Blooming

June 29:

The Hybrid Tea Rose which was Mother's is blooming. We just transplanted it earlier this summer. I think I come from a long line of Women who love Roses. Roses make me smile, inside and out, especially Pink Ones.

New Digs

As the daylight was waning and the Chickens were beginning to settle themselves into their Roosts for the night, Melanie and Richard transferred 12 of the Littles into the Brooder House.  Those 12 were all little Pullets.  For a brief moment, the Teacher in me almost put a blank beside "Pullets" for the Reader to fill in.  But I resisted.

So who are the Pullets?  Pullets are young female Chickens, who will become part of our laying flock.  Up until now, the Pullets and the Cockerels (young Roosters) have all been in the same house. 

The numbers of Pullets broke down as follows:  6 Buff Orpingtons, 4 Delawares, and 2 New Hampshire Reds. I wonder what they are thinking about as they settle into their new Digs.

Life Is Good

 June 27:

The Baby Chickens are 2 months old and just about half grown. The "Littles" are carefully held in the "Rooster Pen". One of their favorite treats is Wheat that we have raised right here on the Farm. Richard cuts it using the Scythe that Gerald gave him. Then we toss in on the ground in their pen and look at them go. Life is good right here on the Farm. The simplest things are often the best.

Everyone Should Garden

Today, Cousin Lurah came to help Melanie in the Herb Garden.  They gathered Lavender and Calendula.  The Garden presents many opportunities to play, to spend time with those we know and love, to meet new people, to commune with plants and all the Critters there, to provide for our needs, and to learn and grow. Everyone should garden.

A Walkabout

I headed on a Walkabout this morning.  I have been so busy with the Gardens that I have not spent as much time observing the changes on the Land.

As I headed North, I noted a stick stuck in the path.  It was in an area where a dead Tree had fallen in the most recent Storm which packed 70 mile per hour winds.  Yes, that stick was good and stuck in the path.  I pondered that a lot.

Continuing on, I had a snack of Black Raspberries.  They are just turning ripe.  Richard will be picking some soon over at Hollis'.  I love Black Raspberries.

On the east side of the Farm against the Osage Orange Hedge Row, I noted that lovely song "Drink your Tea...Drink your Tea."  That is the song of the Eastern Towhee.  I looked and looked and I could not see him.  The lovely Creature continued to sing. Then I looked more closely.  He was just about 12-15 feet away.  We 3 C's have been noting that more and more of the wild Creatures have been getting closer.  This is one example. http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Towhee/id

Garden Notes

Onions are just beginning to "lay down".  Almost overnight, they just "plop over" on their sides. When half or more of the Onions lay down, they are just about ready to harvest, with some steps for the Gardener inbetween.  Onions are cool season, so they complete their growth early and when the heat comes they are ready to harvest.  Soon, those Beds will be empty and ready for the next crop.  Stay tuned.

Those Tomato Plants are really growing.  Richard checks them daily and makes sure they are growing straight up inside their cages for support.  Some are beginning to blossom and a few have fruit.  Bear in mind that Tomatoes do not like wet conditions.  It is very important to keep their leaves above the Soil, which spreads disease.  The Straw Mulch keeps the mud from spattering up.  Stay tuned.

1st Cabbage

We harvested our 1st Cabbage of the season.  The variety was "Copenhagen Market".  The Cabbage was on the small side (2 pounds).  I just couldn't wait any longer.  It was compact and delicious.  That's a great start for the season. 

I made a Cole Slaw of shredded Cabbage, Carrots, and Green Onion Tops, chopped Raw Almonds, with a dressing of Apple Cider Vinegar and Olive Oil.  This evening, Melanie made a cooked Cabbage dish in the Solar Oven.

I noted that the Lettuces are now done.  I guess it is the Cabbages turn.  It must be a Garden's relay race, with the Humans serving as Baton.  The Lettuces have just passed the Humans off to the Cabbages. This is turning into quite the race.