The Polished Pebble: November 2014

You may have noticed that my blog posts have been a bit sporadic.

We have been busy with fall projects, work

and of course the usual hours of weekly garden chores.

Life in the fall is usually a slower simple rhythm

the days grow shorter

the sun dips lower and thankfully the temperature has fallen a bit

But then...."change"

that crazy little devil

knocked on my door

and I knewI was really in for it

About a month ago I got a call from a friend and neighbor who happens to be a realtor. She asked me if we would consider selling our little ranchette here in Ojai.

Now let me say this....we have thought about selling a few times before
but never really got too carried away with the notion.

The allure of the land and my love of the gardens
was just too much of a tug at my heart.
Owning a large property with orchards, oaks and gardens of all sizes can be wonderful but it can seem at times, a never-ending to-do list. It has definitely kept us busy!

And loving a house like this is really quite easy,
especially when it gives back great rewards

I have become the gardener that I never knew I could be...without really knowing it and learning the do's and don'ts along the way.
Its not really hard, it just takes time to find a good balance of
time, energy and enjoyment

I have also become a florist of sorts

mostly arranging the simplest of things...sometimes even weeds

I have found much solice in clipping and arranging and just walking this property to find a bloom or two to put in an old jar...it is truly a therapy for me

I can't seem to have too many flowers in this house

and always find time to create another, however simple

Birds and animals have been my constant companions and have taught me a love of nature I will never be without

I will always view birds, animals and insects with fascination and enjoyment

Having a dog like Millie here has been wonderful and I will never forget her!

She had become a country dog for sure!
Never with out dirt, fleas or something weird and mossy attached to her fur and her paws which...
well who knows what they are... but in the house they come....
riding long with Millie

The garden and fruit trees have provided an incredible opportunity to test my skills as a cook and to truly learn the lessons of stainable growing and how to use vegetables and fruit in more creative ways than I ever thought possible

Eating from the garden will turn you into a cook
even if you think you aren't one!

Some of my very best meals have been created using the hodgepodge of little orphans
that pop up on a daily basis
If you have a garden...grow what you like to eat
and cook what you grow

Let the harvest shape the meal and let the flavors do their thing
with out over cooking and seasoning

The very best chefs know that great food is simple food
and simple is easy

eating a warm tomato right off the vine is my favorite snack
along with a fresh peach, a crunchy radish, a green apple, a juicy lemon....etc

and herbs have become much more than a savory seasoning
I have learned to use them as a treat for breakfast
an appetizer for lunch
and the star of a salad at dinner

The compost bin has been a great inspiration to us and we have learned from start to finish about soil, and all of the good things that can be found right under your nose

if you look hard enough

Soil preparation is the backbone of a great garden
It's also the most labor intensive part of gardening

Talking about gardening is great but the process is quite a bit harder

Most of our weekends are spent working the soil to make sure we don't over water
and to nourish the plants in the most beneficial way possible

worms and all the living soil dwellers are our friends
and the trees and shrubs
thrive on the rich healthy compost we churn out each month

It takes time to get it right but when you do great things happen

The daily swing on the old gliders with a glass of wine or cup of coffee is something of a ritual for us

even though we don't sit to long

The gravel drive became more of a path...leading the way to beautiful trees, grassy lawns
and large pots and tables with flowers

places to linger and watch the birds and squirrels

Dining outside is alway so wonderful and I wish

we had more long lunches and breakfast like this one

Decorating this little house....often using cast off treasures and

quirky collections has been tons of fun

used "stuff"

much of it not at all valuable or actually needed

found a home here

camp blankets and quilts

bottles and books

wicker and wood

much just a mish mash of little things, not an important antique but well loved

and cherished none the less

and the holidays always bring in more color and green

than my usual daily arrangements

the tangerine trees are loaded this time of year and so orange

becomes a yearly part of my holiday decor

Re imagining a county kitchen was a joy

and I love this small kitchen with its simple plan and useable features

and best of all it is wonderful to cook in

what I like most about this kitchen is that even though many of the elements are very different they all blend nicely together

and I must t certainly thank those that have come through the front door...slammed the screen and helped create this home

many are friends and

many are family

we have enjoyed the company of new guests and interesting people who happen to have found their way here for what ever reason

thats what a country house does
it open its doors and shares wonderful memories

you come in
you sit down
and it just feels like home