tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73804430790543630502024-03-13T08:30:58.594-07:00GreenAkeys5 years ago we decided to jump in, head first and learn how to run a 63 acre organic farm. What we weren't expecting was how much this farm would teach us valuable life lessons. This blog is the story of our experiences and learnings.Michael@greenakeys.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13196783983393304353noreply@blogger.comBlogger370125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-24749175278159567072013-05-04T07:20:00.000-07:002013-05-04T07:20:06.895-07:00Lessons from the Farm #1: Take a large task and break it down into smaller tasksIt has been a long time since I have written for the blog. The excuse: children. Not in the traditional sense as in, my children take up a lot of my free time, but as in, my children got older and got phones and devices and games and killed our limited bandwidth every morning before 9:30am.<br />
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We finally found an affordable solution to our bandwidth issue through a wonderful local company. <br />
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Today I went out to tackle the weeds that had grown among my garlic.<br />
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Where is the garlic in this picture, you might ask? I asked myself the same question. Looks like a big bunch of thistle. <br />
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I took a deep breath and said to myself. First, create the boundary of the weeding area. Second, start out by clearing 4 rows of weeds. That's it- 4 rows. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNIDBIlG7kPIO2rcGOpC_uwmeFAMmnJF80fALQHt8eq1sSx1drENmu0QocOtEoi5S0XBgL4taB7O51BJ6m-f2kDKD9kKPvzs_FEhiw45ozsPcQek9peDu4gIG-mROFz2khFa_fce3NAY/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNIDBIlG7kPIO2rcGOpC_uwmeFAMmnJF80fALQHt8eq1sSx1drENmu0QocOtEoi5S0XBgL4taB7O51BJ6m-f2kDKD9kKPvzs_FEhiw45ozsPcQek9peDu4gIG-mROFz2khFa_fce3NAY/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
After 20 minutes of weeding, this was the result.<br />
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As I was weeding, I was thinking. I was thinking that weeding a garlic plot is no different than tackling any other problem or opportunity in life. At first something looks too big, too impossible, too hard or too risky. If that happens break the big task into pieces and take it 4 rows at a time.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-1514808532550494792012-01-15T20:10:00.000-08:002012-01-15T20:21:24.351-08:00Welcome 2012<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwnSOD-Ttcn992pdpmmGGklyWTD_DazPdZYGRTDIVA6SmX-HMuwv29N55hJ-rXhBEr3HsFRhXkurQcKkdc24zgKMcptiMaOixAnK-DvHyz5uvxnQeZxdNTyziydP79pctigFXF2L9Y-k/s1600/IMG_2345.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwnSOD-Ttcn992pdpmmGGklyWTD_DazPdZYGRTDIVA6SmX-HMuwv29N55hJ-rXhBEr3HsFRhXkurQcKkdc24zgKMcptiMaOixAnK-DvHyz5uvxnQeZxdNTyziydP79pctigFXF2L9Y-k/s320/IMG_2345.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698078384691535026" /></a>We haven't had snow on the farm since this day back in October. Not that often that you see the trees such vibrant colors with snow on the ground.<div><br /></div><div>At this point we are sold out and full for our trial round of 'pick your own CSA' for 2012. We still have more meat CSA shares available. See website for details but basically it's $300 for 3 months of meat- 10-15 lbs per month with a mix of cuts.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are almost at lambing season- we start early this year in February because the ram again got in with the sheep a month before were ready. Julica the jersey cow is also set to give birth sometime end of February so we'll be digging out the mild supplies again as we'll be milking again!</div><div><br /></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-28839979466666326742011-11-28T19:31:00.000-08:002011-11-28T19:48:38.306-08:00The things that interrupt the farmer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCelefYH0uAKQIKWn3HWeCd59o8BGDCGJ5wZkDVNfGemVFB2-2hsd-sJp99kF7ShTbf2nIXMNbZwXjgofiPS71vhfQ18uGgnFSkfEz_Z_Quhi84SiiQBH-gfcLoTZoGGHKQE3IWDuNjg/s1600/IMG_0867.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCelefYH0uAKQIKWn3HWeCd59o8BGDCGJ5wZkDVNfGemVFB2-2hsd-sJp99kF7ShTbf2nIXMNbZwXjgofiPS71vhfQ18uGgnFSkfEz_Z_Quhi84SiiQBH-gfcLoTZoGGHKQE3IWDuNjg/s400/IMG_0867.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680256370964137778" /></a>Not a lot of posting during the summer and fall.<div>20 member CSA is a lot and not something that will happen again unless someone wants to take on the job for us. The focus next year is a pick your own CSA for a select group (3 families) of people to learn this model and try it out. And the focus will turn to goats and cheese..... learn, learn, learn.</div><div><br /></div><div>In between the farm--- kids and life happen and blogging is not a priority.</div><div>Our kids' love of music and theater shouldn't be a big surprise to Mike and I as we both were in theater and have a creative side. I sing horribly but Mike has a pretty good voice.</div><div>So to see the kids enjoy this part of life is magical. A singing solo in the middle school play, to the one above who loves to play her flute and now wants a piccolo, to the youngest who plays his sax like he was born with it..... are these my kids?</div><div><br /></div><div>I wonder if sheep and goats will follow music or come towards it like the pied piper? Might need to perform an experiment....</div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-18368491285808381102011-10-03T19:43:00.000-07:002011-10-03T20:03:26.615-07:00Our Farm MeatI was reminded again today that the quality of our pasture raised meat is superb. I also am debating the ramifications of pursuing a lofty goal. Can I do with lamb what the wine industry has done with grapes? Will customers be willing to learn the breeds of lambs to value the superior genetics and quality of meat?<div><br /></div><div>Tonight I was at a nice restaurant that was serving rack of lamb. Now first off, the waiter said "would you like a petite lamb chop? Now I know the difference between a lamb chop and a piece of rack of lamb but I ignored this error as the waiter likely said this as it is easier to say lamb chop than rack of lamb. It was very good lamb so I was very curious of the breed as it was very mild like our Kathadin lambs.</div><div><br /></div><div>So then came my dilemna. Do I or do I not ask my infamous question? My colleagues I was with cringed because they knew what was coming. After 2 glasses of a great Cab- Beringer- I had to ask. So I asked the waiter.... would you happen to know the breed of lamb just like grape of this wine I am drinking? He said, "Yes! This is Colorado Lamb!". </div><div>Oh boy-- that's like saying this is California wine when a merlot is absolutely different from a Chardonnay. </div><div><br /></div><div>So then the poor waiter had to listen to me for a few minutes while I said I raised lamb and that the breed of lamb is like the type of grape for wine. Poor, poor waiters who fall into this trap at every restaurant I visit. But if you want to make an impact on society and the world in general then teaching people about lamb is a practical and achievable goal. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just like people think that Angus steers are superior meat due to the marketing efforts, Kathahin lambs could be the breed of choice for lamb!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>2-3 more people got the lamb lecture from me tonight---- billions left to train...... maybe....</div><div><br /></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-77052755953559654682011-09-18T17:45:00.000-07:002011-09-22T06:59:02.944-07:00Taking orders for fall/winter lambs<p style="FONT-SIZE: medium; FONT-FAMILY: Helvetica">Tonight I am in Marketing mode...... lamb for sale. And not just lamb-- the most amazing lamb you've ever had for sale. When Mike told me he wanted a farm and he wanted to raise sheep I kind of whined and said "sheep? but I hate lamb". Then I got the speech about eating the WRONG kind of lamb. So lamb is like wine. All kinds of wine out there. You can drink wine from a box. My dad will drink wine from a box and doesn't really care about vintage wines- me, I'm kinda hooked on a nice Cab but I don't like a Merlot that much. Our lambs are Katahdin lambs and they are grass fed. The grass feeding makes a difference. I've had Katahdin lamb that was 1/2 grass, 1/2 grain fed and it was not the same as 100% grass fed. It was good - but not as sweet. So our Katahdin lambs are like a vintage wine and you have to try it and see if you like the 'vintage'. We sold one early lamb 4 weeks ago and just got the report back. Outstanding was the verdict. Ask my kids what they want for dinner-- they will say "RACK OF LAMB!!!" - totally spoiled children and I remind them there are only 2 racks per lamb so sometimes we also have to eat lamb burgers and lamb stew and leg of lamb. My oldest is a picky eater and even she loves lamb. Kids come to our house for dinner and we don't tell them till afterwards that they ate lamb (they always think it's flavorful meat-- but no idea what it is).</p><br /><p style="FONT-SIZE: medium; FONT-FAMILY: Helvetica">So that's my pitch. We raise a wonderful high quality product and we want to sell to you if you are interested. </p><br /><p style="FONT-SIZE: medium; FONT-FAMILY: Helvetica">Below are the details: </p><br /><p style="FONT-SIZE: medium; FONT-FAMILY: Helvetica">We are currently taking orders for fall/winter lamb.<br />Our lambs are 100% grass fed, no hormones and are the Katahdin breed.<br />This breed of lamb when grass fed produces lamb meat that is tender and sweet.<br /><br />Whole lambs dress out at 40-55 lbs and will be sold for $7.5 per lb.<br />Total price for a whole lamb will then be $300-$412.50.<br /><br />If you are in a co-op and buying for many families then if you purchase 2+ lambs the price will be $7/lb.<br /><br />You will pick up your lamb at our partner butcher in Littlestown, PA at Stoneypoint Market.<br />Lamb will be available in Oct/Nov/Dec.<br /><br />Normally once you tell us you want a lamb, we will then send to the butcher the next available Monday as this is the day they process USDA for small farmers like ourselves. The lamb then needs to age a week or two so you will get your lamb about 4 weeks after you order it from us.<br /><br />This price includes butchering costs and all cuts are vacuum packed in a heavy duty plastic so cuts will stay fresh for up to 6 months. We like this method of storing meat in freezers rather than butcher paper.<br /><br />Over the past few years, we have found that the following cuts of lamb are usually the most popular so if you are unsure of how you want your lamb butchered, we will take care of that for you and cut it so that you receive the meat per below (the lbs/cut will vary based on the weight of the lamb):<br /><br />2 rack of lamb - normally 1-1.5 lbs each<br />2 lamb spareribs - .5 lb each<br />2 bone in whole leg of lamb - 5-7 lbs each<br />2 packages of lamb shanks -1 lb each<br />5-8 lbs of ground lamb wrapped in 1 lb portions<br />6 lbs of lamb chops<br />2 lbs of lamb stew meat (can also be used as kabobs)<br />lamb neck bones - .25 lbs - for seasoning sauces/soups/stews<br />4 shoulder roasts boned and rolled (2-3 lbs each)- if you decide you don't want to use these pieces as roasts you can also cut them up for kabobs later so this gives you some flexibility.<br /><br />Email mikeakey@yahoo.com or call 443-340-9986 to reserve your lamb today.<br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;font-size:medium;"><br /></span>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-56001769443855547632011-09-17T19:35:00.000-07:002011-09-17T19:50:46.228-07:00Long time-- no postRunning a 20 member CSA along with milking a cow daily is a lot of work when you also have a very busy full time day job. Add in that a certain child now needs to be at school early for play practice and the cow milking must stop.<div><br /></div><div>I've learned a lot over the last 5 months about milking a cow and milk in general and I'll be ready when she has a baby in the spring and I'll know what to do with all that milk each week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today I had a lot of great help from CSA members on the farm and it was a great day even though it rained on and off. I still think that this has been the best part of the farm and the CSA- meeting our customers and gaining new friends. I would have no reason to meet some of these wonderful people thru my life but for the CSA and our farm. </div><div><br /></div><div>As the days are getting shorter-- my blogs will get longer. Our house is under some major-minor construction (we have some closets now!!!!!) and so after October I don't know what I'm going to do with my time as the inside of my house will be all organized!!!! :)</div><div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-9673110972982620782011-08-08T20:21:00.000-07:002011-08-08T20:53:55.155-07:00Special Farm Visitor - June Brown<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyOFJH9nPsHJF0XpPw_HV2gtJKSFS78G9gOnAiOukqk7jexcWMh56UtuSO5wY4cSZcmiqZsAsWPko3qYIK0tJ0FNd6MMNESc4eglLfcpKcnAXENIIjdRzOXPmiUD6rxme3dYpaOx9k0w/s1600/IMG_4974.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyOFJH9nPsHJF0XpPw_HV2gtJKSFS78G9gOnAiOukqk7jexcWMh56UtuSO5wY4cSZcmiqZsAsWPko3qYIK0tJ0FNd6MMNESc4eglLfcpKcnAXENIIjdRzOXPmiUD6rxme3dYpaOx9k0w/s400/IMG_4974.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638692784040464338" /></a>In the background of this picture you see in White paint 1942 and the initials NJB.<div>I met NJB, June Brown last weekend. I have no idea her first name as I am realizing right now but I do know that she didn't remember putting her initials on the barn. 1942 is when the barn was last painted. June is 84 years old and she was born in my room. Her room was where our bathroom is now and her grandfather who was blind died in the room that is now our kitchen.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>She basically lived in the basement as that is where the kitchen was and our backdoor was her front door. June raised Pekin ducks and her father milked 6 cows by hand each day. They milked and then put the milk in the spring house which is still across from the house. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>The cherry and apple trees she remembers are gone but when she told me there were daffodils in the corner of the property I nearly fell over. Those daffodils still come up in the same place after 80 years. Next spring I'm going to invite her back to pick those daffodils. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>The fascinating thing for me was to imagine life 80 years ago. No car, no car insurance. No electric bill, no cell phone bill, no water bill or gas bill, no tv bill, no internet bill. June told us how her parents used the horses to till the fields and to help pull the hay up to the top part of the barn. She said one of her favorite things was to take a pie her mother had made and sit in the grass next to the house and eat that entire pie with her father. What a beautiful image. I think we're going to have to make a pie this weekend and have a family pie picnic.
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<br /></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-78912220147483342542011-08-03T17:41:00.000-07:002011-08-03T17:57:18.834-07:00BUSY!!!No time for posts-- maybe I'll start posting again in October or when I go on a business trip and have time in my hotel room and am bored.<div><br /></div><div>I am BUSY!!!</div><div>I can make buttermilk (with a starter and the real buttermilk left after making butter)</div><div>I can make butter.</div><div>I can make a whipped cream that will make you cry. My favorite quote from one whipped cream taster was "can I get a direct IV of that stuff?"</div><div>I have made a hard cheese (without cheese wax-- cheddar- just to see how it's done)</div><div>I'm learning sour cream-- haven't gotten it right yet.</div><div>Made yogurt but didn't like the culture- need a yogotherm bucket I think.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can milk a cow by hand or with a vacuum pump, pasturize milk and separate it with cream separator in my sleep.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can also throw stuff away and rearrange my house every week so that we can build closets. After 200 years or however old this house is-- we are building closets!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>We met a woman who grew up in this house in the 20's, 30's and 40's--- our back door was her front door. I'll write about that later but it was fascinating to view our house from her perspective. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have so many potatoes and thank god for potato digger attachments.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hate squash bugs-- but I love that the tomatoes are starting!!! Fresh salsa!!!</div><div>Enjoy your summer! I'm enjoying mine. </div><div>Gotta go....Making twice baked potatoes to freeze for kids-- great way to use extra potatoes!</div><div><br /></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-75555387961231885352011-07-08T17:54:00.000-07:002011-07-08T18:31:37.110-07:00The Case of the Missing Calf<div>Every day is an adventure on the farm. Tonight we were going to just feed the baby goat and feed the dogs and then have family game night.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of our cows appeared to either be delivering a baby or already delivered a baby calf.</div><div>How would you know that a cow has or is about to deliver you may ask? Placenta hanging out. The hard part is knowing whether it's the water bag or the placenta until you get closer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now here is the crazy part. We have 1 bull calf that was born a week ago that is pictured below. He was running through the pasture while his mother and the other new mamma cow with placenta hanging out are running after the calf. So 2 mothers running after the same calf. Our milking Jersey cow, Julica was also running after the 2 mothers and the baby calf. Then the rest of the herd was running and following the 4 of them.</div><div><br /></div><div>HUH? </div><div><br /></div><div>We stared at the sight and Mike and I looked at each other totally puzzled. So what's up with all this running around?</div><div><br /></div><div>Mike's version: She didn't have her baby yet and she thinks the other calf is her baby. So both mothers are running after the baby. Now most people don't know that cows run. It's pretty scary as that's 1,500lbs running.</div><div>Annette's version: No way she's running around if she hasn't given birth (I've had 3 kids-- there would be no running prior to birth.) So where is the new baby calf? So the search ensued.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YieUy10pLJ9FT_-qP962Il209SLjIqAORgDCq0uthu3V4UiGiUqEiaeDNwe2-KSleg3M6wYvU_N6ssp-a37fu2Tqve7TiXXULFV67Lzyn4WBNVHLmqRCJwuyzPGqj605NZ-hYeDboCk/s1600/IMG_1079.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YieUy10pLJ9FT_-qP962Il209SLjIqAORgDCq0uthu3V4UiGiUqEiaeDNwe2-KSleg3M6wYvU_N6ssp-a37fu2Tqve7TiXXULFV67Lzyn4WBNVHLmqRCJwuyzPGqj605NZ-hYeDboCk/s400/IMG_1079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627152032832500882" /></a><br /><div>We searched around and found the baby on the other side of the pasture near the fence. He must have been about 2-3 hours old as he was licked clean and his umbilical cord was chewed down but he still wasn't standing well. So what do I say? Hey hon, now's the time, let's 'steer' or 'band' him and tag him now. So we run back for supplies and Mike tags him and turns him into a steer. I won't go into details about this process but it's what you do if you don't want a bull. So then we picked up the baby and drove him over to the correct mother. It took about 5 minutes before momma realized which baby was hers. Picture Mike holding a calf between his legs and calling out "hey momma-- this is your baby-- hey MOMMA!".</div><div><br /></div><div>By the time I said- I should get the camera, the baby had nursed and collapsed to take a nap. See below picture.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj7HtRlX6LY10HTor6qk-PsAQteQhmXZS8vXBXI0ozZb5Rcu5EDsHPrdCXkJdhMGK2cFIsynIyOJE7OF0hcMDcneW84-RWYfmC123h8FnXBKzy4FSq1M3oNYqi5pXdTZY7hRTsbOg-qI/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj7HtRlX6LY10HTor6qk-PsAQteQhmXZS8vXBXI0ozZb5Rcu5EDsHPrdCXkJdhMGK2cFIsynIyOJE7OF0hcMDcneW84-RWYfmC123h8FnXBKzy4FSq1M3oNYqi5pXdTZY7hRTsbOg-qI/s400/IMG_1081.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627151548738751538" /></a>Then momma laid down next to baby and all was calm again. You can barely see the baby in the picture but he's there.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Z-mWr-EPh31JCBQPiSlu0VqrGQWgBekpDyEVQFCY9uV1n4cgvBwCDohVUsERpcfpkid03qiQn5NQ3Y7NQmsFTHmQoB3cuBAC0qBSgfqHAJSm_LJI8cELzmv8eF7zElCcwGFZcPSNcNg/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Z-mWr-EPh31JCBQPiSlu0VqrGQWgBekpDyEVQFCY9uV1n4cgvBwCDohVUsERpcfpkid03qiQn5NQ3Y7NQmsFTHmQoB3cuBAC0qBSgfqHAJSm_LJI8cELzmv8eF7zElCcwGFZcPSNcNg/s400/IMG_1085.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627151071914457618" /></a><br /></div><div>An hour and a half later we were ready for family game night. Monopoly Deal - YES! I finally won. Life on a farm is definitely not boring...</div><div><br /></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-61626110718175134182011-06-21T18:40:00.000-07:002011-06-21T18:57:29.977-07:00The things that bring us together.....squash<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvkiT-vLKm0Et1PGibNXUxnrWetR5UP4kNPlN0oUmuL17vqo_sWlAy_vEs8CoqUv908TKJk1EuJHKgCVRCWhSI_NkOwO7d6PeRnibMzqkSj8Nwx4HRl_B58KVigwhkabh6CnSZanOoBE/s1600/IMG_1057.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvkiT-vLKm0Et1PGibNXUxnrWetR5UP4kNPlN0oUmuL17vqo_sWlAy_vEs8CoqUv908TKJk1EuJHKgCVRCWhSI_NkOwO7d6PeRnibMzqkSj8Nwx4HRl_B58KVigwhkabh6CnSZanOoBE/s400/IMG_1057.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620853512716977762" /></a>Food brings people together. Amen. End of Story. Now I know lots of things bring people together but having this farm has allowed me to make new friends anywhere. ANYWHERE.<div><br /></div><div>Tonight I was talking to a bunch of folks in my profession at a conference and while we had polite chit-chat, people really asked me more questions about was my farm. Why is that? Are we all programmed to want to live off the land? (I know I am)</div><div><br /></div><div>Then even on the bus ride back from the networking event to my hotel, I had a fantastic conversation with the bus driver John who told me about the Urban garden a few blocks from the hotel and we chatted about squash and tomatoes. He laughed when I told him I planted about 300 varieties of tomatoes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes when you do something for a good reason - have a farm to repair the earth, be self sufficient and try to break even-- what happens is that you have unintended things happen as well. For me the biggest surprise was my ability to have a conversation with anyone about food and the wonderful new people I have met along the way and in the most unlikely places.</div><div><br /></div><div>So John, I hope all your squash plants work out and the bugs stay away!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-49291118461535715662011-06-20T19:57:00.000-07:002011-06-20T20:17:21.398-07:00Week 4 of Green Akeys Veggie CSA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKesbuj9xmZoROJ6_qJ0hd4-mEAMcNdQ1RnESUanYwTTnI2j5bsFQw_SyRdS7MGpA2wYfvBeIuOXyw5gXUzI422IiaLiaAEVkk8R8HZ-PRBTGdBnAPJMjtbMyhy0kJlTdjLuGsuRmZLI/s1600/IMG_1052.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKesbuj9xmZoROJ6_qJ0hd4-mEAMcNdQ1RnESUanYwTTnI2j5bsFQw_SyRdS7MGpA2wYfvBeIuOXyw5gXUzI422IiaLiaAEVkk8R8HZ-PRBTGdBnAPJMjtbMyhy0kJlTdjLuGsuRmZLI/s400/IMG_1052.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620505338196553778" /></a>This year we made a few improvements to the farm. One improvement was to paint the walk-in fridge green (for Green Akeys). We then used chalk board paint on the side and that is where we write the notes for what CSA members take from the fridge or outside tables.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUeFHCENYDOiqWxkNwf36UIPZexRaSVfSET10c8ep7mS47W13jp1JFrA7RBqxHxDvuQaKnFVFOCk5QbEtSbd9YJBH4P0bI_8HhF6ANBpWUWCNNC891gRXNT2BADVCC7WBjYTJsUcLUeI/s1600/IMG_1071.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUeFHCENYDOiqWxkNwf36UIPZexRaSVfSET10c8ep7mS47W13jp1JFrA7RBqxHxDvuQaKnFVFOCk5QbEtSbd9YJBH4P0bI_8HhF6ANBpWUWCNNC891gRXNT2BADVCC7WBjYTJsUcLUeI/s400/IMG_1071.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620504720746069154" /></a>Onions are growing nicely! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fCY_Z4qGADhN4b5WauBNSZ01KyenvauoMiW2i6jFRwjcZ0gLI-IS5cEY0jmi5OLWaNZ1GQccY-CxT5KXyXgXjZs7MVXq-SMY37pfxbsYga56x5YmKikWI-XcXjKe5lMf6o277fbCKco/s1600/IMG_1066.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fCY_Z4qGADhN4b5WauBNSZ01KyenvauoMiW2i6jFRwjcZ0gLI-IS5cEY0jmi5OLWaNZ1GQccY-CxT5KXyXgXjZs7MVXq-SMY37pfxbsYga56x5YmKikWI-XcXjKe5lMf6o277fbCKco/s400/IMG_1066.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620503905151603314" /></a>Raspberries and blackberries. Enough said- look at all those little red spots.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAuchXQy929mqd2IHmnjOg5XeH1L4_LhqWDH-DSsLp93zUzpSxCvUpySsUE-szJUAghfDc-VEJbhA4O2Ncihsdp9JZhgjnXAd6dJOZyBoVQf37_ankdwk5OvH-ieSiNnt_CivXfUL1M4/s1600/IMG_1077.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAuchXQy929mqd2IHmnjOg5XeH1L4_LhqWDH-DSsLp93zUzpSxCvUpySsUE-szJUAghfDc-VEJbhA4O2Ncihsdp9JZhgjnXAd6dJOZyBoVQf37_ankdwk5OvH-ieSiNnt_CivXfUL1M4/s400/IMG_1077.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620503128491723282" /></a>Kohlrabi</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyOzItnIRJ8lJr_LUoI2OHmEpxe8O_V1MXT82Py2xlhkCgpa5r8RIDdICjn7R0EGSWCAw4lQR-iymJt5XOBseJlr3lTlb0TniNbJvKYesvRGL_qJ8yG67KIrK1Yjfc_pgwLtsdkKvi0w/s1600/IMG_1055.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyOzItnIRJ8lJr_LUoI2OHmEpxe8O_V1MXT82Py2xlhkCgpa5r8RIDdICjn7R0EGSWCAw4lQR-iymJt5XOBseJlr3lTlb0TniNbJvKYesvRGL_qJ8yG67KIrK1Yjfc_pgwLtsdkKvi0w/s400/IMG_1055.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620502625464532258" /></a>Rows of potatoes-- all we need is rain. We are in a crazy area that sometimes does not get rain, so help out and do a rain dance-- potatoes need rain!</div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-21978058302464187032011-05-25T19:35:00.000-07:002011-05-25T19:41:50.404-07:00Happiness is......<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ok9SGIEoGuK8teaU_QgT-kknYU1kshyphenhyphenT-XqG7xs5N2i9CJIUbumo1qe_WSIJ_fTiOY42xUCsVMb6IsLVI9S2G9-HwF8JPxT5_zZ3Xe3n4snIyjkCxcj2mlkC5LBrDY_LAWWz0mdYNuI/s1600/annette+with+julica.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ok9SGIEoGuK8teaU_QgT-kknYU1kshyphenhyphenT-XqG7xs5N2i9CJIUbumo1qe_WSIJ_fTiOY42xUCsVMb6IsLVI9S2G9-HwF8JPxT5_zZ3Xe3n4snIyjkCxcj2mlkC5LBrDY_LAWWz0mdYNuI/s400/annette+with+julica.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610848063840534242" /></a>Having your own milking jersey cow. Her name is Julica but we call her Honey.<div>If you get a cow, make sure you order your milking equipment BEFORE the cow comes. Although the pleasure and peace of hand milking at 6am and 6:30pm is also fine for a while.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also-- make sure you have a way for her to get in and out of the pasture on her own. (that part won't be done till end of June-- so I'm getting good at leading her around with her halter).</div><div><br /></div><div>Cream separator and butter churn coming in a week as well. In the meantime--- I'm back to making cheese, kefir and right now cooking up some fromagina. Will need a cheese press by end of the summer and a big ice cream maker. Cereal with fresh milk and cream is really fabulous and my coffee was never better. </div><div><br /></div><div>Cows are fun..... </div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-27589923234454354152011-05-19T20:19:00.000-07:002011-05-19T20:27:47.140-07:00My Favorite<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ33ZuD0MsMBXIJWJm6bliauxMYlVubovCv3Gecv6UVOXWC4k1T_gVp4yCD8Pu6_KUX_Kv0c48E77KbGbTuq0nhBGoDf_1Bg6CzPtrUFEVnylo0wxR1n14Fty2K4qgzIUwsiRkEpMnjd8/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ33ZuD0MsMBXIJWJm6bliauxMYlVubovCv3Gecv6UVOXWC4k1T_gVp4yCD8Pu6_KUX_Kv0c48E77KbGbTuq0nhBGoDf_1Bg6CzPtrUFEVnylo0wxR1n14Fty2K4qgzIUwsiRkEpMnjd8/s400/IMG_0895.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608633677206773426" /></a>Garlic and shallots--- they love the rain. YEAH!!! <div>Rosa and Rocky will meet their new dog buddies tomorrow. We now have 2 more Great pry's. Sheila and Susie. </div><div>Julica arrives tomorrow. </div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-43274970446983337132011-05-18T20:07:00.000-07:002011-05-18T20:28:31.581-07:00I Can't Keep Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXaPRXB_p4om-5XJErW1ad2MnHBwtKRvJoImoSXoPXrP1Y0pxxU7O6W0wGniBf8KvEn9HO2R7aWGQaz1ILoNQbJaJrcCIyzttIIhRSVGBn0VgGQYnTti3TmvJzgVDeAd6ZvcxLs3MjTw/s1600/IMG_0608.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXaPRXB_p4om-5XJErW1ad2MnHBwtKRvJoImoSXoPXrP1Y0pxxU7O6W0wGniBf8KvEn9HO2R7aWGQaz1ILoNQbJaJrcCIyzttIIhRSVGBn0VgGQYnTti3TmvJzgVDeAd6ZvcxLs3MjTw/s400/IMG_0608.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608260325562548866" /></a>With postings that is....<div>Every time I take a picture, whatever I took a picture of doubles in size. Take this Tarragon bush for example. It is now twice as tall. For those in the CSA-- the herb garden looks fabulous and you should cut herbs all summer and dry them. Dry them and crumble them up and put them into containers or even little baggies. Then use them all winter and save yourself the cost of buying herbs.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2khRFpnzdd4gRj1xAv0Wn7J1AwDAqR7ofxH8VNpgLmBaUMS_ZJPchb_pFvgBEJFO4doka-wbJ3zZ2LixocQk6B6bDnpem7q-78yb3C4cIaZV0hc1Y93s1uRy9Hkt6WF6X99qWi0srBU/s1600/IMG_0882.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2khRFpnzdd4gRj1xAv0Wn7J1AwDAqR7ofxH8VNpgLmBaUMS_ZJPchb_pFvgBEJFO4doka-wbJ3zZ2LixocQk6B6bDnpem7q-78yb3C4cIaZV0hc1Y93s1uRy9Hkt6WF6X99qWi0srBU/s400/IMG_0882.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608259416146795954" /></a>The peppers were planted last weekend in the wonderful cloudy days. I told myself I'd go easy on peppers this year and I again failed. 3 full rows of peppers.... one CSA member told me recently that he still has peppers in the freezer from last fall. Me too-- I still have one and a half gallon sized bags left. This is good! Peppers are easy to freeze and are wonderful to use all winter long.</div><div><br /></div><div>The garden is going to go quickly as the weather warms up. Beans will go in along with melons memorial day weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>And if the garden isn't keeping us busy enough, we did fill in with new blueberry bushes, plant 4 cherry trees, 3 peach trees, more cut flowers, sunflowers and cucumbers last weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>We also have 4 new goats (nubian goats), 2 new great pyr guard dogs that come in the next week along with our new Dairy cow Julica who comes on Friday (she comes with a name and we don't feel right changing her name on her as she is 4 years old). </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, dairy cow comes on Friday. I have had dreams about making butter and homemade whipped cream for 2 years now........ the dream is going to come true very soon....</div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-37240474828207736542011-05-07T19:33:00.000-07:002011-05-07T19:45:12.210-07:00Glorious Rainbows at the Farm<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCHeSCYOAHKHg1VbIM95jb5YXmrr9mc4TWLqsfyZMmfG8SC8YVBLjXB8w8jez-7sdNuvWzONGw-kDC0sagGsiDNhSbVTcy5WmCN5mIHpOW8-cQURIpu6e_ObmO2hrzLV0V9RuzkR5O5k/s1600/IMG_0635.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCHeSCYOAHKHg1VbIM95jb5YXmrr9mc4TWLqsfyZMmfG8SC8YVBLjXB8w8jez-7sdNuvWzONGw-kDC0sagGsiDNhSbVTcy5WmCN5mIHpOW8-cQURIpu6e_ObmO2hrzLV0V9RuzkR5O5k/s400/IMG_0635.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604169441634275090" /></a>We've had short rainfalls the last few weeks. On Friday night we had a special treat, a quick shower followed by a double rainbow. As we saw it out the window we all squealed- the girls ran to get their phones and I got my camera.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxqGtJonlstx_cpGbbBhUlU3TGFEznlhDTue64RX277t8rHbK51twxuY4VmuhBzt6W3rTlgLqP9URPAWaNOsZpH_53rLCEAxXPgvx_PMZx_8Ft0hbzADREOmQv1gq121KX79uWPmm7aQ/s1600/IMG_0640.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxqGtJonlstx_cpGbbBhUlU3TGFEznlhDTue64RX277t8rHbK51twxuY4VmuhBzt6W3rTlgLqP9URPAWaNOsZpH_53rLCEAxXPgvx_PMZx_8Ft0hbzADREOmQv1gq121KX79uWPmm7aQ/s400/IMG_0640.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604168848368836914" /></a>On the other side of the rainbow it lead straight down on top of the new eggmobile for the hens. So I guess the pot of gold are eggs from hens raised on pasture (now being fed organic feed). I couldn't agree more...</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_sqc4U_6rrOJkXr87s_NQlQ58VADoUxRR65Nel8-Y2MWSWp0FL5f3Hb4wAiEtUcmtQxM6TYaC-Q2WmQ2x6_6v0CxweQF990iErT5R2TNjNbLaiyYPduULkGFnaJxV67hB_xsQ6VPkFI/s1600/IMG_0637.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_sqc4U_6rrOJkXr87s_NQlQ58VADoUxRR65Nel8-Y2MWSWp0FL5f3Hb4wAiEtUcmtQxM6TYaC-Q2WmQ2x6_6v0CxweQF990iErT5R2TNjNbLaiyYPduULkGFnaJxV67hB_xsQ6VPkFI/s400/IMG_0637.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604168431439550594" /></a><br /></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-16649391721493968062011-05-03T19:26:00.000-07:002011-05-03T19:55:48.751-07:00Green Akeys Family Farm and The Dukan DietI had no idea what the Dukan Diet was until I heard that Kate's mother is on this diet. And yes, I did watch the wedding last week-- loved it!<div>So I had to read about this diet, what is it all about? (disclaimer- I work for the company that publishes this book)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 17px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><img src="http://books.google.com/books?id=Y0k9cgAACAAJ&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&l=220" alt="The Dukan Diet: 2 Steps to Lose the Weight, 2 Steps to Keep It Off Forever [Book]" title="The Dukan Diet: 2 Steps to Lose the Weight, 2 Steps to Keep It Off Forever [Book]" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; max-width: 220px; max-height: 220px; " /></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Ah-- all about proteins again. Serious protein phase then slowly add back veggies and other good items in the last phases.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what does this all have to do with Green Akeys Family Farm?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, as part of the diet you need to eat lean meats. Where can you get lean meats? At Green Akeys Family Farm of course! Dr Dukan says that lamb is prohibited in phase 1 of the diet but he hasn't seen or eaten our grass fed lamb- he'd change his mind if he saw it and tested it out. But our grass fed beef fits right into this program as well as chickens and turkey.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmADBeSyG_amRlgxrZ06HgPpttvHAAf2JZne-g8sWvNTcjDakNVVI8_sFAzU0Je_d_bvzjFSbd7QLOqkyp0YiUVyGxaIXwDXVGEX07Kv_dd41vA9lfNHFDj5Xui3pnoBxPBr8_Hi2D0w/s1600/IMG_0452.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmADBeSyG_amRlgxrZ06HgPpttvHAAf2JZne-g8sWvNTcjDakNVVI8_sFAzU0Je_d_bvzjFSbd7QLOqkyp0YiUVyGxaIXwDXVGEX07Kv_dd41vA9lfNHFDj5Xui3pnoBxPBr8_Hi2D0w/s400/IMG_0452.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602686086934171714" /></a><div><br /></div><div>And what else should you eat on this diet? Eggs-- eggs from hens raised on pasture would be the best. So yet again our farm is down with all the latest buzz out there in the real world. :)</div><div>I'm thinking of trying out the diet and seeing what it does for me. We had a little too much fun making and eating goat cheese this winter and consequently I did gain weight over the winter. So back to lean proteins and veggies.... I know where to get them! </div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-29193212445215874962011-05-01T08:16:00.000-07:002011-05-01T19:46:30.083-07:00Spring Green Akeys Farm Update Part 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyfeBiBAh1gHwnmxTnWLCsfpy6eHLLSxQ5_Z6hwKpu6wyq8-g_sAw393tqE98k4DjDamMsQznEIuOt6NT7BuwSF2j5vpzqX133QHkEsfjjwkKO5gnVD_IxmJZ3qg9K-91U1Ruaely5SE/s1600/IMG_0622.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyfeBiBAh1gHwnmxTnWLCsfpy6eHLLSxQ5_Z6hwKpu6wyq8-g_sAw393tqE98k4DjDamMsQznEIuOt6NT7BuwSF2j5vpzqX133QHkEsfjjwkKO5gnVD_IxmJZ3qg9K-91U1Ruaely5SE/s400/IMG_0622.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601773475623022514" /></a>Lilacs are in bloom! Nothing says spring like the smell of lilacs in the air.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4I8M-GBWrk2v2k4VY90OBvlTEFykAAceMOD770sd0rVkR_yjMnDalrA4W4nUo7VmN-CgO4A39gr-guORvN24qDJsZT6ELpMINpru2eiJtrUE48xkXOvGj2F0SlMwKn2U0R-3m2APsmZ4/s1600/IMG_0601.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4I8M-GBWrk2v2k4VY90OBvlTEFykAAceMOD770sd0rVkR_yjMnDalrA4W4nUo7VmN-CgO4A39gr-guORvN24qDJsZT6ELpMINpru2eiJtrUE48xkXOvGj2F0SlMwKn2U0R-3m2APsmZ4/s400/IMG_0601.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601772966567557378" /></a>I planted 1 row of zucchini in hopes for an early crop. The other 2 rows will get planted in a few weeks as the weather warms up. I am testing a few of these 'hotcaps' to see how they do.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wGp-eFyYoeFeJwz0_tpM3fos03p3nLHr2lr4EksnfvCwQMZ-4ViJ8Fpr4iAnFqaC1c52azYlxYiwbwJ1EP-jzzjGNK8wUSOMAnpqVgc5BUcnWopjgvlAip2QTcnMp5ZlLpph_UM-TVI/s1600/IMG_0600.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wGp-eFyYoeFeJwz0_tpM3fos03p3nLHr2lr4EksnfvCwQMZ-4ViJ8Fpr4iAnFqaC1c52azYlxYiwbwJ1EP-jzzjGNK8wUSOMAnpqVgc5BUcnWopjgvlAip2QTcnMp5ZlLpph_UM-TVI/s400/IMG_0600.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601772072724327538" /></a>The potatoes are all planted. This year we were smart and planted them in order from Early harvest to very late harvest. Didn't really think about that this last year and I learned my lesson. It's a lot of potatoes out there. I really hope they all do well. Though if they do well I have no idea if the CSA can eat that many potatoes? We'll sure try.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTldB1GHof1uy_Ke0mdAGTSnNQ4te6gsulPIPQ1H7WrG6kfKZ0AmAvTjABt_A6cwzSrpr5BGNHBzwn5YYk7xoZsP4FkQ1VAa3dylIqSiaiyeXjutPYWgbgQm8oy6Y8w2O0E6h5xaGZ2ig/s1600/IMG_0588.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTldB1GHof1uy_Ke0mdAGTSnNQ4te6gsulPIPQ1H7WrG6kfKZ0AmAvTjABt_A6cwzSrpr5BGNHBzwn5YYk7xoZsP4FkQ1VAa3dylIqSiaiyeXjutPYWgbgQm8oy6Y8w2O0E6h5xaGZ2ig/s400/IMG_0588.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601771107911645794" /></a>I am in love with my garlic yet again this year. The cool weather and the wonderful rain is helping them out. They are looking so good. Each year the garlic plot has doubled in size, if that keeps up it won't take long till the entire farm is garlic. I do think I will try to double the garlic for 2012 as I still see varieties out there that I want to try. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYckQ5G52qVpYNOIOyPvQiwiJ1gukPYGbWrwjOzEwrp9h0zi5J-NZ_RKz7JtZxZmP60-9gcHLd5Z5TlnhZ_PL36l7xJP24juBqrefVtXuEQDJn_pmXFah9JNzgDaioaeHQX-Tj7xHvpI/s1600/IMG_0569.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYckQ5G52qVpYNOIOyPvQiwiJ1gukPYGbWrwjOzEwrp9h0zi5J-NZ_RKz7JtZxZmP60-9gcHLd5Z5TlnhZ_PL36l7xJP24juBqrefVtXuEQDJn_pmXFah9JNzgDaioaeHQX-Tj7xHvpI/s400/IMG_0569.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601770226240414898" /></a>I love when all animals share the shaded areas in the pasture. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUv6ObhjTjKv4Mwx7Pr0MrCg_rHcFYSLOlOtwhKt6Yvrj4IzM6p9pCvlv5kgCMlpPr_-rAFT_6cwIv79gvoXGK1KU2AHZKhWZpZOgKKzup1trfxhePYedZg8kDmvN98N0bWRxZOsi6FHA/s1600/IMG_0562.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUv6ObhjTjKv4Mwx7Pr0MrCg_rHcFYSLOlOtwhKt6Yvrj4IzM6p9pCvlv5kgCMlpPr_-rAFT_6cwIv79gvoXGK1KU2AHZKhWZpZOgKKzup1trfxhePYedZg8kDmvN98N0bWRxZOsi6FHA/s400/IMG_0562.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601769483128432994" /></a>And speaking of pasture. It is growing! This year, as much as we want to put the animals on this pasture, we must wait for fall/winter as the grasses need to get established. If we put the animals out there now they would pull the grass up root and all. That would not be good. So these grasses will grow tall and we'll cut them once for some hay for winter. Then in the fall/winter we'll be able to let them graze.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OMYpGtGoZy_0DVEjqrgMF9F3f5MVXkuw9sG3cUkScvoX5mI6VFGOBD9vsOGAEqpy4I3BNqS5E68gHMAjhHq5q5uzzs3p_rpWZOLazPI4PrAx1Oykr6z32Cnb1ZeIXdsiOBZ7G8I68yg/s1600/IMG_0560.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3OMYpGtGoZy_0DVEjqrgMF9F3f5MVXkuw9sG3cUkScvoX5mI6VFGOBD9vsOGAEqpy4I3BNqS5E68gHMAjhHq5q5uzzs3p_rpWZOLazPI4PrAx1Oykr6z32Cnb1ZeIXdsiOBZ7G8I68yg/s400/IMG_0560.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601768852541687298" /></a>This year we have 2 bee boxes. Unfortunately that means no honey again as we need a year of comb building and the honey that the bees do make needs to be for them to survive the winter.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-88704440704952870602011-04-27T18:47:00.000-07:002011-04-27T18:53:43.734-07:00Special Short Peak Season CSA Share<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">This email went out to those on our mailing list last night and we are already down to only 6 more shares available. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div>New Offering with 10 Shares available</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">While we are closed out for the full CSA season, due to demand we are offering a Peak Season CSA Share as we are able to adjust our growing and increase our planting now for those weeks.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">This Share will start July 25th and go 6 weeks and end the last week of August.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">The price for this share will be $300. These are the weeks of the year where many items are available for members and therefore the highest amount of produce is given out during these weeks. If you love tomatoes- this is the short CSA offering for you as you will have lots of tomatoes to eat and process to freeze for the winter. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">Items that you could expect to receive in those weeks:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">garlic</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">potatoes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">tomatoes</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">peppers - hot and bell peppers</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">cucumbers</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">zucchini and summer squash</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">melons</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">beets</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">eggplant</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">herbs</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">flowers- cut your own</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">greens - asian greens and other greens</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">beans</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">pick your own raspberries</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">Please email us if you are interested and we will take requests in the order we receive them.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">Pickup will be at our farm for those 6 weeks.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; ">Annette@greenakeys.com</span>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-25026581064253607932011-04-15T19:41:00.000-07:002011-04-15T20:00:33.723-07:00Spring Green Akeys Farm Update<div>Lots happening on the farm. CSA is officially closed for the season. Sorry to those that keep emailing me, but check back next year and get on our mailing list.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have also gotten lots of requests for a meat CSA so we hope to put together an offer that would start in July. Stay tuned....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpFtzcSykN1e1mJwdZbXc37VRJ0pkGd9H1cIfT3xZBzGFYpUlVzskwR65g-Q9hClXs9016Qm3v6koPoGCYVg_vIs0K4S3KRnSTNmsJ2-5XEYzmbbn4FU8qswwVxkGFAuBrwYsv8VfAoQ/s1600/IMG_0485.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpFtzcSykN1e1mJwdZbXc37VRJ0pkGd9H1cIfT3xZBzGFYpUlVzskwR65g-Q9hClXs9016Qm3v6koPoGCYVg_vIs0K4S3KRnSTNmsJ2-5XEYzmbbn4FU8qswwVxkGFAuBrwYsv8VfAoQ/s400/IMG_0485.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596007134590753490" /></a>Baby lambs being born daily. We've officially lost track. I think we are about 34? but could be 37. Won't know till the ear tagging is done on all new babies. In the daytime you hear mommas and babies calling out to each other. It's a lamb nursery. Baby calves are next--- should get 4-6 new calves.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BFVN7yWsQIwiCOgJAEKWy32nn8NsAWJzposgP5kiBv9_DFRWpxTaNUy-zfpz9Z3_eqd0I6lKRfzE6-HjmXF2bFfkgn_ia2zNCNYVzq6rueBHNHC5r6it2T3V68pAHGLpB40ctCScbTI/s1600/IMG_0469.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BFVN7yWsQIwiCOgJAEKWy32nn8NsAWJzposgP5kiBv9_DFRWpxTaNUy-zfpz9Z3_eqd0I6lKRfzE6-HjmXF2bFfkgn_ia2zNCNYVzq6rueBHNHC5r6it2T3V68pAHGLpB40ctCScbTI/s400/IMG_0469.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596006852116663330" /></a>Garlic is thriving!!! Yeah!! CSA members will get to try 13 varieties of garlic this year. Every year I save some garlic for next year and buy 2-3 new varieties as garlic is very expensive to buy. It can cost 3 dollars and up to 10 dollars per bulb depending on the variety.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09sKngqgqF8qgol5qNJmlfm7IMn-l4zZNL8knYO0S5rMmR66ruA4qTKaKzagH9sL1J780PwVLOh4by23219yxdZezMXc6nXYJDrMRyMB2EzCOxbOCaykvO5h9yNkrkQz7PWoRhnqzqQc/s1600/IMG_0464.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09sKngqgqF8qgol5qNJmlfm7IMn-l4zZNL8knYO0S5rMmR66ruA4qTKaKzagH9sL1J780PwVLOh4by23219yxdZezMXc6nXYJDrMRyMB2EzCOxbOCaykvO5h9yNkrkQz7PWoRhnqzqQc/s400/IMG_0464.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596006646862216322" /></a>One new addition to the CSA this year are garden boxes for veggies that take longer than 10 days to germinate and can get crowded by weeds. Beets, kohlrabi and carrots are amount those that are in the garden boxes this year.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdd-dsstD-IbiE2pGHRZOtrMGITpaVMEZuFkMDga7UQQ73Hd5DggPNBF-TuLjCDa8UHpW7HceWtupt05iItzxWD8QFZDGwMlS4SqZlvBPsWSZaFRWMchbK8NqCE22ZSGLGlUkJMcAHOw/s1600/IMG_0452.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdd-dsstD-IbiE2pGHRZOtrMGITpaVMEZuFkMDga7UQQ73Hd5DggPNBF-TuLjCDa8UHpW7HceWtupt05iItzxWD8QFZDGwMlS4SqZlvBPsWSZaFRWMchbK8NqCE22ZSGLGlUkJMcAHOw/s400/IMG_0452.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596006439941031570" /></a>New this year...... chocolate colored eggs!!! This year we have far fewer hens but beautiful eggs. That was my plan, less hens but a wonderful color combination.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztzYPvGbrpOweQoKjQij1aQhTIHiTt6d5lfixe5orjx7n_VK0afzmZkx2yoi05AYddBOui3KSCzrjM-ccfSYZTxdSsYIcj8mJ7rGoiyx4MYd7xqLrw9F0KI0Hc42G3iFKmoYyvcYtiho/s1600/IMG_0453.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztzYPvGbrpOweQoKjQij1aQhTIHiTt6d5lfixe5orjx7n_VK0afzmZkx2yoi05AYddBOui3KSCzrjM-ccfSYZTxdSsYIcj8mJ7rGoiyx4MYd7xqLrw9F0KI0Hc42G3iFKmoYyvcYtiho/s400/IMG_0453.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596006315082450546" /></a>The above egg is a speckled as well! We get our hens from Whitmore Farm. Will does a great job raising heritage breeds of hens and so we buy our hens from him. His eggs are used by chefs that have been on Top Chef as they are not only fabulous to eat but gorgeous. So I had to have those hens and the eggs!!! Those hens have been slower to lay eggs but now that they are starting, I am in love with the color!</div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-3770919500987465152011-03-31T18:20:00.000-07:002011-04-05T19:52:12.409-07:00Lambing - The Happy and Sad moments<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8ae1I8WCYq7u7EfZCxLE4rdk53wuliSgiGJ4i0CrF1HNMqbYWKO1sV0zBzmCyW6OX3bzI-dGnyA6R74OYGrVRhi9L_QYqcFQvL2PdXPgtbeX1j0CtfpK8pesSi0dEE0TWq0cshDPSUQ/s1600/IMG_0448.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8ae1I8WCYq7u7EfZCxLE4rdk53wuliSgiGJ4i0CrF1HNMqbYWKO1sV0zBzmCyW6OX3bzI-dGnyA6R74OYGrVRhi9L_QYqcFQvL2PdXPgtbeX1j0CtfpK8pesSi0dEE0TWq0cshDPSUQ/s400/IMG_0448.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592293959830286242" /></a>This is a happy picture. 8 lambs born in the last 24 hours. I love to hear them call out to their mommas. I was FINALLY able to witness a birth of twins last night. I sat down in the hay and I just waited it out. 90 minutes later I had witnessed the birth of a boy and then a girl lamb. I now understand what a normal twin birth process looks like!!! YEAH!<div><br /></div><div>That was the happy story. When you raise sheep you know you will have some sad stories and that's the next story.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>When I started this blog, I mainly did it so that friends and family could keep up with the farming life and it was a matter of efficiency for me. If someone were to say to me "hey, what's new on the farm?", I could say "um- have you been keeping up with my blog postings? I can't handle telling the same story 20 times".<div><br /></div><div>Along the way I somehow made friends with other people around country and the world and so I realized that I can't just tell all the fun and rosy parts of farming. At times I need to tell the brutal truth and talk about the parts of farming that suck. This posting is about what happened last Tuesday night-- one of those nights that sucked.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is lambing season for us. Now when a mother gets ready to lamb, they go off to a corner by themselves, they make a little nest of hay, etc. You can tell. Well, the other day this ewe either didn't do the normal behaviors or we missed it or she was trying to give birth while Mike was running errands. </div><div><br /></div><div>By the time we had dinner and went to feed the sheep, Mike saw her. Thank goodness he did because this mother was not off by herself but with the pack. What Mike noticed- brace yourself- was that she was running around with a baby lamb's head poking out of her. </div><div><br /></div><div>So we had to catch her and turn into vets. I talked to the mother and petted her head. I then assisted Mike as we figured out how to deliver the lamb. Thank god Mike can handle these things. I pass out when I give blood but I was proud of myself and I hung in there and made it through to help him. Mike was just amazing. I don't know where he gets these nerves of steel. He was in the Marines but I don't know if it's from that training or he just was born that way.</div><div><br /></div><div>He managed to figure out how to move the lamb so that he'd slide out and somehow we managed to get the big boy out and keep the mother alive. She was definitely in a state of shock. But after 10 minutes she was back up and eating- thank goodness. We have no idea if the lamb was delivered stillborn or if the lamb just couldn't make it out. Ugh. Our farmer friends told us that some years you are lucky and sometimes you have birthing issues. The mom is doing fine in case you were wondering.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>After this sad birth we did have 11 more good births in the week that followed and led to the picture of the cute lamb in the picture.</div><div><br /></div><div>Total of 14 lambs so far since January and about 34 more ewes to deliver.</div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-43314817658867974512011-03-27T10:54:00.000-07:002011-03-27T11:08:51.517-07:00Lambing season<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HMrENlJv-BuTNX1GxO5X8jbuNO5IX_LOgBbXxncC3p9PStkoqu-Y8WVuvrYxj_IVfGIulKMZckVR4F8X8XDWcmOnQTkIhz9mg8K7j20zLCCFxOWCAZ7CTlAmheUeTg9OpnWZOqdar2Q/s1600/IMG_0390.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HMrENlJv-BuTNX1GxO5X8jbuNO5IX_LOgBbXxncC3p9PStkoqu-Y8WVuvrYxj_IVfGIulKMZckVR4F8X8XDWcmOnQTkIhz9mg8K7j20zLCCFxOWCAZ7CTlAmheUeTg9OpnWZOqdar2Q/s400/IMG_0390.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588820327523105378" /></a>We had 3 lambs born in January from the time the ram broke through and found his ladies earlier in the summer. Here are 2 of the lambs.<div><br /></div><div>The rest of the mothers are due right around tax day in mid April. Let the guesses begin on number of lambs. Last year we had 24 ewes that had 45 lambs. This year we have about 45 ewes and 3 lambs so far. We do have a lot of first time mothers in the pack and they usually have a single lamb the first year so we're looking at 65-70 or so lambs this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>And because Alina is going to ask-- why do some sheep in the picture have a red spray spot on them? Well, sometimes you sort your sheep or mark them for first year or trimmed hooves or to say these are the ones I want to sell after the lambs are weaned. When you get up to 45 sheep, you need a way to mark them to know this- and spray paint is the easy and funny way sheep farmers do this.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-63505138626388079242011-03-23T12:43:00.000-07:002011-03-23T12:43:03.809-07:00Back from India just in time for Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHRmnxRxntEbCAd5KEqVS4eSZla_Gst42SZde-HnqOwHOxCfc-IaCVtgr5rkIOcxPITgVfJa8QSDOdriBaID3cT6IYqZDaIusz7zhu-6v8hNF6YdJdxv8aPlZp7-IAHZYRHzfl_7dpVM/s1600/IMG_0193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHRmnxRxntEbCAd5KEqVS4eSZla_Gst42SZde-HnqOwHOxCfc-IaCVtgr5rkIOcxPITgVfJa8QSDOdriBaID3cT6IYqZDaIusz7zhu-6v8hNF6YdJdxv8aPlZp7-IAHZYRHzfl_7dpVM/s320/IMG_0193.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back from abroad! I had the good fortune to spend two weeks in India early this month. Culture shock was immediate and eye opening. The biggest thing that I took away from my trip was just how amazingly well things just sort of...worked. India wasnt pretty, despite what the photo above shows. It was chaotic, busy, acrid, depressing, exciting, exhilarating, tasty, maddening, philosophical, and did I mention chaotic?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One commonality I found between New Delhi, Calcutta and the "small" town of Jamshedpur was just how good the food was everywhere I went. Street vendors, restaurants, roadside markets, intensively farmed plots next to the airport in Calcutta, gardens, everywhere you looked there was food. It is very easy to be vegetarian in India. My last few hours in Calcutta were at the hotel where a big fertilizer company was having a convention. I suppose a country of over a billion people cant exist without quite a bit of energy directed at the production of food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">India is in a part of the world where they go for months without much rain to periods where they pray the rain will stop. This makes farming extremely difficult. Drought to flood. No fun. Ive seen that at work here. The biggest thing I took away was that the people I saw were all working as "organically" as possible. These are people with no money for pesticides, fertilizers, tractors or even tools. Yet, they were growing some of the most beautiful crops, intensively cultivated by hand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Makes me wonder how we can do better here with the "advantages" that technology provides for us. But is technology REALLY helping us, or do we use it as a crutch? Are the methods we use for commercial agriculture really helping us "feed the world" or is the world already feeding itself nicely, thank you? Industrial agriculture surely can produce massive amounts of products that are used less as whole foods but as ingredients in industry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had a wonderful phone call today with a prospective customer. We spoke at length about the idea of "organic" in the marketplace. I know I have posted about this before, but it is definitely worth another post. Just what is "organic"? Is it a worthwhile goal to produce organically? Are we better off eating organics? Are conventional foods harming us?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think that my philosophy on food should be made more clearly. Im always wide open to change. I know Im not always in the right. I have plenty of ideas on how to do things better. Always question your assumptions! So, here goes: As far as growing vegetables, we use no fertilizers or pesticides or fungicides that are not approved for use in USDA Certified Organic operations. We do use a very small percentage of seeds that are NOT certified organic, mostly if we cant find a variety that has been grown organically somewhere else. Our beef and lamb are entirely grass-fed. We do not spray our pastures with herbicides, or chemical fertilizers or anything else for that matter. We do spread lime in order to bring the pH of the soil up closer to neutral. We may at some time in the future apply chicken manure or fish emulsion or raw milk to the pastures or perhaps some other minerals if we find our soil testing shows deficiencies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As far as poultry, well, here is where I feel some pressure to do better. I do NOT feed organic feed to my chickens. The cost is nearly double for the feed. I would have to raise my egg prices up to about 8 dollars a dozen to make it worthwhile. My feeling is that the chickens diet is supplemented with pasture plants and bugs and worms and sunshine for vitamin D, and that is what makes the difference between my product and what you can find in the stores. HOWEVER, I am fully aware of the problems involved with GMO corn. I know I have had interest from one or two people in the past year looking for GMO-free and also Corn and Soy-free rations for the birds. I really do want to switch over to all organic feeds for my birds, but the price has been prohibitive. Im already charging more for my chickens than most people. And Im definitely not getting rich! Its probably the one thing I would change if the demand was there for all organic chickens and eggs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are so many people claiming so many different things about organic foods. Let me give you my perspective. I could be wrong. Please feel free to go all Chuck Norris on me in the comments! My view is that the pesticides and herbicides that are in the food system most probably have little effect on any of us when we consume them. We rinse them off, scrub the apples, etc. and 99% of the sprays wash off. Most sprays are not approved for spraying on the fruits or veggies themselves within a certain period before harvest. So, the impact on our health is probably minimal. That does not mean that some people are not sensitive to these chemicals. My motivation for growing organically is not necessarily for my own health but for the health of the environment. I have more issues with runoff into streams and the bay and effects on pesticides with other creatures who interact directly with them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I make no claim as to the health benefits of Organics. Im happy growing them for the environment, not for my own health. Perhaps there are more benefits than I know about. Im happy to raise grass-fed beef and lamb because I know that it makes no sense to use fossil fuels to bring the food to the animals when we can easily bring the animals to the food! So they grow a little slower. Better slower growth than all the associated issues with fossil fuels and their costs. It just makes sense. Its also much more sustainable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My view is that sustainability is more important in the long run than anything else. Chickens are particularly problematic for me. Chickens have been bred over the last 60 plus years to grow fast on corn. Plain and simple, the heritage breeds we have today are nothing like their ancestors. These heritage breeds today are improved and have been selected to grow well on corn. Great Grandma's backyard flocks were hardly fed, they were skinny, scrawny, and had lousy egg production. People didnt get 6 pound broiler chickens. At best they had 2.5 pound chickens! And the chicken was tough. It was not the chicken we have today. Any animal that needs corn represents a problem to me. I will keep a small flock of layers, but Im not very interested in the long term sustainability of chickens in the US. Grass-fed lamb and beef is the way to go. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, lots of splainin' today. Im ready for the season to start! Im all fired up!</div>Michael@greenakeys.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13196783983393304353noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-83532682815647202672011-03-21T12:14:00.000-07:002011-03-21T12:14:00.766-07:00Relief EffortsA wonderful friend for over 20 years has family in Japan. Thankfully they are all alive and much less affected by the earthquake and tsunami and nuclear catastrophe than many. However, there is an ongoing problem there and many people are going to be hungry and need medical care in the near term and long term. If you feel like you can contribute, here are a few ways that you can do so with only a few clicks of your mouse.<br />
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I dont want to make you feel like you need to do this, but if you dont have even a dime to spare because the economy sucks, you can always go donate blood to your local Red Cross. Everyone gots some extra blood they ain't needing. Go donate! You get a free cookie. FREE COOKIE!<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Brother's Brother Foundation (BBF) in cooperation with the Japan-American Society of PA. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">BBF is a 53-year old Pittsburgh-based international charity. Brother's Brother Foundation received 100 % or higher rating in charitable commitment, donor dependency and fundraising efficiency.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Helvetica; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></o:p></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.brothersbrother.org/11_japanearthquake.htm"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.brothersbrother.org/11_japanearthquake.htm</span></a><br />
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2. American Red Cross<br />
Donation through American RC will be sent to the Japanese Red Cross Society<br />
TEL: 1-800-733-2767<br />
<a href="http://www.redcross.org/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.redcross.org/</span></a><br />
Donate Funds page:<br />
<a href="http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main"><span style="color: blue;">http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main</span></a><br />
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3. The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City - Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Fund<br />
The fund will direct 100% of your donation to disaster relief efforts. The Mayor's Fund does not retain an administrative fee.<br />
<a href="https://www.nyc.gov/html/fund/html/donate/donate.shtml"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.nyc.gov/html/fund/html/donate/donate.shtml</span></a><br />
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4.Unicef.<br />
The U.S. Fund for UNICEF (USF) is raising funds to help children in Japan impacted by the recent earthquake and tsunami.<br />
<a href="https://secure.unicefusa.org/site/Donation2?df_id=9640&9640.donation=form1"><span style="color: blue;">https://secure.unicefusa.org/site/Donation2?df_id=9640&9640.donation=form1</span></a><br />
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5. Text-to-Donate for Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Efforts<br />
You can donate through one of the following organizations by simply sending a text message from your mobile phone (billed to your mobile phone bill). mGive, the agency working to collect and process donations on behalf of the following organizations, charges a fee (for RC, $.25 fee) per donation.<br />
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The American Red Cross: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10.<br />
Convoy for Hope: Text TSUNAMI to 50555 to donate $10.<br />
GlobalGiving: Text JAPAN to 50555 to donate $10.<br />
World Relief Corp of National Association of Evangelicals: Text WAVE to 50555 to donate $10.<br />
UNICEF: Text JAPAN to 864233 to donate $10<br />
Salvation Army: Text JAPAN to 80888 to donate $10.<br />
