tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67206812013062133332024-03-05T01:05:24.844-07:00catch me if you can....poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-85374761577200407642010-06-20T18:36:00.003-06:002010-06-20T18:57:21.225-06:00Country Mouse, goes to the Big City... The City of Angels!<br /><br />Last weekend I found myself hopping a plane bound for LA. That would be final destination: LA. Who would have thought?<br /><br />My dear farm friend Sandy, married Dararith (her sweetheart of 19 years) in one of the most beautiful, unique and inspiring wedding celebrations I've been blessed to be a part of.<br /><br />Fellow farmie, Jonathan, joined me on muscle beach and we had a great wkend!<br /><br />D (dararith) is originally from Cambodia. His family went through one of the most horrific experiences I can even begin to imagine. During the Khmer Rouge rule and the mass genocide, most of his family was killed and he came to the US as a young kid. Through true courage, resilience and compassion, D is truly one of the most caring and kind souls I know.<br />In traditional Cambodian wedding celebrations (lasting 3 days) there are 7 ceremonies. Sandy and D chose to have 2 traditional Cambodian wedding ceremonies with the final ceremony being of the western (and hip and modern) tradition.<br />So unique, so fun, and so chill.<br />I do have to mention that the locale of the wedding <a href="http://www.smogshoppe.com/">'The Smog Shoppe'</a> is one of the greenest venues in North America and host to the creation of <a href="http://www.woollypocket.com/">Wooly Pockets</a>. Felted containers and pockets made from 99% recycled plastic bottles (whoohoo!!) and my latest obsession in urban gardening.<br />All things considered (mostly the fact that I was in LA) I had an amazing time in LA. Farm boy Jonathan on muscle beach, a hotel room with a tv (ie- world cup soccer viewing) and such an amazing wedding. It was weekend worthwhile!<br />And guess what?!* Upon my return there has been (mostly) SUNSHINE!! in the rainy NW town I live in.<br />Lovely, lovely garden daze to all.<br />Happy Solstice and Happy Summer!poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-65720636193033601002010-06-17T21:45:00.005-06:002010-06-20T18:40:47.404-06:00Time Flies When You're Having Fun!Rain, Rain, Rain.<br /><br />It's been raining here since, well, probably the last time I blogged. But don't let a little water get you down. It's nature's way of saying... go ahead, go on vacation- don't bother asking anyone to water your garden.. I've got it!<br /><br />So- that's what I did. Took 2 weeks off, packed the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">silverado</span> and headed out on a road trip with myself. And let me say this- No Regrets!<br /><br />I headed west to Hailey, ID the first night to visit Cortney's lovely family- woke up the next morning, headed out in the snow and continued the drive west. Through a mix of rain, snow and sunshine I found myself in west-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">central</span> Oregon and my little brother for a night of camping... mostly in the rain. Back to back, two <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">subaru</span> hatchbacks do pretty well with a tarp <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">draped</span> between! In the morning I took some time to visit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Fraga</span> Goat Farm and see and sample what kind of cheese they have going on there. YUM! Onward north to Portland.<br /><br />I stayed with Nate and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Carm</span> in the city of rain, eating good food and sampling good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">microbrews</span>. The next morning Nate toured me through Nike: World Headquarters and I got a taste of what his daily life is like: community garden, test lab and all. Pretty great place they have going on there- but I couldn't be detained... northward I continued.<br /><br />That evening I found myself in Port Townsend, WA- on the NE corner of the Olympic <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Peninsula</span>. I stayed with my friend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Livi</span> and her 2 cutest ever kids- Ethan and Estelle. The rain didn't stop us from enjoying some parks, beach time, trail hiking and toddler aerobics. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ok</span>, but it did allow us some nice chill tea time to be sure.<br /><br />From there I was ferry bound across the waters to the shores of Seattle. What happy feelings swell inside of me making my way through the NW. I might have been the only one on the outside deck of the ferry on that rainy day, but I was all smiles- riding with a happy heart. I met my friends Carrie, Keller and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Premo</span> for some nights of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">debauchery</span>, wine tasting, old estates and good eats. Nothing like a visit with good friends.<br /><br />After a few days and through rapidly swishing windshields I, yes again, continued the journey north. This time with my sights on a border crossing. With the words of a friend "Why don't you just head south to the desert?" echoing in my head I was wondering if I was headed into a rainy, cold, week with my only comfort being a soggy, wet tent. Those thoughts quickly disappeared after crossing the border. Within 15 minutes a black bear ran across the highway, shortly thereafter a bald eagle came swooping above my car. Later I saw a moose happily munching the roadside shrubbery, and further along 2 beautiful rainbows welcomed me farther north. From then on the theme of the my trip became.. no regrets! From here on out- no matter what becomes... NO REGRETS!<br /><br />The first night I made it to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Clearwater</span> Park- close to Wells Gray Provincial Park- found myself campsite #37 and settled in to set up camp and make some dinner. Though there were few people along the way, and most were curious as to what I was doing so far from home by myself I didn't feel the least bit out of place or ill at ease.<br />The journey continued northward to Jasper Park. I did a small hike through the rain to some amazing falls carving out a deep ravine and on my way back was met with blue skies and sunshine. What amazing views to behold once the sky clears, the white peaked mountains show through and against the blue of the sky and the green of the land... really no words can describe.<br />I camped outside of Jasper at <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Pocahontas</span> camp ground which is only a short (and amazingly beautiful) drive to some hot springs. I soaked until I couldn't soak any more and made my way back to my nearly vacant campsite and let my body <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">dissolve</span> into my sleeping bag and pad. It didn't matter that there was still daylight to be had.<br />Sunshine the next <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">morning</span>, but quickly turning into rain as I drove south toward <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Banff</span>. I saw velvety elk, another black bear, huge glaciers, AMAZING mountains, blue lakes and lots of rain. Due to the rain, I found myself that night in at hostel at Lake Louise. Though there were truly no regrets staying at the hostel, that is one place that can make a person feel old. After my dinner and sauna I turned in early with a book- and my young Swiss roommates didn't know what to do with such a roommate. :)<br />I was up early and decided to see what all the hype and fuss was about Lake Louise. Beautiful Lake Louise. Surely didn't disappoint. Though the weather didn't allow for a hike to the tea house, I hiked up a steep trail to not only see the most beautifully blue lake, but to also be greeted by a snowshoe hair (in the midst of changing colors) hop right up to me, only to be surprised that I was there (as not many people had yet been up that snowy trail).<br />SOUTHWARD!<br />I decided to nip into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Banff</span> Town to catch a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">glimpse</span>, but mostly for gas, coffee and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">GF</span> treats. I ended up following the road through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Kootenay</span> Park instead of east to Calgary. Again, no regrets. Some of the most amazing scenery yet. Through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Fernie</span>, through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Waterton</span> Park and south to the border and Glacier. I was so jazzed and in awe of the scenery it's amazing the little car stayed on the road. Probably the most beautiful border crossing I've experience.<br />Admittedly, my experience, though still grand, did head a bit "south" as I reentered the US. We just don't do it as well as the Canadians do. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Regrettably</span> (for Glacier's sake) I saw the Canadian Rockies, before hitting this majestic park. The roads, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">pit stops</span>, the trash bins (note: no recycle bins) just weren't quite up to par. Sorry homeland: maybe we can spend a few "war" pennies on preserving what we have... just a thought.<br />That be said, it was still pure beauty as I drove along the south border of the park the following day toward <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Missoula</span>.<br />YEA! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Cashman</span> time in MT. I met up with my friend Aaron, his brother and dad. Happy times there. And as I left later than scheduled the next day trying to squeeze in everything (sleeping in, farmer's market, breakfast, hikes, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">acupuncture</span> treatments) I was reminded as I drove south to Livingston, how beautiful even THOSE mountains are. I kept getting my mind blown each and every day. I squeaked into one of my favorite campsites near Chico and awoke the next day to quite the rain. No worries about soggy tent now- I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">home bound</span>! But not before a quick soak in Chico Hot Springs and a visit with some great family friends, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Andersons</span>. Driving through Yellowstone was familiar yet beautiful. No matter that the rain kept coming, it was a grand finale to the <em>Tour <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">du</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Parc</span></em>. I drove into Jackson and had about an hour to unpack the car and deal with myself before heading to my friend Emily's house for dinner with her parents who were in town. What a perfect ending to a perfect trip.<br />True rest and relaxation- and for that, truly amazing.<br />I will forever recommend such a local, chill and lengthy excursion to anyone who has the luxury to partake.poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-45817416557749944952010-04-24T18:58:00.011-06:002010-04-24T20:14:02.936-06:00To Mother EarthApril~<br />Renew. Refresh. Growth and Rebirth.<br />Lovely words, lovely thoughts.<br />It is nice to come full circle through the year and to the time of year I love thinking of as the real New Year.<br /><br />The last week or so has pushed many thoughts and feelings through my head.<br />Earth week is a lovely thought, until you start to realize the condition she is currently in. Last Sunday I was one of a handful of people who chose to sit in a dark auditorium in the middle of a weekend day full of sunshine and blue skies. I watched the movie (semi) debut of a film called "Bag it". This is a documentary a few people from some local ski towns put together about PLASTIC. It is very well done, entertaining and informative. When searching online I found a short clip of the whole video. So far, it's not very out there as far as availability, but if that day comes I would highly recommend you and yours spend the time to sit and have a watch. In the mean time, check this out: <a href="http://vimeo.com/5645718">http://vimeo.com/5645718</a><br /><br />I consider myself pretty well informed and a bit geeked out on environmental issues, but seeing this film nonetheless left my head spinning and my heart reeling in the amount of devastation we are doing to our planet.<br />The "gyres" of plastic we've all heard of out in the oceans (5 of them now) are not merely conglomerations of accumulated, floating plastic, but rather huge amounts of garbage (plastic) that are being degraded and broken down by the sun into smaller and smaller bits.. until they resemble plankton (ie fish food) and larger fish are EATING this and we are eating the larger fish. We are eating plastic! The ratio of plastic to plankton currently in our ocean is at 40:1- which means that there is now more plastic in our oceans than there is food.<br /><br />Plastic is convenient, but we have become lazy about that convenience. Plastic is in personal care products that we use, slather and consume. It is currently in our bodies.. to be passed onto our children- in a physical and cumulative way. The amount of plastic in our bodies is beginning to show its effects as various birth defects and behavior problems in children. .. and I could go on.<br /><br />But I won't end this on such a grim, gloom and doom note. No I won't.<br /><br />Because- I spent the whole day working, volunteering and being utterly REFRESHED with our world. I helped out at and attended our town's Eco-Fair today. The amount of people that truly do care and are motivated to change things- that want to learn to shop and cook locally- to learn what is in their personally care products- to learn how the hell they are going to grow food in a 6300 ft mountain town- and to even those that are willing to get their hands dirty and start composting with worms at home.. Then I begin to feel the sprig of hope blooming this spring.. and I think maybe.. maybe it can all begin with small forces. Neighbors talking to neighbors. Hope. And a little action.<br /><br />So- enjoy the springtime, let it renew your hearts, minds and souls. And then let summer sweep you away with happiness and health for you, and for your pachamama- she's the only one we get.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463891605638718546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 165px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 159px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xdol3DF5LVPrQE3ZKGgT4wzIYkjLkSnC64bLm3YwDjl8DR_8KabDeDKWC0qQ4p1QI8fMgY1h21h_repwe7Ts_WBI0GAz_Iv_W-wkSFl6MeASi8HzFPkUmlNLd9n5a3AyL6nuA3AGxgSN/s200/earth.jpg" border="0" />poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-1571902646205029482010-04-04T15:13:00.003-06:002010-04-04T15:28:37.340-06:00Return of WinterOn my last post was I boasting of Spring being in the air? Well, it is now officially Spring, and it's reported to be the best skiing the valley has seen all year. Boo to that... Just in time for the resorts to close their doors and people to start greasing their bike chains.<br />I also recall reporting on that end of season sickness that latched it's mucky paws into me. Well, that stuck around long enough and between that and a vaca to the Florida corner of the world.. I haven't been around much to report on much of anything.<br />It was nice to get out of town for a bit. I spent the first few days of my vacation in SLC at my brother's house- running around after their crazy life. 3 1/2 kids will let that happen. Yes- there is another one in the oven! I was the lucky aunt who got to catch a glimpse of the 4" munchkin on the ultrasound monitor. shHe's a mover and a groover.<br />I then flew to the (mostly) sunny side. I was able to spend around 6 days in FL. Visiting my 94 yo grandma, my parents, little bro and even a few uncles, cousins and farm friends.<br />My friend Kevin, from the farm, is working on a farm in the same town my grandma lives in. He showed me the sights and sounds of places I've never made it to in the last 20+ years of visiting my grandmas and Sarasota. Fun times.<br />Now it's back to the puffy coats and the work grind.<br />Though I did get to celebrate with friends at an Easter Brunch today.<br />Onward and upward... the days will turn warm again soon enough (right!?*).poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-2603634087079367512010-03-13T19:49:00.010-07:002010-03-13T20:16:59.573-07:00Coming out of the CaveSpring is definitely in the air. <div><div><div>In most places this might be an obvious; in Jackson.. we're a month or so early. Though I fear the dry and burning summer we are most likely in for, one can't control the weather and thus.. I won't even try to hide my delight! </div><div><br /></div><div>Last weekend a couple friends and I skied into Brook's Lake Lodge- a past winter standard for me, and we caught it on the last week of the year! Check that off the list.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c76f0xa7_YLSwIxFG7upiIe7G9VtfceymavGUNB6GESovFhFIMeC7asEkxe2jD5CFobtj97ztOwCRpddbqhf3cZif9QC4VULyQLeKnMECRx0Q9uFyr6CL6kJpjqM780IGb7b7dixIB9k/s1600-h/brook's+lake+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448321153295662386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c76f0xa7_YLSwIxFG7upiIe7G9VtfceymavGUNB6GESovFhFIMeC7asEkxe2jD5CFobtj97ztOwCRpddbqhf3cZif9QC4VULyQLeKnMECRx0Q9uFyr6CL6kJpjqM780IGb7b7dixIB9k/s200/brook's+lake+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3B6_d1QZX5_5qmZev5RHLKsDzcArDLaZm8bgG9H8J8Z8A5CfKBYDvhnmhlmte5PjKtQLSLg876w5oEL6Da-vPbXtyBEZhYJ6472OOkXkpCZsyTmdbHC7qGn6FM2nZabyGWwAAU1B_Po-/s1600-h/brook's+lake+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448322008172098610" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3B6_d1QZX5_5qmZev5RHLKsDzcArDLaZm8bgG9H8J8Z8A5CfKBYDvhnmhlmte5PjKtQLSLg876w5oEL6Da-vPbXtyBEZhYJ6472OOkXkpCZsyTmdbHC7qGn6FM2nZabyGWwAAU1B_Po-/s200/brook's+lake+012.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>This weekend I'm enjoying the last ski weekend for yours truly- with mellow park skis and a few last runs on the King. Florida y la familia are just around the corner. My body can't wait to show itself to the SUN and fill itself with a healthy dose of Vitamin D.</div><br /><div>Mientras, this week I did it. I finally got sick after holding strong all winter (in those germy filled schools). Even though it's never really fun being sick- I almost relished my permission to relax and enjoyed holing up in my cave, reading, watching movies and just letting it kick my ass. Why not? I deserve it after pushing through all winter long.</div><br /><div>With that being said... Spring! Yes Spring! Tomorrow we "Spring Forward" and the daylight hours start readjusting our clocks and before you know it seedlings will start sprouting their heads through richly delicious soil and my favorite sunny side of the year will be upon us!</div><div>For this I rejoice. I won't hide it.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-32183739233165089112010-02-28T15:09:00.005-07:002010-02-28T15:36:39.198-07:00On the Sunny Side...<div><div>Days are good (in general) and sunny (for the most part). I'm focusing my energy on the good, the sunny and the positive. People and situations with negative energy.. be cast aside.</div><br /><div>Even though it's still February, the sun has been shining and the snow has been warming up enough for one to think spring is truly around the corner. Though this is unheard of in Jackson- I'm going with it. And I'm happy about it.