Monday, August 22, 2016

Summer Pasta


This is a simple summer salad, and one that needs good tomatoes. I roasted eggplant and golden beets and added to sautéed tomatoes with garlic, fresh basil also makes it special. 
Now is the time to savor the last of the summer tomatoes, on the farm we still have a few, fresh basil, cantaloupe, eggplant, okra and peppers but slowly we will transition into a fall garden.

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Cochem, Germany


We recently visited Germany and spent our first night in Cochem along the Moselle river about 1 1/2 hours north of Frankfurt. Frankfurt is a great entry point into Germany and we often stop there en route to India. The scenic town of Cochem was founded in 886, it has a rich history and boosts many historic buildings. The castle is a jewel and sits majestically on the hill high above the town originally built in 1000 by the palatinate count Ezzo. The castle was passed down over the generations, but when  King Louis XIV (called Sun King) invaded the Rhine and the Moselle area it was destroyed and lay in ruins until 1868. Mr. Louis Ravené bought the castle and had it built in Neo-Gothic architectural style. In fact other castles in Germany have a similar history with many being in ruins being bought and restored. 

In many ways Cochem is picture perfect with a the river running through, quaint cobble streets, beautiful architecture and churches and the castle. The castle is a must visit its a steep but accessible walk up from the town and at the top you will be treated to amazing views and an interesting tour of the castle. Our guide only spoke German but I managed to pick up some. In fact this area is mostly a tourist destination for Germans from my observation I didn't hear too many other languages spoken.


Sunday, August 7, 2016

Kanadukathan, Chettinad, India




Before traveling to India, I came across an interesting article on Chettinad and its old mansion homes, I also have a friend here in North Carolina from this region who was telling me about her heritage and the culture of the area. When I discovered that a few of these old mansion homes had been converted into hotels I wanted to visit. I have seen them in Tamil movies and always loved the design with the central courtyard and grand pillars. 


Wednesday, August 3, 2016

The Miracle of Seeds


 In June my kind neighbor Mr. Collins offered to till me another garden area with his tractor. It was a kind gesture and I thought it would be fun to plant corn, sunflowers and pumpkins. We carefully added the seeds and watered through the dry spell to get the plants established before our big trip. It was amazing to watch the plants grow and returning from our trip to see sunflowers, pumpkins and corn. Our neighbors watched the chickens and another farmer friend watered the garden. So Grateful for the good folks and friends we have made in Yadkin county. 
I encourage you to plant some seeds and watch it reminds us of the magic and beauty of nature and Gods creation. 


 Planting the seeds and hoping for the best. 

 corn emerging. 




 I found this today - amazing. I hope to have a pumpkin patch for folks to come and pick their own.




 Butterflies, bees and birds love the sunflowers. 






So happy and if your ever in North Carolina and want to visit Ladybird Farm, drop me a line. 

We had a wonderful trip to the UK, India and Germany seeing friends and family stay tuned for pictures and insights of food culture and travel tips.

Much love 

Bookmark and Share
Pin It

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails