tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89297706771111958622024-03-13T16:39:19.249-04:00The Pauley PrincipleLive life more abundantly through self-reliance. Work for yourself with your right hand and share with your left. In all you do, do it with love.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-57459901366146888602013-10-02T09:50:00.000-04:002013-10-02T09:50:38.326-04:00Dandelions and Disease<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRmAKp2QdyWO7QsXzs5H1JaYewoWFBGVJONtEkP8suoFGIh8wXLB1LvDgyYH4M8Rx29nmTPbvNuRkciwkqY_TfJBw9VNsr76VZNT46Oac2-7zbZONikmfNr4rQst2svNQ5wfnJ-dQJFc/s1600/dandelion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRmAKp2QdyWO7QsXzs5H1JaYewoWFBGVJONtEkP8suoFGIh8wXLB1LvDgyYH4M8Rx29nmTPbvNuRkciwkqY_TfJBw9VNsr76VZNT46Oac2-7zbZONikmfNr4rQst2svNQ5wfnJ-dQJFc/s1600/dandelion.jpg" /></a></div>
As some of you know, I hit a bump in the road. <b>Acute myeloid leukemia.</b> That will slow a person down, for sure, those lucky enough to survive anyway! Several friends have asked other friends questions about my treatment, so I hope this helps.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With most cancers, you have a tumor that can be hit with a drug to kill it, and then doctors remove the dead tumor. Think of hitting a dandelion or two in your yard with Weed-B-Gone. Let it die. Dig it up. No more dandelions.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With leukemia, picture a yard (your body) with dandelions everywhere, because your blood is throughout your body. My dandelions are raging, taking over the yard. Too many to hit with little sprays of Weed-B-Gone. So, instead, the doctors are wiping out all the vegetation (blood cells in my marrow): the dandelions and other plants as well. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For treatment, I have continuous chemo. Then, after a period of a few days, we'll give my little yard a chance to reseed over several days. Then tests to see if it worked. Then we repeat the cycle to make sure all bad weeds are gone. Get the picture? With luck, I'll reseed with my own blood. If that won't work, then they'll look at other options like stem cells or bone marrow from donors.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That said, you will understand why I can't have visitors, why I can't go out for a walk, and why I can't come home. I'm in a 10 X 10 cubicle and being very carefully monitored for the next several weeks here at the James, OSU. Lucky for all of us, love and prayers extend beyond the walls of my little unit. Thanks, everyone, for your kind words, cards, happy thoughts, and prayers! I feel the love from family and friends, and it lifts me up.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As many of you know, I started working (writing, getting involved to raise awareness) and researching the horrible crime of human trafficking . My work had only just begun. I'm taking a rest, but I'll get back to it! Thank you all! <3 be="" div="" happy.="" i="" m="" need="" now.="" right="" think="" to="" where=""></3></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-56345469908625378982013-05-19T12:40:00.000-04:002013-05-19T12:40:53.717-04:00Intro to Bee-Keeping--Dan Williams' Interview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaV-xh0hrYgcqRoMePkWqeuWIal9jY4q57FN9zWqDVcqqk4IuU4Y7uoWBUpGfCCzma6YcQUoo02imS2alK-2Pu3voQXUDryZ0iuZucp6GX-P4zjN6pw3L7ydzpQANv2NltQe3xfYm0fms/s1600/Williams'+Honey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaV-xh0hrYgcqRoMePkWqeuWIal9jY4q57FN9zWqDVcqqk4IuU4Y7uoWBUpGfCCzma6YcQUoo02imS2alK-2Pu3voQXUDryZ0iuZucp6GX-P4zjN6pw3L7ydzpQANv2NltQe3xfYm0fms/s320/Williams'+Honey.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The benefits of honey are numerous! Honey bees are few. I had been sourcing local raw honey for our farm market and not having much luck. Then, at the recommendation of my bee-keeping friend Desiree, I found Williams' Honey Bees. Dan Williams consented to do an interview for me but, before I share that interview on bee-keeping, I must tell you about his Tulip Poplar Honey. OH. MY. GOSH!!!<br />
<br />
The color of the honey was perfect. Its tempting aroma prodded me to try it on a spoon first--creamy sweetness that filled my mouth with its delectable flavor! Then I put it on hot buttered toast and let it ooze for a minute into the bread's many crevices. Wow! The toast became a chewy confection. I'm hooked! Dan offers a variety of honeys and bee pollen.<br />
<br />
So, with that introduction, here's my interview of Dan Williams of Williams Honey Bees, Frankfort, Ohio:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #500050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ME: When did you first get the idea to get bees and process honey?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">DAN: I used to buy, sell, and trade goats with a guy up in Hocking
County. His dad was a beekeeper with a few hives. One day while dealing goats
the old man came out and started talking bees. Out of respect I stood there and
listened, and an hour later I was amazed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A few years later...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One day me and a buddy of mine were out at the farm shooting our
bows. He had just put a new sight on his bow and needed to tune it in. We
needed to set up a few straw bales behind our target in case he missed. So up
in the hay mound I went. I lifted up a bale of straw and was immediately
attacked by yellow jackets. They chased me all the way down the ladder and out
of the barn and stung my face up pretty bad, before I could get to the hose to
spray them off. My buddy drove me 4 miles to my house where my wife was waiting
at the front door with 2 benadryl that I immediately chewed. My face was
swelling so bad so quick that we went to urgent care quickly. By the time we
got there the swelling had stopped but since I was there and stung 15 to 20
times on the face I thought what the heck we're here I might as well
let the doctor look at me and possible give me something to ease the reaction.
The doctor took care of me and said, "wow, you did pretty good with
that". Hum?? My face is swelled up and one eye is completely gone, pretty
good? I don't know, but if you say so. My wife called her cousin who had kept
bees for a few months to come get these "bees" out of the barn. At
the time I didn't know what kind of stinging insect they were, except that they
stung and it hurt! He came out to get the bees that turned out to be yellow
jacket. He went ahead and killed the nest of yellow jackets for us and started
talking beekeeping with me and how to get started. Wow! This is easy, I thought, and the doctor said I did "pretty good with that". The next spring I
got my first bees! </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #500050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ME: When did you actually start your business?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DAN: A few months after getting my bees I realized that this was not
something I would do for a hobby. I was obsessed and couldn't help myself. I
tell people I used to fish and turkey hunt but now from Feb-October all my
spare time goes to the bees. Usually my vacation time from work gets burnt up
to get ready for spring, sell nucs, and harvest honey. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #500050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ME: What is the hardest part of beekeeping, and how many hives do
you want to maintain?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DAN: To me there is nothing hard about beekeeping. The hives are
heavy, the sun is hot, and the hours can be long but I was once told do
something you enjoy and you'll never work a day in your life. Put me in a bee
suit on a 90 degree day and I'm a happy camper! HAHA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'm looking to maintain as many hives as possible while still
keeping my wife as my wife! HAHA I'm joking! I don't know how many hives I
want. I used to have a goal of 100 but once I hit 100 I said 200. Time will
tell! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #500050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ME: Do you ever retrieve wild bees from people's homes, trees, etc.,
and if so, do you still want to collect the wild bees?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DAN: Taking bees out of a wall in someone's house is an all day job
and, when it's all said and done, you have one hive and a hole in someone's house.
What I do to increase my numbers is split the hives I already have and install
a new queen in each split. I can do about 30 of these in a day vs the one out
of someone's house. So I pass on the bees from someone's tree or house. Now if a
swarm is found around Frankfort, I will still go get them. A swarm is the way
bees naturally reproduce. The old hive will produce a new queen and the old
queen will leave with about half the bees to find a new home. Once the old
queen and her bees leave the colony, they will usually cluster up on a tree
branch or other object close by. They then start sending scout bees out in all
directions to find a new suitable permanent home. Once the scout bees locate
the perfect new home, they come get the rest of the bees and all at once they
take off! When this swarm is seen hanging in a large cluster like this, it is
very easy for a beekeeper to come get those bees and put them in a hive. They
can hang around looking for a new home for a few hours to a few days. There is
an extensive list of beekeepers in South Central Ohio on <a href="http://www.sciotovalleybeekeepers.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.sciotovalleybeekeepers.com</span></a> that will
come and remove these bees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #500050; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">ME: You supply bees to other people. Exactly what do they get?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DAN: When customers come and pick up bees, they bring with them an
empty hive and I install 3 frames of brood (baby bees) in various stages of
development, a frame of honey, an empty comb and a marked laying queen. (The
queen is marked with a dot of paint on her thorax to make it easier to find her
if needed.) I screen up the entrance and they take the bees to their new homes.
Once they get there, the beekeeper will remove the screen and start to feed the
bees a 1:1 mixture of sugar to water to help them get started.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I also sell queens for beekeepers to requeen their colonies or
to make splits. I use artificially inseminated queens to raise queens off of.
These queens are part of an extensive breeding program where various traits are
selected for. Such as gentleness and honey production. When queens mate, they mate with up to 20 drones. The use of artificial insemination is used by
the queen breeder to control the genetics that she is exposed to. These breeder
queens are then used by me to raise queens off of. When a queen is mated and
ready to be shipped, I cage her in a special cage, put her in a priority or
express envelope and send her to other beekeepers around the country through
the mail. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #500050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ME: Do you have a brief experience you'd like to tell people about
and/or a final thought on the subject of bees or beekeeping or honey?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DAN: If anyone is interested in keeping bees, check out the Scioto
Valley Beekeepers. We meet once a month in Circleville, have a website <a href="http://www.sciotovalleybeekeepers.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.sciotovalleybeekeepers.com</span></a> and a
facebook page. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-28772902071069134032013-03-03T21:10:00.000-05:002013-03-04T08:52:29.258-05:00From Last Fall to the 2013 Old Homestead Farm Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Chris is never one to sit still. The winter offers very little opportunity for excavation work or residential site development, so he has been a systems analyst, doing a variety of design, mechanical and engine repairs for area farmers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I took time off from working on the blog, the farm market, and everything else, to write a book. It's available through Amazon and has NOTHING to do with homesteading but is an action/adventure on something I feel passionate about! Click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trapped-Mayan-Tattoo-ebook/dp/B00B0HMY5G/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362404079&sr=1-1&keywords=trapped+in+the+mayan+tattoo" style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Trapped in the Mayan Tattoo</a> to learn more about it. This was intriguing to research and write, based on some real-life events. I would rate it PG-13. It's an e-book, and can be downloaded to a Kindle or you can get a free Kindle app for your PC, Mac, or e-reader.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBi6492W0FpMtEjtBgFSTP_qx5ZdPn0lBLfER5h-vVok3quY4x4Wmfw7ttKLC12dkQXnivofx8rcl0_ePFH3XOi-AW-EtyQWJsb-OdZ8mto3YnUEf3KSAu3CA8ZzQWHUVV0xP18nkMimc/s1600/IMG_2740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBi6492W0FpMtEjtBgFSTP_qx5ZdPn0lBLfER5h-vVok3quY4x4Wmfw7ttKLC12dkQXnivofx8rcl0_ePFH3XOi-AW-EtyQWJsb-OdZ8mto3YnUEf3KSAu3CA8ZzQWHUVV0xP18nkMimc/s320/IMG_2740.JPG" width="320" /></a>Chris spent his free time in the fall and winter renovating equipment such as this Oliver hay rake and his Oliver baler, both from the early 1960's, while he continued to rebuild his 1958 Allis Chalmers tractor. Then he started building a hay elevator from his own design, using a few salvaged pieces of metal, some new metal and parts, and a lot of ingenuity. He still needs a mower but he's been prepping the soil and sowing red clover and orchard grass because, frankly, if the hay isn't there, you wouldn't really need a mower! First things first. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last year his equipment was minimal and that meant a lot of manual labor. We had haystacks! Really! Then he baled the hay from the haystacks and one farmer bought all of his hay in one sale. This year, he'd like to be able to help more farmers so he plans to put up a lot more hay.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recently, we had our business meeting to plan our 2013 Farm Market. In addition to hay, Chris is looking forward to adding some items to the farm side of our farm market. These will be useful additions and I'm excited about them but, in order to expand as much as we want, we need to get our building up. Until then we'll continue to use the Airstream camper.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6Z4za5wGyGvzmtPCyeToreConeDdgetPsDCT2h6PEPkWfkBDx3D8zCsJst9y0RgoIsZ6zg7LwLEUlp0YpIP6yv3kmHcSgTHz3veg93axYRUWixc-ssK-JhrOxcKGPqzkTs3XDLVBmgA/s1600/IMG_2227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6Z4za5wGyGvzmtPCyeToreConeDdgetPsDCT2h6PEPkWfkBDx3D8zCsJst9y0RgoIsZ6zg7LwLEUlp0YpIP6yv3kmHcSgTHz3veg93axYRUWixc-ssK-JhrOxcKGPqzkTs3XDLVBmgA/s320/IMG_2227.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Another change is that the Old Homestead Farm Market sign is coming down for a much-needed face lift so that it won't continue to blend in with the sky. I love what Chris has planned for it!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We'll have eggs each week, both chicken eggs and duck eggs, fresh from Pauley's Pampered Poultry!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As for produce, we won't do as much vegetable farming for the market. Our clients prefer the jams, jellies, breads, fruit pies, and fudge. That was a surprise to us! Although we have a few who look for carefully grown produce, most of our customers love the sweets. I will continue to offer special gluten-free and sugar-free items. We thought we would have more followers who would come just for the fruits and veggies but we had some veggies left over each week, except for green beans that consistently sold out! For this year, I have requests for more green beans, beets, corn and, of course, we'll still offer a variety of tomatoes. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