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYAoI58H2h7pJKl-72wSDFzUaMkIL6u4VI4yPl5PpZ_tS5Q-68cAw0No4n4TC10LC9keJhH0FV4lPEq37x_csBqRmRIVTjVTEt9RVLHkyYo4HRwVf8alw85SELOb3tpAjZ3NukosBB0H7/s1600-h/granite+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443426021802303730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYAoI58H2h7pJKl-72wSDFzUaMkIL6u4VI4yPl5PpZ_tS5Q-68cAw0No4n4TC10LC9keJhH0FV4lPEq37x_csBqRmRIVTjVTEt9RVLHkyYo4HRwVf8alw85SELOb3tpAjZ3NukosBB0H7/s200/granite+001.jpg" border="0" /></a>Motivated by his nearing departure from the valley, my friend Davey motivated a few of us to plan an epic nordic adventure yesterday. This included a 10 mile ski into granite hotsprings (south of town). The brilliance of the plan is that it is in a beautiful location, with an amazing pool filled with natural mountain spring water waiting after a long ski in. The flip side... you have to ski 10 miles back out with wibbly wobbly hot springs soaked muscles to fuel you. We went for it! Five friends and I headed out early <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQly03r3iumep_xgaAYePNslhvsxXXdVd7HgRwQzyw6zR4H-cLGJ1iU1WaJAD5cJ-5eQ4tuvqzvVu_6RWw0Fgao1pWm5-m01gTDp8DwXPnDa_WrX5L7tG3icJUJR_Jl9gPGQFc3BJBChk/s1600-h/granite+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443426245442695234" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQly03r3iumep_xgaAYePNslhvsxXXdVd7HgRwQzyw6zR4H-cLGJ1iU1WaJAD5cJ-5eQ4tuvqzvVu_6RWw0Fgao1pWm5-m01gTDp8DwXPnDa_WrX5L7tG3icJUJR_Jl9gPGQFc3BJBChk/s200/granite+014.jpg" border="0" /></a>yesterday am to beat the dogs sleds and snow mobile tours. We made great time and had a lovely day of it. We even lucked out with an afternoon of sunshine to give our noses and cheeks the sunglow only a day of skiing can provide.</div><br /><br /><div>Then to top off my already epic day, I had tickets to see one of my all time favs.. Jalan Crossland <a href="http://www.jalancrossland.com/">http://www.jalancrossland.com/</a> at Dornan's in Moose, WY. He's a WY boy that was a constant in my life a few years ago, but hasn't been to Jackson in a while. Master banjo picker with some rough and funny lyrics- and though our sun soaked faces were exhausted, it rounded out a perfectly shaped and epic day- fo'sho!</div><br /><div>Today the mellow Sunday consisted of a lazy breakfast and few runs on the King. Keep the sunshine coming!!</div><br /><div>Happy Full Snow Moon to all-</div><div>until next time... keep on the sunny side of your life! :)</div></div>poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-23541688139098810352010-02-21T10:31:00.003-07:002010-02-21T10:43:48.193-07:00February Continues...<div>The sun is shining.</div><br /><div>I'm wrapping up a weekend with the rents. Over to Jackson to visit and earn medical credits. It's been a good weekend. Mostly relaxing, eating good meals and a bit of skiing. We'll be off to Planet Lotus in a bit and that makes me happy.</div><br /><div>Last weekend I flew to the windy city to hang out with college girlfriends (GW2010). Fun was had. I will admit that I wasn't super psyched to head out to blustery Chicago in the middle of February and continue the trend of needing to catch up on sleep... but it was worth it. The weekend basically consisted of eating, drinking, watching olympics, going out... (hit repeat). Oh and laughing. Lots of laughing, and a little bit of darts thrown in. We did hit the Art Institute and even saw some sunshine. Mostly it was just fun to hang out with good friends that I see far too little of. Thanks friends.</div><br /><div>Maybe my hightlight was Sunday Brunch (vday indeed) at ZED [<a href="http://www.zed451.com/">http://www.zed451.com/</a>]. An amazing buffet brunch, complete with roaming meat skewers and maple cajun bacon. Really enough said...</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440753493775889506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqtX4WVQHdYKnSg_9xumlaIc43T2nIyY8tAI0lrfTFFRzWzNmq9EkLEZFWjwL0e71D4L1AukxIS1gOiBtuYzQIYAtj8D1mkXwBzEbuJkTYDNIjRJbCP4o_nX5y7RLgZh_3ND-oWo6n2Ix/s200/group" border="0" /><br /><div></div>poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-8883609344922165622010-02-10T21:12:00.003-07:002010-02-10T21:27:18.044-07:00Ski Hard, Ski Fast and Don't Fall DOWN!So I've totally been slacking. I said I was going to keep a blog and bloggers don't go months without blogging. Maybe some do. This one clearly does. I was re-inspired realizing I was actually being followed.<br /><br />SO- big news this week... I just finished the Sun Valley Boulder Mountain Tour. <a href="http://www.bouldermountaintour.com/">http://www.bouldermountaintour.com/</a> 32k of brilliantly groomed and sunlit trails in Idaho. It was the longest race I've ever done and was quite pleased with myself for finishing... and in under 2 hrs. I hadn't really any idea of what to expect... but getting a migraine at kilometer 20 wasn't in the mix. Apart from not really being able to see for the following 10k and feeling completely cached out upon seeing the '5k left to go' sign... it wasn't that bad. I saw my friend elise at the finish and collapsed into her arms and realized I was on the verge of tears. A cup of water and a warm bowl of butternut squash soup later... I was feeling better and at least in the mood to head to the car and change out of those dang boots.<br />Never fear... a thrift store and a double shot of espresso and collard quinoa wrap later and you would have hardly known I had skied that day.<br />What a fabulously lovely place. As elise expressed... 'It feels like we're in another country.' I hadn't realized that the Sun Valley area was such an epicenter for nordorks like myself, but with over 200K of groomed trails, nearly everyone at every age nordic skis and are pretty happy about it. I figure you could definitely come across worse obsessions.<br />My good friend Cortney and her family generously hosted us, with bunk beds, laughs, food and fun. With every other joyous expression out of Elise and my mouth being, 'Oh, the SUN feels so great!' one can hardly deny that we must be living in a cold dark hole. In any case, it was great to get out and ski a bit in the valley of the sun.<br /><br />And not to sit still for too long... Friday I am off to (possibly a less favorable environment) the windy city! Chi-town for girls weekend O-'10. Stay tuned for (some toned down) details of that to come.<br />Hugs and love to all...<br />thejetpoalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-42774402524597376932010-01-14T22:16:00.002-07:002010-01-14T22:24:48.781-07:00i trust...so i haven't been as feverish with these posting as i had imagined. i guess it doesn't always feel like there is something new under every rock that is over turned when settled and living in a day-to-day world. BUT it just takes a bit more imagination and thought to notice... because they are there.<br />things to note this week:<br />yoga<br />amazing indian food (go chris and trav!)<br />remembering patience and perseverance... working in the schools... AUGH!<br />burning man docudramas<br />felt a crow kit<br />tickets bought to chi-town for a feb. girls weekend<br />cold cold ski days on the king... and sweet ego turns on the corduroy<br />fermenting red-wine vinegar<br />peaceful souls making their way into the next life<br />sliding off heck of a hill<br />mercury finishing up it's freakin' retrograde<br />making cheese with new friends<br />... and a sweet 3-day weekend coming up (thank you MLK.. for more than just a day off)<br /><br />and a moment to think of those suffering in Haiti today.<br />Peace to all-<br />poalilypoalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-22089981064958101602010-01-03T13:42:00.002-07:002010-01-03T13:49:02.625-07:00I'm Ba-ack!Well, hello hello.<br />Even though it won't be as hard to 'catch me' these days, I've resolved to re-start this blog. I've been back in Jackson, WY for the last year- working in nutrition and food education through Cooperative Extension. This pleases me and keeps me grounded, settled and comfortable. Though I constantly dream of other lands and dias libres, things are good as is for now. In being "settled" for a while I often think I have nothing interesting to note. But that doesn't stop my head from wandering and my imagination from taking off.<br />SO!<br />I have decided I will pick up this blog (not really where I left off- but rather from now) and contribute my 2 cents of my daily wanderings and wonderings and see if anyone takes notice. Though- more for me and my writing than to offer anything of huge significance to others.<br />We'll see where this takes me and see how long I can keep it up.<br />Til soon-<br />jennyj<br /><br />Feliz O'10 to ALL!poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-15803963080482902982009-01-14T18:20:00.002-07:002009-01-14T18:33:15.946-07:00Heading Home..I´m wrapping up a two month holiday and I can honestly say I´m ready to get home. It has been a wonderful and exciting adventure- with a new job and a new niece along the way, but I´m craving familiarity, home cooked food and a constant bed.<br />I enjoyed my days in Arequipa, a truly beautiful city and spent a night away touring the Colca canyon. I changed my idea of exploring the edge of the Peruvian jungle at the last minute, due to various warnings of drug lords and extreme rain and found myself headed to the northern beach town of Huanchaco- near Trujillo. Not without a stop over in Lima first and a tour of the city with my new friend Jose. It´s quite a nice place if you´re ever in the area for more than a few hours I´d recommend checking the place out.<br />The past few days in Huanchaco have been spent doing virtually nothing. And that´s about how I planned it. Apart from reading, walking the beach, sleeping and eating ceviche.... that just about sums up the end of my travel adventures for a while.<br />I´m on my way back to Lima tonight (last overnight bus for a while... YEA!) to meet up once again with my friend Nora. We seem to be swapping places yet again- her on her way back to Cajamarca after holiday seasons state side, and I back north, plum tuckered out after whirling myself through a bit of the South American continent.<br />It has truly been amazing... I´d recommend to anyone to pack up the duffle and hit the trails.<br />Until you can... I´ll be working a desk job, so feel free to write about it!<br />LOVE AND HUGS-<br />jennyjpoalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-27679026938669896412009-01-06T13:49:00.004-07:002009-01-07T05:02:32.940-07:00Happy New Year!Wow, as I re-read my last blog entry it feels like ages ago that I wrote those words and experienced those feelings. I have done so much and walked so many steps since then, hell I even have a new niece and it's a new year!!<br /><br />Christmas Eve and Christmas Day passed brilliantly in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cusco</span>. Probably the only time I've enjoy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">falafel</span> for Christmas dinner and experienced so much rain, but I was with dear friends and ate loads of food so in a sense it was similar to the events back home.