Here at the farm we love making our own hot sauce that we bottle and can for all through the year. Generally, I do the growing and garden planning and my super smart but very busy academic life mate does the canning and smoking. These are New Mexico heirloom chili peppers and sometimes we char, sweat in a paper bag, peel, and seal and freeze. Or we dry then smoke then grind into delish smoky paprika. Either way, every year we try about three or four different types but these are going to be part of the permanent rotation. Oh, and the chili crisp that makes everything soooo amazing- yeah we do that too. Who wants to learn to Make Chili crisp- let me know we will do a video and a live stream.

Goodness I know that to make this all work one is 'supposed' to be on this daily -writing sharing teaching- but I promised authenticity and with that comes a lot of all the other parts of life. Mom had knee surgery. With that comes a little extra days helping. At 78 she is three weeks from a knee replacement and completely walking cane free, doing her PT, and dreaming of being in her gardens again. I suspect much of my 'do all the things' try all the things is because of her indomitable nature! I tweeted my stupid ankle- not the typical turn oh no. No this one was essentially falling forward and imagine your big toe touching your shin! Not fun. Thank goodness nothings broke, shattered, or splintered. And then this incredible weather! I can't stay inside while it's gorgeous fall in the 50 and low 60s when there are bulbs to plant and things to build and meadows that have long awaited planting! The rain in between has been the strangest yet incredible opportunity for fall seeding on the farm and it's m am fully taking advantage. All of this and for the first time in my adult life instead of a small family gathering of those who still live on the same state- my family, cousins, their young adults and families are all coming to celebrate here at our farm. Like 32 of us for a sit down truly Italian Thanksgiving. So raviolis had to made, bread recipes tested, pie making, and the house that is far too large for two humans, two cats, and a border collie is finally going to be filled to capacity. I drove out to Smith Valley to get our turkeys from my friends who are starting their own new farm and I'm happy I am not the one organizing and processing turkeys any longer. It's great to see young, kind, humane farmers like the Ogan family doing what we did for so many years. Anyway, daily life is real. I hope to see more arrive here by invite or interest and help fill in these places I'd like to see grow into a community of food, doing real everyday stuff, and skills so many did not have the opportunity to learn growing up. No matter your age, no matter your place you live- there is much more than the storm always on the horizon. We change this not by fighting but creating and that will always overpower the darkness always waiting at the edge.

I look out and my eyes are met with the golden leaves from the Lombardy Poplars I planted as little sticks now 40 plus feet tall. The ancient poplar ( maybe a populous nigra ) or even one of the varieties that traveled with western movement from the East. It's a monster and every wind storm the huge branches come crashing down. While American arborists would have it cut down because of some of the branches showing fungus. While traveling in Japan and seeing ancient ancient ancient prunus ( flowering cherry trees) hit by typhoons, fungal growth in the branches, even a few where it seemed unreal they were alive because of the hollowing out way into the deepest part of the pith- they don't cut out their trees! The prune hard, they wrap in burlap, and the treasure the 100s of years some of these trees have existed. This big ol' sentinel has created some new sapling s around its base and I'm going to cut, root out, and continue this gorgeous gift from Mother Nature. I'm pretty sure my owls are happy we aren't into cutting out these glorious giants too!

Enjoying the long fall season eating fresh from garden. While the tomatoes are essentially done for the season choosing one big cherry tomato plant to bring in to hang for a good supply of fresh sunshine. I like this photo type for an easy free materials raised bed. What do YOU think? Is this one you would like to see made step by step? Please comment rather than just like- thanks!

We often talk about feeding our brains and how to sleep and how to eat well and the importance of exercise. However, we are not adept at talking about what feeds our hearts. For those that are practicing a faith, often referred to as a soul. For me, it is the divine in each of us. It is how we take in the world around us and translate that experience into how we perceive ourselves and those around us. It's the delight in a full Supermoon. The awe at a piece of art that moves us makes us want to touch or see that work. It is laughter with friends and the deep connection to the sounds of fallen leaves underfoot as we silently walk a wooded path. What are you feeding your heart?