Friday, January 29, 2016

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Our Downy Woodpecker

Take a break from working on your taxes and enjoy this Downy Woodpecker that was drilling on an elm tree searching for a meal. (Not much sound, sorry)

Monday, January 25, 2016

Cabin fever, insulation

A little late for last week's -10 but we were visiting friends.

I got about 2/3 of the walls insulated last Saturday, It was in the upper 20s with the wind howling on the outside while on the inside it seemed warmer with each roll I put up between the studs. A small heater helped a little too.



Pretty soon our cabin can be used as a winter retreat.


Sunday, January 24, 2016

The big box of work showed up on Friday

One way to look at it:


This years production-in-a-box to include a couple of varieties of sweetcorn, peas, tomato and peppers. We also have our beans and popcorn. Some for us and some for our small produce operation this year.

Probably only earning enough to pay the gas bill (wait, I don't have utilities hooked up yet). A few meals at the Casual Cafe in Wellman, then.

Update:
Growing Food for Fun and Profit  "Fun" Ha. No mention of the work part of this.

Those popcorn tins that people seem to think we enjoy it? After throwing out the stale popcorn they make good storage containers for seeds, birdseed and even toiletries at the outhouse. A great way of keeping the mice out.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Wednesday wildife, our farm where eagles soar

Like most of my eagle pictures, they are closest to me when I don't have the camera ready and then climb upward when I pull the camera out of its case. These are a little small but I hope you can make out this pair of about 6 eagles that circled overhead.


Monday, January 18, 2016

We don't make resolutions, we make goals


We've made several plans and projects the past years and June will mark our 5th anniversary at the farm. Our gate is always open to our friends and we will be working to make it more inviting for visitors.

While we will have the hay acres rented, we look to expand our acres for market produce. Several coworkers have asked for product last year but we didn't have much of a plot. I'm also negotiating with a couple of food service companies to buy our produce which will save me sitting all day at a farmer's market.

I'm going to begin reseeding around the trees that we have planted in a more organic attempt to rid us of the wild parsnip. I'm guessing it will take several years before put a proper dent in that plant.

Our berry and fruit tree operation will be expanding again and I look forward to a good yield from the aronias and blackberries.

Of course, this all depends on the health of our family and friends and if we can get through a year accident free (we haven't yet).

For those who can't make it for a visit, I've got to do a better job in sharing what's going on. Another goal of mine.

Thank you for stopping by and sticking with us.