so the whole 'posting more regularly' thing isn't happening. but sarah did take a few more pictures of fierce (the wonder pup) recently, and they merit a new blog posting. overall, things are quite swell here. we've had two gloriously sunny weeks, the peonies are blooming, the first week of csa harvest has passed and time just keeps sneaking by. the summer feels near at hand (despite today's gloomy and drizzly weather) which means farming, traveling for reunions and weddings and adventuring in the pacific northwest (if i'm not too wiped out).

as promised, more dog pictures...
oh, it's so hard being a dog. i play and i eat and then i nap on my tennis ball.

i think it is the only tennis ball in the house that she has not destroyed yet.

i'm a sometimes homely dog.

this is what happens when we go to the dog park, and it usually involved not paying me any attention at all. at least she is sitting here.

fierce is a serious wrestling dog. her idea of playing is sparring on her hind legs with other dogs, tackling, rolling all over and anything that involves getting covered in other dogs' drool. this pictures us post tussle with the pups in the back. something she looks a little woozy after her adventures.


i would like a treat now please.

wow! it's been a long time. i'm going to re-vamp this little blog a little bit...when i get around to it.

here's the update about vanessa jean (& co)...
about two years ago i got interested (some might say passionate) about our food system, where food comes from, and growing organic, local produce. about a year ago i started a 17-month apprenticeship at sauvie island organics, where i get to learn about farming and practice (harvest, weed, seed, plant, transplant and more) every day. i'll be done at the end of september, and then who knows what's next. maybe some food policy, teaching in a school garden, or starting up a chicken operation (or poultry processing operation). we'll see.

vanessa jean is still going on the side. it's now a weekend and evening project, which is fine by me. i'm currently locked out of the website, so i can't edit anything, sad. this is the slow time of year, which is also ok with me.

the farming was light from january until now, but things are picking up and the season gets underway. yay!

the most exciting news is that the vanessa jean crew has a new addition. her name is fierce (and although she is anything but fierce, she is quite wonderful. she has kept us busy in the studio and so far keeps up busy with walking and feeding and entertainment. she's still an intern in training, and doesn't have any real responsibilities yet. sarah is also great, and ready to be done with school in june...then freedom. these are the two ladies in action...getting lots of work done around the studio.














ok, i can't resist, here's another one.




more to come when i get my act together