People have asked if we're interested in becoming a CSA, where people buy memberships and pick up their farmer-chosen produce each week. NO!!! We like to be able to pick and choose what we eat, and we believe our friends who come to us enjoy that freedom as well. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
More changes: No seedling plants. They didn't sell well and they are very time-consuming. And Mid-March is too daggone early! Brrr! We'll open in Mid-May! </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><i>Looking forward to opening our Old Homestead Farm Market!</i></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">(In the meantime, I'm working on the second book, a sequel to the first with many of the same characters and more adventuresome challenges, expecting to publish by August.)</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To know more about the book, click on this link:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trapped-Mayan-Tattoo-ebook/dp/B00B0HMY5G/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362404079&sr=1-1&keywords=trapped+in+the+mayan+tattoo" target="_blank">Trapped in the Mayan Tattoo</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-8831331720064236342012-09-23T15:52:00.002-04:002012-09-23T15:54:02.170-04:00Old Homestead Farm Market, one year down and counting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HMwIH0xl9Gr7fEOFwnCUHJQFKuIiTCKvkjko2QGA7Ytkw1kKz9YGu-fD7NfgN8yRkCX-oTce3dcAppo9GrBGucsElEsTr4tziJDkykUf9E-maaa8FNjgZ0ufWmafRqTybdP6A77pkGs/s1600/IMG_2234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HMwIH0xl9Gr7fEOFwnCUHJQFKuIiTCKvkjko2QGA7Ytkw1kKz9YGu-fD7NfgN8yRkCX-oTce3dcAppo9GrBGucsElEsTr4tziJDkykUf9E-maaa8FNjgZ0ufWmafRqTybdP6A77pkGs/s320/IMG_2234.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<i>This year my husband Chris and I started on a wild new adventure, our own farm market. I enjoy a good laugh, and this brought several! Friends I never knew we had would come, shop our wares at our Airstream camper, and share stories. For this season, our farm market has come to an end but the memories and appreciation will long remain of the many people who came to shop and visit. </i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>What I learned:</u></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>produce safety how-to</li>
<li>cottage food laws</li>
<li>We have more friends than I realized.</li>
<li>Many people like knowing where the food comes from. Our customers got to tour the poultry area, the chicken condo, the hoop coop for the ducks, and our gardens. Little children seem to be fascinated by it, as did many grown children. And any time we got some friends or relatives together, there was sure to be laughter!</li>
<li>Advertising helps. People get busy. No matter how pretty the baked goods look, no matter how fresh and nicely produced the eggs are, no matter how tasty the tomatoes and other veggies are, things don't sell if no one is there. Word of mouth advertising is best. </li>
<li>There is so much need. We made a lot of people happy each week with donations we were able to give to local charities, fundraisers and emergency shelters.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><u>What I suspect:</u></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Some people don't want to know that meat comes from animals. (That's a pity because farm children who learn that also often learn to have compassion for the animals. Sometimes, so much compassion that they become vegetarians! A balanced approach might be better, maybe just eat less meat.) Likewise, I suspect that a whole lot of people either don't want to know or truly aren't aware that much of the produce that goes to supermarket and restaurant chains is harvested by slaves, much of it on American soil, an epidemic that grew rapidly in the 1990's starting in the tomato production industry and is just recently being addressed by the Dept. of Labor, the FBI, NGOs and local law enforcement groups. It's hard to see because when slave workers are used, they are kept hidden from view with no way to communicate. Most agricultural workers are NOT kept as slaves but slave labor does exist in the (mostly southeastern) U.S., where people are owned and forced to work in horrible conditions, so please be aware.</li>
<li>There is a group of people who, if they knew, would have more compassion for livestock animals than for human slaves who are involved in the production of food.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><u>Would we do it again?</u></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<i style="font-weight: bold;">YES!!! </i>This year would prove to be the start of something good for us and for the local community. In spite of drought, our gardens produced after depleting our well of its water twice. In spite of my flawed attempts at producing cottage foods, I had some loyal customers who appreciated not having to do the baking themselves to have dessert or homemade bread for their families. In spite of the depressed economy, we broke even I think. In terms of humanity, we came out ahead! Had we set out to make a lot of money, we would be disappointed. Instead, we brought something new to our local community in the form of fresh eggs from uncaged poultry, safely grown vegetables, and homebaked goodies that were made from the heart, often with fruit grown locally that we picked ourselves. Having a farm market was a lot more work than I expected when we started out, but this was a labor of love (no slaves involved!) for a community I very much love.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-aLGIyHr20jnY0f_XlPwU4Bx7ZBS2n_sr_gdc7CuEeksbG6UR7KWwCcZ9SK8a_rBc4kXOLbYGdOH_HOp5J0J-uwTNLbI3uKibCjkdQUElMXw1w7cHeJSqIx85eP_iGfN2x-10bVuPOU/s1600/IMG_3002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-aLGIyHr20jnY0f_XlPwU4Bx7ZBS2n_sr_gdc7CuEeksbG6UR7KWwCcZ9SK8a_rBc4kXOLbYGdOH_HOp5J0J-uwTNLbI3uKibCjkdQUElMXw1w7cHeJSqIx85eP_iGfN2x-10bVuPOU/s320/IMG_3002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><i><span style="font-size: small;">Look for our farm market next year when, again, I'll be offering Mrs. Pauley's pies!</span></i></u></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Question:</span></u></b></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">If I limit my cooking to ten cottage food items next year, </span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><i>what should they be?</i></span></span></span></b></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-52489775644488060782012-07-12T11:33:00.001-04:002012-07-12T22:12:51.367-04:00Smoking and Grilling Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NNkx3F4rj8yEAStFQy4Ts2kHueUFpj19BpodU7NFu8_HOS-mfp4XKVZZBbjbm-3BYAkxT0sxZRHFY8GRkw-3ueoyYvsVH-0MAUfWHz27e9wUr7nr-_3iMy2OfnnnYGOwXAbxhDTf3B8/s1600/IMG_3044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NNkx3F4rj8yEAStFQy4Ts2kHueUFpj19BpodU7NFu8_HOS-mfp4XKVZZBbjbm-3BYAkxT0sxZRHFY8GRkw-3ueoyYvsVH-0MAUfWHz27e9wUr7nr-_3iMy2OfnnnYGOwXAbxhDTf3B8/s200/IMG_3044.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">I love grilling all year round, lately working on developing different rubs to use with poultry, beef and pork using indirect heat and different hardwoods for smoking. Experimenting has been delightful and delicious!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I use indirect heat as often as possible when I grill out since carcinogens are linked with any grilling but it is particularly dangerous when direct heat results in charring. Also, any time a rub contains brown sugar, burning can be a problem but is less likely with a temperature-controlled indirect heat. The rub I used on the chicken in the photo is a sweet and spicy poultry rub, my unique mix,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> available at our farm market.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">The wood was from a downed apple tree. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VlXgJXe9X6QFyKdit1UHah91mBR-kxZas3s3jVIX1nwbXAk4pXsaui-OgBXdk0e-BWLm83vdVpz25oW-KS5RZraZ4P_IXaKGnzt5zfEAQfBXrVM9qgncOJMIqFcs0JxXthJ3O0wSaBc/s1600/IMG_2953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VlXgJXe9X6QFyKdit1UHah91mBR-kxZas3s3jVIX1nwbXAk4pXsaui-OgBXdk0e-BWLm83vdVpz25oW-KS5RZraZ4P_IXaKGnzt5zfEAQfBXrVM9qgncOJMIqFcs0JxXthJ3O0wSaBc/s320/IMG_2953.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">We all have to eat, so my approach is to make each meal a fun family time. Our family is planning a fun family grill-off before the end of summer, so I'm gearing up for it. I hope practice really does make perfect! With the grandchildren as judges and tough competition from my kids, the pressure is on!!! </span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-62018945641130819582012-07-11T11:02:00.000-04:002012-07-11T14:10:31.378-04:00Finding a Fun Way to Serve the Community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskODqhqvfshgAKyDKJItT16XzGlCFhwhig0JhEoJEm_WMA9fCu_wQu7QJpQ5F4fH3oKt27o_1SuYTeT-9R5A8Q74_zhCoVZEze9TOtDCzwgmZwRk0wHcdEzEAHEN9_RV5vY91o48duTc/s400/IMG_2234.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJP0NFpe8Q8jVqKTASpqQYn2xgIxWBgRSMKPXya2xYlkzow6XntM9nmjJXnkbbhbzHpK1DItesJVCBcfLpy6REtiDppCx2hYb3azOgCNrUejbf9JzKA0dI1fSZQrVujwi_9_LYCo6m4g/s1600/IMG_2216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJP0NFpe8Q8jVqKTASpqQYn2xgIxWBgRSMKPXya2xYlkzow6XntM9nmjJXnkbbhbzHpK1DItesJVCBcfLpy6REtiDppCx2hYb3azOgCNrUejbf9JzKA0dI1fSZQrVujwi_9_LYCo6m4g/s200/IMG_2216.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">We are now in the middle of our first year with our farm market and</span><span style="background-color: white;"> no two Saturdays are alike. It began in March with eggs and some home baked items, pies, breads and cottage foods such as jams, jellies and fudge. From there we have added some fresh local produce. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioODKcyy3Boliw7W25E-AIqZYJRVuivjD0oG_pKsYPLTdJLVPnJzdQ7oqF_hsDOsWHA0CiT6guO38LD1G6EvfZZ8MkFUH53_IXSjbZDr6_9GOtGHupHxsus1k057VdL8cOKmWNxjbaBII/s1600/IMG_2961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioODKcyy3Boliw7W25E-AIqZYJRVuivjD0oG_pKsYPLTdJLVPnJzdQ7oqF_hsDOsWHA0CiT6guO38LD1G6EvfZZ8MkFUH53_IXSjbZDr6_9GOtGHupHxsus1k057VdL8cOKmWNxjbaBII/s320/IMG_2961.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Lately, I've been mixing and trying out rubs for slow smoked and grilled meats over indirect heat. That has been so much fun because I really, really like to eat and, of course, I have to sample the wares!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNuclTfGn5-VrkeR0uk8On0WcNzxMoX81DbsejulJE-yCqnS0q986FwnNU4xnfqmt52cjuA1OxIfy00gvrj895R0jj4C882XKw9T-9K8d3bI6GaRDiI-gRp95lljSPOGH4CB1m4qJCIc/s1600/IMG_2949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNuclTfGn5-VrkeR0uk8On0WcNzxMoX81DbsejulJE-yCqnS0q986FwnNU4xnfqmt52cjuA1OxIfy00gvrj895R0jj4C882XKw9T-9K8d3bI6GaRDiI-gRp95lljSPOGH4CB1m4qJCIc/s320/IMG_2949.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtV1SqhRHSsKD8rim71_0X6jTA-bseGucMBSS40YoJvHx_2mPL3XE5SZdqxxJ8Tz9ec6OMStbXsVUJ3wX-a7NmbxeEWuyE46nXci_8MFIsJXb-DaSo5ncHEKYt9oy7_CfJXTXFsmu30zo/s1600/IMG_3002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtV1SqhRHSsKD8rim71_0X6jTA-bseGucMBSS40YoJvHx_2mPL3XE5SZdqxxJ8Tz9ec6OMStbXsVUJ3wX-a7NmbxeEWuyE46nXci_8MFIsJXb-DaSo5ncHEKYt9oy7_CfJXTXFsmu30zo/s320/IMG_3002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"> No matter what we offer at our market, there will always be pies. And, since I listen to what my customers want, I'm also making fresh fruit turnovers and special items for the gluten-free. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Our primary goal is to bring a fresh and delicious food experience to our friends in this out-of-the-way and under-served community, as a way of providing a convenient service to these wonderful people. And it's working! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Lately, as word has spread, more visitors from surrounding counties have come to our market. One poor fellow got lost and said he was starting to hear the banjos and almost turned around before he got here! HAHAHA! It's really not that bad, but it might seem like it! We are located in the scenic rural hills of southern Ohio, and it can be a long winding drive. We try hard to make it worth your effort. The man who could "almost hear the banjos" left with two pies, peanut butter fudge, and brochures to share with his friends. He loved it!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our vintage Airstream camper is set up on the small family farm my husband grew up on, where most of our gardens are and all our poultry live. You can come out and walk around the gardens, see the chickens and ducks, and in general reminisce about life on a family farm as you see the antique farm equipment Chris has collected and restored.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEike7lbsMEc1y9NArxU9P3CxmIYD1lMVW1Q3Y0fH6KZp6CVniorgiFXBrp1G0nilgLhcq09erx6rNym0jXUfSPbNNiA0z8r4UkTq2CW0jt_jm5tKlDdcIUrMjwHpa9KM17lWonu382LMcc/s1600/IMG_2889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEike7lbsMEc1y9NArxU9P3CxmIYD1lMVW1Q3Y0fH6KZp6CVniorgiFXBrp1G0nilgLhcq09erx6rNym0jXUfSPbNNiA0z8r4UkTq2CW0jt_jm5tKlDdcIUrMjwHpa9KM17lWonu382LMcc/s320/IMG_2889.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To add to our market's uniqueness, we have a drawing at the end of market every Saturday. The lucky winner gets to pick any leftover item for free! Everyone, including the children, gets a chance to win! If you're within driving distance, give us a try.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A refrigerator magnet will remind you that we're open on Saturdays, 12 to 5, at 2589 Blain Highway, Waverly OH 45690. Come and get yours!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_BCLnO5U6MSQ8Not9QqIDQUlw4par7pJ2lXhpuvIU_jdGHQqFJocHAHjAmsOlhzCclhTrBVlS2LTUm4AtNSkXJ4HXW4nOMDXZpcrSb3Z-HL_dYpn6rFg6tQojzGq63RLL6dxeC-XDFM/s320/IMG_2899.JPG" />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-54829842186059566582012-06-14T23:39:00.001-04:002012-06-15T01:15:44.922-04:00Barbecued Baby Back Ribs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbP9QpIGQjE7jmYTeNQonVrHNY05POMSsAxgcfQr9-_i-wJBx-uWVum2QzrRF0Wa8SQkNp7LTFM4F1cVy2uQFuh9QdQ2tC0SxwRy5qOikWIjbIyd5nPS10g1Mr4HB5SMlMXssS7S6yxCg/s1600/IMG_2958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbP9QpIGQjE7jmYTeNQonVrHNY05POMSsAxgcfQr9-_i-wJBx-uWVum2QzrRF0Wa8SQkNp7LTFM4F1cVy2uQFuh9QdQ2tC0SxwRy5qOikWIjbIyd5nPS10g1Mr4HB5SMlMXssS7S6yxCg/s320/IMG_2958.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Achieving the perfect barbecued baby back ribs is an accomplishment! These were spicy, juicy and with just the right tenderness. Read on and find out my method.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wanted a rub that would give me all the goodness of baby back ribs that I see in televised cook-offs. We had had a family cook-off, and I did OK, but now I wanted a rub that I could actually offer in my farm market, something yummy with just the right blend of seasonings. So I experimented and watched what others were using. I finally got the flavors I wanted but still lacked the cooking style.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What I've discovered in my trials and errors is that it's not just the rub, it's the technique. Using a sugar-based rub requires using indirect heat. The meat does not come into contact with flame. Thanks to my grandson Tyler who took the photographs for this baby back rib BBQ step-by-step.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxubbMJlxu_F4TxlfC9OASsUjZxHrBdY7WHCrwwx0Ql8Yc4lJmJMzC3MQsG1vMZERYu-y_EUbBoP0YcvhIIkQsmotkYOFmBAWqrEefqi1F3zXkSP1mHdy2Pwx9tS_AOePOf1-2onTpsX4/s1600/IMG_2930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxubbMJlxu_F4TxlfC9OASsUjZxHrBdY7WHCrwwx0Ql8Yc4lJmJMzC3MQsG1vMZERYu-y_EUbBoP0YcvhIIkQsmotkYOFmBAWqrEefqi1F3zXkSP1mHdy2Pwx9tS_AOePOf1-2onTpsX4/s320/IMG_2930.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprinkle your ribs liberally with the rub of your choice. Then allow to stand for 30 while you start up the grill and prepare your hardwood for smoking.<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnYM3kYRIk7YSXnx7bdWddAUUxr6TII2mTXbQT45B9W8rlcJcxBlLwTYRVUTOf5PbZqR0mjGt-OczMbhj3rZi03NW2wTZNoz8ZawvoXF7f5tdBBl0L1BCVeewg8J9kSJTJ3IeXEqqmOU/s320/IMG_2932.JPG" />
