...or so they say.
It's been hot, hot, hot and the promised rain has missed our road. I heard it poured a short distance away.
When I walk on the lawn, it crunches. The humidity could bring you to your knees and take your breath away.
My son in Pennsylvania called today and told me it is in the 70s there today with record lows predicted overnight. It could get down into the 40s!
We've been promised similar daytime temperatures, starting tomorrow. But, then, they've been promising rain "tomorrow" for days now.
There's a deer with a newborn fawn trapped in one of our fenced pastures. I guess she is jumping over several times a day to nurse the baby. I saw a newborn calf today, three tiny bantam chicks newly hatched from one of the secret nests and a cute yellow gosling sitting up straight next to Mom, who is still setting on a big bunch of eggs.
The days are so long now. It is almost 9 p.m. and the sunset is just getting into full swing with beautiful streaks of orange and pink on a purple-blue background. Red sky at night - sailors' delight? Well, I think the chance for rain is over for now.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Surprises
What surprised me yesterday as I did my gardening rounds? Well, it turns out we have not one, but two apricot trees. The younger of the two has begun bearing fruit this year -- not a lot, just a little. I picked some slightly under ripe fruit to put under a dome and let ripen inside the house to foil the bugs.
When I went in the vegetable garden just to monitor the newly climbing bean plants, I found, to my amazement, that there were lots of fully mature beans ready to be picked. I filled a bag with beautiful purple beans, which I blanched and froze. Since these were mostly self-planted from last year's crop, it was especially surprising. Slow food isn't just a catch phrase around here, and I wasn't in a big hurry to start harvesting in the heat.
Two long cucumbers were ready for picking, and eating, evidently.
Much chard must be cut, cooked, and frozen. Some of the fennel is ready for picking. It is all self-seeded. Black raspberries are abundant in certain parts of the weedy lower yard. The cherries are all pitted and in the freezer. Zucchini is shredded, the recipe for muffins open on the counter for later today.
So, continuing my voyage of discovery, I'm out the door to do the chores before the sun gets too high in the sky. I'd like to trim some goat hooves early and start to catch up on their maintenance.
When I went in the vegetable garden just to monitor the newly climbing bean plants, I found, to my amazement, that there were lots of fully mature beans ready to be picked. I filled a bag with beautiful purple beans, which I blanched and froze. Since these were mostly self-planted from last year's crop, it was especially surprising. Slow food isn't just a catch phrase around here, and I wasn't in a big hurry to start harvesting in the heat.
Two long cucumbers were ready for picking, and eating, evidently.
Much chard must be cut, cooked, and frozen. Some of the fennel is ready for picking. It is all self-seeded. Black raspberries are abundant in certain parts of the weedy lower yard. The cherries are all pitted and in the freezer. Zucchini is shredded, the recipe for muffins open on the counter for later today.
So, continuing my voyage of discovery, I'm out the door to do the chores before the sun gets too high in the sky. I'd like to trim some goat hooves early and start to catch up on their maintenance.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
June is Also Cherry Month
'Got a chance to pick some tart cherries yesterday. A neighbor invited me to help myself. If I get a chance I'll pick some more today, as the window of opportunity closes quickly on ripe cherries. I'll need to get them pitted and either frozen or preserved before they get moldy or rotten.
I don't want to jinx the deal, but I think I found the breach in the goat fencing last Sunday. It was behind the greenhouse, so hidden from human view, although, evidently, not from goat view. Crossing my fingers -- no visiting goats on the lawn checking out the developing peaches and pears for the past week.
A mysterious bag of summer squashes showed up on the kitchen counter yesterday. Hmm... wonder where that came from?
Yesterday, I pulled some beets, boiled and skinned them, made a harvard sauce and froze a container for our winter enjoyment. There is much chard to be cooked and frozen. That will be a task for later in the day.
I made lavender and thyme salve yesterday. It promises to be a useful concoction.
So, now to go down to sort goats in the barn for an early morning customer before the heat builds and the day becomes sticky.
I don't want to jinx the deal, but I think I found the breach in the goat fencing last Sunday. It was behind the greenhouse, so hidden from human view, although, evidently, not from goat view. Crossing my fingers -- no visiting goats on the lawn checking out the developing peaches and pears for the past week.
A mysterious bag of summer squashes showed up on the kitchen counter yesterday. Hmm... wonder where that came from?
Yesterday, I pulled some beets, boiled and skinned them, made a harvard sauce and froze a container for our winter enjoyment. There is much chard to be cooked and frozen. That will be a task for later in the day.
I made lavender and thyme salve yesterday. It promises to be a useful concoction.
