Trees, trees and more trees.

I politely suggested to Art that we have enough trees for 2021. Just this week we've planted 25 blueberry trees, over two hundred pomegranate trees (replaced the dead ones in the new orchard), four orange trees and then he comes home with six more trees mostly a cherry variety from some extended family. That doesn't not include the dozen or so we transplanted about a month ago. And if my calculations are correct, we have planted or transplanted over 1,000 trees this year. The orchard alone had 800 planted early this year and another 200 to replace the ones that did not survive.

Now I know trees help with the air quality, the benefits out weigh the cons by a mile, and it's a healthy borderline obsession to have. We are just simply running out of room for well drained sunny patches of earth for new trees.

I smell a recipe for a sneezing disaster come spring bloom season. But 'tis the season.

We picked the last of the persimmons and kept some for raki. If you have never enjoyed a persimmon they are honey sweet and juicy. If you pick them too early they have tannins (that filmy coat inside your mouth). But when baked I've made pumpkin inspired style baked goods. And we are still drying the persimmons hope to have an update before end of year of success, but so far it looks like we may have to try drying some inside.

If you have recipes with persimmons please send them my way.

We are still enjoying fresh cabbage, leeks, and salads from the garden. And we are down from three piggies to two. The freezer is stocked for the next few months. I am going to be making a few rounds of cookies and a cheesecake (we finally found something similar to sour cream). And enjoying our bounty of wine.

In publishing news, we are wrapping up this years with three books in the Ember in Time Series, Northern Albanian Folk Tales, Myths and Legends, 26 custom journals, and The Old Untold published and available anywhere books are sold online. I have a new work in progress that is a Paranormal Mystery coming February 2022. Hope to drop a cover reveal in a few weeks. Cheers.

We are enjoying the holidays with close family here at the homestead. Hope you and your family enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season.