Blanchard Mountain Farm

10/05/2026

When we arrived home from our travels, this was in our mailbox! Want to read the rest? You’ll have to buy the book! It’s gorgeous. Published by Empty Bowl Press. Edited by Bow’s own Fisher/Writer, Tele Aadsen and Farmer/Writer Jessica Gigot. Locals, keep your eyes out for nearby readings. Order here: https://www.emptybowl.org/store/p/cascadiaworks

10/02/2026

This was a special place for us to visit on the Greek island of Naxos: the Temple of Demeter. Demeter is the Olympian goddess of the harvest and agriculture, presiding over crops, grains, food, and the fertility of the earth. The temple is up on a hill and surrounded by hectares of farm fields in every direction. The vast majority of the land on Naxos is farmed. We had numerous locals tell us that everything grows so easily on the island. It appears that there is a lot of dry farming but we saw a number of fields with drip tape and emitters. There is a lot of grain grown on the 2 islands we visited and the bread reflects that…some really good loaves!

10/01/2026

This photo represents a generous food and restaurant cultural norm in Greece. Many restaurants provide, free of charge, little desserts and often a small snack or appetizer when you join them for a meal no matter how small or large. This is a big plate of thick yummy Greek yogurt with cherries in cherry sauce. It was not too sweet and it was perfect. We were in Naxos Town and if truth be told, I needed to use a restroom. It was mid day, we weren’t terribly hungry so decided to have some libations and an appetizer of 6 small meatballs and a few fries. We asked for the check and out comes this instead! They always say “here’s a little something for you, on the house” Tonight we were in a place near the Athens airport (starting our return trip tomorrow) and we were gifted with 2 unique small baklava. We have come to adore these surprises. We are taken aback, in a good way” each time it occurs. They are not fishing for tips..Those are for another post maybe someday.

09/27/2026

Our final meal on Crete did not disappoint. Bring on the generous salads and sheep cheese! We have arrived at our final destination: Naxos! Life’s a beach until it pours. Guess it’s time to eat again…Hope the sunshine returns!

09/24/2026

The current breakfast situation in Crete. A pitcher of olive oil alongside. And yes I used it! Apparently Crete’s diet parallels one of the 5 blue zones on the adjacent Greek island of Ikaria! It’s all about the oil, friends.

09/23/2026

I am excited to share the release of this anthology, edited by 2 local Bow writers/friends; Tele, a fisher and Jessica, a farmer! Am also pleased to say that I have an essay included in the book titled “If Only They Knew”. It tells the story of my Italian ancestors influence on our Skagit Farm. I’m sorry to miss the first few reading dates as we are traveling. But will attend one in the near future as more are scheduled. Buy the book!

Here's a post with our intrepid editorial team: Tele Aadsen and .gigot --hats off to each of them! We're looking forward to celebrating together at the launch reading at Farm & Cidery in Chimacum on September 24 at 5 pm. The ten contributors reading include Alice Derry, Tim McNulty, Gina Hietpas, Tom Harris, Heather Hamilton, Anne Murphy, Kat Murphy, Kira Telgen and Thena Westfall.

09/22/2026

Some foods of Athens and Crete. Goodness it’s good! Especially on Crete. There is something quite special about Cretan dishes. Tonight we had a chocolatey dessert and Walter turned to me and with all seriousness said “I think this is the best dessert I have ever had.” I had to agree with him. (the baked goods in the first shots were from a bakery a few steps from the hotel we were staying at.)

09/17/2026

Our first Greek meal. Breakfast in Athens! I’ve been running an avocado deficit while in Sicily. Think I might get caught up in Greece.

09/03/2026

Eggplant grower becomes eggplant chef in Sicily. This is one of the varieties we grew at our farm.

09/02/2026

First cooking class Anna Tasca Lanza in Sicily. A little bit of beauty and relaxation mixed in. And a wonderful visit to a small sheep cheese farm.