Choose well-seasoned hickory, apple, or other suitable wood and give it a good soaking in water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYQITWSkJ4wRt4ZKC4kjME25ns00k_FB-syO_HH7sZKFmHgL2izIOOXLiHuHRcegmW9RcS8p0BKHM2frxP3R6QgeRFMAgULercfulPDwF37yYvIRQRa7JZKTcdMcA-_KvFfxOxQMVi88/s320/IMG_2949.JPG" />Then, when the temperature (220 to 250 degrees F) and the smoke are just right, add the ribs. Loosen the seal of the aluminum foil to allow plenty of smoke to permeate the meat. Check occasionally without disturbing the meat just to see that the smoker is doing its job and that it's not too hot. Allow to cook without intervention as much as possible over the course of 2 hours. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After two hours, remove the meat and try twisting a bone to see if it has any movement (it should be able to twist a little), and then finish the ribs off in a pre-heated oven at about 250 degrees F for another two hours. Then take it out and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. The internal temperature should have reached 160 degrees F a long time before this, but the extra time allows the flow of good juices to tenderize the meat and give the rub and good feel to the teeth.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cooking ribs this way is almost effortless once you get into the routine, and the result I think will please you!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And yes, I now have <b>Rockin' Rib Rub</b> to sell at our Old Homestead Farm Market.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Photos for this post were largely the work of Tyler Oyer.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-46682460919952950452012-06-11T14:19:00.000-04:002012-06-11T14:22:23.496-04:00Hay Rake Rescue<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><b style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJZYl-PIzSNJAzHikG28T_NrPJ03egYFRHBxJx9retQqyVFNVElMFqbDwVvct6nCUSIZtANHOUhAKKKYi7Br-szAMFjH7qVPlShK9d5t87spPp-EFe2IWide9lrVbuHXYaz1GCuvP_vM/s1600/IMG_2379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">My husband Chris did a residential job recently that resulted in some old farm machinery that the owner wanted "junked". Chris struck a deal with him on a rusty old hay rake that he pulled out of tall weeds. The rake hadn't been used in many, many years but Chris saw that it still had potential if it could have some well-chosen replacement parts and a little TLC. What he had found was a 1958 Oliver 5-bar hay rake. He trailered it to our farm and "completely disassembled it. There wasn't a bolt left in it," he said.</a></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJZYl-PIzSNJAzHikG28T_NrPJ03egYFRHBxJx9retQqyVFNVElMFqbDwVvct6nCUSIZtANHOUhAKKKYi7Br-szAMFjH7qVPlShK9d5t87spPp-EFe2IWide9lrVbuHXYaz1GCuvP_vM/s320/IMG_2379.JPG" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jQJlRH_IYOLyzAQqRlyDSI-0V7-rYdYNJBwbY_AHXJ1jrGeFlF9oJZhI5gXMdGT7pc94DAmWwZUAuOZVEvxXCPj1xETzsThiQ5z7x9OXibvVVTaH1ia1QCCY-6lcz7P4E56Hfd0lK6Q/s1600/IMG_2373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jQJlRH_IYOLyzAQqRlyDSI-0V7-rYdYNJBwbY_AHXJ1jrGeFlF9oJZhI5gXMdGT7pc94DAmWwZUAuOZVEvxXCPj1xETzsThiQ5z7x9OXibvVVTaH1ia1QCCY-6lcz7P4E56Hfd0lK6Q/s320/IMG_2373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;">
Total dis-assembly was necessary because of neglect over the years. Layers of metal were encased in rust. Chris said that without intervening, "the equipment would continue to rot down". Once he had the hay rake apart, it was time to evaluate and inventory each piece and then order any necessary new parts. He cleaned up all the useable old parts by sandblasting, priming and painting. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;">
He replaced the worn-out bearings and seals and straightened the stripper bars, put in all new spring teeth and added a hydraulic lift. He replaced tires and tubes. He hurried to get it all renovated in time to try it out for the season's haymaking. After a few late, late nights of working, the restoration was complete.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviX3XYHrhZi3q46LIw8hgaokXRmoh2OkdmfWOWlehWIY7TUgPSO7z9YRxyETWzkufhwrJXRpcDEphjfwtz85Bw2o8p2rYWoqTdQszCFF9t-p-YDGjoXn_fk0LUZcSZNFPxqlivV9vK_Y/s1600/IMG_2533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviX3XYHrhZi3q46LIw8hgaokXRmoh2OkdmfWOWlehWIY7TUgPSO7z9YRxyETWzkufhwrJXRpcDEphjfwtz85Bw2o8p2rYWoqTdQszCFF9t-p-YDGjoXn_fk0LUZcSZNFPxqlivV9vK_Y/s320/IMG_2533.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zFIi79mgKoH7EVDKinF1JWduC3wchggY2hxQn5ECBfeV-hlXYXn5nrb4J0EHcHRwsYIdKUTZjJ6rRtbwh2b0B-sT5oSUPjqajasEgRpHtjtMtCS2YqP1vdPP3u8wNZHAwUzQP1Tu1AU/s1600/IMG_2799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zFIi79mgKoH7EVDKinF1JWduC3wchggY2hxQn5ECBfeV-hlXYXn5nrb4J0EHcHRwsYIdKUTZjJ6rRtbwh2b0B-sT5oSUPjqajasEgRpHtjtMtCS2YqP1vdPP3u8wNZHAwUzQP1Tu1AU/s320/IMG_2799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcpW6f1DWx8GBzMprFOiZAb18kD2jM5NWZAMRwMha5F_w_gdAcsNV5eT0hcbDetNHQqwzDB0FP2Qm98B4eg0qHdrSNiKKrUDI2F1sSDcsrwtADxQuG2GiJ02wd0BXt5D0yvok0OnPPIc/s1600/IMG_2801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcpW6f1DWx8GBzMprFOiZAb18kD2jM5NWZAMRwMha5F_w_gdAcsNV5eT0hcbDetNHQqwzDB0FP2Qm98B4eg0qHdrSNiKKrUDI2F1sSDcsrwtADxQuG2GiJ02wd0BXt5D0yvok0OnPPIc/s320/IMG_2801.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigK3dyIcTFlHWfVIwMr9C4H2uZPqlDqYipE5viXXSOUBoTh80nLXEPqH5DQ2r31DiQRp7QZYSkkYamuDSqb9vOzapxO1_oYV6bN9i-azXinpvsej2KgVs9t7Kp8MUIAO2NlBY6iq8u6eE/s1600/IMG_2803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigK3dyIcTFlHWfVIwMr9C4H2uZPqlDqYipE5viXXSOUBoTh80nLXEPqH5DQ2r31DiQRp7QZYSkkYamuDSqb9vOzapxO1_oYV6bN9i-azXinpvsej2KgVs9t7Kp8MUIAO2NlBY6iq8u6eE/s320/IMG_2803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When<span style="text-align: left;"> Chris took it out for a trial run, he said,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;">
"It worked quite well, just like it was supposed to!" </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;">
I listened to the old hay rake while Chris did a demo for me. He hooked it up to an older John Deere tractor. That vision and the gentle hum and whir of the rake brought back memories of a bygone era. I am filled with pride that Chris saw the potential and did this renovation. He recently raked with it to make nearly 400 bales of hay. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;">
Sorry to admit that, when he first brought it home, I couldn't picture what it should look like. What a mess! I regret that I didn't get the photo before he took it apart. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-10231606314599717672012-05-15T13:43:00.000-04:002012-05-15T18:41:41.635-04:00Gathering the Swarming Honeybees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZ4zE5IXyBwDe8GztBvOCdn8WZHlTf4dhGsBDBAVhTDN1IoNoPX1Am_Cjij7zspHHESdG0JC1acv2FOh6Fv0m5muLPOM6Qm0GkqF0oPzlHtDrIH6J1kk23p-31MJFIoaF2YkEx3Xrb9o/s1600/more+beekeeping+by+Klover+Hill+Apiary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZ4zE5IXyBwDe8GztBvOCdn8WZHlTf4dhGsBDBAVhTDN1IoNoPX1Am_Cjij7zspHHESdG0JC1acv2FOh6Fv0m5muLPOM6Qm0GkqF0oPzlHtDrIH6J1kk23p-31MJFIoaF2YkEx3Xrb9o/s320/more+beekeeping+by+Klover+Hill+Apiary.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In the spring, honeybees swarm as a colony of bees splits to make more room for the ones that stay in the hive. Around here, those that venture out of their old home to find a new one are good news for my friend Desiree. It helps her build her apiary!<br />
<br />
Friends and neighbors watch for swarming bees. A quick phone call to Desiree and she flies into action, making plans to go to the rescue, a mission that has to happen within a time frame of 1 to 24 hours. After that, the workers who are out scouting for a new home will have shown the others in the swarm the way, and they'll be gone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Look closely at this photo of a tree. At first glance you might think you see a hornet or squirrel nest in the center of the photo. It's actually swarming honeybees.<br />
<br />
"A swarm is a big ball of bees, piled on top of each other," Desiree says. "When it's in a tree, the bees are all huddled together. We catch them and put them in our hive box, our super. If you can get the queen in, the rest will follow."<br />
<br />
Usually, when there's a swarm of bees splitting away, and not an entire colony, the honeybees take a queen cell with them, an egg the queen has laid. The diet that is given to this bee larva determines what the bee will grow into, so when the workers are grooming a bee to become the new queen bee, she gets a unique queenly diet, "royal jelly"! Pretty cool!<br />
<img height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjoOtHNx32BpCAbVqZEckK14shuoAovyoYSoKW5ZmUZIieJUA8-fyvZWnwryZMjHYhIoMVEGlQI-1P7o-p0rRdFhKkBXuwLxkvsXTVpxsQ8TUjpUDHt_FhhadKQXByGdX5AGMqJWL6Tg/s200/Beekeeping+at+Klover+Hill+Apiary.jpg" width="150" /><br />
Desiree says, "They only sting you when they feel threatened. When one stings, the pheromone (smell) will attract the others and they'll come after you. So, if you get stung once, it's best to leave."<br />
<br />
The next day or later the same day, after the bees are settled in the super, Desiree takes them home to her beekeeping operation, Klover Hill Apiary, where she plans to build her bee numbers and continue trying new bee products, expanding from honey and lip balm into candles and soaps.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQh7cg4VLL92W8VKD2czlf5iyzRjY3KfpzS9ZX2D09eV_YXrj7rcWBw0oR0OaiHhige5W6_PFgHcnjT5mkqCZtQ2iUqTa611KtVs0n1LHwRlDD9r2hB-gpgC0RzHTardDQkCDy_ahZmFk/s320/more+beekeeping.jpg" /> I asked Desiree where a person is most likely to find swarming bees. She says they can be in homes, barns, trees and mostly, around here, they seem to like lilac bushes. Since we have three large old lilac bushes at the farm, I invited her to investigate for swarming bees. None. Then we went to the barn, another place they might gather. Again, none, but that was a cool, rainy day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Apparently, honeybees like hot days because Desiree says she usually gets pretty sweaty when she has to put on all her gear to go after them! The last time she went to gather bees, it started pouring the rain, so she plugged the box, strapped it, and then heaved it into the bed of her pickup, getting hot, sweaty, and soaking wet! Then, when her son ended up getting a bee sting, she wondered why she ever decided to keep bees.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like anything worth doing, if it were easy, wouldn't everyone be doing it? From talking to Desiree and seeing her photos, I know she loves the adventure of finding and retrieving swarming bees and she is dedicated to helping the planet. She will do this for many years to come. Thank goodness! Maybe she can help to increase the declining numbers of honeybees! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The photos in this post are courtesy of Desiree Blaha-Poyner. To see more of her photos, you can Facebook "friend" her.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-86992930742168122182012-05-01T12:27:00.000-04:002012-05-15T18:42:08.239-04:00Connecting Past to Present in a Pioneer Cemetery<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqCKNXPD9MGNPkHXWxFDC6sHfgyL8592PCfNZYX1g6kssBtp72Gd3vWlUx93HTQtLkDz9NHmrV-_2_c6RBZKlQHnd5duhUqF8wVJXJmaQ7BNorUgEJkEb0We62xVLRL3CLVIi04W2_78/s1600/IMG_2664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqCKNXPD9MGNPkHXWxFDC6sHfgyL8592PCfNZYX1g6kssBtp72Gd3vWlUx93HTQtLkDz9NHmrV-_2_c6RBZKlQHnd5duhUqF8wVJXJmaQ7BNorUgEJkEb0We62xVLRL3CLVIi04W2_78/s320/IMG_2664.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessi, making rubbings that helped to establish identity and dates.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My cousin Stephanie, her husband Dave, and my daughter Jessi recently went trekking to a grown-over pioneer cemetery. No road access meant we had a 3/4 mile trek through a soybean field up a knoll to the 2-acre enclosed cemetery. Not only was it fenced in, but totally surrounded by briars and thorny honey locust trees, like something out of the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q6xTdB8omuW4ftd3vkIVZDmOPsJMt-nWLpFQ6-Nua3icrJCtfne3mio4x4m1KH2fscfbjb6A6Fio_DDQTJ2DLZOV_GrsXiGyctcSKJzJIwlagVCj2y-GrGs6P5Uo2JPkZY6pvf0qo8I/s1600/IMG_2667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q6xTdB8omuW4ftd3vkIVZDmOPsJMt-nWLpFQ6-Nua3icrJCtfne3mio4x4m1KH2fscfbjb6A6Fio_DDQTJ2DLZOV_GrsXiGyctcSKJzJIwlagVCj2y-GrGs6P5Uo2JPkZY6pvf0qo8I/s320/IMG_2667.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephanie and Dave, capturing this moment in time. Me, capturing them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpAnfqE464Rd-y3guZDtNEYbkKt5UzkqC2IKYr2srPeTF8XcMn5_oe0bYDKXDj0AyoX04TdwhC_wu7qI57FbP92ndGxKgTCyI_nBXNRoWtkc0urKPRFVCcNSjEBBxmwmItua3DMb9Xl4/s1600/IMG_2673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpAnfqE464Rd-y3guZDtNEYbkKt5UzkqC2IKYr2srPeTF8XcMn5_oe0bYDKXDj0AyoX04TdwhC_wu7qI57FbP92ndGxKgTCyI_nBXNRoWtkc0urKPRFVCcNSjEBBxmwmItua3DMb9Xl4/s320/IMG_2673.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave, unearthing a forgotten headstone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had wanted to find this place ever since I heard about it several years ago. The cemetery had been shrouded in mystery but would hold clues from our past that would give us a keener understanding of our ancestors' lives, and it was situated on the very land where they lived!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL0lAzVmUQV566lBL3nup8n2GEvaZbVtuB6lj1MWTLllsfDRAl4e442Q-X5hxjcoCNCut2Yw9-v7vsRmkoJqgSKXrglj701jyikSzZwcLJ68QLrxBQ4vrYoTy6YNkJH-SKOj1KRImtW8/s1600/IMG_2669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL0lAzVmUQV566lBL3nup8n2GEvaZbVtuB6lj1MWTLllsfDRAl4e442Q-X5hxjcoCNCut2Yw9-v7vsRmkoJqgSKXrglj701jyikSzZwcLJ68QLrxBQ4vrYoTy6YNkJH-SKOj1KRImtW8/s320/IMG_2669.