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Saturday, March 2, 2013

This week: Friends of friends of daughters

Inja: While you are lolling around Southern California, we are having our token sprinkling of snow, just enough to count. A far cry from the old days when the ponds would freeze and we went sledding down the Ingle's driveway.


About your friends: The count is now 21. One of them called Tom, but, alas, I was not here, and he left no contact info. Please pass this along, where he may or may not read it--

Welcome to Sulphur Creek Farm--any friends, or friends of friends, of India are friends of ours. Her people tend to be quite self-reliant, so I have few concerns. I hear you're having dinner at Monell's--great place!--and will be rolling in afterwards. Here are your choices for bed and shelter:

Down at the farm shed/pasture, to the left of the drive: There is cold running water, a stove and space upstairs and down for sleeping bags. The--uh--composting toilet (it flatters this structure to call it such) requires beating a path through the grass to the right of the shed and very likely holding one's nose. If you choose this option, please keep the gate shut so the cows don't get in the garden. And be aware there is a pit at the back to the left--our developing water storage cistern. Use flashlights! The cat's name is Moko. Our current farmers are Eric, Dylan, and Loran, but none are living in the shed at this moment.

Pasture: Feel free to put up tents anywhere. Potential hazards: cow patties and the cows themselves, who might be curious. Do not fear--they are very gentle and won't hurt you. The dogs, Ollie and Balthazar Jack, might also be snuffling around. Also harmless.

Up at the house: We're fine with sleeping bags inside the house itself, but am not sure we can accomodate all. The pavilion is open to weather, but has a roof, and if you push the tables back, is pretty good size. There are also porches, front and back, and lawn. I think all the beds will be occupied by India's sister Rachel and her friends, who will also be visiting. The cottage is off limits, unless you make friends with Dylan, who is living there.

Welcome to bathrooms and kitchen. Tom is sometimes a bit crotchety mornings, but is a charming guy, you'll find. You will be dear to his heart if you admire the succulents and his New Zealand rocks. (Don't ask--all will become clear in good time.) I'll probably be off to the hospital. Wish I could have breakfast with you all.

Brenda B., aka India's mom
Sulphur Creek Farm and Hostel for Wandering Tribes