<br /><br />Christina and I left for our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lares</span> Trek on the 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span>. There are many hikes and treks weaving their way in and around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Machu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Picchu</span> and though we <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">didn</span>´t do the traditional <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Incan</span> Trail, I think we might have got the better end of the deal. We began by visiting various <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Incan</span> sites in the Sacred Valley (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Pisac</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Ollantaytambo</span>) as well as woman´s traditional weaving project- learning of their traditional dyes and weaving styles... very interesting for me. We stayed the night in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Ollantaytambo</span> and spent 3 days walking through high mountains, valleys and in and around Andean villages and potato fields. Christina and I joined a group of 10 travelers and spent 2 nights in the mountains, seeing no other tour groups; only local people in their colorful ponchos working in their potato fields, herding their llamas and alpacas and watching curiously as the group of plastic poncho wearing gringos <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">traipsed</span> through their landscape. The highest pass we crossed was 4200 m. High enough that I was gasping for breath in the middle of the nights and dreaming of stealing the O2 tank off our ambulance burro named <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Tortillo</span>. We spent New Years Eve huddled in our dining tent drinking warm wine, wearing yellow underwear (yes, all of us to bring in good luck..) and inventing our new years resolutions for 09. Most of us were actually in bed by 8.30pm, but I awoke 6 minutes to midnight to pee in the rain, so Christina and I shared a new years kiss, made our 3 wishes and fell back into our lucid dreams.<br /><br />Our last night of the trip we spent in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Machu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Picchu</span> Town, now called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Aguas</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Calientes</span>, and awoke before the sun to take a train up to the ruins. After many days with more llamas than people, the overwhelming tourism at the ruins was a little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">staggering</span> for most of us, but regardless we managed to take in this sacred site, that the Spanish never found, with enjoyment and awe. We arrived early enough to climb the neighboring mountain of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Wayna</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Picchu</span> for an over view of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Machu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Picchu</span> ruins below. The many <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Incan</span> stone steps up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Wayna</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Picchu</span> gave us a taste of what the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Incan</span> Trail is like, and I must say I think I prefer rambling grassy hillsides. We made wonderful friends with our group and enjoyed many laughs together. As we were taking the train back to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Ollantaytambo</span> and busing out of the sacred area, a huge double rainbow arched over us and we drove under it. Sure sign of a wonderful year ahead.<br /><br />Not pausing for a minute, Christina and I were off and running (or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">busing</span> actually) south to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Puno</span>, the lake side town on the edge of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Lago</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Titicaca</span>... the highest <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">navigable</span> lake at 3810 m. We spent an afternoon in the pouring rain and met up with friends from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Cusco</span> to enjoy dinner and drinks and awoke to a perfectly clear and sunny day to boat across the lake and explore a few islands on the lake. Such interesting cultures are preserved here. La <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Isla</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Taquile</span> hosts a socialist community that is still going strong today. The people of the island live and work in community, hold weekly community meetings and abide by three rules: don´t be lazy, don´t lie and don´t steal. There you go! These come from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Incan</span> rules of: love, teach and learn. I think our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">societies</span> can learn a lot from these simple communities. As we walked across the island and caught the sun shimmering on the water below, I felt like I was in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Mediterranean</span>. A <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">truly</span> gorgeous day!<br /><br />We then boated over to the island of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Amantanì</span> where we met our host families and stayed the night, learning of the traditional dances, dress, farming and culture on the island. While some of our group played soccer (I tried my best but could hardly breath at that altitude), I hiked to the top of the island catching great views of the snow capped mountains of Bolivia to the East and the sun setting over the islands on the lake to the West. Very magical indeed.<br /><br />We returned to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Puno</span> via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Uros</span>, the floating islands, and learned how the traditional people lived and build houses on floating islands of grass reeds growing on the lake. Another amazing feat of mankind!<br /><br />Today I find myself in Arequipa, a town in the south of Peru near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Colca</span> Canyon, deeper than the Grand Canyon I´m told. The area is also <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">surrounded</span> by <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">volcanoes</span>. Today I visited a mummy, Sarita, over 500 years old. A small girl that was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">sacrificed</span> to the mountain gods to protect the area from natural disasters. She is on display, while her fellow (and better known) mummy Juanita is off display for preservation. Very interesting indeed.<br />And on that note, I think I´ll make my way out of this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">internet</span> cafe and back into the sunlight before it disappears for the day.<br />I hope this finds you well... be well...poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-39387164757609232342008-12-24T07:30:00.002-07:002008-12-24T07:44:45.284-07:00Back in the land of over 4,000 varieties of potatoes..Though a lot colder and listening to the patter of rain on the rooftop, I´m happy to be back in Peru and with my good friend Christina for a spell. My last few days in Argentina where spectacular. I splurged on a hotel with a pool up in Iguazú and definitely got my money´s worth. Visiting the falls of Iguazù is something I won´t soon forget. Purely spectacular and though I´ve taken loads of photos and a few videos none of them can begin to do justice to the feeling of watching that amount of water surge over cliffs, falling into oblivion-- with birds dancing in the spray and rainbows arching over it all. Really an amazing place.<br /><br />An official bus-ride from hell later and I was back in BA for my last night and off again yesterday flying to Peru. My travels alone where a lot of things: exciting, beautiful, stressful, relaxing and full of beautiful and friendly people along the way. Though I must say nothing compares to reuniting with a good friend, talking non-stop and laughing your way through dinner. I´m excited to be here in Cusco with Christina for Navidad. She´s already been here a week and has loads of friends and invitations for our few days before we head out on our trek. Tonight- La Noche Buena- we´re lucky enough to have an invite to a families home. I´m waging my bets on pollo, arroz, papas, y panetòn. Should be festive and delicious!<br /><br />I hope where ever life has landed you this day you are happy, healthy, warm and surrounded by love and hugs from many dear ones.<br /><br />¡¡Fiestejar Bien!!poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-8423083799873512292008-12-17T09:04:00.002-07:002008-12-17T09:18:32.932-07:00How much can you pack into one day?It seem like a lot when I think back...<br />Mendoza is a nice city. I felt I stayed long enough to get a feel for the place before rushing off on the next bus. I did the tour of wineries on bicycle with Fabio from Italy. It was blazing hot and even the wind couldn´t cool us down. Along with wineries we were able to visit a chocolate and liquor factory as well as an olive plantation. Those were actually more interesting to me!<br />I then had to plan out my strategy for the job interview I had back home in WY. All things considered it went fairly well, and I treated myself to a haircut from Christian down the street (or maybe I treated everyone else... as I´ve been looking pretty shabby for the last few weeks..)