We set up for our first farmers' market of Spring with the Waverly Farmers' Market on May 1st.
Unlike many first markets, the weather was beautiful. Mostly clear with bright sunshine. A bit more of a cool wind than was entirely comfortable for the vendors who had to stand in it for 4 hours, but hard to complain when you know what it COULD have been like.
The interesting difference for us this year is that the Waverly Farmers' Market was hosted by the Health Fair at the W this year. We set up outside the northeast doors and had the option of moving inside if the weather turned ugly. What a nice situation to have!
On the whole, we felt this was an excellent opportunity to remind members of the community that we do, indeed, have a farmers' market in town. And, yes, we like it when customers visit us!
The vendors were prepared for this market and had a very diverse set of wares available. The traffic at our tables was good and we all felt that the event was a success.
If you have not become a regular at the Waverly Farmers' Market, we encourage you to consider becoming one. The vendor pool is growing and the existing vendors are getting better at having good product available throughout the season. But, this increase in available product can only continue if the demand also continues to grow. There is nothing more demoralizing than working hard to raise quality foods and having a poor market for that product.
Keep coming - make suggestions - talk to the vendors about what you might like to see. There is energy to continue improving our market - keep fueling it with your enthusiasm for fresh, local products.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Dance of the Seedling Trays
During the months of April and May, we have a very large number of plants that are in trays or pots. And, as plants grow, they get moved around to harden the plants off and prepare them for their lives in the good earth.
Add to this the fact that we are working harder this season to implement better succession planting plans and you have...
the Dance of the Seedling Trays!
There are 10 newly planted trays for lettuce. Currently, they are in the middle of the lawn. They can't stay there - so they have to move. The oldest brassica trays number about 10 and they need to go in the ground during the next couple of days. At present, these reside in carts. The onion starts are in the cold frames, but they also need to go into the ground, so they must be removed from the cold frames. the tomato seedlings need to be transplanted into pots and then put into the coldframes. the peppers and eggplants are very small and will stay under lights with heat mats for a while before they, too, are transplanted. The flowers need to be tranplanted into pots or to the ground soon.
And, there is a lot more to plant in trays very soon.
If we had neighbors living closer to us, they might be a bit amused by the site of what must appear to be pointless tray carrying from one place to another on a nearly daily basis.
Ok, I suspect our neighbors are amused anyway.
Add to this the fact that we are working harder this season to implement better succession planting plans and you have...
the Dance of the Seedling Trays!
There are 10 newly planted trays for lettuce. Currently, they are in the middle of the lawn. They can't stay there - so they have to move. The oldest brassica trays number about 10 and they need to go in the ground during the next couple of days. At present, these reside in carts. The onion starts are in the cold frames, but they also need to go into the ground, so they must be removed from the cold frames. the tomato seedlings need to be transplanted into pots and then put into the coldframes. the peppers and eggplants are very small and will stay under lights with heat mats for a while before they, too, are transplanted. The flowers need to be tranplanted into pots or to the ground soon.
And, there is a lot more to plant in trays very soon.
If we had neighbors living closer to us, they might be a bit amused by the site of what must appear to be pointless tray carrying from one place to another on a nearly daily basis.
Ok, I suspect our neighbors are amused anyway.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Lhelo Orbin!
T & I were looking at a word scramble this morning as we were eating breakfast. And, we will both readily admit that this is probably not the best idea for either of us - especially with the growing season starting and finals week approaching!
In any event, both of us are reasonably good at puzzles. And, since we knew the topic was animals, the scramble should be a bit easier - right?
Apparently not this morning.
The scramble: binor
Our answer: "orbin"
If you are wondering what an "orbin" is - look in nearly any yard in the Midwest during the day in Spring time. Orbins are hopping around everywhere. Once in a while, you'll see one in a tug of war with an earth "morw" that would rather not be invited to the orbin's breakfast. And, of course, you've heard the sayings about "orbin red-breast" and "two snows on the orbin's tail."
And, don't forget Batman and Orbin - the dynamic duo....
In any event, both of us are reasonably good at puzzles. And, since we knew the topic was animals, the scramble should be a bit easier - right?
Apparently not this morning.
The scramble: binor
Our answer: "orbin"
If you are wondering what an "orbin" is - look in nearly any yard in the Midwest during the day in Spring time. Orbins are hopping around everywhere. Once in a while, you'll see one in a tug of war with an earth "morw" that would rather not be invited to the orbin's breakfast. And, of course, you've heard the sayings about "orbin red-breast" and "two snows on the orbin's tail."
And, don't forget Batman and Orbin - the dynamic duo....
Thursday, April 8, 2010
April Showers...
... aren't as warm as you might think if you walk in them
... remind you where the puddles show up after a couple of inches of moisture falls
... help to emphasize the 'road boils' on the gravel roads and the gravel driveway
... make chickens VERY wet
... can often start in the form of HAIL. It's nice that there isn't much it can hurt in the gardens.
... can make you thankful you have a good roof on the house
... remind you that you need to start remembering to close windows in the house!
... illustrate that you like the warmer temperatures because the windows in the house WERE open.
... inaugurate what is likely to be a full season of dashes to and from various locations just prior and during the beginning of an approaching storm....
... remind you where the puddles show up after a couple of inches of moisture falls
... help to emphasize the 'road boils' on the gravel roads and the gravel driveway
... make chickens VERY wet
... can often start in the form of HAIL. It's nice that there isn't much it can hurt in the gardens.
... can make you thankful you have a good roof on the house
... remind you that you need to start remembering to close windows in the house!
... illustrate that you like the warmer temperatures because the windows in the house WERE open.
... inaugurate what is likely to be a full season of dashes to and from various locations just prior and during the beginning of an approaching storm....
Friday, March 26, 2010
Music to Work By
I was noticing that I was really enjoying a run of music on the machine this AM, so I decided to write down a baker's dozen during that stretch. I know - it's not really a farm post. But, I like my music when I am working. And I felt a bit like sharing - so there you are - stuff for a blog post.
Pencil & Paper - Bourgeois Tagg
Time Line - AD
Light Gives Heat - Jars of Clay
Lonely Moon - Kevin Smith
20 Loves - Veil
Walls of Doubt - Daniel Amos
Pride - U2
A Million Stars - Iona
Walk Between the Raindrops - Adam Again
Rachel Delavoryas - Randy Stonehill
Forum - Undercover
Beds Are Burning - Midnight Oil
Dixie Storms - Lone Justice
Bourgeois Tagg has got to be one of the more under appreciated groups from the 1980's-1990's. Very accessible music with good story-telling quality. If you want to find some 'new' music, check out their album Yoyo
AD is one of Kerry Livgren's post-Kansas groups/projects. That man knows how to attract talented musicians. AD's music is like an onion..... layers upon layers (see Shrek if you missed the reference). Nothing but respect for Livgren and his musical ability here.
If you like music with a groove - you have to try Adam Again's Dig. But, it could be even harder to sit still when listening to Forum by Undercover. I love it when a band can push the front and/or back end of the time signature. There is a tension in this song between the percussion and the guitars. The result is an infectious swing.
For lyrical content, it is hard to beat anything written by Mark Heard (Lonely Moon). And, when it is performed by a vocalist with exceptional talent (Smith), you have a winner. But, I am partial to the story telling of Randy Stonehill and also find that Veil is capable of good things lyrically in 20 Loves.
