The Old Door

When we replaced the front door on the old farm house, there was always the question of what to do with the old door. It did not seem right to throw it away so it has been kept in the garage for years. Not any more.

The old door has a new purpose. It proudly holds the garden sign for all to see. Everyone who visits our garden must walk right beside the old door. This is recycling at its best!!

July 5, 2012 · Sarah · No Comments
Posted in: Garden

Corn

They say that corn is suppose to be knee high by the 4th of July. Well they don’t live in Minnesota. Bob is 6′ 1” and standing in the corn on the 4th of July 2012.

The garden is looking real good this year. It is time to take a breath and be thankful. We ate our first cucumbers for lunch. The salad green things have been great, and the fresh broccoli is amazing. Snow peas are still coming on. The herb harvest is serious and the dehydrators are running big time. Our maintenance is progressing. Most of the weeds have been annihilated. We put a ring of compost around all the little fruit trees. It will feed the trees and keep weeds down.

There is a flag out front. America is our home and we like it. Have a happy 4th of July.

July 4, 2012 · Sarah · No Comments
Posted in: Garden

Example

I always tried to set an example for my sons. Today, my eldest son is setting an example for me. He is out riding his bike route in this heat. It is early morning, but it is super hot and humid. I had not planned to walk today. However, if my son can ride his bike route, I can walk the big dogs and the poodle. We didn’t go fast or far, but we went.

It is a beautiful thing when your children set the example. My sons never cease to amaze me.

July 4, 2012 · Sarah · One Comment
Posted in: Contemplations

Sun Oven

It is serious hot when I start cooking in my sun oven. Last night, I soaked some back beans. This morning I added some turkey sausage, garlic, onions, salt and pepper. Next, I cut some fresh herbs and stirred the pot. (Oregano, Basil, and Chives) As I type, the pot of beans is simmering away in the sun oven in the back yard. They will be yummy good about dinner time. The stove will not be on all day, probably all week. The sun oven works for me.

I am going to mix up a batch of Jalapeno corn bread to bake in the oven later this afternoon. Thinking about making some sun tea to go with it. There is fresh mint from the herb garden that will be great in the sun tea.

I can complain about the heat, or I can get creative. Today, the creative juices are flowing!

July 3, 2012 · Sarah · No Comments
Posted in: Kitchen

Plan B

It is only 9 a.m. and I have had it. All the pots of flowers have been watered, all the animals fed and watered, green things picked for stir fry, eggs gathered, and my early “Walk and Pray” accomplished. It is just too hot for me to work outside today. The prediction is for intensive heat all week. So……”Plan B” is in effect as of right now.

I will be working inside on the class for St. Johns to be taught in August. Bob and I will be double teaming. This class is open to the public and the church has air conditioning!! I also need to work on my topic for Global Harvesttime Church in Minneapolis, for Sunday morning, July 22nd. (call or e mail for info)

My kitchen is air conditioned so I am seriously considering cleaning out the pantry. The cupboards need help too. It will be good to have things in order when the harvest begins.

The books that are half read will be completed this week. There is a big pile of them on the table beside my favorite chair. I was making good progress until the garden took over my time.

I will talk on the phone, visit with friends, catch up on the email, and relax! Hooray for “Plan B”!!!

July 2, 2012 · Sarah · No Comments
Posted in: Contemplations, Garden

Dead Duck

Our old white duck died this morning. He was the last of his kind at our farm. My observation is as follows. It is more fun to bring home a box full of baby ducks than to say good by to the old duck. I am used to see him hanging out in the back pasture with the geese. He thought he was a goose. I will miss him.

July 1, 2012 · Sarah · No Comments
Posted in: Contemplations, Herds and Flocks

Lock and Load

My two black kittens now have names. “LOCK” and” LOAD.” They are going to be part of the cat gang that works at controlling the rodent population in the barn.

June 30, 2012 · Sarah · No Comments
Posted in: Contemplations

Gone Home

All our April puppies have gone to their new homes. It is quiet around here and sort of empty. We are planning another litter this fall. Until then, I will miss holding gentle puppies on my lap. The kittens will have to do.

June 29, 2012 · Sarah · No Comments
Posted in: Great Pyrs

Feeling Good About It

The main garden is looking good! Over half it’s weeds are GONE!! The rest will go this week end–at least that is the plan. This is a “feel good” thing.

June 28, 2012 · Sarah · One Comment
Posted in: Garden