tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76770129207144140692024-03-05T03:09:38.781-05:00FAT BEAR FARMJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-45375787127464817532013-11-11T10:44:00.000-05:002013-11-11T10:44:44.255-05:00Snow Awesome<div style="text-align: center;">
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We've had snow two days in a row now! I get to stay home with the boys today (Veteran's Day holiday), and Thurgood and Miles are taking full advantage of my time off.<br />
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We went on our morning walk at 6:30, then the boys had breakfast. Immediately after Ben left for work, the boys demanded some playtime. After about an hour of playing with the squeaky Kong football-tennis ball hybrid toy, I realized that they weren't going to give me any peace until we had a proper romp outside in the snow. So, I put my snow boots on, and off we went. Miles mostly wanted to play with his toy and chase me with it. Thurgood opted for a walk through the woods for his second outing of the day.<br />
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<i>This is the best toy ever. It has an incredibly loud and long-lasting squeak, and it bounces like crazy. It's also St. Bernard-tough.</i><br />
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Last "winter" in Virginia, we didn't even get enough snow to put in a globe. Miles found a patch of ice one day on a shadowy patch of grass, and he rolled around on that little icy island like he was experiencing true ecstasy for the first time in his life. I felt like a bad mom. Raising Thurgood and Miles in the South was like keeping an alligator in Alaska -- generally a bad idea. <br />
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<i>An abundance of trails to explore.</i></div>
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I think that all of us are excited about winter this year. I look forward to making snow angels with Thurgood, ambushing Ben with snowballs, and watching Miles feast on fresh snow. When my fingers freeze, I'll add some wood to the furnace and hang out with Miles while I work on a quilt.<br />
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<i>The blueberry field this morning.</i><br />
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Yes, I know that the coming season will be intensely cold and challenging. I know that I'll have to experience a full winter in Vermont before I can truly understand what the hell I've gotten myself into. But I'm not gonna be a Negative Nancy. I'm gonna slap on some snowshoes and have me some fun. </div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-11258079739953543882013-10-19T14:38:00.000-04:002013-10-19T14:38:34.002-04:00Freedom and Unity<div style="text-align: center;">
We made it! I've been trying to write this post for a few weeks now, but whenever I sit down to do anything, the boys make me get up to play with them or go for a walk. Yes, I'm blaming my procrastination on the dogs. </div>
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The boys love the weather, the landscape, and the house. They have a lot more energy, and Miles' skin problems and ear infection have completely cleared up. Must be the air. </div>
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Miles has his own little apartment here, so he no longer has the opportunity to antagonize his brother. But don't worry, Miles won't be lonely in there. He said he'd lease one of the rooms to me for a sewing studio. Thurgood is enjoying the rest of the house, and he spends his down time stretched out on the bed, occasionally lifting an eyelid to look out the window.</div>
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<i>Thurgood Morsel</i></div>
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Ben and I start our new jobs on Monday. Though we'll be working outside of the home full-time, we'll still be able to let our freak flag fly on weekends and holidays. Luckily, both of us are thrilled about our new careers.</div>
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Now let's get to the fun part. Our new home place has about two dozen giant old apple trees scattered about. We arrived just in time to harvest some of the later varieties. Two of our loveliest new neighbors helped me pick (Thank you so much!). We ended up with four bushels total. If we had picked all the apples, we would have enough to feed two Asian elephants for an entire year. </div>
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Most of the apples are tart, and some are sweet - a great combination for hard cider! There are a lot of great resources out there for the home cider maker, so I won't give you a how-to (as I rarely do anyway). I looked to the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alaskan-Bootleggers-Bible-Leon-Kania/dp/0967452406" target="_blank">Alaskan Bootlegger's Bible</a>, <a href="http://www.howtomakehardcider.com/index.html" target="_blank">The Homebrew Helper</a>, and <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-Brew-Hard-Cider-from-Scratch/" target="_blank">Home Brew Hard Cider from Scratch</a> on Instructables.com. We don't have a cider press yet, so we used our juicer.</div>
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This is our first go at hard cider, so everything is an experiment at this point. The process is not much different than brewing beer or making <a href="http://www.fatbearfarm.com/2012/05/rainy-day-wine.html" target="_blank">fruit wine</a>, and all of the equipment overlaps. </div>
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Oh yeah, I never gave a final review of our fruit wines. Both the dry and sweet strawberry wines were decent and drinkable, but not really good enough to share with the world. The blackberry wine was a little too good to share, and our blueberry peach wine is still aging in bottles. </div>
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If you ever get a wild hair up your ass, I strongly recommend fermenting your own beverages. It's not rocket science, but it can make you feel like a genius. If you can read, you can brew!</div>
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Just so you know, we haven't just been sitting around on top of our thumbs watching airlocks bubble. We managed to plant everything we brought with us! That's seven varieties of garlic, 105 blueberry bushes (some are in nursery rows), six pawpaw trees, and five Asian pears. Thanks to Ben's hard work and planning, we've begun a new micro-mini farm here in Vermont.</div>
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<i>Baby blueberry bushes</i></div>
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We have a lot of work to do on the house. Luckily, the majority of it is cosmetic. Carpet is not a good idea when you have two St. Bernards, and the kitchen counters and some of the walls are pink! The list goes on. I'm looking forward to chipping away at these projects. For now, our living room is our bedroom until we paint and change the flooring upstairs.</div>
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I'm looking forward to lots of new adventures, and meeting new people. So far, I love everything here.</div>
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We miss our friends and family, but we don't miss the stinkbugs - they came with us!</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-5633715890494559032013-09-22T11:33:00.001-04:002013-09-22T11:33:29.554-04:00From The Blue Ridge To The Green Mountains: Fat Bear Farm Begins A New Chapter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fat Bear Farm is moving to Vermont! We are embarking on this grand adventure with our two copilots, Thurgood Morsel and Miles Giles. We're taking 100 little blueberry bushes, a few fruit trees, and beginning a new life on 27 acres in Orange, Vermont.</div>
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Unfortunately, our beloved chickens will not be making the trip with us. However, they'll get to have an adventure of their very own. Our best friends have been kind enough to give our hens a home. They'll get to live out the rest of their lives in the company of several other chickens, peacefully coexisting with a herd of rabbits.</div>
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<i>Our new neighborhood</i></div>
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The three years we have spent on our Virginia farm have been educational and colorful, to say the least. We moved into our Stuart home in June of 2010 and if you take a few moments to scan the pages of this blog, you'll see what we've been up to since the beginning of 2011. From planting 1,000 asparagus crowns to raising baby chicks, our time here has been full of new experiences.</div>
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Though we are sad to be leaving our dear friends behind, the relationships we have built will last a lifetime. We're hoping that all of them will visit and maybe even make the move from VA to VT themselves!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1iT9UN-S53IcBYphV3pSH4xKtEPG-IaR_7M5Aardht0TsuZnCpymGP4rnCsgXr0i60WQefQjk9c2_SOoyNWq43UpfppW0yvjS6nFYelxt7QcnPgDaif1RZXrKyXzPPuJYjrMChCDPyw/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1iT9UN-S53IcBYphV3pSH4xKtEPG-IaR_7M5Aardht0TsuZnCpymGP4rnCsgXr0i60WQefQjk9c2_SOoyNWq43UpfppW0yvjS6nFYelxt7QcnPgDaif1RZXrKyXzPPuJYjrMChCDPyw/s400/IMG_0633.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>This will be a fine place for blueberry bushes!</i></div>
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We are so excited to begin a new chapter of our lives in a place where:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The unofficial state motto is, "We Do What We Want."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thurgood and Miles can enjoy snow several months out of the year like all St. Bernards should.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Affordable healthcare is available for each and every resident.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Marriage equality is the law of the land, and gays and lesbians aren't treated as second class citizens.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are more craft breweries per capita than in any other state. Vermont has about 26 breweries (one for every 24,067 people).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are MOOSE!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We can get the freshest Ben & Jerry's ice cream and enjoy the best maple syrup in the world.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cheese is an art.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We can enjoy 52 state parks with our furry friends.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Confederate flags are not commonplace.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
