Chilly October

The season change has gone from a late warmish trend with our first frost up here on the hill just 2 days ago. Now all of a sudden, it's in the 30's each night and downright chilly and damp each day! Working in the walk-in freezer has been a real thrill with the heat not yet turned on in our north barn where all the packing activity happens. I was able to harvest the last of the basil before the frost and had a giant pesto project the other morning with me furiously picking leaves off the stalks and the blender whirring and a wonderful aroma enveloping the house. The garden clean up is looming soon. The kale, Swiss chard, leeks, broccoli and parsley are very happy to be chilled but now that the root cellar is chilled, they'll soon be sleeping in the dark waiting for the comfort food meals of cold weather.

The wine crop is growing too. The last of the red tomatoes went into a small batch of tomato wine. My nephew still is commenting on the weird appeal the flavor of the wine had for him. It came out tasting like a smooth wine with a tomato finish that seemed odd to your senses! He'll get the whole batch of five bottles next year, not just the sampler one! My best tasting one yet just went into the bottle wine yet was a blackberry-blueberry that was very rich tasting. As I was reading Eating Right for Your Blood Type this morning, I learn that I should be avoiding blackberries! Oh, NO!

This book is written by Dr. Peter J D'Adamo. He and his father have researched the history of the development of blood types and the diets of the peoples who have them. They have discovered that blood types have a big effect on what foods you feel better eating and what diseases you may be predisposed toward because of eating the "wrong" foods for your blood type which is very important to your overall metabolism. Even your style of exercise plays a part in your blood's inner workings. I was surprised that foods that I love, like freshly shredded coleslaw. are not so good for my digestive system!!!Boo! Lucky for me (and my hunter ancestors), grass-fed beef is my best nourishment! Check it out. This book is a good follow up to Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food.

We hope that all of you are feeling well, staying relaxed, focused and calm. Take advantage of this lull before the holidays to rest and gear yourselves up! Best Wishes, Nancy & Alan