Then there is the hauntingly beautiful violin that opens A Million Stars by Iona. I think this melody and the melody used to represent Rohan in the Lord of the Rings movies are two 'bare bones' string melodies that communicate the feeling of what they represent. We've had the privilege of seeing Iona in concert - tons of musical talent - well worth it.
And possibly the best tune of the group? Dixie Storms by Lone Justice. Yep, lots of good music this morning.
Pencil & Paper - Bourgeois Tagg
Time Line - AD
Light Gives Heat - Jars of Clay
Lonely Moon - Kevin Smith
20 Loves - Veil
Walls of Doubt - Daniel Amos
Pride - U2
A Million Stars - Iona
Walk Between the Raindrops - Adam Again
Rachel Delavoryas - Randy Stonehill
Forum - Undercover
Beds Are Burning - Midnight Oil
Dixie Storms - Lone Justice
Bourgeois Tagg has got to be one of the more under appreciated groups from the 1980's-1990's. Very accessible music with good story-telling quality. If you want to find some 'new' music, check out their album Yoyo
AD is one of Kerry Livgren's post-Kansas groups/projects. That man knows how to attract talented musicians. AD's music is like an onion..... layers upon layers (see Shrek if you missed the reference). Nothing but respect for Livgren and his musical ability here.
If you like music with a groove - you have to try Adam Again's Dig. But, it could be even harder to sit still when listening to Forum by Undercover. I love it when a band can push the front and/or back end of the time signature. There is a tension in this song between the percussion and the guitars. The result is an infectious swing.
For lyrical content, it is hard to beat anything written by Mark Heard (Lonely Moon). And, when it is performed by a vocalist with exceptional talent (Smith), you have a winner. But, I am partial to the story telling of Randy Stonehill and also find that Veil is capable of good things lyrically in 20 Loves.
Then there is the hauntingly beautiful violin that opens A Million Stars by Iona. I think this melody and the melody used to represent Rohan in the Lord of the Rings movies are two 'bare bones' string melodies that communicate the feeling of what they represent. We've had the privilege of seeing Iona in concert - tons of musical talent - well worth it.
And possibly the best tune of the group? Dixie Storms by Lone Justice. Yep, lots of good music this morning.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sioux Land Garden Show
Last weekend saw R & T take a road trip to Sioux City for the Sioux Land Garden Show. The drive over on Friday was a bit dicey with some very slick segments of road, but we arrived earlier than we feared we might arrive. That's always a good thing.
The motivation behind the trip was an opportunity for the two of us to present on not one, not two, but three topics on Saturday to interested attendees. The venue was easy to get to and there were some interesting vendors on the display floor (we tried to help them up - sorry, I can't help it - this sort of humor is a disease). And, in general, we found audience members and participants in the show to be friendly, inquisitive and supportive.
This sort of presentation provides R with an opportunity to flex his presentation and teaching skills - something that doesn't happen as much now that he is not teaching regularly. It also provides the two of us a chance to present together - which we enjoy doing. Topics included Heirloom Tomatoes, Harvesting/Storing Produce and Sustainable Gardening. By the time we hit the last presentation we realized people wanted to ask more questions than listen to more declarative statements...so we obliged. All in all, we enjoyed the opportunity and hope that people there felt they received something positive as well.
I don't know about T, but I think the Heirloom Tomato talk went extremely well. Anyone else want to hear it while we're on a roll? Ok, maybe next Winter.
The motivation behind the trip was an opportunity for the two of us to present on not one, not two, but three topics on Saturday to interested attendees. The venue was easy to get to and there were some interesting vendors on the display floor (we tried to help them up - sorry, I can't help it - this sort of humor is a disease). And, in general, we found audience members and participants in the show to be friendly, inquisitive and supportive.
This sort of presentation provides R with an opportunity to flex his presentation and teaching skills - something that doesn't happen as much now that he is not teaching regularly. It also provides the two of us a chance to present together - which we enjoy doing. Topics included Heirloom Tomatoes, Harvesting/Storing Produce and Sustainable Gardening. By the time we hit the last presentation we realized people wanted to ask more questions than listen to more declarative statements...so we obliged. All in all, we enjoyed the opportunity and hope that people there felt they received something positive as well.
I don't know about T, but I think the Heirloom Tomato talk went extremely well. Anyone else want to hear it while we're on a roll? Ok, maybe next Winter.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tees Tease (FURTHER EDITS)
Edits in italic
Some years ago, we created t-shirts for the farm and sold a number of them. In reality, most of the shirts we made were given as gifts or used by us. However...
A number of people have suggested to us that they are interested in at least one of our designs to make a return. So, for the sake of argument, here are some t-shirt ideas that we've been playing around with. Any feedback/suggestions?
FOR THAT MATTER - any design submissions based on these ideas? We'd love to hear from you.
Current designs:
1. Minding Your Peas and Cukes
2. They're Real!
3. Farm collage
New Ideas:
1. Fear the Zucchini (this is for you Phil)
2. Organically Grown - Protein Added (picture of broccoli w/ smiling worm sticking out of top)
3. Sasquash (picture a hairy squash with big feet... of course)
4. We've Got the Beet(s)
5. Where Have We Bean All Your Life?
6. It's Ok to Look at Our Brassicas (Adam & Eve w/ strategically placed broccoli, etc)
7. American Gopick (take on American Gothic)
8. Common Tater, Dick Tater, Darth Tater, etc etc (don't forget the little ones - also known as Speck Taters). Now you can choose because only you can tell if this spud's for you.
9. She's my Melon Collie Baby.... sorry, had to - but imagine a puppy sitting on a watermelon....
10. The onion's relative - Frank (only T and I will laugh at this one)
11. Dysfunctional Veg Family - Ma Bell (pepper), Father Thyme, brothers Carrot Top, Cole Robby, sister Mary Gold and Baby ? in a corn crib. Then there is the extended family standing over by the well - we call them our pump kin....
12. Whenever someone makes a mistake, we just give them the rhubarb.
13. You never know when Rudy Bega will turnip.
Don't worry, there's more where those came from.
Some years ago, we created t-shirts for the farm and sold a number of them. In reality, most of the shirts we made were given as gifts or used by us. However...
A number of people have suggested to us that they are interested in at least one of our designs to make a return. So, for the sake of argument, here are some t-shirt ideas that we've been playing around with. Any feedback/suggestions?
FOR THAT MATTER - any design submissions based on these ideas? We'd love to hear from you.
Current designs:
1. Minding Your Peas and Cukes
New Ideas:
1. Fear the Zucchini (this is for you Phil)
2. Organically Grown - Protein Added (picture of broccoli w/ smiling worm sticking out of top)
3. Sasquash (picture a hairy squash with big feet... of course)
4. We've Got the Beet(s)
5. Where Have We Bean All Your Life?
6. It's Ok to Look at Our Brassicas (Adam & Eve w/ strategically placed broccoli, etc)
7. American Gopick (take on American Gothic)
8. Common Tater, Dick Tater, Darth Tater, etc etc (don't forget the little ones - also known as Speck Taters). Now you can choose because only you can tell if this spud's for you.