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I could go on for days about all the reasons we're making this move, but I think I'll just blog about all the awesomeness when we get there. I'm still not sure if I'll start a completely new blog once we're settled, or if I'll simply continue this one. Either way, everyone is invited to join us at Fat Bear Farm Vermont on the Interwebs! </div>
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-62142111897079098272013-07-09T16:07:00.001-04:002013-07-09T16:11:26.753-04:00Have YOU Ever Seen the Rain?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oX2FSv4Rys" target="_blank">Boy, have <i>I </i>seen the rain</a>! It has rained eight days this month, and it's only the ninth day of the month! It rained fifteen out of thirty days last month. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYr8FXx6kORmYiaxs3RDRcz4B1FnzVHmi1bNr5zb-0c5LoKrhuoqQudm97qdWJ0okkw0CvTYP6_VtU_pLQM2LmCiWOpe04vYg0lkrNtc79vH8dBuxxhlkul7EpE6GNsnh8ChLGJ4Vigw/s1600/DSC03600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYr8FXx6kORmYiaxs3RDRcz4B1FnzVHmi1bNr5zb-0c5LoKrhuoqQudm97qdWJ0okkw0CvTYP6_VtU_pLQM2LmCiWOpe04vYg0lkrNtc79vH8dBuxxhlkul7EpE6GNsnh8ChLGJ4Vigw/s400/DSC03600.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Though the rain destroyed almost all of our strawberries (we only had two weeks of harvest), it has been quite a lovely thing for the blueberries.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCcujjknQhh4EYYg4pBAc1r2wNwzMcD5svKgj9qi43ZpJUC5AIDw66n9G7DP_GOCN7r5tua25VUHvnfmZn6Sq9Sbk37dOXUHqNkJkToixob0V7njdbl4_eRRRPsca29dk6v8v4UEwNOM/s1600/DSC03606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCcujjknQhh4EYYg4pBAc1r2wNwzMcD5svKgj9qi43ZpJUC5AIDw66n9G7DP_GOCN7r5tua25VUHvnfmZn6Sq9Sbk37dOXUHqNkJkToixob0V7njdbl4_eRRRPsca29dk6v8v4UEwNOM/s400/DSC03606.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We grow about half a dozen blueberry varieties. The first to ripen are a true treat. They have delicate vanilla undertones that give them rockstar status around here. We'll do our first harvest this Friday!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRZHmTfpkv4GH77Dvu92mqIxJHtAR2RRP-0_tVdc_1FS_aOIqvt4JzwGeQ9Eki7atlc6GMXuNsf8kbS37NcT7mPjkV1DjK7m8M6ujdIKqBeY8Vx6qXb9Tc-p3LAQvCwPhx4wiK7T0sLo/s1600/DSC03610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRZHmTfpkv4GH77Dvu92mqIxJHtAR2RRP-0_tVdc_1FS_aOIqvt4JzwGeQ9Eki7atlc6GMXuNsf8kbS37NcT7mPjkV1DjK7m8M6ujdIKqBeY8Vx6qXb9Tc-p3LAQvCwPhx4wiK7T0sLo/s400/DSC03610.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, how do we know when they're sweet? The berries are ready to pick when the base of the stem turns blue. As you can see, the berries above are preparing themselves for market on Saturday.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGVugkTxCk3-b22dRqDt0-vc6AZLGpKo6jNh3luSbGpTxPFmZIALpotNQblFRX070xvmLyccExUsNOATdZ98UzfhT-zfNXBvh5TIwC-uCmIT6af1Mr6QTP1-GgWRSBbZIoivCkyE9FkU/s1600/DSC03609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGVugkTxCk3-b22dRqDt0-vc6AZLGpKo6jNh3luSbGpTxPFmZIALpotNQblFRX070xvmLyccExUsNOATdZ98UzfhT-zfNXBvh5TIwC-uCmIT6af1Mr6QTP1-GgWRSBbZIoivCkyE9FkU/s400/DSC03609.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Much to the birds' delight, we don't use wildlife netting on the blueberries. We have so many bushes that it just wouldn't be practical. Luckily, the birds have been kind enough to share the bounty with us. Unfortunately for the deer, we do have an electric fence to keep them at bay. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrtTo-Hx9Y2hXi77vj540WjheuRnILfsLLBtq-YN7VCWaY1L8-tVLB9cJgzKh1btT5u2TH5JNCLvekibhY0qkP08HK-hfrxNCPp3JtsM8ugxtillWw5KU7lCnnlELh_zcVtOXbDeynfw/s1600/DSC03576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkrtTo-Hx9Y2hXi77vj540WjheuRnILfsLLBtq-YN7VCWaY1L8-tVLB9cJgzKh1btT5u2TH5JNCLvekibhY0qkP08HK-hfrxNCPp3JtsM8ugxtillWw5KU7lCnnlELh_zcVtOXbDeynfw/s400/DSC03576.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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While watching the berries ripen, we've been keeping ourselves busy harvesting, drying, and cleaning garlic. I've had a lot of fun making braids this week. The garlic braids will be tagging along with the blueberries this weekend at market!</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-35702762196619090792013-06-03T18:21:00.001-04:002013-06-03T18:21:15.203-04:00Birdwatching<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aren't these little ones adorable? I wonder if their mother is the same bird that nested atop our porch light last year. Anyhow, she's definitely of the same species, whatever that may be. It made me so happy to see them doing well this evening. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7BYEsBfMBXi67ewqTMxfd-VZAJLA5KNlPnvSaDlYwsfUQqtI9sL2rHSEQP62jqyCW_VB974nF3exDS2lBPmjdMnTFPd5yACstWUm9Z-fywNsDBqnIakupkz9Dy0SKyARtzvoext4D1w/s1600/DSC03482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7BYEsBfMBXi67ewqTMxfd-VZAJLA5KNlPnvSaDlYwsfUQqtI9sL2rHSEQP62jqyCW_VB974nF3exDS2lBPmjdMnTFPd5yACstWUm9Z-fywNsDBqnIakupkz9Dy0SKyARtzvoext4D1w/s400/DSC03482.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>What a face!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68OlWCSWtqKaMvNMvLEoaNvi-Qsiezg9X4jlcmO996Yh2oII9IFPoTGhN1UyL7UWPifpPi4r6RwyDOSePKL2zDsDpJFnKSIIjaU5xOAyGcXtSbtYVpMZu0ZT3Nl4Oe1PQWFo3_QhBay0/s1600/DSC03486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg68OlWCSWtqKaMvNMvLEoaNvi-Qsiezg9X4jlcmO996Yh2oII9IFPoTGhN1UyL7UWPifpPi4r6RwyDOSePKL2zDsDpJFnKSIIjaU5xOAyGcXtSbtYVpMZu0ZT3Nl4Oe1PQWFo3_QhBay0/s400/DSC03486.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Can you see the Saint Bernard hairs in the nest? Thurgood's and Miles' fur is always highly sought-after building material.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVvoWdCYaQuCbvdDzsZETGlA5Rm2neJNMhQreWGliCU2UiZkYwGON3fj4RSphQy7Nm6tJcsmyBQ2bBCRiVk7i0hag_0cAjp1b_m0LzF_nPg7tZs62d0pH4jXJk8lzJTvyLTdfHY5t58k/s1600/DSC03490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVvoWdCYaQuCbvdDzsZETGlA5Rm2neJNMhQreWGliCU2UiZkYwGON3fj4RSphQy7Nm6tJcsmyBQ2bBCRiVk7i0hag_0cAjp1b_m0LzF_nPg7tZs62d0pH4jXJk8lzJTvyLTdfHY5t58k/s400/DSC03490.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Safe and sound.</i></div>
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Sadly, tragedy struck the <a href="http://www.fatbearfarm.com/2013/05/scatterbrained.html" target="_blank">Mourning Dove nest</a> last night. A black snake got one of the two newly hatched Mourning Doves. Ben was able to rescue the second chick, but the nest was completely empty this morning. Mama Dove sat on her eggs for weeks without moving much at all. She grew on me, and I admired her dedication. I was very disappointed about the way things turned out for her family.</div>
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Damn, it's a rough life out there.</div>
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-38738766203815571722013-05-29T20:55:00.001-04:002013-05-29T20:55:57.950-04:00First Came The Rain, Now The Heat Is On!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have had beaucoup rain this spring. If it wasn't raining cats and dogs, then it was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloudy_with_a_Chance_of_Meatballs" target="_blank">Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs</a>. I'm not one to complain about rain (I've seen plenty of droughts, and that ain't pretty either), but we really needed a drying-out period. It feels like summer now, and it is H-O-T.</div>
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The lettuce and asparagus are handling the change in weather just fine, but we've eighty-sixed the spinach in the high tunnel. The heat-loving crops are now having fun in the sun!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7uzIoMq1Hb7QpusWji-ljVkKEDggXCZW1F0F9j1ErvZsNPJBR8o_iQU13Xy8Uvzf6nD41w4Aiqz75Nw1HROxX-O1hCnwkc0YOd8Uu6ACZXDPE-m1CBgsVqaeGG-ibdQnIwpZpOdYO9o/s1600/DSC03426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7uzIoMq1Hb7QpusWji-ljVkKEDggXCZW1F0F9j1ErvZsNPJBR8o_iQU13Xy8Uvzf6nD41w4Aiqz75Nw1HROxX-O1hCnwkc0YOd8Uu6ACZXDPE-m1CBgsVqaeGG-ibdQnIwpZpOdYO9o/s400/DSC03426.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>All eleven varieties of tomato are flowering in the high tunnel.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwi3418FNWNG4aTbHRJfphggvLfJrb1r1g3-GVnGKXcbZfx3kpF2SBPIrSIxxyD6auF7wJic8-8c_aJchmFUeN3HeMpzfVXaknwyszNbKbvQ6dGjm2cQkV7Ok59oi7b7V8DCHbPDjVEJo/s1600/DSC03423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwi3418FNWNG4aTbHRJfphggvLfJrb1r1g3-GVnGKXcbZfx3kpF2SBPIrSIxxyD6auF7wJic8-8c_aJchmFUeN3HeMpzfVXaknwyszNbKbvQ6dGjm2cQkV7Ok59oi7b7V8DCHbPDjVEJo/s400/DSC03423.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Some of the plants even have lil'maters on them!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJ9OfDM0LQNMy0f2jZIKqMUn3yeX-pXRLX-PSx8PTDvgccGy-1mpqLwJw42MsHK5W0JJXnR71xVxBHHexhZfa2takIRKzigJgMnhBGmk32bzmjDiS4PDlm3A8efZOq7Z7LCCtNiOCicE/s1600/DSC03435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJ9OfDM0LQNMy0f2jZIKqMUn3yeX-pXRLX-PSx8PTDvgccGy-1mpqLwJw42MsHK5W0JJXnR71xVxBHHexhZfa2takIRKzigJgMnhBGmk32bzmjDiS4PDlm3A8efZOq7Z7LCCtNiOCicE/s400/DSC03435.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>I love the bamboo stakes Ben procured for us. They are sky high.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL61wLWweSW7iknMiU2Ya_VQhFUFYvafBqIHwdES06It4dvKLIsAxyLEZ07P5tf64nN7XM26-vCKuwSdj_2AD_mRiMvhJc2Zjv-7BFViWr9B5xF9KgaIqKj8cL0-mZIyCm4mt8cpwnOow/s1600/DSC03430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL61wLWweSW7iknMiU2Ya_VQhFUFYvafBqIHwdES06It4dvKLIsAxyLEZ07P5tf64nN7XM26-vCKuwSdj_2AD_mRiMvhJc2Zjv-7BFViWr9B5xF9KgaIqKj8cL0-mZIyCm4mt8cpwnOow/s400/DSC03430.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Cilantro on a hot day means it's salsa time!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwS_lbKM2vORPgpPkpOdVEtJf0igyulrG3I8uAkpC6SMXbOMk0DfRw6OVpP825yBuUE-m0hmftmoqU1VbfV3yFT_9Uf0P5U7KADo-CC6zR7GBid3hbPr-XvftfzuDhtXGC82q0pCNfkFM/s1600/DSC03428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwS_lbKM2vORPgpPkpOdVEtJf0igyulrG3I8uAkpC6SMXbOMk0DfRw6OVpP825yBuUE-m0hmftmoqU1VbfV3yFT_9Uf0P5U7KADo-CC6zR7GBid3hbPr-XvftfzuDhtXGC82q0pCNfkFM/s400/DSC03428.