First Night On The Farm

It smells like a farm.. but in a sweet way. There’s a certain moisture in the air. The neighboring creek is loud due to recent rains. Inside the farm home, baskets of herbs, onions, and oranges greet me at the doorway. Dirty work boots and jackets line the entry. Two cats scurry away.

My room is on the second floor . It’s cold as it’s been unoccupied and the wood burner hasn’t been sparked.

Down at the ground level, Iris, Gian-Luca and I make our acquaintances in a warm “dining room”; we are seated at a wooden table surrounded by canisters of walnuts and dried herbs. I’m drinking tea. Iris is having a late dinner consisting of a bowl of cereal (some things cross all boarders). I’m told I’ve arrived at a festive time. They try to keep the upcoming week quiet for news is likely to attract many eager visitors, both local and from out-of-town. My fortuitous timing?.. The annual slaughter and meat packing of their four wild pigs!