9. She's my Melon Collie Baby.... sorry, had to - but imagine a puppy sitting on a watermelon....
10. The onion's relative - Frank (only T and I will laugh at this one)
11. Dysfunctional Veg Family - Ma Bell (pepper), Father Thyme, brothers Carrot Top, Cole Robby, sister Mary Gold and Baby ? in a corn crib. Then there is the extended family standing over by the well - we call them our pump kin....
12. Whenever someone makes a mistake, we just give them the rhubarb.
13. You never know when Rudy Bega will turnip.
Don't worry, there's more where those came from.
Monday, February 22, 2010
I think you missed one
Well, we are officially 'cat-sitters' for a while as P,A & E move to a new location. And, we are finding life is a bit different with two five-year old cats as opposed to the 17 and 19 year old kitties that previously lived with us. At least we have experience with settling cats to new locations and have a pretty good idea of what to do. After all, we moved Stryder & Eowyn seven times during their lives.
A brief visit from P,A & E resulted in the arrival of some of the cats favorite toys - those little 'mice' that come in multiple colors. There was an open box of approximately eight of them. Clearly, the cats only need a couple at any given time. And, so they were given a couple. There has been great happiness since that time.
It's pretty amazing how TWO toy mice seem to appear ALL OVER the place. Like many cats, these two will 'gift' them two us by dropping them where they know we will find them. But, things got a little out of hand last night.
It started with the mouse we tied to a string. This was brought upstairs while we were working in the office. The gift was rewarded with a play session with the mouse on the string.
Apparently, this was appreciated. Because, as the humans again focused on work, a NEW gift was brought up the stairs and presented. Sadly, this one did not result in the anticipated play session.
So, another attempt was made....with another mouse.
And another.
And another.
And another.
Ok. Where did all of these toy mice come from?
Well, whatever the case may be - the cats got the humans to play a bit more.
It also caused them to realize that the box with all of the EXTRA mice was sitting where the cats COULD get to them. Inspection revealed a box devoid of toy mice. Guess we'd better check our shoes for presents in the morning.
A brief visit from P,A & E resulted in the arrival of some of the cats favorite toys - those little 'mice' that come in multiple colors. There was an open box of approximately eight of them. Clearly, the cats only need a couple at any given time. And, so they were given a couple. There has been great happiness since that time.
It's pretty amazing how TWO toy mice seem to appear ALL OVER the place. Like many cats, these two will 'gift' them two us by dropping them where they know we will find them. But, things got a little out of hand last night.
It started with the mouse we tied to a string. This was brought upstairs while we were working in the office. The gift was rewarded with a play session with the mouse on the string.
Apparently, this was appreciated. Because, as the humans again focused on work, a NEW gift was brought up the stairs and presented. Sadly, this one did not result in the anticipated play session.
So, another attempt was made....with another mouse.
And another.
And another.
And another.
Ok. Where did all of these toy mice come from?
Well, whatever the case may be - the cats got the humans to play a bit more.
It also caused them to realize that the box with all of the EXTRA mice was sitting where the cats COULD get to them. Inspection revealed a box devoid of toy mice. Guess we'd better check our shoes for presents in the morning.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Farm Misc
Since it has been a while since we've done this...some news of the farm.
EQIP Funds for High Tunnel
We have applied for funds under the federally funding EQIP program in order to get some cost share help on a high tunnel. Also known as a hoop house, the concept is to have an unheated greenhouse-like structure to extend the growing season. We are looking at a movable high tunnel to support our desire to rotate crops and integrate cover crops into the mix. We'll keep everyone posted if we are accepted into the program, etc.
New Boiler
It wasn't in the farm plan - but we have to get a new boiler for our house (water heat). Ah well, that's the way it goes. We're hopeful that this will be done in the next week. Our thanks to Tripoli Plumbing & Heating for all of their help on this.
Planting Season
It is time. Onions and leeks are due to go into trays this weekend or soon after. We're not sure we're ready for this...but that's the way we feel every year.
Seed Orders
Nearly complete on this front. This will be a nice thing to put behind us. There were several varieties that were not available this year, so we had to make some adjustments. But, that happens every year and we do just fine.
Organic Certification
Oy, is THAT deadline coming up too?
CSA Signup
We still have plenty of slots. Currently we are sitting at approximately 80 subscribers. We would like to end at 120. We are not terribly worried about reaching that number since many people are just now beginning to think about Spring and fresh produce.
EQIP Funds for High Tunnel
We have applied for funds under the federally funding EQIP program in order to get some cost share help on a high tunnel. Also known as a hoop house, the concept is to have an unheated greenhouse-like structure to extend the growing season. We are looking at a movable high tunnel to support our desire to rotate crops and integrate cover crops into the mix. We'll keep everyone posted if we are accepted into the program, etc.
New Boiler
It wasn't in the farm plan - but we have to get a new boiler for our house (water heat). Ah well, that's the way it goes. We're hopeful that this will be done in the next week. Our thanks to Tripoli Plumbing & Heating for all of their help on this.
Planting Season
It is time. Onions and leeks are due to go into trays this weekend or soon after. We're not sure we're ready for this...but that's the way we feel every year.
Seed Orders
Nearly complete on this front. This will be a nice thing to put behind us. There were several varieties that were not available this year, so we had to make some adjustments. But, that happens every year and we do just fine.
Organic Certification
Oy, is THAT deadline coming up too?
CSA Signup
We still have plenty of slots. Currently we are sitting at approximately 80 subscribers. We would like to end at 120. We are not terribly worried about reaching that number since many people are just now beginning to think about Spring and fresh produce.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
You Keep Saying That Word....
I don't think it means what you think it means...
(a little Princess Bride anyone?)
Given recent events we're beginning to wonder about a couple of words on the farm.
Word #1 FIXED
We are, of course, referring to the concept of repairing something that is broken. Other definitions of 'fixed' need not apply for this blog post.
Case in point - the truck. In December, the truck was hesitating a bit - just not up to its normal chipper self. So, we thought we'd have it looked at. First, it was the distributor cap. In order to expedite matters, we even drove to get the part. Unfortunately, it turned out to need the entire distributor replaced. Ok, now it is FIXED, right?
Nope. That clicking noise it makes when we try to start it. Ya, that one right there? Can you say starter? I thought you could. What can we say - it's a piece of machinery - we're not sure 'fixed' applies.
Word #2 COMPLETED
Anyone who has done projects around the house KNOWS this word is a false hope. One project simply begets another - or several other - project(s). In fact, those other projects often prevent the absolute completion of the first project.
An example - the roof. Yes, a little under a year ago we had the main part of our roof replaced. Wonderful and most appreciated. But, it's an old farm house - there were other parts to the roof - including that flat area over the porch. Leaked like a sieve. So, we had that changed to a slanted roof just recently. But, of course, it isn't going to be entirely finished until all of the siding issues, electrical issues and insulation issues are completed. So, it is completed except that there is still more to do!
Word #3 INCONCEIVABLE
This one simply had to be added because of the movie reference. Just the rules of the game that is blogging.
(a little Princess Bride anyone?)
Given recent events we're beginning to wonder about a couple of words on the farm.
Word #1 FIXED
We are, of course, referring to the concept of repairing something that is broken. Other definitions of 'fixed' need not apply for this blog post.
Case in point - the truck. In December, the truck was hesitating a bit - just not up to its normal chipper self. So, we thought we'd have it looked at. First, it was the distributor cap. In order to expedite matters, we even drove to get the part. Unfortunately, it turned out to need the entire distributor replaced. Ok, now it is FIXED, right?
