tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64275175134315679732024-03-06T12:01:33.133-08:00ReMARKable FarmsReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.comBlogger235125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-40927353106025409932023-05-14T06:26:00.000-07:002023-05-14T06:26:56.615-07:00Finally collected some honey and rendered some beeswax! Hops and honeybees and chickens...<h2 style="text-align: left;"> In the Hive</h2><div>The last couple of years have not been good "bee" years. The spring has been too cool or too rainy. We have 3 hives and one died last summer which is really odd for it to die that time of year. Usually, the bees have a hard time making it through the winter. And that is what happened this past winter...one of the other hives died. So...I went in and harvested the honey and wax...Ollie helped me...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFw0Ts5PX06yyo6CP1lTeal8hnFWY2m1kA0mlbZYGapwYuW6UgwMK1DrbxepSPtHBF7HZ5ePOGZFdhpOYdxclBieM3uwCGBpmwmUjqOO0WqwOa9RAchjYm5bTFjQtqRETlvW0t-wAESbHh50ei4VmPsyONHoirjjyQNdqbD5-QY2c3hpsoYl7RAdp/s4032/IMG_3577.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFw0Ts5PX06yyo6CP1lTeal8hnFWY2m1kA0mlbZYGapwYuW6UgwMK1DrbxepSPtHBF7HZ5ePOGZFdhpOYdxclBieM3uwCGBpmwmUjqOO0WqwOa9RAchjYm5bTFjQtqRETlvW0t-wAESbHh50ei4VmPsyONHoirjjyQNdqbD5-QY2c3hpsoYl7RAdp/s320/IMG_3577.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I don't have a fancy extractor so I use a crush and strain method. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFb8mzvTY2U" width="320" youtube-src-id="nFb8mzvTY2U"></iframe></div>I didn't get a pic of the bottling, but basically, there is a spout at the bottom of the yellow bucket and I just put a jar under it and fill it up. Then, I got busy rendering down the honeycomb. I put it into a big double boiler and let it melt down.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERd5056QQIHqtItI47F1NnzOhXQV1dJuU-keOH7QOIn7vCySIONDkRFcNLg9sVrl2bNkcIF8pjFMfeFh2iIE1j6eksNsfpU801cU68bRmxHoiQ1sbZlKd9s4wiWy6odMreephKinqkTjWIEKUD_G_pDLhd4-bCvfYzWwetpbLPiDoo6ROLcExPel3/s4032/IMG_3653.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERd5056QQIHqtItI47F1NnzOhXQV1dJuU-keOH7QOIn7vCySIONDkRFcNLg9sVrl2bNkcIF8pjFMfeFh2iIE1j6eksNsfpU801cU68bRmxHoiQ1sbZlKd9s4wiWy6odMreephKinqkTjWIEKUD_G_pDLhd4-bCvfYzWwetpbLPiDoo6ROLcExPel3/s320/IMG_3653.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Then, I place cheesecloth over the top of a cardboard milk carton and poor the melted honeycomb through the cheesecloth and let it set up. Voila...beeswax...I will use this when I make the herbal salves!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3OtzwZN3OzuIcdcnQjAUnqy8r0oj81kaaVWUHA1UZEfn5QGlX9pj-YG4otoKmFmRYK1DrVMsoCi-qknYIz_q5CdXsbClD-k3l1sydUFqtHKDG8B9QMts3T9gqMWNTG_S6efPK9ZSzBqhATQn6pwgvo1maf6T2cXvFhP-_mYL_iQq1pSwoqCnILWR/s4032/IMG_3660.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3OtzwZN3OzuIcdcnQjAUnqy8r0oj81kaaVWUHA1UZEfn5QGlX9pj-YG4otoKmFmRYK1DrVMsoCi-qknYIz_q5CdXsbClD-k3l1sydUFqtHKDG8B9QMts3T9gqMWNTG_S6efPK9ZSzBqhATQn6pwgvo1maf6T2cXvFhP-_mYL_iQq1pSwoqCnILWR/s320/IMG_3660.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Keeping it short and "sweet" this time...pun intended. This was a pretty simplified explanation of the honey and wax collection. I have done several more detailed blog posts about honey and wax rendering in the past and if you just search for "honey" in the blog, they should show up for you. It has been at least 3 years since I have been able to collect honey/wax so I thought it would be good to review! </div><div><br /></div><div>Got 2 sets of new bees in mid-April so they are busy working on the farm now...the apple blossoms have just opened this past week!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL4Ddge8462P2LbshF9SvbT8mQUEwdEbh58GCl9PIhbfF0O2Gb_Dh12y6MOl2VdsiMoT_-NzfFylSX7shv_Qhyjm1WZv_-nZp9cp9VakzjzXUS-AAjfUkqiK4l8K-vTdq8H6fdaVRZUDVwdBJrJptsv4rESPK1YLrFRFUpYL3XBB6ucrFZcmUI6Tn/s640/bees.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXL4Ddge8462P2LbshF9SvbT8mQUEwdEbh58GCl9PIhbfF0O2Gb_Dh12y6MOl2VdsiMoT_-NzfFylSX7shv_Qhyjm1WZv_-nZp9cp9VakzjzXUS-AAjfUkqiK4l8K-vTdq8H6fdaVRZUDVwdBJrJptsv4rESPK1YLrFRFUpYL3XBB6ucrFZcmUI6Tn/s320/bees.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The bees have been enjoying the daffodils!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpMd2EGO6Q1_DQIDkafJ1ibl7SGd_Fjdrc72Uw3URc9wdJks4r3ARjJ6rmJUpIObBog1TNA6WK34-IodG6pKOAdVgOnz7KnNAGh6mayTqXivvDUNAY6JtiFA3nebwWlRsJer_ezIhxv1ulra1yXQcvntVDS_3Fsf7ZakFLfhK_I9L1pwGV7TTg-LC/s4032/IMG_3919.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpMd2EGO6Q1_DQIDkafJ1ibl7SGd_Fjdrc72Uw3URc9wdJks4r3ARjJ6rmJUpIObBog1TNA6WK34-IodG6pKOAdVgOnz7KnNAGh6mayTqXivvDUNAY6JtiFA3nebwWlRsJer_ezIhxv1ulra1yXQcvntVDS_3Fsf7ZakFLfhK_I9L1pwGV7TTg-LC/s320/IMG_3919.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I planted hops near the chicken and duck coops last year. They grew but did not get very big. I think because it was just the first year and they were getting established. This spring they are taking off so I put up some wires to train the vines. I am trying to get the vines to go over the top of the run to provide some shade in the summer. I will keep you posted on this project...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvCxAKwipyxEGf7IKsdtz1RGxq23YEDmt0M5nHzueFoXfECC1hClvV6msnS47HyZivkVzurw6yBNz16TTNaivjkZ6LAPkxXLqux9Z48DqHMQUB90RqsQUHjxU9BMlm7OW-ylhqFpeMdPau1oz5CAbMsqGQ4uSIWF5xyqVdfoJrlMzZ9yIaJns5J1l/s4032/IMG_4050.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvCxAKwipyxEGf7IKsdtz1RGxq23YEDmt0M5nHzueFoXfECC1hClvV6msnS47HyZivkVzurw6yBNz16TTNaivjkZ6LAPkxXLqux9Z48DqHMQUB90RqsQUHjxU9BMlm7OW-ylhqFpeMdPau1oz5CAbMsqGQ4uSIWF5xyqVdfoJrlMzZ9yIaJns5J1l/s320/IMG_4050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>I have read that hops contain a hop beta acids which is like kryptonite to varroa mites. Varroa mites are deadly to honeybees. I think if the bees interact with the hop flowers, maybe they could get the hop beta acid on them and bring it back to the hive? It sounds like it is in the preliminary testing phase. Also, I read that you can pick and dry the hop flowers and feed them to your chickens and they have some antibacterial effect in the chicken gut. Well, we will see if I get around to picking any hop flowers. I have zero interest in making beer...would rather make wine. I mostly just wanted the hops for the shade because they are known to be a super fast growing plants.</div><div><br /></div><div>Things are really picking up here on the farm...and Zach is off for the summer so I am going to be extra busy with Mark. Therefore, this will be the last blog post until the fall when things start to get more manageable...I post almost everyday on Facebook so like "Remarkable Farms" on FB and you can keep up with the day-to-day activities of the farm.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have an eggcellent day and summer!</div><div>~Denise</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-77601498231457389812023-04-30T06:17:00.000-07:002023-04-30T06:17:11.501-07:00Birdhouse Gourds made into bird houses!<h3 style="text-align: left;"> In the Garden</h3><div>About 3 years ago, I decided to try something new and grow some birdhouse gourds. I guess I must have had some bad seed that first year because nothing grew. I tried again the next year and got a lot of nice, good sized gourds! I harvested them and brought them inside to dry down. They are green when you pick them but then turn brown and become hollow as they dry down. Here are some gourds growing in the strawberry patch...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMX9IIHkrXmecLdv62mXD4g574RB6EO7AiwEKxpQb8YQUb-jWDRJpm6OHw8LnC44R4x2oCwmZZPEAw_i_tncOpJb1ToMkdFkjYKvKKl8qAjtCYnnKL_14bp2Celyx48vpOuBPVsj7pdUzDMbwQ4NElSTjcYSIJlKMvx_NIkR1m5iXNucgqp5B-F2y7/s4032/IMG_0165.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMX9IIHkrXmecLdv62mXD4g574RB6EO7AiwEKxpQb8YQUb-jWDRJpm6OHw8LnC44R4x2oCwmZZPEAw_i_tncOpJb1ToMkdFkjYKvKKl8qAjtCYnnKL_14bp2Celyx48vpOuBPVsj7pdUzDMbwQ4NElSTjcYSIJlKMvx_NIkR1m5iXNucgqp5B-F2y7/s320/IMG_0165.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I find the flowers of the birdhouse gourd absolutely gorgeous! They are frilly and delicate! The bees love them!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfy0YWF1K50Wq0bNu_L6LML535xDrjbzqlucEN6ErUb3zkZ7o7ELPoweVcQx7MopuWxoD0BdXhyGpeqv5Mo5fH4J8izyeoPgNG6NG8EG7NCB8oxubemHdaKcfZpmK9gCqN6e13rSDR_StiTk8lyC5YlkidgLh6nxd4Y-Y9nLO8aXL6oM31hF7pY9p/s1440/240730144_3046776182274676_6730265136486725164_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1078" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfy0YWF1K50Wq0bNu_L6LML535xDrjbzqlucEN6ErUb3zkZ7o7ELPoweVcQx7MopuWxoD0BdXhyGpeqv5Mo5fH4J8izyeoPgNG6NG8EG7NCB8oxubemHdaKcfZpmK9gCqN6e13rSDR_StiTk8lyC5YlkidgLh6nxd4Y-Y9nLO8aXL6oM31hF7pY9p/s320/240730144_3046776182274676_6730265136486725164_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Here are the gourds I harvested in 2021...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaNIvh87WavISuS_y_DO72VeduETcj3q7aGIX8_-mrGn5TIZA_LuF3XDarn8BSJEslq3JVoSkNGcHV5zYTrEJ-qcUZHMZCw9CRyuJKLtZFzuhZOy_ZU-7-zDQTNC03XKBXCiu-OvWReW3WuNd0jp8ZJLc-Yh6mbtsfcTJ_ruz2xQWXXElDLxgXJs3/s4032/IMG_0166.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaNIvh87WavISuS_y_DO72VeduETcj3q7aGIX8_-mrGn5TIZA_LuF3XDarn8BSJEslq3JVoSkNGcHV5zYTrEJ-qcUZHMZCw9CRyuJKLtZFzuhZOy_ZU-7-zDQTNC03XKBXCiu-OvWReW3WuNd0jp8ZJLc-Yh6mbtsfcTJ_ruz2xQWXXElDLxgXJs3/s320/IMG_0166.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I took them into the house and set them out to dry down...it took months! I don't know what I was expecting but I guess I thought it would be faster. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYD9UBt7Qb9ewnJidXkvaoZE5jwVQMqTo0WxmxLbvKr30gfTrLQ_B-2UzMVY9PcP2Bb_MrxmAipXtQJ1YYuK30Kyxnh5902gAu0rsJPP24S24zMMzoEczccEyFZ4X0wnRJpUh27gtppapgWqv7JGYX7Bt6_-xazVeReRM5vmqiv_27UFmbfZH4oEt/s4032/IMG_0418.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYD9UBt7Qb9ewnJidXkvaoZE5jwVQMqTo0WxmxLbvKr30gfTrLQ_B-2UzMVY9PcP2Bb_MrxmAipXtQJ1YYuK30Kyxnh5902gAu0rsJPP24S24zMMzoEczccEyFZ4X0wnRJpUh27gtppapgWqv7JGYX7Bt6_-xazVeReRM5vmqiv_27UFmbfZH4oEt/s320/IMG_0418.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Slowly, the green started to turn to brown...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDK5COTILIp0jxu127L5BoGT4z7ivkd5Jo6NAiDxh9TEahKybuoVitPNnWCPlRO1qg2ycL9Si6fu9VSYrTAwqkxBJjik1SvhUHDjILoGl9A-MzjNJ440Nk8XB54ndAz-FJB6Z0MyPiEU-4saWMI6b0Ke5mtWxIEBZXv7Pm36aEEYG-kf7pTVEEKaEx/s4032/IMG_1113.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDK5COTILIp0jxu127L5BoGT4z7ivkd5Jo6NAiDxh9TEahKybuoVitPNnWCPlRO1qg2ycL9Si6fu9VSYrTAwqkxBJjik1SvhUHDjILoGl9A-MzjNJ440Nk8XB54ndAz-FJB6Z0MyPiEU-4saWMI6b0Ke5mtWxIEBZXv7Pm36aEEYG-kf7pTVEEKaEx/s320/IMG_1113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Then, some even peeled and shed their outer layers. I read that this is normal. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIwZGkP6oWV05E_Wbiq8Fchd6xvY-teD3wNyqt1740uA0k_S7TvWVkvg07tBVH8CMsYnrHENuRKGViAquxaJXab6qEVocFDonHPSjIRAY1rQwtYe3j6wtnbsIVvYR_XzuwJ5PTKGtAg4H67RwpdMLQXkt-0nepgw1Cpb0Jc4ms_4RByfcabbqAoo_/s4032/IMG_1328.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIwZGkP6oWV05E_Wbiq8Fchd6xvY-teD3wNyqt1740uA0k_S7TvWVkvg07tBVH8CMsYnrHENuRKGViAquxaJXab6qEVocFDonHPSjIRAY1rQwtYe3j6wtnbsIVvYR_XzuwJ5PTKGtAg4H67RwpdMLQXkt-0nepgw1Cpb0Jc4ms_4RByfcabbqAoo_/s320/IMG_1328.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div>Some fungus started growing on them and, again, I had read that this is a normal part of the "aging" process...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPLDbfGSf0NtB9LkYUp_I0eQCsO9003VBPQUW5aGEb8-cRR22Jnc985Yqhz8XdSXa41T35D-ukj_gmOuxdwY4UDnaqemgUm4kKwv2pQs7pmoEuvQFCmzH72eI5VMSQ-3n3qi1u3w2rms3VvfMYJB4ioaiFpRQhvGEiOftJG-iJvTb0Oq4MZTGLiEH/s640/IMG_3642.