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Basil + Tomatoes = Heaven on Earth</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmd8GIudyMSAa2C_jZN2sCBKdDLYzLv1XgZTU8wjCqiYFyPERUju-d8jYo0DPFyuOyUs2TmPvzqNo_wzWl7dD8sncZhlDCS1rfcOzI8hvsO2XVSdRP7spTR28uDAUCHl9nlmXO1Oy8BkI/s1600/DSC03477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmd8GIudyMSAa2C_jZN2sCBKdDLYzLv1XgZTU8wjCqiYFyPERUju-d8jYo0DPFyuOyUs2TmPvzqNo_wzWl7dD8sncZhlDCS1rfcOzI8hvsO2XVSdRP7spTR28uDAUCHl9nlmXO1Oy8BkI/s400/DSC03477.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>The blueberries are putting on quite a show.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSl9lyuFkA4QuvaSSyZ4sWH9hBSTJPlYM2wVrpO9cK_p73IgFGqtoqD0lmlaC2sUzxO7GEe-mLiB01z60B2qy_bEl-6tE_DJRDQYp1ZgLU_P0ovxnTY3sP9K9_fPnwzuwCw0KEu_vewU/s1600/DSC03478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSl9lyuFkA4QuvaSSyZ4sWH9hBSTJPlYM2wVrpO9cK_p73IgFGqtoqD0lmlaC2sUzxO7GEe-mLiB01z60B2qy_bEl-6tE_DJRDQYp1ZgLU_P0ovxnTY3sP9K9_fPnwzuwCw0KEu_vewU/s400/DSC03478.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>We'll be picking a little over a month from now. My favorite.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsx-lqt89a_4zO7Okq7iSfdbzDXVFOQbnZe2NDsiGO_FDe1b0fI8uL3RcflkBH2Zvx6VjfsptWxwUjPEcZpWKoA7fdVjnOBM1RiKI3wyyUXyHHIWRC8gzlC_dMEo6nDZ-BhDCCfAqWheY/s1600/DSC03447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsx-lqt89a_4zO7Okq7iSfdbzDXVFOQbnZe2NDsiGO_FDe1b0fI8uL3RcflkBH2Zvx6VjfsptWxwUjPEcZpWKoA7fdVjnOBM1RiKI3wyyUXyHHIWRC8gzlC_dMEo6nDZ-BhDCCfAqWheY/s400/DSC03447.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>I'm glad that we have enough strawberries to share with the birds. They've been polite about pilfering so far.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinB13kjqG0f3lRkgtWt6lfr7xjYZ11gXhGMOkimeuo-ssj9Em_O36b7HDTCPQ8nwouAmdpX7zpzjfDnhtiFolOMVR29Gl5imZu2s_fdPWrDJxTnBk5Rknn07xWMJSo7jw2l4PsBwe4TfQ/s1600/DSC03444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinB13kjqG0f3lRkgtWt6lfr7xjYZ11gXhGMOkimeuo-ssj9Em_O36b7HDTCPQ8nwouAmdpX7zpzjfDnhtiFolOMVR29Gl5imZu2s_fdPWrDJxTnBk5Rknn07xWMJSo7jw2l4PsBwe4TfQ/s400/DSC03444.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Strawberry shortcake is in my future. Whipped cream or ice cream? Hmmm...</i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-20933282934934950782013-05-20T17:39:00.000-04:002013-05-20T17:39:28.395-04:00Scatterbrained<div style="text-align: center;">
I was all over the place today, both mentally and physically. I was a busy-body and completely unable to focus. I wish Ritalin were available over the counter. Here are some snapshots of my scattered day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxI6hnNE2uOgoD1rSrCo-pFDrlKouDanSl4jqzUv7ZyfSH8COl_icWQO0h3Zg680XtfcSG-RmFrSfU47FOqVQTXQgDTYcf-nBoyLH395VGvJGHM-EawGSYZZVvjLe4OsX1AxJU08oCrc/s1600/DSC03336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxI6hnNE2uOgoD1rSrCo-pFDrlKouDanSl4jqzUv7ZyfSH8COl_icWQO0h3Zg680XtfcSG-RmFrSfU47FOqVQTXQgDTYcf-nBoyLH395VGvJGHM-EawGSYZZVvjLe4OsX1AxJU08oCrc/s400/DSC03336.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Mama Mourning Dove is sitting on two eggs. She is fierce.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQToD0WTQw04G8WjH6vH7e5tdCBsOjYrOt572p1V6HG9fxVcrGWx5O1QneQUdkiamoQv9Xq-YX6Pvf0hfQ6uVnHH3wK6iiudAc19kO6T1yD1YygyCKiNjELImykyluPTp0z-yj51uOoMM/s1600/DSC03339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQToD0WTQw04G8WjH6vH7e5tdCBsOjYrOt572p1V6HG9fxVcrGWx5O1QneQUdkiamoQv9Xq-YX6Pvf0hfQ6uVnHH3wK6iiudAc19kO6T1yD1YygyCKiNjELImykyluPTp0z-yj51uOoMM/s400/DSC03339.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>All three elderberry bushes are fruiting! We planted "Variegated," "Thundercloud," and "Emerald Lace" two years ago. Here's a photo of the "Emerald Lace."</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMv17DjqDcvZot458wFQdcjDM_xT9h4hvDGErak7kaz_BuodYUViXkRmdMBF5TzmNv4V0jtyrbzNuo3YVSBaiAPaRnJEj5UuNmWQiWmth0f-3lItZv9I40LoX018hp4lDS0nWq63W_QQ/s1600/DSC03340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMv17DjqDcvZot458wFQdcjDM_xT9h4hvDGErak7kaz_BuodYUViXkRmdMBF5TzmNv4V0jtyrbzNuo3YVSBaiAPaRnJEj5UuNmWQiWmth0f-3lItZv9I40LoX018hp4lDS0nWq63W_QQ/s400/DSC03340.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>"Thundercloud" has pretty pink flowers. The birds eat the berries as soon as they appear. I will never see their glory.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevCn8h-cZXD8aqOywRfyFQbntwWDr8PmivCPcdJyDfzEYo90JMQVxjgq2DMa6t4_JJfohCDslBK75KoqDvpMngNK-yIrImJ5Hc0YoPFKMqbWmbRl0PB_mNFw8mp9XyaqDl8uKCPK5nrA/s1600/DSC03346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevCn8h-cZXD8aqOywRfyFQbntwWDr8PmivCPcdJyDfzEYo90JMQVxjgq2DMa6t4_JJfohCDslBK75KoqDvpMngNK-yIrImJ5Hc0YoPFKMqbWmbRl0PB_mNFw8mp9XyaqDl8uKCPK5nrA/s400/DSC03346.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>I picked strawberries today!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCI8UKqU0lCYWemY9hRzxmUs3s3TjAwofRBIpCfuJHkK42RIq0fvonbyBNweVXVrB3rKkEJyuT_ukKn_v8QpHicf2Y_aWNHsnr9i6KT6AKAiwbj9-90QcUaHz_O9S7VKwXpbBQ8bIpW9I/s1600/DSC03360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCI8UKqU0lCYWemY9hRzxmUs3s3TjAwofRBIpCfuJHkK42RIq0fvonbyBNweVXVrB3rKkEJyuT_ukKn_v8QpHicf2Y_aWNHsnr9i6KT6AKAiwbj9-90QcUaHz_O9S7VKwXpbBQ8bIpW9I/s400/DSC03360.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>The "Gaviota" are the first to ripen.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzOd8n7IPy6ZE41E97gTQZLdbOfEDNO8haie3m1EUfFbRcxcZR67Lm5M-ZkEUsG5iIynbqf0OoWukuHwfo2UXWYbfOBGeSsWchRIxffXBGIm5HWZDFmv41_DoF9cBZ5MScBpgzNlmS8Q/s1600/DSC03395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzOd8n7IPy6ZE41E97gTQZLdbOfEDNO8haie3m1EUfFbRcxcZR67Lm5M-ZkEUsG5iIynbqf0OoWukuHwfo2UXWYbfOBGeSsWchRIxffXBGIm5HWZDFmv41_DoF9cBZ5MScBpgzNlmS8Q/s400/DSC03395.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>This puts a smile on my face.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjNLckuvxktDMk9wT-hRrcd7cLvjyPAZ0o8FcLycQ_fgXiXgyqlQuR0tYL6VRa31hlKG1B6XaExksgAQ_sv6IvlFmnQC9PYAUSfdPkuE1s9UlRo62z6HcHla4qa8n6F0T833jIFluEu0/s1600/DSC03379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjNLckuvxktDMk9wT-hRrcd7cLvjyPAZ0o8FcLycQ_fgXiXgyqlQuR0tYL6VRa31hlKG1B6XaExksgAQ_sv6IvlFmnQC9PYAUSfdPkuE1s9UlRo62z6HcHla4qa8n6F0T833jIFluEu0/s400/DSC03379.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>The butterhead lettuce is enjoying the weather.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRx3f2JkUawnq80K5NGIyP33qt4ZR1ufSNtQxOdUI8uxoKXTYQxzYGajgOSvHx3CDksf1gyQbYS1wLoiyq2yo_pShjW11ichXWEFQoQVlz1YI0g7_sAnuZdDX7YVcHJiE0TE-27bjW4KE/s1600/DSC03386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRx3f2JkUawnq80K5NGIyP33qt4ZR1ufSNtQxOdUI8uxoKXTYQxzYGajgOSvHx3CDksf1gyQbYS1wLoiyq2yo_pShjW11ichXWEFQoQVlz1YI0g7_sAnuZdDX7YVcHJiE0TE-27bjW4KE/s400/DSC03386.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>The red butterhead lettuce is ready for market. We'll offer both red and green this week.</i></div>
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I'm off to feed and walk the boys now. If they weren't around to keep me on schedule, I don't know if anything would ever get done. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlh0yDvXtaWjsUYkbq51y9DCB8mw8YxCAQjERHTn5TVXc2I01tCHxgdc6A8ACUyzfd78-AgYGPM-lJfjFkgxF6A6ltQnRX6DPrmiq9OKrM6o9PPHH2sVb73sxRe9mEsdEvSoh5PBQd01I/s1600/DSC03399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlh0yDvXtaWjsUYkbq51y9DCB8mw8YxCAQjERHTn5TVXc2I01tCHxgdc6A8ACUyzfd78-AgYGPM-lJfjFkgxF6A6ltQnRX6DPrmiq9OKrM6o9PPHH2sVb73sxRe9mEsdEvSoh5PBQd01I/s400/DSC03399.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i> Dog is totally my co-pilot.</i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-89986580319195691602013-05-18T19:09:00.000-04:002013-05-18T19:11:26.574-04:00Fat Bear Feast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The spinach in the high tunnel is still thriving. The leaves probably grow about an inch a day. It's a challenge keeping it picked between markets, and we eat it nonstop.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayYrStWbRCvZRYJcKjSdh7Hi4JKAz5_LPAUDYs5qaOOnQZNjNw_kLm3JopEKWExsfb2sob9hwRTh_X7ccOhWJYDsUt2w3NEaQNNtHVWrRvgCpqAknm7PTxb27BrlodxWdvIRwHH-zssQ/s1600/DSC03289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayYrStWbRCvZRYJcKjSdh7Hi4JKAz5_LPAUDYs5qaOOnQZNjNw_kLm3JopEKWExsfb2sob9hwRTh_X7ccOhWJYDsUt2w3NEaQNNtHVWrRvgCpqAknm7PTxb27BrlodxWdvIRwHH-zssQ/s400/DSC03289.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, what to do with leaves the size of a human hand?</div>
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SPANAKOPITA NIGHT!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoi9cR084XIbGvjTn_gVmpUi9KgHQwhc4sxqCuNmz2V3s40x9GPiYRYHfbJRCFIXAv-0ExAK3WtgzvfNCOQPkzuqaOFXrfFeGrktrpUfoWU6h0d1FXTAeBj28PKgKhaWpHiHbe_R_3TS4/s1600/DSC03315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoi9cR084XIbGvjTn_gVmpUi9KgHQwhc4sxqCuNmz2V3s40x9GPiYRYHfbJRCFIXAv-0ExAK3WtgzvfNCOQPkzuqaOFXrfFeGrktrpUfoWU6h0d1FXTAeBj28PKgKhaWpHiHbe_R_3TS4/s400/DSC03315.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used about three pounds of homegrown spinach, garlic, eggs, and herbs. I added some feta and onions to the mix, wrapped it in frozen phyllo dough, and we had ourselves an easy meal. I think I'll add some shiitakes next time. We roasted some of our beets and sweet potatoes to go along with it. </div>
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Now, for dessert.</div>