So, now to go down to sort goats in the barn for an early morning customer before the heat builds and the day becomes sticky.
Sunday, June 06, 2010
June is Berry Month
The little band of renegade goats was at it again yesterday afternoon. They have found a way to get out of the fenced pastures and up on our lawn to browse on developing fruit. It's probably nearly irresistable for them.
Chasing them on foot is fruitless (forgive the pun.) I must run down and get my motorized Mule and vroomvroom them. They know exactly where to go. They wait in front of the back gate and I unlatch it and let them through, lecturing in a stern voice about "bad goats" and how they have plenty to eat in the legal fields.
At least I learned that the red raspberries are ready to pick, as are a few of the black raspberries and gooseberries. Boy, it was just the 5th of June, which, after all, is Berry Month, and already berries are ripening. These guys go on schedule.
The hayfield is mowed, raked and baled, so I'll be driving up to the areas where black raspberries grow to gather some. My husband is already out gathering the round bales to get them under cover before the next rain comes.
It's hot and humid and I dread having to walk the fence line to find the breach that allows bad behavior to thrive. But, let's face it: this is a priority and if I can thwart the behavior there are peaches in our future.
Chasing them on foot is fruitless (forgive the pun.) I must run down and get my motorized Mule and vroomvroom them. They know exactly where to go. They wait in front of the back gate and I unlatch it and let them through, lecturing in a stern voice about "bad goats" and how they have plenty to eat in the legal fields.
At least I learned that the red raspberries are ready to pick, as are a few of the black raspberries and gooseberries. Boy, it was just the 5th of June, which, after all, is Berry Month, and already berries are ripening. These guys go on schedule.
The hayfield is mowed, raked and baled, so I'll be driving up to the areas where black raspberries grow to gather some. My husband is already out gathering the round bales to get them under cover before the next rain comes.
It's hot and humid and I dread having to walk the fence line to find the breach that allows bad behavior to thrive. But, let's face it: this is a priority and if I can thwart the behavior there are peaches in our future.
Monday, May 31, 2010
End of May -- Rain Roulette
It seems it's always like this for the first hay cutting. The threat of rain looms and area farmers are consulting crystal balls to decide when to cut. You don't want hay laying on the ground in wet weather if you can avoid it, because it will rot or mold. It needs to be dry before baling or you risk poisoning your livestock or burning down your barn.
What to do? What to do? I guess you "bite the bullet", make a decision and keep your fingers crossed.
We're now into the weather in which you slather on some sunblock and spritz on some mosquito repellent before venturing out to do the morning chores.
The humidity is sometimes notable and we've been all the way up to 90 degrees recently, although sometimes 80 seems like the new 90 in terms of humidity. It's muggy and buggy.
On the bright side: plants in the vegetable garden have experienced a growth spurt in the heat. There are already baby cucumbers forming. Chard is big and beautiful. Fennel has self seeded and already formed nice hands. Bees are in the borage; snow peas will be part of today's dinner; beans are climbing right up to the sky.
Geese set on massive nests in both flocks. In the chicken house, a goose is minding lots of guinea eggs laid in a ground nest along with goose eggs. It's unlikely anything will come of it - but if it does, I'll let you know.
What to do? What to do? I guess you "bite the bullet", make a decision and keep your fingers crossed.
We're now into the weather in which you slather on some sunblock and spritz on some mosquito repellent before venturing out to do the morning chores.
The humidity is sometimes notable and we've been all the way up to 90 degrees recently, although sometimes 80 seems like the new 90 in terms of humidity. It's muggy and buggy.
On the bright side: plants in the vegetable garden have experienced a growth spurt in the heat. There are already baby cucumbers forming. Chard is big and beautiful. Fennel has self seeded and already formed nice hands. Bees are in the borage; snow peas will be part of today's dinner; beans are climbing right up to the sky.
Geese set on massive nests in both flocks. In the chicken house, a goose is minding lots of guinea eggs laid in a ground nest along with goose eggs. It's unlikely anything will come of it - but if it does, I'll let you know.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Foggy
Fog covers our hilltop this morning. It's been raining off and on for a couple of days and will continue the pattern for at least a couple more. Wonderful. It is greatly needed to make things grow.
I'm surprised that my last post was so long ago. Most of the iris is finished blooming already. Peonies are in full glorious bloom. The fruit on the trees is visible from a distance. It's looking good for pears and peaches. There are even some apricots and lots of plums. Apples abound. The raspberries are forming, blossoms done. Multiflora roses exude that lovely rosy smell.
