I took a vacation to visit my friend Larissa & her husband Jason. They live on their farm in Belgrade, Missouri, a few hours from St. Louis. I flew into St. Louis last Thursday and was welcomed by Larissa's smiling face. We drove to the farm, making sure we stopped for some wine (and potatoes) on the way!
I got to see Porkchop, who is a beagle and an old friend. I also got to meet all the other animals hanging out by the barn. That night we watched the sunset and Jason cooked us some amazing (large ass) steaks. Jason pretty much spoiled us girls the whole time!
The next day, while waiting for Susan to arrive, Larissa and I did some antique shopping. We bought some really awesome old fashion hats to wear to Larissa's art gallery showing that we would be attending that evening. I picked up a hat for Susan hoping she would go along with our plan to wear the hats that night. She was totally into it!
Our girl Susan made it in by Friday,, she drove about a seven hour trip from Iowa. We dressed up in our hats and headed to the art gallery where Larissa had some of her photography on display. After that we got some dinner and headed to a martini bar where we met a sassy older breast cancer survivor. (sassy is putting it mildly).
Saturday morning we had for breakfast some farm fresh eggs. We then traveled to the Crown Valley Winery, compliments of someone at the gallery Larissa met. She gave us many free wine tasting passes! They had music and a really festive atmosphere. Larissa was driving so I got many extra tokens for more tastings. (you don't have to ask me twice). Jason had dinner ready for us when we got home. He made fried chicken, mashed potatoes and his own home made bread. It was delicious!
On Sunday, we had to say goodbye to Susan. She had a long drive so she had to leave early. That afternoon we went to visit Jason's family. His mom Rita made chili, I got to meet Jason's daughter Amber, and got a picture of myself taken on a tractor.
Jason's parents and Amber then came to a visit at the farm for a bit. Amber stayed longer and we had fajitas..(of course Jason cooking for us again)! Amber had to go and she adopted Dinky and took her home that night. Dinky is a rat terrier that Larissa and Jason found starving by the side of the road. They took her in and nursed her back to health. They were sorry to see Dinky go but she is still in the family and will have a great home and love with Amber.
Monday came..too fast. Jason made us some bacon, homemade biscuits and gravy. (i think I definitely gained five pounds on this trip..its Jason's fault) We hung around for awhile since I didn't have an early flight.
Earle picked me up from the airport, flower in hand, driving home we listened to a new CD of Larissa and Jason's band Wormwood Scrubs that she had given me right before I left. They are a very talented group.
You can read about Larissa's post of our trip on her weblog, she also writes daily updates of what is happening on the farm. Jason also has a blog, called The Rook Farm in case your interested in the why's and hows these two moved from the city to start their own farm.
oh my gosh, that magazine photo is too funny. the sad part is it is true.
- larissa
Posted by: larissa | Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 03:16 PM