Do you ever feel like this?

Kind of prickly and sharp?  I definitely do, but not today.  It was a beautiful, if chilly, spring day here in Maryland, complete with sunshine, showers and even some flurries!  I love spring for its fickle nature and emerging beauty.  Here is another beautiful hallmark of spring, pink blossoms:

Both of these terrific shots were taken by a dear friend of mine and talented photographer Nathan Stowell.  For more of Nathan's photography, click here.  Here are some spring photos I took of one of my favorite places in the world, Stonewall Farm, the place where I grew up.

  

 I was so lucky to grow up there, among the chickens, ponies, dogs and daffodils, and spring remains my favorite season there.  I am luckier still, that my parents are farming there today and my children can spend time there, away from the city, communing with the chickens, playing on the tractor and getting a little muddy.  Speaking of chickens ... there will hopefully be a very exciting post on some VERY SOON!!!!!  I leave you in suspense ... I myself am waiting with baited breath on chicken news from Stonewall Farm, where my daughter is spending a few days with her grandparents.

Starting the day right

Dolde Oatmeal

1 Cup of steel cut (or hand rolled, a la Dolde family)

4 Cups water

2 TB, or one glug-glug of buttermilk/whey/plain yogurt

Mix together in pot that you'll cook in the next morning

Soak mixture, covered, on stove overnight.

In the morning, bring oatmeal mixture to a boil and reduce heat and simmer until oatmeal is creamy and silky.  Serve with a drizzle of cream or milk, some flaxseed if you wish, maple syrup or cinnamon, even honey - whatever strikes your fancy! Then put some fresh berries on top to dress it up a bit.  Enjoy!  I ate mine with a cup of green and roasted brown rice tea and when I was visiting my friends on Whidbey Island, WA we drank the most delicious coffee concoction (heat honey and milk together and add to coffee).

or you can make a snowman face in your oatmeal too.  There are endless possibilities.