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Ben's wonderful mother has a gorgeous rhubarb patch in her garden. She was very kind to share some of it with us. I immediately made a strawberry rhubarb cobbler with it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY08etNdHlb5KdXH1V60hIM6QrO18lz-_hVV02kb0hgD6Hp6F8ZvFnVP1RJQ0no_GOSaopDSmEoPb8cBrL6Hpk6faxgVX8KtzJHhQbmrb1w0EdBCEii_iZ1KQS8r2gYiBpd_NLKXrbj4A/s1600/DSC03300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY08etNdHlb5KdXH1V60hIM6QrO18lz-_hVV02kb0hgD6Hp6F8ZvFnVP1RJQ0no_GOSaopDSmEoPb8cBrL6Hpk6faxgVX8KtzJHhQbmrb1w0EdBCEii_iZ1KQS8r2gYiBpd_NLKXrbj4A/s400/DSC03300.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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None of our strawberries were ripe yet, but I had back-up. We froze a ton of fruit last year, so we still have several quarts of strawberries in the deep freezer. Lucky ducks, we are!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbk7js0wjoGZXaPBCL7FKq1LzPEMpvHSRpC72WpwXoTYjIbD_eaOk1TtbQG1Cri8iuljfc-ZzRbxuOMCg4CtR38o3A_RFR2uBovD6E41z4i-W56xx3ZfezbXWkF7fdD7y7QrRAJy63DwE/s1600/DSC03303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbk7js0wjoGZXaPBCL7FKq1LzPEMpvHSRpC72WpwXoTYjIbD_eaOk1TtbQG1Cri8iuljfc-ZzRbxuOMCg4CtR38o3A_RFR2uBovD6E41z4i-W56xx3ZfezbXWkF7fdD7y7QrRAJy63DwE/s400/DSC03303.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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If the weather is kind to us, it looks like we'll have ripe, plump strawberries to bring to market next week! I must also keep my fingers crossed that the birds will be kind to us. It seems like the bird population has exploded this year. We have two nests on our front porch (we've only had one nest for the past two years), and there are Mourning Doves and Whatchamacallits everywhere. Hopefully, the birds will opt to eat cicadas instead of strawberries.</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-77508043685208915602013-05-06T18:23:00.000-04:002013-05-06T18:23:42.063-04:00A Rough Guide (2013 Outlook)<div style="text-align: center;">
If you're curious about what the heck we're growing around here, I hope this post will be helpful. I've listed the items that we plan to bring to market this year, as well as their approximate availability (emphasis on "approximate").</div>
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Due to the nature of our schedule and micro-mini workforce (Ben may be<i> </i>a tall drink of water, but there are only two of us), Fat Bear Farm produce is only available at farmers market at this time. All of our items (along with artisan cheeses, local meats, baked goods, soaps, and other excellent produce) will be conveniently available at the <a href="http://oldsalem.org/farmersmarket.html" target="_blank">Cobblestone Farmers Market in Old Salem</a> this year. We hope to see you there!</div>
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<u><b>ASPARAGUS</b></u><br />
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The Dawning of the Age of Asparagus has come! Our asparagus is available right now. We will continue to harvest through the beginning of July.</div>
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<u><b>SPINACH</b></u><br />
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It's available now until Mother Nature says tells us that it's too warm.<br />
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<u><b>STRAWBERRIES</b></u><br />
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We've got lil'greenies on the plants right now! It looks like they'll be red and ripe by the end of May. We grow three varieties that mature at different times. We hope to offer strawberries through the rest of spring, most of summer, and autumn.<br />
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<u><b>LETTUCE</b></u><br />
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We are growing green, light green, and red varieties of head lettuce. They will be harvested this month and next.</div>
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<u><b>FRESH HERBS</b></u><br />
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Basil, cilantro, and sage are growing in the high tunnel. We'll be bringing them to market from late May through autumn.</div>
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<u><b>LEEKS</b></u><br />
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The leeks have been transplanted and are growing strong. I have to admit that I'm only <i>guessing </i>that leeks will be harvested late June through early July. This one will be a surprise!</div>
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<u><b>GARLIC</b></u><br />
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Scapes will be coming in the next several weeks. We'll harvest the roots beginning in June. We expect to offer garlic at market from late June or early July through autumn. Our varieties are: <i>Elephant, Music, Purple Glazer, Chesnok Red, Persian Star, Kettle River Giant, Mother of Pearl, </i>and<i> Georgian Fire</i>.</div>
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<u><b>MORE THAN JUST "CHERRY" TOMATOES</b></u><br />
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This year's varieties of salad tomatoes include: <i>Gold Rush Currant, Egg Yolk, Tommy Toe, Black Plum, Yellow Pear, Red Fig, </i>and<i> Brown Berry</i>. The names are great, but the flavor is even better!</div>
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<u><b>BLUEBERRIES</b></u><br />
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The start of July through the beginning of September is blueberry season. Dig out those pie and jam recipes (we will gladly taste-test your creations for you)!</div>
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<u><b>RED PIMIENTO PEPPERS</b></u><br />
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I grew these last summer, and we ate them all in grilled pimiento cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. They were so good that I had to grow more to share with the world! Maybe July through late autumn? It should be a long season for them because they're growing in our high tunnel. Pimiento cheese, anyone? <br />
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<u><b>SWEET POTATOES</b></u><br />
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We've sold out of our winter storage supply, and we just planted this year's slips yesterday. We will offer <i>Beauregard</i> (deep orange flesh) and white yams. We'll dig them up at the end of August (they grow very quickly in our soil) and begin bringing them to market in September.</div>
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<u><b>FRESH GINGER</b></u><br />
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My fingers are crossed that this year will be as good to us as last year was. We're growing ginger in our greenhouse and high tunnel. It will be available at the end of summer.</div>
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<u><b>MISCELLANEOUS</b></u><br />
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Life is no fun without surprises. </div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-15055352973446442042013-05-01T06:48:00.002-04:002013-05-01T06:48:48.285-04:00Honey Bees, Butterflies, and Blueberry Bushes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We can't let the <a href="http://www.fatbearfarm.com/2013/04/the-berries-and-bees-miracle-of.html" target="_blank">bumble bees</a> take all the credit (though they are a lot easier to photograph). On this day, the butterflies and honey bees were hard at work!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4LQwGU-gKi9XZKaXCSCgK2-uUP1xwPiNV3oF5KNQfDMarivS-fmzAqSeS_9MZoX41MNAS4-rUpagnKSsGr8C7KxHrROCBT8hvrvSqGrKxHFueYZmjkBkoDRgEJYQh7PM75-rG6W2278/s1600/DSC03145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4LQwGU-gKi9XZKaXCSCgK2-uUP1xwPiNV3oF5KNQfDMarivS-fmzAqSeS_9MZoX41MNAS4-rUpagnKSsGr8C7KxHrROCBT8hvrvSqGrKxHFueYZmjkBkoDRgEJYQh7PM75-rG6W2278/s400/DSC03145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The blueberry bushes are absolutely loaded with blossoms this season. I walk through the orchard almost everyday, trying to wrap my mind around the fact that each and every flower is slowly making the transformation into a sweet, plump, complexly-flavored fruit. </div>
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Oh, thhe joys of farming!</div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-79710802167285888182013-04-29T12:16:00.000-04:002013-04-29T12:16:22.966-04:00Weekend Getaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ben and I had a ball at <a href="http://www.foggyridgecider.com/" target="_blank">Foggy Ridge Cider</a> last Saturday. The day was cloudy, but the atmosphere was festive. We reconnected with old friends and even made some new ones. Nothing brings people together like great cider and fantastic food.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpen6lZKEMuAfv-J7CZp1RmCDvyz5fT7RpsAiVeEGFnDMR2dWn36AVBwqQ_WgAY-EsPi388bH8fh1CORrMFGcxG0s98afkPJjZ2KEC17ri2VG3unyahofgqORZRtWGmsIvPhGr1U-nRh4/s1600/DSC03233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpen6lZKEMuAfv-J7CZp1RmCDvyz5fT7RpsAiVeEGFnDMR2dWn36AVBwqQ_WgAY-EsPi388bH8fh1CORrMFGcxG0s98afkPJjZ2KEC17ri2VG3unyahofgqORZRtWGmsIvPhGr1U-nRh4/s400/DSC03233.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fresh pea soup alongside asparagus bread pudding with watercress sauce were served in the tasting room. Fat Bear Farm offered asparagus, spinach, seedlings, and eggs out on the crush pad.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnA-QWZ9-suS-20Xl44xC_KwLKhyphenhyphenaWujg3IxOy79Hhty9ep15XwlvaWEbRtHJIutJ4a6fgDX90EDLHyQdCBTyocZlehvp7O1NMPGwaoCqKaPzGOVl8CAVQOdiW5MZoBGkEARr8H0Pm3zI/s1600/DSC03207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnA-QWZ9-suS-20Xl44xC_KwLKhyphenhyphenaWujg3IxOy79Hhty9ep15XwlvaWEbRtHJIutJ4a6fgDX90EDLHyQdCBTyocZlehvp7O1NMPGwaoCqKaPzGOVl8CAVQOdiW5MZoBGkEARr8H0Pm3zI/s400/DSC03207.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Ben was left on his own for a bit while I enjoyed the offerings in the tasting room.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSeZG0Vn98Bk_644e1tnT0gbPrC2-tvN7mED6wFNjFXqzeIev9SjPFfRyRoHre4_7YduREEZBoO7yTjSfG5mkrKf6N9tRtIE-EhtvypoN5TvZ8EwJoZtptth14ByIlRFhqdc0nj60X_c/s1600/DSC03201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSeZG0Vn98Bk_644e1tnT0gbPrC2-tvN7mED6wFNjFXqzeIev9SjPFfRyRoHre4_7YduREEZBoO7yTjSfG5mkrKf6N9tRtIE-EhtvypoN5TvZ8EwJoZtptth14ByIlRFhqdc0nj60X_c/s400/DSC03201.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>You can see some of the beautiful equipment used to crush the apples and mix the cider in the background.</i></div>
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<i>We were lucky enough to catch some of the apple trees in bloom.</i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIi9qmfGOcPhypDl5PVJxqPr4Z3AE0-2kQYUX-TqBEQfq8pxdTtiF5D4jOCzcXejEjrdgqloWAzTWOOTDZkp6n3_2TON-zXmrCs77XmXl2CQWgnQRNMyQZwCNCvKlWIMAPCcUyLgHud2g/s1600/DSC03231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIi9qmfGOcPhypDl5PVJxqPr4Z3AE0-2kQYUX-TqBEQfq8pxdTtiF5D4jOCzcXejEjrdgqloWAzTWOOTDZkp6n3_2TON-zXmrCs77XmXl2CQWgnQRNMyQZwCNCvKlWIMAPCcUyLgHud2g/s400/DSC03231.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></span></i></div>
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<i>The orchard is breathtaking, even on the cloudiest of days. In the background to the left, there are even more trees in full bloom. </i></div>