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPLDbfGSf0NtB9LkYUp_I0eQCsO9003VBPQUW5aGEb8-cRR22Jnc985Yqhz8XdSXa41T35D-ukj_gmOuxdwY4UDnaqemgUm4kKwv2pQs7pmoEuvQFCmzH72eI5VMSQ-3n3qi1u3w2rms3VvfMYJB4ioaiFpRQhvGEiOftJG-iJvTb0Oq4MZTGLiEH/s320/IMG_3642.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Finally, they were dried down and so I scrubbed all the fungus off...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix95M5NCTfPb6-dGZmiTNQbt_vDAquFJBl04QY0FlXYUNrLTVomCle7CI7dpqpLPcctUKMCYMUQ8Zo_xyhmdy88XOvCm1JWE0K2T4zgh2Ei5q2lU8d2fDr6QsuAvaEerYqSa0kwKUy5sJs8-A8LGVq_nVfqZBPuKx8GrBo_n87KT4PMIi9JDz5nYIt/s640/IMG_3648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix95M5NCTfPb6-dGZmiTNQbt_vDAquFJBl04QY0FlXYUNrLTVomCle7CI7dpqpLPcctUKMCYMUQ8Zo_xyhmdy88XOvCm1JWE0K2T4zgh2Ei5q2lU8d2fDr6QsuAvaEerYqSa0kwKUy5sJs8-A8LGVq_nVfqZBPuKx8GrBo_n87KT4PMIi9JDz5nYIt/s320/IMG_3648.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Then, I used a drill to make a hole in the front and made holes in the top to put in a string to use as a hanger. I then, used leather dye to "paint" them different colors! From left to right, these are orange, green, mahogany, and light tan (which is the most natural color).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxHuAfG_kPXncmZC8S_kmVVS9StN07ctBYZJdmZgkdQO91Uay1UjTgxL1pTT6M6AnzP59PZd5deTTWClpO2vJVrKpQc3ey_yOZ5GyA0PLtGJ4FTucmEZGJgxvlu5zsDcsuCM_yosgXeiQ-6dRQyqBpF3_ZSkZrcI5dGPJMZigajcPtOa60Bn14e0q/s640/IMG_3939.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxHuAfG_kPXncmZC8S_kmVVS9StN07ctBYZJdmZgkdQO91Uay1UjTgxL1pTT6M6AnzP59PZd5deTTWClpO2vJVrKpQc3ey_yOZ5GyA0PLtGJ4FTucmEZGJgxvlu5zsDcsuCM_yosgXeiQ-6dRQyqBpF3_ZSkZrcI5dGPJMZigajcPtOa60Bn14e0q/s320/IMG_3939.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I will have these for sale at the Farmer's Market. I think I am just going to sell them by size...2 inches per height. While doing some research, I discovered that there are also Apple gourds that are shaped like a big apple and Martin gourds that look like a big pear. I ordered some seed of each of these and we will see how they grow this year!<div><br /></div><div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>~Denise</div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-41550646783367309942023-04-16T06:21:00.000-07:002023-04-16T06:21:21.985-07:00Spelling 2 Communicate!!!<h3 style="text-align: left;"> Communication!!!</h3><div>Buckle up...this is going to be a long one but probably one of the most important blog posts I have ever written and it is 12 years in the making (maybe 20 years if you consider Mark's age). April is Autism Awareness Month and I am going to make you "aware" of one of the most debilitating symptoms of autism for Mark. Speech and language difficulties. Mark can say some words for things that he really wants. For example, he can say "pizza", "cheese", "swimming", "bike ride", "egg delivery", etc...BUT, you are not going to sit down and have a conversation with him. I rely on his body language to help me determine how he is feeling most of the time...is he content...is he getting upset...is he happy...is he sad. AND it is more than speech troubles....It is hard to explain, but it also involves motor planning challenges. He knows what he wants to do but he can't make his body do it. How frustrating! Can you imagine being trapped in a body that is not working like you want? I have been seeking to teach Mark a better communication strategy for years! Something that is compatible with the motor planning that he can do...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikL7aEFGl935nNivGNwLsyVN9-zKHVrx3HhTL1cqisjhkcxyXGR33mt2sxldZ4moCw8NRw1-a2FTwsH4zJkMXAPWgr8Zk0tvDP8JAwjccZaBHyLdp2X0lEicfSioqqhYskQWdWKOo4L4K3ARlN9hjDb2LYHfSQ_SMXyi7hbXTpirhVyS4ayeQO9WYw/s640/mark%20and%20cynthia.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikL7aEFGl935nNivGNwLsyVN9-zKHVrx3HhTL1cqisjhkcxyXGR33mt2sxldZ4moCw8NRw1-a2FTwsH4zJkMXAPWgr8Zk0tvDP8JAwjccZaBHyLdp2X0lEicfSioqqhYskQWdWKOo4L4K3ARlN9hjDb2LYHfSQ_SMXyi7hbXTpirhVyS4ayeQO9WYw/s320/mark%20and%20cynthia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In 2011, a movie called Wretches and Jabberers came out and it was about a couple of men who learned to type for communication and set out on a global road trip to change people's minds about disability. I wanted this for Mark...not the global road trip part...the communication part. I even went to a conference in Syracuse, NY during the summer of 2014 to learn more about the technique. One of the keynote speakers was Naoki Higashida (pic below). He is nonspeaking and lives in Japan. He typed a book called The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism. There is even a movie made from the book and you can watch it on Netflix now! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGu8h62U2deB7W-rk655zhQ1OI37Y-58h8l4yvX5IdTZZBvrG0op5xSKG9MkAdTNPgylFZ_y6P8oUUzUZSPnb2Ccwtck4bRYxguEV0AclZSqYVbA0FHfXXnsWBPUkv52Q7BNvgU22jssi5OsotJ1lW6ddk-dk94ej0O3O529kuargX4GpTmD0nNKf/s1136/82416B30-23F6-4468-B2DE-2F02B9737F99.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1136" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGu8h62U2deB7W-rk655zhQ1OI37Y-58h8l4yvX5IdTZZBvrG0op5xSKG9MkAdTNPgylFZ_y6P8oUUzUZSPnb2Ccwtck4bRYxguEV0AclZSqYVbA0FHfXXnsWBPUkv52Q7BNvgU22jssi5OsotJ1lW6ddk-dk94ej0O3O529kuargX4GpTmD0nNKf/s320/82416B30-23F6-4468-B2DE-2F02B9737F99.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Typing for communication is a form of augmentation communication and it can be controversial. I don't really have time here to go into the controversy here. The conference was inspiring but they didn't go into a lot of the logistics of "how" to teach the typing for communication. BUT that did not stop me, I tried to teach Mark how to type for communication by myself when he was in Middle school. We would work at it every morning before he went to school but we never had a breakthrough where he could independently type by himself. We even went to a local speech therapist that I had heard had some training in augmented communication. She just flat out told me that Mark would not be able to learn it. I don't know why she thought this. I don't think people should make blanket statements like that. It was rough...many tears...<div><br /></div><div>Then, in 2017, we got ready to buy the farm and get Mark’s egg business going, we were having issues with our other son, Joshua, and communication fell off the priority list.</div><div><br /></div><div>In spring 2022, I got a text from a parent that has a child with autism. I used to be the child's support broker and helped their family to get services set up for him several years ago. He reminds me a lot of Mark when Mark was younger. Mom told me that there was a lady in town teaching spelling for communication. She knew I had tried to teach Mark to type for communication at one point. I was intrigued by this new possibility but it was spring and I was crazy busy getting things planted on the farm...</div><div><br /></div><div>The next month, Mark and I were at Spence, we call it the “farm store,” to buy some supplies. After paying for our items, we walked out to the parking lot and there was a young man there waiting to speak with us. He said he worked at the Jubilee School. I know that this is a school for children with autism. He said that there is a lady there teaching kids how to spell for communication. He said her name was Cynthia. Then, I remembered my friend's text and I pulled it up and it was the same contact info. </div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, okay…when a perfect stranger comes up to you and gives you this kind of information...I saw this as a sign. I didn’t need another prompt from above…I called Cynthia immediately and got us set up to start <a href="https://i-asc.org/videos/" target="_blank">Spelling 2 Communicate</a> (S2C). If you click on the link, you will be directed to a webpage with several videos explaining S2C. There is a video labeled <a href="https://vimeo.com/376731042" target="_blank">"Overview of Spelling to Communicate"</a> and it is good to watch and only about 4 minutes long. I will attempt to explain it more here...</div><div><br /></div><div>Speech, talking with your mouth, is a fine motor skill. Getting your mouth and tongue to contort into different shapes to make different sounds is hard work that most of us take for granted. Basically, S2C is turning a fine motor activity into a gross motor activity. In S2C, the speller uses their whole arm and a pencil to point to letters on a board. This is the gross motor activity. They spell out what they want to say one letter at a time. Let me also note that when you start S2C, you work with the alphabet on 3 different boards. This reduces the options for the speller and helps to develop the motor control needed to point to the correct letter. As the speller gets more practice, they can be moved to 1 board with all the letters of the alphabet on it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cynthia started working with Mark in June 2022. Of course, it started out a little rough. Mark had been out of school for 2 years at this point and we were not doing any type of “table” work at home. Table work is when you sit down and work on teaching a new skill. So…it took several sessions for Mark to learn to just sit and work at a desk again. </div><div><br /></div><div>Each session is similar, they start with a lesson plan. The lesson can be about almost anything...hiking, music, art, advocacy, etc. They read the first paragraph of the lesson and certain words are spelled out. Then, it is Mark's turn to spell out the designated spelling words from the passage. After about 3 spelling words, he is asked a "closed" question. A closed question is a question with only one correct answer. It is based on the passage that was just read. </div><div><br /></div><div>Cynthia did all the “work” at first and we met with her once a week. It seemed that things were going slow. I was so excited to start working with Mark myself because then we could get in more practice time each week. Finally, in September, she started teaching me to work with Mark at her office and then in October we started on our own at home. </div><div><br /></div><div>At first it went well. Then, Mark started having some behaviors when we worked. He started attacking me and this caused a lot of anxiety for both of us. I let Cynthia know what was going on and we re-grouped and worked through this period. I have videotaped most all of our lessons and will be slowly putting them out on our YouTube after this blog post goes out. Here is an example of Mark's aggression towards me at the 12 minute mark of this video. It may be hard to watch. I know I don't like watching it and I was there when it happened...this is Session 7...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IwnFUlKZjQw" width="320" youtube-src-id="IwnFUlKZjQw"></iframe></div><div>We were able to get back on track but it was so upsetting and things were moving so slowly. Also, I had recently finished reading a book titled Underestimated: An Autism Miracle by Jamison and J. B. Hanley. The book is about a young man, that was a little younger than Mark, and his journey to learn S2C. He seemed to pick it up right from the first lesson. I was happy for this young man but it made it hard to see Mark struggling to learn this new way to communicate. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSK3AxLDmkyRE2rVGxH14fG4dxn0giXUEJ1qNbiVX5rOmTyWP-ZjvybSoBaUxRPWUFeJhoxbZE8mwznNpmnHCphwX_KLtlgl_eDSbX8TS-r4lEp9b8Uy8fB6cWQcXz1yxnSJkN2SaYeoUn6oKffS_zO5OGGqJ8aajSyuvch5k0Bmrvbt9cYSkgE-G/s2093/underestimated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2093" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSK3AxLDmkyRE2rVGxH14fG4dxn0giXUEJ1qNbiVX5rOmTyWP-ZjvybSoBaUxRPWUFeJhoxbZE8mwznNpmnHCphwX_KLtlgl_eDSbX8TS-r4lEp9b8Uy8fB6cWQcXz1yxnSJkN2SaYeoUn6oKffS_zO5OGGqJ8aajSyuvch5k0Bmrvbt9cYSkgE-G/s320/underestimated.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div>Things slowly improved through the holidays and soon we were back on track. In January, he was actually smiling through his lessons with Cynthia. This was great to see because it definitely did not start this way last June! One obstacle that we have to work through is that Mark is very “prompt” dependent. He always waits patiently for you to direct him for what to do. It took 2 years for me to get him to feed the chickens by himself while I went into the other coop. At first, he would just stand there and do nothing when I left. But slowly over time, I convinced him that it was okay to keep working while I was out of sight. BUT typing independently is going to require him to take the initiative and spell on his own. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a video of our 42nd session...things are going much better now...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/91YeRBGse4k" width="320" youtube-src-id="91YeRBGse4k"></iframe></div><div>February 20...it happened. Mark was working with Cynthia and spelled out a whole sentence of his own words!!! This is called "open" communication. They were working on a lesson about art and paintings. She asked him, "What colors would you use to paint with?" and he spelled, "I would use red, orange and some roses." If I wasn't sitting right there, I wouldn't have believed it. We have been limping along for months with one word answers and now a whole, open sentence!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHN0TYc25ivtOcQ_uIItsw-8fYrR-omNQX3FULpQvIFIBLXpxJZIffA-Dh0BYA9LtP1cXl-kpAj5uFVbUbpznh8zt02j-mZG6T2JvK5amTi6iMXnce-MTahMnctmYt-jsfcuxnhxCT_NgH9cWGP8c6ZBb2TgGM3ei8utD1M6AMGzj6F43WufRvosmv/s1080/remarkable%20spelling%201%20solid%20backgroun.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHN0TYc25ivtOcQ_uIItsw-8fYrR-omNQX3FULpQvIFIBLXpxJZIffA-Dh0BYA9LtP1cXl-kpAj5uFVbUbpznh8zt02j-mZG6T2JvK5amTi6iMXnce-MTahMnctmYt-jsfcuxnhxCT_NgH9cWGP8c6ZBb2TgGM3ei8utD1M6AMGzj6F43WufRvosmv/s320/remarkable%20spelling%201%20solid%20backgroun.png" width="320" /></a></div>It is common for the individual to be more "open" with the facilitator at first. I have not been able to get any open sentences from Mark myself but we are working on answering the questions in sentence form instead of single words. When Mark works with Cynthia, sometimes he is very emotional, almost crying. He is finally getting a voice and, I think, this is almost overwhelming for him. We are still in the beginnings of this journey but I am so hopeful and want to let everyone know about this amazing technique!<div><br /></div><div>I am working with a group of individuals to bring a documentary movie to our town. It is called SPELLERS and it is about several individuals that use spelling to communicate! It is based on the book that I mentioned earlier, Underestimated: An Autism Miracle. Here is the trailer for the movie...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aOk6pBnY7hQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="aOk6pBnY7hQ"></iframe></div>As I mentioned, this is just a group of people putting together a free showing for the public to let everyone know about S2C. If you live near Moscow, Idaho...please feel free to come! We may have codes to give out to people that do not live in the area so they can watch it on-demand...more info to come on that option...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpx5yW8T2iWkPzLBlpWzuPw97lCiafrmOp02P8Vrr8sDAvhvLViyuAwQNHz02oBwKSMf7BYGN13DlNITU5tL9oKx8XHjBNqQHQ_qwA2cHzqE6quZY7PtXJJnOyoK9p_fLWGOVk_7hcAqK_RvFrVs8R6DrMHIn89Bu18uce-n1OpNrpY0gjs0OjulD/s2000/Spellers%20flyer%204%2012%2023.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpx5yW8T2iWkPzLBlpWzuPw97lCiafrmOp02P8Vrr8sDAvhvLViyuAwQNHz02oBwKSMf7BYGN13DlNITU5tL9oKx8XHjBNqQHQ_qwA2cHzqE6quZY7PtXJJnOyoK9p_fLWGOVk_7hcAqK_RvFrVs8R6DrMHIn89Bu18uce-n1OpNrpY0gjs0OjulD/s320/Spellers%20flyer%204%2012%2023.png" width="247" /></a></div>There will be <a href="https://reactforhope.org/events-education?fbclid=IwAR2U2VECfjgSDbFSP7RaXxudmoe8gArVOsYZFLkw3cDeNE6s-zsEi8saHJ0" target="_blank">Continuing Education</a> credit available for medical professionals and educators!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://reactforhope.org/events-education?fbclid=IwAR2U2VECfjgSDbFSP7RaXxudmoe8gArVOsYZFLkw3cDeNE6s-zsEi8saHJ0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1454" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsTT_eEyTY54Pesn9ZFzR8t4NlcZL3a5JXjCqnU9fhpE9MzmXMsm8FaPC_zXaov5r3rZHhBGNsqAxnESd7e2GW9kd0cNgU1ZurYgDhGVBlx9dxz6KlLL0zUnl3woQ0fGh5xCvODrAH7VTM1zW0RlK81FNmFx-fQpQ-CMTSCjylQcvCf8deJ_I0skp/s320/Medical%20and%20Educator%20education.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>As mentioned on the flyer, there will be a Question and Answer Panel after the showing of the movie. I am going to be on that panel with Cynthia and the mom that I mentioned earlier in this post...that initially told me about Cynthia and S2C last March. <div><br /></div><div>The other boy that started S2C with Cynthia is much more "open" than Mark. A couple of days ago, Cynthia was working with him...she told him about Mark's recent open spelling. She asked, "Is there a message you would like to give him? What do you want Mark to hear from you?" He used his letterboard to give his reply:<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>"TELL HIM NOT TO GIVE UP. HIS WORLD IS ABOUT TO CHANGE AND GET SO MUCH BETTER. HE WILL LIKE BEING ABLE TO COMMUNICATE."</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone needs to know about S2C! We estimate that it is going to cost close to $3000 to show this movie. IF you would like to support this project, please make a donation to our <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/spellers-the-movie-free-moscow-showing?member=26245423&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_content=undefined&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer&utm_term=undefined" target="_blank">GoFundMe</a>. If you do donate, please mention Mark in your comments or "words of support" on the Go Fund Me page. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/spellers-the-movie-free-moscow-showing?member=26245423&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_content=undefined&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer&utm_term=undefined" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBq-9CFwGaWjANQltX1UJ2rED6EAXyNEoDNPqJJ-MWYM-lAKiDDxAIVZy2zK03CPgiYqhMtKrICbyhRcmBkMLkiLxxkAG2Y5ijgTPVNZn97XlNudr6OZbVg2HH6zShiUi8buPz6teoYmijXoJfQA_MuDKGCpXliQKe0TThNfk5w0luhRmLR-klTh6/s320/GoFundMe-Logo-700x394.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are calling our group "Palouse Friends of Spellers". There are 10 of us working on this movie showing. I already got some good news this past week that the Dean of the College of Education at U of I sent out the information to everyone in the Department! I will be putting links to all this information on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Remarkablefarms" target="_blank">ReMARKable Farms Facebook</a> page. If you see the information about the movie on the FB, please share it to your personal FB page. We appreciate any help in getting the word out! The Kenworthy will seat 268 people and we want every seat filled!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lastly, as I mentioned earlier, I am going to start putting out all the videos that I have recorded of me and Mark working together on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1twtjJU9Mih_Vyk931WFgg" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>. If you Subscribe to the YouTube, I think you get an email each day when the new video posts. I am going to release one video each day. So far, we have 65 recorded so there will be at least a couple of months of new videos each day. The camera automatically shuts off at the 20 minute mark so that is how long they are. They are not terribly exciting. I don't expect people to actually sit down and watch every video. It is just to show how this technique works and you will slowly see the progress we are making. AND remember, we are doing our best. I am not a professionally trained facilitator. These are not high quality films. Just me and Mark doing our best to learn a new skill...please, say a prayer for our journey!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, remember that I am not a professional writer...I am hoping this all made sense but, please, reach out if you have any questions. I would LOVE to talk with you about S2C!!! This is a lot of information from the past 12 years and it was challenging for me to try and put it together in a coherent way...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>~Denise<br /><div>P.S. I do have 3 other "open" sentences that Mark has written and I will be posting them, and any new spelling he does, on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Remarkablefarms" target="_blank">ReMARKable Farms Facebook</a> page!<br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-46455705391180269082023-04-02T06:42:00.000-07:002023-04-02T06:42:35.118-07:00Marian Pilgrimmage<h2 style="text-align: left;"> In Wisconsin...</h2><div>...there is a site of a Marian apparition that occurred in 1859. A Marian apparition is when Mary, Jesus mother, appears to someone. She usually has a message. There are many apparitions in Europe but only one that has been approved by the church in the United States and that is just outside Champion, Wisconsin. I learned about this apparition in January and I just really wanted to go! I asked my mom if she would like to meet me there and we made our plans. It was a short trip, we both flew into Green Bay on Sunday, March 12th. We spent all of Monday, March 13th at the apparition site and then we both flew back to our homes on Tuesday. My mom lives in Kansas and I live in Idaho, if you didn't know...here is a pic of us!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYa_3XoCv8bx09YcfrDOmdvTwv-4dINxgSgiJG7BA_RcKvyWzw-eL_Mev4ykmFNHGdm8o3GMtTGjiJmC-UoRI86-LYaVhU6IZAZsFzFaqiqz2WacPxDmWLa6qQv3sDiAbI1GzfabU0vcDkefLLG7Ytdd9CRKf9oCHoQnbR9UUUpJPXFNb1uFj072T/s320/Denise%20and%20Terry%20at%20OLOGH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYa_3XoCv8bx09YcfrDOmdvTwv-4dINxgSgiJG7BA_RcKvyWzw-eL_Mev4ykmFNHGdm8o3GMtTGjiJmC-UoRI86-LYaVhU6IZAZsFzFaqiqz2WacPxDmWLa6qQv3sDiAbI1GzfabU0vcDkefLLG7Ytdd9CRKf9oCHoQnbR9UUUpJPXFNb1uFj072T/s1600/Denise%20and%20Terry%20at%20OLOGH.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denise and Terry visiting Our Lady of Good Help Shrine</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Here is the story of the apparition. This is taken directly from the website of <a href="https://championshrine.org/our-story/" target="_blank">The National Shrine to Our Lady of Good Help</a> You can read more on the website about Adele's mission and a miraculous fire that happened at the site...<div><br /></div><div><div class="fusion-title title fusion-title-3 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two" style="--awb-font-size: var(--h2_typography-font-size); --awb-highlight-color: var(--primary_color, #65bc7b); --awb-highlight-top-margin: 0; --awb-highlight-width: 9; --awb-link-color: var(--link_color); --awb-link-hover-color: var(--link_hover_color); --awb-margin-bottom: var(--title_margin-bottom); --awb-margin-left: var(--title_margin-left); --awb-margin-right: var(--title_margin-right); --awb-margin-top: var(--title_margin-top); --awb-sep-color: var(--title_border_color); --awb-text-color: var(--h2_typography-color); align-items: center; background-color: #f7f8f8; border-bottom-color: var(--awb-sep-color); box-sizing: border-box; flex-wrap: nowrap; font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px; margin-bottom: var(--awb-margin-bottom); margin-left: var(--awb-margin-left); margin-right: var(--awb-margin-right); margin-top: var(--awb-margin-top);"><h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--awb-text-color); flex-grow: 0; font-family: var(--h2_typography-font-family); letter-spacing: var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing); line-height: var(--h2_typography-line-height); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-transform: var(--h2_typography-text-transform);"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: var(--h2_typography-font-weight);">"</span>The Seer</span></i></h3><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div></div><div class="fusion-text fusion-text-1" style="--awb-column-min-width: var(--text_column_min_width, auto); --awb-column-spacing: var(--text_column_spacing, normal); --awb-columns: var(--text_columns, auto); --awb-content-alignment: initial; --awb-font-size: inherit; --awb-letter-spacing: inherit; --awb-line-height: inherit; --awb-margin-bottom: 0; --awb-margin-left: 0; --awb-margin-right: 0; --awb-margin-top: 0; --awb-rule-style: var(--text_rule_style, initial); --awb-text-color: inherit; --awb-text-font-family: inherit; --awb-text-font-style: inherit; --awb-text-font-weight: inherit; --awb-text-transform: none; background-color: #f7f8f8; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: var(--awb-line-height); margin: var(--awb-margin-top) var(--awb-margin-right) var(--awb-margin-bottom) var(--awb-margin-left);"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Adele Brise (Brice) was born in Belgium to Lambert and Catherine Brise on January 30, 1831. Although she suffered an accident at a young age that left her blind in her right eye, those who knew her best describe her cheerfulness, fervent piety, and simple religious ways.</span></i></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Upon receiving her first Holy Communion, Adele and a few close friends promised the Blessed Virgin Mary that they would devote their lives to becoming religious teaching sisters in Belgium. However, this promise grew difficult to keep when her parents decided to move to America alongside other Belgium settlers. After seeking advice from her confessor, she was told to be obedient to her parents. He assured her that if the Lord willed her to become a teacher and a sister, she would serve in that vocation in America.</span></i></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">After the six-week voyage to America, the Brise family joined the largest Belgian settlement – near present-day Champion, Wisconsin. Belgian pioneers’ and settlers’ lives were difficult, and many died in the harsh Wisconsin winters. Adele served her family’s needs by often taking grain to the grist mill.</span></i></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.21px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Apparition</b></span></i></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.21px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">While walking along a trail in the woods, Adele saw a lady dressed in white, standing between two trees believed to be a maple and hemlock. Although the mysterious woman stayed silent, it left Adele wondering what sort of encounter it may have been. When Adele told her family, they believed her but thought perhaps it was a soul in purgatory visiting this earthly life asking for prayers.</span></i></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">A few days later, on what is believed to be Sunday, October 9, 1859, Adele walked to Mass with her sister and a friend. The church was 10 miles away from home, but Adele made the journey every Sunday, no matter the weather. Along the same path, Adele saw the mysterious lady standing in the same spot between the two trees. However, Adele being the only one to see her, she and her companions continued their journey to Mass.</span></i></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">After Mass, Adele spoke to her parish priest, and he instructed her that if the lady appeared to her again to ask the question, “In God’s name, who are you and what do you want of me?”</span></i></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">On her journey home, Adele saw the lady for the third time. As she and her companions approached the hallowed spot, Adele could see the beautiful lady, clothed in dazzling white, with a yellow sash around her waist. Her dress fell to her feet in graceful folds. She had a crown of stars around her head, and her long golden wavy hair fell loosely over her shoulders. The lady had such a heavenly light around her that Adele could hardly look at her face. Overcome by the light, Adele fell to her knees and said, “In God’s name, who are you, and what do you want of me?”</span></i></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The lady replied, “I am the Queen of Heaven who prays for the conversion of sinners, and I wish you to do the same. You received Holy Communion this morning and that is well. But you must do more. Make a general confession and offer Communion for the conversion of sinners. If they do not convert and do penance, my Son will be obliged to punish them.”</span></i></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Adele’s companions, unable to see Our Lady asked, “Adele, who is it? Why can’t we see her as you do?”</span></i></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">“Kneel,” said Adele, “the Lady says she is the Queen of Heaven.”</span></i></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hcC1ziVltZU-heThVFt_8IRVv8xDtiqa--etG-cT9iEhKjmWYieHImpfXaQKGWICXwMLYMnwU1e_wyYk1Pan3ZvggdDHcc7KldAIMIEIbnfrskpH_Y2zYpuH099FyVSYOsKGA_QgJJw6Btx7_w7G_MpBjjEt3sbxK-fSBqFU9oOToTUdQTrLg7T7/s4032/IMG_3737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hcC1ziVltZU-heThVFt_8IRVv8xDtiqa--etG-cT9iEhKjmWYieHImpfXaQKGWICXwMLYMnwU1e_wyYk1Pan3ZvggdDHcc7KldAIMIEIbnfrskpH_Y2zYpuH099FyVSYOsKGA_QgJJw6Btx7_w7G_MpBjjEt3sbxK-fSBqFU9oOToTUdQTrLg7T7/s320/IMG_3737.JPG" width="240" /></span></i></a></div><span style="font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px;"><br /></span></p>The Blessed Lady gazed kindly upon them, saying, “Blessed are they that believe without seeing.” Then, looking toward Adele, the Queen of Heaven asked, “What are you doing here in idleness while your companions are working in the vineyard of my Son?”</span></i></span><p></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">“What more can I do, dear Lady?” asked Adele, weeping.</span></i></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">“Gather the children in this wild country and teach them what they should know for salvation.”</span></i></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">“But how shall I teach them who know so little myself?” Adele said.</span></i></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">“<b>Teach them,</b>” replied her radiant visitor, “<b>their catechism, how to sign themselves with the sign of the Cross, and how to approach the sacraments; that is what I wish you to do. Go and fear nothing, I will help you.</b>”</span></i></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Then, wrapped as it were in a luminous atmosphere, Our Lady lifted her hands as though she were beseeching a blessing for those at her feet. Slowly, she vanished from sight, leaving Adele overwhelmed and prostrated on the ground.</span></i></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: Inter; letter-spacing: 0.21px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">This was the simple beginning of Adele’s mission to become a teacher for the Lord and the Blessed Lady."</span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIx3VRRFz_YR0CxEIL0oaQwb6DslmHi4z45jxU5LHWIFHwgwiYu7QrkvutKic55D7YiUH1SH1hIS5uiEsd_PvDk_vfj6wGENUmIq-1w9hpCneP3Jm4m9VlTXY_sTrAIxB3m75d3XHxjrM7xv24owS6K5jGs_LrxbFvbNoZWI-vGQEZLsRj1ZAXwDq/s4032/IMG_3739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIx3VRRFz_YR0CxEIL0oaQwb6DslmHi4z45jxU5LHWIFHwgwiYu7QrkvutKic55D7YiUH1SH1hIS5uiEsd_PvDk_vfj6wGENUmIq-1w9hpCneP3Jm4m9VlTXY_sTrAIxB3m75d3XHxjrM7xv24owS6K5jGs_LrxbFvbNoZWI-vGQEZLsRj1ZAXwDq/s320/IMG_3739.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div>Here is a picture of Our Lady of Good Help (above). In this apparition, Mary has golden hair and wears a white dress with golden shash.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;">What We Did</h3><div>When we got there, we went into the Mercy Hall (that is the first pic in this blog above). There was actually a traveling display about <a href="https://youtu.be/YUOgYiw_OZ0" target="_blank">Carlo Acutis</a>' <a href="http://www.miracolieucaristici.org/en/Liste/list.html" target="_blank">Eucharistic Miracles of the World</a>. Click on Carlo's name to watch a video about him. Click on the website title to go to the website. This is a website that has logged over 150 Eucharistic Miracles. I had found one of the Miracles online and then found it in the display. It was about Teresa Neumann and her birthday is April 8 (Just like my mom, Teresa (but she goes by Terry, who also has a birthday on April 8th!). I liked Teresa Neumann because she fasted and I am really into spiritual fasting. We also watched a short film about Carlos Acutis. I have heard that there is a local miracle in Moscow, Idaho that may be attributed towards his sainthood! So cool!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIox9c8F8uSI1hVUN4CDaS8MrCQPkHYiN2_CNb1n6t4LQ3vyfrd7p3DsbJfscSCPlpktWMMgwJblVitEVW9WizFOWzMc7rM4A8WIi4-GYH4TQTWOvDvic6C_pmS0runoCVjbIjEI9Hylpj-h57ImFwH15C-NHU-eMlYW-iRus_tXMQCjXSZOi2ksKB/s640/IMG_3823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="484" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIox9c8F8uSI1hVUN4CDaS8MrCQPkHYiN2_CNb1n6t4LQ3vyfrd7p3DsbJfscSCPlpktWMMgwJblVitEVW9WizFOWzMc7rM4A8WIi4-GYH4TQTWOvDvic6C_pmS0runoCVjbIjEI9Hylpj-h57ImFwH15C-NHU-eMlYW-iRus_tXMQCjXSZOi2ksKB/s320/IMG_3823.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>After checking out the display, we headed to the chapel and prayed a rosary and attended Mass. Then, we had lunch. After lunch, we came back to check out the Welcome Center and I saw this cool image. <div>Here is a pic of it showing the church approved apparition sites around the world. There are 15 on this world map. As I noted before, most of them are in Europe, one in Mexico, one in South America, one in Africa and one in Japan. Now, these are just church approved...there are many, many more that have not been church approved.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdaSa0FxNaVCjb1mCIDXasKnVJKhbgBHPYxU7S90wUYHkItPpRMC19cdbC_M_v3eWrSYi8mw_RSzSZRCi3h50i9OPMECWHza0VRvAMvHjgLUgGQlP3xi5r0fr5TMJ4Y1FVTggmGxetE7lrtlRC0Y8rRhIf6E8Y8lyKSdH7ECTJcxF6MYpe1ei2VcQ/s4032/IMG_3740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdaSa0FxNaVCjb1mCIDXasKnVJKhbgBHPYxU7S90wUYHkItPpRMC19cdbC_M_v3eWrSYi8mw_RSzSZRCi3h50i9OPMECWHza0VRvAMvHjgLUgGQlP3xi5r0fr5TMJ4Y1FVTggmGxetE7lrtlRC0Y8rRhIf6E8Y8lyKSdH7ECTJcxF6MYpe1ei2VcQ/w400-h300/IMG_3740.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I think we walked around back of the chapel after that. There was a walking rosary and there was also some Stations of the Cross but it was cold and windy so we just quickly walked through. There was also this neat little, tiny chapel. When the immigrants were coming to settle the new land, it was not easy to get to church each Sunday. As you may have read above, it was a 10 mile walk, one way, to get to church for Adele. So, people would build these little tiny chapels on their property to have a place to pray and anyone could visit the chapel.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBCLD5ayiRNouJniSvb77OK626gE_L6SZ-0JX1uqq5qPwQs6lBxZCC2nSJVd0lM79qW6SBBO38gUH9_XF3kOM8VyCXK791aWUtIfMbz2U0NUb1FwfiloYGXcpUDkb3oe6Xi4Oj4ffdypQk0lCG0yBtIyu4dMj1AfEXkZ1JXs78xVyGaxXHkLb45WL/s4032/IMG_3741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBCLD5ayiRNouJniSvb77OK626gE_L6SZ-0JX1uqq5qPwQs6lBxZCC2nSJVd0lM79qW6SBBO38gUH9_XF3kOM8VyCXK791aWUtIfMbz2U0NUb1FwfiloYGXcpUDkb3oe6Xi4Oj4ffdypQk0lCG0yBtIyu4dMj1AfEXkZ1JXs78xVyGaxXHkLb45WL/s320/IMG_3741.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>After the walk, we went to the oratory where the actual apparition took place. I did not take this picture. I got it off their website. It was all dark in there when we visited. We lit some candles and filled out some prayer intention cards and prayed for everyone I could think of.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDxwb75pZZ-ssWvn8YaqZKTns1HcaxVvlaEo4Z9iciV_9WNh-wilY4bgecjZ1_b1PHSJpyisEo0thbccBJa27XBa8dY5lXb7Zs0JJkVaMQ07xHQfJC2n-5X1KpS-65tyBQ0cPDlNgEINwPL0V9_vw_GvEsSm0_FIQ2D6RH06lmWXlmlT1nrdTnwG-/s800/Oratory-first-image-800x534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDxwb75pZZ-ssWvn8YaqZKTns1HcaxVvlaEo4Z9iciV_9WNh-wilY4bgecjZ1_b1PHSJpyisEo0thbccBJa27XBa8dY5lXb7Zs0JJkVaMQ07xHQfJC2n-5X1KpS-65tyBQ0cPDlNgEINwPL0V9_vw_GvEsSm0_FIQ2D6RH06lmWXlmlT1nrdTnwG-/s320/Oratory-first-image-800x534.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After that, we hit the gift shop and kept them late. They were like, we close at 4:00 and it was 4:20! There was so much good stuff in there! It was probably good that our shopping time got cut short...would have spent too much money!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, we went back to the hotel and watched the movie, Father Stu. If you have not seen this movie, check it out! I just love it! It is on Netflix right now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, we had to get up early the next day and head back to the airport! Super quick but lovely trip!</div><div><br /></div><div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>~Denise</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-18372141536404892322023-03-19T06:49:00.001-07:002023-03-19T06:49:19.843-07:00Goose eggs! A seasonal delicacy!<h2 style="text-align: left;">In the Goose Yard</h2><p>A couple of weeks ago, I could tell that Golly, the gander (male) goose, was starting to hiss a little more than "normal". Then, I noticed on a homesteading FB page that someone said they had goose eggs for sale! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6KsqXbPqGNqR-7w8th5-1cBXd4gN2fmhi2d8CmkJ8F4G11lNbExFWeNjrf2-OeCwVXedcVJDhr7rbTThUQ4R_SuKMCWK4Q8qDEW7Fy46vql1j2FTEVV4HjqL-NvNVB_3WtPbcCNsEs5UNceyAqWwF_VQbY5cgh2TD_UWCeJeA-4ktJyWdnrxGzIv/s4032/IMG_3571.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6KsqXbPqGNqR-7w8th5-1cBXd4gN2fmhi2d8CmkJ8F4G11lNbExFWeNjrf2-OeCwVXedcVJDhr7rbTThUQ4R_SuKMCWK4Q8qDEW7Fy46vql1j2FTEVV4HjqL-NvNVB_3WtPbcCNsEs5UNceyAqWwF_VQbY5cgh2TD_UWCeJeA-4ktJyWdnrxGzIv/s320/IMG_3571.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I dug out our goose nest boxes. I had Logan make these about 3 years ago! Finally time to put them to use! I filled them with straw and put them into the run. I was not sure if I should put them in the run or in their little goose coop. BUT, we don't want to have any baby geese this year. I had read that you should not let them sit on the eggs the first year. Just like other poultry, they lay pullet (smaller) eggs when they first begin to lay. You don't want to have these smaller eggs develop chicks because the goslings will then me smaller and less likely to thrive. Therefore, we want to collect and eat all the goose eggs this year and I thought it would be easier to collect the eggs with the nest boxes in the run area. I tucked them in under an apple tree.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstfLkV_86Z_4f7cbzMx0yz4eKwo2cEgMo4FYDxH5W6FDlPLYbCpEApyBOJpJ-o-1ROlmEuofvO8vJrUJBYTvarmE3zwdQt0LrMtjH5GpHXTnv2_GCSGMGav-7dUEy7HQlKKtzC8fAQNiOkXgxCvAt38XA2Qn6u-8F6f55yb9Nfl-5XuZjaU9BsgCi/s4032/IMG_3696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstfLkV_86Z_4f7cbzMx0yz4eKwo2cEgMo4FYDxH5W6FDlPLYbCpEApyBOJpJ-o-1ROlmEuofvO8vJrUJBYTvarmE3zwdQt0LrMtjH5GpHXTnv2_GCSGMGav-7dUEy7HQlKKtzC8fAQNiOkXgxCvAt38XA2Qn6u-8F6f55yb9Nfl-5XuZjaU9BsgCi/s320/IMG_3696.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>After putting the nest boxes out, I filled them with straw. Nothing seemed to happen at first and then I noticed that the ladies had built up the sides and made a nice little nest inside the nest box. There are no bottoms to the nest boxes so they rest on the ground which should be more forgiving once a heavy goose is sitting on eggs. I kept checking and then finally, I saw a small bit of white in one of the boxes! Sure enough…it was a goose egg! </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZS8VkDPQEGAlHWx7coYOnOncdI2681bqldTxWGyHiwV-YGGK3r6xz0pCGE_-TpOfBepdI5BwC5PzZqegeBWDsxSYWDS4QiERXNqUlHdlqaOTdkBZly6z31jovMrjfo9lNdSQ5nPoGjXCLvduBPDT7q1hnyp7_wKFUH-Tc3JEY4_xKfBvZykiXI6e2/s640/IMG_3716.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZS8VkDPQEGAlHWx7coYOnOncdI2681bqldTxWGyHiwV-YGGK3r6xz0pCGE_-TpOfBepdI5BwC5PzZqegeBWDsxSYWDS4QiERXNqUlHdlqaOTdkBZly6z31jovMrjfo9lNdSQ5nPoGjXCLvduBPDT7q1hnyp7_wKFUH-Tc3JEY4_xKfBvZykiXI6e2/s320/IMG_3716.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first goose egg!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Now, letting the geese out in the morning has been pretty interesting lately because they try to come right at me! I make sure to have all the feed and water ready and then I lower the ramp and run to get over the fence. They really come out honking! </p><p>Surprisingly, they go to bed pretty well but once they get up in the coop, you better get that ramp back up quickly because Golly turns around and comes charging! One night when I was putting them to bed, I noticed a big mound of straw in the coop. It seems that they have made a nest in their coop too! I had to leave for a short trip so the next day, Henry distracted the geese while Joshua went into the coop and found another egg!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQiI44ZmzLEptwoSRacGOZjMUAMXVkrRfoHhXQVGKjJ6-EcUGdH5y2EBM5q3J1YGXkMy5UnYf0kUk_HNGjeAABEWYu2-9kDkcKm40DVXz1GauWzddIFIkmTReM_BLVklFLa1t8qeGoEJTAykurqh6l9G5bAZPzqvE7YnGIzGLfH-UM6zKYTfHVpvx/s640/IMG_3720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQiI44ZmzLEptwoSRacGOZjMUAMXVkrRfoHhXQVGKjJ6-EcUGdH5y2EBM5q3J1YGXkMy5UnYf0kUk_HNGjeAABEWYu2-9kDkcKm40DVXz1GauWzddIFIkmTReM_BLVklFLa1t8qeGoEJTAykurqh6l9G5bAZPzqvE7YnGIzGLfH-UM6zKYTfHVpvx/s320/IMG_3720.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>So…what can you do with a goose egg? You eat it! One goose egg is the same as 3 chicken eggs or 2 duck eggs! I have read that they taste more “eggy” and am can be baked or cooked the same as chicken/duck eggs. Goose eggs are richer, fattier and heavier than chicken eggs and will have nice dark yellow yolks. Geese are herbivores so they only eat plants. Also, the yolk to white ratio is 1:1 which means that there is lots of yolk! Goose eggs really shine in custards or homemade egg noodles!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJlsfbnFCTZBAlXiGoIFSopKVr5ciXF2JYcSdLeDk-WXOT9VDSsPurOosfpJFA9IepkdkbYxYRkBJniGNoHND1weapvnQg-MoC7BcUTnSKH5kfpS84Q5msdmlHbdfrv-2EFhk7Oj-T7Z9Wcw7rHQ5z8ahVhpu8M5PQhK27Ym76QMcXTjE9zGX3nPh/s470/goose%20egg%20in%20skillet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="470" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJlsfbnFCTZBAlXiGoIFSopKVr5ciXF2JYcSdLeDk-WXOT9VDSsPurOosfpJFA9IepkdkbYxYRkBJniGNoHND1weapvnQg-MoC7BcUTnSKH5kfpS84Q5msdmlHbdfrv-2EFhk7Oj-T7Z9Wcw7rHQ5z8ahVhpu8M5PQhK27Ym76QMcXTjE9zGX3nPh/s320/goose%20egg%20in%20skillet.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>Lastly, the shell is much thicker and you are really going to have to whack it to crack it! If you are careful enough to blow the contacts out, goose eggs are great for crafting!</p><p>Most geese just lay in the spring (I think there is one breed that also lays in the fall) and will lay between 20-40 eggs depending on the breed. Geese lay white eggs and they hide them by putting straw on top of them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDV8xmKDmyPBUY8a76ZV25kKWZX1IaULl37fBRlazzB4W_RZ0cvfv-Yb5vHL2kb8krJ8zoawi_Xk8YGiM0O6eknYP22oTfsBfJIm2jp3b9WSH-LDLVdP_Ifj4I7yWNkGHyGyo-XKqvLUbo6jtabm-FXtTartex_Bah_cm_XmZraXXdzGOlHql6kgf/s640/IMG_3717.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDV8xmKDmyPBUY8a76ZV25kKWZX1IaULl37fBRlazzB4W_RZ0cvfv-Yb5vHL2kb8krJ8zoawi_Xk8YGiM0O6eknYP22oTfsBfJIm2jp3b9WSH-LDLVdP_Ifj4I7yWNkGHyGyo-XKqvLUbo6jtabm-FXtTartex_Bah_cm_XmZraXXdzGOlHql6kgf/s320/IMG_3717.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I am going to make a coconut custard pie with one of the goose eggs today!<div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>~Denise<br /><div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-84645168973181420642023-02-26T06:38:00.000-08:002023-02-26T06:38:05.268-08:00Starting sweet potato slips<h3 style="text-align: left;"> In the Basement</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's time to start sweet potato slips! I usually start them the end of February because it takes a while for them to grow. Also, we have such a short growing season that you want a nice good sized plant to put out in the garden so it can get growing quickly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To start, you need a sweet potato. I go to the Moscow Food Co-op to get my sweet potatoes. I got 3 different kinds this year...garnet, purple and jewel. I have tried a white flesh sweet potato the past couple of years but have not had much luck in getting it to sprout/grow. Last year, I only got purple sweet potatoes to sprout so we had some purple sweet potatoes! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WRG-FV7pm3yY0ji-Dx-HeFifZtHrADXrZPJdiR9ByW9h5Gd7rlZvAbqG83J1-RYGs7qRdL5VIw5AqGEAmZX0UN8IlIlT4fs6tKu5-PYRU5h2h4LoAjtHPXTX7Vix725-oPwoh-pO2Nl1h8D55hPGmHvdl5FqEpsxAXB-8_SZZcYtnmjURPd2yHO-/s640/IMG_3588.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WRG-FV7pm3yY0ji-Dx-HeFifZtHrADXrZPJdiR9ByW9h5Gd7rlZvAbqG83J1-RYGs7qRdL5VIw5AqGEAmZX0UN8IlIlT4fs6tKu5-PYRU5h2h4LoAjtHPXTX7Vix725-oPwoh-pO2Nl1h8D55hPGmHvdl5FqEpsxAXB-8_SZZcYtnmjURPd2yHO-/s320/IMG_3588.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>First you have to get the sweet potato to sprout. The idea is pretty simple, you cut the sweet potato in half and then stick toothpicks in it and hang in a jar of water. Kind of like a second grade science experiment. Then, you wait..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju08B4O7FpMIavQ9iC49L7bIXFIbCYy7ZBR11WgGjw8LSlmvqOz50mBvZbcg7AkL68I8d9nzGlWdq46JS0rpT83UTVUQUxFiIVm7t1UcUHmFaIYDseziVAeIKHf0gJZ1VTvN7o-cyBvXBIk_V9VKHoAp5oCCWUYxKrv4aj5R4OACWzEVtcE15NzyE7/s640/IMG_3622.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju08B4O7FpMIavQ9iC49L7bIXFIbCYy7ZBR11WgGjw8LSlmvqOz50mBvZbcg7AkL68I8d9nzGlWdq46JS0rpT83UTVUQUxFiIVm7t1UcUHmFaIYDseziVAeIKHf0gJZ1VTvN7o-cyBvXBIk_V9VKHoAp5oCCWUYxKrv4aj5R4OACWzEVtcE15NzyE7/s320/IMG_3622.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmeEi-eiGDPteCepQb7Hpk-WtcxDLLH9oPwM3OPa9LywsrdKgdvtIPobZvMQblC2cFI3dAFaJSRV-Rzy2prWcxRg4yhMLVq9sRThF8tsQPM2loRX349a_Bt0A1ZXHo-LFUZtoPU8V2X3TrrTIODschgeiSoVPj8v1Wl2AkI00x81Dxt0EPOJherSB/s640/IMG_3625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmeEi-eiGDPteCepQb7Hpk-WtcxDLLH9oPwM3OPa9LywsrdKgdvtIPobZvMQblC2cFI3dAFaJSRV-Rzy2prWcxRg4yhMLVq9sRThF8tsQPM2loRX349a_Bt0A1ZXHo-LFUZtoPU8V2X3TrrTIODschgeiSoVPj8v1Wl2AkI00x81Dxt0EPOJherSB/s320/IMG_3625.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After a couple weeks, you will start to see little sprouts growing out of the sweet potato. See the purple sweet potatoes on the right in this pic. This is from last year....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7ej8Mgcbz_ElhghPPYrgH6E7X4z_i_RmymCW-srrVL163OWbKFjtBa3HCerUK5JusGHo87Y-M4pOMAboMCuRTjWmps6T4tMRn-g7t7Z6zmM76nZ6yxBZ4iiLIqbF9XLEhWhfoZ6YHOU9ZUnF9zFAk33mn8cVxjZDjEm-kL9n6CUgryuwFaf7XRGf/s4032/IMG_1298.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7ej8Mgcbz_ElhghPPYrgH6E7X4z_i_RmymCW-srrVL163OWbKFjtBa3HCerUK5JusGHo87Y-M4pOMAboMCuRTjWmps6T4tMRn-g7t7Z6zmM76nZ6yxBZ4iiLIqbF9XLEhWhfoZ6YHOU9ZUnF9zFAk33mn8cVxjZDjEm-kL9n6CUgryuwFaf7XRGf/s320/IMG_1298.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once the sprouts get about 6 inches long, you actually just twist them off at the base and put them into a different jar of water. I usually put some waxed paper over the top of the jar, then poke a hole in the waxed paper, and stick the spout through so the bottom is in the water and the leaves are above the waxed paper. Sorry, I don't have a pic of this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGHXiuRY7sLNvp1pOulV3L7MmDW4X5F8hLvEAUfUNtaJ0RMgeSAwyXikRbspsTnKxD8Ql2sxan_v0YOce9gdOFwdcAOPZ6WtOifm6PfhtaHrAv5oC0Sgghi-3mJsS_5PbJktDvgAwbby2KNdDislhh3ejgW3twmtMioBVl9Xl7_0NtbZDv5KYIDlO/s4032/IMG_1442.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGHXiuRY7sLNvp1pOulV3L7MmDW4X5F8hLvEAUfUNtaJ0RMgeSAwyXikRbspsTnKxD8Ql2sxan_v0YOce9gdOFwdcAOPZ6WtOifm6PfhtaHrAv5oC0Sgghi-3mJsS_5PbJktDvgAwbby2KNdDislhh3ejgW3twmtMioBVl9Xl7_0NtbZDv5KYIDlO/s320/IMG_1442.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Then, you wait a couple of weeks and the sprouts will start to grow their own roots. When they have a good amount of roots on them, I take them out of the water jar and plant them in soil. I keep them in the house until it gets warm enough to put them outside. At the beginning of May, if the weather is nice, I start to put them outside to harden off. I usually have to bring them back inside at night. You do NOT want to leave them out if it is going to be close to freezing at night. They will die! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kUH2qo8XOpZPqdjQrnwCIH_6sMhDtviD3PzGrZPf4qZeeT0JWlI7uHZ1W_SiMh2JYNQFHZV6VREFiPWOA_IfuislWfY77WuSXAuoiRdRYcNv7dEFFc8o0OJ1Xz0wA_U2jRPVGUNjeWDQwUFc1qA9S8axGFgVxS6vjcBghadw5mBQCrwWBveKQ5P2/s4032/IMG_1438.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kUH2qo8XOpZPqdjQrnwCIH_6sMhDtviD3PzGrZPf4qZeeT0JWlI7uHZ1W_SiMh2JYNQFHZV6VREFiPWOA_IfuislWfY77WuSXAuoiRdRYcNv7dEFFc8o0OJ1Xz0wA_U2jRPVGUNjeWDQwUFc1qA9S8axGFgVxS6vjcBghadw5mBQCrwWBveKQ5P2/s320/IMG_1438.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Plant them outside when the danger of frost has passed. This is the end of May for Moscow, Idaho area.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3G-SftIsSE00BSeV1t0lcwqC4wXQTsrU3LKfjTEOLmCqi1PaH5mo4HWOWHzdSL-daKyxwrvqa13cRHQy80vP3TTGcpCLR29srdSZLNhb-lHHPdNdW2jsC07PApI_YS7hxkSx7FG_h_PBD6kvi2hLEiJDuTrmMb4Tw48qItFM4i24qHvbzzy-I6R9P/s4032/sweet%20potato%20vines%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3G-SftIsSE00BSeV1t0lcwqC4wXQTsrU3LKfjTEOLmCqi1PaH5mo4HWOWHzdSL-daKyxwrvqa13cRHQy80vP3TTGcpCLR29srdSZLNhb-lHHPdNdW2jsC07PApI_YS7hxkSx7FG_h_PBD6kvi2hLEiJDuTrmMb4Tw48qItFM4i24qHvbzzy-I6R9P/s320/sweet%20potato%20vines%202.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>They grew nicely out back in the garden but the tubers were really small!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZop0WDppdNMGxr81A-CWvbEqFoSUq45a18j8cvwHS1diWPnMGqW4ha7xKde5I68CiCgYEt-3rYnMwm7WR0Wead4UNcl76CZPwmdjmmnIkJHWKS41dcfmFpYchVmL_Z4-GML7ZFGuu2IDwM-5wUn1t0BmEo4I4VmUQi0_iLodADtpbeNHkPyVqsd5G/s640/sweet%20potato%20vines.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZop0WDppdNMGxr81A-CWvbEqFoSUq45a18j8cvwHS1diWPnMGqW4ha7xKde5I68CiCgYEt-3rYnMwm7WR0Wead4UNcl76CZPwmdjmmnIkJHWKS41dcfmFpYchVmL_Z4-GML7ZFGuu2IDwM-5wUn1t0BmEo4I4VmUQi0_iLodADtpbeNHkPyVqsd5G/s320/sweet%20potato%20vines.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I had planted some in front of our house where there is more sun and they did much better but the ground was really hard and I couldn't dig some of them out really well. This is what I got...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisg6SV-rT1xmiMJJks6Kkjn6ASgWZdHUh-t7OPQXNM5xiseJIkfmEdvpQoe-kvsVdRpOAOUWytJvdcKAxV2YpzWKBI4rD0VM0QD0LTSztF4rZq9WN3x2kq4doD9_WpFPZCS-ECkAl4k-sFTxGHlZUFZ5b17y7D5psZR2pyThMnSYxljUmlTCYJ9Nib/s4032/IMG_2770.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisg6SV-rT1xmiMJJks6Kkjn6ASgWZdHUh-t7OPQXNM5xiseJIkfmEdvpQoe-kvsVdRpOAOUWytJvdcKAxV2YpzWKBI4rD0VM0QD0LTSztF4rZq9WN3x2kq4doD9_WpFPZCS-ECkAl4k-sFTxGHlZUFZ5b17y7D5psZR2pyThMnSYxljUmlTCYJ9Nib/s320/IMG_2770.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>To store sweet potatoes long term, you need to cure them and this involves high humidity and high heat for a couple of weeks. We do not have these conditions here in the fall. Therefore, I pretty much made mashed sweet potatoes and froze it into individual bags so that we could just take one of the bags out for special occasions. Here I took the mashed sweet potatoes and added an egg and then piped them out into "flower" shapes and baked them for Valentine's dinner. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29IaTkkVjG5HDJkiHkyDFbQUTmHNa97KGUnntZq0vJ3kcseGJmxyw3QvLhc0vWjytZ3gLRz8zHOrK1FVZgf8GrPA8QNGSWp7mLA8ktiT0p0G-ZHYUK3G8W0ZDQYtXoMPX20oDqXVckipAcoUYLoDUfQVsr7DJFFTrpv8yI7sN9qwFaQVax4owGjKb/s640/IMG_3586.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29IaTkkVjG5HDJkiHkyDFbQUTmHNa97KGUnntZq0vJ3kcseGJmxyw3QvLhc0vWjytZ3gLRz8zHOrK1FVZgf8GrPA8QNGSWp7mLA8ktiT0p0G-ZHYUK3G8W0ZDQYtXoMPX20oDqXVckipAcoUYLoDUfQVsr7DJFFTrpv8yI7sN9qwFaQVax4owGjKb/s320/IMG_3586.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Henry made me some raised beds to grow the sweet potatoes in this year in the space that gets the most sun and heat. They are only 8 inches tall but I think this will help a lot for growing sweet potatoes. Here is Allen packing down the compost so I can add more on top later...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrnSOw2vfNV7xzjDkMlcBVRxfjWoEnZEIhYqXHDrr1hg08Igbq5pwTZp-gFxNOXFKTyRoXqkyaWiWhfzGr1uPWunP3fXJWD6K94oTqEeBZp4ssPVp1uamJKxH7SqYPLCCbUYu9cxqpwK9ZR-quQaQVni4nsE375NwHX-EIYdeQhdeZeGaKGPVuG0E/s640/IMG_3360.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrnSOw2vfNV7xzjDkMlcBVRxfjWoEnZEIhYqXHDrr1hg08Igbq5pwTZp-gFxNOXFKTyRoXqkyaWiWhfzGr1uPWunP3fXJWD6K94oTqEeBZp4ssPVp1uamJKxH7SqYPLCCbUYu9cxqpwK9ZR-quQaQVni4nsE375NwHX-EIYdeQhdeZeGaKGPVuG0E/s320/IMG_3360.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>That's it! Really, it is not too difficult and there is more than one way to make your own sweet potato sprouts but I find this way to be pretty easy. It's not too late to start your own sprouts!</div><div><br /></div><div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>~Denise<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-67001260978955418202023-02-12T06:34:00.003-08:002023-02-12T06:34:26.017-08:00Who says it doesn't pay to compost...a "lost and found" story...<h3 style="text-align: left;"> In the Compost Bin...</h3><div>A couple of weeks ago, we had some fairly nice weather for the end of January. I decided to take advantage and start filling up the raised beds in the garden. Over the seasons, the compost in the beds settles and so you need to add more to the top of the bed so it is full to the top for the new plants and roots to grow this spring. Now, I have to be honest, I never really even got around to putting the garden to bed last fall. It was such a warm fall and all the plants were doing good. Then, it finally got cold, really cold and I never got out to pull things up. Therefore, I was pulling out old plants and then filling up the raised bed with chicken compost. I dumped out one of the buckets and look what I found...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmNjvG056uiuDkGk8fK1TgosprBYbnN6me5Az8WVTCaJsOiHouYQkiA6vE8qMKjvw2DDxhiCh8H14s9zDMGsJf7fUYa4POimkv-C6gI2gbgVLcV62sF3NixDKYBIT7cy7JMgzLPc2UvvRVRXPZREfBS85vNEZOPn0PRQkXQeZOJ-P2B3Kz-CM1PJa/s4032/ring.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmNjvG056uiuDkGk8fK1TgosprBYbnN6me5Az8WVTCaJsOiHouYQkiA6vE8qMKjvw2DDxhiCh8H14s9zDMGsJf7fUYa4POimkv-C6gI2gbgVLcV62sF3NixDKYBIT7cy7JMgzLPc2UvvRVRXPZREfBS85vNEZOPn0PRQkXQeZOJ-P2B3Kz-CM1PJa/s320/ring.heic" width="240" /></a></div>Okay...the compost that I was using was made from the chicken feathers and guts from chicken processing day in 2021! That summer, my friend was helping with the eviscerating in the barn. Eviscerating is a fancy word that means to pull the guts out of the chickens. She was wearing her hubbies ring and it was a little loose on her finger. We heard a "tink" and she knew immediately that the ring had slipped off her finger! We thought it had hit the floor but there are huge cracks in the floorboards of the barn and rabbits have made tunnels under there and so that if it fell into one of the cracks it could be lost forever...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihw_IlNKAjQgY1urLpVoEWpn9-V5h2ViDBBi4GYvENcjMLgTHWI3-DICjKHbE5gzVfh9CPJG0EB5nDqoD9N6ib8kPy3LBABJKYP5KxhhcrRXiI95VAFGwDuyyz6PxmNm_qs1VSoSGi06gWkF6FhWOw4aDKUfLLIl2v7lmj6_MmGJ5tMIMhYoez19y1/s640/barn%20floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihw_IlNKAjQgY1urLpVoEWpn9-V5h2ViDBBi4GYvENcjMLgTHWI3-DICjKHbE5gzVfh9CPJG0EB5nDqoD9N6ib8kPy3LBABJKYP5KxhhcrRXiI95VAFGwDuyyz6PxmNm_qs1VSoSGi06gWkF6FhWOw4aDKUfLLIl2v7lmj6_MmGJ5tMIMhYoez19y1/s320/barn%20floor.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>BUT as it turns out, the "tink" we heard was the ring falling into the gut bucket! All the guts, feathers, and heads go into the pallet compost bin. I took 4 pallets and tied them together to make a square. This helps to keep the dogs from foraging in the scraps. Also, when a chicken/duck dies, I "bury" them in this bin. You can see it on the left in this pic...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGiibgB_xILGoru0GDNmoC_J2uRBypAAvRq3fnkNp5Kg6aZkH1y4dKF5vDtPaXBd6Be9_Kw5GsUir_hVykTTLCv4qGNVX289AYamkqRirq1bU-j8vmDgInMsOTe6QpF2G8AFgtgZQCm-4VITDFfZwe6DP7ZMWJjNSbPrUqz85oaoq9JT5ufd_j8sP/s640/compost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGiibgB_xILGoru0GDNmoC_J2uRBypAAvRq3fnkNp5Kg6aZkH1y4dKF5vDtPaXBd6Be9_Kw5GsUir_hVykTTLCv4qGNVX289AYamkqRirq1bU-j8vmDgInMsOTe6QpF2G8AFgtgZQCm-4VITDFfZwe6DP7ZMWJjNSbPrUqz85oaoq9JT5ufd_j8sP/s320/compost.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The next summer, 2022, I took one pallet off and shoveled all the 2021 "stuff" that was inside the bin to the right of the bin (where the shovel is located in the pic above). I had to move the old stuff out to make room for processing day 2022 stuff to go into the bin. Then, in January 2023, I started shoveling the compost from 2021 to use in the garden. <div><br /><div>The ring went from the gut bucket...</div><div>to the compost bin...</div><div>to the pile beside the compost bin...</div><div>to the garden...</div><div>and then back to my friend! </div><div><br /></div><div>I keep thinking about all the times that this ring could have gotten lost in all that shuffle or even if it would have been on the bottom of the compost that came out of the bucket and I would have never even seen it! What a blessing to find this ring and give it back to my friend!<div><br /></div><div>My friends have been married for 23 years and are SO happy to have their original ring and symbol of their love back where it belongs! Give your loved ones a hug! Happy (early) Valentine's Day!</div><div><br /></div><div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>Go Chiefs!</div><div>~Denise</div><div><div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-88647436323542045272023-01-29T06:12:00.000-08:002023-01-29T06:12:50.227-08:00Healing Herbal Salves<h2 style="text-align: left;"> In the Herb Garden…last summer…</h2><div>Each summer, Mary comes to help collect and dry herbs and flowers from our garden. We feed some of these to the chickens and ducks in the winter. I have also been experimenting with making herbal salves. I did make a blog post about how I make the salves last March and you can read post by clicking on the title: <a href="https://remarkablefarms.blogspot.com/2022/03/using-beeswax-and-herbal-salves.html" target="_blank">Using Beeswax and Herbal Salves</a>.