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some headstones were small but ornate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsvoMntmBdDTtTJfEh2Yv2jHZHz2f2wS3tjlBjeeqRp9mIloq5jEFUPJTlZGCUR0WxglnRDWhZDJwkScBGqagGH3O0dKMS7Bo01IH3REKUxLAN8Xcx2Tzt785C_RaAm5PyI46DNNANJQ/s1600/IMG_2675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsvoMntmBdDTtTJfEh2Yv2jHZHz2f2wS3tjlBjeeqRp9mIloq5jEFUPJTlZGCUR0WxglnRDWhZDJwkScBGqagGH3O0dKMS7Bo01IH3REKUxLAN8Xcx2Tzt785C_RaAm5PyI46DNNANJQ/s320/IMG_2675.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the monuments toppled from their own weight and the ravages of time and weather.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiJ0-HjoH2_V7vWAgNEZRIqSe9vtEnz9Q5PqjkoTqhyphenhyphend6C4LQedpPkt6uQfU4eYODn8w7aaT3KTl8273hVMMcQ8WEMJoKOoQqnKUWDwmfDEynMzM3mm4qh5QAhgeACVUSktO18hYm8KA/s1600/IMG_2655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiJ0-HjoH2_V7vWAgNEZRIqSe9vtEnz9Q5PqjkoTqhyphenhyphend6C4LQedpPkt6uQfU4eYODn8w7aaT3KTl8273hVMMcQ8WEMJoKOoQqnKUWDwmfDEynMzM3mm4qh5QAhgeACVUSktO18hYm8KA/s320/IMG_2655.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some had writing that was still somewhat legible.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZL3ShLDfqdZ2vIvX0d4GhMtA4gx900d5Pb08oNHH7KKi_8NYXHioA5lBJWDLKdE_QCuy-pqmEuwZ4qQ1hG0muAON_Lf0NJSeuTpOdFZ0O4YaSdye18Qj9p9xiL8WpUCP4oj10EC7ZQCA/s1600/IMG_2665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZL3ShLDfqdZ2vIvX0d4GhMtA4gx900d5Pb08oNHH7KKi_8NYXHioA5lBJWDLKdE_QCuy-pqmEuwZ4qQ1hG0muAON_Lf0NJSeuTpOdFZ0O4YaSdye18Qj9p9xiL8WpUCP4oj10EC7ZQCA/s320/IMG_2665.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This crag of a tree speaks to the long-forgotten area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Around thirty of our ancestors found their final resting places there, where now it appears to be an abandoned flower garden, overgrown with Solomon's Seal, Wild Columbine, Day Lilies, Violets, and Nettles. More flowers, but I've forgotten them. Our focus was on finding downed headstones and monuments, covered over with moss, lichens and dirt, and then connecting that person with our lives, our family tree. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Solomon's Seal was prevalent and, I thought, fitting since this was on the original 400 acre land grant that my great great grandfather Solomon Salmon received after his Revolutionary War service. I know, there should be 6 or 7 greats before "grandfather" but our family tended to have children later in their lives!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-77066574771807991202012-04-26T12:59:00.001-04:002012-04-26T22:13:50.305-04:00Two Brooding Hens and Maybe a Chick!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXLKTi6p3aRqMVloYcyehuxuxXEhQW-YSSwm7HOviAtNkWlzoPdrr3jLUx1QBVlaJ3_UON7TFrn7ho6jPPz3aYuLPgMr6DY2mnouwlhaQMG8CpQH9_vVRMoFDnm8fyjX2zr8ae6rGhpA/s1600/th_IMG_2622-1%5B1%5D.jpg_t=1335458123" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXLKTi6p3aRqMVloYcyehuxuxXEhQW-YSSwm7HOviAtNkWlzoPdrr3jLUx1QBVlaJ3_UON7TFrn7ho6jPPz3aYuLPgMr6DY2mnouwlhaQMG8CpQH9_vVRMoFDnm8fyjX2zr8ae6rGhpA/s200/th_IMG_2622-1%5B1%5D.jpg_t=1335458123" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the hens in their culvert nesting boxes in the brooder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Update from last Thursday: <b><i>We have two brooding Speckled Sussex hens!</i></b> The one started again after abandoning her first nest. With ease, Chris moved their culvert nesting boxes into the brooder, apparently just in time. Look closely at the black nest on the right. Do you see the egg shell? On closer inspection there is a tooth mark on the inner eggshell! We thought we could hear a cheep-cheep-cheep. We don't know since we didn't want to disturb the hen. It may have been a killdeer out in the field. (?!)<br />
<br />
We're excited and will keep you informed as soon as we know. The Speckled Sussex is a heritage breed that is "recovering" from having been "threatened", according to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The brooder now needs a few basic pieces of furniture. First, a creep feeder for the chicks!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHeX5f_y1V7_zaV6Fo3rkBwXxjZisgLC6h5-t6r3rvUTBrP9rp9rGElApAsvMjcATVRvM0fXQYtPwUhVtv-AcpL_6h47PIyZiWPvKJXT11Hu84tbkcG37tiguf4ew8JYrE9dKr2eHgu0/s1600/th_IMG_2624-2%5B1%5D.jpg_t=1335458024" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">the brooder</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A few hours later the very same day...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">MAJOR UPDATE: We have baby chicks!!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvqTIwQAHPvlDgqJ2uTo8tF-GagpG59XqO12xqYXF09DT9bA4zZLGdjbWkUjHEGJK9SPunxZNcdNh_lkYnC6ojwAiphK2avu4GTMPuhyIvXpaMXU-FmL3aeKNxlrnIzztZqgC8S3AXgk/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvqTIwQAHPvlDgqJ2uTo8tF-GagpG59XqO12xqYXF09DT9bA4zZLGdjbWkUjHEGJK9SPunxZNcdNh_lkYnC6ojwAiphK2avu4GTMPuhyIvXpaMXU-FmL3aeKNxlrnIzztZqgC8S3AXgk/s320/IMG_2636.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NwXaA_5xBTXozaoxrb_00zYoh4K3QeQmJ8UN1ZaOM52DMolDZ7Kqaedy3SrGV6CQH6WiPfzN20ei1AxyTovGBufP9FMNOX9IBUUt1fzEVnb05gxKfmdo_GmjPCZJUUIKdg2hNxWI9YU/s1600/IMG_2640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NwXaA_5xBTXozaoxrb_00zYoh4K3QeQmJ8UN1ZaOM52DMolDZ7Kqaedy3SrGV6CQH6WiPfzN20ei1AxyTovGBufP9FMNOX9IBUUt1fzEVnb05gxKfmdo_GmjPCZJUUIKdg2hNxWI9YU/s320/IMG_2640.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Maybe more later. She and the other hen are still on their nests!</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><div style="text-align: center;">
Click here for great country blogs!<br />
<a border="0" href="http://aruraljournal.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6767202883_a67c982368_o.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-40586845187438540912012-04-22T16:56:00.000-04:002012-04-22T20:08:57.320-04:00Sourdough Breadmaking, from starter to delectable finish!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJeC7r8MBHB9dDVZvVFQILgk05grnqZSkhQlAfNSx6EguI2flpV7iIAvCwyKnDLT2E5ZjkN2J5fpWT7awfYpc6WIQdcG5thUpMhOCzGSRWOkPXTrOeuR-qY1MEPFBNFXJv08r-4Or2-IE/s1600/IMG_2569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJeC7r8MBHB9dDVZvVFQILgk05grnqZSkhQlAfNSx6EguI2flpV7iIAvCwyKnDLT2E5ZjkN2J5fpWT7awfYpc6WIQdcG5thUpMhOCzGSRWOkPXTrOeuR-qY1MEPFBNFXJv08r-4Or2-IE/s320/IMG_2569.JPG" width="320" /></a><b>I decided recently, for the benefit of patrons of my farm market, to revive an old skill: the making of sourdough bread. </b></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16A8_RsLGGhC8fh-mMnxgxLl9HhPaDjz8WAzUoVsv0hg8zR2_5J6r5S-uD1E03OP7ALVvE4wmtIk31AMTP1RjchaTK1izrcmKX_EctLkMglIOG2lrY7NYLBT2Y3Sct0WnhAt_wbiYN2s/s1600/IMG_2570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16A8_RsLGGhC8fh-mMnxgxLl9HhPaDjz8WAzUoVsv0hg8zR2_5J6r5S-uD1E03OP7ALVvE4wmtIk31AMTP1RjchaTK1izrcmKX_EctLkMglIOG2lrY7NYLBT2Y3Sct0WnhAt_wbiYN2s/s320/IMG_2570.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">A stone jar works best for the starter that takes several days to prepare.</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdufpwh0I2v9Y9CkGAyitidfryc8tYZkrDuC-icu4oSUNKHNy_K72cXTCcAGCEYw3SqxrUhGN7wV15tDx-cYfbOz__k5BsGJwuCPkniAmmzhII_FK_2ud6lJoa_LnMjFJootlsVABf48/s1600/IMG_2573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdufpwh0I2v9Y9CkGAyitidfryc8tYZkrDuC-icu4oSUNKHNy_K72cXTCcAGCEYw3SqxrUhGN7wV15tDx-cYfbOz__k5BsGJwuCPkniAmmzhII_FK_2ud6lJoa_LnMjFJootlsVABf48/s320/IMG_2573.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">On baking day, a dough hook can save you from a labor-intensive task.</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimz5ciBkTTjSodg7aSIEEe9d6iwq5oAYYX3kMvGztwvGJZ6Iujn8Mvvm5grG-xW-XZcMannkJht_4TzQjcbvMVW82Edq4zoL1EHocH7_QgSZw_fY1ycpbseZ1OOrPbeTOyQHdbJRH4v-w/s1600/IMG_2614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimz5ciBkTTjSodg7aSIEEe9d6iwq5oAYYX3kMvGztwvGJZ6Iujn8Mvvm5grG-xW-XZcMannkJht_4TzQjcbvMVW82Edq4zoL1EHocH7_QgSZw_fY1ycpbseZ1OOrPbeTOyQHdbJRH4v-w/s320/IMG_2614.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">One day recently I made 8 loaves of sourdough bread. Some for the market...</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKu3ztcE9Yql8hpYNNVml1elv_koV6MWT-TdIEPK813F_6x2HBUc_Wm5OapBYzQi6gM716lvHgfin0_Q9HtK8dARFooPPgVLR_Yh7GDh5GD_H39EGBAt2MoOH6NCw9q5_MC3DX7beOX7s/s320/IMG_2617.JPG" /> <b> and some for me and my family. The experience is something near heaven when you sit down after long hours of work to enjoy the ageless salty and somewhat nutty taste of a chewy sourdough bread along with a good aged cheddar cheese and your favorite beverage. In this case, it's a glass of my grape wine, ready to bottle.</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-68616339210006596412012-04-19T10:24:00.000-04:002012-04-19T10:58:52.345-04:00The Broody Hen in her Culvert Nesting Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptVW_qB7eu5lXmI3MEjlEXGSqF6b8i1L7lz7UxkJLsDkV7JfuBXyMV1iOGFlJK5QxofMBjkUJ6lpe5NbYOiufA7DSkm-PkBCvMmpFM7XQaqWs86Of6In0Dl49BNB5v0uCG-ltUbJrDOg/s1600/IMG_2593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #351c75;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptVW_qB7eu5lXmI3MEjlEXGSqF6b8i1L7lz7UxkJLsDkV7JfuBXyMV1iOGFlJK5QxofMBjkUJ6lpe5NbYOiufA7DSkm-PkBCvMmpFM7XQaqWs86Of6In0Dl49BNB5v0uCG-ltUbJrDOg/s400/IMG_2593.JPG" width="400" /></span></a><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><i style="background-color: #f6b26b;">This is our broody hen. We're edgy with anticipation. Others of our flock of 48 have tried but this one just might succeed. She has a certain stick-to-it-iveness. Her whole body says she's determined!</i></b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #b4a7d6; color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
The year-old hen has made her nest in a culvert nesting box. She is not yet in her brooder, just across the hall from the others. When she moves, we're watching another broody hen that may join her soon.<br />
<br />
Our hens have preferred these culvert nesting boxes over the yellow buckets that are on another wall. Moving her will be fairly easy, we <i>think</i>. Chris plans to slip a piece of plywood between the culvert and the camouflage wall to easily lift the culvert nest out of its slot, hen, eggs and all. We're hoping this won't upset the setting hen. Then, just a few steps away is the brooding room. He can then replace this nest with another piece of culvert and bedding. Again, Chris has put together a clever design. We're hoping it works. I would love to have hens raising their own Speckled Sussex chicks! When it happens, you'll know! She has been on her eggs for 13 days and somehow she has 10 eggs or so without any interference from us!<br />
<br />
Several of you are already having chicks this spring from your own hens.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: #f6b26b;">I can hardly wait for your thoughts, experiences and words of advice! </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: #f6b26b;">:D</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: #8e7cc3;"><a border="0" href="http://aruraljournal.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6767202883_a67c982368_o.jpg" /></a></i></span></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-58965096511104503122012-04-18T10:48:00.000-04:002012-04-18T11:05:28.471-04:00Preparing Garden Spots for the Vegetable Starts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSahHFh6kkEX_34Eu7x8_j2N8nF7Jnadii13KlDUAGe51wRvZ3CnntO5BP5MJxzz8d7D5msXqnjAbZY2iIuLGi9bceS9LktQZZhvPAJ5Q1t3-JU2RQhMvcPIZ_Hf7vDx1Is8TJyXl7OKc/s1600/IMG_2290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSahHFh6kkEX_34Eu7x8_j2N8nF7Jnadii13KlDUAGe51wRvZ3CnntO5BP5MJxzz8d7D5msXqnjAbZY2iIuLGi9bceS9LktQZZhvPAJ5Q1t3-JU2RQhMvcPIZ_Hf7vDx1Is8TJyXl7OKc/s320/IMG_2290.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<b>A brief moment of rest for Chris at our camper on the farm where we hold our farm market. He's been working night and day, growing the little seedlings that soon will go into the ground that he's getting ready. After all, if you're going to have a farm market, you kinda need to have some produce!!!</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlbsEeu6uupyrJC4UCuC7pMgovW0hsB4IQsZ5x5a3xWvI425GgLNz0f53LPyba_4O11FJxTVRcwTB_G5mRIp7FALsfp9RhX6q8ToMZDodrV_TWE1t9GS932TRAYzzP2tDyqGFar0QGvk/s1600/IMG_2409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlbsEeu6uupyrJC4UCuC7pMgovW0hsB4IQsZ5x5a3xWvI425GgLNz0f53LPyba_4O11FJxTVRcwTB_G5mRIp7FALsfp9RhX6q8ToMZDodrV_TWE1t9GS932TRAYzzP2tDyqGFar0QGvk/s320/IMG_2409.JPG" width="320" /></a><b>Chris is using a 1980 Gravely that can do <i>ANYTHING! </i>We believe that was the last year the Gravely tractors were made in America.<i> </i>I have the utmost respect for his older machinery. The plow was made in the 30's. All his attachments were made from the early 30's to the mid-50's. It's really handy that Chris likes restoring things. These work well and help keep the cost down.</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSkj-Q8vSwkIFFnwaKTSgCrCaeShJCEgRZkpPEoPUuoXPtzdFRLoLRmtfl1QQMntcvQnTRmaE9jmt6f4KY2QXVyY-Lo5WrA1NgkOqkVv76tH3LxnpWfcbPtgiON61kIbbO88GRfqLiy4/s1600/IMG_2411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSkj-Q8vSwkIFFnwaKTSgCrCaeShJCEgRZkpPEoPUuoXPtzdFRLoLRmtfl1QQMntcvQnTRmaE9jmt6f4KY2QXVyY-Lo5WrA1NgkOqkVv76tH3LxnpWfcbPtgiON61kIbbO88GRfqLiy4/s320/IMG_2411.JPG" width="320" /></a><b>After all, Chris is the <i>real</i> force behind the farm market. He says it's me, but I know better. Sure, I love cooking and baking, but he has wanted to farm all his life, and what better way to serve the community than to raise fresh, safe, great-tasting produce?! </b></div>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatUyG6jJ7mgrDx673viiNAiiHko118tIVvMnYXNg4w2Cv8gY4khqvCy_5UqXKiG8eZRKPG_-hWawR4YJgUOVkc4maQ2B6rWM0gTWNjFzUM1G8gB-LcqG5nSHByOapPSrT1EAhw6oBofE/s1600/IMG_2608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatUyG6jJ7mgrDx673viiNAiiHko118tIVvMnYXNg4w2Cv8gY4khqvCy_5UqXKiG8eZRKPG_-hWawR4YJgUOVkc4maQ2B6rWM0gTWNjFzUM1G8gB-LcqG5nSHByOapPSrT1EAhw6oBofE/s320/IMG_2608.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>During the day, the gardens are getting plowed and tilled while the little plants are getting much-needed sunlight on our deck at home. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>Then at night, all the little plants come back inside. After all, the babies need warmth to grow and, remember, we have no greenhouse yet so our home has to serve the plants' needs for now.</b></span><br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSMLPiGyRMK1uTne2K7qqOaffy5U1Z3KBhEttx8DhWvDu4dpOCdmPA_ab9k5trB8KrwxukJ3tVY0MfrJubiMZ_YP4ngbw4vDK0yijTMu50tWUWaCVleb4gPAe7uTFFCr1h1avfMWSkd8/s1600/IMG_2612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSMLPiGyRMK1uTne2K7qqOaffy5U1Z3KBhEttx8DhWvDu4dpOCdmPA_ab9k5trB8KrwxukJ3tVY0MfrJubiMZ_YP4ngbw4vDK0yijTMu50tWUWaCVleb4gPAe7uTFFCr1h1avfMWSkd8/s320/IMG_2612.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Some of these seedlings will be planted in our garden spots and eventually find their way to market.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjJt3p9HBQJUNmbT7-RyHKwtUhxrpP1PdrKRNXkCme5xkgbKhn8tJsBMYXdkS0LjTK1ODS4ISmyBB5egK5_gGdK3oc_vvH1DjnQ_olglsRx8dY0Kbid12y8bKy2SiCw3COXLZy4rzVTk/s1600/IMG_2613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjJt3p9HBQJUNmbT7-RyHKwtUhxrpP1PdrKRNXkCme5xkgbKhn8tJsBMYXdkS0LjTK1ODS4ISmyBB5egK5_gGdK3oc_vvH1DjnQ_olglsRx8dY0Kbid12y8bKy2SiCw3COXLZy4rzVTk/s320/IMG_2613.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Others will be sold as plants at our farm market to go into other people's gardens.</b><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-35908706337026027182012-04-16T08:45:00.000-04:002012-04-16T13:21:10.961-04:00Restoring a Rusty Cast Iron Dutch Oven<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgfmdJD42vghuqboRVM-iOSZMgIMT5k-jmx5ZHRXEUS_9hz7HK4duf4ljZui72jDihRX7ZMrIU9kEPR2bNjwFobZHZVkI7XoPyKfJ4_JvnglHPiwSVXSeyIbGz7BLEJXr_9pAlUYkVtM/s1600/IMG_2384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgfmdJD42vghuqboRVM-iOSZMgIMT5k-jmx5ZHRXEUS_9hz7HK4duf4ljZui72jDihRX7ZMrIU9kEPR2bNjwFobZHZVkI7XoPyKfJ4_JvnglHPiwSVXSeyIbGz7BLEJXr_9pAlUYkVtM/s200/IMG_2384.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>wall hangers</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gC0Si935AgmX0dbNWtkl7qF0cg6AsuzBCCO4enV2JBnjqC7_rAICNehTj0TOyAIBNNBw14SLcDeBFccO-_ywozxc5pYGcK0blgwVEvsgJX8REARvlfDS303hBpdyDgwJRF7aKDRi2o4/s1600/IMG_2385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gC0Si935AgmX0dbNWtkl7qF0cg6AsuzBCCO4enV2JBnjqC7_rAICNehTj0TOyAIBNNBw14SLcDeBFccO-_ywozxc5pYGcK0blgwVEvsgJX8REARvlfDS303hBpdyDgwJRF7aKDRi2o4/s200/IMG_2385.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>more wall hangers</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKojKU0szEHk9IZLifCY0rvesD2P_o-ZyxXfdG4BEw_71rdRRG2-32NDngNwTLDaz0d4SxccjcjxkOwtPuPvJWhXZAsolN1e4Xc1473381iPSRPCKyB03Vc_H2035XS29YFtjXhd_t88/s1600/IMG_2386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKojKU0szEHk9IZLifCY0rvesD2P_o-ZyxXfdG4BEw_71rdRRG2-32NDngNwTLDaz0d4SxccjcjxkOwtPuPvJWhXZAsolN1e4Xc1473381iPSRPCKyB03Vc_H2035XS29YFtjXhd_t88/s400/IMG_2386.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>cast iron skillets that I use daily</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I grew up with an appreciation for cast iron cooking, and began collecting new and vintage cast iron and steel pieces at an early age. The secret to their longevity is in the seasoning. A cast iron piece that is well-seasoned will hold up to most cooking techniques without rusting. MOST.<br />
