We have been busy (the usual excuse for not posting)…  And I have been feeling a bit under the weather too – which combined with busy makes posting about how busy and under the weather I am seem more like a chore as opposed to fun…  so – I have avoided it.  And for that – I am sorry

At any rate – I am feeling a little better today and after feeding the chickens sat down to give a quick update…  which includes food.

As I looked back at the posts that generated the most interest – oddly enough – it’s those about food.  So I figured I’d share this last Sunday’s meal where we had our friends Max and Carol over to celebrate their 40-something-ish anniversary.  We cooked a delicious beef brisket in the smoker for about 7 hours – and it came out tender, juicy and delicious.  I think well done brisket is my favorite meat the smoker produces.  The rub was a spice mixture of whatever I had and some coco powder…  EXCELENT!

Accompaniments were fresh Florida corn on the cob that the guests brought (not very sweet – but makes you excited for the real LOCAL thing soon!), some beans and a sun-dried tomato pasta salad Kelli made (mmmmm).

Dessert needed to be “big” since it was an anniversary – so I whipped up a chocolate cake from scratch.  Most delicious!  We toured the farm happenings, played with the meat chickens and had great discussions…  all in all – a terrific visit with terrific food and terrific friends.

In the midst of chicken processing this last weekend Tim and Meme visiting – we were very excited and luck to have the Remley family over – 8 in all (sorta 8.5 if you count the one “in” mommie) – to enjoy some good conversations – some bad 80′s Vanilla Ice lyrical ramblings – humor – farm tours – and good food.

It’s always a pleasure to have fellow bloggers - and “extended” family come for a visit.

It was one year ago that we moved into our new home. So we took pause last night to reflect and remember all the changes, struggles, victories and memories over the last year. A lot has changed here from the first post about 3 weeks after we moved in.
A lot of people have helped us change things too!
Terrific memories of friends and family around the table and the campfire.
We sincerely appreciate all the friends and family who have lent a hand (or encouraging word from afar) over the last year… and those of you who have joined us along the way here on the blog.

So – THANK YOU for joining us on this journey… here’s to a successful year behind – many more ahead – and the travelers we look forward to joining us along the way.

Say not, “I have found the truth,” but rather, “I have found a truth.”
Say not, “I have found the path of the soul.” Say rather, “I have met the soul walking upon my path.”
For the soul walks upon all paths.
The soul walks not upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed.
The soul unfolds itself like a lotus of countless petals.
-Kahlil Gibran