?" The answer is simple. It's for the blog!

Yes, I am indeed addicted to blogging. This blog contains snippets of my new life as a sort of newly married woman living on an island I had never known existed until shortly before I moved here, my transition from city dweller to country schoolmarm, things that matter to me, recipes, restaurant reviews, movie reviews, stories of my past, and things I want to remember and share about my wonderful friends and family.

I've noticed that the list of my favourite blogs on my sidebar has grown since I first started blogging nearly three years ago. Today, I'd like to share some of my daily addictions.Fancy Pantsy is a friend of mine from when I lived in Toronto. She is the one who got me addicted inspired me to blog. Want to know what's new and hot in fashion? Check her out. She also gives great reviews on movies, books, cosmetics and other products.

Gavie's Gal is a very dear friend of mine who introduced me to Fancy Pantsy years ago! Gavie's Gal and I were roommates, co-workers, road trip and camping buddies...and then I moved and we both got married. She's a busy mama with lots of interesting things to talk about. I must have told you before how adorable her little guy is!

Nathanial's Mommy is another friend and former roomie of mine (and Gavie's Gal's). I truly admire her. She has got a busy household too and she still manages to balance everything on her plate!

I was lucky enough to meet KarenMEG in person at a little gathering at NM's sometime last year. Prior to that, Karen and I were just blog buddies. I feel a sort of kinship amongst Karen, Sandy and Cherry. Perhaps it's because we probably all shared the same cute Asian girl haircut when we were kids! ;) I just love Sandy's and Cherry's blogs too!

Curiosity Killer is another in real life friend of mine. I thoroughly enjoy her visits to the Island. We always have so much fun together. Oddly enough, we became much closer friends after we both left Toronto! I moved far away...and she moved even farther! She is one of the coolest gals a person could ever meet. She is generous beyond compare and a truly wonderful friend.

Ms.Mamma is one of my very first blog buddies. She was one of my very first readers nearly three years ago! She's got talent like you would not believe...and there's just something about her that makes you know from the get go what a truly amazing person she is. Likewise for Canine Cologne! Both Ms.Mamma and Canine are extraordinary women. Both of them are fun, hip, talented, cool and have become very good friends though we haven't actually met yet.

Jane @ Pinks and Blues is another very special person. We've known each other about the same time as I've known Ms.Mamma and Canine. Jane's been there through thick and thin and is an all around great person.

Uncivil and Jeanna have become two people I must correspond with on a regular basis. The laughter and banter shared just brightens up my day. Along with Ms.Mamma, they are the funniest, craziest, most lovable characters ever. I <3 you guys!!!

I also visit J's blog on a regular basis too because she always has the most interesting and thought provoking posts. She's another very special lady!

Other thoughtful writers are Mrinz, Lotus, D'rae, ZJ, Shannon, Rowing and Sowing and Pavel. I'm often inspired by their writing and just love my visits at their blogs. Though I have never met Mrinz or Lotus, it sometimes feels as though I've known them for ages. I also love that the three of us share an interest in plants and gardening!

I try not to miss a single post written by Ellie, Girlie Monkey, Trish, Beach Mama, Deb, Starshine, Rachie, Northern Mom, Don Mills Diva, Rebecca, Jan, Annie, Mrs. Mogul and Louann. I love my daily dose of laughs, smiles, interesting tidbits, and heck...they are all gifted writers! Ellie, Girlie, Northern Mom, Beach Mama and Louann, thank you for being such amazing blog buddies :)

I always go to Palm Springs Savant, Diesel and VE when I need a good dose of laughter and all things cool. Diesel's Mattress Police has been one of my longtime addictions. There was a time when I only frequented five blogs. Early on in my blogging experience, it was only Fancy Pantsy, Ms.Mamma, Diesel, Jane (@ her Mama Doggy Love blog and then when she, her sister and their mom launched Pinks & Blues) and Canine Cologne that I visited. Shortly after, the list of blogs kept growing and growing.

For Island reads, I frequent A Watkin's Man's blog as well as Dylon's and Judy's delightful blogs. All three are a delight to read. They're all so very different, and they keep me coming back for more. A Watkin's Man discusses topics of different nature. He talks about his travels/work, to current events, and he does an amazing job at promoting this beautiful island we live on. I enjoy reading Dylon's reviews on movies, art, gaming, etc. Judy's blog is filled with her beautiful art. Her words, like her art definitely reflect what a beautiful person she is. I am in love with her art work. Be it water paint, photography or textile art, Judy just knows how to bring out and highlight the beauty in her subjects.

