My nightly walk was met with an annual treat. Milkweed pods opening, the silk and seeds ready to take flight. They opened today, I am sure of it becuase I have been waiting. I love milkweed. Always have.
Milkweed Jelly, a treat that my buddy Sue Hoople makes. Haven’t had it in a long, long while. If any of you see Hoople, ask her to make me some. Please and thank you in advance.
Milkweed stalks hide Monarch caterpillars seeking shelter as they morph into butterflies. As a teacher I used to collect the stalks and bring them into the classroom so that my class could watch the change and, if lucky to be aware when it was happening. What a treat to watch a butterfly hatch.
Milk weed silk. This is proof of the Divine, for what else would create such a beautiful way to plant seeds, then to have the seeds lift on the wind with silken threads.
Milkweed is poisonous to sheep, as well as to other mammals. http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=9955 I seem to remember that is can also cause miscarriages in sheep, so if you see it in the pasture, pull it. Lovely in the fall, but like a lot of lovely things, not too good if eaten.
Evening walks also mean a treat after supper. What better treat then an Apple from Isle La Mont and local sheep milk cheese. 
This wheel of cheese was picked up after work today at the local farmer’s market. Ploughgate Creamery is a new find for me. I haven’t met the folks, just sampled the product and really like it. The consistency is like brie, but with a mild sheep’s milk flavor, which is like a cross between cow’s milk brie and the taste of goat’s milk cheese. Not too pungent and really lovely on a slice of apple. Double dog dare you to try it too.
Here is the contact information for those who just gotta get some to try.
Ploughgate Creamery, Sheep Sorrel cheese
4558 Creek Rd. Albany, Vermont 05820
802-755-6155
ploughgate@gmail.com
