Rodstol Lane Farm

I'm on a roll

2008-03-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

Okay I'll admit I took a hiatus from blogging. All that had really been on my mind was the frustration I had with a horrible grout experience only I was responsible for and I couldn't bore you with that now could I.

But I've lightened up a bit, maybe it's the HOPE of spring time. Maybe the excitement of going out on a limb and planning the first
SOUTHWORTH ARTS & GARDEN FAIR
plug.
No matter the reason here's another one for you.

"Mom, do you think the Southworth Grocery sells laundry soap?" asked Andre'.
"We're out...Oh I'll make some" replied Mom.

Now that's not a conversation you hear everyday. Anya and I had talked about doing this when her realization of how much laundry you do when you have 5 children become apparent. So I bought the ingredients and waited until my expensive eco friendly laundry soap was gone.

So this morning I combined...

1 bar of grated Fels Naphta soap(grated in the food processor)wash thoroughly before making these. The most delicious muffin/carrot cake ever!
3/4 cup of WASHING soda
3/4 cup Borax

Stirred and stored in a 3 cup reusable Gladware container with a 1 tablespoon scoop inside. How easy is that. 1 tablespoon of low sudsing natural laundry soap for about 1 cent per load, I can live with that. I found all three ingredients near packaged laundry detergent right next to each other on the shelf at Fred Meyer. I'll let you know how it works.

Monster puppy, Norsel is going to take me for a walk now.

F.R.

I am dumber than sheep!

2008-03-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

This came from the mouth of a man whose Mother and Grandfather roamed the hillsides of Bowler Flats, Montana with their herds of sheep. A generational sheep herder. Wow, not many of those living in these parts, Southworth, WA that is.
So after today we wonder who is turning in their graves, Grandpa Miller or Uncle Leonard!
Of course we had to try again and let the animals graze in their new paddock, and we had to see how Paquito got out. Well he got out quickly and quite easily by stepping right OVER the 3ft. plastic. Once back into safety Tony went back to shoveling rocks we love to do that here when I recieved a phone call I was in the house from Tony. "3 sheep are out. HELP" Laughing on the way out I grabbed a bowl of sheep candy and jingled my way down the hill toward 3 very happy sheep and one husband running around laughing at the situation. We saw the fourth join us by walking right UNDER the plastic! As we led the sheep back up the hill Tony said " I am dumber than sheep, blog that one."
As we tore down our campsite barrier we decided to spend some $ and put up some metal posts and wire fence. It will look better and be much more secure. Sorry to those of you planning to advertise, we'll come up with something else I promise.
At least post pounding today was done in the sunshine and together. The animals stood at the fence watching all day just waiting for us to finish.

Another lesson learned.

I wonder if it's really true what my Mom said last year. "Cinthy, people wait their whole lives to leave suburbia and buy some sheep.

F.R.

A Ma & Pa Kettle kind of day

2008-03-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

As Tony and I were out in the lower field pounding in posts that ran 100' with black plastic attached to them we both just laughed at how this looked and how once again we realized, we don't know WHAT we are doing!
We started laughing much earlier as we both walked into Del's Farm Supply in our Carhartt and The North Face farmer apparel and didn't have a clue on what C & DT toxoid is, how to select syringes and even the thought of administering these shots makes us cringe. The young woman was very helpful. Answered all of our questions and didn't laugh at us at least not in front of us. As we drove away Tony smiled that 10 yr. old Smiley smile and said how much he liked going there! Next stop, the neighborhood hardware store. Looking for some type of temporary fencing for the sheep. Practicing pasture management is very important for livestock owners. Left with only peat moss for blueberries. Tony had another farmer moment as he handed his utility knife to the young man at McClendon's to help him open the bales of peat moss. At a large chain hardware store we found a very inexpensive alternative to expensive temporary fencing.
So there we are enduring the pouring down rain, hail and very cold weather, because that's what farmers do to get the job done and putting up this 400' of black plastic on our picturesque field. Tony suggested selling 10' sections for advertising any takers?, Andre thought we could place our logo everywhere. Then again it could be a camp site for Tonyfest 2008 July 26th plug. I think it's important that we keep laughing together. That whole stressed out decision making scene just isn't as healthy.
The grand entrance was made. Our curious animals made their way into a greener pasture, we felt so proud. They looked so happy. So we started applying peat moss on blueberries. Every once in awhile glancing to the west at the sheep and llama, llama, where's Paquito? Well against all we were told Paquito jumped the fence plastic to an even greener pasture. I am sorry I don't have a video of that hour because you would have enjoyed it I'm sure. As with most of us the idea of something sweet in the middle of the day can take us away from the task at hand. Once Paquito heard the llama candy jingle in the dish he followed with rapt attention. Bringing the sheep back in was easier too. For some reason Giaever our Aussie/border mix herded them in better than out. Hmmm, maybe it was Norsel, our lab/Newfoundland monster puppy.
Finish off a day like this with homemade nachos and a Mac & Jack and you've got the makings for a pretty good life.

Trivia for the day: Do you know where the true characters for Ma & Pa Kettle are from?

