project: fermentation

Add it to the list of farm-life positives: something about being active all day expands into your non-working life. It's like that old saying about jam and happiness: you can't spread even a little without getting some on yourself (sort of like mulch, but I digress.) All of which to say, the crewmate and I have already embarked on number of ambitious side projects, most designed to nourish us body and soul as we plant and hoe and move wood the days away. Up first: fermentation. Inspired by legions of homesteaders, we've started a sourdough base and a beer-brewing project. For now, the yeasty, burbling beginnings of each:

 sourdough starter:

washing the carboy with tender, loving care:

 soaking the grain that sustains life:

bubbling the syrupy, sugary, malty liquid of life:

and, after a long Friday eve of temperature-taking and mess-making, we will wait in hope: