Recipe from Capella Farm's Momma-Farmer-Cook

Jennifer is my friend-neighbor who is amazing and raises all kinds of animals, 3 very smart and sweet kids, gardens and she, along with her husband Dave, have a CSA farm to boot. They, like us, would like to be self sufficient and make money at farming. They are light years ahead of us so we share secrets and stories and I get to enjoy their fantastic eggs. She sent some pea soup over that was amazing. Here is her recipe she said I could share. In her words:

I cooked 3 - 4 cloves of whole garlic, 2 or 3 small onions, a bunch (maybe 6) carrot tops, fresh pork bone (the left over from a pork shoulder that I had cut the chops off of), 2 smoked shanks, and 2 bay leaves (fresh off the plant). I probably cooked this for 3 - 4 hours (in about 3 or 4 gallons of water?) after that, I strain all through colander, retain all the broth and bay leaves, and scavenge as much meat as possible. I eat the grizzle (maybe that's gross to some but I think it's good for the bones and cartilage), chop up the meat then add the peas (about 3 cups or so) and some thickly chopped carrots and cook for another couple of hours. Then I put it in the cold garage or fridge. The next day I heat it up again and eat it. It's better the second day.

My Dad makes a great pea soup vegetarian style and his is great but the pork in this melted in my mouth and I love big chunky soups. I gave her a kale pesto recipe a nurse shared with me while in hospital so will try that next. Just like regular pesto with no cheese. We have a ton of kale I thought was eaten by bugs or frost bitten, but it's growing strong again.

Douglas and I worked together a bit on The Freakin Universe. Not quite ready yet but we will send an invitation to the online venture he has been working on for over ten years. It is amazing how geeky he has become. I remember showing how to email back in 1997. Funny. Now he has all the gadgets and programs for his work. Funny guy.

A local store wants him to make some artwork for their store. Holidays are coming and leaves are falling. Lots of leaves !!!!! Such a feast for the eyes is fall. This year seems so much brighter than last.

My body is healing nicely. I finally got the long lasting pain med Saturday eve which has been a huge help. The shorter lasting really is just for breakthrough pain. I have many bruises popping up in strange places but I remember that from before. The swelling moves around too which is fun to watch. Like a roving goiter.
I taped up and took a shower with Doug's assistance. My hair was a little greasy but now I feel fresh and waiting for the nurse to call with her schedule. Would like to know sooner than later so we can plan around it. Urggggg. My friend Renee is bringing her massage table over and leaving it so I can get body work. We trade for food from garden. It has worked out nice for me and I feel she loved the fresh food.

Last night was a rough night. Doug has a sinus thingy again and his back has been acting up after three days in hospital chairs and sitting at computer. He was tossing, I was cramping in legs-feet, could not get comfy and had the strangest ongoing dreams.It really does make a huge difference to us as humans when we get a good nights sleep. If we can get our mind to shut down usually the body follows but these days it's hard to shut down. I keep a pad of paper and pen by bedside. When I wake up in am I decipher the notes written that night.Those who know my handwriting, well lets just say, my Dr. complained about it and my pharmacist said it is worse than a Dr.'s. I can use the excuse I have arthritis or a shoulder replacement. It's been bad my whole life.Oh well I have other talents and gifts.......

Let me know how you all are doing. I had three friends who had surgical procedures last week and everyone has something going on in their lives which is challenging or exciting. I am here if you want to chat or brag. If I do not answer I am napping, on the pot, with a nurse or a visitor. Leave a message with time of call and I will get back to you soon.

Love
A