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We want to thank Foggy Ridge for hosting us again. It was our pleasure to help kick-off their Farm Days series for 2013!</div>
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We'll be back at the Cobblestone Farmers Market this coming Saturday. </div>
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-50816687498066256302013-04-22T14:09:00.000-04:002013-04-23T13:16:55.534-04:00Farm Days At Foggy Ridge Cider<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and come join us at <a href="http://www.foggyridgecider.com/events/special-events.php" target="_blank">Foggy Ridge Cider for Farm Days</a> this weekend! What could be better than spending an afternoon in scenic Dugspur, VA with great food, drink, and company? Fat Bear Farm will offer asparagus, seedlings, and other spring goodies for sale. If you'd like to do a cider tasting and gnosh some snacks, $8 will cover it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKM4_EIlpqNzS7WGr3piVr1QrhEAq3CrlIe-4zU6JqnlvdjtiKN0WEr9A16lGwyhU1vo-iSVIJD55HBp71S8RcTzQcILtr-e3Xx-wWqfa2pvdLAska3Fk_0JhnmjI7eu4GOLS9Rc7wx7I/s1600/DSC02651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKM4_EIlpqNzS7WGr3piVr1QrhEAq3CrlIe-4zU6JqnlvdjtiKN0WEr9A16lGwyhU1vo-iSVIJD55HBp71S8RcTzQcILtr-e3Xx-wWqfa2pvdLAska3Fk_0JhnmjI7eu4GOLS9Rc7wx7I/s400/DSC02651.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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If you've never visited Foggy Ridge before, I highly recommend bringing a camera. The apple orchard is gorgeous this time of year, and I wouldn't want you to regret missing the opportunity to capture some incredible springtime photos. See you there!</div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-66326721551872553242013-04-21T18:42:00.000-04:002013-04-21T18:42:48.645-04:00Best Ever<div style="text-align: center;">
We had some incredible ingredients on our hands after farmers market, so we fired up the mud oven last night. We had a little pizza party with Thurgood Morsel and Miles Giles as our invited guests (they said the pizza bones were to die for).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQE-Hg-P5gPTwqp013zGjz-Qtv3Pbs9doV79KPjMaG07hSwaFkxZCRQfUhwpnYK_RG5GimaX0-Yw4huJRXDzusCBekksD5WullcR1Zt8euUVwlJDp9uMAxKHSwefgxTzdxv9wK6b5DZtQ/s1600/DSC03118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQE-Hg-P5gPTwqp013zGjz-Qtv3Pbs9doV79KPjMaG07hSwaFkxZCRQfUhwpnYK_RG5GimaX0-Yw4huJRXDzusCBekksD5WullcR1Zt8euUVwlJDp9uMAxKHSwefgxTzdxv9wK6b5DZtQ/s400/DSC03118.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><a href="http://oldsalem.org/farmersmarket.html" target="_blank">Cobblestone Farmers Market</a> finds: Mediterranean flavored lamb sausage from <a href="http://www.borderspringsfarm.com/" target="_blank">Border Springs Farm</a>, Fat Bear Farm spinach, and shiitake mushrooms from <a href="http://www.ncagr.gov/ncproducts/ShowSite.asp?ID=100921" target="_blank">Myers Mushrooms and More</a>. </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbfQSVoUT1qITFiOetrGePrsbjEBTut2P31R9mXzV3a3j3PEoOhm_s7NHtEzaQSL_9XVFGXhoKh4RUmZ6pp9UfCpcWki-FSFjtok6KsQ4cio8SI4M1DBpHmhI98gHH1gX2LD8sjT7SLI/s1600/DSC03127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbfQSVoUT1qITFiOetrGePrsbjEBTut2P31R9mXzV3a3j3PEoOhm_s7NHtEzaQSL_9XVFGXhoKh4RUmZ6pp9UfCpcWki-FSFjtok6KsQ4cio8SI4M1DBpHmhI98gHH1gX2LD8sjT7SLI/s400/DSC03127.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>These pizzas were officially declared "our best pizzas ever."</i></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-77278746078710743302013-04-18T20:40:00.002-04:002013-04-18T20:40:53.848-04:00The Berries and the Bees: The Miracle of Pollination<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There aren't many things I enjoy more than watching the blueberry bushes progress from bud to berry. It's fascinating to see the bees work their magic, transferring pollen from blossom to blossom. There are hundreds of thousands of flowers to pollinate, and I think they manage to take care of them all. Bees are so underrated. </div>
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I'd like to share this miraculous process with you from beginning to end.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNhqpJL0CmwkSQLfnsh1_RtqKkjai8X9dfc_SDXlnaFW-P5V4kU-hyNCt-fyxLOk51VUDv7YsfGA0eQlKn-Q4yDF5-urH7KBSI0g2BHLoC5W1dPLAStmpJeoj1OqBjoiqauUjga0JEHA/s1600/DSC03057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNhqpJL0CmwkSQLfnsh1_RtqKkjai8X9dfc_SDXlnaFW-P5V4kU-hyNCt-fyxLOk51VUDv7YsfGA0eQlKn-Q4yDF5-urH7KBSI0g2BHLoC5W1dPLAStmpJeoj1OqBjoiqauUjga0JEHA/s400/DSC03057.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>Depending on the weather, the buds generally begin to swell in late March.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiuERy9cS7dbojpA78_S7SxUFCf4tAwAK9pvWUEENulR9U_-7A5TiBVAI4gyzjUMnFKh6APfws21Ia7KZMth9qjBDote7epKUFu-RIxMwPlB2WjRslOfzNcLpKanWboshZ3j3K_sBiPc/s1600/DSC03061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiuERy9cS7dbojpA78_S7SxUFCf4tAwAK9pvWUEENulR9U_-7A5TiBVAI4gyzjUMnFKh6APfws21Ia7KZMth9qjBDote7epKUFu-RIxMwPlB2WjRslOfzNcLpKanWboshZ3j3K_sBiPc/s400/DSC03061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Beginning in early April, each bud separates into a cluster of several individual flowers.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nfKdNBvSrRs7OOdLqhjcnEebozdfMR2YlTicQbeEBIJVNlWsZfTlaVzt-JofWkdTWWvLhWQmqtLnlO6OLXvl3-C9IvRmNS5AD884BVHz74bGEIxQYtvv7Qjs7Ct8zrGj2wAQx2ZPav4/s1600/DSC03051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nfKdNBvSrRs7OOdLqhjcnEebozdfMR2YlTicQbeEBIJVNlWsZfTlaVzt-JofWkdTWWvLhWQmqtLnlO6OLXvl3-C9IvRmNS5AD884BVHz74bGEIxQYtvv7Qjs7Ct8zrGj2wAQx2ZPav4/s400/DSC03051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>These flowers are just about ready to bloom.</i></div>
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<i>Open, ready and waiting for just the right bee to come along.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejJtV_WzjTGQUS4kwkMUhZ5jXb91bj0bu3dNFY014jMDk5mzyCEpSb1FphJbiJ8pM-J3DuyIA-j0C63zt9WSiuREh3Yayp5x4VCMvr8LtOkg6-zmJCEsLAo8PrMrhfFNj3b1kzfsG3AY/s1600/DSC03054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejJtV_WzjTGQUS4kwkMUhZ5jXb91bj0bu3dNFY014jMDk5mzyCEpSb1FphJbiJ8pM-J3DuyIA-j0C63zt9WSiuREh3Yayp5x4VCMvr8LtOkg6-zmJCEsLAo8PrMrhfFNj3b1kzfsG3AY/s400/DSC03054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>The bees have just begun their work this week, and they'll continue to pollinate the blossoms for another week or two.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-VujhP5TrAK7S_2WeQCvOZy1xWgihJPprHa4RvG91u0-zfe4YFtm1H4hbfbKhsfPwwrYtonSuMT4oQVYwzTiyOQCjFMPbJGQMQAcL-oAEufPnP2nhlVid2IeeXsRkznAlXXjFCROsbc/s1600/DSC03052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-VujhP5TrAK7S_2WeQCvOZy1xWgihJPprHa4RvG91u0-zfe4YFtm1H4hbfbKhsfPwwrYtonSuMT4oQVYwzTiyOQCjFMPbJGQMQAcL-oAEufPnP2nhlVid2IeeXsRkznAlXXjFCROsbc/s400/DSC03052.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>There are six hives at the orchard, and I didn't see any honey bees in the blueberries this evening. Maybe it was just the wrong time of day. But no worries, the bumble bees were kicking ass and taking names.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjXo-3UDfL5_Ze2k7rVswNwFMWOnGM-7FKM4YM0FSqfhyphenhyphenuDp9BijraeL8WuLzgIOPKHRJ025DxkULRaSYzcNgpFUiobp54a1NYmQpvp-CE7imRSQfiEoM-3HpicZzVT-Vy9ORgW5-JzI/s1600/DSC03064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjXo-3UDfL5_Ze2k7rVswNwFMWOnGM-7FKM4YM0FSqfhyphenhyphenuDp9BijraeL8WuLzgIOPKHRJ025DxkULRaSYzcNgpFUiobp54a1NYmQpvp-CE7imRSQfiEoM-3HpicZzVT-Vy9ORgW5-JzI/s400/DSC03064.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>I think this one was giving me the evil eye.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5V5-1jTAa3Mb9aHUf3RvpA9LzXBLYpr9ZWmpiGLotrv6C1osiqNZ7tm2Dyz7KYzjDYVAb_-a5Jpzg5TNtYYVSLFOfUUHZfkA15ml8zGaPG6SYrDKsVQNx5Y5fNuqg7MQotf3Aod0PbU/s1600/DSC03066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5V5-1jTAa3Mb9aHUf3RvpA9LzXBLYpr9ZWmpiGLotrv6C1osiqNZ7tm2Dyz7KYzjDYVAb_-a5Jpzg5TNtYYVSLFOfUUHZfkA15ml8zGaPG6SYrDKsVQNx5Y5fNuqg7MQotf3Aod0PbU/s400/DSC03066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>These blossoms have been pollinated and most of the petals have fallen off. Can you see the berries forming?</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXDk73xufNd-tY-ehoXbS8UQCnDNN-Flc_CeB7Wo3Qy2Te26Vwi5ryP8oH0VxCnMXE_1KujFDkmbHthEOL1n60o6F5rRaYIeBr-Tk4UPTqYaqeVVvynde9mKh0uq4vObbf3ihsRD815k/s1600/DSC09241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXDk73xufNd-tY-ehoXbS8UQCnDNN-Flc_CeB7Wo3Qy2Te26Vwi5ryP8oH0VxCnMXE_1KujFDkmbHthEOL1n60o6F5rRaYIeBr-Tk4UPTqYaqeVVvynde9mKh0uq4vObbf3ihsRD815k/s400/DSC09241.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>This is what we'll have in just a few weeks from now!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgv39x18jXMXrYbdUI-fZAEu2XRgbPuv1gTZS4aFZLyQp7-wiOtNHWzmbfgAgaPvnC8OR3Rd-W5oxaWGLu-YoBDhGyLplQbLtcs08FXU-asAa9w-SPJKJ4bianHq3TNa_OIUqBr_wFuV7Q/s1600/DSC01507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgv39x18jXMXrYbdUI-fZAEu2XRgbPuv1gTZS4aFZLyQp7-wiOtNHWzmbfgAgaPvnC8OR3Rd-W5oxaWGLu-YoBDhGyLplQbLtcs08FXU-asAa9w-SPJKJ4bianHq3TNa_OIUqBr_wFuV7Q/s400/DSC01507.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>And I think you know how the rest of this story goes...</i></div>
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We'll be picking in early July!</div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-84054709331859520502013-04-14T19:20:00.000-04:002013-04-14T19:21:09.028-04:00A Nice Start<div style="text-align: center;">
