defintion heading

post- a prefix meaning: after in time/apocalyptic def: a prophetic disclosure; a revelation/princess def: a woman who is a ruler of a principality Post-Apocalyptic Princess def: A woman who became an award-winning apparel designer, found her prince, battled breast cancer, lost over 100 pounds, adored her time behind the counter in the wonderful world of retail, has more than a few neuroses, lived in L. A., moved to a little town in Maine, and is attempting to make a go of a retail shop while trying to figure out a way to get back to L.A. before she loses her mind and savings

Friday, July 20, 2012

Ode to the Olden Days


I don't know many people who don't have fond memories of or love the smell of freshly cut grass....well, anyone other than an allergy sufferer.  It always takes me back to the long summer days of my childhood.  As I was sitting at the front counter of Lucky Hill this morning, I found myself smiling as the aroma of freshly cut grass drifted in the window.  The nostalgic scent was accompanied by a sound I couldn't quite place which seemed to get closer and closer to the open front door.  And then I saw it.  The old push mower that had been tucked into a corner of the garage.....being pushed by Dan!


After I came back into the shop, I heard a group of women call out to my husband that it was so wonderful to see someone using the old-fashioned mower.  It was charming and most perfectly suited to Castine.  The rhythmic schwump schwump of the rotating blades was so much sweeter than the loud roar of a gasoline powered lawnmower.  While being green might require a little more elbow grease and time, it's more than worth it on so many levels....although I wasn't the one pushing the mower!  Dan, on the other hand, might still believe it's not easy being green.  Then again, maybe not.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Wyebrook Farm

One of the beautiful buildings at Wyebrook Farm
In light of the fact my kitchen is still a total mess of boxes making a recipe/food post virtually impossible, I thought it might be a good time to introduce everyone to one of my favorite finds of the summer.  While Dan and I were in Chester County, Pennsylvania in May, we paid a visit to Wyebrook Farm.  For anyone who believes in and supports sustainable agricultural practices and happens to be in the greater Philadelphia area, this is an absolute must see.

Dean Carlson tending the lamb
Dean Carlson is the force behind Wyebrook having arrived at sustainable farming after a fifteen year career on Wall Street.  Wall Street's loss is the world of healthy eating's gain.  On a personal level, I was thrilled to meet Dean and visit the farm after my three year journey of healthy eating which began after reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver.  While visiting the farm, Dean was tending a leg of lamb over a open fire, and we got to chatting about the books and activists who inspired us....Michael Pollan, Nina Planck, and Eliot Coleman to name a few.   He mentioned that he created Wyebrook as not only a working farm, but a learning opportunity for children and adults alike.

In addition to the farm, there is a market located in the upper portion of the beautifully restored barn and a cafe' on the lower level.  The market is open Friday through Sunday and offers a selection of the farm's meat, cheese, eggs, produce, and plants.  When we were there, we purchased some of their hamburger and a carton of eggs.  I had frequently read about being able to judge the freshness of eggs based on how high the yolk sat.  When I cracked these eggs in the pan, not only did the yolk sit high, but the white did as well.

Finished on grass
As a lacto ovo pescatarian, I didn't try the hamburger, but both Dan and my Mom said the flavor was exceptional.  The two things I did notice when I was cooking the burgers was that there was virtually no grease that cooked out of the meat and the burgers did not shrink at all.  Frequently, we non-meat eaters get a bad rap as people who don't think anyone should eat meat.  The bottom line is I don't mind if my husband eats meat.  He can eat all the meat he wants.  My one stipulation is that it must be humanely raised, finished on grass, and void of hormones and antibiotics. 

When we visited, the farm had just posted their summer concert series.  Wyebrook can also provide a magical backdrop for your private party or wedding complete with ingredients fresh from the farm.  Also in the works is a series of chefs dinners hosted in the renovated barn.

The market in the renovated barn
 But rather than waiting for a special occasion, give yourself the gift of visiting a farm that stands firm on the philosophy that our food should be safe and healthy.  Sadly, many people have no idea that a great deal of their food supply is from CAFOs or farms that choose grossly unhealthy practices for the animals, workers, and consumer.  Go see how it should be done.  Take your children for a fun day on the farm and celebrate and support Dean and his staff at Wyebrook Farm

Let me leave you with a quote from Wendell Berry's What Are People For? that is posted on the farm's website, "I dislike the thought that some animal has been made miserable to feed me.  If I am going to eat meat, I want it to be from an animal that has lived a pleasant, uncrowded life outdoors, on bountiful pasture, with good water nearby and trees for shade."

Wyebrook Farm: 150 Wyebrook Road, Honey Brook, PA  19344  (610) 942-7481.  wyebrookfarm.com










Thursday, July 5, 2012

Norman Rockwell's America at Its Best


Dan and I have been looking forward to our first July 4th celebration in our new hometown of Castine, Maine and it most certainly didn't disappoint.  Whenever people spoke of the impending festivities, the name Normal Rockwell always seemed to pop up.  After experiencing the day's events, all I can say is Mr. Rockwell would have been proud and had a plethora of subject matter to paint.

The last time I saw an old-fashioned July 4th parade with decorated bikes and wagons was as a child while visiting my grandparents at the Jersey shore.  From the minute Dan and I approached the town common, I frequently found myself overcome with emotion and welling up with tears of happiness.  I hope and pray these celebrations and traditions will never be lost.

I'm going to let the photos speak for the day, but will say the highlights were the little piglet named Jimmy Dean in the parade and the pie eating contest.  Sadly, the weather was not terribly cooperative with morning rain during the Otter House 5K race and evening fog causing the fireworks to be postponed.

I hope your Fourth of July was as memorable as ours.  Enjoy Castine's Fourth in the photos below!