There are so many things going on at the farm right now. And in my life. And everywhere else… On a personal note, we moved our Last One to college last weekend. She’ll be living with the Middle One in College Station. The Oldest One is living in Austin starting her career. The Middle One is in College Station majoring in Nutrition. The Last One is majoring in Agri-Business. That makes us, well, Happy Empty Nesters. And in planning for this great event, as many of you know, we sold our house-of-15-years and are building a house on the farm. So we’ve broken ground and are making great progress. The kids are out and about. The new farm dog is chasing ducks, (rather than herding them…still hopeful that will improve) and we are getting ready for the fall!
New plantings include broccoli, brussles sprouts, cabbage, carrots, beets, lettuces, collards, mustard, herbs, fennel, peppers, sweet potatoes, potatoes, lima beans, green beans, fava beans, swiss chard, garlic, shallots, …
And best of all… that faint little promise of Fall in the air!
Oh my, Paula you look so much like your mom! I was up past Mt. Barker and then by your street. So many memories – Mr. Kelly,swimming lessons for Laura and Heather, Pansy, Marco Polo … . You always wore tennis shoes while swimming and I thought that was so weird. Remember the telescope on the porch? We could see all the way to Casis Village. OOOH! Recall flash -Tennis lessons! Our moms decided to take tennis lessons (and why?). We all had to go along ( we were dragged!) to the courts, and hang out as our moms tried feebly to hit the ball. They’d get to laughing and then chatting – are we surprised? I think their attempt to be Billy Jean King lasted maybe 4 lessons. The perspirin’ heat, the damage done to their coifs and nails were justified excuses to leave their rackets behind head back to beauty salon.
OK, I’m thrilled to find another source of organic produce – my sad little tomatoes are touching their toes. So how do y’all keep the nasty wicked hornworms off? I go search at dusk and midnight… can’t find them little suckers. But, they be there, stripping nekkid every tomato variety. I do hand pick snails, and we introduced toads awhile back and haven’t seen a slug since. My parsley sage rosemary and chives are great. They, along with fennel and dill are panted specifically for the swallowtails, monarchs, viceroys and bees.
We love buying fresh – a low/no salt diet dictates choosing edibles not processed or canned with lots of sodium. Try finding canned tomatoes -any kind- that is low in salt, under 150 mg. We usually hit the FM in the Triangle. It’s close to the pub. But a bit hard onthe wallet. Since the transplant I’ve not gone back to full time work. I’d love to come out and visit. Do you have a visitors schedule?
You have chickens and they are not on the web? And so to your duck dog needs to be featured. If you’re serious about training him for herding we know of a gal who has dogs and will train others http://www.rouxcrew.com. Even if you have ducks or children it stimulates their brains, challenges them and makes them happy! She always demos at the AustinCelticFestival.com, usually in early Nov.
Have to go. Oh, your kids in college? And my Megan graduated and married? I’m not going there. But your dad was an honoured usher for the two Sea Aggies. He’s doing so well and is just always your lovely dad.
Love, Beth Ann
Awesome to hear from you! Come by the farm anytime! If the gate’s open, we’re there.