<br />An overnight bus later- I found myself in Còrdoba this morning and decided to spend the day in Alta Gracias which is an hour outside of town. Ernesto Guevara spent most of his childhood here, so I toured the home of Che this morning and have been kicking around this lazy little town since. On my way back to Còrdoba for another night bus up to Puerto Iguazù where I´ll be able to relax for my last few days in the country.<br />Still sweating, but still happy. Hope you are too (at least happy that is...)<br />besos..poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-34875899097846768522008-12-14T18:31:00.004-07:002008-12-14T18:48:41.142-07:00and what HAVE I been up to?On a whim I changed my plans of touring the North of Argentina and bought a bus ticket to Bariloche- the Tahoe of Argentina. All things considered a 20 hr bus ride in Argentina isn´t all that bad. I made it to Bariloche in time to orient myself, walk the streets and sunburn my shoulders. The next day I was off on a 22 km walk to refugio Frey up in the mountains and managed wear all my weather gear. I guess that is the way of Patagonia... or so I´m told. Never trust the weather forecast... Though the mtn and lake views consisted only of fog and rain, it was a nice hike and fun chatting w- the other stranded hikers and climbers at the refugio. After a bit of shared matè and some good eats, I was hiking back to town- desending amist all kinds of varying landscape and foliage.<br />I hopped the next bust to El Bolsòn the following day and ¨hung w- the hippies¨ for a few nights. Though El Bolsòn didn´t produce as many hippies as the guide book proclaimed, it was a nice town amidst beautiful mtns bordering on Chile. I met a fellow traveler from SF and together we hiked, laughed, dranks local brews and swore about our blistered feet. Mikel... may you find your retreat in the days to come... Thanks for the fun afternoon...<br />I was again aboard an overnight bus and today find myself in Mendoza, Argentina. Wine country if you will. Though I´ve recently sampled the Malbec the region has to offer with dinner- tomorrow I go on the bike around wine tour of the region.<br />Today was spent arranging myself in a hostel, scouring the town for what it has to offer on Sundays (virtually nothing...), and catching a sweet tandem paraglide flight that lasted approximately 31 minutes. Little did I know this was ¨the best place in Latin America¨ to catch a flight. With glimps´ over the hills into Chile and stunning tranquillo views of the town at 2100 m.- it was definitely well worth it! My guide Edwardo seemed psyched as well.<br />I will sleep well tonight- and may you as well.<br />Til again...poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-56178240800798318072008-12-08T07:01:00.002-07:002008-12-08T07:15:19.990-07:00Madonna & VosAs I landed in Argentina and was traveling into the heart of Buenos Aires I remembered why I had wanted so badly to visit this country. The use of vos! Few countries use this very informal form of ´you´ and Guatemala and Argentina are 2 of them. How exciting is it to see billboards and hear comments in vos!<br />Though I came down to SA in time for summer, I hadn´t yet felt it until arriving to Argentina. The long daylight hours and warm humid days... summer is here at last!!<br />I found my way to my friends Keller and Megan´s apartment (who were fresh out of a fútbol match) and we went out for dinner (midnight local time). And within 24 hrs of landing in this beautiful country I was amidst throngs of people waiting for Madonna to appear on stage. We were able to snag some general, ground level tickets and see a legend perform for a crowd that truly loves her. And incidentely- she´s filming for her DVD here in Argentina, so all those Madonna fans out there... when you watch the DVD... I´m wearing a blue shirt.<br />Though I haven´t yet made my way too far into this country I´m loving what I see. It seems to me the perfect collision of crazy, uncertain and care free Latin America with the Euro-American modernism and roots that I know. Oh and the accent! Nothing I love more than experiencing a new twist and slur to the Spanish language I´m continually trying to perfect.<br />I´m off on the bus to Bariloche. Until next time...poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-6237678723993222012008-12-05T16:33:00.001-07:002008-12-09T13:13:13.029-07:00The area around Huaraz, Peru....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtewOh3mqK4Rvhi6W0YP0sO9Fj1vfdwk8ZWNUtQMZdEnDTVo3G1Da8LQxqeH6JC8aQP_Dx2B7EInDQ5g_QT0VntVoLDZFBwl3au1yoh5pzHD49IdnyrFmsjLCJZXrWm9I_BeqHO7OTvtZ/s1600-h/huaraz+jen+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277885872387908994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtewOh3mqK4Rvhi6W0YP0sO9Fj1vfdwk8ZWNUtQMZdEnDTVo3G1Da8LQxqeH6JC8aQP_Dx2B7EInDQ5g_QT0VntVoLDZFBwl3au1yoh5pzHD49IdnyrFmsjLCJZXrWm9I_BeqHO7OTvtZ/s200/huaraz+jen+007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>is what you get when you mix the cultivated hills of Guatemala and a similar people, the rock walls, rain, and sheep of Ireland, the sheer cliffs of Yosemite with the trees and foliage of the Pacific Northwest (and maybe a dusting of Sinks Canyon- just for fun)-- ok, ok- and throw some snow capped Swiss Alpes in for good measure. There are many parts of this area that remind me of my time in Ecuador as well. Pero es un poco obvio- that´s like saying South Dakota is a bit like North Dakota, or Kansas is a quite similar to Nebraska. Only the hard core locals note the differences. In any case- I´m enjoying my days in the heartland of the Andes. I´ve been staying in the city of Huaraz which lies between the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra. El Parque Nacional Huascarán is a few hrs by car, taxi or combi away. We have had a week full of mtn adventures and try as I might- acclimatizing to this altitude truly is a challenge for this girl straight off the California coasts. I´ve been loading my body with as much Matè de Coca that I can get my hands on, but my digestion has been slow and my body tired. Regardless Nora, Meche and I have done our best to track down tours and hikes of the local area. The first day we visited the famous Pastoruri glacier. Like all other glaciers the globe over, this one is melting at an alarming rate. Though the landscape and people living up there above 5000 m. gave us enough to experience as we slowly crept up to the base of the glacier.<br />The next day we decided to do a small hike as the alitude was affecting and rain and snow was in the air. We got ourselves up to Lagunas Llanganuco and did a small hike around the lake and back down the hill a ways through a fairyland forest.<br />Feeling a bit accustomed to the land of little oxygen, we set out the following day to Lago 69 with a some Frenchmen from our hostel (um... seriously). Luck wasn´t on their side however and their taxi was stopped for over an hr by the Police. We didn´t realize this and went on without them. We lucked out with a clear, sunny day, and the views were amazing. Combine green grass, grazing cows, steep cliffs, rugged trails, white mtn tops and very little oxygen. The last few km to the lake were tough. As we got closer to 4600 m. it was literally one step at a time. I think Budda said, "Just do one more forever." Those were the words that brought me to the edge of the blue lake below the glacier. A truly amazing place. Oh and the french guys did eventually arrive at the lake (after nearly running up the mtn) just as we were departing. On our way down we were crossing an avalanche path that we had previously gone over and Meche commented that a guy at the lake had mentioned it had occured only 4 days beforehand. Hummm...<br />After a good meal and a night´s rest, Meche and I decided on a tour to the ruins of Chavín (Nora´s sore throat kept her in Huaraz for a day of R&R). The day was brilliant. We crossed over into the Cordillera Negra and were able to see a whole different landscape. This place truly amazes me. The ruins of Chavín that we toured were from a civilization speculating to be 1200 BC. There were many galleries underground that we were able to tour that went on and on. And though it was a 3 hr ride each way, the hill sides, the strong mtn souls of the Andes, the grazing sheep, llamas and cattle, the rock walls and small communities of chosas (stone and thatch huts) and the magnificant mtn peaks surrounding were plenty to keep my gaze constantly intrigued.<br />Enough said- this is definitely one of the most beautiful places I´ve ever been to. Though I haven´t been to that many places... I haven´t been to that few either.<br />I´m off on an overnight bus to Lima tonight and flying to Buenos Aires tomorrow. Look out!<br />(Oh and I´m taking loads of pictures and will hopefully have time to download some soon... stay tuned)</div>poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-76626044279817084052008-11-26T07:46:00.008-07:002008-11-28T08:46:12.181-07:00I'm Upside Down AgainWow, many adventures, in many different forms.<br />I had an amazing road trip with Sabrina- checking out the beautiful and truly majestic sites in California. Our time in Big Sur, Yosemite, Muir Woods and Pt. Reyes was magical. Oh, and there was loads of good food and many laughs.<br />I was in Santa Cruz just long enough to squeeze everything in my backpack and have one more meal on the farm.<br />My trip started right with a night at Pigeon Point Hostel and a hot tub overlooking the crashing surf of the pacific ocean under a lighthouse on a perfectly foggy moonlit night with my friend Aaron. I then flew to Puerto Vallarta and was in Yelapa the next day. I met Chrissi and Patrick and jumped into helping set up the retreat. As it's Mexico, everything tends to work on a slightly different time schedule than those from the States are accustomed to, but getting into that swing is the best way to make everything flow properly.<br />Overall the retreat was a success and a wonderful learning opportunity for all involved. There were small magic moments that helped tie the educational pieces together for a very fun week: -The phosphorescence glowing in the water as we walked home along the beach as if reflecting the starry sky above -learning more of the peace, calm and traditional methods of the Huichol people -seeing 5 scorpions and escaping unscathed -live music and good spirits enjoying the Mexican evenings -and maybe most magical of all was participating in the creation and ceremony of a traditional Temazcal sweat lodge. On that final note I was able to dash off to catch the morning ponga back to PV with a calm heart and excitement for the journey to come.