We tinker with the trimmer and I am slowly managing to trim around the fruit trees. I'm hoping it will manage to stay together until I can get it down the hill and neaten up the area around the old house.
Yesterday, I spent about an hour weeding the vegetable garden. Lettuces are coming up. Chard and kale are big enough to harvest.
I'm surprised that my last post was so long ago. Most of the iris is finished blooming already. Peonies are in full glorious bloom. The fruit on the trees is visible from a distance. It's looking good for pears and peaches. There are even some apricots and lots of plums. Apples abound. The raspberries are forming, blossoms done. Multiflora roses exude that lovely rosy smell.
We tinker with the trimmer and I am slowly managing to trim around the fruit trees. I'm hoping it will manage to stay together until I can get it down the hill and neaten up the area around the old house.
Yesterday, I spent about an hour weeding the vegetable garden. Lettuces are coming up. Chard and kale are big enough to harvest.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Iris Time
How quickly plants develop in the Spring! Iris is about to burst into bloom, as are peonies. The lilac bushes are fragrant. Sweet William now makes its appearance and adds to the purple-pinks -- the first blooms of the season.
Grass needs to be mowed again and the light rain will help it grow. Of course, that means hayfields, too, thankfully.
Life is busy, busy. I'm losing the race against time and will soon accept that I cannot keep up with the pace of Mother Nature. So, I do what I can do and try to be philosophical about it.
Grass needs to be mowed again and the light rain will help it grow. Of course, that means hayfields, too, thankfully.
Life is busy, busy. I'm losing the race against time and will soon accept that I cannot keep up with the pace of Mother Nature. So, I do what I can do and try to be philosophical about it.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Asparagus Time
It's hard to believe, but I picked the first asparagus on Saturday and took them to the market. Many more are coming up each day.
I pulled the turnips and harvested their tops, as well as kale.
Eggs are abundant. That is an understatement. I'll need to make time to bake eggy poundcakes for the market tomorrow or Friday. The geese are especially productive and those are the best eggs for baking.
The peas, greens, and even beans and cucumbers are up in the garden. Some of the beans planted themselves, so there will be a good variety in addition to the new varieties I planted. Shallots and garlic are looking good.
In the greenhouse, tomatoes, peppers, and cabbages abound. It's time to start ferrying the overwintered plants up to the porches and courtyard.
Other tasks are taking up my time. Today, I'll try to finish painting the baseboard in a bedroom in the old farmhouse so that we can move the furniture back in to prepare for visitors. I painted the floor last week and paid for it in terms of muscle pain -- but it's done!
The roof that fell in on the shop ell is being rebuilt. Hopefully it will be enclosed before the rains come again. I'm looking forward to reclaiming the space.
I pulled the turnips and harvested their tops, as well as kale.
Eggs are abundant. That is an understatement. I'll need to make time to bake eggy poundcakes for the market tomorrow or Friday. The geese are especially productive and those are the best eggs for baking.
The peas, greens, and even beans and cucumbers are up in the garden. Some of the beans planted themselves, so there will be a good variety in addition to the new varieties I planted. Shallots and garlic are looking good.
In the greenhouse, tomatoes, peppers, and cabbages abound. It's time to start ferrying the overwintered plants up to the porches and courtyard.
Other tasks are taking up my time. Today, I'll try to finish painting the baseboard in a bedroom in the old farmhouse so that we can move the furniture back in to prepare for visitors. I painted the floor last week and paid for it in terms of muscle pain -- but it's done!
The roof that fell in on the shop ell is being rebuilt. Hopefully it will be enclosed before the rains come again. I'm looking forward to reclaiming the space.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
The Whole Bloomin' World
A loud crack of thunder woke me at about 3 a.m., then the pounding rain started. Yay, I thought: all the seeds I planted in the vegetable garden can start growing now.
As it is , even though it's been dry for more than a week there are tiny chard and beet seedlings. The pea plants are up. Overwintered kale and turnips have been doing well and the rhubarb looks splendid.
In the greenhouse, the tomatoes and peppers have emerged. They'll stay inside until all danger of frost is gone and the nighttime temperatures stay above fifty. We can be lulled into a false sense of complacency because we've had sticky near-90 F. temps during the daytime already, but I see some cooler weather coming on the weekend.
The weeping cherry is loaded with pink blossoms and all the fruit trees are now in bloom. I've mowed the grass once already, dodging the bees busily pollinating pears, plums, peaches, apricots and apples.
Daffodils are declining and tulips are in full bloom. Blue pulmonaria is blooming and the lilacs are ready to open their blooms.
The two day fly swarm is over. I'm not sure what that's all about, but think it some mass mating ritual. It's yucky, so am glad it's short term. I see that wasps are already making nests in sheltered places.