All is well in the blueberry patch. The bushes are dripping with buds, and we're looking forward to a fruitful season this year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhim-eaU1SLnOuoCmSFwcNHzx8Tt_vfDngAjZ5Ym0U6q7LStcu6Gng49JWI7T2bNn9zwLihTnSuA8spCDRXHBSht9SSk6YsWY47vPs5ghVSjkw46Zn4NKK6XF3PVGg2nJF3gjdy0KlkzaQ/s1600/DSC02985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhim-eaU1SLnOuoCmSFwcNHzx8Tt_vfDngAjZ5Ym0U6q7LStcu6Gng49JWI7T2bNn9zwLihTnSuA8spCDRXHBSht9SSk6YsWY47vPs5ghVSjkw46Zn4NKK6XF3PVGg2nJF3gjdy0KlkzaQ/s400/DSC02985.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I expect that the bushes will be in full bloom by mid-week, and there will be some very happy bees!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6Bg1f0Y7KgbLPZmaxZtI942kxgdWyQSamibv23umzxz0kolCOuBMOzD1ciR8kXC2-PnsPDQtTjWORPWFCerufrDRH5wZz1KxLc4mHfWhMkG8R8Mm4wi4h4y5c_V2QDPfPyVbcRj8p-c/s1600/DSC03014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6Bg1f0Y7KgbLPZmaxZtI942kxgdWyQSamibv23umzxz0kolCOuBMOzD1ciR8kXC2-PnsPDQtTjWORPWFCerufrDRH5wZz1KxLc4mHfWhMkG8R8Mm4wi4h4y5c_V2QDPfPyVbcRj8p-c/s400/DSC03014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The strawberry plants are also just beginning to flower. I better prepare my lower back for the torture that will ensue when strawberry season arrives.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKTTHSmLlMf-kanYbEp4tR03bs3V7R9uWtCldWf6zDCLOZW-Bx1XBVUgdXUXacFwlh_Ipwc3qw90cMWA9m-mDisQrvhaBlObCACdy52t-c4gW5Qz8QbdwbBikhMCbsnUSlibdcaCoTT8/s1600/DSC02978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKTTHSmLlMf-kanYbEp4tR03bs3V7R9uWtCldWf6zDCLOZW-Bx1XBVUgdXUXacFwlh_Ipwc3qw90cMWA9m-mDisQrvhaBlObCACdy52t-c4gW5Qz8QbdwbBikhMCbsnUSlibdcaCoTT8/s400/DSC02978.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just about everything is coming up roses - even the garlic. We planted <a href="http://www.fatbearfarm.com/2012/10/third-times-charm.html" target="_blank">eight varieties</a> last fall, and all of them are growing vigorously. We will soon have scapes!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs5UWXpXECqfpAcSJcRlhEX-qvnCrUzEt3sDnu7xogFeYeoZeP5WRqCuq_psP9ET9oYFN1PmsSEgKO2THQoJfuqiTSKw7XCufFYvILvQG9aPjpASQa52korh5wxD3o6lIFwOrPz_XKno/s1600/DSC03007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs5UWXpXECqfpAcSJcRlhEX-qvnCrUzEt3sDnu7xogFeYeoZeP5WRqCuq_psP9ET9oYFN1PmsSEgKO2THQoJfuqiTSKw7XCufFYvILvQG9aPjpASQa52korh5wxD3o6lIFwOrPz_XKno/s400/DSC03007.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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It will be months before we harvest blueberries, strawberries, or garlic. However, Fat Bear Farm will have spinach, sweet potatoes, seedlings, and perhaps a bit of asparagus available at the next Saturday <a href="http://oldsalem.org/farmersmarket.html" target="_blank">Cobblestone Farmers Market</a>.</div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-51499208357880723302013-04-08T15:41:00.000-04:002013-04-08T15:41:04.279-04:00A Sweet Potato A Day....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Did you know that right now is a great time to enjoy sweet potatoes? Our sweet potatoes are at their height of sweetness and have been perfectly cured to maintain freshness and quality.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKrjkEJ07TLyrmZqsdYloyIOH5LDkWmyx0ck9XAGikJ30TC9mpHbYBkikPSJDrsSw-vJwMys6UXGoQ4kOhFFUVcmlaF0mTJYlrUfTYy0YMEjqNwmQqVFXp85z371_2lqbZ3KA5-6aMmw/s1600/DSC02949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKrjkEJ07TLyrmZqsdYloyIOH5LDkWmyx0ck9XAGikJ30TC9mpHbYBkikPSJDrsSw-vJwMys6UXGoQ4kOhFFUVcmlaF0mTJYlrUfTYy0YMEjqNwmQqVFXp85z371_2lqbZ3KA5-6aMmw/s400/DSC02949.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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After curing these <i>Beauregard </i>beauties in the sun for ten days, we store them in burlap sacks with straw in a cool dry place. While tucked away in their cozy sleeping bags during the cold winter months, the starches are converted into sugar. This is why they are so very sweet. When baked, the texture is smooth, creamy, and rich -- no butter needed! In fact, I can't even remember the last time I buttered one of our sweet potatoes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6SvEade-TS4UFDnFgTrPcSKeNVT_MXig72Q8gV1I5rZ4KQBBBTGiTx7WbMBEnozQQTQNIPruvTYuKCyN7dMRaA2gL7_HQcz0vrx6iwvV6DdaW4sV66T6-rOa1JXhMz967U6iWRfrHfFj/s1600/DSC02018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6SvEade-TS4UFDnFgTrPcSKeNVT_MXig72Q8gV1I5rZ4KQBBBTGiTx7WbMBEnozQQTQNIPruvTYuKCyN7dMRaA2gL7_HQcz0vrx6iwvV6DdaW4sV66T6-rOa1JXhMz967U6iWRfrHfFj/s400/DSC02018.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Yes, the flavor is out of this world, but sweet potatoes are also incredibly healthy. They're loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory nutrients, vitamins A and C, calcium, and potassium. These tasty tubers are an excellent choice for diabetics as they rank low on the glycemic index and effect blood glucose levels less than white potatoes.</div>
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So, eat up!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rAXj98Q-pAIshd3eyS8y65-gYGeiuwi531F9MYIhJ6b32gHEF5JQ7eonhb9S2zcKcRHjPr-hsn7I0kF_CZFsz-_ELVjVoBlFWp595vBkr8QCLJ5MZWdbGHaYt7FuHFEAWmgkPjZe6C2p/s1600/DSC01272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rAXj98Q-pAIshd3eyS8y65-gYGeiuwi531F9MYIhJ6b32gHEF5JQ7eonhb9S2zcKcRHjPr-hsn7I0kF_CZFsz-_ELVjVoBlFWp595vBkr8QCLJ5MZWdbGHaYt7FuHFEAWmgkPjZe6C2p/s400/DSC01272.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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You can find us at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CobblestoneFarmersMarket" target="_blank">Cobblestone Farmers Market</a> with our sweet potatoes this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The market will be located in front of the <a href="http://www.rhodesartscenter.org/planning-your-visit/" target="_blank">Milton Rhodes Arts Center</a> in Winston-Salem, NC this week.</div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-91675392472583799732013-04-07T22:40:00.000-04:002013-04-07T22:40:40.566-04:00Greenhouse Show and Tell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The greenhouse is buzzing with activity. We started our peppers, tomatoes, herbs, annuals, and greens a few months ago, but we're not going to talk about that stuff right now. Instead, let's take a look at Jessica's Pet Projects.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhroWWHmhA-RO9xThuCkeg_7bKXaEpiWFrdTuRIIT_sOH1fxg8-F2rIRiK4Ffw7GacGOCyOIxlS-rIGIOrWJ6IShJippNPeVC-uelyjXyEFk6ZKh_REab8MD0hJzOeKe1Y6eo1ZGNG_ZEg/s1600/DSC02930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhroWWHmhA-RO9xThuCkeg_7bKXaEpiWFrdTuRIIT_sOH1fxg8-F2rIRiK4Ffw7GacGOCyOIxlS-rIGIOrWJ6IShJippNPeVC-uelyjXyEFk6ZKh_REab8MD0hJzOeKe1Y6eo1ZGNG_ZEg/s400/DSC02930.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>Washington orange, Meyer lemon, Mexican lime (left to right)</i></div>
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We bought these citrus trees about two and a half years ago at Lowe's Home Improvement for about five bucks each. They were pencil-sized when we brought them home. The orange tree is taller than me now!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuplrFp4Ofsc850FhCyW59xvKaidMcdSOOPmvbf2-66OilWwlbekcWQW78191xy5vyAILljXKf-D9hOwhmokn9iMHeUrbLMAsFBf5Breknwp_QPeUsjsdocbyY-5jSAa4FeMVRDGtKjU/s1600/DSC02933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuplrFp4Ofsc850FhCyW59xvKaidMcdSOOPmvbf2-66OilWwlbekcWQW78191xy5vyAILljXKf-D9hOwhmokn9iMHeUrbLMAsFBf5Breknwp_QPeUsjsdocbyY-5jSAa4FeMVRDGtKjU/s400/DSC02933.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Meyer lemon</i></div>
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The lemon tree is fruiting right now. All of last year's fruits dropped before reaching this size, but I remain hopeful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3Jxb9Fsve_n2c4E2DhqUA7-ygQoCmhA-aWKbBqtOBVGHUCwjAschRKKzmia-FSj8qp3Bf55RmhUGe_ob-bhEcysyJ7zEQI6Nn-o0Vg1F-HNitYuPh86TBz0gu6FIXnnE5U6mi_nxZIM/s1600/DSC02938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3Jxb9Fsve_n2c4E2DhqUA7-ygQoCmhA-aWKbBqtOBVGHUCwjAschRKKzmia-FSj8qp3Bf55RmhUGe_ob-bhEcysyJ7zEQI6Nn-o0Vg1F-HNitYuPh86TBz0gu6FIXnnE5U6mi_nxZIM/s400/DSC02938.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Blueberry whips</i></div>
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I took about 400 hardwood blueberry cuttings last winter, and they are rooting in propagation boxes right now. I covered the tips with grafting wax this time around. I'm hoping that it will prevent them from losing moisture from the top. I had some sticky fingers that day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHTXIT63hjZgq4pLb2q04wZECBepaut7fahTpFFuIqQJfl6KY3mTo8k9BLchuqFPTlAoteoF4epp48SZxBnbiIQ2WdAf7A_WJNwEoinV1KAExYa5i9ULUjB9KDzuH-nmyNKdD5g54Ax0/s1600/DSC02940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHTXIT63hjZgq4pLb2q04wZECBepaut7fahTpFFuIqQJfl6KY3mTo8k9BLchuqFPTlAoteoF4epp48SZxBnbiIQ2WdAf7A_WJNwEoinV1KAExYa5i9ULUjB9KDzuH-nmyNKdD5g54Ax0/s400/DSC02940.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Prizetaker leeks</i></div>
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The leeks are growing quickly, and I'm already dreaming up recipes for them. Soups, omelets, salads, quiches....</div>
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Ben will soon be planting ginger in the greenhouse. It did extremely well last year, so my expectations are high.</div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-62898310293453919712013-04-06T19:14:00.001-04:002013-04-06T19:15:28.350-04:00It Is Risen!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We've been impatiently waiting for the first asparagus spears to emerge, and it finally happened today! Due to unusually cold temperatures (it SNOWED a few days ago), most things on the farm are coming up two weeks later than last year. Punxsutawney Phil needs to find a new job, but let's not dwell on it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRl0hoe34moxcsFImaa1YsjXqrz8xvhdGAEJrc_Yjxg-99GbAwlVRTcRY8p0BcPI1jSXM-SmQyOhtNyWI-4iC73rthrhEfTSSZsPXh2yvM_Si9cxxKe3GE-UeIjx7sLKPp0bSCrScMZk/s1600/DSC02944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRl0hoe34moxcsFImaa1YsjXqrz8xvhdGAEJrc_Yjxg-99GbAwlVRTcRY8p0BcPI1jSXM-SmQyOhtNyWI-4iC73rthrhEfTSSZsPXh2yvM_Si9cxxKe3GE-UeIjx7sLKPp0bSCrScMZk/s400/DSC02944.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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At long last, I can shake off all the winter doldrums because today has had "spring" written all over it. The daffodils (that's my Missouri-speak for <i>jonquils</i>), forsythia, and phlox are finally sharing their colors with us.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BYqgHWrZ3d7QlP8OAKugushDFqZCatiMUg8770b6s1V50lJwfkByVG-4q-AL0_klIyzR4uaMudpwGl1WR0yESIOwCyoVuYZHPe8u2nzJ5L0Yklb2KrbFsi7mDi7Pn2gJ_IP6Atxxwhs/s1600/DSC02961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BYqgHWrZ3d7QlP8OAKugushDFqZCatiMUg8770b6s1V50lJwfkByVG-4q-AL0_klIyzR4uaMudpwGl1WR0yESIOwCyoVuYZHPe8u2nzJ5L0Yklb2KrbFsi7mDi7Pn2gJ_IP6Atxxwhs/s400/DSC02961.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I just about had a fit when I saw this butterfly. Does this mean it's time to put out the hummingbird feeders? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4U91ApGYfXUFVbfnFVf8j3rlUTIZoVD-KKV6b_s8EEWNkdVrevB5WBvHO3NAXbySnujRg_lTr9pU9sGjzHoAdcWV9mTkRibpYUD_WsBbR8T9ZbjafrmfgevZa5eCLylsYkuz5wiZH80/s1600/DSC02955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4U91ApGYfXUFVbfnFVf8j3rlUTIZoVD-KKV6b_s8EEWNkdVrevB5WBvHO3NAXbySnujRg_lTr9pU9sGjzHoAdcWV9mTkRibpYUD_WsBbR8T9ZbjafrmfgevZa5eCLylsYkuz5wiZH80/s400/DSC02955.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I guess the blueberries got the memo that spring was going to be late this year. The buds didn't open early enough to suffer any frost damage (but my fingers will remain crossed for at least another week), and the bushes are looking incredibly happy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNp7lCRhumK5yB0PplkyZr7W3vS6YngBiNuwmx3Au-7P9x8lmnXrl7OkyLCA6VfOnvcUOi6GT5iV-aAgBR53bvxo4xiuzFbwZMYFvk4xnOeRmbSPsR8VP_IoK21FJcGKFQPe5QMy8gBeg/s1600/DSC02970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNp7lCRhumK5yB0PplkyZr7W3vS6YngBiNuwmx3Au-7P9x8lmnXrl7OkyLCA6VfOnvcUOi6GT5iV-aAgBR53bvxo4xiuzFbwZMYFvk4xnOeRmbSPsR8VP_IoK21FJcGKFQPe5QMy8gBeg/s400/DSC02970.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The first farmers market of the season is in exactly one week! We'll be at the Cobblestone Farmers Market in Winston-Salem this year. Details to follow.</div>
