WELCOME!

I am Cecilia. A New Zealander who farms in Illinois.

My farms are organic and regenerative and full of stories. I have been writing here about environmentally sustainable farming and food and travel since 2011.

Join Us!


LATEST POSTS


  • Snow on Rain on Ice

    Snow on Rain on Ice

    The light did a funny thing yesterday afternoon. It was snowing on top of the rain that was on top of the ice. The temperature was going down so fast that everything was freezing where it fell. Freezing AS it fell. I went out without my gloves and found myself jogging to the house to retrieve them ten minutes…

    Read more

  • Rain on Ice

    Rain on Ice

    An interesting combination at the best of times. Especially when one launches forth in the early, dripping morning. Clown pants on, Gumboots, big, long, old  Dryza Bone Riding Coat and gloves, swinging my bucket, maybe even humming, after all it was warm rain even that early in the morning. Ton raced ahead as he does and suddenly…

    Read more

  • How I make Soap

    How I make Soap

    In response to your requests – here is my soap recipe and cold press method. I only know one method and would class myself as a beginner. But this soap works every time so far.  I make soap using Lard from the pigs I raise myself in my own fields.  I use the cold process to make…

    Read more

  • Gone to the Birds

    Gone to the Birds

    It seems Camera House is tracking the big birds lately.  January is here, the long winter months have begun. The birds stay mostly in the barn, undercover. As do I. As does Camera House.  I often think that you would want to see something new each day then I remind myself that you are here to…

    Read more

  • Happy New Year

    Happy New Year

    Last night I wish I had gorged on grapes while bells rung, toasting my feet on the fire of my (least favorite) calendar, then running  all over the house opening the windows and doors and running all the way back around closing them. I wish I had  grabbed the whiskey bottle and a lump of coal, rubbed…

    Read more

  • New Years Eve

    New Years Eve

    So …  do you have a family tradition for New Years Eve? I don’t.  Though I love the idea.  I get up early so I do not stay up late  but I like the idea of the New Year being celebrated.  The freshness of it. The promise. And we all need a new start –…

    Read more