I am loving winter so far this year. I think that I have finally come to embrace the idea of not going back to teach
- ever. Money gets tight certain times of the year, but it is worth it for the life I have on the farm.
Stewart
and I finally planted some apple trees this January. After years (and years) of saying, "If only we had planted
fruit trees way back when... we would have apples by now..." Well there is only one way to have apples some day.
We planted 50 Granny Smith varieties in the new garden. We chose this type for their versatility. I am very excited!
We
also in the process of planting strawberries. This is a total experiment. We visited a farm on our way back from
my grandmother's in Minnesotta last summer that had a "You-Pick Strawberries" sign along the road. After speaking
with the grower, Stewart was inspired and we are giving it a try. I don't have much confidence in this new endeavor,
but, if it works it will be great!
The ewe that rejected one of her twin babies last year has repeated her behavior.
"Delila" lives mostly in the house, sleeping with the farm dogs and drinking from a baby bottle. She enjoys
visiting the flock though, especially her sister (who we would have named "Sampson" if she were a boy - we are calling
her "Sammy" instead). Sammy is very curious about her sister and loves her visits.
Stewart and I are
discussing 2012 events and we will be scheduling some Farm Days, Dinners on the Farm and tours soon. We are also working
out our the details for our Easter event and Garlic & Onion Festival this year and, believe it or not, much planning for
October '12 Fall Festival happens in the quieter winter months.