<br />
Occasionally I have bloopers, but I can't show a picture of what I did to my 12 quart cast iron Dutch oven because I was so beside myself I didn't think to take one. I had prepared peach cobbler over coals, just like I had done many times before, but this time my cobbler had boiled over! We had eaten around a campfire after dark and I decided to wait until morning to clean it. To my dismay, the lid was stuck on. I meant to ask Chris to try to pry it off, but I forgot about it and then left it out in the rain. You should never ever EVER do that, and I knew better. Life gets busy and I totally forgot. My beautiful Dutch oven rusted. Badly. Normally, all you have to do if a piece of cast iron cookware has some rust is to gently rub out the rust and oil it, but NO! Mine was crusty rust!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOg-IIro5xIYQUg23L4kBO9bNiVOikstGSWcjnL8S0eqYAnJOVPJcJJecQnfjLTZ0xTzRGp-7wEdQweYTFxDvw8heHPEDJDEpUH_u54n3Q9DB9i0LJ1AvMDVcmm8cmanH3V-yux-DuRY/s1600/IMG_2373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOg-IIro5xIYQUg23L4kBO9bNiVOikstGSWcjnL8S0eqYAnJOVPJcJJecQnfjLTZ0xTzRGp-7wEdQweYTFxDvw8heHPEDJDEpUH_u54n3Q9DB9i0LJ1AvMDVcmm8cmanH3V-yux-DuRY/s320/IMG_2373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Chris came to my rescue. Dressed in heavy gear, he took the first step in restoring my treasured piece. On the day he was rescuing the hay rake that he acquired, he took my dreadful-looking Dutch oven and also sand-blasted it. That is an extreme rescue, but by the time I got the lid off, it was so bad inside and out that it had been rendered useless. Cast iron is a good investment and should last lifetimes, so we both knew this piece needed intervention if it would ever become an heirloom.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg610_9nr_IzzNcV9k4TCgZnvIgtBKF99SJfyqRq4rQzVhYCqvSjzqsdUqlqsiHODyzrAwcy-sC4i227YZOn8t_RQC0NQ8oMvUsvnEsP6pj6eNnI9Rgv2FhOZazq36HgZh0uAsg0_CbvmQ/s1600/IMG_2380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg610_9nr_IzzNcV9k4TCgZnvIgtBKF99SJfyqRq4rQzVhYCqvSjzqsdUqlqsiHODyzrAwcy-sC4i227YZOn8t_RQC0NQ8oMvUsvnEsP6pj6eNnI9Rgv2FhOZazq36HgZh0uAsg0_CbvmQ/s320/IMG_2380.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><b><i>my cast iron Dutch oven after sand-blasting</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then came my part in the restoration. It had to be seasoned. Otherwise, it would become a rusty mess and would be unsuitable for cooking. I used regular vegetable oil and a cotton cloth and simply rubbed oil all over the inside and outside of the Dutch oven and its lid. Then I placed the pieces in my gas oven at 200 degrees F. for 2 hours. To be sure it was covered completely with oil but with no oil pooling that would gel, I took it out and reapplied a thin coating of the cooking oil to the entire surface. Then, back to the oven for an additional 5 hours.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPCIzISFGjkQI99P0PjkuqdyFVOcOWI8gAVyTRdzGQWMgYez8mRMzuaXyheYfFfSwgUz4tyr9SdvICj2sTUg5N1nvZyS_W5R_uPIn2uRygPbJE6A8GXnlAnmLkUMgoAPDR3iY_aBmQyU/s1600/IMG_2539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPCIzISFGjkQI99P0PjkuqdyFVOcOWI8gAVyTRdzGQWMgYez8mRMzuaXyheYfFfSwgUz4tyr9SdvICj2sTUg5N1nvZyS_W5R_uPIn2uRygPbJE6A8GXnlAnmLkUMgoAPDR3iY_aBmQyU/s200/IMG_2539.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIL7TxaLkeAbgVgqPV6z7-JZHcIy_CAak022jYpHKSHv7sKpjBK5rXRc_6DQrDGp0Q8Wjv7oPE1kugGDp9wTw999vsH1aJf4ytagvK82O1N0eFLmr1DWYX76jqoX8a-kidRKU4XTqFY8/s1600/IMG_2542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIL7TxaLkeAbgVgqPV6z7-JZHcIy_CAak022jYpHKSHv7sKpjBK5rXRc_6DQrDGp0Q8Wjv7oPE1kugGDp9wTw999vsH1aJf4ytagvK82O1N0eFLmr1DWYX76jqoX8a-kidRKU4XTqFY8/s200/IMG_2542.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9BBCLysTBWHEoyX561iNUrL7gI7iIatQGFYlJ8xzNfFwllbDuq32BQ4MWIGfWeubHtI9rRR22OXrW0YPj1rJ9YbUpICEhowsS4lxkVNhBWd9-xc46P3KUTUKiLipD-RQXnzdwODeviU/s1600/IMG_2543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9BBCLysTBWHEoyX561iNUrL7gI7iIatQGFYlJ8xzNfFwllbDuq32BQ4MWIGfWeubHtI9rRR22OXrW0YPj1rJ9YbUpICEhowsS4lxkVNhBWd9-xc46P3KUTUKiLipD-RQXnzdwODeviU/s200/IMG_2543.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxUvXOBP1MLlvK2hT_xZlu7tdo0wdRXGejZD3SYoN9haaNoV9TLkEvAIfyVbydJ4S-MHFhBFvVQh9JW0skblfYFp-kXv-Vxh0fPhgY8fM8ox_7dBuqgDIMz2CKXBMvp8eKAKYupOQtRE/s400/IMG_2568.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>ALMOST fully restored</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is how it looked after seasoning, a darker patina, ready for cooking again. After the next few uses, I will oil it each time and place the Dutch oven back in 200 degrees F. for 2 hours to complete the seasoning process. Then, eventually, it will have the even black color of my other vintage pieces.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-12747868994241385932012-04-11T09:48:00.000-04:002012-04-12T10:09:41.495-04:00Early Morning Frost Damage Survey<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">This morning, after a cold windy night, I took a quick walk-about and here is what I found.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiPmcYWhxTiyHA3-yVb8Y9gCLmXUrF8dnsniikfQghlG94HT-SXyCSjl1s7JhToFdZzH-GRIuiQcYohnYjMFrhJMuIG6tPMxBBUqqjg102Sc3CPIQCxYyHOLBfOiEB28w4jlY5QambBM/s1600/IMG_2547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #b6d7a8; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiPmcYWhxTiyHA3-yVb8Y9gCLmXUrF8dnsniikfQghlG94HT-SXyCSjl1s7JhToFdZzH-GRIuiQcYohnYjMFrhJMuIG6tPMxBBUqqjg102Sc3CPIQCxYyHOLBfOiEB28w4jlY5QambBM/s320/IMG_2547.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b>The grape arbor at the back deck looks healthy,</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRv_5aQCv-6-1mEpgiKC-9E-dnitsiU5xcsvSKllWfHbQKo-WvT1XLrx1zu9G3QDMcXp4WfapMjPA9t4yV1eqJrz93zzwxNfm7clUH59LyGhTp1PdgOYvmu7NsKIN-yECe1rokEg56XBI/s1600/IMG_2549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #b6d7a8; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRv_5aQCv-6-1mEpgiKC-9E-dnitsiU5xcsvSKllWfHbQKo-WvT1XLrx1zu9G3QDMcXp4WfapMjPA9t4yV1eqJrz93zzwxNfm7clUH59LyGhTp1PdgOYvmu7NsKIN-yECe1rokEg56XBI/s320/IMG_2549.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b>and terrific tulip and tarragon.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFzpIqoFexYg2Er6W9z3EAuOt58wDz1zSsiZG6Pn70ScFxB_leYzGHYpc3XBFwcfOBFXwsniem6P5ksHHuGFX3OCZlc-XWQUT3NC95XCt7ljtpGJJYu_fo1_bD4ooPDWzSzZBBaJ8OrY/s1600/IMG_2553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #b6d7a8; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFzpIqoFexYg2Er6W9z3EAuOt58wDz1zSsiZG6Pn70ScFxB_leYzGHYpc3XBFwcfOBFXwsniem6P5ksHHuGFX3OCZlc-XWQUT3NC95XCt7ljtpGJJYu_fo1_bD4ooPDWzSzZBBaJ8OrY/s320/IMG_2553.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b>Salvaged strawberry plants from last year's bed look strong...</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbg7Oc3G3L-7UjI5jSrJQzdzgqhrp2SbmEuJtzUBw4pZ5U7k0xR99x9obB0OK0s3wRtYLUTmD6eAX83Zg7Ol66EThdPNvj6oAtgZwV0ZGTtlS4RrtNRNEseg6LfuFTlYXslcCOrYOpHc/s1600/IMG_2552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #b6d7a8; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbg7Oc3G3L-7UjI5jSrJQzdzgqhrp2SbmEuJtzUBw4pZ5U7k0xR99x9obB0OK0s3wRtYLUTmD6eAX83Zg7Ol66EThdPNvj6oAtgZwV0ZGTtlS4RrtNRNEseg6LfuFTlYXslcCOrYOpHc/s320/IMG_2552.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b>but these pansies tell a different story,</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypvY-oAFzQmbW4DxzULbf9XiUZYym4x6vvokIGOEPqPYNN6dmEfVXqbw6qzAcOkY5OTt7DM68o-wd_DiKUXnWPCpBAJMQMFjV_SIC2OfoKu2iagNHzFsFvl4ilhqCB2w-onzgZCw33mI/s1600/IMG_2555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #b6d7a8; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypvY-oAFzQmbW4DxzULbf9XiUZYym4x6vvokIGOEPqPYNN6dmEfVXqbw6qzAcOkY5OTt7DM68o-wd_DiKUXnWPCpBAJMQMFjV_SIC2OfoKu2iagNHzFsFvl4ilhqCB2w-onzgZCw33mI/s320/IMG_2555.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b>and some of the 250 tiny little strawberry crowns I planted last week can still be seen reaching for the sky, but barely. Not all survived. :/</b> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkmOht5Qnbj5Sq8sKGGzWBsh0s6b71TSg1J7_wR_eJk7ZjJFXye-oqzWgpUBAsDjcuHD0DZmq_aNFexy9AGcrLmvTB3iKfiwjL4LfkiXeYwX483J8DL1R8Elhlm-ty76tS1fkij-fsx4/s1600/IMG_2558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #b6d7a8; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkmOht5Qnbj5Sq8sKGGzWBsh0s6b71TSg1J7_wR_eJk7ZjJFXye-oqzWgpUBAsDjcuHD0DZmq_aNFexy9AGcrLmvTB3iKfiwjL4LfkiXeYwX483J8DL1R8Elhlm-ty76tS1fkij-fsx4/s320/IMG_2558.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b>In spite of bitterly cold temperatures, the gorgeous grapes in the vineyard are still growing,</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VMMa3UO2Scw-qOAIdfnCvgBiYbHrTsdwP5NPGMaa4A0e_055IfaryQMGh3xHaALmuO5WJ74wL0CmOtn7ZSLtSVqDKB8gW47A3vIlopLHGEmHsztxzTLd9F2_Q12dN_JhZ_TYF5Xfp_o/s1600/IMG_2560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #b6d7a8; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VMMa3UO2Scw-qOAIdfnCvgBiYbHrTsdwP5NPGMaa4A0e_055IfaryQMGh3xHaALmuO5WJ74wL0CmOtn7ZSLtSVqDKB8gW47A3vIlopLHGEmHsztxzTLd9F2_Q12dN_JhZ_TYF5Xfp_o/s320/IMG_2560.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b>and this young white Edelweiss grapevine seems hardy.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir45lpsTw7IS_7KJpuwVGsEMK5QkxNmekfZ7z0yzzNQ493g0hpfRzvlhGRI74g4DR7jiQgubNo_M1Lg5_g3mMc7PnaiNbh1gwm60tSnUbjaNzdx33tJoQoBVvKEgGX3EI1jZojQaoB-20/s1600/IMG_2561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #b6d7a8; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir45lpsTw7IS_7KJpuwVGsEMK5QkxNmekfZ7z0yzzNQ493g0hpfRzvlhGRI74g4DR7jiQgubNo_M1Lg5_g3mMc7PnaiNbh1gwm60tSnUbjaNzdx33tJoQoBVvKEgGX3EI1jZojQaoB-20/s320/IMG_2561.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b>Meanwhile, this year's garden plants wait out the cold spell in our loft-turned-greenhouse,</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjEW15MwCprMucIPx8o2z2Gf8OJ3lBNTntKK2xMEChnbWigL18IPI-SRk1M9IU0bvsuAtbPVwKJOhiXEzOdfloNZUnajJ1Qd5CnAwVDul1lABYwRCUlGnH5F4jLj2qhJ2ovGVAunXffI/s1600/IMG_2564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #b6d7a8; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjEW15MwCprMucIPx8o2z2Gf8OJ3lBNTntKK2xMEChnbWigL18IPI-SRk1M9IU0bvsuAtbPVwKJOhiXEzOdfloNZUnajJ1Qd5CnAwVDul1lABYwRCUlGnH5F4jLj2qhJ2ovGVAunXffI/s320/IMG_2564.JPG" width="320" /></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b>and our herbs are looking herbaliscious except for the sweet basil, already frost-bitten last week!</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">The forecast here looks even harsher for tonight, with temperatures expected to dip below 30 degrees F. Another year of lost crops due to freezing temperatures? </span><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">We had too much gusty wind last night to get the strawberries and grapes covered, but tonight I'll do my best! No smudge pots to use on the four rows of grapes so...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">feeling helpless, I asked Chris what else we could do. He simply said an age-old line, </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><b>"Man proposes, but God disposes."</b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Really, Chris, that's the best you can do? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">It feels like Mother Nature said, "OOPS! I forgot all about giving you winter. Here! How's this?!"</span><br />
<br />
Please also check out these Rural Thursdays Bloggers:<br />
<a href="http://www.twobearsfarm.com/2012/04/working-garden-rural-thursday-11.html" target="_blank">Two Bears Farm</a><br />
<div>
<b style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.aruraljournal.com/" target="_blank">A Rural Journal</a></span></i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>(OH, NO! Another hard freeze tonight!)</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a border="0" href="http://aruraljournal.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6767202883_a67c982368_o.jpg" /></a></i></b></span></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-23759449744719863652012-04-09T12:55:00.000-04:002012-04-09T12:55:07.053-04:00Easter Designs of Love, Life, and Shared Times<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My grandchildren came over! I love it when that happens!!!</span></b></i></span><div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">One granddaughter decorated before the others arrived. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">"This is so BEAUTIFUL!!!," she said when she set up the crocheted display. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"> My cousin Stephanie had crocheted them. (Think Stephanie's Sticky Buns. YUM!!! Recipe link at sidebar.) </span><div>
<span style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5B9f25NR0z7Z3PZsbahOdIK1H6k55vciLAXajZSEkUNZwoCca1KXNosAB_AfQ2J4O_VAdJD5d-iwgIl8wpzZqeoJoyuX2PIOr2lMneYy0XU3V_33LorbLhAaefiPExiMQHbFrfABbx9w/s1600/IMG_2530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5B9f25NR0z7Z3PZsbahOdIK1H6k55vciLAXajZSEkUNZwoCca1KXNosAB_AfQ2J4O_VAdJD5d-iwgIl8wpzZqeoJoyuX2PIOr2lMneYy0XU3V_33LorbLhAaefiPExiMQHbFrfABbx9w/s320/IMG_2530.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then class began for Egg Marbling 101.