There are many, many more blogs out there that I peruse, but these are my addictions. Of course, there aren't enough hours in the day to read all these blogs on a daily basis. I'd never ever get any work done if I did! I try to catch up as much as I can.

You are all wonderful writers. You certainly keep me from getting more of my work done ;) I guess you can say that you are all enablers of this newish addiction of mine. XOXO

Edible Wilds

My Dad is a very wise man. When I was a little girl, my parents used to take our family on annual camping trips. We lived in the city, so they wanted to expose us to nature and just spend some quality time with us kids. We used to camp in Gatineau, Algonquin, New Brunswick, and even Virginia Beach!

My brothers were far more interested in fishing and catching frogs and snakes than they were in identifying the different flora and fauna. Dad taught the boys how to fish, but he took me on walking tours through the woods and showed me all sorts of wonderful edible plants! I really cherish those special times with Dad. I remember listening to his infinite wisdom. He always seemed to have such a strong connection to nature and understood the delicate relationships between all living organisms. My Dad once told me "if you're out in the wilderness you will never starve". He's right! If you are stuck in the wild and you know what to look for, you will not go hungry.

When I was in the bush moving the cattle with Hubby yesterday, I thought of my childhood camping trips and my walks with Dad. I am really thankful for the times that Dad took me on those walks and taught me about edible wilds. On our property, Hubby's got a few hundred acres of forest.

In our forest, I've seen:
*Fiddle heads
*Mushrooms
*Mint
*Raspberries
*Strawberries
*Hawberries
*Leeks
*ASA from poplar bark (medicinal)
*Chamomile
*Blackberry
*Elderberry
*Dandelion
*Mustard
*Chives
*Crabapple

I know there are many more edible wilds on our property, but these are the ones I can identify. The number one rule for edibility is KNOW BEFORE YOU EAT!

Looking for edible wilds is such a fun activity. When Hubby and I have kids of our own, I'd really like to take them for walks through the bush to identify and sample some of the wonderful treasures Mother Nature has to offer us. The hiking part is fun, but finding wild raspberries is the part that is the most fun!!!

If you're ever over for a visit, we'll take a walk in the woods and look for edible wilds :)

(Cross-posted at Green Is Her New Blog)

Just another day on the farm

Now that J-Boy has left and I am in between students, I can focus on getting things around the house done and help Hubby with work that he needs to get done. You'd think that now that I've got "free time" since I'm waiting for the next batch of students, I'd be able to relax. Right? Wrong! Definitely wrong!

Today started out bright and early with a load of laundry to be washed and hung outside to dry. After that, Chance needed to be groomed...desperately! Next, weed the garden, pick asparagus and rhubarb. Clean and cut rhubarb, and then put them into freezer bags to freeze for later use.

Hubby and I were supposed t0 fix fences and move cattle from one field to another. After that, we were supposed to fix a tractor that had broken down. We started to move cattle right after lunch and by the time we finished, it was 6:30! Nothing ever goes as planned when you live on a farm! Now I understand why we can't just make out a schedule and follow it. Something always goes wrong, things fall apart or break down...and the cattle almost never do what you want them to do!

The girls and their calves went into the bush, through the swamp, and every which way they could that was the opposite of where we were trying to get them to go. They could have gone the easiest, most direct way, but chose to make more work for us. Poor Hubby was running and trying to get ahead of the herd. I was trying to direct them away from the bush (aka forest or woods for city folks like me). I was exhausted. I don't know how Hubby does this all the time!

When we tried to get the heifers and their calves from the barn into the field, the heifers left just bolted and left all their babies at the barn! Try coaxing a bunch of calves out of the only territory they know! They are so cute, but so stubborn! Their mommies were gone and they sure as heck did not want to leave the barn! Even though the gate was open and green pastures awaited, they weren't having any of it.

When I got back home, I almost forgot that I had laundry hanging out to dry that needed to be brought in. I'm sort of glad that I don't have students right this month. I don't know how I would manage!

Oh, just to show you how much of a city girl I still am, here's a little conversation Hubby and I shared while we were fixing fences today.

Hubby: Okay, can you secure the fencing pliers against the blah, blah?
Me: Huh?
Hubby: Blah, blah...leverage...blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, the insulator.
Me: Uhhhh...
Hubby: That's good! Perfect! Do that again!
Me: Ummmm...

Seriously, I didn't have a clue what he was talking about. I guess I must have been doing something right, because we managed to get the electric fence fixed.

