I am gone into the fields....

Yep, that's the way life has been lately for me. I've been waiting and waiting for leaves to unfurl, flowers to bloom and fruits to ripen so that I can get busy harvesting, drying, preparing and storing my herbs for the year. It's been pretty overwhelming of the late; but I'm in almost constant bliss. :D

Between my chores in the house, barn chores, working in the gardens and doing other things of the sort I haven't really had time to do any blogging. But I made time today!!

So far I've got some hawthorn leaves drying, some willow bark, alder bark, rosemary, shepherd's purse, dandelion root and some Scotch broom blossoms. I'm still working on getting everything else.

All of our Nootka Roses have blossomed now; Hurray! So hopefully within the week I can begin making some rose water (yes, the exact same stuff that you pay who knows how much for at the store).

And my herb garden is officially in and sprouting! I don't have very much this year as I wasn't planning for a big garden. In all I think I have: Fennel, Lemon Balm, Catnip, Forget- me- nots, Chamomile, MarshMallow, Meadowsweet, thyme, basil, cilantro.... oooh, there are a few more things, I just can't think of what they are right now. I am also working on transplanting some herbs into the garden: Mullein, Plantain, Foxglove (just for looks!), FringeCups, Nettles.... Well, you get the point, there's a lot. ;D

Hmmm, what else has been going on.... Oh, beware to whomever may dare come onto our property for the next couple of weeks. Why you ask?

Our CottonWood tree has gone to seed.

And it is not called a "Cotton" wood tree for nothing. It might as well be snowing, for that's what it looks like outside! The seeds are encased in small fluffy bits of cotton that gets everywhere. Not fun. I wonder if you could spin it somehow..... ;)

Well, I'll end my rambling here; maybe I will think of something else to blog about later that doesn't involve so much, um, rambling. :)

~Caitlyn

I leave this notice upon my door for every passing visitor:
I am gone into the fields to see what this sweet hour yields....