Week 1

We've been in Arkansas for less than a week but it feels like longer. The first night we arrived, it rained and the "summer cabin" that the farmer saved for us proved to be more of a shack than a cabin. It consists of a frame covered with wood boards halfway up from the ground and the rest is covered with tarp or clear plastic. There is, however, a roof made of tin that is water-tight. It was a very cold night and I was very thankful for having packed my zero degree sleeping bag. Kaya had to sleep in the bag with me (Kareena). By the way, I am currently unable to sign into my gmail because my dinky phone is on the fritz and would not receive the text message that I needed to sign in verifying it is actually me logging in). The cabin has two twin size beds in it raised on platforms made of crates.  The beds are nailed to the walls/frames so we can't push them together.  I am more concerned with the fact that Kaya could roll off the bed if she weren't in the sleeping bag, so at the moment, Matt and I are considering opting for our tent instead of the cabin.  Also, the cabin smells of a porta-potty. To paint a prettier picture for everyone, our dear friend the tick, is prominent where we are as well. It may be important to say at this time that we are not miserable. We hardly spend time in the cabin and enjoy the freedom of our schedule.  We work (or Matt works and I take care of Kaya when she needs a nap) Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8a-12p.  We have Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for doing whatever we want, although we can go to the farmer's markets on three of those days. We have access to all the farm vegetables and some staples so we've been eating LOTS of swiss chard, spinach, onion, rice, beans, tomato and pasta. There is a store about 4 miles away that we can get a lift to for other food we're interested in.  Needless to say, we've already been to the store for a little more variety.  We purchased some fruit for Kaya as well as oatmeal.  Funny side note - Matt and I woke up one morning (before we bought oatmeal) and cooked up what we thought was steel-cut oats. It turned out to be raw buckwheat and left me wanting for a warm bowl of oatmeal instead.

I have much more to say but my ride back to town has joined us at the library.  We're thinking of getting a cheap car to get to the city from the farm and for our upcoming trips across the states again for visits with family and friends. We'll keep you posted, but know that we're having quite a good time learning about no-till farming and meeting new people. We'll just have to keep peeling the ticks off for now. ARGH! Love to all.  Pics next time!