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When prompted, please remember to reply with YES to confirm your one-time, tax-deductible mobile donation. After the process, you may text STOP to avoid further text receiving and fee. This donation will appear on your next mobile phone bill. Message and Data Rates May Apply.</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </div><div style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </div>Michael@greenakeys.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13196783983393304353noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-65288772460337752162011-03-20T20:13:00.001-07:002011-03-20T21:04:14.681-07:00Things that last a long time....<div><br /></div><div><div>I watched a lot of the 100,000 Pyramid game when I was younger. So here are the clues...</div><div>friendships, girlfriends, sorority pledge daughters, trident gum, cats, bank barns, last 10 lbs of body fat, a ball of yarn, squash.....</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div>Yes! Things that last a long time!!!! $100,000!!!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiZsaulnhJCyQrZqpfg3m4WdYlaKAm0TL6M5Zb0HVuHxk4_w5LrlGTGeo47Wtr7KB3scORTkkr6X7X594hL3ZXbO0EQYKWlRGJ4b9ceXpPLZJpP77TtDc_wd4f22S9EJdXJGvJyD82Kg/s1600/IMG_0375.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiZsaulnhJCyQrZqpfg3m4WdYlaKAm0TL6M5Zb0HVuHxk4_w5LrlGTGeo47Wtr7KB3scORTkkr6X7X594hL3ZXbO0EQYKWlRGJ4b9ceXpPLZJpP77TtDc_wd4f22S9EJdXJGvJyD82Kg/s400/IMG_0375.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586370395402872226" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">These are my squash that I still need to eat. If you take the time to count them-- more than 40. Yikes!! Holy squash. I had better get a move on it. It is almost the end of March and I still have 40 squash left! I started in the neighborhood of 100 or so last October so clearly I don't need as many to last me through the winter. This year the squash were in the basement area and were it was around 40 degree temp all winter. I think this is the perfect temp for keep squash. When I would bring the squash or a pumpkin upstairs for more than a week, then the seeds inside the squash/pumpkin would start to sprout. Funny, no? Freaked me out the first time though...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4tMOxik-bwQD45KFb2iKerGia26uTTYOmuLOMjMfmonUKsAIgnnD4QjnJAEjz5gcLY_OQFpbvQI3UaBYrdqmVRNBh_-Rsrp3InVr83D1x06eA5YDD_fXLanvOkUD4bz6fFWkJvQ0fSI/s400/IMG_0346.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586368864417274994" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So squash lasts a long time kept in the right temp.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now how about friendships and girlfriends? Those can also last a long time. Tonight I had the pleasure of being in a southern state for business and was able to have dinner with a long time girlfriend. Now I will say that she and I have probably known each other for a total of 10 full days of running time throughout our lives. But the time we spend together is always quality time and we got to know each other very well over the years. Our fathers spent time in the Air Force together and hence they got together every so often throughout our lives and since we are only 3 months apart in age, we became friends very quickly. It was so wonderful to reconnect with her and spend an evening together. (I also told her I'd blog about her.... she is one of my readers who never posts a comment)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And then you may wonder what the heck the sorority pledge daughter listing in the things that last a long time was all about? Well, in my younger days I went to college. My freshman year of college I did try to join a sorority but the 'smart' sorority didn't put a bid out to me and I wanted to be in the 'smart' sorority. I did get chosen by the 'beautiful women' sorority but decided that even though I was beautiful, that sorority just didn't fit me. So freshman year I was on my own and doing my engineering thing. Sophomore year, I decided to try again for a sorority and I didn't get selected again. But then the day after the big pledge party night, I got a call saying that they needed 3 more pledges because they fell short of their target and would I consider joining? Now, I was a sophomore and that's why I didn't get on the first round list because you can't have a pledge call of all sophomores because then you have no one to live in the sorority house and your sorority roster will be out of sorts. This happened to be the sorority that my roommate got chosen to join the night before and this was the 'party' sorority. Since I fancied myself a party girl (although I could have fit into the smart, beautiful or party sorority in those days) I decided what the heck, join this sorority. Good thing I did join because another round of special friendships formed because of that sorority. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Now we get to present day. Would you know that my pledge daughter friended me on Facebook? At first I thought, who is this very beautiful woman that wants to friend me? And when I saw an old picture of her in her facebook pictures, I said to my husband "oh my gosh, that's my pledge daughter!". Little did I know that I would have to explain sorority life to my husband who didn't get the whole daughter thing and in the end I gave up. So evidently pledge daughter relationships can last a long time as well.....I now have a new old friend on the west coast!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's to things that last a long time! (and if you need any squash-- let me know)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380443079054363050.post-88147757981471326512011-03-15T18:03:00.001-07:002011-03-15T18:55:56.043-07:00Single, full time working, diversified farmer motherI tried an experiment the last 2 weeks. I let my husband go literally half way across the world for 2 weeks. I instantly became a single, full time working, diversified farmer mother. <div><br /></div><div>I can now imagine what it would have been like if I had been a farmers wife with 3-8 kids and my husband went off to fight in the war. I can also imagine what it would have been like if I then decided to make some extra money and went to work at an industrial job helping make bombs or airplanes or whatnot.</div><div><br /></div><div>Time is an interesting thing. It stretches and somehow things get done. Sometimes when you have so much to do and it just MUST get done, you tend to focus and really make it all happen. </div><div><br /></div><div>I can tell you that my kids got good at walking home from the bus stop - even in the pouring rain one afternoon. They learned to get along for a few hours before I got home from work (I only had 1 phone call of tattling on a sibling). They remembered 75% of the time to let the dogs out to pee. Poor dogs did have to wait the other 25% and were looking at me like I didn't train the kids well. So the kids did well. I had to lean on them to help me out and they did. Maybe I don't ask the kids to do enough on a regular basis- I'm going to do more of that in the future as I think it helps them become independent. The kids did learn how to make homemade soft pretzels and they made huge batches on Sunday while I had a friend over helping to start the seedlings. And my youngest actually cleaned his room on his own. I nearly fell over when I saw it. Mom, I needed my table to be clear and I just got on a cleaning kick so I can't stop now. Amazing! Who's child is this?</div><div><br /></div><div>We all learned how to make crock pot meals that cooked all day so we didn't have to eat out the entire time. I make a mean crock pot dish - leg of lamb, beef stew and beef BBQ.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am great at driving the tractor now and I can carry 2 bales of hay at the same time and fling them up to feed the sheep. I can fix gates and learned to use pliers. </div><div><br /></div><div>We did have help the first weekend from Grandma Mary. I do think grandparents are important and I do wish ours lived closer. If I had been that working mother in my imagination I would guess I would have had support from a grandmother or sister or aunt. </div><div><br /></div><div>And neighbors help as well. I think I have some of the best neighbors in the world. I did so well the entire 2 weeks, would you know what happens on the last day? </div><div>I must not have closed the barnyard gate correctly and the sheep and 2 guard dogs escaped. Our neighbor was kind enough to track me down at work. Imagine my surprise when a colleague says to me "um Annette, some guy says he's your neighbor and that your animals are out".</div><div>When I found out it was just the sheep and the guard dogs I was happy. The sheep weren't gonna go far because they just wanted to eat the grass because as they say THE GRASS IS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE. And my daffodils were a nice tasty snack for those pregnant mommas. It only took 3 minutes and Frank the Border collie had the sheep back in the barnyard. Rocky was a little tougher to get back in the barnyard as he wanted to scope out his land. He kept ignoring me and pretending he didn't hear me. But after 10 minutes all was back to normal.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I did learn that I can do things that I let my husband normally do and that my kids are fantastic. I also learned that we miss our father, husband and that when families have to be apart that it is hard. I'm happy to be back to married, full time working, diversified farmer mother- that's a piece of cake!</div><div><br /></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07615481260011838512noreply@blogger.com6