Nope. That clicking noise it makes when we try to start it. Ya, that one right there? Can you say starter? I thought you could. What can we say - it's a piece of machinery - we're not sure 'fixed' applies.
Word #2 COMPLETED
Anyone who has done projects around the house KNOWS this word is a false hope. One project simply begets another - or several other - project(s). In fact, those other projects often prevent the absolute completion of the first project.
An example - the roof. Yes, a little under a year ago we had the main part of our roof replaced. Wonderful and most appreciated. But, it's an old farm house - there were other parts to the roof - including that flat area over the porch. Leaked like a sieve. So, we had that changed to a slanted roof just recently. But, of course, it isn't going to be entirely finished until all of the siding issues, electrical issues and insulation issues are completed. So, it is completed except that there is still more to do!
Word #3 INCONCEIVABLE
This one simply had to be added because of the movie reference. Just the rules of the game that is blogging.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Oh no! The Death Melon!
It's been a while since we featured this in a newsletter or otherwise. It's STILL funny. Even funnier if you know the Star Wars storyline.
Best parts:
Darth Tater: No, I am your father.
Cuke Skywalker: That's.... really impossible!
or
Obi-wan Canoli: The farm is what gives us our power. It's a kind of....field. That creates all edible things.
and, of course
The Death Melon - that giant fruit threatens us all!
Best parts:
Darth Tater: No, I am your father.
Cuke Skywalker: That's.... really impossible!
or
Obi-wan Canoli: The farm is what gives us our power. It's a kind of....field. That creates all edible things.
and, of course
The Death Melon - that giant fruit threatens us all!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
One Down...too many to go
The field planning for 2010 is moving forward. And, I'm proud to say that I have one figured out.
Mostly.
Out of nine.
Uh oh.
Actually, it isn't that bad. Several fields will not be planted much differently than 2009. So, the reality for those fields is that we'll make some little tweaks and proceed. And, actually, the field that has long been in need of some real work is the one I've been spending time on. It's all part of our incremental farm improvement. It's too much to ask for us to get everything fixed all at one time. So, we focus on something different to improve each year.
This year, we're trying to get the brassica/allium plot worked out. For the uninitiated, brassica includes broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage and kohlrabi. Allium includes our onions and leeks. Three years ago, we had a great year for brussels, kohlrabi and onions. Two years ago, it was broccoli, onions, kale and brussels. Last year, it was kohlrabi and... um. Well, we do have to remember that we have high standards, I guess....
Part of the problem is the simple fact that we have been working on succession planting (multiple plantings in one season to extend the harvest). The other part is determining which varieties we feel work for our fields and our needs. So, without further ado:
Cauliflower varieties for 2010: Amazing (op), Cassius (f1), Early Snowball (op), Fremont (f1), Snow Crown (f1)
Broccoli varieties for 2010: Belstar (f1), Calabrese (op), DeCicco (op), Early Dividend (f1), Gypsy (f1), Packman (f1), Thompson (op), Umpqua (op)
Kohrabi: Eder (f1), Kolibri (f1), Superschmeltz (op), Winner (f1)
Cabbage: Red Express (op), Copenhagen Market (op)
Brussels: Diablo (f1), Long Island Improved (op), Roodnerf(op)
Kale: Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch (op), Lacinato (op), Red Russian (op)
There will be 3 cauliflower successions, 3 kale, 4 cabbage and 6 each for broccoli and kohlrabi.
Wish us luck.
Mostly.
Out of nine.
Uh oh.
Actually, it isn't that bad. Several fields will not be planted much differently than 2009. So, the reality for those fields is that we'll make some little tweaks and proceed. And, actually, the field that has long been in need of some real work is the one I've been spending time on. It's all part of our incremental farm improvement. It's too much to ask for us to get everything fixed all at one time. So, we focus on something different to improve each year.
This year, we're trying to get the brassica/allium plot worked out. For the uninitiated, brassica includes broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage and kohlrabi. Allium includes our onions and leeks. Three years ago, we had a great year for brussels, kohlrabi and onions. Two years ago, it was broccoli, onions, kale and brussels. Last year, it was kohlrabi and... um. Well, we do have to remember that we have high standards, I guess....
Part of the problem is the simple fact that we have been working on succession planting (multiple plantings in one season to extend the harvest). The other part is determining which varieties we feel work for our fields and our needs. So, without further ado:
Cauliflower varieties for 2010: Amazing (op), Cassius (f1), Early Snowball (op), Fremont (f1), Snow Crown (f1)
Broccoli varieties for 2010: Belstar (f1), Calabrese (op), DeCicco (op), Early Dividend (f1), Gypsy (f1), Packman (f1), Thompson (op), Umpqua (op)
Kohrabi: Eder (f1), Kolibri (f1), Superschmeltz (op), Winner (f1)
Cabbage: Red Express (op), Copenhagen Market (op)
Brussels: Diablo (f1), Long Island Improved (op), Roodnerf(op)
Kale: Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch (op), Lacinato (op), Red Russian (op)
There will be 3 cauliflower successions, 3 kale, 4 cabbage and 6 each for broccoli and kohlrabi.
Wish us luck.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Weather Norms
Weather is an integral part of what we do at the farm. Thus, we might spend a little more time learning about it and observing it than others. Recently, I was exploring the National Weather Service's site and found the following graphs available for summarizing the temperatures and precipitation for a given year.
The dark blue line for temps indicates the range of temperatures traveled during a given day. So, you can get an idea as to whether a year was warmer/cooler than usual by looking at how much of the normal range is covered/not covered by the actual temperatures. For example, if you look in the area of the graph for January 2008, you will see lots of green under the actual temperatures - so we had a warmer than average period at that time, followed by a dip to below average temperatures. There looks like there was even a record set for a low towards the end of that month.
The green areas show rainfall and then snow fall amounts. The light green curve shows what an average precipitation year might look like. The dark green shows places where we were above the average total for the year up to that date. A tan-ish color indicates periods where we were below average total for the year. So, 2009 started a little dry, but was generally a 'wet' year. You can find dry periods by looking for points where the graph flattens to horizontal (see September for example).
What do these show us?
We know 2008 was a difficult year and we can summarize it by saying it started out cool and very wet. But, we were saved by a warmer than usual fall (with average rain amounts - since it's curve parallels the average at that time). Of course, we KNOW this because we LIVED it. However, if you can get the data in front of you, you can confirm the facts and consider what sorts of 'windows' in the weather we one can exploit during difficult (and even good) seasons.
For example, the past four years show a trend for dry weather during the second half of June. While this may not fall exactly at this point every year, we do see a two-week period where things dry out. Often, we are still putting in transplants and crops to maintain succession plantings in June. So, if we hit the dry spot we need to either irrigate or delay the planting to get past that dry spot. It also means we should hit cultivation and weed control hard in the first half of the two-weeks before soil gets compacted.
While we may do these sorts of things during this time of year anyway, knowing this can give us more conviction in our tasks because we know what the trends TEND to be.
Of course, this is the weather we are talking about, we'd better take all of this with a grain of salt.
