New Leaves, Goats and Rhubarb Juice

new grape leaves

It’s so fun walking around the farm in Spring. Every day there is a new blossom, a freshly unfurled leaf, a spear of greenery pushing up through the dirt.

new grape leaves

The baby goats are getting bigger and braver. Today they followed the herd into the fields with only a smidgen of hesitation. Soon they were leaping through the grass, stopping for nibbles before taking off after their mothers.

kalahari kids feeding

I love the vivid blooms that bring such a refreshing burst of color to the still golden landscape.

Queensland flowers

It’s fun seeing the Kalahari kids mature. Their hilarious pug noses have filled out so they look like real goats instead of a wonky goat/dog mix. Their legs are sturdy and strong and carry them through thick underbrush and along dry stream beds. I love seeing them gain confidence and learn how to feed on their own and interact with the adults.

kalahari babies feeding

With the hotter weather we’ve been indulging in homemade ice cream and cooling drinks like chilled rhubarb juice.

For most juices I run them through the juicer and drink them fresh, but with rhubarb it’s nice to give them a simmer in hot water before stirring in real maple syrup to sweeten the rather tart juice.

It is most refreshing and a great alternative to the usual lemonade.

rhubarb juice

What is your favorite cold drink?

Rhubarb Juice

Ingredients:

2 bunches rhubarb, washed and chopped
water
real maple syrup to taste

Directions:

  1. Place rhubarb in large soup pot.
  2. Cover with water by 1-2 inches.
  3. Bring to boil and simmer 20-30 minutes until rhubarb is soft.
  4. Strain mixture and add maple syrup to level of sweetness you desire.
  5. chill and serve very cold.

Spring, Puppies and a Sunset Bush Walk

blossom tree

At long last it is Spring in Queensland and I am so happy. 🙂

Last night we had our first big storm and it was a fantastic display of dancing lightning and cacophonous thunder and bucketing rain.

I don’t know what this tree is, but it is absolutely gorgeous!!! Covered in blossoms that rain down all over the yard, delighting the chooks and goats who devour them nearly as fast as they fall.

blossom tree

Today I’m preparing kennels for the newest members of our family who are arriving next week.

Apollo and Solar are Maremma puppies. They are wonderful livestock dogs who will live with our Kalahari goat herd to keep them safe. I cannot wait to meet them. 🙂

Maremma puppies

At the end of each busy day I like to take our other dog, Luna, for a walk in the bush.

We both love it. The fresh air and scents of spring blossoms do wonders for relieving my stress and clearing my mind, and Luna dashes about like a mad woman, chasing kangaroos and wallabies, sniffing out trails of other wildlife, and peering curiously at our neighbors cows.

old fence at sunset

It’s so beautiful in the late afternoon, peaceful and quiet, soft and golden, the perfect respite in between chores and making dinner.

wild prickly pear

What do you do to restore your spirit each day?