Well, today brought another collection of surprises — although by now I am beginning to realise that this is probably just life at the ranch!
The daily routine is settling in nicely. First, feed Pancho, then get on with the sewing and help out wherever I can. Today that included preparing the dehydrator with marigolds. They are given to the chickens and are also used in salads for us. I never knew marigolds could be so versatile!
Next came the oil press. Marilyn had some peanuts and wanted to see how they would go through the machine, so we gave it a try. The peanut oil isn’t used for cooking but is mainly kept for therapeutic treatments. There always seems to be something new going on here.
Marilyn has five children, and today one of her sons and one of her daughters came to visit. Her son had previously put together a wildlife trail here for guests, but as it hadn’t been used for some time, it was definitely in need of a little attention. So, when the opportunity arose, I happily joined them — machete in hand!
We spent a couple of hours clearing the trail, cutting back the vegetation and generally trying to make it look like a wildlife trail again rather than somewhere the jungle had decided to reclaim. There is something quite satisfying about hacking your way through the bush with a machete.
Marilyn then introduced us to some rather interesting local treats. First was a tiny yellow flower which, when eaten, makes your tongue go numb and apparently cleanses the palate. Indigenous people traditionally use it for toothache. It certainly was an unusual experience.
Then there was a bright orange, very dry mushroom. Surprisingly, it actually tasted quite nice when chewed and is apparently considered beneficial for overall health.
The final offering was a very dry, hairy leaf. I tried it, but the texture was absolutely horrible. I couldn’t bring myself to chew it properly, despite being told it was a good antioxidant. Some things, apparently, are just too healthy for me!
What I particularly love here is how much I am learning simply by being around Marilyn and her family. Everyone seems to have something to share — knowledge about the land, plants, animals, food and the many traditional uses of things I would normally walk straight past.
And then there is the wonderful atmosphere of the place. Everything is relaxed and unhurried. Breakfast and dinner are help-yourself affairs in the kitchen, but lunch is different. Everyone sits down together around the table and shares the meal as a family. Before we eat, there is a simple blessing.
It is such a small thing, but it makes lunch feel quite special.
I came here expecting animals, sewing and a bit of ranch life. I certainly didn’t expect marigold salads, peanut oil, mystery mushrooms, numb tongues and wielding a machete on a wildlife trail!
And I suspect tomorrow will bring something equally unexpected.