The dark blue line for temps indicates the range of temperatures traveled during a given day. So, you can get an idea as to whether a year was warmer/cooler than usual by looking at how much of the normal range is covered/not covered by the actual temperatures. For example, if you look in the area of the graph for January 2008, you will see lots of green under the actual temperatures - so we had a warmer than average period at that time, followed by a dip to below average temperatures. There looks like there was even a record set for a low towards the end of that month.
The green areas show rainfall and then snow fall amounts. The light green curve shows what an average precipitation year might look like. The dark green shows places where we were above the average total for the year up to that date. A tan-ish color indicates periods where we were below average total for the year. So, 2009 started a little dry, but was generally a 'wet' year. You can find dry periods by looking for points where the graph flattens to horizontal (see September for example).
What do these show us?
We know 2008 was a difficult year and we can summarize it by saying it started out cool and very wet. But, we were saved by a warmer than usual fall (with average rain amounts - since it's curve parallels the average at that time). Of course, we KNOW this because we LIVED it. However, if you can get the data in front of you, you can confirm the facts and consider what sorts of 'windows' in the weather we one can exploit during difficult (and even good) seasons.
For example, the past four years show a trend for dry weather during the second half of June. While this may not fall exactly at this point every year, we do see a two-week period where things dry out. Often, we are still putting in transplants and crops to maintain succession plantings in June. So, if we hit the dry spot we need to either irrigate or delay the planting to get past that dry spot. It also means we should hit cultivation and weed control hard in the first half of the two-weeks before soil gets compacted.
While we may do these sorts of things during this time of year anyway, knowing this can give us more conviction in our tasks because we know what the trends TEND to be.
Of course, this is the weather we are talking about, we'd better take all of this with a grain of salt.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Heirloom Rebuttal: Part 3
The following is a critique of the contents found in the article cited below:
Article name: How to Grow a Better Tomato: The Case against Heirloom Tomatoes
By Brendan Borrell in Scientific American, March 30, 2009
Article in quotes and italic. My responses follow in standard type and in red-brown.
"So breeders feel confident that getting germ-beating genes back into heirlooms won't harm the desirable aspects of the fruit. Modern breeding has resuscitated grocery store tomatoes with an influx of wild genes; in the past 50 years, researchers have bred back some 40 disease-resistance genes into commercial crops.
Restoring Heirloom's Health
Now, Monsanto wants to do the same for the heirloom. In 1996 a tomato breeder and former Tanksley student named Doug Heath began a pet project at Seminis VegetableSeeds, a Monsanto subsidiary. After 12 years of traditional breeding with the help of molecular markers, he has created a new rainbow-streaked tomato less prone to cracking and also endowed with 12 disease-resistant genes. The original plant, Heath explains, had defective flowers, which is one reason why it set only two fruits compared with the 30 he gets from his new variety. He claims he is also able to maintain a comparable flavor and sugar profile even on productive plants. It turns out that the heirloom's defects are neither quirky nor cute, just an accident of a single-pronged breeding strategy left over from the dawn of genetics."
[The article goes on to point out that these seeds being created will produce plants that will NOT be able to produce viable seed]Now, Monsanto wants to do the same for the heirloom. In 1996 a tomato breeder and former Tanksley student named Doug Heath began a pet project at Seminis VegetableSeeds, a Monsanto subsidiary. After 12 years of traditional breeding with the help of molecular markers, he has created a new rainbow-streaked tomato less prone to cracking and also endowed with 12 disease-resistant genes. The original plant, Heath explains, had defective flowers, which is one reason why it set only two fruits compared with the 30 he gets from his new variety. He claims he is also able to maintain a comparable flavor and sugar profile even on productive plants. It turns out that the heirloom's defects are neither quirky nor cute, just an accident of a single-pronged breeding strategy left over from the dawn of genetics."
I'm going to cut to the chase right now.
Explain to me how these will be genetically superior if they cannot reproduce without proprietary methods/hybridization?
You can't tell me out of one side of your proverbial mouth that natural selection has taken care of the Andes forebears of tomatoes and how wonderful that is. AND, tell me that stupid humans have done a nice job of hybridizing genetic disease resistance out of them. Then, out of the other side of your mouth, you tell me that humans, using only genetics in a profit making framework, are going to save the day? And, you'll do that by removing the natural reproductive method for these plants that will allow for natural selection to take place. You also can't tell me that more fruit per plant = less taste and then herald more fruit per plant as solving a problem.
Ok, maybe you can. But, it just makes me angry that things are misrepresented to make the point. I only hope that I've done a better job of trying to make my point without taking this approach!
The motivations are consistent, but the claims are not. The motivation is to produce more marketable fruit - period. If there is growing demand for heirlooms, then commercially one tends to look for ways to grow more of them.
=============
I want to avoid sounding too much like I'm irrational in defense of heirlooms. There are issues with them. In fact, if I wanted to maximize my tomato production to simply meet demand for that product, I might look for different answers. But, I don't - and I'll tell people why every so often when I get on the soapbox.
So, why am I rabid enough about the topic to place a three-part response in a blog no one reads? It's because I think the focus on this area is, perhaps, attacking the WRONG PROBLEMS.
- We need to focus on the health of the soil and environs in which these things grow. Regardless of seed stock, it will improve long term reliable production.
- We need to get away from monoculture cropping methods and improve our rotation and inter cropping methods. Plants need more disease resistance if we keep making conditions better for diseases to inoculate in the crops. But, if we work on improving conditions... Think of it this way - this logic has some similarity to taking antibiotics every day because we want to protect ourselves from the pathogens in the sewer backup that we refuse to take care of in our basement. If you do nothing to build a healthy environment, then - of course - you may have to rely on the medicine.
- We need to work on building local food systems that use sustainable methods in agriculture.
- We need to improve "everyperson's" understanding of how to prepare food using fresh vegetables. Increasing disease resistance for mass-production of product does nothing to help people figure out how to use produce. And, until we increase our collective IQ (or return it to what it once was) the problem will persist.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Mmmmm. Food
Just a reminder that there are plenty of vegetables that can be stored for winter use. And, as a result, you can continue to create colorful and tasty dishes.
This pan of veg was created in January and includes sweet potatoes, potatoes (blue and yellow), rutabagas, turnips, beets and maybe other things I can't remember. We roasted this slowly in the oven for a fairly long period of time (until things were appropriately softened - not mushy). T can tell you what spicing she may have included, but I cannot. I can, however, tell you that this was delicious.
This pan of veg was created in January and includes sweet potatoes, potatoes (blue and yellow), rutabagas, turnips, beets and maybe other things I can't remember. We roasted this slowly in the oven for a fairly long period of time (until things were appropriately softened - not mushy). T can tell you what spicing she may have included, but I cannot. I can, however, tell you that this was delicious.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Farm in Winter
The farm undergoes interesting transformations during the winter. And, a recent walk around the farm with a camera yielded a couple of pictures that might give everyone a feel for how things stand at this time.
Yes, we have low tunnels. What is a low tunnel, you ask? Look at the picture below and you will see (sort of). If you can't see at this size, click on the picture and it will open a window with a larger image.
Essentially, a low tunnel is a series of hoops covered by plastic. The plastic is anchored along the edges by ground staples (U shaped heavy gauge wire) and metal stakes. In winters when we don't have snow cover, we often have problems with the plastic blowing loose in the wind. Thus, there will be multiple trips to attempt to re-anchor the low tunnel plastic. So far this year, the snow is keeping things down and insulated. Inside of these covers are lettuce plants. They are probably still only a couple of inches high. I say 'probably' because I am not about to dig in there to check. The target is to have lettuce in March and early April.
