Farmin' Hard

The weeks since the last post have flown by. Our wonderful WWOOFers have arrived - Rose, Philip, Amanda and Kaitlin, our drip irrigation system is in and functioning (though the pump threatens to quit working every single day), and life at the farm has settled into a steady rhythm of early mornings, hard work, mid day naps, and in the evening there may be music, meals, visits from friends, or more farming. The bright sun and warm temperatures are accompanied by mosquitoes, who attack some of us more than others, and there are hardly any goldfinches any more at the bird feeder. The Sand Hill Cranes have moves along as have the Canada Geese, and a white egret was spotted at the pond in th last few days. The roses in front of the Hornet's Nest are starting to bloom, as have the irises planted by Montez Bucher in the 60's (we think). The first batch of chickens have their feathers and look like official chickens. They spend each night outside - they are sweet and love people. The little peepletons - Reddy, Spot, Arrow, Rocket, Blackie, Buffy, Buffy, Buffy, and Buffy - are getting their tiny feathers and gradually getting used to the 20 seconds of affectionate human touch which is administered to them twice each day.

Our little acre of paradise is coming along nicely - the rocks and weeds who have had complete dominion are being moved out and aside for squash and cabbage and eggplant. The first block of corn goes in today, and the beans will probably get planted today too. Though we may still get a sold snap, it's looking like warm days with just a suggestion of thunderstorms in the afternoon as far as the forecast goes. There's still an awful lot to do to prepare for the season, but it's a wonderful time to be busy on the farm.

Bright Days

The days of rain and clouds have given way to sunny bright spring days, perfect for planting and even more importantly, for growing! The creek water has made it up to the field, the onions have been planted, the tomatoes are stretching out their necks (they really want to be in the ground!). New chickens, and the chickens who will now probably be called "the old chickens" even though they are only a month or so old, lend an air of serenity and humor to the farm. This is a delicate time in Surprise Valley for gardeners and farmers. The daytime temperatures are in the 70's and at night it barely freezes, but conventional wisdom says it's going to turn cold again before it turns warm for good. When do we risk our tender seedlings to the elements? Maybe not quite yet. The first WWOOFers will be arriving in less than a week, and if the weather holds out, we'll be planting like crazy. In the meantime, the Hornet's Nest is experiencing its last moments of quiet before months of activity and good times begin.

There's so much to be done on the farm - planting, laying the irrigation, making WWOOFer Hollow cozy and comfy, designing the herb and flower gardens, digging, weeding, gazing at the sky, teaching and learning, meeting our new friends and customers, having parties. For now we're provisioning up and hoping for the best with every expectation that our summer will be full of love, joy, peace, and veggies.

Older Chickens, meet your new friends! Hope they are as nice as you!