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpE7EaY4zs8jdCUSj_BrDIbcwUf_X1jVGEgJdwW2XrE3jqllAoiP7Jfvi8yf92xHt3EsaLIypN-8F7iVvvmelbYhedSyJWb2DF8J6-8OoX1u04Uw2aOJ6zrWUv5YhJj3SpgqHCY9XMlE/s1600/IMG_2480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpE7EaY4zs8jdCUSj_BrDIbcwUf_X1jVGEgJdwW2XrE3jqllAoiP7Jfvi8yf92xHt3EsaLIypN-8F7iVvvmelbYhedSyJWb2DF8J6-8OoX1u04Uw2aOJ6zrWUv5YhJj3SpgqHCY9XMlE/s200/IMG_2480.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Egg Marbling Artists</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVCuFtrp1Zpk13kd2GsJkcj5UJti7UvDek-cg2rZXWxCyShptu8BQf5XnV4rSLt1ZmmjC2UxkWp4HpEYqnEMbZSFdTG5jOODPmOO1eLTXhgUi0VdUNz4YxTpcT95SPV_mh7_SlyuEAIM/s1600/IMG_2490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVCuFtrp1Zpk13kd2GsJkcj5UJti7UvDek-cg2rZXWxCyShptu8BQf5XnV4rSLt1ZmmjC2UxkWp4HpEYqnEMbZSFdTG5jOODPmOO1eLTXhgUi0VdUNz4YxTpcT95SPV_mh7_SlyuEAIM/s200/IMG_2490.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The results after a few choice eggs were eaten!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a brief demonstration, the only rules were </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*Share the dye. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*Have fun! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The dye did not dry before some of the eggs met their demise!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love the meanings of Easter, from the grace of God in our lives way back to the early Pagan traditions of celebrating new beginnings. On this day, we celebrated so much, including life, love, and our time together!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uqkMpcLdy8qZKihQbYOLA8ChKXHOGVCgEabpWG5x3JCKCyuUiRUy8p4nSEjoRn7s9ceaM4W3qgGKtlE5xk9hx9Eyho7ZWrhmIw2Pemqt5Y8-yhdBI8guO2LcI7ctmUgyLWKIaKBMabQ/s1600/IMG_2492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uqkMpcLdy8qZKihQbYOLA8ChKXHOGVCgEabpWG5x3JCKCyuUiRUy8p4nSEjoRn7s9ceaM4W3qgGKtlE5xk9hx9Eyho7ZWrhmIw2Pemqt5Y8-yhdBI8guO2LcI7ctmUgyLWKIaKBMabQ/s320/IMG_2492.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank goodness, this was our only Easter Twister! Mother Nature played by the rules, for once. <br />Perfect weather for playing outside!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3ykw0X_24vn4EahqhKRjD_PSuDlusy2fopOGvKDwe9U_45MLb6uQ60k17FeCbOauRSPPMzwmbjVANd7ZAI8F758RU1HPckj_HIinqbseoqaq1z7oMsTkIlxKbsObabN0F39m_GcoE40/s1600/IMG_2517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3ykw0X_24vn4EahqhKRjD_PSuDlusy2fopOGvKDwe9U_45MLb6uQ60k17FeCbOauRSPPMzwmbjVANd7ZAI8F758RU1HPckj_HIinqbseoqaq1z7oMsTkIlxKbsObabN0F39m_GcoE40/s320/IMG_2517.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls could do this for hours! How do they do that???</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBeveyPkpNZ_jqMwkHCL2AvNMS_SswrkNtVT5jBwu6KqDfpSrKfM2NzQYaA7tYUIFh2OMSAHwxNeFGFY3xkcAyLqJlxCNyoLn5TpZV1XRN5GfU-IapnwTJAcHUXWSSaqqP1DW43DeGDM/s1600/IMG_2514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBeveyPkpNZ_jqMwkHCL2AvNMS_SswrkNtVT5jBwu6KqDfpSrKfM2NzQYaA7tYUIFh2OMSAHwxNeFGFY3xkcAyLqJlxCNyoLn5TpZV1XRN5GfU-IapnwTJAcHUXWSSaqqP1DW43DeGDM/s320/IMG_2514.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bike romped and ramped and rambled some more. Finally, its chain came loose, allowing my grandson<br /> to take a break. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUMvizlJaySTO-R85fgM_8QDUaCnummxQ2BRXUcQmSCvwKpIL5jmSsQx7zVEb5Ni9bM_IGzCi0_gFaGsrZLz6H7hN50XtgI44OD86Kgo8aMnTzwgz1wol6bTKmziw0gB4bZVhBr9JJ7U/s1600/IMG_2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUMvizlJaySTO-R85fgM_8QDUaCnummxQ2BRXUcQmSCvwKpIL5jmSsQx7zVEb5Ni9bM_IGzCi0_gFaGsrZLz6H7hN50XtgI44OD86Kgo8aMnTzwgz1wol6bTKmziw0gB4bZVhBr9JJ7U/s320/IMG_2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Besides, the garage had to be designed and built!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSopvPALFlL1JpzwpwbvlEYV4N38z_g0BrCU5NKS-L8iCE6yHUg-xxrHb5NvKx7Rftg2Toa-bYx7acMpyOMgcSI4uApCUZoiS7r8a9yZ0eqpaS3YNho33PlqpzmQsDaksqHM8b1A0uvsQ/s1600/IMG_2522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSopvPALFlL1JpzwpwbvlEYV4N38z_g0BrCU5NKS-L8iCE6yHUg-xxrHb5NvKx7Rftg2Toa-bYx7acMpyOMgcSI4uApCUZoiS7r8a9yZ0eqpaS3YNho33PlqpzmQsDaksqHM8b1A0uvsQ/s320/IMG_2522.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will never tire of hearing my grandchildren say, "Our nana is the best nana ever!" The joy in their faces tells me even when their voices don't!<br /><br /><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What a delight they are!<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credits: The grandchildren and I took all the photos for this post. </span></span></b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-83980765729018594172012-04-03T01:11:00.001-04:002012-04-03T01:18:28.816-04:00Plants are Getting Market Ready!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_1f9TvtsY2_lYqXd7VSd264GOt-Aqzv_xCELhF3yQO7FZ7AbCrBJ4YvbzNzFhxd6wt16N5Aax_v-oAFaVyjyAK3S-KKp9ngSJr2OQp40q0_FIZJV2_MNc3TZoeNYEPLQzHh5afeTi1g/s1600/IMG_2396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_1f9TvtsY2_lYqXd7VSd264GOt-Aqzv_xCELhF3yQO7FZ7AbCrBJ4YvbzNzFhxd6wt16N5Aax_v-oAFaVyjyAK3S-KKp9ngSJr2OQp40q0_FIZJV2_MNc3TZoeNYEPLQzHh5afeTi1g/s320/IMG_2396.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>We are getting a number of plants ready for our farm market. From broccoli, white cabbage, red cabbage, cauliflower plants and fresh green onions to potted herbs. </i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDcRgld0-6PG-sMIOf-fOw0erQQcEP1uoO6Tnjjh7q34cNTwp68UgU_4DWfx-v-yOl2uOnzcFW6p0fenzT64qHb7aLJ9jdf6ylof-W61T_e8eNNrT516cKZHUHMnWvg8yIgurdlhWrxI/s1600/IMG_2403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDcRgld0-6PG-sMIOf-fOw0erQQcEP1uoO6Tnjjh7q34cNTwp68UgU_4DWfx-v-yOl2uOnzcFW6p0fenzT64qHb7aLJ9jdf6ylof-W61T_e8eNNrT516cKZHUHMnWvg8yIgurdlhWrxI/s320/IMG_2403.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Without the advantage of a greenhouse, Chris has turned our loft into the next best thing. He babies our little vegetable plants night and day. They get plenty of sunlight, moving onto the deck during the day. A camp shower bag provides easy watering with its shower head nozzle. Lately Chris has been transplanting his veggies into individual cells, giving them more room, easier access to nutrients, and a great start.</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rR02quw-0gGXCAh5kUwQ_vP9ABjylvst_IXBPBMpPEciLLHPwV0WnBrtc3GjkaM5g5wB6XOL8eZHWhIwM1fjfhrCynymBsp2lBXcu0iV7ZEhp1vK3NoTg_xjyTZrDAn4IMpeldelcyo/s1600/IMG_2389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rR02quw-0gGXCAh5kUwQ_vP9ABjylvst_IXBPBMpPEciLLHPwV0WnBrtc3GjkaM5g5wB6XOL8eZHWhIwM1fjfhrCynymBsp2lBXcu0iV7ZEhp1vK3NoTg_xjyTZrDAn4IMpeldelcyo/s320/IMG_2389.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My herbs are hearty and used to being outside. I potted a mix of herbs for kitchen or patio to make their debut at our farm market. The rangy tarragon in the herb bed forms a backdrop for tera cotta pots that are filled with Greek oregano, Italian flat leaf parsley, sweet basil and a pansy. Italian food lends itself so well to fresh herbs, so these herbs are a good introduction for the novice cooks out there!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the reasons our plants are growing so well has to do with a lesson we learned the hard way last year. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Three different times I tried unsuccessfully to start tomatoes from seeds last year. Always before, I had used plain rainwater. Last year I used our county water, just regular tap water. Time after time, the little leaves would turn white and the stems would pinch off at the base, killing the young plants. Chris read extensively and discovered that the calcium chloride in our drinking water was killing the</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> plants. The annual water reports read well, but we have completely avoided that water this year in our plantings. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our heirloom tomatoes should suffer no such plight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The water we use now for our plants is our farm's well water, the same water Chris grew up on. It is a deep reservoir, very tasty and pure. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well water has advantages over rainwater.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The natural minerals and rocks that the water percolates and filters through are beneficial to the plants. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since last year's eye-opening experience, that wonderfully fresh water not only feeds our new plants but has also become our drinking water. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the plants, the result is faster growing and stronger veggie plants that will be market-ready for the weekend! For me, I just feel better!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At our farm market, we hope to offer customers the best products available. For this weekend: cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower plants, potted herbs, cut herbs (tarragon, spearmint, and Russian sage), and fresh green onions. In a couple of weeks, we should have several different pepper plants and tomato plants, including a few heirloom varieties.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course, I will continue making jams, jellies, and baking up a table full of goodies. One new item this coming weekend: Hot cross buns!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>A word of caution: Watch what you're drinking, not just what you're eating. Stay healthy, my friends! </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-17363729500345781662012-04-01T22:23:00.000-04:002012-04-02T09:59:59.738-04:00Restoring Old Equipment with Sand Blasting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxhEk30gZohvGVGwH2Pbmj4LwdUKtNeNXXSwgh5E3TUh0zN2yiR1vkvtjCcrG-GM0D02iWEJxuxHtTjz8PkUGwpJzVDkh8QNIH3Vg2wNc2pnEwQHGo00lvtuehJbMmFVvQInRUJpOgwg/s1600/IMG_2366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxhEk30gZohvGVGwH2Pbmj4LwdUKtNeNXXSwgh5E3TUh0zN2yiR1vkvtjCcrG-GM0D02iWEJxuxHtTjz8PkUGwpJzVDkh8QNIH3Vg2wNc2pnEwQHGo00lvtuehJbMmFVvQInRUJpOgwg/s400/IMG_2366.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<i><b>While I played around with the farm market, Chris had other things to do.</b></i><br />
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>He had traded for a very old, 1957 model, Oliver rake and an Oliver hay baler, almost as old. These were partial payment on a land clearing job he had done. Since Chris is not a person to just leave equipment in the yard as ornaments, he proceeded to take them apart and get them back into good working condition so that he can make hay for local farmers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBfXcY7OdwOLaBHQZ-fwm6UZPQHb4TNzisqKJpeaJMY9Hf9uLnd5gKCAVVuTupzy_GXOxXA97OVe_KChDj9CKIkEvJ2zEmiDqyL3RWdQ4ltAqMOhu7hvH5_M0bj8OJTn6VEZFEzucojU/s1600/IMG_2369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBfXcY7OdwOLaBHQZ-fwm6UZPQHb4TNzisqKJpeaJMY9Hf9uLnd5gKCAVVuTupzy_GXOxXA97OVe_KChDj9CKIkEvJ2zEmiDqyL3RWdQ4ltAqMOhu7hvH5_M0bj8OJTn6VEZFEzucojU/s320/IMG_2369.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
That meant sand blasting in our back field where the clay soil needs the sand anyway. He is very cautious about safety. You shouldn't breathe the dust from the sand. It stays in the lungs like asbestos. Besides the silica, the old paint could be lead-based.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicevCVLLg-YaxawXKsl97uMWkUYjll0kuvamTyodN227tlGsXxrPHd4NNzdsnioPr0yWDBMJFhr6vyA5CHtrTEJXVzatdJ33AAIH8XLRaXcn2oXPRe0jtIyfq44tTRkuwj2Un89KoKvV4/s1600/IMG_2370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicevCVLLg-YaxawXKsl97uMWkUYjll0kuvamTyodN227tlGsXxrPHd4NNzdsnioPr0yWDBMJFhr6vyA5CHtrTEJXVzatdJ33AAIH8XLRaXcn2oXPRe0jtIyfq44tTRkuwj2Un89KoKvV4/s320/IMG_2370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhe16ltPwBRYfNPswIn3asVw9GJOjzps9ZDoQAOgZ9kC_avmOCETwCPWQS3L9lu030fAnzQIemgrCrlwWXi8UZVWdtZHh3L566qs4SnC2xPsPqcBE5OQ28ZcbLVq4t1D-e90KksCJXUM/s1600/IMG_2373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhe16ltPwBRYfNPswIn3asVw9GJOjzps9ZDoQAOgZ9kC_avmOCETwCPWQS3L9lu030fAnzQIemgrCrlwWXi8UZVWdtZHh3L566qs4SnC2xPsPqcBE5OQ28ZcbLVq4t1D-e90KksCJXUM/s320/IMG_2373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aBtWkgiqSLOiIm2eG8GbcPQsWDgJEuU5-NILTdYZ2Tjy1Virk7efNXK2PP6yVOOFo0Eq_YA5CTj22j7629jir823dlELOuGjpi0SYHUZef0fRnf41SUVUXZvsih3vAQw73hJ_xBIdTY/s1600/IMG_2376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aBtWkgiqSLOiIm2eG8GbcPQsWDgJEuU5-NILTdYZ2Tjy1Virk7efNXK2PP6yVOOFo0Eq_YA5CTj22j7629jir823dlELOuGjpi0SYHUZef0fRnf41SUVUXZvsih3vAQw73hJ_xBIdTY/s320/IMG_2376.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chris had built this sand blaster several years ago out of an old sand pot, box tube, lawnmower wheels, steel pipe, and a heavy duty air hose.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: center;">(He also sand blasted something for me, but that's another post.)</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWl7Xbp7Ru4ho5Y9By1pR_QAhySDLxsNpm0FgYG4HIDe_6_lxuohQOetLd8BsFULIRLvlR8hi7o64zazIcK773L3HkwezqfeVjbVlezYXPwT7n7rt8-HfZzKe_dCVs9YYhQ4lPTYWXrKk/s1600/IMG_2393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWl7Xbp7Ru4ho5Y9By1pR_QAhySDLxsNpm0FgYG4HIDe_6_lxuohQOetLd8BsFULIRLvlR8hi7o64zazIcK773L3HkwezqfeVjbVlezYXPwT7n7rt8-HfZzKe_dCVs9YYhQ4lPTYWXrKk/s200/IMG_2393.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are some pieces sand blasted and primered.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
