I'm so glad of our village's wedding tradition: dinner's in the village square and everyone brings something. Otherwise, I couldn't have gotten away with making mashed potatoes last night.
I really, really admire the way Jack's so quick to get busy. Dad always reminded me that he wanted me to marry someone who works hard. At breakfast this morning Jack leaned over his morning coffee and was describing all these new ideas. Spring purchases: he wants at least one new sheep, and like a zillion bags of grass seeds. He even knows how much money he expects to have by the end of the year, and that's by his farming alone. In his spare time he enjoys fishing and mining and such, and he never knows what he can find foraging in the mountain; all of this only brings home even more!
To tell the truth, I didn't expect him to be so wise about his business. In the beginning I figured his farm would look so great after at least ten years. He's so passionate.
Today I borrowed a grill from Jeff and I'm going to try to roast up some corn on the cob. It's awesome; I only hope Jack likes it. Fortunately for me, he was impressed with the mashed potatoes and the way I added the "perfect" amount of butter, and such.
Earlier I asked him how and what he was eating when he was alone. Not much different from myself, actually, just simple things like grilled fish and easy egg dishes. He never did have time to eat, he explained, but what he didn't tell me was whether or not he expects to be able to eat fancier things. I'm in trouble.
But I've gotten down to working hard, too. Today I made a good clothesline outside; I learned that for his year plus few months of living here, he has never hung his clothes out on a line. In fact, he draped them out of a window, on a rock or stump, from the log terrace in the yard.... A woman's touch would do his farm some good, I think.
And Jack doesn't know this yet, but sooner or later I'm going to be training his horse in private when he's busy doing something.
Ann