First Post - First Weekend

We just had our first weekend in our new home out west! And while my southern roots are reaching extra deep for good friends and cocktails, I have been so thrilled with what we have found here. The people, scenery and weather are nothing to complain about. Although my southern skin is not quite sure what to make of this dry air, the rest of me is living it up! We have already made great friends and continue to meet other friendly folks. While we haven't gotten our "stuff" (read - everything but one mattress, computer, and a suitcase of clothes), we have made it work and it's been quite fun. In our first weekend, we got the garden ready, went on a hike and cooked some meals at home....finally!

James and I got down and dirty digging trenches and mounding up dirt for eight large garden rows. It was hard work!! We have the blisters and sore muscles to prove it! The irrigation is in, and now it is just time to seed. Just as we finished up the garden and got inside to clean up, we noticed we had new neighbors. Four doe were strolling through our new garden and wanting to know what was for dinner. We sized each other up and without much thought, I think we all agreed, they win! Now, the challenge is how to feed them and us at the same time.

We spent the last day of our 3 day weekend hiking. The word that comes to mind...perfect. It was a challenging, 8 mile hike in gorgeous weather that ended at a secluded lake. While I napped on a rock and the dogs swam in the lake, I thought...."yeah, it doesn't get much better." Okay, so it does....if everyone we just left in the Carolinas could have been there, it would get much better.

We have been trying to eat more healthy and more at home. A new friend down the street brought us oodles of lettuce out of his garden. Right now the challenge is to found out how many ways you can get creative with lettuce. Tonight's dinner: beets, goat cheese and salmon on....you guessed it...Lettuce!!

We miss everyone reading this blog terribly! Please stay in touch, emails, phone calls and snail mail.

Love to you,

Brit