If it rains some more, I'll transplant Cannas which I was given last year. New growth has emerged in the pots in the greenhouse. The fig which looked like a dead stick has not only developed leaves, there are tiny fruits at the ends. It needs transplanting outside too.
As it is , even though it's been dry for more than a week there are tiny chard and beet seedlings. The pea plants are up. Overwintered kale and turnips have been doing well and the rhubarb looks splendid.
In the greenhouse, the tomatoes and peppers have emerged. They'll stay inside until all danger of frost is gone and the nighttime temperatures stay above fifty. We can be lulled into a false sense of complacency because we've had sticky near-90 F. temps during the daytime already, but I see some cooler weather coming on the weekend.
The weeping cherry is loaded with pink blossoms and all the fruit trees are now in bloom. I've mowed the grass once already, dodging the bees busily pollinating pears, plums, peaches, apricots and apples.
Daffodils are declining and tulips are in full bloom. Blue pulmonaria is blooming and the lilacs are ready to open their blooms.
The two day fly swarm is over. I'm not sure what that's all about, but think it some mass mating ritual. It's yucky, so am glad it's short term. I see that wasps are already making nests in sheltered places.
If it rains some more, I'll transplant Cannas which I was given last year. New growth has emerged in the pots in the greenhouse. The fig which looked like a dead stick has not only developed leaves, there are tiny fruits at the ends. It needs transplanting outside too.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Unexpected Linkages
The apricot tree and one of the peach trees are blooming today. I am nervous that we will have a hard frost which will destroy the fruit. I guess there's nothing to do but wait and see.
Because I have a project or two in the works, I wanted to finish up the books I've been reading so that I can go on to the next. Yes, I read two books simultaneously -- 'not sure why -- but they seemed totally unrelated when I started them. By the time I was finished this week, however, I found that their subject matters converged in a most unexpected way.
The Poisonwood Bible
is by Barbara Kingsolver, one of my favorite authors, and is a fictional account of a family which went to the Congo to "man" a mission outpost with the father, who was a Minister.
The Family is a history of the Fundamentalist Organization which has managed to infiltrate the US government.
So, I was thinking I was reading one book on politics and one novel, not realizing that both books cover religion and politics. The role of the US in undermining democratically elected leaders around the world and replacing them with dictators willing to exploit their countries is central to both books. Both contained historical information, as Kingsolver did massive amounts of research on the Congo and lived there briefly as a child.
Both books taught me what I hadn't known before and both books presented challenging ideas regarding religious belief and its effect on politics.
I've read The Shock Doctrine, so I'm aware of the pattern of US involvement in regime change, but the reign of Mobutu didn't get much press here. I do remember the name Patrice Lumumba from my younger days, but didn't quite understand what happened in the 1960s in the Congo.
Coincidentally, today I listened to a podcast which related the story of an American girl who corresponded with Manuel Noriega, of Panama, before he was jailed and deposed through an American invasion in the late 1980s.
Now, if you can figure out the linkage of the first sentence of this post to the rest, you will have given your brain a workout which will serve you well.
Because I have a project or two in the works, I wanted to finish up the books I've been reading so that I can go on to the next. Yes, I read two books simultaneously -- 'not sure why -- but they seemed totally unrelated when I started them. By the time I was finished this week, however, I found that their subject matters converged in a most unexpected way.
The Poisonwood Bible
is by Barbara Kingsolver, one of my favorite authors, and is a fictional account of a family which went to the Congo to "man" a mission outpost with the father, who was a Minister.
The Family is a history of the Fundamentalist Organization which has managed to infiltrate the US government.
So, I was thinking I was reading one book on politics and one novel, not realizing that both books cover religion and politics. The role of the US in undermining democratically elected leaders around the world and replacing them with dictators willing to exploit their countries is central to both books. Both contained historical information, as Kingsolver did massive amounts of research on the Congo and lived there briefly as a child.
Both books taught me what I hadn't known before and both books presented challenging ideas regarding religious belief and its effect on politics.
I've read The Shock Doctrine, so I'm aware of the pattern of US involvement in regime change, but the reign of Mobutu didn't get much press here. I do remember the name Patrice Lumumba from my younger days, but didn't quite understand what happened in the 1960s in the Congo.
Coincidentally, today I listened to a podcast which related the story of an American girl who corresponded with Manuel Noriega, of Panama, before he was jailed and deposed through an American invasion in the late 1980s.
Now, if you can figure out the linkage of the first sentence of this post to the rest, you will have given your brain a workout which will serve you well.
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