Today I harvested garlic—not from this year’s planting, which was very small and VERY late, but from a few stubborn bulbs that stayed behind last season when their stems snapped at harvest time. Last year’s garlic harvest went just fine overall, but a few stalks snapped as I pulled them, leaving their bulbs hidden below. I knew they were still in the ground and decided to leave them, hoping they’d bloom and set seed this year. But this morning, as I walked by that corner of the garden, I took a closer look. The leaves had begun to yellow, and the soil had started to crack ever so slightly around their bases. They were ready. And honestly? So was I. I needed garlic. So I dug in. There’s something incredibly grounding about putting your hands into the earth and feeling around for something you grew. That little bit of resistance as your fingers wrap around a bulb, the pop as it breaks free from the soil, the smell of fresh garlic and damp dirt rising together—it’s a kind of joy that’s hard to explain but easy to love. This harvest was small—just three bulbs—but it reminded me of the quiet beauty in growing your own food. Even when it’s unplanned. Even when it’s just a handful. These bulbs were left behind, half-forgotten, yet they grew anyway. Strong. Ready. Exactly when I needed them. Come October, I’ll be planting garlic again—this time intentionally, and in greater number. But for today, I’m grateful for these three unexpected gifts. A little harvest, a lot of heart. If you’re thinking about growing your own garlic, here’s a great guide to help you get started!

Today is a big milestone on the homestead – the ducklings first free-range day! Corvis (formerly known as Blondie) recently turned 4 weeks old, and the rest of the flock is just ahead of him at 5 weeks. They’ve been exploring the outdoors for the last couple weeks, but always inside pens. Today, we opened the gate and let them roam completely free for the first time, and they took off like they’ve been waiting for this day their whole lives. They wasted absolutely no time diving into the clover, darting through dandelions, and chasing every bug they could spot. They explored every inch of that yard, leaving no blade of grass untouched. Watching them roam, explore, and stretch their wings felt like a glimpse of who they’re becoming. They’re growing fast—more independent, more curious, and more confident every day. Soon enough, they’ll be fully feathered out and big enough to join the adult flock out back. But for now, this new front yard freedom is a perfect balance of freedom and safety – they’re able to soak up the sunshine, learn the land, and make the most of this new freedom while still staying safe. Watching them explore the wide world around them reminds me that growth doesn’t always happen in big leaps—sometimes it happens one small, joyful waddle at a time. Thanks for following along with the wild life on our little patch of land. Whether it’s ducklings, garden beds, or herbal remedies, there’s always something new growing around here. Curious about raising ducklings? Here’s a great guide to get you started.

I’ve been looking forward to making this one for about a week now. I ordered some yarn from the UK specifically for this little project—a crocheted rainbow keychain—and as soon as it arrived today, I finally got to sit down and make it. I had the keychain part ready and waiting, just needed the right colors to come in. I ended up working it up this evening, right before tucking the kids into bed. It was a quick make, but it turned out exactly how I pictured it—simple, soft, and colorful without being loud. Just one of those satisfying little projects that comes together at the end of a busy day. I’ll be adding a few to the shop soon, once I get a handful made. But for now, I just wanted to share this one while it’s fresh off the hook.