tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63596617484365663072012-01-04T14:39:25.347-08:00janninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10151566822297789103noreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6359661748436566307.post-51234346786810336082011-06-21T13:25:00.000-07:002011-06-21T13:51:45.960-07:00I think I've started more than one blog with that headline, but today it is as fitting as ever.<br />Today is the first day of summer.<br />Today is the first day of real warmth and sunshine here in Seattle so far this year.<br />Today I add my first entry into this blog, using a name I've wanted to use ever since I saw the name of a shop in Seattle SO many years ago - "Herban Pottery". The wordplay of herban and urban is one of my favorites. I really feel like it hits close to home... especially now.<br />I've lived in a city my whole life. My (now) husband and I tried "country" living once, in Missoula MT. What an amazing and beautiful place to live. But it didn't take. We're city kids and country/small town living did not suit us one bit.<br />That was then...<br />Now we live on an island, a 30minute ferry ride away from Seattle. And it is magical. We found the most amazing home, in a beautiful setting and it happens to be a two-block walk to a beach with a view back into the city and includes Mt. Baker &amp; Mt. Rainier on clear days.<br />We are so lucky. And so far, we are really appreciating every moment.<br /><br />We have a nice yard now, and I've already carved out a bit of garden space. I still want to plant more this year, and I have a little time left I think. So far there are raspberries, beans, peas, a purple pepper ("Islander" variety), chives, fennel and parsley. I don't think the watermelons made it. I also have 3 tomato plants, some lettuce and a strawberry plant up on the deck (deer safe). Since last year I've been canning and jamming, thanks to three folks in particular. I don't know two of them - only through their blogs and books. The third, I had the great privilege to take a class from in person and learned SO much (and got the best apron ever!).<br />I'm hoping to keep growing tons of food that we eat, can and/or make jam out of. A little self-preservation seems like a grand idea.<br /><br />I keep dreaming of opening a store.<br />A store that has good coffee, jam and baked goods - breads, cookies, cakes, pies.<br />Everybody likes a store like that right?<br />Especially if it was a super-cute airstream trailer that could go just about anywhere?<br />I just like making things that make people happy.<br /><br />We'll just have to see how all that goes....<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6359661748436566307-5123434678681033608?l=herbanmamma.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>janninehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10151566822297789103noreply@blogger.com0