Low Energy Blog Post

Creativity is currently at low tide.  Therefore, I decided to grab some recent pictures and use them to construct a blog post.  Apparently, picture taking energy is also currently at low tide.  So, here is what we have to offer.

Monarchs in bloom?

We are extremely pleased that we got some very strong zinnia and borage plantings in our fields this season.  In particular, the zinnias in the melon and tomato fields are doing very well.  As a result, we have seem alot of hummingbird, monarch and bumblebee activity.  And, there must be a wild hive of honey bees in our area because they are making a strong appearance right now.

The monarchs and the hummingbirds are an interesting contrast.  The monarchs lazily float around the zinnias and will take their time on a flower if left undisturbed.  This is why we were able to get a series of monarch on zinnia pictures a few days ago.  On the other hand, below is one of my attempts at capturing a hummingbird on film.

Do you see the hummingbird?  Neither do I.

Ya, we failed in the attempt.  The hummers are apparently very concerned that another hummer might infringe on the 200 foot row of zinnias, so they are frequently participating in aerial duels.  As I am picking in the field, it is not uncommon to hear their little chirps, followed by some loud buzzes that go right by my head.  I did have one hummingbird inspect my hat ever so briefly.  It decided I was probably the wrong kind of stinky for a good flower.

The one moment I could probably have caught a hummingbird on film was the moment the camera was about 100 feet away.  Never mind.

The melons were GOOOD this year.

We've been enjoying the melons this season - and we hope our CSA members have also enjoyed them.  Each of the past three years has found us making advances in growing this crop that have resulted in more melons for our members.  We realize there are some who do not like melons at all, but we suspect that many melon haters have never had a truly ripe melon.  If all you've had are the tasteless, out of season, unripe melons, then we think you need to give some in-season heirloom varieties like these a try.  Top left is Hearts of Gold, top right is a Pride of Wisconsin and bottom is Oka.

Each of these varieties have their characteristics for taste, texture and growing habits.  We're hard pressed to pick a favorite of these three because we've enjoyed each of them.  And, if you add in the small number of Ha'Ogen melons we've managed to grow and nice number of Eden's Gem and Minnesota Midgets...  Well, we've been happy.  I don't know how we'll react when we don't have any more melons for breakfast on the farm.

Then, there is this.

One of the great things about getting produce from a local producer is the probability that you will have a chance to take home an odd-shaped veggie once in a while.  Thank you Sam Larimer for taking these photos of Carrotman!

Carrotman with cape - still could not save his fellow veggies from the fry pan!

Carrotman came from Jeff Sage's fields this year and Sam was quick to identify him and pull him out of the bin.  Last we heard, Carrotman still resided in the fridge.  If we only had time, we'd put together a whole series of pictures and come up with a blog post for it....  But, two pictures will have to do for now.