My Problem with the Free Clinic

I am thankful for a place that I can go to get Harper vaccinated for free, since it would cost about $550 for his vaccines and wellness appointment at our doctor's office because our insurance doesn't cover wellness for children (brilliant of them, eh?). But I hate the way they talk to me - like I have no idea what I'm talking about and every question I ask is ridiculous and a waste of their time. Like I need to apologize for being informed about vaccines, when they're supposed to be given, and the risks of taking a child into a health clinic during a flu epidemic. Can you tell I just got off the phone with someone at the clinic? Tomorrow, when I take Harper in, I will be calm, loving, and positive, by the grace of God. :)

Harper's Words

Harper's first word (not counting mama and dada) is "ball." He started this a couple weeks ago, picking up the ball and saying "ba" (there's a suggestion of an "l" at the end). Today we were reading an I Spy book, and when a ball was on the page, he said "ball" and was able to point to the ball on the page. I realize this is probably all normal for an almost 15-month old, but I certainly am a proud mama. :) Besides that, Harper "talks" to us all the time. I love the inflections in his "speech;" sometimes it really does sound like he's speaking in sentences, only we can't understand any of the words.

Our new son Hogan . . .

The local paper did a feature on our farm . . . and our new son Hogan . . .

KV Post Article

Perkins' Good Earth Farm

This past Saturday we had our first farm meeting, and we had 19 attendees (including 4 family members)! By the end of the meeting, we had over half our shares sold, and as of today, we have 1/2 share left to sell - exciting! We are only selling 10 shares this year because we don't want to overcommit ourselves, which means that we will be starting a waiting list for next year. My favorite part of selling shares so far has been seeing both people I've known since birth and people who I've just met getting excited about what we're doing - they get it!

And I like having "other" work to do at home, like creating marketing materials, registering with the IRS, opening up our business bank account, keeping records, talking with people about our CSA. This winter I'll learn about the ordering process - seeds and materials - as well as more about crop rotation, green manures, and the whole growing process. So far I've encountered a good balance between what I know and what I need to know, and I think that will continue.

This fall/winter I'd also like to learn about making goat cheese. I think my research on that will start tomorrow. If anyone has any advice or trusted sources for starters (I guess that is if anyone even reads this anymore considering how rarely we post these days), please let me know.

An Update in Photos

Cuddle time in NC

Dan with Harper and Atticus

Lo-Bot with Harpy

Harper's discovery last month: to get food, push box to table and climb

Harper's first brownie at his first 1st birthday party (he had 3 parties!)