F.R.

Eat Local

2008-02-29T08:25:00.000-08:00

Times have changed. 100 years, 75 years, hmmmm - maybe 50 years ago was there any other way for most Americans but to eat what they or their community grew? Now it's a movement. Oh, don't get me wrong I love the idea and am in the process of creating a space for my family and local community, Southworth, to do the same.
When we moved out here our daughters teased us every time we said the word FARM! The only thing growing here was an old small fruit orchard.
Tony and I attended several WSU extension courses on sustainable farming and learned quickly that if the land you live on isn't making you any $ you need a plan. So we created one.
We are only getting older so we took into consideration the amount of work and return for it. Heirloom tomatoes are delicious but a lot of work for $4.00 a lb. So the first crop we settled on was blueberries. Upfront labor for preparing the soil, measuring rows, double digging, was hard and took time but our first crop is in! 240 plants. With some TLC, pruning and 3 dogs to help keep deers at bay we are on our way. It is very exciting. In a few years we'll have a small crop to sell.
Contributing to a movement, to our health, and to our community. I like the sound of that.
Last year I was given a book that I loved and learned so much from reading. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. She shares about her families journey committing to eating local for 1 year. Even if you don't have a space to grow your own food anyone who eats should read it to learn about what you are eating. You will be shocked. It was also fun to read about the author as a wife and mother. A very funny lady.
Kitsap Co. is trying to better it's community by creating a food coop. Plans are under way but as with anything it may be a couple years. In the mean time here is a list and map of farms where you can begin supporting your health and local farmers from the ground up.
F.R.

Before I am blog-xiled

2008-02-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

Well I must have seen this coming. Otherwise why would I have said there will be some 'fill in the blanks' after the fact. I have been scolded as of late to get back into the blog world, people really do read this stuff.

Trying to condense the past 6 months isn't so easy. Looking back I realize the things that were so important then, selecting sinks, countertops, cabinets, flooring, all that remodeling stuff really took alot of eneregy and filled my head and my sleep with temporary importance. Things got done. The kitchen is beautiful. I even like cleaning it! But you know it's just stuff. What really matters is what happens in your home. The laughter from a grandchild. Cuddling on the sofa with my man. Playing the 'family game' with new friends. Sharing our hearts, our time and love express more than any finished project can.
We are slowing down this year. We admit we took on alot, didn't know how to do alot, but we really did get alot done.

No matter how full and complete we think we are I have learned there is room for more. Unconditional love. Love that comes unexpectantly and in this case very quickly. Our daughter Anya and husband Jeremy are adopting 3 siblings and this process is an overwhelming expression of love. Our lives will never be the same.

Read her story, her words.

I will be back. I hope you will be too.
F.R.

Back To School Haircuts

2007-09-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

Our little lambs had their 1st shearing this week. Now they're naked! And I must learn to spin! Ya Right! Well, Maybe. Any hints or helps out there?

I think we are very happy. A sense of accomplishment. Not pride, just happiness. Like building compost bins and designing showers and making birdhouses and selecting cabinets and countertops kind of happy.

If I was a poet I would say...
"Pick blackberries when they are full of sunshine."

I don't think Tony liked the grilled Ceasar salad.

Did you know that Sasquatch lives here?

Farmer Rosie

Celebrations

2007-08-31T21:15:00.000-07:00

July was better than June. June was hard. June came with sadness. June also came with many decisions to be made. It became obvious we had never done this before. What, you ask, had we never done before.
Decide on very big changes involving an excavator!

I think Tony and I were divorced about 9 times that month! I soon learned, after whispering with a few dear girlfriends, that I was not alone and even the most civil become down right cave-ish when it comes to agreeing and seeing the same end result. Needless to say we made it thru!We can laugh now and keep moving forward with a sense of humor and accomplishment.

July saw the end to a few small projects. Seeing grass grow was very fulfilling but that meant there were many more rocks to rake elsewhere so that grass could also grow there. Monotonous.

There is a bathroom being built and a kitchen being dismantled. It will have it's turn soon enough. So I am learning how to cook just about everything on the BBQ. Hey, if we could eat like royalty at Banks Lake shouldn't we be able to do that at home. I think the key was the expertise of many hands.

I think I have been decrowned as GC. It is really a hard job. I don't know when to call who and when to call them!

It seemed like every week in August had a celebration. The perfect setting to celebrate my little bro's 40th - Banks Lake. Tony jumped off a 58 ft. cliff, YIKES. Andre learned to wake board and we all climbed Steam Boat Rock. FUN FUN FUN
There were weddings and more birthdays and celebrations of life and long lost friends and more laughter and more wine and more progress.

A fine month, a fine month indeed.

Farmer Rosie

Traffic!

2007-07-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

After running errands today with Anya and the boys it took me a bit longer to get home. It wasn't that traffic was backed up, it was a mama duck and her 4 babies waddling across the highway! I love my life!

How long did you sit in traffic today?

