An Afternoon with Good Friends

Yesterday, we visited our good friends Cindy, Maeg, Will, Mina, Leila and Dustin in Innisfil. It was so nice to hang out with familiar faces in a familiar place on a sunny day. As we drove north we saw many purple, yellow and white wildflowers bordering the farm fields. We noted how the corn stalks were growing and were guessing when they would be ready. Yum! Also, we spotted the sunflower fields near Cindy's house and can't wait to go back when they are all out in bloom! There are thousands of them. Quite a sight!

It didn't take long for everyone to get into a groove, get caught up and play. The kids found baby toads, used their imaginations in the fort, ran around, picked raspberries, played on the Wii and traded Pokemon cards... Willow found some great smelling sludge to roll around in which was so unpleasantly fragrant that she found herself getting a cool shower by the side of the house. Then, Cindy and I found ourselves getting a cool shower a la Willow-whilst she shook off the wet all over us! :) As she dried in the sun, me, Cin and Mina chatted about unschooling, societal attitudes, the kids, herbs and generally got each other's 'scoop'. Great to be with laid-back, like-minded friends. Yay! We are looking forward to sharing apple picking in the fall, farm visits and outdoor activities.

Also worth mentioning, we all enjoyed delicious fruits and veggies, many of which were locally grown in Ontario. Our shared love of 'in season', raw foods is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my time with Cindy and Mina. Before we left for our trip, all of our families volunteered at Moondance Organic Gardens/Farm together. With this group, in that location, eating well is weightless and easy... it just feels natural in that setting with this bunch of people. Everyone contributes something, nothing fancy, just FRESH and we all share everything. On the farm, we always have produce that we have grown and harvested as a part of our food fare also. I have learned so much from these ladies and from our time on the farm and I look forward to spending more time with them and Kim Keckes (owner and friend) as they are such great role models who guide me with their knowledge, recipes and examples of healthful ways of being. When I am with these women, what you should or shouldn't eat is a 'no brainer' so to speak. I love being with them because they aren't pushy or judgmental about it all either. On the farm, you just want to eat healthy, whole foods. You become aware very quickly how different food tastes when it is fresh and it renews my sometimes less than enthusiastic attitude toward food and its preparation. Since we have been gone, Kim has created a farmer's market on Saturdays and we look forward to visiting and checking it out....can't wait.

Here's to healthy relationships and healthy eating!

Moondance- we'll see you soon!

Thanks to Cindy and Family for having us over and for a wonderful day!