Thursday, April 30, 2009

Too Busy to Blog

It is always a delight to learn that quite a few people actually read this farm blog! I usually find out when they complain that I haven't updated it for a few days. Sorry about that, but life is getting pretty zany around here lately, with new cows and chicks, honeybees, seed-starting, garden-planting, bread-baking and becoming a Farmers Market vendor. It's getting harder and harder to find time to post on the blog.
So, here are a few of the recent things I haven't had a chance to post yet:
Yesterday, our farming friend Dawn dropped off the two ducklings we had added to her duck order. They are Black Indian Runner Ducks, a type of duck that stands upright and runs, rather than waddles (a la the duck that thought he was a rooster in my favorite movie, Babe.) Runner ducks are supposed to be good egg-layers. We have a male and a female, so our flock could expand in the future. They are very cute now --but I can't wait to see them racing around the garden eating weeds and bugs.
We've been planting berries, asparagus, lettuces, greens, potatoes, onions and trees- often assisted by our curious Jersey calf. He is growing so fast--he has probably doubled in size since we got him two weeks ago.
The Dexter calf is the exact same age as the Jersey (3 weeks) and he has grown as well, but the fact that he is a much smaller breed is more obvious each day. His mom now lets him frolic with Reuben, the Jersey calf, and it is a joy to see the two of them racing around the pasture, literally kicking up their heels. We call the Dexter calf "Lasso" because his mom was named Lariat (formerly spelled "Larriette," after the previous owner, Larry.) Both calves are beginning to eat a bit of grass.

Our first Farmers Market is this weekend. Last weekend we practiced making huge quantities of sourdough bread and bagels and growing larger crops of sprouts. We learned that we need several more huge mixing bowls. Of course, we couldn't consume all that bread, so we delivered many loaves and bags o' bagels to friends and neighbors to taste-test.
Sara has always been fascinated by foraging for wild foods, and she has been harvesting all sorts of fun foods for us to try. Last night we dined on a tasty dandelion green salad. She also made candied violets from the wild flowers growing in our yard. Each violet was washed, painted with egg white and dusted with castor sugar. They will be beautiful decorating a fancy cake.
Cadence continues to work on the granary/cabin a little bit each day, hoping to move in very soon. She and Rog completed the hardest job--drywalling the ceiling. Now they must tape and mud, install windows patio doors and flooring, and paint. We had a brilliant brainstorm idea for a little deck or porch out front: The Rochester Rowing Club (Cadence and Sara are former rowers)had a 10 x 10 cedar dock platform they had used briefly before replacing with a plastic dock, leaning against their building. They wanted to get rid of it --so we loaded it up on our little trailer and hauled it away for them. It will be about perfect!
The factor intruding on my farming and blogging time the most is that I accepted a seasonal, part time job with Sargents Nursery and Garden Center. What was I thinking?! Well, I was thinking that I could use a bit of extra income to invest in my gardens, maybe get an employee discount on plants and learn a lot. All of that is true. Plus, it is fun to work in a place surrounded by spectacular color and where everyone - coworkers and customers - shares a passion. I have learned so much already, but it is very physically demanding and I am working many more hours than I intended. I am conflicted, loving the work but wishing I could be putting all that effort into my own gardens!

8 comments:

Marie said...

oh girl....I'm tired reading about all of it ....enjoy sounds like you're having a blast.....

Anonymous said...

You're living my dream. :) Your calves are adorable, and good luck at the market!

Elizabeth Musgrave said...

Just came to say hi and thank you for faving my blog. I am overwhelmed with my two acres and am impressed with your ten! Lovely Indian runners - I would like ducks but for now will stick with chickens and cats. Fabulously busy time in the garden just now, very best of luck with it all!

Anonymous said...

You are energetic for sure! Good quality in a farmer. I am far too lazy for all of that. :) Congrats on all your new ventures, and I love your baby Jersey to bits! - Karen

robert said...

Such an impressive entry of yours! Wish you a wonderful weekend. By the way, nominated you for an 'inspirational blog award' as I do think you inspire a lot, living life as it should be lived - thank you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Susan and Roger!
I am really enjoying your blog. One of my dreams in life is to own a little house on a large acreage, build myself a little homestead. Your blog inspires me to follow my dreams - whether it happens now or later, it is very possible! So thanks for that. And because of that, I have awarded you a Hoy Award. Here is the post on my blog.I love the photos!

Rain

farmer said...

i really hope you find time to keep up this log. i just love to hear about all the things you are doing. how is your granery coming along?

Susan said...

Thank you for all the supportive comments! I do intend to keep blogging as much as possible--it is serving as my farm journal.

Mo'ikeha and Rain- I am so honored that you have recognized my blog with awards!

Farmer- Please come out very soon and visit your old farm!