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-85778027435527039472013-02-22T10:11:00.000-05:002013-02-22T10:11:03.254-05:00Snow Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HzG1bV35pP68_pyLCAUdKVtG6-a5W7r4TyU4vKGPdIqp_VsSo_3faS7XdEhXeJnL9AeCyeeCeRNaUOp18_QVZCB5joVKaZAYJjujm1AhTz2kFcRd092awIt3HYKR1JaWfp5TF_zgvTk/s1600/DSC09864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HzG1bV35pP68_pyLCAUdKVtG6-a5W7r4TyU4vKGPdIqp_VsSo_3faS7XdEhXeJnL9AeCyeeCeRNaUOp18_QVZCB5joVKaZAYJjujm1AhTz2kFcRd092awIt3HYKR1JaWfp5TF_zgvTk/s400/DSC09864.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>We finally got a snow that was worth a damn. </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhgdGZRMLNpUlR8K5S4VP4XsMU39s6NJ1KdHWsz_YisKZbUfIOBsad_uEuk7Q4L8obo6f74Tsfp4LkECMWDJv00ZJxfg4j83rqDdaFY9ex04gzOvhuz8WfjiAFSCFzUGa0fLWEoM7Anw/s1600/DSC09856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhgdGZRMLNpUlR8K5S4VP4XsMU39s6NJ1KdHWsz_YisKZbUfIOBsad_uEuk7Q4L8obo6f74Tsfp4LkECMWDJv00ZJxfg4j83rqDdaFY9ex04gzOvhuz8WfjiAFSCFzUGa0fLWEoM7Anw/s400/DSC09856.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>The girls refused to leave their coop this morning.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQVHUaallW_OtUwjxqnMC-mp3Uib1KT_fgGBy0FU3HPSkp_p1cOi6F0-dlRCFSPxFSTCd8XosmMg0hhkW7JNsR0AxUj29OTbLhAzZBM9j1tEWZs8vau3xMNL0wikXLu6BgZIN0dpjaQc/s1600/DSC09858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQVHUaallW_OtUwjxqnMC-mp3Uib1KT_fgGBy0FU3HPSkp_p1cOi6F0-dlRCFSPxFSTCd8XosmMg0hhkW7JNsR0AxUj29OTbLhAzZBM9j1tEWZs8vau3xMNL0wikXLu6BgZIN0dpjaQc/s400/DSC09858.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>I can't blame them. There's plenty of food, water, and warmth inside.</i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKGsdKOB1CWPkT1dnM6nkbnCkfgDtAZBXgt7aZwTkWlv9xBmXjo-dSQ8-5-sI7d-fG2ImnupYVyF4lWFP9Q3lNK77Lb4nvnitpje4BtTtNADHGu4G34QkV0RU5rvp6EAMY4M-k5Kzw9c/s1600/DSC09869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKGsdKOB1CWPkT1dnM6nkbnCkfgDtAZBXgt7aZwTkWlv9xBmXjo-dSQ8-5-sI7d-fG2ImnupYVyF4lWFP9Q3lNK77Lb4nvnitpje4BtTtNADHGu4G34QkV0RU5rvp6EAMY4M-k5Kzw9c/s400/DSC09869.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></span></i></div>
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<i>The boys wanted nothing more than to be outside in the cold. Don't get between a St. Bernard and his snow.</i></div>
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This is how you make a snow angel:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobsKXIRbmiPjbgNkd1fk_A0T0x0nYftkqdkjcAkeHyTbmKjbSI6NnaPuHb7RL0Nw5_wxKDXQtb-oBtCmWY5jArPZtb68VLLNuKLKEI2C3Mat46wdEr2f3qdS-h13p8bX8ddRGTQlid2Q/s1600/DSC09907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobsKXIRbmiPjbgNkd1fk_A0T0x0nYftkqdkjcAkeHyTbmKjbSI6NnaPuHb7RL0Nw5_wxKDXQtb-oBtCmWY5jArPZtb68VLLNuKLKEI2C3Mat46wdEr2f3qdS-h13p8bX8ddRGTQlid2Q/s400/DSC09907.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Step 1</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4l2zs4N1YJuK9Ma_lTY4doKS0TdKPhNrdZ8uvgLX-uvnuWvxmzrrf2CcevOr6ZunNR71dWbvUqp1EN0GpXv9fzHhMFLiiZct1xuBvuNv_yErcj2998opXR6GMKchAAqo4D4-FEn612I8/s1600/DSC09880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4l2zs4N1YJuK9Ma_lTY4doKS0TdKPhNrdZ8uvgLX-uvnuWvxmzrrf2CcevOr6ZunNR71dWbvUqp1EN0GpXv9fzHhMFLiiZct1xuBvuNv_yErcj2998opXR6GMKchAAqo4D4-FEn612I8/s400/DSC09880.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Step 2</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesBOG6yXBm1BxHNJSaLcAsplBqa9BS-iz_OBJPz3Yi6VpVGwu_MLORSRFtbB-WtJFSxkqXRaLWSE4XJEuOP7KT466kgjF7TnPq4TXvF8dAciVg9S9U1rcBFX8au88RNKUdxgG7lIas78/s1600/DSC09862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesBOG6yXBm1BxHNJSaLcAsplBqa9BS-iz_OBJPz3Yi6VpVGwu_MLORSRFtbB-WtJFSxkqXRaLWSE4XJEuOP7KT466kgjF7TnPq4TXvF8dAciVg9S9U1rcBFX8au88RNKUdxgG7lIas78/s400/DSC09862.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>We've got spinach seed germinating in the high tunnel.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExymw70xCVrNEm_4D_brc8DjdnUQZHOr0DY5pnSpHqbei1mDiNCqKDuiFTr5a1IlvRMvwcn2Q0uft8C-SdRAYmUbE1lnPpwhPTRAQvS229IuYYsEnXRBVunQgJjiZJROnkECF3G0VTYg/s1600/DSC09898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExymw70xCVrNEm_4D_brc8DjdnUQZHOr0DY5pnSpHqbei1mDiNCqKDuiFTr5a1IlvRMvwcn2Q0uft8C-SdRAYmUbE1lnPpwhPTRAQvS229IuYYsEnXRBVunQgJjiZJROnkECF3G0VTYg/s400/DSC09898.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Leeks, tomatoes, peppers, basil, and lettuce are doing just fine in the greenhouse.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWddQBhhX67rryD0pfuMJEcCFZB37wcKptW2mZ6L2BK1KDcg5jqbYX1xMQEeTGbcJvhShFhl-VbBN3z88Zec3VgG_2AgzMq9hAEq8AG2RqWJBHdr9reQtejjXnl0kVcc8rO2PQjGvj4g0/s1600/DSC09901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWddQBhhX67rryD0pfuMJEcCFZB37wcKptW2mZ6L2BK1KDcg5jqbYX1xMQEeTGbcJvhShFhl-VbBN3z88Zec3VgG_2AgzMq9hAEq8AG2RqWJBHdr9reQtejjXnl0kVcc8rO2PQjGvj4g0/s400/DSC09901.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>Thurgood wants out of the greenhouse.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi887v43knWKoZwB3AuYRMxng0WBc590xn_G2NsCHWcvhTd0aEeEN9dYbF53m7Ha7siTWlv4RofQ4bV4h_h_xiiEB5jtDlCGYU0Csr_8aCWD4s70HO7Zu12SSVQVddinA7bmYns3zfSM30/s1600/DSC09904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi887v43knWKoZwB3AuYRMxng0WBc590xn_G2NsCHWcvhTd0aEeEN9dYbF53m7Ha7siTWlv4RofQ4bV4h_h_xiiEB5jtDlCGYU0Csr_8aCWD4s70HO7Zu12SSVQVddinA7bmYns3zfSM30/s400/DSC09904.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I know it won't last long, so I'm enjoying the moment. Accuweather tells me it will be 53 degrees and rainy tomorrow.</div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-47704114199852957362013-02-09T12:31:00.000-05:002013-02-09T12:31:04.565-05:00A Lil'Cutie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWFCId-I4K5AdeRAl5jL6yn09Z1vz5r0ipvNSAlgPyfjIU7-i75aGoqbFk9yuZrlnjAfAmaj-b0Hsfhq9ei36Xue4h7fmwg9MVm-Ja7VMXeODrSP6QNk5V4HZdX6FxLv7VATTaVVaLOE/s1600/DSC09819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWFCId-I4K5AdeRAl5jL6yn09Z1vz5r0ipvNSAlgPyfjIU7-i75aGoqbFk9yuZrlnjAfAmaj-b0Hsfhq9ei36Xue4h7fmwg9MVm-Ja7VMXeODrSP6QNk5V4HZdX6FxLv7VATTaVVaLOE/s400/DSC09819.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of the ladies just laid our smallest egg ever. Maybe I'll poach it and feed it to Ben.</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-6400994335745356412013-02-04T16:15:00.000-05:002013-02-04T16:17:09.990-05:00Miles Monday: Not Impressed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's not every day that I get a new toy. So, I was especially excited when my seed-starting mat arrived in the mail. Miles Giles, however,<i> </i>gets new toys quite often, and he was so unimpressed by my latest acquisition. Apparently, gentle bottom heat for improved germination and root development just isn't that important to him. Who'da thunk it?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3BtuiPXAg6eETQFbXvW4ZpZPFyZv8WOpbISXMPoHikROw2-cXulTBVQtHktmITjyz25jEyQyz7-XRGDRnqFLbjMiLaq8CQNLKjyGTLb4WvS32R934ak9uHS9UVZjm_aAehbhquNi8e8/s1600/DSC09805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3BtuiPXAg6eETQFbXvW4ZpZPFyZv8WOpbISXMPoHikROw2-cXulTBVQtHktmITjyz25jEyQyz7-XRGDRnqFLbjMiLaq8CQNLKjyGTLb4WvS32R934ak9uHS9UVZjm_aAehbhquNi8e8/s400/DSC09805.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our very last seed order for the season arrived today, and I've got my game face on. For now, we've just got leeks planted, and they're under the lights in the living room. In about a week, I'll need a lot more space, so it's off to the greenhouse we'll go!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_ZLH36j22SLUsA1UOm_EPsJODrMGcYQjUp-pVOUtwRqx7vh-ecs5yhe4umcmE9HjwWAJA43pzN5hH5SXx4-7hc9GJU5Q7JvJI6HGrI9QaYICyv22ugI60e73JxsEfI0GEMQr58DdMpI/s1600/DSC09810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_ZLH36j22SLUsA1UOm_EPsJODrMGcYQjUp-pVOUtwRqx7vh-ecs5yhe4umcmE9HjwWAJA43pzN5hH5SXx4-7hc9GJU5Q7JvJI6HGrI9QaYICyv22ugI60e73JxsEfI0GEMQr58DdMpI/s400/DSC09810.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Prizetaker </i>leeks</div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-85776796171746465772013-01-14T16:00:00.001-05:002013-01-14T16:00:55.513-05:00Getting My Act Together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm48phA-SAmMxI10DZAk_EZvZnAGJJyERiCdiluB_7ZwyErsBclwdObyPQoPO_OsERjfnP2vV2X0Z6BTjBTw58Q4KdaB5D2fqz4w42F6niKT3oIyzGoq18CAWEXPVDyJJfL__hLpBrmuE/s1600/DSC01804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm48phA-SAmMxI10DZAk_EZvZnAGJJyERiCdiluB_7ZwyErsBclwdObyPQoPO_OsERjfnP2vV2X0Z6BTjBTw58Q4KdaB5D2fqz4w42F6niKT3oIyzGoq18CAWEXPVDyJJfL__hLpBrmuE/s400/DSC01804.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you haven't noticed, we've been on hiatus. Winter chores, blah, blah, blah. </div>
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Now it's time to order seeds, roots, and what-not. We are (as always) bursting with excitement about the upcoming season. We'll have twice as much asparagus to harvest, and the garlic (see previous post) is looking amazing so far.</div>