<br />I left Yelapa Saturday morning and arrived 11 motorized modes of transport later in Cajamarca, Peru to meet my dear friend Nora on Monday morning. I had spent a quick night in Costa Rica and arrived to Lima complete with a police escort. As my taxi driver, Guido, was weaving his way through the streets of Lima there were Police on moto y en carro guiding us with sirens blazing- creating a path for us through the bustle of traffic. I soon realized our taxi was being pushed off the road as well- but no matter that the escort wasn't for me but for all the dignitaries that were visiting for the APEC summit that was finishing up as I arrived. I can pretend that all the hoopla was for me. Bush had departed the day before, thank goodness- but I heard word of all the Sultans, Presidents and Ministers (and money) that had been in the city during the week. I spent that night in Lima with my new friend Esperanza (who is a friend of Nora's dad whom she has never met). The initial plan of taking an overnight bus to Cajamarca had been frantically changed to an early morning flight the next day after I heard that the bridge to her site was blown up by protesters and though "taking the bus was still an option" it would have meant getting off the bus, crossing the river with my luggage on my head and finding a car to bring me the rest of the journey. I thought spending a few more soles on airfare was maybe a justifiable option in this case. <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></span><br />And since being in Cajamarca I've dove straight into Peruvian life and am loving it. I helped Nora cook lunch for some of her teachers as soon as I got off the plane and entertained myself while they finished final reports and papers. I met and toured the night scene with her boyfriend Hugo and walked to the campo to meet one of her women's groups to purchase some weavings she'll take back to the states. These women, though illiterate, create the most beautiful art and live in the most tranquilo setting amidst gardens, pastures and flowers. As it's springtime here on the other side, life is being reborn all around. There were baby chicks, lambs, cows, kittens and the favorite part of my day- holding the pigs that had only been born the day before and wanting to take the little runt (that was half the size of the others) and stuff him into my pocket and home with me. The little boy at the house promised me he'd take care of the little guy. It's the small day to day details that made up my Peace Corps life that I'm getting used to again. The smells, noise and uncertainty, that also bring adventure and excitement. I'm constantly fascinated by new cultures and ways of life. I know I will enjoy my next few months here- hanging upside down- heading, once again, into summer time.<br />Nora and I and her friend Meche head to Huaraz on Saturday. A place full of beautiful mountains, lakes and hiking opportunities.<br />Stay tuned...poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-48560028172925764582008-11-11T14:18:00.002-07:002008-11-11T14:20:37.956-07:00See you down south!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZxkO-_GSrkszKIWJQOhu7OnNx-itAS0sHpsytxgCt4uWhecl1HTqgIIYmDPztm4Ko_ZQ-NxMlGDqXMdZHjhUPWHJnEOh7lj4c7cbVmYU6egOMWs4ZvrpAmoA4C8ItGLiiTYEukuHzKyB/s1600-h/finalfarmdays+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267512757403850962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZxkO-_GSrkszKIWJQOhu7OnNx-itAS0sHpsytxgCt4uWhecl1HTqgIIYmDPztm4Ko_ZQ-NxMlGDqXMdZHjhUPWHJnEOh7lj4c7cbVmYU6egOMWs4ZvrpAmoA4C8ItGLiiTYEukuHzKyB/s200/finalfarmdays+022.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div>poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-44171869770299883192008-10-28T22:12:00.006-06:002008-10-28T23:15:32.125-06:00..and that just about does it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdHZyI8z6EdzfoAYCXzq4T5ue3g7YIhMzpnsChQAhi9Tb35r6paCQApv6vI8dFDCnfTSUncnQTeo5nPyDyKbW2-h2OcVx6WwESKidjEhwrEBZ2oXh0kakgWAAp7Ws7qr8hnL6OvjS0-TD/s1600-h/oct19+062.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262438542818893026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdHZyI8z6EdzfoAYCXzq4T5ue3g7YIhMzpnsChQAhi9Tb35r6paCQApv6vI8dFDCnfTSUncnQTeo5nPyDyKbW2-h2OcVx6WwESKidjEhwrEBZ2oXh0kakgWAAp7Ws7qr8hnL6OvjS0-TD/s200/oct19+062.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So that's it- Farm Camp is officially over. I am now just a Friend of the Farm & Garden.</div><br /><div>The last few weeks of the apprenticeship were a whirlwind of events that were spent trying to squeeze every last drop of farm goodness into a mason jar of memories. Though all completely spent and exhausted from our full contact lifestyle we've been leading for the past 6 months, farmies rallied to plan more events and tackle even more projects as the days crept closer to Oct 24th. We organized races, farm olympics, wreath making workshops, food drying sessions, canning and preserving, t-shirt printings, potato calendar making, field trips, dinners and graduation ceremonies... on top of all the normal harvests, classes, garden upkeep and daily chores. </div><br /><div>Our graduation ceremony took place on Friday night. Complete with hors d'oeuvres, entertainment, speeches, music, certificates, desserts and wine under twinkle lights in the DG and a final dance party in the middle green house. It was a fun night and a very appropriate closing to this little farm bubble we've all been living in.</div><br /><div>As our bubble pops and we all disperse back into the real world that has been going on around us- we brace ourselves for what is next. I feel a mix of sadness, relief and excitement as this chapter of my life closes and once again I'm thrown full force into transition. Sadness saying goodbyes to farm friends (who I feel I have developed relationships akin to that of siblings) that I won't see regularly- relief thinking of the rest, space and kitchen access that is hopefully on my horizon- and excitement for the opportunities that lay out before me. I do know, however, that these amazing people that have entered my life won't sneak away too quickly or quietly. I now have personal access to over 45 amazing farmers and foodies across the globe that are going to be doing amazing things. Mark my words... good things are sure to come from these people.</div><br /><div>As for me and my next steps, if I hadn't realized it yet- I don't tend to do things the concise nor logical way. This weekend my friend Sabrina is flying to California to help me road trip around this state to see some of the more natural beauties it has to offer. We're hitting Big Sur, Yosemite and Muir Woods, so I won't leave California having seen nothing but farms, soil and sunsets.</div><br /><div>I am then flying to Mexico for a week of working at the Tropical Horticulture & Nutrition retreat my friend Chrissi is putting on at her place in Yelapa and from there it's Peru and Argentina until mid January. In South America I plan to meet up with a few good friends from the states and see the sights, hit the trails and sip the wines the regions have to offer. If you're curious as to what wanderings I come upon this go around stay tuned to this site as I'll do my best to update it with (hopefully) more frequency than I have in the past few months.</div><div></div><br /><div>Now let the packing for the rest of my life begin!</div><br /><div></div>poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-4672244733527263692008-10-07T22:22:00.001-06:002008-10-07T23:13:19.414-06:00Field Trips, Visitors, Harvests and time slipping away...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLR_mwzHh65LLLIwWf7JAbC_3MoPNTqzCakixr4XKxZHLgQE_uucUmSt2NTPEWihmLb4PtZaY7WngUPOiihq3aNGC_ZRFNMflo-__zKY7br8wsEMtLmmioN01D9dngS581w2RLROjIVSYh/s1600-h/sept28+066.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254644084400899826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLR_mwzHh65LLLIwWf7JAbC_3MoPNTqzCakixr4XKxZHLgQE_uucUmSt2NTPEWihmLb4PtZaY7WngUPOiihq3aNGC_ZRFNMflo-__zKY7br8wsEMtLmmioN01D9dngS581w2RLROjIVSYh/s200/sept28+066.jpg" border="0" /></a>Well, I am obviously making less and less time for recording my daily activities and letting more and more of my time be consumed by farm activities. As it should be I guess. Maybe my farm life seems more normal and day to day, thus less need to jot every minute down and record the ongoings. Though the excitement hasn't been dwindling.<br /><div><div><div><br /><div>Our last few months of the program have been chock full of field trips. Fairly local and some semi farther away. A couple weeks ago we went on our epic Sonoma field trip that all farmies had been awaiting with baited breath... the first stop being legendary Bob Conard's place. Not only is he the iconic back to the earth farmer that has been supplying Chez Panisse with fresh produce for the past few decades- he also manages acres and acres of weeds. Weeds? What?!* He is so interesting and intriguing to us as his philosophy is almost completely backwards from everything we are being taught- and yet his crops flourish and bounty exudes from his fields. He is more in tune with plants and the natural cycle of life than most people on this planet- and thus sees a place for the weed's FULL life cycle to occur amidst all his crops. An amazing place to try to wrap your head around...</div><br /><div>On that same weekend field trip I was lucky enough to visit Three Stone Hearth- a Community Supported Kitchen in Berkley promoting the ideals and nutrition philosophy of Weston Price, a couple farms started by former apprentices, Occidental Arts & Ecology- a sustainable center with many amazing programs and practices, and of course enjoy much mirth and debauchery driving around California with thirty-some dirty farmers.</div><div></div><br /><div>I'm getting back into the swing of being in the down. Harvests and daily routines are definitely different in each site and I'm remembering why I enjoyed the down so much and am excited to pass my last --...sigh :( -- few weeks in this beautiful sight. We're planting brassicas, lettuces and other cold weather crops and cover cropping some beds for the winter time that is soon to come. It's definitely enjoyable to have kale available to harvest again. I'm realizing the full swing of the seasonal cycle I've already experienced in my time here.