A month that started out beautifully and ended badly, April began with the best neighborhood party of the year, Haruka’s birthday and a visit from Margie and ended in tragedy.
SWEET SIXTEEN TRAIL CRAWL
The best, most funnest event of the year, Trail Crawl involves eating, drinking, walking and talking. See the whole story here: Trail Crawl 2016
YOME HOME
Jason, Haruka and their apprentice Doug have put a lot of thought and work into Doug’s living arrangement. Yome for sleeping and storage on the left and outdoor kitchen, shower and toilet on the right. Super cute and functional!
FRINGE TREE
During a Grand Trees of Chatham sponsored tree hike, we stumbled upon the elusive fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus) in flower.
OUT-OF-TOWNER
Margie flew all the way from Colorado to meet Spot and spend a little time at Troutsfarm. Naturally, she got roped into Camille’s Sunday morning walk with Shelley.
COOKIE CUB PHOTOGRAPHER
Margie took pictures of Camille taking photos of columbine.
SPRING AT THE PLANT
Meanwhile down on Lorax Lane the azaelas are blooming and Lyle and Trip have successfully ripped out the fence between the stage and the farm.
COOL AND WARM
April weather is cool enough for lettuce, beets and turnips; warm enough for irises and peonies.
POTLUCK
A sweet evening before the storm.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Some people deserve a birthday party every day. Haruka is one of them.
UNSPEAKABLE
There is no good way to describe the devastating effects of unforseen bereavement. Tami and Lyle lost their nineteen-year-old son to a tragic accident and sent us all scrambling to build a home burial trail and pull together a service. We witnessed the power of community. We mourn. More at: Zafer’s Funeral
GOATS AND GARDENS
Amy came in for the funeral, met one of the Lucash family’s kids and dug another potato bed for Bob. She was an immeasurable help and comfort. Hold your loved ones close. You never know how long they will be of this earth.
BACKLIT BABES
Let’s wrap this month’s photo essay up on a lighter note, with some photos of new life. Here are Nolan and his mother, Emily when she was about his age with their fine, fuzzy baby hair.
LUCKY BOY
Nolan is obviously much, much loved by his sweet parents Tyler and Emily.
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THIS MONTH’S QUOTES:
“A mother should never have to talk to the coroner about her sons beautiful beautiful body.” – Tami Schwerin
“The more we live by our intellect, the less we understand the meaning of life.” – Leo Tolstoy
“. . . he felt little fear; just an overpowering fatigue. Life had slipped out of line. It was unfair, it was too bad, but he couldn’t find the energy to fight it any longer.” – Larry McMurty from Lonesome Dove
“What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.” – Kurt Vonnegut
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