we had our first frost last night. the temp went pretty low, down to 27F or lower i think. we spent yesterday covering lettuces and other greens in the field. we harvested all the peppers out of the field, but not the ones in the greenhouse. we were hoping that the greenhouse would offer enough protection against the frost, but it got too cold and everything in there was frozen this morning. so the tomatoes and peppers we had in there are done. i'm a little sad about that, but mostly i am happy. this feels right for this time of the year, and i'm glad that we can now give the soil in the greenhouse a break over the winter, and just focus on taking care of it instead of producing anything. we plan to have the greenhouse open from now until february and let it freeze solid in there. that should help eliminate any disease or insects that may be trying to establish in there.

our house, back porch and root cellar are filled with storage crops such as onions, garlic, beets, squashes, sweet potatoes, beans, corn, etc. it's a nice feeling to see your work at the end of the season manifested in such a physically obvious form.

ed butchered another hen this morning, and i got it going in the crockpot right now. it will be ready tonight and aiyana and i will be enjoying chicken soup for the next few days.

the sheep skin i tanned turned out great. the kids have been sitting and laying on it in front of the fire at night. they love it, and i must say, it is really cozy, and it also lost its strong smell. it still smells a little sheepish, but it's a nice smell, which reminds me of little villages in romania.

i borrowed a few poetry books by wendell berry from the library. he loves the land just like i do, and expresses it beautifully.

tonight aiyana and i are going to a sweat lodge. i'm very much looking forward to it, and i am now preparing some butternut squash soup to share afterwards.

enjoy these beautiful days.
peace