Some sweet little bird created this beautiful nest in the barn, hatched her young, then left it behind as a gift. It’s made with pine straw, horse hair and hundreds of little pieces of pretty green fungi from a nearby tree…with each piece methodically placed on the nest in a symmetrical pattern. Such detail, such craftsmanship! We’re honored to now keep it in our collection.
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On weeknights, when it’s quiet and all the animals are put to bed, we finally turn on the TV and start flipping through channels to unwind. And for some reason, we always stop at WEAC TV 24 when there’s music playing at Dugger Mountain Music Hall. On the third Saturday night of each month, this ministry for families in crisis opens its doors to the community to come enjoy supper and hear great music at no charge. Today, the show can also be seen on Heartland network and Alabama Public Television. Funny enough, last time we tuned in there was our electrician, Rick G., playing bass guitar. He’s also the sound engineer. It really is a small world ’round here.
Go see singer/songwriter Kelli Johnson when she takes the stage July 26. More at duggermountainmusic.com.
A few afternoon showers and our garden has exploded with cucumbers again. And Mr. Wigley stopped by with a bag full from his own garden. So now we’re busy gathering quick and easy ideas for all these cukes, including these four easy recipes which we made this week. (Thanks, Janet, for the martini suggestion!)
Watermelon-Cucumber Salad
In a large bowl, combine 6 cups diced watermelon with three large cucumbers, peeled and chopped into chunks. Sprinkle with 1 tsp fine sea salt, coarse ground black pepper and then toss lightly with a store bought balsamic glaze or make one. Chill for up to 1 hour. Serve garnished with low-fat feta cheese and coarsely chopped fresh mint. This little salad is divine!
Marinated Cucumbers
Take 2-3 cucumbers and slice thinly. Dissolve together 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon sugar. Pour over sliced cucumbers and chill for 1/2 to 1 hour. Squeeze cucumber slices by hand to let the liquids out. Toss cucumbers with 2 tblsp light or non-fat sour cream and season with salt and pepper.
Cucumber Basil Martini
Take 4 cucumber slices, 2 large fresh basil leaves and a just a touch of Monin Lemon Grass Syrup. Muddle together to extract juice and oils. Add vodka and simple syrup to taste. Strain into chilled glass and stir. Top with cucumber wheel garnish and a smile.
Chilled Cucumber Soup
In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups low-fat plain yogurt, 1/2 cup non-fat sour cream and 1 cup vegetable broth; set aside. In food processor, purée 2 large, peeled and diced cucumbers, 4 sliced green onions, 3 tblsp chopped fresh dill, 2-3 fresh basil leaves, and 2 tblsp fresh chopped parsley. Combine puréed cucumber mix with yogurt mixture and add the juice of 1/2 lemon, 2 tsp simple syrup, 1-2 tsp salt (to taste) and 1/2 tsp pepper. Whisk together well and refrigerate for 1 hour. To serve, garnish with chopped cucumber and dill, add croutons (optional) and serve. Soooo good!
Summer is here and the farm is abuzz with life! Lots of updates to come….
Hope you’re having a happy season so far. Now let’s kick back and enjoy these lazier days – Summer is a gift we all receive each year.
(P.S. Sorry for the long hiatus in posting.)
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Original, Handmade Block Prints
$17.00 – $32.50
Hand Forged Wine Cradle
$75.00
Farm Fresh Candle
$20.00