[Meanwhile, I sold out of just about everything I had, and I had started with a huge tableful! No more bread, cinnamon rolls, pies, cakes, blackberry jam and strawberry jam! Gone was the 16-hour day of baking! By the time I needed to put things away, there was very little to do. Just a few cookies and a little black walnut fudge. I had my weekly drawing and...(drum roll)...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the winner was Joy Carter!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She's going to pick up her winning prize next Saturday! I've promised her some jam.]</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7XW7V929qtyI2RkALiv9eDwDjNwY9AlKZBtDYVA_dVq8RYJPpsrsjNNog86LC7gsKeUIjMerT0iFT8deoesqUPJqaOryGdjYIhzR5pFev0UPnBzcBoWeXzlExOhcogUeLfSDetojY5A/s200/IMG_2395.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Chris has his parts protected from the elements ...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeCV3vU9JEh3zodn3NybEw639YBhE3putP59vT14R76EXpFeYQ9veP9KFe1sYTBCoaxXHhf-YZ2rBF4WwJI0iXvEbtOOlg5cdWMi9c4xVWIiCd3o2mPMelDbupyhU4qUnZk4RU2kgJ4I/s200/IMG_2394.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and ready to put back together before the final painting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-19254354758292762322012-03-28T21:51:00.002-04:002012-03-29T12:20:28.147-04:00Farm Market Offerings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5Wu6CkD6-qxZONv_knNs7I4OPwdmxU02uQC-3L7DGoasp2ltEH6On5D6MDRZh1bKvPw66MiQqfZR5hn-7AEVZuxy6z8rPpWFMkPM0EdqY_mGBnxP1DR-tLSX2dtiiSPm6uOo2PTVUQI/s1600/IMG_2314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5Wu6CkD6-qxZONv_knNs7I4OPwdmxU02uQC-3L7DGoasp2ltEH6On5D6MDRZh1bKvPw66MiQqfZR5hn-7AEVZuxy6z8rPpWFMkPM0EdqY_mGBnxP1DR-tLSX2dtiiSPm6uOo2PTVUQI/s320/IMG_2314.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">For our farm market this Saturday, I made blackberry jam that is cooling on its rack.</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBOgT-u5EGluXzwEpPxJsgkP44Fa3TC2uSM0fDrPSfBhvLI4HQzGBgySe9EvaokMgMO4atcqQILjuGJE8aQuMwDPX1sndM5qiIMW84jz1Xiuy_Ifn4m9-SY46eVR5d7MqQ_2LNn-50qs/s1600/IMG_2362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBOgT-u5EGluXzwEpPxJsgkP44Fa3TC2uSM0fDrPSfBhvLI4HQzGBgySe9EvaokMgMO4atcqQILjuGJE8aQuMwDPX1sndM5qiIMW84jz1Xiuy_Ifn4m9-SY46eVR5d7MqQ_2LNn-50qs/s320/IMG_2362.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I also made two pans of black walnut fudge. I had to make two, since one pan was a special birthday gift to my husband.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Making black walnut fudge is a labor of love. The nuts are gathered from our walnut trees and stored. Then they have to be cracked and the nutmeats taken out of the hard shells. Since they are very hard to crack, Chris surprised me last Christmas with a nutcracker of his own design. (Yes, he is hoping to get yours finished soon, Granny Sue and dr momi!!! He hardly sleeps at all right now since he is into so many things!) </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5WKhofY6SypZRCRmTYIq0PZmT_XhnUwMlbGVbpdWR23OO1yyo4SDNBKqEBaZ1-7Xj9apwLI9k0xqPhQDlsGWRY62GcHIL50UD3gVWp3i9HmfBG3u_29cuHM8C4zNXI_A0ulk8K40dP0/s320/IMG_2312.JPG" /> Even with the handy dandy nut cracker, it takes me a full hour to crack and shell out that many nuts! But black walnut fudge is a delicious and rare delicacy and the effort is so worth it!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At the farm market, we have farm fresh brown eggs from the Speckled Sussex hens and duck eggs from the Pekins. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Each week I replenish the table with freshly baked breads, cookies, cakes, pies and cinnamon rolls. Wednesday is an easy day. Thursday and Friday are two long days of preparation. I try to provide at least a couple of baked items for the gluten free diet. I'll offer a few surprises. Again, it's worth the work. I love that people come to the farm and enjoy my food! I'm having such a good time with this, and every Saturday has been like a party! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before long, we'll be able to offer a wide range of vegetable plants and produce at a price that will make it easier on local household budgets and closer to home. We've started a couple of kinds of heirloom tomatoes that promise to have a delicious, old-fashioned tomato flavor. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our farm market is an exciting new adventure and we appreciate that so many people are enjoying following us, shopping and sharing ideas. Thanks!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-69316815732592074552012-03-28T15:04:00.000-04:002012-03-28T15:16:13.604-04:00New Leaves on the Asparagus? Really?Chris doesn't like asparagus much. He helped me prepare the soil several years ago, and he even helped plant it, but as far as harvesting, cooking or eating asparagus, uh, not so much. So when he <i>said</i> he saw new asparagus leaves coming up recently, I said, "Really?"<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYz_Kxhp2fP9mMBsa4DRRB-FOlAOVrNnFHdA1JnKTOBbNGSPsfq3LiHTvUj2Jb3xYz8H-xcyzUa-t7dTgSGf-9aeOF6fw21pDT6qTd6v9HhrQrE-DbW3CdeuzWOegPLmPQLJKPX3MnBHc/s1600/IMG_2354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYz_Kxhp2fP9mMBsa4DRRB-FOlAOVrNnFHdA1JnKTOBbNGSPsfq3LiHTvUj2Jb3xYz8H-xcyzUa-t7dTgSGf-9aeOF6fw21pDT6qTd6v9HhrQrE-DbW3CdeuzWOegPLmPQLJKPX3MnBHc/s320/IMG_2354.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">spearmint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwBPv_7B9kfEky2oF0cEeJZGdQ1dHNdXunIhi3FCPWRaOIdR6jimjsXuQRHlUM6Wq2j6WRa_a6-KUPvSBBdNxDHEHgrH2WseZrVtqtbFG5hhOewx6cmG-wPHLb3Q8JONUEM1CUAc9t0k/s1600/IMG_2324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwBPv_7B9kfEky2oF0cEeJZGdQ1dHNdXunIhi3FCPWRaOIdR6jimjsXuQRHlUM6Wq2j6WRa_a6-KUPvSBBdNxDHEHgrH2WseZrVtqtbFG5hhOewx6cmG-wPHLb3Q8JONUEM1CUAc9t0k/s320/IMG_2324.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Top to bottom: buckeye tree, wild violet, potted strawberries.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Maybe what he saw was mint.<br />
<br />
Or maybe he was talking about the new buckeye trees that had sprouted under the old buckeye tree. Hey! We ARE in Ohio!<br />
<br />
Maybe he was talking about violets.<br />
<br />
Maybe what he was talking about was the strawberry patch. It had cycled out, and I managed to save four little plants. We have 250 new plants to get into the ground SOON.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpDKvxkNN_lK3p3cBuuNCcjFDw8s9nTdBtGh8CUr67NFLJ5GRHv9misEUQorZaO18Gpr_YPpt__iq424EyxyJ_smkFBNxQGlqANr3Mzuk1RhR15wk-NjmN3mF-F23Yd-gHjFcG89le90/s1600/IMG_2328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpDKvxkNN_lK3p3cBuuNCcjFDw8s9nTdBtGh8CUr67NFLJ5GRHv9misEUQorZaO18Gpr_YPpt__iq424EyxyJ_smkFBNxQGlqANr3Mzuk1RhR15wk-NjmN3mF-F23Yd-gHjFcG89le90/s320/IMG_2328.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But I'm pretty sure what he thought was asparagus was something else entirely. It's not that they don't have leaves. They actually produce beautiful lacy fronds, but that's later on when the little shoots have matured and begin to form their seeds.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8RCLnltiSxbpTvKcfKgpvaJd8dX-jy-gMYLIKFyByjAnCKzsVqnkQy9rmxM_LXz-Uj_T6ygvbvHScXhG-g8VeV-lqZVlIGYmJ2J8FqLHwPcwIGQNRPvYgOBs6gZe5H_jwKyTmzgTneg/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD8RCLnltiSxbpTvKcfKgpvaJd8dX-jy-gMYLIKFyByjAnCKzsVqnkQy9rmxM_LXz-Uj_T6ygvbvHScXhG-g8VeV-lqZVlIGYmJ2J8FqLHwPcwIGQNRPvYgOBs6gZe5H_jwKyTmzgTneg/s320/IMG_2349.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our patch had the remains of OLD leaves. In the "before" shot, you see the dead silvery fronds, remnants from last year's asparagus patch. I had broken my leg and just let the patch go after we had eaten or shared most of the asparagus. So today, feeling guilty for leaving the mess and now all healed up from breaking my leg, I pulled out the old fronds, four wheelbarrow loads of old fronds! I left the grass as you can tell from the "after" shot. It's good cover against frost and I want my asparagus to be "<i>un</i>certified organic". Before long, there will be lots of new shoots, but no leaves except the young plants that I won't pick because their root system is in its first year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tqdpD-DQelOd3jOf5Kyr5JfMyF6Da0yqtba-AMJKfVZuRNIM2C7BOBzWU5RhnGpFSx1_Q-Mzbk5r4llkmg2HFoGNPj8vbcj3BvAl5Y10z_cI4rI5LoQetQiAfspGXxfRV7HgUZRuWzg/s1600/IMG_2330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tqdpD-DQelOd3jOf5Kyr5JfMyF6Da0yqtba-AMJKfVZuRNIM2C7BOBzWU5RhnGpFSx1_Q-Mzbk5r4llkmg2HFoGNPj8vbcj3BvAl5Y10z_cI4rI5LoQetQiAfspGXxfRV7HgUZRuWzg/s400/IMG_2330.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Look closely at the photo above, left of center. The little 2" asparagus shoot sticks up its head toward the sun. I found it and a few others today while I cleaned out the asparagus patch, curious about asparagus "leaves". (</span>No leaves. Not yet anyway.)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">So I'll just sit here and sip on my sweet tea for a moment <br />while I contemplate what that man of mine might have seen. I'll just be happy in the knowledge that, whatever he saw, it's another little reminder that spring has fully sprung! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPCP-x_cMIdVY_FQd_hYOFd4S7G1p0CSmOYDUMWDmo9KImuKQHg5vqS5NzO6ierkn6RuLPGUHk5YhZAMS7_TvKqNUsITFH4zQv8WLBtXWzMktvZf6MzNIlh5dUeXptH1HIGeyu0tfA1I/s1600/IMG_2357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPCP-x_cMIdVY_FQd_hYOFd4S7G1p0CSmOYDUMWDmo9KImuKQHg5vqS5NzO6ierkn6RuLPGUHk5YhZAMS7_TvKqNUsITFH4zQv8WLBtXWzMktvZf6MzNIlh5dUeXptH1HIGeyu0tfA1I/s320/IMG_2357.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sweet tea with fresh mint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-43833969081695712832012-03-25T02:57:00.000-04:002012-03-25T17:02:17.993-04:00Prepare the Soil, Then Plant the Seed<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Chris says it's my farm market. </span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I say it's his.</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The fact is, we're both sharing the labor</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">as we begin this journey,</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">not knowing exactly where it will end but fully aware that</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the journey itself is the destination.</span></i></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8jwLmWusWCsMM2t_0F6_mvwBFBXtlZbWSYBdjsBJTSFNZ62OSMgob-r2YOINoq-tBPKnMwVMVEppvWmQe54iPmmfmYAV0ynD1AQ07QsTLCbJUsld8uSyChpP9UA8tMlKLDy8J0Y9iXM/s1600/IMG_2290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8jwLmWusWCsMM2t_0F6_mvwBFBXtlZbWSYBdjsBJTSFNZ62OSMgob-r2YOINoq-tBPKnMwVMVEppvWmQe54iPmmfmYAV0ynD1AQ07QsTLCbJUsld8uSyChpP9UA8tMlKLDy8J0Y9iXM/s320/IMG_2290.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chris takes a moment on the step of our vintage Airstream to catch his breath after working on the grounds while I've been tending our farm market. The camper serves as a comfortable base for our work.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The chickens and ducks do a great job of providing the eggs for Old Homestead Farm Market. While I've concentrated on the jellies, jams, breads, cakes, cookies, candies and pies, Chris has done all the work of preparing the grounds, parking area, making signs and getting the gardens ready for planting--after his day's work.<br />
