On the Art of Not Living a Careful Life
I started off the year by writing about measuring sticks. The metaphorical kind, not actual tape measures (although I’ve written plenty about those too.) And while I used bodies and physical aesthetics as an example, that is really just one of many
Kitchen Progress: The Next Three Things
I officially started the kitchen renovation about a year ago, and between February and May I tore most of the kitchen apart, rearranging cabinets… Taking the backsplash out (with the help of my mom and grandma)… And taking out the granite counters
The Big List – 2017
If there is one point in time that sets the tone for the year to come, it’s probably this one… The one hour a year I sit down– with a bottle of wine and a fresh piece of chalk– and plan out what
So Long 2016
About this time last year–when I was looking back and reflecting on what I’d gotten done–I called 2015 “the best year yet.” I got so much done on the farm, I felt good, and, really, the most energizing thing about checking stuff off
Christmas on the Farm – 2016
So many parts of this year have been a blur. It’s been a lot of work, a lot of good times, and– every once in a while– the chance to just take a minute to stop and appreciate where I’m at. Thanksgiving
The Last Hive
It’s been about a month since I made an epically bad decision that led to the loss of two of my three beehives, and I’m still angry about it. I’m not sure I ever won’t be angry about it. The truth is,
The Missing Chicken
It doesn’t feel like I’ve been sharing a lot of good news on the blog recently, so– spoiler alert– my two most recent farm stories actually have happy endings. I mean, if you don’t count that part where I may or may
Adventures In Beekeeping: The Worst Mistake I’ve Ever Made
I almost hedged my bets and titled this “The Worst Mistake I’ve Made Yet” but I genuinely hope this is the worst beekeeping mistake I’ll ever make, and if I ever make a bigger one, it’s probably time for me to stop keeping
Remember that Powertool Wielding Badass?
I did not grow up in a world that told me I could do or be anything I wanted. Quite the opposite, in fact. The first seven or eight years of things I documented on this website were basically a series of
Hello, November
The first day of November and it’s probably not even really cold enough out right now to merit a bonfire. But don’t think that’s stopping me, as I’m currently writing this post from, well, here… These last months of the year are
Eleven Hours and Seven Thousand Square Feet
I cannot tell you the last time I went into weekend with no work or social obligations, all my project materials lined up, and a full two days to get shit done. The shit I’m referring to in this case is everything I’ve managed
Back at It
For most of September I was doing my best to maximize my time out in those last beautiful, sunny days of summer. But now we’ve hit the time of year where it’s time to get back to work while the weather holds
Summer Days
Summer might be drawing to a close, but we’re still having wonderful weather in Michigan, and you’d have a tough time luring me back into the house for indoor projects just yet. I’m focusing more on chores and maintenance (and enjoying my time
Honey Harvest 2016
A few weeks ago I spotted the first of the goldenrod blooming in the field behind my house, which meant all of my other projects and activities came to an abrupt halt while my life turned into a sticky, honey-covered disaster. Because goldenrod–
Millions of Peaches
Okay, fine, dozens of peaches, but given this is my first peach harvest and–with all the concern I’ve had over the trees–I wasn’t sure I’d get any edible fruit, this sure feels like millions… (Also, some songs from my youth will literally never
Vineyard Update: Summer 2016
If you asked me to summarize what starting a small vineyard on my property this year has been like I’d say roughly 50% digging holes and 50% crossing my fingers and hoping everything doesn’t die. (So much of life on a farm– when
Kitchen Progress: The Next Three Things
I officially started the kitchen renovation about a year ago, and between February and May I tore most of the kitchen apart, rearranging cabinets… Taking the backsplash out (with the help of my mom and grandma)… And taking out the granite counters
The Big List – 2017
If there is one point in time that sets the tone for the year to come, it’s probably this one… The one hour a year I sit down– with a bottle of wine and a fresh piece of chalk– and plan out what
So Long 2016
About this time last year–when I was looking back and reflecting on what I’d gotten done–I called 2015 “the best year yet.” I got so much done on the farm, I felt good, and, really, the most energizing thing about checking stuff off
Christmas on the Farm – 2016
So many parts of this year have been a blur. It’s been a lot of work, a lot of good times, and– every once in a while– the chance to just take a minute to stop and appreciate where I’m at. Thanksgiving
The Last Hive
It’s been about a month since I made an epically bad decision that led to the loss of two of my three beehives, and I’m still angry about it. I’m not sure I ever won’t be angry about it. The truth is,
The Missing Chicken
It doesn’t feel like I’ve been sharing a lot of good news on the blog recently, so– spoiler alert– my two most recent farm stories actually have happy endings. I mean, if you don’t count that part where I may or may
Adventures In Beekeeping: The Worst Mistake I’ve Ever Made
I almost hedged my bets and titled this “The Worst Mistake I’ve Made Yet” but I genuinely hope this is the worst beekeeping mistake I’ll ever make, and if I ever make a bigger one, it’s probably time for me to stop keeping
Remember that Powertool Wielding Badass?
I did not grow up in a world that told me I could do or be anything I wanted. Quite the opposite, in fact. The first seven or eight years of things I documented on this website were basically a series of
Hello, November
The first day of November and it’s probably not even really cold enough out right now to merit a bonfire. But don’t think that’s stopping me, as I’m currently writing this post from, well, here… These last months of the year are
Eleven Hours and Seven Thousand Square Feet
I cannot tell you the last time I went into weekend with no work or social obligations, all my project materials lined up, and a full two days to get shit done. The shit I’m referring to in this case is everything I’ve managed
Back at It
For most of September I was doing my best to maximize my time out in those last beautiful, sunny days of summer. But now we’ve hit the time of year where it’s time to get back to work while the weather holds
Summer Days
Summer might be drawing to a close, but we’re still having wonderful weather in Michigan, and you’d have a tough time luring me back into the house for indoor projects just yet. I’m focusing more on chores and maintenance (and enjoying my time
Honey Harvest 2016
A few weeks ago I spotted the first of the goldenrod blooming in the field behind my house, which meant all of my other projects and activities came to an abrupt halt while my life turned into a sticky, honey-covered disaster. Because goldenrod–
Millions of Peaches
Okay, fine, dozens of peaches, but given this is my first peach harvest and–with all the concern I’ve had over the trees–I wasn’t sure I’d get any edible fruit, this sure feels like millions… (Also, some songs from my youth will literally never
Vineyard Update: Summer 2016
If you asked me to summarize what starting a small vineyard on my property this year has been like I’d say roughly 50% digging holes and 50% crossing my fingers and hoping everything doesn’t die. (So much of life on a farm– when
