Friday, July 20, 2012

AND THE HEAT GOES ON!!!

The Farmer's son found this watermelon in the patch, weighing in at a whopping 28 lbs.! The summer is taking it's toll. Although we have had some rain and cooler than normal temperatures, 90 plus degrees is a bit much for tender plants. It is time to plant pumpkins and some of the fall crops. As the heat, and the hordes of grasshoppers have given us a challenge, we are looking forward to the fall, when everything will have a new start. The CSA program is on sabatical until the fall, as we were not prepared for the disease and insect problem, due to the warmer than average Winter/Spring. It can certainly be said that not one iota of farming is routine. A sinister culpret has been preying on our baby goats. Three nights in a row, during the dead of night, a baby has been taken from the paddock, no sign of struggle, no drag or dig marks under the tall fence, just a distraught momma goat, pacing the fenceline looking for her little one. We have heard rumors of mountain lions, bobcats, mexican cougars in the lake bottom, now we are inclined to believe they exhist. Something scaled our fence, snatched a young kid, and jumped back over, without a trace. We have brought the wee ones up to the barn at night, for their protection and have set up a game camera in an effort to solve the mystery. Speaking of mysteries, the solution came to light, after the fiasco of trying to put the new chickens up at night in their new to them chicken house. I would catch a couple, put them on the roost, go catch another couple, and when I came back the first two had flown the coop! After about thirty minutes of chasing chickens, the light bulb over my head flashed on. There must be something in the house that is unsettling the chicks. Got my flashlight, scoured the inside, a 6 foot snake reared its ugly head, as it slithered along the roost. It was up to me to save the day, as the Farmer was on duty. After a little tangle with the snake, problem solved. I still get the willies thinking how frightened the chicks were every time I forced them in there. Due to the intense heat, we are suspending the outside, serve yourself produce. Scorched peaches, and tomatoes are not very appetizing. MARKET HOURS: Saturday from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Special appointments can be made throughout the week for dairy pickup. From our farmstead to your table, thank you for all of your support!!!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

SIMMERING THROUGH SUMMER !!!

Working outside in 90 degree heat every day has an added bonus. Being a little on the mizerly side when it comes to paying utility bills, I have convinced the Farmer and Son that 79 degrees in the house, is really quite " Chilly". So far there has not been much argument, as they both know that if they squawked about it, it wouldn't do much good. If the temperature throughout the days stays near the triple digits, all will be well. The only glitch is when the Farmer dons his uniform on and spends his Fireman time in a 65 degree Fire Station. He comes home to unthaw! We are winding down for summer, harvesting the summer crops. Watermelons, cantaloupe, eggplant, squash, tomatoes, peppers, etc. are still in abundance. The grasshoppers have swooped in and hopefully there will be enough to satisfy their voracious appetites and leave some for us. It is about time to plant pumpkins. The fall tomatoes will be started this week, as well as preparing the soil for the fall/winter crops. The market has been busy on Saturdays, as nothing says summer like fresh picked produce and home canned preserves. As some may have noticed, the baked goods have been a little light. Baking all day in a hot oven would certainly debunk my ruse of a chilly house. Muffins and cookies will just have to wait. MARKET HOURS: Saturday from 10:00 AM unil 4:00 PM,  call ahead throughout the week for a special appointment for dairy pickup. From our farmstead to your table, thank you for all of your support!!!