(Ben’s preserved lemons-in-process: quartered, salted, smooshed into a jar, fermented 5-10 days at room temp, then put into the fridge.  The best part is you can use the whole lemon after it’s preserved, rind and all.)

It’s always incredible to me how hard the world can be, and also, how incredibly beautiful.  How thoughtless we can be, and how kind.

This week has been filled with a broken tractor, broken huller, farm land negotiations, the mill getting stuck (but not, thankfully, actually broken!), scrambles to finish this year’s distributions and prepare for the coming season. .  .

On the other hand, one of our generous CSA members (and blog readers) left us a really sweet card and this amazing gift – a wonderful handmade bowl.

(and look what I found under all the melted snow – crisp green parsley!)

She said, “I figured if anyone would love a handmade, lopsided bowl, it would be you,” and I do.  It says to me “fill me with hot chocolate.”  And I say, Sure.  Also, we’ve been so touched by all your recent comments and emails – it is a true blessing to feel that we touch so many lives.  Thank you!

I managed to get these gifts in the mail for my mother (lucky for me sending late gifts is a family tradition).  I think she was maybe a little jealous of all the handmade aprons – so now she has her own, from this fun funky Alexander Henry fabric.  I got it at a local quilt shop that was closing, and at the time had no idea how I would use it.  There was just enough to make her requested apron and matching potholders, plus matching aprons for myself and Ella.  I winged the patterns – that’s one of my favorite things about making aprons.  They’re quick, easy, and wide open to interpretation.

And now – potholders!  These were super fun.  I started using Millie’s Pot Holders from Handmade Home, but found myself compelled to make square ones, and to use four layers of batting (two was too thin).  So I switched to a super easy version – sew three sides, flip right-side out, insert batting, sew up final seam, machine quilt.  I had never machine quilted before either, but it was fun (even if it’s a little wonky – I like it that way, gosh durn it).  Potholders are also a great way to use scraps of fabric you love, but only have a wee bit of.

It feels very full circle to me, to make kitchen accoutrements for the woman who first taught me how to cook.  And soon, hopefully, we’ll get a photo of three generations of us in the kitchen, with funky aprons for all.