Year of the Tiger

Happy Chinese New Year!

Okay, this took me long enough but here's the Valentine's Day update, finally! As I posted earlier, we had our first big event of the season for the winery (Greenfamilywinery.com) on Valentine's Day, which also happened to be Chinese New Year so we celebrated both and it was just the most perfect day anyone could ask for. The sun was bright, warm and seemed to welcome us all outdoors. Lot's of people stopped by to visit and take in Nature's grand display and, of course, try out the local wine! 

The Daffodils are here!

"Tasting"

Winemaker Charlie Green's show and tell!

True homegrown, hand crafted reds.

Drink Local

I think everyone had a good time.

These gals were such fun!

Nautical themes are a favorite of ours.

I even managed to whip up some local goodies. 

Hand crafted headbands by Jen and I :)

Too Cute!

Here I am demonstrating how they work ;)

Special Thanks to dear friends..

I wanted to send a big thank you and a hug to all of our wonderful friends who came out and enjoyed the beautiful day with us.  You guys are amazing. Mr John L, I didn't get a picture of you but you're included!!! XOXO

Diego's Awesome Salsa!!!

Feathers!!!

edible landscaping

more mandala garden bonfire photos to come..

that's just how we roll.

Spectacular

Hard working hens!

Still life project, by Justin.

Eggs ready to go

SWEET!

Here's a story that just came out in the local paper...

Looks like our girls are no longer on the run! :) 

Thanks, Leo, for the head's up!

~Winery Event: Valentines Day Weekend~

This week has been extra busy for us here on the farm and out at the Winery (www.greenfamilywinery.com). With spring planting upon us, pruning that needs to get done, planning workshop presentations, running a couple businesses and attending college classes (for my brother and I) we are learning how to spin multiple plates fairly quickly. Still, there is never enough time to get everything done and we just have to be happy with that. I have so many projects on my calender as it stands and still have a feeling like I'm leaving something out... Did anyone remember to get the eggs today?

Speaking of eggs, the girls have really decided that it is time to LAY, not that I'm complaining! More eggs just means more tasty egg sandwiches, cakes, quiche and soufflé! This morning we tried them soft boiled with slices of buttered toast and I cannot describe how good they were. I also notice that they don't have that funny taste that store bought eggs do. Simply amazing. 

Not everything is goes perfectly though; I managed to cut my finger tonight trying to wrestle giant roast into submission and as I wait for it to finish cooking I am trying to get a seed order in at the same time as I order a last minute book for my Asian Art History class. The chocolate port truffles and home-made dill hummus are next. I think I need a glass of wine :)

If it makes you wonder what I'm doing with all this food, I am preparing the refreshments for our Valentine's Day event out at the Winery this weekend. Depending on the weather, we are going to be outside (hopefully picnic style) or in the tasting room enjoying our latest release with local FOOD and MUSIC (open to the public). Hours will be noon to about 4:30p.m. Saturday and Sunday and everyone is welcome to stop by and check out the view.

Phone: (530) 888.8866

Address: 3420 Pine Ridge Ln. Auburn CA 95603 (To the left off Mt. Vernon Rd)

Tomorrow I am off to, yes, prune grape vines and do some gardening. On saturday I will swing by the local Auburn Farmer's Market and pick a selection of fresh, in-season veggies to go with my famous home-made hummus. All the Auburn and Placer County Wineries will be hosting some kind of event so it will be worth the trip for those who live in the surrounding areas. 

And with luck...

We may have some fresh, home-made ginger ale to share! Here is Justin trying his hand at a new experiment. (It tastes fantastic so far!)

I think I have the coolest friends ever

Getting tips from the Unicorn certainly helps.

Vineyard Work: Day Two

Slowly but surely, we are getting the yearly pruning done out in the vineyard. It's slow going but meditative and the human touch let's us know exactly what needs to happen next. Here, you can see how we sometimes propagate new vines when needed.

Here I am (with "farm girl" hair) cutting free the cane that has rooted and produced a beautiful clone. Now they are friends :) 

Upgrades!

Here in the garden, things have been perking up quite a bit as we continue to get deliciously warm breaks in the weather. A lot of talk about perennial plants lately and a few new arrivals have come to stay! The new Forest Garden in the backyard has begun to take root...

Artichokes!

Rhubarb!

Raspberries!

Along with our new perennial plants, the gates get a little touch-up with the addition of some handcrafted arches. It's always a flurry of activity around here when the sun peeks out from behind the clouds, people start to enjoy the fresh clean air, and things seem to magically appear. 

Over winter, as the rain kept us snuggled up with movies, hot soups, and extra layers of sweaters, there's been little chance to get my hand-washing done! Even though we have a "green/organic" dry cleaning service across the street I still like to wash what I own by myself. I figure that if it can't survive my personal touch, then someone else can have it. This is my epic attempt to air-dry laundry without any sun...

all done!

This is what the sky looks like a lot of the time... naked branches, grey sky.

mulberry

mulberry

neighbor's oak

My chicken photo obsession continues...

Jordan, a mechanic mastermind and creator of the nifty hydrogen fuel cell took the time to come out and craft these lovely arches for two of our gates! He whipped these up in no time and was off to tinker on more projects before it started raining again. Thank's Mr. J! 

 

Creation!

The boys were all out with their tools that day but even when it's stormy you wont find them sitting around with nothing to do. Having known these guys for most of my life, I can tell you that they are true outdoorsmen through and through. 

Bryan testing the blade of his axe.

fence mending...

check.

terrace is officially done!

With all the new upgrades and installments going on out in the yard, we finally have the new and improved compost bin finished! Hooray!

Do you think it's big enough?

probably :)