They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit.
Well, folks. It came, it went. It was a whirlwind of pressing, canning, laughing, talking, joking, eating, drinking, and all the other things that go along with CiderFest. We outdid last year's count, with a grand total of 129 gallons (6 fermenting for hard cider, the rest canned) divvied out between almost 20 households. Started… Continue reading CiderFest 2026
Monday the 31st was our first big tomato harvest, and our last big bean harvest. Winnie helps pick beans, and conversates the whole time. "Daddy, why are you so tall?" "Because I started growing before you." "Daddy, what number are you old?" "I am 41." "Daddy, you are going to die." Pauses thoughtfully. "You are… Continue reading First Big Tomato Harvest
"Look Daddy! I'm a stwirrel!" "Tan I help you took?" When was the last time you had a squirrel cook you potato-water griddle cakes for breakfast? Tuesday morning we got over to the farm for another picking of blackberries. The big thornless blackberries are a little the worse for wear at the moment. We are… Continue reading Blackberries, First Elderberries, and Drought problems.
We are actually a couple of weeks behind on these. Comes of being too busy. Photography brought to you by Ellie-Belle! We tried something new this time. Instead of planting the seeds in dry potting soil and then watering them in, we started by soaking the potting soil in water, before putting it in the… Continue reading More Brassica Starts
When you head to Texas for two weeks... The weeds decide they own the place. Seriously, some of them were over my head. Of course, it's an ill wind that blows no good. The ruminants were all pleased as punch about the wheelbarrow loads of weeds they were getting out of the deal. It's hot… Continue reading Weeding and composting.
The farm is such a remarkable place! Things just grow out of the ground, all over the place. You just have to know where to look, And keep your eyes open, And you can pick up all kinds of cool things Just growing right on the ground.
Because I forgot we already installed all the drip line around the trees. Saturday, the 9th was a busy day. It started with a trip in to town to get some chicken feed. Seppi is getting bigger and stronger every day, it seems. I don't have to climb on and off the truck anymore. He… Continue reading Food Forest Irrigation, Part 3 (really it should be part 4).
The Garden Fence on the yard side has ceased to be a fence. Originally it was an 8 foot tall "deer net." Note to self, and anyone else who might be listening, never build a fence out of deer netting. The first snowfall will rip it to shreds. The first dog will rip through it… Continue reading Food Forest Irrigation, Part 1
Busy Friday at the Farm. We are running so far behind schedule in the garden this year, it isn't even funny. Actually, it's probably a little funny, from the correct perspective. However, we can't really get to the garden because other projects keep popping up that take precedence. For instance, all the trees that we… Continue reading Irrigation, Seed Starting, and Comfrey
Welcome to the first farm day of 2026! That is, the first day Daddy was able to spend more than a few minutes at the farm with time to get some actual work done. Winnie is finally winning over Matilda. The key is snacks (a.k.a. Alfalfa). Pancakes for Candlemas! Tuesday morning began with the usual… Continue reading A Farm Day (Finally!)
