The new things I'm learning....

One of the things I value in life is the ability to learn new things. I love learning. Recently, we had a little campfire party for CSA members and other customers and Toni and her husband and friends played us music around the fire. Toni played the violin and the penny whistle (like a flute or recorder) and she said she hadn't been playing long. So she inspired me that night- and she didn't even know it!

I decided that my 10 year old was going to teach me the penny whistle. So far I can play Mary had a little lamb and row, row, row your boat and I'm great! I just need to memorize the fingering to the notes and I will be able to slowly play.

On the farm I decided I needed to learn to drive the tractor. I'm happy to say I can drive and I can scoop dirt but I need to learn to till and change the implements. But I'm on my way! (of course when I told my husband on Saturday that I was going to go scoop a load of dirt he did move his truck far away from the tractor so he's still not confident that I won't hit anything). It kind of makes me laugh when I'm driving the tractor. I have no idea why-- I just crack up laughing.

I also didn't know that I could grow cantaloupes and watermelon- but evidently I can!

Now, I did ruin 4 cantaloupes because they got too ripe but I caught on quickly.

Below is a different variety of a cross between a cantaloupes and honeydew. I of course didn't keep great records so I have no idea the variety but it sure was tasty.

This watermelon didn't really have all the 'signs' of a ripe watermelon but I picked it anyway because I just had to see inside. It was perfect. Of course I picked another and it was not perfect. So trial and error and I'll get the watermelon picking down as well.

Key ingredient for lopes and melons--- drip hose, organic fertilizer and it would have also helped if I had mulched them better- but I was out of straw. Next year use straw. I suppose I could try the weed barrier but it never seems to work for me. So if someone knows tricks for the weed barrier and using it please fill me in. Sometimes all you need is a little expert advice.