What I'm Digging

Happy Friday, friends! I just wrapped up teaching my "Backyard Chickens" class at the local community college. I can't begin to tell you how much I've come to love doing that class (I think this was the 8th time I've taught it there!!!). The life of a mile-down-a-dirt-road-stay-at-home-writer/mama can sometimes be a lonesome one, in terms of socializing. Rubbing elbows with the locals is therefore rewarding, on so very many levels. 

Here's a round-up of some things that inspired and intrigued me this week: 

*Maria's 38th birthday was all about others. What a cool lady.

*Honey heals everything!
*And so does happiness!
*The perfect way to render lard (via Amanda).
*A candid discussion about chicken ethics from my friend Beth.
*Georgia-grown olive oil!
*Jessie and Melanie's cellar is a beauty.
*These natural pigments are so, so lovely.
*Nettle pasta!

*Locals, these tree seedlings are SO affordable!
*A cake with both rosewater AND cardamom? I'm in (via Persephone).

*Red & pink cocktails, for the approaching jour l'amour (The Volstead is calling to me). 

We're off to a bonfire/potluck tonight! The temperature is plunging this weekend, so gathering around a warming fire sounds just right. 

Wherever you go this weekend, whatever you do, and whomever you do it with, may it be grand!