</div><div></div><br /><div>This past weekend was an eventful one. Not only did I have three out of town visitors and coordinate the pie contest at our Harvest Festival, but you'll be amazed to know that my tent is still standing after the torrential down pour and wind storm we had the other night. That's not to say anything was dry inside the tent, but it sure didn't fully blow away this time! :)</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0ZUL1VWpk5nLrWHc30AiOUyO_ZHCdM447KnOtJI1BEH7AckKfaT37LiprhByUcMd1Wzdka-PkeLoJQ1g91XEnb71A5CT74GpSvV8nmEfDsgS3oeYmNR6zTwdyFjlD1IUoWWfSxCPG9zm/s1600-h/er's+visit+058.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254642192262554242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0ZUL1VWpk5nLrWHc30AiOUyO_ZHCdM447KnOtJI1BEH7AckKfaT37LiprhByUcMd1Wzdka-PkeLoJQ1g91XEnb71A5CT74GpSvV8nmEfDsgS3oeYmNR6zTwdyFjlD1IUoWWfSxCPG9zm/s200/er's+visit+058.jpg" border="0" /></a>My brother, Eric, was able to spend a few farm filled days with me and it was a true blessing to have him experience a glimpse into my farm life. Coincidentally enough- my friends Sage and Jerod, from my life in Jackson- were cruising through the area and we all enjoyed apple pressing, a few laughs and yes... that darn rainstorm together. It was great to see them (and their silver submarine) in the surf city I've been calling home.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5yoq64-QtGWmloq_9IuwsJMdncCmgLdiTi1erlS_5hBzPl0lkWCh5-1NCTLAZ0GwUNvLWiGnSDZrfv52LKwvJnVMpu2HOMIaZl50e-IMT54mS4PbwsvpD45I5RDuWfk1HdJU9o3vVBAe/s1600-h/er's+visit+039.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254642015887645602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5yoq64-QtGWmloq_9IuwsJMdncCmgLdiTi1erlS_5hBzPl0lkWCh5-1NCTLAZ0GwUNvLWiGnSDZrfv52LKwvJnVMpu2HOMIaZl50e-IMT54mS4PbwsvpD45I5RDuWfk1HdJU9o3vVBAe/s200/er's+visit+039.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I spent the whole day yesterday cooking with my friend Robbie. We cranked out another stellar menu: Squash muffins, hard boiled eggs, sliced apples- Pasta fresca, three bean salad, hummus, massaged kale salad and bread- Chile rellenos, mole, mole verde, rice & tortillas. The crowd was pleased.</div><div></div><br /><div>And after that exhausting series of events I opted to take today off. One dead left front axle fixed and 11 quarts of tomato sauce later... I'm about ready for bed. I have another packed week ahead and an 'Eating Your Way Through San Francisco' weekend planned with my friend Beth. Something that shouldn't be missed!</div><div></div><br /><div>Enjoy your days young friends. I think of you often- but clearly don't make contact often enough. Be well.</div></div></div></div>poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-68437486889098018402008-09-14T21:16:00.005-06:002008-09-14T21:40:39.688-06:00Way Too Long...The days are passing about as fast as the apples are falling from the trees. I'm finding myself overwhelmed with everything I'm cramming into each day- yet loving (and trying to remember to cherish) the opportunity of being in this setting as the days get shorter, nightfall comes sooner and I realize I will be leaving this community in what will feel like a blink of an eye.<br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_hXUDAIjrtBxRTJBtdCV65OcK3-4JlLn3V4isPUGLyXtX0gC8ugXUVaWxGf1ONZG6hH_nuqWbYPtcIsxnBYW4_dns8hUsuSentcGdpb4sBEURft5BzbTTRwRdSdfqkHQE9r2rZbDVWpK/s1600-h/sept14+041.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246085715512090402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_hXUDAIjrtBxRTJBtdCV65OcK3-4JlLn3V4isPUGLyXtX0gC8ugXUVaWxGf1ONZG6hH_nuqWbYPtcIsxnBYW4_dns8hUsuSentcGdpb4sBEURft5BzbTTRwRdSdfqkHQE9r2rZbDVWpK/s200/sept14+041.jpg" border="0" /></a>I've been lucky. During my last week of cart, my dear friend Betsy, from Jackson, was kind enough to hop a train to sunny California and spend some of her vacation days with me on the farm- harvesting, cooking up garlic in the 'Up' for garlic fest, putting on an apron to help stalk and sell produce at cart, and even jumping in the ocean with me twice. It was amazing having someone who really knows me- show up and saddle up to farm life.</div><br /><br /><div>And since her departure... harvests continue, field trips are more frequent, food preservation is on the rise and yeah- our final rotation is almost up.</div><br /><div>We will find out this week where we will be placed for 'The Final Four'. I'm shootin' for 'The Down', but will soon let you know where I'll be spending my final four weeks in farm camp. Any site will be amazing and has it's advantages and disadvantages. In any case- I'm cooking tomorrow morning (starting at 5am) with my near and dear friend Adelaide. Goodness is sure to rock forth from the kitchen tomorrow. But I must head to bed soon...</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMczgYTv3UpYeLl4PK8fTWVUAYSj_czI47-UAfp3S8DoZvsStqrVmXkrZaS9rbSpHEcTtXeL8qpYQceh0PW6Ks3ZLW56ygY2U8ojlKy4jfpOK4ZkYIn9ypjU9t8wT8lYUJ-GwH3ok5aHwS/s1600-h/sept14+131.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246087164395048722" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMczgYTv3UpYeLl4PK8fTWVUAYSj_czI47-UAfp3S8DoZvsStqrVmXkrZaS9rbSpHEcTtXeL8qpYQceh0PW6Ks3ZLW56ygY2U8ojlKy4jfpOK4ZkYIn9ypjU9t8wT8lYUJ-GwH3ok5aHwS/s200/sept14+131.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>On that note- I'll leave you with some sweet pictures of the three varieties of salsa my friend jonathon and I pumped out this afternoon: normal red, salsa verde, and blood peach... if you will.</div><br /><div>Be well- keep rockin'.</div></div></div>poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-34340058619963346032008-08-24T20:54:00.015-06:002008-08-25T07:54:12.634-06:00To Wyoming and back again... Cart Time!Is it really almost the end of August? <div><div><div><br /></div><div>The past few weeks have been amazing.</div><div>I was able to take over 10 days off and travels back to Jackson for a visit with family and friends during our mid-course week break. It was such a refresher thanks to my many great friends back in the hole, the beautiful scenery, the fresh mountain air, and just some days off... with nothing planned- quality hammock time, if you will.</div><div><br /></div><div>And as the economy tightens and the oil dries up.. air flights get re-arranged. My flight out of Jackson was canceled Sunday night- and while it afforded me an extra day with friends.. (delightful!).. it also meant missing day 1 of my 3rd rotation in the Alan Chadwick "Up" Garden. I'm spending the next 3 weeks on my 'cart' rotation. This means I'm one of a few in charge of harvests, set-up, sales and overall run around for our farm stand on the corner of campus. It's actually quite fun and exciting to see our product packed and stacked so beautifully in one spot. And to watch it fly off the shelves... The regulars definitely know they have to get there right around noon-o'clock on the dot to get the good stuff. Our dry-farmed tomatoes our flourishing (sweet and delicious), a handful of our many apple varieties are coming on, the flowers these <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MybayGKE2CHw_KPOwX0T9rhyphenhyphenEKdkaUHH_yQ2SqDKREKFpa2SP4L8haD_8QLJHqxqlSBddqNqVoraYzILbYS0q4u1COGvXn1GeozeqhMdGeUeZX28Vs6budTCr90Yam71vA2GdOl_ne-G/s1600-h/end+2nd+rot+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238330359176969586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MybayGKE2CHw_KPOwX0T9rhyphenhyphenEKdkaUHH_yQ2SqDKREKFpa2SP4L8haD_8QLJHqxqlSBddqNqVoraYzILbYS0q4u1COGvXn1GeozeqhMdGeUeZX28Vs6budTCr90Yam71vA2GdOl_ne-G/s200/end+2nd+rot+002.jpg" border="0" /></a>days are AMAZING and the sweet corn is standard right now. Fun AND delicious!</div><div><br /><br /></div><div>As last Tuesday morning rolled around I quickly found out my cart days start at a quarter to 7 in the morning and end 12 or 13 hrs later. Though the energy on the farm has been great and the colors in the field have been so beautiful it doesn't feel like I'm spending so many hours working at this labor of love.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiqmOuUt27n422w5wF_rJhE6eUGhiMrxuBMEiGRcC6Dck-qGCKnpxTqrxihuFJhQ5OHmt3DBbGpjUB8jJYlC_zECNLiRkc6zknwLGd0ZF7xxOGkya6-knJVHZDk2gT5zwcP-rWObGWT4w/s1600-h/end+2nd+rot+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238329878612650050" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiqmOuUt27n422w5wF_rJhE6eUGhiMrxuBMEiGRcC6Dck-qGCKnpxTqrxihuFJhQ5OHmt3DBbGpjUB8jJYlC_zECNLiRkc6zknwLGd0ZF7xxOGkya6-knJVHZDk2gT5zwcP-rWObGWT4w/s200/end+2nd+rot+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Wednesday we had a class day and Thursday I spent sweatin' in the kitchen -4am-7pm-(another success.. and oh the fun of watching faces as farmies learned I'd fed them zucchini crisp instead of apple), so by the time Friday cart rolled around again I was definitely ready for a weekend of rest and distraction from farm life. Though this didn't stop me from harvesting mad veggies for a dinner in town with friends- freshly grilled sweet corn, sesame green beans, fried green tomatoes, stuffed squash blossoms, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkHt41WeptyZeDJruuyJCySuUV8vSlG9jO9DIKk2aVzddhYPaG6x7bhf4V_4Jlc1R6w8iuEmQIQgQ-fppiZs3VyrSzzCBppnKumkR8_ERUaMBEIcHLYNP2BOfe7yEg_JvoSxQw4lWZDJS/s1600-h/end+2nd+rot+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238330013572972642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkHt41WeptyZeDJruuyJCySuUV8vSlG9jO9DIKk2aVzddhYPaG6x7bhf4V_4Jlc1R6w8iuEmQIQgQ-fppiZs3VyrSzzCBppnKumkR8_ERUaMBEIcHLYNP2BOfe7yEg_JvoSxQw4lWZDJS/s200/end+2nd+rot+006.jpg" border="0" /></a>coleslaw, parsnips and grilled veggies! ...YUMMM</div><div><br /></div><div>On that note- it's about to start all over again, so I best get to bed before the night turns into morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope all is well in your world. Don't forget to smile and let a little love in.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><em>Wondering what to do with those over sized monster zucchinis you suddenly discover rapidly multiplying in your garden? Look no further- this is a sure hit!