Vita Mix, Gotta Getcha One

Here's the new toy at Providence Farm, a Vita mix. I got it last week and have used it at least three times a day since. It seems a little odd that I recommend a $500 machine when I'm supposed to be teaching frugality, doesn't it?
But between the health benefits,which we notice already, and the ability to function as many appliances in one, the vita mix will save in the long run.
We usually throw whole fruits and veggies in for smoothies, but two nights ago, I had made peanut butter and some was left in the machine. I woke up, pulled the container out of the fridge, added cocoa powder, sugar, milk, and ice, and we had a Reese's peanut butter cup smoothie! Now that beats healthy food any day. And it still wasn't very unhealthy. Even dessert in the vita mix is health food!
I chopped onions, rinsed, then whipped up a fruit smoothie, (with no residual onion flavor ; ) all within five minutes.
In one week, I've made:
Smoothies and vegetable drinks
Sorbet
Ice cream
Bread dough
Hash browns
Coleslaw
Salsa
Peanut butter

Poor Little White Chick

This was Lemondrop.
She was a victim of violent crime last night.
The black snake came in and tried to swallow her, but to no avail. I guess his eyes were bigger than his belly. He got to about her center and had to give up.
I had heard many stories describing this exact scenario, but never saw it. I hope I never see it again!

Hobbit Children

If the amount of dirt on a kid is any indication of how much fun she's having, I have the happiest kids on the planet.

Goodbye Again

Here are still more different reactions to Becky's second trip up north. Katie is hiding from the camera since she's crying. Becky and Laura are both happy that Jodi will have help.
To give Katie credit where credit is due, this time the transition to no Becky went much more smoothly.

Laura's Cat

This is how Sirius Black watches TV.
And here he is with his tongue sticking out, weirdly.

Trampoline

Here's Katie in the background at Bridle Club.
Laura took the picture.

Some Fun Around the Farm

Here are photos taken by the kids, of the kids.
Becky's still up in NoVa, so she's conspicuously absent from the photo shoot.