Its Real

Over a year ago I submitted my application to become a Peace Corps Volunteer.  I finished pages of paperwork.  I traveled to Chicago for an interview.  I received many calls and emails regarding my nomination and finally was nominated.  There were trips to the dentist and doctor to complete my health and dental work, as well as extra vaccines here and there.

I was confirmed to have health and dental clearance.  I waited a bit longer.  Soon it was more paperwork.  And more waiting. 

Finally, I accepted my invitation to go to Zambia.  I filled out my visa information.  I sent more paperwork to my service country desk.  I waited some more. 

And now - this Peace Corps idea that began last April is truly coming real. 

Yesterday, I received my staging (pre-departure orientation) information.  I will officially be getting on a plane on July 16th to fly to Philadelphia, PA.  Then, on July 18th, I will board a bus to go to New York at 2:30 am.  In New York, I will get on that long-awaited plane that will take me to South Africa, and eventually to Zambia. 

It is so real now, it is quite scary!  I am so pumped for this adventure to begin.  I can't wait.  But...Wow!  It is a mix of emotions when things really start happening! 

Thank you to everyone for your encouragement and support.  I wouldn't be able to do half the things I've done without you all!  Thank you.  

Just Around the Corner

Yesterday marked the one month countdown to my departure for Zambia. 

It is so unbelievable that my Peace Corps experience is just a few short weeks away.  I have been waiting to start this adventure for over a year, and now I'm actually supposed to be ready!

I am so excited for what lies ahead and can not even begin to imagine what I may experience.  The next 30 days may hold more sunlight, but they will surely feel shorter than ever before. 

I am ready for this journey ahead...besides all the supplies to be bought and packing to be done!

Thank you again for all the support and encouragement I've received over the last year and those twenty-some years before that!!  No matter where I go or what I do, I know I have a amazing family and friends who stand behind me!  Thank you!

Strawberries!

There are so many different foods or smells that immediately make spring and summer feel more real.  Strawberries are no different.

Last week, we were able to go do some berry picking ourselves to bring in the summer months! Off to Vesperman Farms we went.  There was where we were able to get our very fresh red berries.

It was an absolutely beautiful day. The sun was shining, and with a nice breeze our mid-morning rendezvous was cool and ever so pleasant. We didn't really have an amount in mind, and it showed when we were all finished picking and realized we'd gathered near 40 lbs!!  Ten pounds each!

 Such a mighty good looking working bunch!!

And, of course, check out them strawberries! Yum!

So, we headed home with 39 lbs of very fresh, very ripe strawberries.  What to do next?  Make jam, what else!!  There is nothing better after the first snow to open up a fresh jar of strawberry jam and have a delicious and most tasty peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwich (on Mom's fresh bread, of course)!

 Cut berries.

 Wash berries.

 Process berries.

 Cook berries.

 Pour berry jam.

 Mmm...Strawberry jam!  Oh, and some Strawberry-Blueberry Jam, too!







  And a very tired dog at the end of the day!  She worked so hard!

A beautiful day filled with bright berries and tasty treats!  Along with jam, we all enjoyed some delicious Strawberry Creme Pie and Strawberry Cobbler.  We are all a little full of them summer tastes now, but not for long and we'll be craving them again!

Tasty!

Mmmm!!  So good.  I love food.  Almost any kind of food.  But I really REALLY like sweet treats!!

In order to enjoy these treats, I must make them.  Or bake them rather. 

Just wanted to share a couple tasty treats I've made recently!! Yum yum!

Red Velvet Cake for a dear friend's Birthday!

 Cinnamon Rolls!!  Because I can't resist!

 And although I can't seem to get the picture to turn correctly, this is Rhubarb Pie with Meringue Topping! Never made a meringue before!  So tasty!

New Life

On a dairy farm, it is common to see the miracle of life happen every single day.  No matter how many times I see a cow birth her calf, it is always such a special event. 

Twins are no different!!  It is amazing to have a cow have one baby, but to give birth to two new lives is even more incredible.  This year on our farm we have had so many sets of twins, more than I think we've ever had in a few short months. 

One cow in particular, Lu, had a fine set of twins, one boy and one girl.  I knew Lu was a super cow even before I knew what a good cow should look or be like.  Miss Lu is now ten years old, still looks and milks like she's a young five year old, and was able to birth twins like an old natural.  She's so great! 

Her twins calves are no different.  Born a couple months ago, they were so excited about their new surroundings after being born, and were up and running around in no time.  They were so darn cute too when first born!!  I just couldn't let them grow up any further without capturing them at their finest!!  New babies are always the finest!! 

 Aren't they just the cutest???

I don't know anything more remarkable or amazing than new life!!  It is a miracle each and every time!