STBF at CFG: August 4, 2021
The day started out with a promising “Wigglebutt Lake Report” from Erika of the Christopher Farm & Gardens on Wednesday morning during her morning walk with Buddy & Jayke (the “Wigglebutts”) that read, “Lake is calm and clear!” and included this photo:
By late afternoon, however, winds switched and increased slightly and the lake wasn’t quite as flat... but a few adventurous survivors took to the water!
Leah paddles along an eroding shoreline!
After some time on the water, we met up with others who chose to spend their time at CF&G a bit more leisurely by “Wandering the Wonderful Gardens” before joining us for a Beach Bonfire!
Every visit to the CF&G offers something new. This time, one of those new things was an introduction to the concept of a “Swedish Fire Log.”
Apparently, Jay Christopher first learned about Swedish Fire Logs a few years back when some friends were visiting his property and brought one. He recently saw a photo that reminded him of them... and he almost immediately thought of our Survive, Thrive & Be Fit visits that occasionally include a bonfire! So, he thoughtfully had his staff prepare one for us!
Admittedly, we struggled a bit to get the fire going... but as is typical, the group came together to share ideas, offer suggestions, and work together... and we were successful and learned a few things along the way!
We enjoyed one another’s company around a unique fire amidst this peaceful setting until past sunset... sharing stories and ideas! Life should always be this simple, this relaxing and this beautiful! And it will be once again... at least the next time we visit the Christopher Farm & Gardens sometime in September!
About the Swedish Fire Log: One recommendation was to rough chop the top center of the log with a hatchet to aid in getting the fire started! We also learned that this technique takes a little longer to get a fire started than the traditional manner... but, like so many other things in life... it is worth the wait!!!
To learn more about a Swedish Fire Log, check out this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hrugyC8zI4
Submitted by Mary Schueller
Gratitude
Whenever I see sunflowers, I think of Vincent Van Gogh. Sunflowers had special significance to him & were in some of his most famous paintings. When he wrote about them, Van Gogh stated that sunflowers communicated "gratitude." I know that I certainly have a great amount of gratitude for the amazing staff at CF&G who tend to these sunflowers & allow us to visit & watch them grow!