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94qNw8fkHmjSAVvQtaT0FBIYOY1kjb4rd_VDQ3Y-qzZU3qnyqDxcP1lQEVw7PqAxT7K9ilw0imUWCm15BVbkKUoR_zjUKfpfeCVor-pqTiMTbmPEoXI9MTTp3hoNf3BiG2bhxbwDBJToj9SAXzM-zsela0biF0OWKws5_pI8xKXI-n1R54IR3mJqj/s640/Mary%20in%20garden.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94qNw8fkHmjSAVvQtaT0FBIYOY1kjb4rd_VDQ3Y-qzZU3qnyqDxcP1lQEVw7PqAxT7K9ilw0imUWCm15BVbkKUoR_zjUKfpfeCVor-pqTiMTbmPEoXI9MTTp3hoNf3BiG2bhxbwDBJToj9SAXzM-zsela0biF0OWKws5_pI8xKXI-n1R54IR3mJqj/s320/Mary%20in%20garden.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>As a quick review, Mary picks and dries the herb/flower. Then, I take the dried herb and put it in a jar with a carrier oil. I was using olive oil but now I am switching to avocado oil. This may change again...we will see. Here is a jar of yarrow flowers and leaves in oil. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwSTqIIKJxUZOpFbTglc85S5Gr0kkYXvkYoqYcqUzt-NOeHMmokSsMTnHkAMYw3Q8Bdk4pVQlKkoUeGTxMJ381wcgcy2faqG4DjuUI_WwU3xdnnWeQeplBS8eZGJkcJVVtkfpMlHXHx8zHmq9brHYcpicClhVOgbudQCkuLtY8tCWQkCMBfqSPzTl/s4032/IMG_3109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwSTqIIKJxUZOpFbTglc85S5Gr0kkYXvkYoqYcqUzt-NOeHMmokSsMTnHkAMYw3Q8Bdk4pVQlKkoUeGTxMJ381wcgcy2faqG4DjuUI_WwU3xdnnWeQeplBS8eZGJkcJVVtkfpMlHXHx8zHmq9brHYcpicClhVOgbudQCkuLtY8tCWQkCMBfqSPzTl/s320/IMG_3109.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I let it sit for 6 weeks and then strain out the leaves and flowers and then you have an "infused oil". This is where the magic lives! You add some beeswax to "thicken" the oil into a salve. I don't add any essential oils to the salves because I want the natural herbal properties of the plant to shine. Beeswax is also great for your skin because it is a wax and forms a protective barrier when applied to skin. This protective barrier not only locks in moisture, but it also helps to keep out environmental assaults like wind and dry air.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-zKm8hA6IY2gF4ILSCEXgYVcGDC9gkxOZljQCYCcDFJGAfbcwYuaxGDP_aKLX7KqhIQiGkiE5tjMwaWL8yTvRWE0MuwQRkRjImiOiy0oNalmi9_Y7l-ZqVQQaU5xUN0TFvwBJ0996HN6hjLORvrVUSGUb8M8GI3E6BLXlaJtssQ0OuU5OOOWzffm/s363/herbal%20salves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="363" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-zKm8hA6IY2gF4ILSCEXgYVcGDC9gkxOZljQCYCcDFJGAfbcwYuaxGDP_aKLX7KqhIQiGkiE5tjMwaWL8yTvRWE0MuwQRkRjImiOiy0oNalmi9_Y7l-ZqVQQaU5xUN0TFvwBJ0996HN6hjLORvrVUSGUb8M8GI3E6BLXlaJtssQ0OuU5OOOWzffm/s320/herbal%20salves.png" width="320" /></a></div>Okay, so today I am just going to list out some of the salves I have made this past winter. I am not sure I will continue all of them. I am just experimenting to see what works and what does not. Unfortunately, everyone is different so you have to try different salves to see what works for you. For example, I had a terrible pain in my shoulder and I would put comfrey salve on my shoulder every morning for like 2 weeks and it was still hurting. Then, one day, I decided to try some of the Calendula salve and the pain went away that day! Another example is that I made a pine mint headache salve. I tried it when I had a headache but nada. One morning my stomach was hurting. It felt kind of like I was bloated and it just really hurt. I was drinking some peppermint tea because I had read that it can be soothing for you stomach. I saw the pine mint headache salve on my nightstand and figured, what the heck, I spread it all over my stomach and the pain went away almost immediately. I had been dealing with the pain for hours! <div><br /></div><div>Here are some of the salves I have made:<div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Calendula</b></div><div><div>I think this one is my favorite! Calendula works its magic by promoting cell repair and growth, coupled with natural antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is gentle in its work...you don’t need to worry about “overdoing it” with calendula. Topically, calendula salve can ease, heal, or otherwise treat a huge array of skin conditions. According to the <a href="https://chestnutherbs.com/calendula-sunshine-incarnate-an-edible-and-medicinal-flower/" target="_blank">Chestnut School of Herbs</a>, this includes: rashes, sunburn, swelling, eczema, acne, stings, wounds, burns, scrapes, chicken pox, and cold sores. As I mentioned above, calendula works great for my muscle pain!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HW1u6qeX-gMb9SrJ1q2peRdx2U_S-hV4S1C0MIwRaHSUBgIJ0U4R3nmNmepay87KNmYFWcu-GKQp2TWwgSfqbQZdKOKXLROtkU448cXQ1LD8lamSt6bG_G3PsQfYDRZnXLsG30ZMVKseuLHYaa1N0qAvjPxijV9sIA4RWifbAY2U4NXC9b1Jp0Rr/s100/calendula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="87" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HW1u6qeX-gMb9SrJ1q2peRdx2U_S-hV4S1C0MIwRaHSUBgIJ0U4R3nmNmepay87KNmYFWcu-GKQp2TWwgSfqbQZdKOKXLROtkU448cXQ1LD8lamSt6bG_G3PsQfYDRZnXLsG30ZMVKseuLHYaa1N0qAvjPxijV9sIA4RWifbAY2U4NXC9b1Jp0Rr/s1600/calendula.jpg" width="87" /></a></div><div><b>Echinacea </b></div><div>This is a new one that I just made this past week so I have not had time to really try it yet. I did make some chap stick with echinacea infused oil because I had read that it is so good for dry skin! Salve made with dried echinacea flowers and leaves is good for treating wounds, stings and venomous bites. It helps calm, soothe and heal redness, cuts, rashes, bug bites, itches and scratches. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDh1GdgAXoJWSqbC3kOxxe5zSnt9SMnFmwd8eWGW5gkMOcG7hbP8zLcBf-c2-YdSM3j2KNNuN3hQh8rhNjC3UOLRXQpsrShQIHW08xfKvY3IPDduCkjA_Pml5Q7e1hiQsrUsY2NzeEvV1juCD_13kroy1iGZDbHBZ7L3W7AtGnDChRC0UIbrdeWUS/s442/echinacea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="442" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDh1GdgAXoJWSqbC3kOxxe5zSnt9SMnFmwd8eWGW5gkMOcG7hbP8zLcBf-c2-YdSM3j2KNNuN3hQh8rhNjC3UOLRXQpsrShQIHW08xfKvY3IPDduCkjA_Pml5Q7e1hiQsrUsY2NzeEvV1juCD_13kroy1iGZDbHBZ7L3W7AtGnDChRC0UIbrdeWUS/w200-h140/echinacea.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div><div><b>Comfrey</b></div><div>Comfrey has been shown to reduce inflammation, reduce pain, and speed skin healing. It is so good at skin healing that you should NEVER use comfrey on an open wound! You can use any other salve on an open wound but not comfrey! It contains allantoin, a substance believed to promote healing by stimulating the growth of new cells. Herbalists commonly recommend comfrey salves for sprains, strains, muscle pain, arthritis, bruises, and fractures. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmB1BUv3nUdM1iyKGsJeDxOHqG9YGaRVUmlpMz3Us0Fzg-ctPEqcRg2Q0SgT6jHYNcdm2z1jyD3osocMG85N_A_S2HOcPJSLm8vOK0zu4jxEx2yT4XJtQqhhWlSLBFszzcRdS_e7CUcQR0kYKHjqvlpxc5ydiyRmRxbomrvobPCwf8rsmENEcvr72n/s1280/comfrey.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmB1BUv3nUdM1iyKGsJeDxOHqG9YGaRVUmlpMz3Us0Fzg-ctPEqcRg2Q0SgT6jHYNcdm2z1jyD3osocMG85N_A_S2HOcPJSLm8vOK0zu4jxEx2yT4XJtQqhhWlSLBFszzcRdS_e7CUcQR0kYKHjqvlpxc5ydiyRmRxbomrvobPCwf8rsmENEcvr72n/w200-h150/comfrey.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div><b>Chamomile</b></div><div>Chamomile has been used for wound healing, including ulcers and sores, easing skin conditions like eczema or rashes and anti-inflammation and pain relief for conditions like back pain, neuralgia, or arthritis. Because chamomile is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and nutrients, it’s really good at soothing and relieving skin irritation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-aX2wHMdNQEBW86GLlVwqpNQvJCjjT5VG2y4FrvrYWY-PPE_4uX9BI8_rK9lN9C6gm1x6_d0vv4J5OYsCX3X5sNkZIXWsnYwVtmVyF9F5-wQTzDdJ8rMX4zt1-9n2Trcxpl5O0CIv11x04JBMjq-qfOY3PJu651C5n3pxCokHOtmf6xvEflV1pTN/s872/chamomile.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="872" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-aX2wHMdNQEBW86GLlVwqpNQvJCjjT5VG2y4FrvrYWY-PPE_4uX9BI8_rK9lN9C6gm1x6_d0vv4J5OYsCX3X5sNkZIXWsnYwVtmVyF9F5-wQTzDdJ8rMX4zt1-9n2Trcxpl5O0CIv11x04JBMjq-qfOY3PJu651C5n3pxCokHOtmf6xvEflV1pTN/w200-h127/chamomile.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Yarrow </b></div><div><div>Yarrow is know for it's blood coagulating properties when applied to the skin to stop bleeding. Use it to treat minor topical injuries, including cuts, scrapes, burns, and rashes. Yarrow has powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-itching, anti-bacterial, and wound healing properties to reduce signs of skin aging, ease inflammation and increase skin moisture.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4CcCs3lhTLWvVUXlaFzR7T16CTtri1rNL7QROgSs9XLkg3vAv-6ENLP2lWdeb1gUf4qkBZ6Q4JhaU7kDse4Tl8hItsNyHhvu3S8piECxn7qvzvaZ1JVU0qrOFLQ_PtMGuRfKf1MpBIuo3dgk_R7sOBffDyPgInsXal9UABxM3k3hRF9Pj16Cw24A/s400/yarrow-flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4CcCs3lhTLWvVUXlaFzR7T16CTtri1rNL7QROgSs9XLkg3vAv-6ENLP2lWdeb1gUf4qkBZ6Q4JhaU7kDse4Tl8hItsNyHhvu3S8piECxn7qvzvaZ1JVU0qrOFLQ_PtMGuRfKf1MpBIuo3dgk_R7sOBffDyPgInsXal9UABxM3k3hRF9Pj16Cw24A/w150-h200/yarrow-flowers.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Pine Mint</b></div><div>Mint helps to calm down inflammation, and pine is said to have pain-relieving properties so putting these two powerhouses together makes for an effective salve. Use for headaches or any other muscle pain. As I mentioned above, my stomach was hurting one day and I grabbed this salve and spread it on and the pain went away almost immediately! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9z7bPJqmUJ9NJftD02VVuxw-fpiS4gWPy84K1BPXZIvC6F0AomxWNN4Nbj3Sf4Wh1NqqQ1wuijFeUapVG5ER1jdGjvgvUoc4TMdZYzS1S2kBQz1VktV2cyRx6eAP1oABCZ7vPY2yPC2SwCZ649roiDlh_oMV3T0H1vgdhCDYnY76-1SH5kNKcP0V/s4368/Peppermint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3195" data-original-width="4368" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9z7bPJqmUJ9NJftD02VVuxw-fpiS4gWPy84K1BPXZIvC6F0AomxWNN4Nbj3Sf4Wh1NqqQ1wuijFeUapVG5ER1jdGjvgvUoc4TMdZYzS1S2kBQz1VktV2cyRx6eAP1oABCZ7vPY2yPC2SwCZ649roiDlh_oMV3T0H1vgdhCDYnY76-1SH5kNKcP0V/w200-h146/Peppermint.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmhRWAfvYISLAKri471Glp7Sq-5NxJz2WVlE1EJ_w02fjIzevJCYEWOBz0zP_p_T5WqcIJBrJZCIiBgP5FxHcFKN225AU_L0IkEbTtOM8BFePQSynTvXeHxcA7gm-5Ekh8fTzgXrTP7pg9u9KuLce5xrc_M8zN3XQyRKdByPqIOdOkifsdmcf1_By/s1024/pine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1024" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmhRWAfvYISLAKri471Glp7Sq-5NxJz2WVlE1EJ_w02fjIzevJCYEWOBz0zP_p_T5WqcIJBrJZCIiBgP5FxHcFKN225AU_L0IkEbTtOM8BFePQSynTvXeHxcA7gm-5Ekh8fTzgXrTP7pg9u9KuLce5xrc_M8zN3XQyRKdByPqIOdOkifsdmcf1_By/w200-h143/pine.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><b>Catnip</b></div><div><div>Along with its calming and anti-inflammatory compounds, catnip has antiseptic properties that make it useful for treating skin infections and speeding the healing of minor wounds and cuts and other skin problems.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYv-vbEtKfg-2grrOtxPwsdMn12Hrq-9KUK6JxngVw-LlDc_UVg2c5_OAtHqqVOCF5-2kFZoAOqSJf74avpYgWWcbX0FCmtJryC_PRrg-16b7cYFu_jf27QWeScawDbTzDJ7DvYh9tui4_Dp1cmTBsvootTPHQ6piC8YjjJGYnZBYTygJfxeK7IR4/s679/catnip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="679" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYv-vbEtKfg-2grrOtxPwsdMn12Hrq-9KUK6JxngVw-LlDc_UVg2c5_OAtHqqVOCF5-2kFZoAOqSJf74avpYgWWcbX0FCmtJryC_PRrg-16b7cYFu_jf27QWeScawDbTzDJ7DvYh9tui4_Dp1cmTBsvootTPHQ6piC8YjjJGYnZBYTygJfxeK7IR4/w200-h198/catnip.