And we have lift off...

April started with heavy frost and snow capped mountains but we survived, mostly. The orchard is still recovering from the major loss.

The garden however has been transformed. The potatoes and spring onions are well over a foot tall. The spring greens, kale, collard greens, cucumbers, squash, bush beans, and climbing beans are planted and growing. Sixty starters for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants have been planted. Although, eleven tomatoes did not survive a ground mole. And our annual strawberries are thriving after a rough start.

We've started the collecting chamomile, mint and hithra to dry for tea.

Three mama hens are looking after 36 adorable baby chicks. We have two additional mama hens sitting on eggs. Our hens are still providing an average of 15 eggs daily.

And we've banished our pigs after they destroyed our new cherry blossoms in the pomegranate orchard. They have the woodlands to wander, nap, bathe and feast.

Our homestead had several visitors this month from both family and new friends. We had six guests at the Orchard Guard Tower. We were able to share a few of our favorite hikes with them both on and off property. We have more guests coming this afternoon. When are you booking your stay?

Gorgeous day hike to capture our favorite playground.

We inspected our trees in the garden and have found some that attracted a few too many pests have netted a few pears and apples with the attempt to save a few fruits.

We had lovely apple blossoms that I wish I could bottle the aroma.

Surviving fruits are doing well.

Our pears blossoms and fruits.

Walnuts, chestnuts and hazelnuts are bursting to life.

Figs, pomegranates, mulberries, and cornelius cherries are making a comeback from the frost.

The vineyard took a deep inhale after the frost and blew out all the candles. We have grape clusters on nearly every vine new and old.

On a not so blissful note we had a total loss in the cherry and plum department. It seems the frost was just too much this year. Flowers were gorgeous and smelled nice but the fruits didn't stick. But ironically our frost sensitive orange and lemon trees are just fine and flowering.

A few loquats are still hanging on. They should ripen soon. Have you tried a loquat?

The hardest hit in the garden is definitely the one kiwi flower we had spotted the day before the frost. We're on our fifth year attempting to grow kiwis but some life is still left. Fingers crossed we have some fruit this fall. And of course my favorite snack we make is the dried persimmons and they are slowly coming back to life.

A community tradition the Friday before Palm Sunday the congregation gathers at the local cathedral and walk to the cross directly behind our homestead. It's called the way of the cross.

We had a few birds we've rarely or never seen here on property.

Some of our favorite shots from April.

The complex colors and sizes of butterflies and bees this spring has been incredible.

If you are interested in staying here at Homestead Albania book soon as the summer is starting to fill up.