Thursday, September 11, 2008

Homestead Roundup

Two of the turkeys are toms. They stamp their turkey feet, spread their impressive tails, and show off. The hen just sort of peeps forlornly and wanders off. But really, the toms have faces that only a hen could love, I assume. They're not going to get more beautiful, either. I still kind of like them.


Hen face:

The middle Things are greatly enjoying their kung fu classes. I'd heard good things about this studio, in terms of the interaction between the instructors and students, and I'm a believer now. Enthusiastic, truly loving in the way they expect only the best from their students, and inspiring.


I watched one of the young instructors jump and throw a roundhouse kick above his head yesterday. And I thought, the way I do when I see dancers, "I wish my body could do that."


The kids want to get their hands on the weapons on the wall. I can only assume that they will, and you know? I'm pretty okay with it.



I declared a holiday from schoolwork on Tuesday and my sister and I went out to the berry patch for a soulful goodbye. It might not be our actual last picking, but the berries are showing signs of wear. The last hot spell turned many into dried out bits of former goodness, and the production cycle is slowing down -- not very many blossoms anymore.

But we got enough to finish off our season, and tried out some new recipes back at home. As I carried full boxes of jam downstairs, I felt a sense of bittersweet closure. As sure as the yoke for the Cobblestone sweater is growing, cold weather is coming and this years' fruit crop will end. But I can breathe in the sweetness that was this summer every time I open a jar.

7 comments:

Robin said...

I love the turkey close-up! What an interesting face and expression!

I can totally relate to "wishing my body could do that" when watching others dance. You would think with Irish, Italian and Portuguese blood I would be a natural dancer - but NOPE. Jim will attest, as he actually is a great dancer and I step on his feet when we attempt it.

suzee said...

This post just makes me so happy.

Your photos of the turkeys further confirm my belief that poultry are just large, feathery bugs. I feel no pity for the Thanksgiving birds.

And ice cream with blackberry glaze is going to be the perfect fall treat!

patricia said...

Actually, I think the tom is much more good-looking than the hen. He looks lean and clean-shaven, while she looks a bit saggy and dowdy. Those dang males--they always age better than we do.

allisonmariecat said...

Turkeys! Jam! Kung fu! You always have the most interesting things going on :)

Charity said...

Busy, busy! I love martial arts - I'd like to get involved myself (although I can't imagine being able to do a mid-air roundhouse!).

Katherine said...

Love the turkey faces! Love kung fu! (Those weapons do look tempting.) Am terribly jealous of the jam.

Spider said...

to be clear turkey face is picture on the top, hen face is the bottom one.