Misty morning in the olive grove Back in 2003, my sister called from Michigan and left me a voice message that I’ll never forget. “I have something to tell you,” she said. “I think you know what it is.” She...
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Life and death outside our door
Sheep in our stockyard It all started with a ram. At the end of last summer, in late February, Hamish said, “I’m going to bring over a ram.” Hamish is the stock agent who grazes his sheep and cattle in...
First interview ever
Wairarapa Lifestyle Magazine recently interviewed me for their spring issue, and they’re going to be publishing an ongoing series from my ‘Moon over Martinborough’ blog. This was my first time ever being interviewed, and it was a very strange experience....
Old Man Henry and the chook house race wars
Old Man Henry Old Man Henry is our geriatric rooster. He is mangy and decrepit. The feathers on his head are just quill stubble. He’s half blind, bow-legged, and he pauses strangely after every step. On certain misty mornings, when...
Make your own olive oil in 23 easy steps
There are many ways to make your own olive oil. This is my own personal recipe. Feel free to modify it to make it work for you. Keep in mind the essentials. In my experience, there are three key things...