Watching all their children jumping on the trampoline, playing with kid goats, rabbit bunnies and waddling after the ducks, made me feel rewarded immeasurably for the hard work of the season.

Yes! It really is the life, isn't it? I'm further south in Washington State, in the Vader area South of Centralia. We're just starting up a homestead here, but I've worked on a few different farms. Nothing quite as idyllic as your photos, but I've visited some amazing farms and homesteads with the Lewis County Master Gardeners. I'll definitely follow you for more good mojo!

The feast most indelible in my memory was the first time I had fresh carrots I'd grown myself. I had no idea a carrot could taste so sweet, or be so rich in vibrant flavors. I've never come near that experience, even in farmers market carrots. I bet they were technically identical, but there is something undeniably superior about eating what I've grown myself. It's like a meal cooked with love only deep in the earth and loved for months with special care. This year, I hope to be tasting my own homegrown potatoes for the first time. I hear potatoes are also much better when homegrown. Excited!