The picture below may be too small to see the detail, so you may want to click on this one as well. This is the view into our eastern plots. The tomato cages are nicely corralled and collecting snow. After last year's experience of crushed cages (due to snow weight) we decided to leave them upright this year. The cages were moved with the help of a helpful class from Wartburg taking a day at the farm - thanks to all of you!
You might notice the sunflowers (and maybe some popcorn) still standing. We don't clean everything out of our gardens in the fall. We prefer to have ground cover to catch some snow and to prevent erosion of the soil. If you've ever seen the 'snirt' at the edges of fields that have been fall tilled, you can appreciate how the soil can move with no cover. The birds are still pecking away at the seeds and we can handle a few volunteer sunflowers.
Yes, we have low tunnels. What is a low tunnel, you ask? Look at the picture below and you will see (sort of). If you can't see at this size, click on the picture and it will open a window with a larger image.
Essentially, a low tunnel is a series of hoops covered by plastic. The plastic is anchored along the edges by ground staples (U shaped heavy gauge wire) and metal stakes. In winters when we don't have snow cover, we often have problems with the plastic blowing loose in the wind. Thus, there will be multiple trips to attempt to re-anchor the low tunnel plastic. So far this year, the snow is keeping things down and insulated. Inside of these covers are lettuce plants. They are probably still only a couple of inches high. I say 'probably' because I am not about to dig in there to check. The target is to have lettuce in March and early April.
The picture below may be too small to see the detail, so you may want to click on this one as well. This is the view into our eastern plots. The tomato cages are nicely corralled and collecting snow. After last year's experience of crushed cages (due to snow weight) we decided to leave them upright this year. The cages were moved with the help of a helpful class from Wartburg taking a day at the farm - thanks to all of you!
You might notice the sunflowers (and maybe some popcorn) still standing. We don't clean everything out of our gardens in the fall. We prefer to have ground cover to catch some snow and to prevent erosion of the soil. If you've ever seen the 'snirt' at the edges of fields that have been fall tilled, you can appreciate how the soil can move with no cover. The birds are still pecking away at the seeds and we can handle a few volunteer sunflowers.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Jack Frost, Part II
We see hoar frost every year. But, we don't usually have four days of fog. After a couple days, we thought the frost on the trees (and other things) was as thick as it could get.
So, we took this photo.
Then, we noticed that the frost got even thicker. The picture below is the same tree, taken two days later. Note the center of the tree. Think things might be getting a bit heavy?
So, we took this photo.
Then, we noticed that the frost got even thicker. The picture below is the same tree, taken two days later. Note the center of the tree. Think things might be getting a bit heavy?
Sunday, January 24, 2010
PFI Conference
We attended the recent Practical Farmers of Iowa conference in Marshalltown (Jan 8 & 9), but were only able to be there for Saturday. Once again, we were reminded of the value PFI and this conference has for us, and it's all about the "networking" with others who have similar interests and labors. Of course, there were sessions that had interesting and useful information. There were posters and vendors with various resources. There were keynote speakers and business meetings. All of this is useful, important and a part of the package.
But, the real winner, in our minds, was the opportunity to sit down with a group of peers who grow vegetables and raise poultry in small-scale operations. Of course, it helps to have someone else you can commiserate with. For example, it was interesting to hear from three other people that their backs get sore in exactly the same place at about the same time during the season. You can decide whether this should be a comforting or disturbing thought. It is also good to hear that everyone else who does what we do are looking for better approaches to handle the common problems: weeds, pests, seed selection, harvest, distribution, marketing and bookkeeping (ya, there's more - but this is enough to make a point).
But, the best part is that we finally have connected with peers in a way where we do not feel like we are the novices - nor do we feel as if we must be the mentors. This is not to say that we don't appreciate getting feedback or information from those who have more experience or knowledge. It is also not indicating that we mind sharing with others who are trying to get into these things. But, there is something special about feeling like the members in the group are exploring together - without any hierarchy, implied or not. We left the conference feeling like we might have given as much as we received. And that's what collaborative learning is all about.
But, the real winner, in our minds, was the opportunity to sit down with a group of peers who grow vegetables and raise poultry in small-scale operations. Of course, it helps to have someone else you can commiserate with. For example, it was interesting to hear from three other people that their backs get sore in exactly the same place at about the same time during the season. You can decide whether this should be a comforting or disturbing thought. It is also good to hear that everyone else who does what we do are looking for better approaches to handle the common problems: weeds, pests, seed selection, harvest, distribution, marketing and bookkeeping (ya, there's more - but this is enough to make a point).
But, the best part is that we finally have connected with peers in a way where we do not feel like we are the novices - nor do we feel as if we must be the mentors. This is not to say that we don't appreciate getting feedback or information from those who have more experience or knowledge. It is also not indicating that we mind sharing with others who are trying to get into these things. But, there is something special about feeling like the members in the group are exploring together - without any hierarchy, implied or not. We left the conference feeling like we might have given as much as we received. And that's what collaborative learning is all about.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Seed Catalog Season
Welcome to the pre-Spring season known as 'Seed Catalog Season.'
Any person who does any amount of gardening can relate to the combination of anticipation and agony that comes with the flood of seed catalogs that begin arriving in mid-December and peak in early January. Obviously, the opportunity to dream about warmer weather with green and growing things is welcomed by many. This is especially true if the temperatures are below zero and the wind is howling.
But, why do I say 'anticipation AND agony?'
I'm going to guess that most people get the anticipation part. But, you are a clearly an addicted gardener if you get the agony part without further explanation. The root of the pain comes from the necessity of eliminating a significant number of the varieties and plants that you initially circled in each of the catalogs you received. Generally speaking, none of us has unlimited time, money or space.
As a result, you simply cannot plant every one of those thirteen dry bean varieties you think would be cool to try. Four might be more reasonable. And so, the elimination process begins. Usually, the first six or seven are fairly easily eliminated. These were interesting, but not really intriguing. But, figuring out the last two to be removed from the list can be a struggle. There are almost always two or three that are tried and true by you - so they HAVE to stay. Then, there is another you've tried before, but you were certain you made some mistakes with it - so another year would probably only be fair. But, you want to try new things too....
Eh.... five isn't that much more than four. We'll do five this year.
Well, maybe six.......
Any person who does any amount of gardening can relate to the combination of anticipation and agony that comes with the flood of seed catalogs that begin arriving in mid-December and peak in early January. Obviously, the opportunity to dream about warmer weather with green and growing things is welcomed by many. This is especially true if the temperatures are below zero and the wind is howling.
But, why do I say 'anticipation AND agony?'
I'm going to guess that most people get the anticipation part. But, you are a clearly an addicted gardener if you get the agony part without further explanation. The root of the pain comes from the necessity of eliminating a significant number of the varieties and plants that you initially circled in each of the catalogs you received. Generally speaking, none of us has unlimited time, money or space.
As a result, you simply cannot plant every one of those thirteen dry bean varieties you think would be cool to try. Four might be more reasonable. And so, the elimination process begins. Usually, the first six or seven are fairly easily eliminated. These were interesting, but not really intriguing. But, figuring out the last two to be removed from the list can be a struggle. There are almost always two or three that are tried and true by you - so they HAVE to stay. Then, there is another you've tried before, but you were certain you made some mistakes with it - so another year would probably only be fair. But, you want to try new things too....
Eh.... five isn't that much more than four. We'll do five this year.
Well, maybe six.......
Friday, January 22, 2010
Boidy Boids
We finally got around to getting some pictures off of the camera and compressing them to semi-reasonable sizes for the web. And, one of our favorite subjects for photographs would be birds. Why? There weren't any hippos and butterflies don't sit still long enough.
We are trying to get used to a new digital camera AND to the idea that we can take a bunch of shots expecting to 'throw away' the majority of them. With our old film camera, we would pass up numerous opportunities because we didn't want the privilege of paying to see that we missed the shot (or it wasn't as good as we dreamed).
So, that means, we could take several shots of this pelican - and select the one where we actually managed to catch the gull flying in the background.
We are trying to get used to a new digital camera AND to the idea that we can take a bunch of shots expecting to 'throw away' the majority of them. With our old film camera, we would pass up numerous opportunities because we didn't want the privilege of paying to see that we missed the shot (or it wasn't as good as we dreamed).
So, that means, we could take several shots of this pelican - and select the one where we actually managed to catch the gull flying in the background.
And, every year, there is at least one great blue heron that decides it will stand still long enough for us to get fairly close to it.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Jack Frost, Esquire
It's been foggy several days in a row. The resulting hoar frost makes for some excellent opportunities to look at things in new ways. And, of course, each day we had the fog, the frost got thicker - an amazing thing.
The following was taken on Tuesday after several days of fog and accumulated hoar frost. The fog was thicker nearer the tree line.
Then we tried to get a bit more artsy with the photo op given to us by Mr. Frost. Which is your favorite? We'll put the favorite on the left of our blog.
The following was taken on Tuesday after several days of fog and accumulated hoar frost. The fog was thicker nearer the tree line.
Taken on Monday. A look up towards the limbs of oaks (left) and maple (right)
Then we tried to get a bit more artsy with the photo op given to us by Mr. Frost. Which is your favorite? We'll put the favorite on the left of our blog.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Boxes
Mon, Jan 11
--------------------------
I'm in the car, driving home and there is a box in the back seat.
The four flaps are interwoven in the traditional way.
But, I know interweaving the flaps isn't necessary.
I know what is in the box - and it makes me think of other boxes.
Nineteen years ago, I was driving a different car and I was driving home.
There was a box in the car.
The four flaps were interwoven in the traditional way.
And, I knew what was in the box - so I knew the reason for this precaution.
There were two kittens in that box.
One black and white, the other tortie.
It had been difficult putting them in the box.
When one was put in, the other would try to leap out.
It reminded me a little of those silly "bop'em gopher" games.
Every time you pushed one little feline head down
The other would pop up.
Boxes became the equivalent of fun time.
This was especially true for the tortie.
Make scratching noises on the inside.
She would jump in.
Make scratching noises on the outside.
She would bat at the source of the sound.
Boxes became the base of operations.
Play sessions with the nerf ball
would always start with the tortie in a box.
Until she couldn't stand it and would dart out,
and do her best to chase the ball,
as it was rolled from human to human.
Boxes became the place to lick perceived wounds.
While she was named Eowyn,
We nicknamed her "Bat" (or acrobat)
Due to her amazing leaps as she played with us.
She would get wound up
Until she landed on a human or otherwise lost control.
Soon after, she would be back in the box.
For a cat's time out.
Boxes were a way to pretend
that everything on the inside was mysterious
and everything on the outside was spooky.
We would tip the box over the cat,
and she would creep around.
Paws occasionally darting out to defend
against an unseen adversary.
As time went by, boxes became a place of safety.
Any time life became too much
she would go to a box and sit in
or on
until things settled to her liking.
Boxes were the booster seat
to sit closer to the level of her humans at the dinner table.
Boxes were the perfect place to nap,
Especially with her head propped on a corner like a pillow.
Boxes were the place to be in winter,
when the box was placed next to a radiator for heat.
And boxes were sometimes the place to do things,
that the humans didn't really want her to do.
But now, the box serves a different purpose.
I know what is in this box.
It is one nineteen year old, tortie cat.
It was difficult putting her in the box.
And it will be difficult taking her out again.
For one last time.
---------------------------
It has been said that people can be stupid about their pets. And, perhaps we are. However, any creature that lives as a part of the family for nineteen years will result in grieving for those left behind. We miss the brother and sister cats that were our companions for much of our married lives. Stryder died in February two years ago. Eowyn was with us for nearly two more years.
--------------------------
I'm in the car, driving home and there is a box in the back seat.
The four flaps are interwoven in the traditional way.
But, I know interweaving the flaps isn't necessary.
I know what is in the box - and it makes me think of other boxes.
Nineteen years ago, I was driving a different car and I was driving home.
There was a box in the car.
The four flaps were interwoven in the traditional way.
And, I knew what was in the box - so I knew the reason for this precaution.
There were two kittens in that box.
One black and white, the other tortie.
It had been difficult putting them in the box.
When one was put in, the other would try to leap out.
It reminded me a little of those silly "bop'em gopher" games.
Every time you pushed one little feline head down
The other would pop up.
Boxes became the equivalent of fun time.
This was especially true for the tortie.
Make scratching noises on the inside.
She would jump in.
Make scratching noises on the outside.
She would bat at the source of the sound.
Boxes became the base of operations.
Play sessions with the nerf ball
would always start with the tortie in a box.
Until she couldn't stand it and would dart out,
and do her best to chase the ball,
as it was rolled from human to human.
Boxes became the place to lick perceived wounds.
While she was named Eowyn,
We nicknamed her "Bat" (or acrobat)
Due to her amazing leaps as she played with us.
She would get wound up
Until she landed on a human or otherwise lost control.
Soon after, she would be back in the box.
For a cat's time out.
Boxes were a way to pretend
that everything on the inside was mysterious
and everything on the outside was spooky.
We would tip the box over the cat,
and she would creep around.
Paws occasionally darting out to defend
against an unseen adversary.
As time went by, boxes became a place of safety.
Any time life became too much
she would go to a box and sit in
or on
until things settled to her liking.
Boxes were the booster seat
to sit closer to the level of her humans at the dinner table.
Boxes were the perfect place to nap,
Especially with her head propped on a corner like a pillow.
Boxes were the place to be in winter,
when the box was placed next to a radiator for heat.
And boxes were sometimes the place to do things,
that the humans didn't really want her to do.
But now, the box serves a different purpose.
I know what is in this box.
It is one nineteen year old, tortie cat.
It was difficult putting her in the box.
And it will be difficult taking her out again.
For one last time.
---------------------------
It has been said that people can be stupid about their pets. And, perhaps we are. However, any creature that lives as a part of the family for nineteen years will result in grieving for those left behind. We miss the brother and sister cats that were our companions for much of our married lives. Stryder died in February two years ago. Eowyn was with us for nearly two more years.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Traveling with T
One of the reasons taking a driving trip with T is so much fun (other than the fact that I like her) is that we both enjoy taking a look around as we drive through the country side. Our recent drive to/from St Pete, FL had its share of moments. And, at the risk of ...well... everyone figuring out exactly how odd we can be...