Some days I wonder how on earth I managed to get accustomed to country life so easily. Never ever in a million years would I have imagined living the lifestyle I am living now. I have absolutely zero experience living on a farm (with the exception of a two week field trip I went on with my class when I was in grade 3! We spent two weeks on a farm in Ormstown, Quebec). Now, I don't think twice about being knee deep in cow manure while I try to push the calves out of the barn and into the field. Okay, so it wasn't knee deep. It was ankle deep! Haha! The old me would have been totally grossed out. The old me would never have been caught dead in coveralls, a baseball cap, work boots and no make-up! Now, it's more like, "Mehhh...so what? It's organic matter. It's fertilizer. It really isn't that bad" and I still put make-up on, style my hair, wear heels and nice outfits. I just don't do that when I'm working on the farm! My, how times have changed! I actually think cat litter smells much worse than the lovely cow pies the cattle leave behind. I like getting dirty in the garden. I really enjoy growing our own fruits and veggies and making homemade everything. I just need to learn how to drive stick shift, because this driving 2 km/hr on the tractor and just doesn't cut it for me!

I would also love to learn more farm lingo! I sound like an idiot sometimes. When we were in the middle of calving season, Hubby said that someone called to tell us that "a cow dropped". I immediately gasped and said, "Oh my gosh! Is the cow okay?!?!?!" Hubby started laughing a big, hearty laugh. "No, no. A cow dropped a calf. It means that she gave birth and now there's a little calf in the field". "Oh".

Doing farm chores with Hubby makes me realize just how hard Hubby works every day. I kind of feel guilty when I say that I've had a rough day teaching or so and so wasn't listening...and then I see all the crazy hard work Hubby does every day! He's definitely a keeper!!! I guess he's a keeper especially now that he says I look cute in my coveralls, ponytail, sunglasses and work boots and when I'm dressed up and made up to go out when we're in the city or at a function!

So much to tell, so little time!

It's been a very busy few weeks and I've got some things to share with you.

1. These photos are of our Mother's Day celebration on the weekend.

Jimbo, I thought you'd like to see another photo of the ice cream cake! Here's a cross section shot for you.My beautiful 88 year old grandmother...and her famous leche flan.
This is what I'm going to need to do a lot of after our day of celebrating!2. Hubby and I went to the Island Singers concert last night. If any of you are ever visiting the Island when there's an Island Singers concert, please go and listen! You will be blown away! I can't even tell you how beautiful the music is. I'm not just saying this because my mother-in-law and a good friend of mine are in the Island Singers. I'm saying this because it's true. Last night, Hubby, my SIL, Niece2 and I were sitting in the front row and some of the songs were just so moving that they brought me to tears. Yes, I'm a cry baby and I cry when I watch Tim Horton's commercials and Disney movies, but I also cry when music is just so beautiful. Embarrassing? Yes. I can't seem to control it. I wasn't blubbering or bawling though. I was just "misty eyed". I always tell Hubby that music is really good if it has the power to move you so much that it makes you cry. I suppose it could be argued that my theory is flawed, since really horrible music can probably make a person cry too. This was not the case last night, however.

Anyway, please do try to attend an Island Singers concert if you can. The director does a wonderful job and the accompanist is flawless!

Since I'm on a roll here with promoting the arts, another must see is Gilbert & Sullivan's HMS Pinafore. I'm a big Gilbert & Sullivan fan and have seen a performance of HMS Pinafore in Stratford. It's one of my favourites (along with The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, and Iolanthe)! I hope you have your tickets already for the Burns Wharf Theater performance, because tickets are already sold out!

3. Sorry I've been so lax lazy slow tardy in getting your movie prizes to you (Canine, Jimbo, VE, Starshine, Deb, and Karen). The prize and consolation prizes are all here in our office and waiting to be sent out. Sooooo sorry! I have no excuse other than it's been crazy busy here. Jeanna, your birthday present is here too! I WILL get those things out in the mail ASAP. Sorry guys!

4. Curiosity Killer, I just got your postcards from Japan! Thank you sooooooooo much! You are such a sweet friend. I'm so glad you enjoyed your trip. Now you see why I love Japan so much and why I fell in love with Kyoto! :) Thanks again for the postcards! Love ya! XO

5.Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! Do not (I repeat, DO NOT) ever tell her I showed you this! I swear, she'd have my head on a platter if she ever knew I did this!

J-Boy, the Japanese boy who has been staying with us was showing my Mom some really cool optical illusions on this site when she was at our house for Mother's Day. Click on the link and view the site's Optical Illusions first before watching the video. Make sure your sound is turned up.
Anyway, the result was hilarious. Yes, that's me laughing hysterically in the background. I don't speak my Mom's native language of Tagalog, but I understand it. Let's just say that the phrase she uttered in the video "Putang ina mo" is not a good phrase!