Farmer Rosie

2007-07-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

The blog, a frog, and Thor the dog,
your sheep, dirt heap, the woodsman creep,
a fawn, the dawn, and new green lawn,
blueberries, red cherries, and honking ferries,
the house, red barn, and plenty more charm,
can all be found on Rodstol Lane Farm.

by 'the hipster farmer poet'

Last week...

2007-07-05T08:41:00.000-07:00

Moses and I layed in the pasture and watched the 'Swallow Dance'.
We planted grass, a lot of grass.
Paquito ate his 'llama candy' from my hand.
We shared laughter and peanuts on the porch with family.
While I was watering our 'grass' a hummingbird danced in the water, as did a butterfly.
We raked more rocks.
We raked more dirt.
Our neighbor across the lane delivered organic eggs.
Andre continued to build a rock wall around the shed.
Tony knocked out more walls in the kitchen.
We watched the swallows grow out of their nest in the basement.
Mama Junco sat quietly on her nest in the basement.
Paquito did a 'llama dance' then jumped over 3 sheep!
Daylily LLama.
Daily LLama.
LLama LLama Ding Dong.

Farmer Rosie

Cinthy, are you writing all this down?

2007-06-24T21:29:00.000-07:00

Mother has been asking me this question since my children were born. You know, the first smile, the first step, talent show, play, concert. The answer is partly yes and partly I'll remember.

Well, she's at it again. This time my answer is partly I'll remember and partly does anyone really care? This new generation blog thing is still new to me. It almost seems a bit pretentious to think someone wants to read what I did today or thought about it. Then there is the long thought process that needs to pare down. I think that my children's generation is very keen on the short message, be it on a blog or on a cell phone, mine, me, not so good. If I have to recall someone to finish my message maybe I should just wait for them to call back!

But today is an anniversary of sorts. The first night Tony and I officially moved into "The Uncles". There were months prior of sorting and cleaning and planning and cleaning, that went on with the hands of many, but on June 24th 2006 we toasted to our future on the front porch. Looking out into the dark night yet seeing very clearly.

So Mom the answer is no. I haven't been writing it all down. Parts yes, memories yes, and I'm sure there will be many 'fill in the blanks' after the fact.

Perhaps a short story, a list, a word.

It will all add up to a dream. A dream Mother says people wait their whole life for. To leave suburbia and buy some sheep. To learn the process of becoming sustainable and never forgetting the importance of being hospitable.

That is what I want learn. To share. To remember.

Happy Anniversary Tony aka The Family Gardener

Farmer Rosie

My Peacock Theory

2007-06-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

I seemed like the right thing to do. Arise, drink some coffee and start up the lawn mower. I like to think that is what Uncle Leonard would have done. Although his day would have started at 4:00a.m. not 8:00a.m.. He would have also been walking behind a mower not sitting upon one. Some things change but the principle is still the same. I learned that from Uncle Leonard. Hard work or work hard. We miss you Uncle Leonard.

The rest of the day began a journey into the unknown. There was laughter along the way...what ARE we doing? and, WHO have we become? After 8 hours in the car, on the ferry, in the car and on the ferry, there she was Mother Hildegard. Tony had been communicating with her for several months. She raises livestock at Our Lady of the Rock Monastary on Shaw Island. As we greet one another in front of the guest house I know this is exactly where we should be.
Our first task was to meet our lambs and llama! Our lambs and llama! "They need their shots before morning, so Andre' just flip that lamb on his back and I'll administer the shot". And that is just what Andre' did...4 times! A tour of their sanctuary brought a stillness to my spirit. Visit.

As Tony and I lay across from each other saying goodnight from our twin beds we realized...we have become exactly who we want to be.

Oh, my peacock theory, when you have some time join me on the porch. I'd love to tell you all about it. -Cynthia aka Farmer Rosie

What sound does a llama make?

2007-03-09T01:11:00.000-08:00

The buzz has spread and I'm here to confirm that yes, we are indeed getting a llama. But that's not all. We're also getting 4 Cotswold sheep. Really! Why? How? First of all, we gotta make this place look like a farm, don't we? Secondly, they come from Our Lady of the Rock Monastery in the San Juan Islands. The nice nuns there has devoted themselves to preserving minor breeds of livestock, such as Kerry Cattle, Scottish Highland Cattle, Cotswold sheep, and llamas. Pictured here is the llama we're getting—he's two years old and his name is Paquito de la Roca. Below is also an example of what Cotswold sheep look like. Check out their website to learn more about the animals.

The task at hand is to build the fencing and shelter for our first farm animals. And Dad is reading up on everything sheep related—tapping into his Basque heritage I suppose. The sheep were just born and they need to stay with their mother for three months. So we'll head up to the San Juan islands in May to pick the little guys up. Stay posted for their arrival. I know how much you'll want to hang out with them. —André

Welcome to the Farm!

2007-03-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Friends & Family: Here is the official Rodstol Lane Farm blog. This is where you can find out the latest—from ongoing projects to fun snapshots—and follow us on our journey. Tony, Cynthia and André will do their best to keep the posts coming. Feel free to comment—and visit us in person!—anytime you like. For now, The Moras of RLF