Saturday, September 24, 2011

BURIED TREASURE!!!!

Breathing a sigh of relief here, that the satellite did not fall on our heads last night, as it would have really put a kink in our day! As Autumn arrives, and the weather cools, there is a bustle of activity on the farm.We are busily harvesting the first of the fall crops and anticipating preparations for winter and early spring. It is time for the strawberry plants to arrive from Canada. Preparations need to be made for the large asparagus and garlic beds to be planted.  Romeo the Buck is patiently awaiting his reintroduction to the girls after a long respite of rest and relaxation. The next 30 days will be a flurry of lovin', lovin' and more lovin'. The Farmer claims this is the only time he wishes he were a goat! Silly Man.... Despite the dry spell we are having, we have been able to plant green beans, snap peas, carrots, beets, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, spinach, chard, tomatoes and peppers. Hopefully by the middle of  October, we will be able to start the fall CSA. The melons have risen from the grave! There is a whole new crop of some of the sweetest watermelons to pass a pair of lips. The pumpkin patch is about 3 feet tall and completely covered over in folage. Haven't a clue as to the outcome of the pumpkin harvest, as we can only see a hint of what is underneath the leaves. It does look promising. The summer fruit harvest in the freezers seems to have multiplied, as told by the endless jars of jams and jellies that are passing through the canner. It is nearly caramel apple time, and the holidays are just around the corner. The goat milk supply is steady, the cows will freshen the first of October,  the meat and honey is still available, and as the early mornings are cool, the baked goods will start to appear in the market.Some hot young chicks have arrived at the farm, giving the roosters a reason to strut their stuff. Some of the old hens are none to pleased.They don't want them, but don't want any other fluff to have them either!  The Fall Family Picnic is still scheduled for Nov. 5, we have taken about half of the reservations we will be able to take. There is still some time, but when we reach our limit, NO MAS!! More information will follow as the date draws near. The market hours are Friday and Saturday from noon until 4:00 pm. Call for special appointment for dairy pickup through the week. From our farmstead to your table, thank you for all of your support!!!

Monday, September 12, 2011

IT'S PILES OF DIRT!!! SOON TO BE PILES OF POTATOES!!!

WE HOPE!!! Take some shriveled, past their prime, leftover from the spring crop, bitty potatoes, dig a hole in the dirt, drop them in, water and wait! I am in gambling mode, again, we will see if my risky move pays off! If little green shoots pop through the ground, we are winners! It is a flurry of activities at the farm.  Breeding season is looming near, we have three cows freshening before the end of the year (Yippee! plenty of cow milk for the cow milk diehards) Time for preparing the beds for the strawberries to be planted in October. The first of the fall crops are planted.  If all goes well, we will be able to do the CSA for several weeks starting in October. The sweet potatoes are ready to harvest, and the pumpkins are making progress. The Farmer and I and all of the critters are enjoying the cooler weather, despite the lack of rain. The water wheel runs round the clock in an effort to add some green to the pastures to keep the cows and the goats content. The old adage "The grass is greener on the other side of the fence" does hold true, us, being the other side of the fence for a change. Time to cull the laying hens, as we have about 60 and only a few of them are laying. There are quite a few that are about the age of Methusala's grandmother. A friend donated two roosters to the farm. As all of our hens are old widows, due to demise of our prize rooster last Spring, they have become set in their ways. The new boys are not having much luck in their arduous courting efforts.......... they are doing good to scramble to get something to eat, let alone a little lovin'. The Market Hours: Friday and Saturday from noon until 4:00PM. Special appointments can be made for dairy pick up through the week. Reservations are coming in for the fall family picnic on November 5. More information will follow as the date is closer. From our farmstead to your table, thank you for all of your support!!!

Friday, September 9, 2011

CHANGE IN THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

In my zeal for planning our First Annual Family Farm Picnic, I neglected to consult a most trusted friend. I have sought advice on when to plant, where to plant, what to plant, will there be rain, will there be snow, what will grow. I have lived my farm life according to the dictates of the  Farmers Almanac. Pish Posh you say!! Well more often than not it is right on the mark, or pretty darn close to it. The date of October 15 has an ominous forecast. Unless you are a family of ducks, it would  probably be a miserable day spent under severe thundershowers and cold winds. First rattle out of the box, we are changing the date to Saturday November 5, from noon until 3:00PM. The forcast for that day is dry and mild. We will plan accordingly. All of those who have already called for reservations, will be given a spot on the new date. If you are unable to attend, just let us know. All else will remain the same. Now if, by chance, we wake up that Saturday morning with grey skies, drizzle, or.....snow flurries, I will gracefully acknowledge that there is always a margin of error, and we will again reschedule. Updates and more information will follow, hopefully with only a minor change here or there. From our farmstead to your table, thank you for all of your support!!!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

A VERY IMPATIENT PUMPKIN !!!

Just couldn't wait until October, tis way to far away. This little guy wants to make himself known  RIGHT NOW!!! Hopefully he will have lots of brothers and sisters!!!                             

Thursday, September 1, 2011

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

We are finally making plans for our Fall Family Picnic here at the farm. The date will be Saturday, October 15, starting at 12:00 noon. We will continue the festivities until 3:00 P.M. There will be a charge of $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children,( babes in arms are free) which will include a picnic lunch, of a BBQ sand or Hot Dogs, Veggies, chips, lemonade, brownies, going hand in hand with bang up entertainment, a wagon ride, farm tour and more! As our space is limited we will plan for a certain amount of  guests. We will take reservations before the date. Families can pay upon arrival that day. We are asking all to bring an old blanket or spread to lay on the grass, on which to eat your lunch and listen to The Full Quiver Bluegrass Band. Call or e-mail us to reserve a spot for your family. Let us know your last name and the number that will be included in your group. We will contact you with a confirmation of your reservation. If all goes well, the pumpkins will be ready. Fall treats will be available for purchase in the market.... popcorn balls, caramel apples, pumpkin cookies etc. More detailed information will follow! We are so excited!!! From our farmstead to your table, thank you for all of your support!!!