Friday, May 2, 2014

over the hill











 

How I can tell it is truly spring: the farm that has duck eggs is at the bottom of Vance Hill, which is
just over the hill from Avalanche. Back in the day, there was a footpath over the ridge.  I'm too chicken to drive up or down Vance Hill if there is a hint of frost.  It's that steep and slippery.  There is also a ravine. To avoid that hill is a 6 mile trip around it.  But, today it is Spring, and I confidently take the short road.  There is a new bluebird nesting box attached to the Vance Hill road sign.

The duck eggs are so good, that I don't want anyone else to know about them. I try to be discreet, but  everyone must know how much I crave them.  Their rich cadmium yellow yolks are as big as ping pong balls.  I scored a dozen. But,  if I were you,  I wouldn't bother to try them.  They're hard to come by, and you will be frustrated. Did I say that they are wonderful for baking?  We don't wash the duck bedding off them until we're ready to crack them.

Then there was some weaving, and taking pictures of some weaving. The sun hasn't shown for days, and the weather is very, very damp. The midsummer bonfire stack is soggy in the hayfield. I am invited to a ladies-only sauna party tonight. The invitation said, Wear your birthday suit, your swimming suit, your toga, or anything else you are comfortable getting hot in. There is a just melted pond to jump in to after the sauna.   I'm looking forward to it!   I decided to pick a pail of watercress for the women, in case they don't have a spring full of it.  And tomorrow morning, duck eggs fried in butter,  and a water cress salad!  Who would want to eat that?

10 comments:

Alice said...

Your weaving takes my breath away. So much from so little! You are really tuned in.

Susan said...

ha! Thanks Alice. It's good to know it doesn't sound the other way around:
tuned out.
Eat, weave, eat again. My mantra

Anonymous said...

I was quite skeptical about the taste of duck eggs, but now i will reconsider! The colors of those scarves! I very much like your natural pallette with greys, but those colors just make me happy.

Susan said...

Alfia, they are much richer tasting than hen eggs, and larger. I wasn't sure about eating them at first, but now I don't want any other kind. Perhaps I'll get ducks again.

Carol from MN said...

susan..... I weave rugs and funky wild fiber and am really a self taught weaver.... I wish i understood your weaving.. it is beatiful! you are blessed

Carol from MN said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Velma Bolyard said...

the weaving, the eggs AND the watercress. i think i need to be your neighbor...

Susan said...

Carol, I'm glad you've started to weave. As far as my weaving goes, I just do what I know over and over, & it changes. It keeps on changing. Good luck!

Velma, that would be a fine thing! But I would still get most of the duck eggs

Anonymous said...

I've never eaten a duck egg - will have to go a hunting. I absolutely LOVE your woven pieces, the colours in this one are wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Hi Susan,
Just stumbled upon your blog. Wonderful. You live in some of the most beautiful land on earth. Richland Center area is breathtaking (for those who like hills and nature). I love your work and I admire your life. Keep up the 'good' work.
Beehives! Wonderful!

Tom Z
Illinois flatlander. ;-)