Winner of the "That's a GREAT name" Award:
HERCULENEUM, MO - we liked it so much, we stopped there to eat. Even better, it is located just south of Festus. Absolute heaven for those who love to look at maps and be amused by odd names and name combinations.
Runner up has to be Lumpkin in Alabama. Although, Eufalla was pretty good too.
Winner of the "Navigational Creativity" Award:
This belongs to the traffic circle-ish town square that had a sign at each corner telling us the highway continued if we TURNED LEFT (after the initial right turn to get into the circle). Think about it. (yes, there was a sign that showed a right turn to exit on the highway...but it wasn't very prominent)
Now, ask us - "how many times did you go around the circle?"
Runner up - the scenic back road guess to get to US 78 in Birmingham...ok outer suburbs in NE Birmingham. Hey, we found it without any backtracking.
I'm NOT turning left - how about you?
Our last day on the road on the way down was a long one. The most disturbing fact about that day had to be the sheer number of accidents we passed on the road. The majority of which had something to do with failures to yield on a left turn. If not that, it was failure to note the vehicle ahead of you was going to turn. This doesn't seem to explain the accident on the Interstate.
Mmmmm Citrus.
An advantage of driving is the fact that we can easily stop at roadside or other local vendors to peruse their wares. Sometimes it works out well, sometimes it doesn't. We particularly enjoy the oranges from Hancock Groves in Dade City, FL. And, because we were driving and not flying, we could carry a couple of nice big bags of fruit home! Hey, we purchased local! It was the two of us who weren't local.
License Plate Bingo and Raptor Rapture.
Yes, we play the license plate game and try to see how many different state/province names we can collect on the trip. Forty-two different plates is pretty good, but not our best. We have also been known to keep an eye out for hawks, osprey, eagles and other birds of prey. The stretch through Arkansas and Missouri yielded the most birds this year. Hey - we were on the road a LONG time - we didn't say everything we did or noticed would totally captivate your interest!
The "Felt Most At Home" Award:
Hellooooo southwest Georgia. Granted, we were visiting in January with mild temperatures. We might have felt a bit differently in July. Nonetheless, we had an opportunity to stop in Adel, GA. And, because we had one of our navigation snafus - we stopped at a gas station that was not directly off of an interstate exit. The result? Lots of pleasant people and lots of OLD pickups. cool.
Scenery Surprise of the Trip/Geography Lesson:
Yes, the Appalachians DO go into northeastern Alabama. No, the roads were not terribly steep, but there was plenty of hill to satisfy an Iowan in search of a mountain. But, seriously, we enjoyed the non-interstate, cross-country trek through Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.
Winner of the "That's a GREAT name" Award:
HERCULENEUM, MO - we liked it so much, we stopped there to eat. Even better, it is located just south of Festus. Absolute heaven for those who love to look at maps and be amused by odd names and name combinations.
Runner up has to be Lumpkin in Alabama. Although, Eufalla was pretty good too.
Winner of the "Navigational Creativity" Award:
This belongs to the traffic circle-ish town square that had a sign at each corner telling us the highway continued if we TURNED LEFT (after the initial right turn to get into the circle). Think about it. (yes, there was a sign that showed a right turn to exit on the highway...but it wasn't very prominent)
Now, ask us - "how many times did you go around the circle?"
Runner up - the scenic back road guess to get to US 78 in Birmingham...ok outer suburbs in NE Birmingham. Hey, we found it without any backtracking.
I'm NOT turning left - how about you?
Our last day on the road on the way down was a long one. The most disturbing fact about that day had to be the sheer number of accidents we passed on the road. The majority of which had something to do with failures to yield on a left turn. If not that, it was failure to note the vehicle ahead of you was going to turn. This doesn't seem to explain the accident on the Interstate.
Mmmmm Citrus.
An advantage of driving is the fact that we can easily stop at roadside or other local vendors to peruse their wares. Sometimes it works out well, sometimes it doesn't. We particularly enjoy the oranges from Hancock Groves in Dade City, FL. And, because we were driving and not flying, we could carry a couple of nice big bags of fruit home! Hey, we purchased local! It was the two of us who weren't local.
License Plate Bingo and Raptor Rapture.
Yes, we play the license plate game and try to see how many different state/province names we can collect on the trip. Forty-two different plates is pretty good, but not our best. We have also been known to keep an eye out for hawks, osprey, eagles and other birds of prey. The stretch through Arkansas and Missouri yielded the most birds this year. Hey - we were on the road a LONG time - we didn't say everything we did or noticed would totally captivate your interest!
The "Felt Most At Home" Award:
Hellooooo southwest Georgia. Granted, we were visiting in January with mild temperatures. We might have felt a bit differently in July. Nonetheless, we had an opportunity to stop in Adel, GA. And, because we had one of our navigation snafus - we stopped at a gas station that was not directly off of an interstate exit. The result? Lots of pleasant people and lots of OLD pickups. cool.
Scenery Surprise of the Trip/Geography Lesson:
Yes, the Appalachians DO go into northeastern Alabama. No, the roads were not terribly steep, but there was plenty of hill to satisfy an Iowan in search of a mountain. But, seriously, we enjoyed the non-interstate, cross-country trek through Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Thanks, Santa!
Santa was very kind and mailed us a card postmarked December 24, just prior to midnight. Inside the card were two gift certificates - each for a one hour massage. Wherever you are now Santa, we are grateful.
A Tough Egg to Crack
In case you hadn't noticed. It's been on the chilly side lately. Ok. Maybe it's actually been downright cold. And, as a reminder - temperatures on the farm can be lower than those in town. So, that means we are tougher than everyone else. Or - at the least - we can pretend to be tougher than everyone else. The reality is that we just use it for license to make more comments about it.
A very interesting phenomenon of the cold weather is what happens if a chicken egg is exposed to the cold for too long.
We tend to 'pick' eggs twice a day. Usually, the eggs are in the laying boxes and there are often birds in those boxes. As a result, most eggs are kept warm enough until we get to them. However, if exposed too long, the eggs will freeze. In many cases, the shell cracks and the egg is clearly not going to be sold to anyone. But, whether the shell cracks or not, a frozen egg is VERY HARD.
We recently attempted to break a frozen egg by throwing it as hard as we could against the cement floor of the barn. The result? The egg bounced, the cement was chipped and there was only a small dent in the egg. It took three throws at the cement before the egg was broken.
The moral to this story? If Humpty Dumpty wanted to sit on a wall - he should have done it in January, in the Midwest.
A very interesting phenomenon of the cold weather is what happens if a chicken egg is exposed to the cold for too long.
We tend to 'pick' eggs twice a day. Usually, the eggs are in the laying boxes and there are often birds in those boxes. As a result, most eggs are kept warm enough until we get to them. However, if exposed too long, the eggs will freeze. In many cases, the shell cracks and the egg is clearly not going to be sold to anyone. But, whether the shell cracks or not, a frozen egg is VERY HARD.
We recently attempted to break a frozen egg by throwing it as hard as we could against the cement floor of the barn. The result? The egg bounced, the cement was chipped and there was only a small dent in the egg. It took three throws at the cement before the egg was broken.
The moral to this story? If Humpty Dumpty wanted to sit on a wall - he should have done it in January, in the Midwest.
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