</em></div><div><br /></div><div><em><strong>Zucchini 'Apple' Crisp:</strong></em></div><div><em><strong><br /></strong>1 large zuke, peeled, seeded and sliced to look like apple chunks (about 6-7 cups).<br />Put into saucepan with 3/4 cup lemon juice. Cover and boil 15 min. stirring often.</em></div><div><em>Then add mixture of:1 tsp. nutmeg, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tsp. cinnamon</em><br /></div><div><em>Stir well into "apples" and set off stove.<br />Pour above mixture into a greased 11x9" pan.<br />Topping:1 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, 1 tsp. nutmeg, 1 cup rolled oats, 2/3 cup butter<br />Mix together til crumbly and sprinkle evenly over "apple" mix.<br />Bake at 375 degrees till golden brown. </em></div><div><em>Makes 6 servings.</em></div></div></div>poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-40843268955243530042008-08-03T14:39:00.008-06:002008-08-03T15:12:41.908-06:00Preserving the FunIt's count down time until we break out and see what's happening in the rest of the world. There has been a buzz on the farm, as we prepare for our break week. I do wonder what will happen to us as we emerge from our bubble and check out friends and ongoings away from CASFS. Though as I write this, I'm giddy with excitement to see friends, mountains and music back in Wyoming.<br /><br />The last few weeks have been fun and busy. Our part of the youth RIC conference was pulled off without a hitch and quite successfully thanks to hard work and inevitable good vibes that emanate from the farm.<br /><br />I've been keeping busy in my 'free time' (what?!) jamming and fermenting the bounty that lies in the fields- think 4 berry jam (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries) and raw kraut with hits of apple/fennel & ginger/jalapeno... oh! and I've had my first taste of farm tomatoes and sweet corn... a sweet, sweet summer it is...<br /><br />My friends Rob and Chloe from San Francisco drove down for a weekend visit and some friends from Jackson are hopefully showing up on Tuesday <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPskTg_-BtH7XGUwZeVKuMxMo3zh_FV01e2NC_hsnmcwPmRcRhrXt2Vvu3TahIIZxWrtj6EXAl2Q8TwRVJ4ZGqjgO1_kFz6WZejrfwsybJDorG7huQxqFx6rfieP-avhj48-JWdn33_Bll/s1600-h/end+2nd+rot+048.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230401320174637234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPskTg_-BtH7XGUwZeVKuMxMo3zh_FV01e2NC_hsnmcwPmRcRhrXt2Vvu3TahIIZxWrtj6EXAl2Q8TwRVJ4ZGqjgO1_kFz6WZejrfwsybJDorG7huQxqFx6rfieP-avhj48-JWdn33_Bll/s200/end+2nd+rot+048.jpg" border="0" /></a>for a quick stay. It's nice to see familiar faces and show off the place I'm calling home for the time being.<br /><br />The field farmies have been busy harvesting and cranking out CSA boxes. I was asked to write a piece for our CSA newsletter last week- so I'm going attach that to give you a sense of my current feelings on life, love and food. And on that note.. Happy Birthday Er!<br /><br /><br /><br /><em>--As I spend my days working in the field amidst rows and rows of brilliantly colored and shaped fruits and vegetables I see nature at work- providing exactly what we need at this moment in time to meet our nutritional needs. ‘Nutrition’ and ‘Health’ have become tantalizing words these days- thrown about carelessly by the media, relying on the hope of consumers that there is something magic out there that can be tagged and bottled to cure our ailing minds and bodies. Nutritional trends come and go- just about as rapidly as blue jean styles, but the tried and true methods of Mother Earth have been humming along far more reliably that the laboratories can crank out vitamin supplementations.<br /><br />As a Dietitian, I’m often approached with nutrition questions.. the underlying hope being that I will have something magical and different to say.. advice that will finally work this time!</em> Eating a balance of whole foods in tune with the rhythms of the seasons <em>has been my standard reply for a while now- and as I plant, weed, harvest and eat the bounty of the food grown here I’m reminded and humbled by how important this is. We could never contrive to formulate in a vitamin supplement what nature has taken and molded so beautifully over many years. In the few short months I’ve been living on this California farm (loaded with abundance), I’ve been excited to roll with the days and the seasons; just when you’re getting a bit overloaded with one crop, on comes another to add more zeal and excitement to the dinner preparations. (Speaking of.. be on the lookout for some amazing sweet corn coming next week…) Eating in this way leads us to </em>live<em> in this way; respecting and loving what our world has to offer, and that is the magic answer that I think most people are truly looking for.<br /></em><br />-Jen Jacobsen, Lander, WY 1st year apprenticepoalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6720681201306213333.post-91716421940269996102008-07-20T09:29:00.006-06:002008-07-20T10:33:44.540-06:00Rockin' and Rollin'--- mid-program style<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225133470227842818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiml4e_BWO59cIRFcvnF3yzbEGZ6Wm9ZHKdflaGmeDa5_tgb60dPOqymeZicdp1LNF7SQhk7KnByTziEzjeJ7-ozdqJKkEl_jHuD8krLiarTF7vvYUeD55pMOyIO1qZnJDZ757cDiFX6VZ4/s200/Field+%26+Fun-+July20+001.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div>It's true... too much time has gone by- and not for a lack of ongoings. Life has been a bit hectic to sit down and write about- but finally today, a calm Sunday morning, I'm making the time.</div><div><br />In last minute style, I bought a ticket home for the 4th (nothing says 4th of July like Lander Wyoming!!) to check on the rents, hang with my brothers and see a few friends in the mix. It was fabulous to be home for a few days. The days were far too few and a bit hectic, but it was a successful trip all in all.</div><br /><div>Upon my harried return, I was thrown full boar back into farm life. I was in the middle of my irrigation sub-rotation -field style, the following Tuesday I was signed up to cook (another success... thank you Karen!!) and my first farm visitors showed up! All the way from Switzerland<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyYbxPm4lKK04jx_-I8z6R5oQh1m1RhY1maxWoI9bhEgW9AFV_EQKlImGX4T-gui7E5PEhN02gUkXYyuYsI31YDXjA_XF1wlpo4rPD2AoOEhy_bQDfv2lkX3DFdCImPbaC1pGD8Ecl71K/s1600-h/Field+%26+Fun-+July20+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225133618371696258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZyYbxPm4lKK04jx_-I8z6R5oQh1m1RhY1maxWoI9bhEgW9AFV_EQKlImGX4T-gui7E5PEhN02gUkXYyuYsI31YDXjA_XF1wlpo4rPD2AoOEhy_bQDfv2lkX3DFdCImPbaC1pGD8Ecl71K/s200/Field+%26+Fun-+July20+012.jpg" border="0" /></a> mind you--- via New Zealand, Australia and Fiji. I met Ben and Anja during my last few days in NZ and they were kind enough to go out of their way to take me to the airport in my final hours. Knowing they were soon enough destined for the California shores, I invited them for a stay. Though I didn't have loads of time to dedicate to showing them what Santa Cruz is all about, they were able to experience farm life and a bit of the city on their own- camping next to me, enjoying communal meals, harvesting blueberries, biking through campus etc. Very kind people... I wish them the best back home in their studies! --- Remember--- You're all welcome. It's amazing only the Europeans have thus far taken me up on it. Oh right- Americans don't get vacation days...</div><br /><div>Times are a changing... the farm has felt more stress and tension in the past few weeks than previously. The honeymoon is ending. The 2nd year apprentices have been evacuated from their housing situation (the upper rooms in an 18 yr old barn) due to building codes. The rest of us seem to be finding ourselves in that awkward period in a communal living program- the days have become more normal, there is a lot of work to get done, we miss friends and family that we've been neglecting in our busy schedules, we are all good friends- but maybe not close enough just yet to fully explode or decompose in front of. Where do you go when you need a good cry and every sound and movement in your tent is easily overheard in the tent 2 yards on either side?? I've been lucky for my town escape at Chrissi and Stephen's house.</div><br /><div>Though on the flip side: I love my hammock, plums are bumpin', rotting on the ground and <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsZZvcqebYwA_SnSo-tPxlbriMBXzyx7j1rWiorOO9w-ZIZatY8o8TLJgJC6QvnoSK1n5i9hvC9tOLqUQAKat6z66qXtDhGztRDw9g9HCugA4Rj_3l0YPGnuWHazxxbN7wIB3HvBwy52M/s1600-h/Field+%26+Fun-+July20+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225133730962100354" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsZZvcqebYwA_SnSo-tPxlbriMBXzyx7j1rWiorOO9w-ZIZatY8o8TLJgJC6QvnoSK1n5i9hvC9tOLqUQAKat6z66qXtDhGztRDw9g9HCugA4Rj_3l0YPGnuWHazxxbN7wIB3HvBwy52M/s200/Field+%26+Fun-+July20+014.jpg" border="0" /></a>yeah- I'm almost plummed out, the field harvests are getting smoother and MUCH faster! and I had a great RAW week this past week with 3 fellow farmies. As a challenge to myself and to get a bit more grounded my friend Adelaide and I decided to eat raw with our fellow raw farmie Alden who has taught me a lot about food and the beauty and options of eating a raw diet. Our friend Brian decided to join us, and we had many beautiful meals together, as well as, much laughter and interesting conversation. I felt wonderful on that diet and will try to incorporate more of it into my day to day meals in the future. Nothing against the cooked food, but it did make me stop and realize what exactly I was putting in my mouth and its value to my body and ultimately to our world. And of course, one really can't go wrong with chia, nori, fresh avocados from our trees, sprouts and various seed patés.</div><br /><div>So on that note- this week we'll be getting ready to host part of a national youth conference- RIC (Rooted in Community). Imagine hundreds of teens jazzed up on food, farming and sustainability. That's our future folks... keep it rockin'!</div></div></div>poalilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490533387286126963noreply@blogger.com0