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Look forward to a thrilling batch of blog posts. I'm talkin'bout planting rhubarb AND raspberries. Yes, Fat Bear Farm is getting even fatter. Hold on to your britches (no one needs to see all that), and get ready for a spectacular spring!</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-77294779189225458582012-10-11T16:53:00.001-04:002012-10-11T16:57:18.257-04:00Third Time's a Charm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had a fine time planting garlic this week. This is our third try at it, and we're growing eight different varieties. Here's the rundown of what went in the ground this fall.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBRaLHqgjvcuju4QJNsz1Gbl56M_qunbhctskleX-FKirYJfVIoL2Y0Zx5g54yhxSqf252T7ZdmR4nwaHlWJidt7MlduVSB8AoOImhdjfFz1KtUs9WWshkBYt9uWr4iDvW8e4oIktXEc/s1600/DSC09707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBRaLHqgjvcuju4QJNsz1Gbl56M_qunbhctskleX-FKirYJfVIoL2Y0Zx5g54yhxSqf252T7ZdmR4nwaHlWJidt7MlduVSB8AoOImhdjfFz1KtUs9WWshkBYt9uWr4iDvW8e4oIktXEc/s400/DSC09707.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Purple Glazer</i></div>
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<u>Softneck</u></div>
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<i>Mother of Pearl</i>: We ordered 1 lb. of this variety from the <a href="http://organicgarlicseedfarm.com/" target="_blank">Organic Garlic Seed Farm</a> in <a href="http://www.fatbearfarm.com/2011/09/my-fingers-smell-faintly-of-garlic.html" target="_blank">2011</a>. It produced well, and we planted about 5 lbs. of saved seed this season. The skin is iridescent and really does resemble mother of pearl. It has a mild flavor and each bulb contains numerous small cloves.</div>
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<i>Kettle River Giant</i>: This is our first season growing this variety. We ordered it from OGSF, as we have been extremely pleased with the quality of their products and reasonable prices. We planted 5 lbs. of it. This variety is also true to its name, as each bulb is comprised of a handful of very large cloves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblR9t0Xr61OGtjiugMYf-iTO68B9EieKutSJYCduSr4LpvYXOFkwvP0N1eF_WKaZ1axAAnewOzQzlYMa4Y7s0zIbvWns99OGhy6Y_LiH84o4PJtfHGByeR-zVTRFwsCXd9_Q5Rq4UgXY/s1600/DSC09696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblR9t0Xr61OGtjiugMYf-iTO68B9EieKutSJYCduSr4LpvYXOFkwvP0N1eF_WKaZ1axAAnewOzQzlYMa4Y7s0zIbvWns99OGhy6Y_LiH84o4PJtfHGByeR-zVTRFwsCXd9_Q5Rq4UgXY/s400/DSC09696.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>I like the way I feel like I'm recklessly littering as I plant garlic, with white papery skins thrown about the landscape.</i></div>
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<u>Hardneck</u></div>
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<i>Chesnok Red</i>: This seed was first ordered from OGSF in 2011. We planted 1 lb. of it last year, and it produced well. The cloves are large, and the heads are tight. We put 5 lbs. of saved seed in the ground this season, and I look forward to planting it again next year.</div>
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<i>Georgian Fire</i>: We first planted this variety in 2010. We had ordered 1 lb. of seed from <a href="http://www.seedsavers.org/Content.aspx?src=buyonline.htm" target="_blank">Seed Savers Exchange</a>. It was an incredibly strong producer for us, so we were glad to plant it again in 2011. It seems that each time we've planted Georgian Fire, the bulbs and cloves increase in size. I guess it <i>is </i>true that garlic slowly acclimates to its new home over time. This is my very favorite hardneck variety. The bulbs are comprised of about five to seven tightly-bound cloves, and each clove is enormous. The flavor is intense, and the skin is a gorgeous red. We planted about 5 lbs. of saved seed this season.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAOXQb8DCYSDjndPiHwppwRuVxjd1whVxNaA7yCX4x8Y3xYZC9Qa-5BUGYoXJr3KYP4m6w71iXgkpHvjv3x5VbczKqDyXIRXXwDEAJ3PfK0W28Vpgrz6i97SddXFUO5WCMTYxNaWprJs/s1600/DSC09686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAOXQb8DCYSDjndPiHwppwRuVxjd1whVxNaA7yCX4x8Y3xYZC9Qa-5BUGYoXJr3KYP4m6w71iXgkpHvjv3x5VbczKqDyXIRXXwDEAJ3PfK0W28Vpgrz6i97SddXFUO5WCMTYxNaWprJs/s400/DSC09686.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Georgian Fire, my current favorite</i></div>
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<i>Purple Glazer</i>: I love this variety. We planted 1 lb. purchased from OGSF last season. It was very prolific. This is a great garlic to roast. It has large cloves and great flavor. The skin is perfectly purple. This is my second favorite hardneck. We planted about 5 lbs. of saved seed this season.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYvZyFUuN2rQ2Ehhsd9L-iMzfiE6sEWoLFkM7xAfW-mcYLOZwp-s9bOmkMahf4sSmgmDBYT-xpzG_tAi89SC0qppTfV_XYuACuepkSj2j9C7kpxYtXpwPHnvk_jk8quj4rH-O6uZQHAM/s1600/DSC09721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYvZyFUuN2rQ2Ehhsd9L-iMzfiE6sEWoLFkM7xAfW-mcYLOZwp-s9bOmkMahf4sSmgmDBYT-xpzG_tAi89SC0qppTfV_XYuACuepkSj2j9C7kpxYtXpwPHnvk_jk8quj4rH-O6uZQHAM/s400/DSC09721.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Purple Glazer, ready to roast</span></div>
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<i>Persian Star</i>: We purchased the seed from OGSF and planted 1 lb. of it last fall. It produced very well. The appearance is similar to Purple Glazer, but the cloves are a bit smaller and more numerous. We planted about 5 lbs. of saved seed this year.</div>
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<i>Music</i>: I've heard a lot of garlic growers rave about this variety, but it was the poorest producer for us. We ordered 1 lb. from OGSF in 2011. The seed looked fantastic, but we ended up with only a couple pounds of mature garlic this summer. So, I saved it all for seed, and it is now in the ground. Maybe it will begin to acclimate, so I'll be patient. The cloves are large, and the heads are beautifully white.</div>
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<u>Elephant</u></div>
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We ordered 1 lb. (only 2 heads) of seed from Seed Savers Exchange in 2010. It did quite well that season, but it the results were even better this summer. We saved all of the seed, and it was enough to plant a 50' row this fall!</div>
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For more on our garlic history, check out these posts:</div>
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<a href="http://www.fatbearfarm.com/2011/06/its-officially-summer-kitchen-garden.html" target="_blank">2011 Harvest</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fatbearfarm.com/2011/09/my-fingers-smell-faintly-of-garlic.html" target="_blank">2011 Planting</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fatbearfarm.com/2012/06/staving-off-vampires.html" target="_blank">2012 Harvest</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMDAP_ohlJXt4INHIMyl_alPZNgJsjeYBvT-VH-5IRli4keZrwMM5Q4PhBZgDTny2OjS-5oSy2V-CVIavQkaDi_qDrRHmpJIXm6JY1DhhN4M5GFgTEusJEX5jL3IeXCfRaJJu_x9bTDk/s1600/DSC09713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMDAP_ohlJXt4INHIMyl_alPZNgJsjeYBvT-VH-5IRli4keZrwMM5Q4PhBZgDTny2OjS-5oSy2V-CVIavQkaDi_qDrRHmpJIXm6JY1DhhN4M5GFgTEusJEX5jL3IeXCfRaJJu_x9bTDk/s400/DSC09713.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>We've upgraded from a 100' row of garlic in the asparagus field, to an ocean of garlic in the main production field. We planted thirteen rows that are about 50' long this year. How far we've come! Now, we just need to get some straw on top of those rows...</i></div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-57791674357519842092012-10-04T09:15:00.000-04:002012-10-11T16:54:12.995-04:00Thurgood Thursday: Happy Birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7tQaeLvfMwq5nL7gkIFBwCY6NwU5csj7ZbHY7IFjuHS_l3gvqZsP9pLLpVFSI13fJBNdWzQrJTUM9BNNwa4ABKSIg4liwM8FkFDHZXM4pDAfNYqRN42Cgut1IRZUkHlf-ncNgt-TzD4/s1600/DSC09670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7tQaeLvfMwq5nL7gkIFBwCY6NwU5csj7ZbHY7IFjuHS_l3gvqZsP9pLLpVFSI13fJBNdWzQrJTUM9BNNwa4ABKSIg4liwM8FkFDHZXM4pDAfNYqRN42Cgut1IRZUkHlf-ncNgt-TzD4/s400/DSC09670.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thurgood Morsel turns 5 years old today. He just gets sweeter every year.</div>
Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7677012920714414069.post-89115822812837735722012-09-26T19:51:00.000-04:002012-10-11T16:54:35.149-04:00The Big Dig<div style="text-align: center;">
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to participate in the big sweet potato dig this year, as I was recovering from a nasty run-in with a black widow. On the upside, I can finally spin webs! So, it was left completely up to my dear Ben to unearth each and every one of the sweet potatoes that grew from the 200 slips we planted in the spring. He is truly a good guy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntBE803NtBLtEZl6Htlz28yY7GJrV42oOKRGzCsLG99bZx-moUXWJFAr5x4oUtCqYAzmSRKWY6dVMgs3RLZaJj3iliVJWB-BfYj7vsrXod30SmCyYYCz7m75QHJZYtcYMuQgQpFZ9RSA/s1600/DSC09644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntBE803NtBLtEZl6Htlz28yY7GJrV42oOKRGzCsLG99bZx-moUXWJFAr5x4oUtCqYAzmSRKWY6dVMgs3RLZaJj3iliVJWB-BfYj7vsrXod30SmCyYYCz7m75QHJZYtcYMuQgQpFZ9RSA/s400/DSC09644.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<i>Yes, there are potatoes in all of those bins!</i><br />
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By the time the ginger in the greenhouse was ready to harvest, I had fully recovered. It was a very aromatic experience.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxEDtsHSdib9ryvjU_u047eUarzuM1iaM3izI2UUUBRL5B-CkysU8y-mxcgcQYJz6ncs_YFsY8w_oTj8wBiJ3z_d4wmfEMlgRYFMes6tWwCV4cNoN-IlZNsxMotzMXc9BvI7hxTQHlnA/s1600/DSC09618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxEDtsHSdib9ryvjU_u047eUarzuM1iaM3izI2UUUBRL5B-CkysU8y-mxcgcQYJz6ncs_YFsY8w_oTj8wBiJ3z_d4wmfEMlgRYFMes6tWwCV4cNoN-IlZNsxMotzMXc9BvI7hxTQHlnA/s400/DSC09618.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<i>Benjamin with our prized ginger root</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97YoufVdXTYKG8OwCjHG6jx4OuCdzQ9fOQiKKETyco14LthHQw__gmKswBgk14txW1YXyqohypUDITICcp4kS3Ykd9P5A12-u-7T8ocle7q0RRCM45_DVj4Ae77x3j_nP_k7uJkpNZNk/s1600/DSC09605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97YoufVdXTYKG8OwCjHG6jx4OuCdzQ9fOQiKKETyco14LthHQw__gmKswBgk14txW1YXyqohypUDITICcp4kS3Ykd9P5A12-u-7T8ocle7q0RRCM45_DVj4Ae77x3j_nP_k7uJkpNZNk/s400/DSC09605.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Ginger tops in the greenhouse</i></div>
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Home-brewed pumpkin ginger beer this fall? I think so!</div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15231526027639720475noreply@blogger.com0