Then, after dark, he retreats to our loft and tends his little plants. He has turned our loft and deck into a sort of greenhouse nursery, but he's having much better luck with his seedlings than I ever had. At this point, where he had hoped to raise 5 or 6 dozen little white cabbage seedlings, he has around 500! And he has about the same number of red cabbage.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OCXPmeXDVxdoOgdDGaVw6VL48KSnTZkrVP0SE7TeHdWyCcsqtZ0749j-mBE7uQjOiH3Gh6uoMf21NJOWB-49PscBi9OSRT2xcKhNzuhR3eEs0JXylalcmsnUsQpQXlcE9Yf-22n3rEU/s1600/IMG_2297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OCXPmeXDVxdoOgdDGaVw6VL48KSnTZkrVP0SE7TeHdWyCcsqtZ0749j-mBE7uQjOiH3Gh6uoMf21NJOWB-49PscBi9OSRT2xcKhNzuhR3eEs0JXylalcmsnUsQpQXlcE9Yf-22n3rEU/s320/IMG_2297.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>These (broccoli?) plants are crowded and need more room for root development.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Who knew he had such a green thumb?!</span></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCK5bBGX1a4XX2XkAkxHi_lpcoReTmX7V2cqd1OzT-xvLw0Fgy7DfQwsBahGyh_CmPZq-W81ve5z0RTr71sGXkl7L-9L6rqZIy6Ha2lhqnLeH4BCYUwyrs4zbyVARyj7S9rGvwfQEn-4/s1600/IMG_2304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiCK5bBGX1a4XX2XkAkxHi_lpcoReTmX7V2cqd1OzT-xvLw0Fgy7DfQwsBahGyh_CmPZq-W81ve5z0RTr71sGXkl7L-9L6rqZIy6Ha2lhqnLeH4BCYUwyrs4zbyVARyj7S9rGvwfQEn-4/s320/IMG_2304.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Chris is explaining how he needs more room in the loft area of our home because his germination rate far exceeded his expectation. </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqz98j5GDiR3YdhjMb82sdbslNWx6mowpUmggX8jWVskbY9ZfZk9DfcahIiwe4tHdem1JKir9L-wIn7Lv5TMejlPPptvs5NVJM4OKVnRGa7McwpIxsteM6S9vlrptPQW9x5w4oa4M6M8/s1600/IMG_2300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqz98j5GDiR3YdhjMb82sdbslNWx6mowpUmggX8jWVskbY9ZfZk9DfcahIiwe4tHdem1JKir9L-wIn7Lv5TMejlPPptvs5NVJM4OKVnRGa7McwpIxsteM6S9vlrptPQW9x5w4oa4M6M8/s320/IMG_2300.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Luckily, Chris just happens to have some old bolt trays that were no longer being used so he's been transplanting.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrg3IkPVYEef-JzNFfZseiEAaoCCWI0r17u-aO95ORDGg_qEmWMEBOE1kVO57X2QzkUFw5IVs2bWIFNLCN0wASYDUQU_orDKlEWdSrdfid3vR85eoBpamc5TRJDrYRMVzBX832b3tVUsY/s1600/IMG_2302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrg3IkPVYEef-JzNFfZseiEAaoCCWI0r17u-aO95ORDGg_qEmWMEBOE1kVO57X2QzkUFw5IVs2bWIFNLCN0wASYDUQU_orDKlEWdSrdfid3vR85eoBpamc5TRJDrYRMVzBX832b3tVUsY/s320/IMG_2302.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>These shelves should help!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As usual, Chris recycles salvaged materials: old egg cartons that people have traded in but are not our brand, his brother's used garage shelving, and bolt trays that had been thrown in the dumpster when a specialty fastening shop moved. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I write, it's 2:30 a.m. and he's planting little pepper seeds. Our hope is to provide not only baked goods but also fresh produce and plants at our farm market. We want to offer a variety of seedlings to encourage others to grow their own vegetables, whether it's in a patio planter of tomatoes, a community garden or a family garden spot. Fresh, homegrown vegetables just taste better!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-394368082709880152012-03-24T01:54:00.001-04:002012-03-24T01:55:16.296-04:00Market Ready!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pOKgNAIBTq_glXeerR_SkpVgmghCKpQVr_CnOiFeYRy-UFq8X3YVal3rWhfJvB3ju3mePRYudhNzuWWq4KcSBV0nebDegDqDOe8jFFvT6uhGjm33lgFqjv1NTTz20uthVTxYbfCmf0k/s1600/IMG_2268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #cc0000; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pOKgNAIBTq_glXeerR_SkpVgmghCKpQVr_CnOiFeYRy-UFq8X3YVal3rWhfJvB3ju3mePRYudhNzuWWq4KcSBV0nebDegDqDOe8jFFvT6uhGjm33lgFqjv1NTTz20uthVTxYbfCmf0k/s320/IMG_2268.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the mini angel food cakes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXiZLtCe8p0pOn5zwQ6RqY0trAtKjCxXXZ6WHuZxTm_5qTvr10gisjTp8mFFakgC1ny-85coKw-c2DI1rN5sdqTVNo1zZ8JsHhoDP2FbFRuM3TJZVwvxbClaa23_ACiFLrYtaOm7Lroo/s1600/IMG_2264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #3d85c6;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXiZLtCe8p0pOn5zwQ6RqY0trAtKjCxXXZ6WHuZxTm_5qTvr10gisjTp8mFFakgC1ny-85coKw-c2DI1rN5sdqTVNo1zZ8JsHhoDP2FbFRuM3TJZVwvxbClaa23_ACiFLrYtaOm7Lroo/s200/IMG_2264.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWqnKKnws1m4rZMGBxPnOic0lKwN8E34ZJXMjVT4-vVZJGeYCCSIEFY3nfdNMoJyuJXuse68AZFbtHPuzcaD6pqHSkUg-xATvF6iqcS-eo3iMlAAzHYk-0MZ_Od4VpFvE9rJP4HRY_e4/s1600/IMG_2271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #3d85c6; color: #3d85c6;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWqnKKnws1m4rZMGBxPnOic0lKwN8E34ZJXMjVT4-vVZJGeYCCSIEFY3nfdNMoJyuJXuse68AZFbtHPuzcaD6pqHSkUg-xATvF6iqcS-eo3iMlAAzHYk-0MZ_Od4VpFvE9rJP4HRY_e4/s200/IMG_2271.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
Getting ready for this week's Old Homestead Farm Market takes a little bit of this, and a little of that, and <i>VOILA!</i> Magic in the kitchen. No, it's not that simple. I make some weird mistakes sometimes. I should collect my bloopers for a video display!<br />
<br />
Besides the angel food cakes, apple pies, cinnamon rolls, chocolate walnut fudge you see here, I also cooked up an assortment of breads, jellies, and cookies! You'd think I'm really into sweets, but not so much. I do love the magic of the ingredients though!<br />
<br />
Meanwhile back at the ranch, Chris spent a full day of planting potatoes. Onions and garlic are already planted, and the cabbages, broccoli, and cauliflower plants are just about ready to go into the ground. The tomato plants are still tiny but strong. Before long, we'll have well-chosen garden plants including some great heirlooms to offer at a savings for the locals. Within a month, we'll have some produce to add to the market.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1Ft2w0sRmqgxYzmsDUPv0ZZJeLNSCFd4qmOB30okqaQR4Uxo2cvn8kYB5E0-LxcLaskLrByMVvy-uwaWQvWbMJ2xhAjVyBaCqqdY0_QObpHqSek20Ig3oComiyphlYd_fkzDPhwY30w/s1600/IMG_2276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: #3d85c6; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1Ft2w0sRmqgxYzmsDUPv0ZZJeLNSCFd4qmOB30okqaQR4Uxo2cvn8kYB5E0-LxcLaskLrByMVvy-uwaWQvWbMJ2xhAjVyBaCqqdY0_QObpHqSek20Ig3oComiyphlYd_fkzDPhwY30w/s320/IMG_2276.JPG" width="320" /></a>We're certainly working up an appetite!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaG50AvIg00rvFznL0PQcPsL29fy2Vw91hCZuSDNslfaVBdMS49r8oPFnlWEhVvWvT1m4k00SJxWaxKuidqPxY_BeddXBrJPoRBGBQFQkYSXeEXT6xd1ahlxSsiMoAOtCPrRvaKtT1Pk/s1600/IMG_2275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #cc0000; color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaG50AvIg00rvFznL0PQcPsL29fy2Vw91hCZuSDNslfaVBdMS49r8oPFnlWEhVvWvT1m4k00SJxWaxKuidqPxY_BeddXBrJPoRBGBQFQkYSXeEXT6xd1ahlxSsiMoAOtCPrRvaKtT1Pk/s320/IMG_2275.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
And isn't there always room for movie theater popcorn? There's magic in that, too! I love watching it pop, and all this smells SO DELICIOUS!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Old Homestead Farm Market</i></b></span><br />
<b><i style="font-size: x-large;"> </i>Saturdays 12 to 6</b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
2189 Blain Highway<br />
Waverly OH 45690<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-82335657069396234582012-03-21T11:18:00.003-04:002012-03-21T11:26:50.889-04:00Spring Flowers are Bursting Open!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiShGXM4tgbtdNH4gZZu3MnMs1uNVfQvbwEqF_OBbGorC5mszwh7GcmZifIhUwZV8-kIRSHnDs-y9VcO7uhgjhI41SEWLikjBBfXvwS9N6I-61fdVFibbR9Z8TFSSGq3cCs9AzKe7Tkfk/s1600/IMG_2252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiShGXM4tgbtdNH4gZZu3MnMs1uNVfQvbwEqF_OBbGorC5mszwh7GcmZifIhUwZV8-kIRSHnDs-y9VcO7uhgjhI41SEWLikjBBfXvwS9N6I-61fdVFibbR9Z8TFSSGq3cCs9AzKe7Tkfk/s640/IMG_2252.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxhAEI-K88UxLHvrJ02g7H-n6ccq34o9spD-DsupnmkPXtIazyma95Lnb4-e1aG9VwuKTyJHSbngfz4YcrimvrkiEnGdCkmRAHzsKMbs__JooYc-79r7NVxsdv8-dtB2C08DM9xlFUpA/s1600/IMG_2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxhAEI-K88UxLHvrJ02g7H-n6ccq34o9spD-DsupnmkPXtIazyma95Lnb4-e1aG9VwuKTyJHSbngfz4YcrimvrkiEnGdCkmRAHzsKMbs__JooYc-79r7NVxsdv8-dtB2C08DM9xlFUpA/s320/IMG_2251.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E8mQmphVjqDJfovOWA0ZqFtI-7Z1pkCvZ0Cx4WNDuINwWM8syTXbr5sptLFeeegKKV0x5R2ZkBP7MN_B6Tp2w3qsWyczeazDQUnMT-MyKkECYWOjfpREGjTT4S7Zrn5sFBcUlTXaDuQ/s1600/IMG_2253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1E8mQmphVjqDJfovOWA0ZqFtI-7Z1pkCvZ0Cx4WNDuINwWM8syTXbr5sptLFeeegKKV0x5R2ZkBP7MN_B6Tp2w3qsWyczeazDQUnMT-MyKkECYWOjfpREGjTT4S7Zrn5sFBcUlTXaDuQ/s320/IMG_2253.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDfU-4cnpMNizWcTL67LPjylS_HUQwyttxQqZ749pRmUO0r_OsG4y2a8r0hZmfRMcC_ug8jb-TPnjH0L1FHVe8yJy1xTjLHyOzrzTTcKK2IUn53qGCH91W2RZUsemolz_QJZPBUsz5WA/s1600/IMG_2255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDfU-4cnpMNizWcTL67LPjylS_HUQwyttxQqZ749pRmUO0r_OsG4y2a8r0hZmfRMcC_ug8jb-TPnjH0L1FHVe8yJy1xTjLHyOzrzTTcKK2IUn53qGCH91W2RZUsemolz_QJZPBUsz5WA/s320/IMG_2255.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i> I woke up to no running water. That's OK. I had some free time, put on my running shoes, grabbed the camera and caught spring happening! </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJC4jvq8fgvn7c999xS8N80pwT2lpi-yLOVFqtoAYoSj4Dn3soYngoU5AOYDejc0hK1yUdPWzcx2SdGp8lYSV0XbZ6KfE3kQdNfl8gxvjM0i4qFP-cJ_lTjbFZume2W3UBRDZr29_j6jA/s1600/IMG_2257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJC4jvq8fgvn7c999xS8N80pwT2lpi-yLOVFqtoAYoSj4Dn3soYngoU5AOYDejc0hK1yUdPWzcx2SdGp8lYSV0XbZ6KfE3kQdNfl8gxvjM0i4qFP-cJ_lTjbFZume2W3UBRDZr29_j6jA/s320/IMG_2257.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJ1PHFR0IZ3T4UGKhUVi_4T_6T41aw9EfDa7gO3pmMnyMc1KVRMohO6EG0qFGOI8Qu2W2jkS_qpmrYNKYD0sojwiCcvir4DaPhJ1grCm2-WKwUDa2l-2X5w3flS_od-fqye2vdHjXSig/s1600/IMG_2256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJ1PHFR0IZ3T4UGKhUVi_4T_6T41aw9EfDa7gO3pmMnyMc1KVRMohO6EG0qFGOI8Qu2W2jkS_qpmrYNKYD0sojwiCcvir4DaPhJ1grCm2-WKwUDa2l-2X5w3flS_od-fqye2vdHjXSig/s640/IMG_2256.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929770677111195862.post-9330869645025276292012-03-18T16:33:00.000-04:002012-03-18T16:33:55.477-04:00Signs of Spring: The Market Sign, Playing in the Grass, and New Plants<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyQJfdpJGZG2ukrXap6lZfMVD-bSdZx5CSadFKJly5XC6-MsxaEOJjhmd-xVjsNFb3Bh8WNYt7HKIZibDoTskPCfGZKV-9yqykeYTqljLxhDP185Ajp1I9qty-MgzXgPUrMSfBvAusdg/s1600/IMG_2219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyQJfdpJGZG2ukrXap6lZfMVD-bSdZx5CSadFKJly5XC6-MsxaEOJjhmd-xVjsNFb3Bh8WNYt7HKIZibDoTskPCfGZKV-9yqykeYTqljLxhDP185Ajp1I9qty-MgzXgPUrMSfBvAusdg/s320/IMG_2219.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's our sign on the basement floor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oDh8zxCSZExv51nAQxSEmkBnTZ1YsGDVoYXR_G21XflgcTg1EDdcmt_JsrvKw7cfiRXDmptED4LO56F5r5K6az1A2wcc03813YPdj6Swi-92xm9mBS-Vyj1GTUT1yokranORr3P38ho/s1600/IMG_2225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2oDh8zxCSZExv51nAQxSEmkBnTZ1YsGDVoYXR_G21XflgcTg1EDdcmt_JsrvKw7cfiRXDmptED4LO56F5r5K6az1A2wcc03813YPdj6Swi-92xm9mBS-Vyj1GTUT1yokranORr3P38ho/s320/IMG_2225.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same sign being hoisted up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Notice anything unusual? Notice how the letters just disappear in the light of day? When you drive by, it's like a blank slate. So, the sign has to come back down and we'll make some adjustments. As you can imagine, that won't be easy. Chris will climb back up to the bucket on the backhoe, attach a pulley, and hope the dag-gone thing doesn't slip.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtGDwTZLA0mTUJl74FetWeDjkGZ5C_hMNhyphenhyphenVnvQ0r11PAP2ZlCSjf16ZJy7UY_-QQJYOGRTY_vqcjOdnqycMw0N2M8mh2DRVbu8sfip-Yf3d3-1kdJldWxpaHYLI7l_pr1wEux-Ofz1c/s1600/IMG_2238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtGDwTZLA0mTUJl74FetWeDjkGZ5C_hMNhyphenhyphenVnvQ0r11PAP2ZlCSjf16ZJy7UY_-QQJYOGRTY_vqcjOdnqycMw0N2M8mh2DRVbu8sfip-Yf3d3-1kdJldWxpaHYLI7l_pr1wEux-Ofz1c/s320/IMG_2238.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
At least the sign was up for the third day of our farm market. The little slat below it says "FRESH BREAD" but, as you can see, that also did a disappearing act. Much like the freshly baked bread on the table did!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbT_M_ndXOqr_DowBqnhyphenhyphenGRCvI7SnXiiCq4ypn7wOs2VdgdPxE47X4JqeX0OjXmjr7ixq1a2qWczC4JZx45kSX5uP59Qswl0gstQyH7ECGVGr7tA-sx3OFqZZDfPZMnPeySwUBPh6lX4/s1600/IMG_2198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbT_M_ndXOqr_DowBqnhyphenhyphenGRCvI7SnXiiCq4ypn7wOs2VdgdPxE47X4JqeX0OjXmjr7ixq1a2qWczC4JZx45kSX5uP59Qswl0gstQyH7ECGVGr7tA-sx3OFqZZDfPZMnPeySwUBPh6lX4/s320/IMG_2198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The biggest hits at the most recent farm market were angel food cake, blueberry pies, and green popcorn balls for St. Patrick's day! And the freedom and fresh air. The kids loved romping around and touring the farm.<br />
<br />
Starting our farm market is a family adventure. In the end, I guess it's all about the kids. As a parent, you pass on a love of food, family, and friends, and show the lasting value in keeping the old friends while making new friends along the way. It is hard but honest work. Eventually they'll understand that our meaningful connections with the land and with people define us all, and they'll cherish each unique piece of the whole puzzle.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANKeKC8oLlHJpdtRYGvQSe929JgNP3VAiR58R-LNrHGzmX0VvfqrIc2CdJieTwhuZJVpxaNqRx0qv2ukXRRK2ghpde7dkJlf_1PIrwCNX5hwjYoKJ34GzMg876D18kobPcRle_M3MQW4/s1600/IMG_2241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANKeKC8oLlHJpdtRYGvQSe929JgNP3VAiR58R-LNrHGzmX0VvfqrIc2CdJieTwhuZJVpxaNqRx0qv2ukXRRK2ghpde7dkJlf_1PIrwCNX5hwjYoKJ34GzMg876D18kobPcRle_M3MQW4/s320/IMG_2241.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris recycles egg cartons to turn the deck into a nursery for garden plants. Before long we'll have plants and fresh produce for the farm market. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
I think one slat on our farm market sign should say:</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Life is an adventure. Live (and eat) well.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Farming. It's not a spectator sport.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What do you think?</span></b></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11895935811605466092noreply@blogger.com2