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><b>Lemon Verbena</b></div><div>Heals dry or cracked skin and cuticles after a long day of gardening. Lemon verbena has proven to be effective in healing dry elbows, knees, heels, hands and cuticles. Just a heads up...although the plant smells very "lemony", that does not carry through to the salve so don't expect it to smell like lemon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2-LzAcLsi41PwT9EZDNPJKcx03sD4i1DjqU8_t8rG3uzXHTeK3QrEwgqpCIfGfeJS67fsifusjUhT5Q22I3A3Xtj1seixHpj2NyzY3mqVgtWnJEiKn6f3toyFaVbQpw2buCuJuf29bHYvhXPj8UBxo840ZD1rBXIt35DVbdJ6pmylVmdSDDvHRH3/s500/lemon%20verbena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2-LzAcLsi41PwT9EZDNPJKcx03sD4i1DjqU8_t8rG3uzXHTeK3QrEwgqpCIfGfeJS67fsifusjUhT5Q22I3A3Xtj1seixHpj2NyzY3mqVgtWnJEiKn6f3toyFaVbQpw2buCuJuf29bHYvhXPj8UBxo840ZD1rBXIt35DVbdJ6pmylVmdSDDvHRH3/w200-h200/lemon%20verbena.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>Future salves I would like to make:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Lavender</b></div><div>Lavender salve moisturizes skin, soothes irritation, burns and itching, and can even help heal acne, scrapes, and eczema and soften the appearance of scars. It can be used after shaving, to prevent or treat razor burn swelling, redness, and irritation. Lavender is generally safe for kids and babies, making homemade lavender salve perfect for things like diaper rash or cradle cap. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_1JyW2nsUtzOGgAEuLgUnVEjjkKB91eYl_J5vJBoo7Qeqmn-9ZQj4e5mlK_YBikgki873keAuA5CSgT1fG_KHO3-g-6GpXnbErWKKtbIDkkJPyjkAqd957zXMfOTZel-D__u7-WwcXOEx5k3NLFJNev5pwvJB7ayG3jwgsHxYadLt-17Vo_anQIk/s642/Lavender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="642" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_1JyW2nsUtzOGgAEuLgUnVEjjkKB91eYl_J5vJBoo7Qeqmn-9ZQj4e5mlK_YBikgki873keAuA5CSgT1fG_KHO3-g-6GpXnbErWKKtbIDkkJPyjkAqd957zXMfOTZel-D__u7-WwcXOEx5k3NLFJNev5pwvJB7ayG3jwgsHxYadLt-17Vo_anQIk/w200-h113/Lavender.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><b>Lemon Balm</b></div><div><div>Lemon Balm cools and soothes irritated or inflamed skin. It can be used on cuts, scrapes, wounds, and insect bites. Lemon balms contains some anti-viral properties and is a natural way to help heal herpes, cold sores, shingles, and other viral skin conditions.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J821xi5UhOvmlUc6o2_78Kh-0MJ8CxtDenR0-H6KjtvipqjqJgR4sZ1YG3KMCguFLVwspwJdeVVfa33gTCaRSxod7nd6h0m5ERer8A2M1iP4-5-JqoqcST_nKLbWno1lUM7xg93n1tIAxZdEI0-EExV64BDngrGWyp9PST5UMlq_jfx_MI6jKOli/s679/lemon%20balm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="679" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J821xi5UhOvmlUc6o2_78Kh-0MJ8CxtDenR0-H6KjtvipqjqJgR4sZ1YG3KMCguFLVwspwJdeVVfa33gTCaRSxod7nd6h0m5ERer8A2M1iP4-5-JqoqcST_nKLbWno1lUM7xg93n1tIAxZdEI0-EExV64BDngrGWyp9PST5UMlq_jfx_MI6jKOli/w200-h133/lemon%20balm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><b>Rosehip</b></div><div>Rosehip oil is extremely high in essential fatty acids and is a great agent in the fight against dry, weathered, and dehydrated skin. It works wonders on scars and is used for treating wrinkles and premature aging and age spots.<br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBxm42s2QHmaFOqF5v-lXcTvDJHEYXECIV_jVBzvulid2vfpHlwYoifAU0rnTU11xXo3iE6ROooWEX6A3x6OgJjrhNAg-y2_rT1j8D6YML4mrm8Fd2oKdy-T9XUvJpmi0hBR08K3BCcp3hkiP5qSj4BT5Xqzel6EBC3XFxedlhs6Cp23w1bHlfile/s1000/rosehip_387931234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBxm42s2QHmaFOqF5v-lXcTvDJHEYXECIV_jVBzvulid2vfpHlwYoifAU0rnTU11xXo3iE6ROooWEX6A3x6OgJjrhNAg-y2_rT1j8D6YML4mrm8Fd2oKdy-T9XUvJpmi0hBR08K3BCcp3hkiP5qSj4BT5Xqzel6EBC3XFxedlhs6Cp23w1bHlfile/w200-h200/rosehip_387931234.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>So, that is that...I like the idea of making the salves in the winter because they will be shelf stable and I can take them to the Farmer's Market in the spring when I don't have flowers yet to sell! I guess I should show you a pic of the finished product...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKc3KVOUSNxexDRfvCeMHOVvDZckPgCoiDv7f4RYdDKMIPyxds7XBQu9k2squWoBvQHHeGx-ENQFmgLGgSVSPVjk1gPpuUbRin740qMfVqTwQ48X3OdEV2XG1rI0iWF0wmJbTijiFpcorvsaNYH4ie8fKaT3luK1IgVWS_Hmc73iK9fIV_qCPthSP-/s320/calendula%20salve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKc3KVOUSNxexDRfvCeMHOVvDZckPgCoiDv7f4RYdDKMIPyxds7XBQu9k2squWoBvQHHeGx-ENQFmgLGgSVSPVjk1gPpuUbRin740qMfVqTwQ48X3OdEV2XG1rI0iWF0wmJbTijiFpcorvsaNYH4ie8fKaT3luK1IgVWS_Hmc73iK9fIV_qCPthSP-/s1600/calendula%20salve.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>~Denise<br /><div><br /></div></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-28646873121463385552023-01-15T06:09:00.001-08:002023-01-15T06:47:42.080-08:00Cost of eggs? Going up? Eggs are still a great buy!<h3 style="text-align: left;"> In the Coop</h3><div>In case you have not seen the news lately or been to the grocery store, the price of eggs has gone up almost 60% the past year! I am not watching TV right now and we don't buy eggs at the grocery store so I was a little bit out of the loop on all this. Luckily, a friend (thanks Don!) sent me an article about the current situation. It seems that there are a couple of things going on. One is that the cost of materials (feed, egg cartons, etc...) has gone up. We just bought egg cartons for Mark's business and the price was definitely higher from the previous year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqjRIGgI8EwghqURFO7N8hy51y-jB6cY1pJTjkHmpypLbCfpnGdYTrmHLgR966tb2wrqJ5ah222C7grBmqxku_gzdpmWZWY3609LPAAMAN3DkI_ThULmuYpzAaGm1fobfUC13FllzAOKEjykq5Njvg6fjtAtIpDy3dFHD_FMmqSMJRyUUqKR6wn2D/s4032/IMG_1416.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqjRIGgI8EwghqURFO7N8hy51y-jB6cY1pJTjkHmpypLbCfpnGdYTrmHLgR966tb2wrqJ5ah222C7grBmqxku_gzdpmWZWY3609LPAAMAN3DkI_ThULmuYpzAaGm1fobfUC13FllzAOKEjykq5Njvg6fjtAtIpDy3dFHD_FMmqSMJRyUUqKR6wn2D/s320/IMG_1416.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The second reason is the Avian bird flu outbreak is still happening and many egg laying chickens are succumbing to that disease. Avian bird flu is carried by waterfowl like wild ducks and geese. We have both wild ducks and wild geese that live right by our home in the lagoon of the University of Idaho dairy! Luckily, they don't "stop" by our place but they definitely fly over a lot. You can actually hear the rushing of the wind through the ducks wings as they fly overhead. It makes a squeaking sound. The wild geese are usually honking so you hear that and know they are flying over....but I digress... Unfortunately, the bird flu is highly contagious and super lethal. This has been the deadliest outbreak in U.S. history! We are keeping our fingers crossed that is does not visit our farm...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtURpx3CL8EK21XSvD2kJfn6zTmnIXLyQA8iQ-QjUA_qL9biAaF1QFtq51vIAeXmgqXnITx5Z4pLx_Fgv3ep1SgytZEk5iKBMFpODX1HOhYvlAhLV7p-zItjZSkjREidoC_AbvmMZLVFzhOZ0ce9ygu19lsuTnFByv4LWcJILiJRVajRTbNz6mcbz/s4032/IMG_2755.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtURpx3CL8EK21XSvD2kJfn6zTmnIXLyQA8iQ-QjUA_qL9biAaF1QFtq51vIAeXmgqXnITx5Z4pLx_Fgv3ep1SgytZEk5iKBMFpODX1HOhYvlAhLV7p-zItjZSkjREidoC_AbvmMZLVFzhOZ0ce9ygu19lsuTnFByv4LWcJILiJRVajRTbNz6mcbz/s320/IMG_2755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Let me put in a plug for buying eggs from a local farmer or food cooperative (co-op) that carries locally laid eggs. I know that the price of eggs at our local co-op have not gone up and Mark has not increased his egg prices for a couple of years. The eggs you purchase at your co-op or directly from a farmer will probably cost more than the eggs at your local grocery store. BUT you are getting a <b>much healthier egg</b> and, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. What you want to look for are <b>Pasture Raised Eggs!</b> These are the kind that Mark has! If you need help finding a local farmer, use a website like <a href="https://localhens.com/" target="_blank">Local Hen</a> to find a farm near you! </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a nice graphic showing the difference between eggs...it might be hard to read so here is the link to the article: <a href="https://cleanfoodcrush.com/a-guide-to-shopping-for-eggs/" target="_blank">A Guide to Cage Free vs. Free Range vs. Pasture Raised Eggs</a> Cage free sounds great but it is truly not all that it is cracked up to be...pun intended...even free range just says that they have to have "access" to the outdoors but they don't have to go out there...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YEvo6EsMgzOXTzspmnYopqeGxFk8XgRRPQKvTGIYlYt97NvP6vB-fCEsMllRnx6t_xDG1UVAJCkXNabygfWV2HSlRXBXfu9VIBUrz-mKDlxk0RbeAWLyDUjRjRwZBhq2Crjq5ISX-HcbqrWIPus2MuViE28b091eWfy0dFSloPS867CU5GUk8HLw/s1920/egg%20cage-free-vs-free-rang-vs-pasture-raised-eggs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YEvo6EsMgzOXTzspmnYopqeGxFk8XgRRPQKvTGIYlYt97NvP6vB-fCEsMllRnx6t_xDG1UVAJCkXNabygfWV2HSlRXBXfu9VIBUrz-mKDlxk0RbeAWLyDUjRjRwZBhq2Crjq5ISX-HcbqrWIPus2MuViE28b091eWfy0dFSloPS867CU5GUk8HLw/w360-h640/egg%20cage-free-vs-free-rang-vs-pasture-raised-eggs.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love this pic showing the difference between Cage Free and Pastured:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntpEbF9wiPqyNF859nRpap5MNc3COVjAxqNFNCrGWLbwsjwIgNYRYihtLFY8RnWGVWF3q6A1jRHwdmYgUxZCxJb-M04BiuedNqPh3xbyhFVbbtupVK8SgDQX_KqeCm7JqkFqcWiZDVJEtrAq1Cs52HFgOjkvvMs4UekQHliHRPoVLPcRkFqA3fuE1/s3300/cage%20free%20vs%20pastured.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1225" data-original-width="3300" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntpEbF9wiPqyNF859nRpap5MNc3COVjAxqNFNCrGWLbwsjwIgNYRYihtLFY8RnWGVWF3q6A1jRHwdmYgUxZCxJb-M04BiuedNqPh3xbyhFVbbtupVK8SgDQX_KqeCm7JqkFqcWiZDVJEtrAq1Cs52HFgOjkvvMs4UekQHliHRPoVLPcRkFqA3fuE1/w640-h238/cage%20free%20vs%20pastured.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>Here is a pic of Mark's girls that I took yesterday...now you have to realize that it is the middle of winter so there is no "green grass" but they still love coming out on "pasture" and look for worms and scratch around and do chicken things...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaJhKIr2CFQSd6caKgjQBB9wLD0EPCX1vG7tW4YTTBN7-3ErGpbkC34aUW5btQsOzF_LswqHT0lHrrgLMsx-2-b8PxU7xMryLBjE9ZYxyPpKTTPnb5mq2ZdN4W7RFhBS3M2NrbzUKUIhj0_9kxT6RrrQd5tegkQ8d7ZQ6_VQ5B6IzH8ma6ryO0ifn/s4032/chickens%20on%20pasture%20in%20winter.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaJhKIr2CFQSd6caKgjQBB9wLD0EPCX1vG7tW4YTTBN7-3ErGpbkC34aUW5btQsOzF_LswqHT0lHrrgLMsx-2-b8PxU7xMryLBjE9ZYxyPpKTTPnb5mq2ZdN4W7RFhBS3M2NrbzUKUIhj0_9kxT6RrrQd5tegkQ8d7ZQ6_VQ5B6IzH8ma6ryO0ifn/s320/chickens%20on%20pasture%20in%20winter.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here is a great video put out by the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association talking about advantages of pastured eggs and meat:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ak_50PQrdiU" width="320" youtube-src-id="Ak_50PQrdiU"></iframe></div>We don't move the coop as is shown in the video but we do move portable paddocks around the coop so that they have access to fresh grass (when the grass is growing!) Here is one of my favorite pics of the chickens out on pasture last spring...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4wotzEO02UiBh7RvnNUgzMYICg_JjjCHaqSDCgOsk04530aFuxwOac0LwsMSXzPI24CPrx7pJPEQCGN6_BdhX6ZlurSr-VpIAh5Sw2u20W5643KubRfVHTS6T_41t_-TVSRJemiQCb0exnGCyh8bocT5Bi3jLWDNWGKbXMx2admBqSMpWy1h03Ij/s4032/IMG_1735.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4wotzEO02UiBh7RvnNUgzMYICg_JjjCHaqSDCgOsk04530aFuxwOac0LwsMSXzPI24CPrx7pJPEQCGN6_BdhX6ZlurSr-VpIAh5Sw2u20W5643KubRfVHTS6T_41t_-TVSRJemiQCb0exnGCyh8bocT5Bi3jLWDNWGKbXMx2admBqSMpWy1h03Ij/s320/IMG_1735.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><div>Pastured eggs are more healthy than conventionally raised eggs...taken from Mother Earth News...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31Y7gSnvSvGAXcV2sbOgoh71moLUKtIFWPdQcgvbYDTkn3XhaeU9Ff-1hT8lmO052Csp3QWsLw1L7hWHhpKeyREPCHU0IYZZkCJ6qAwwvaPYXIcxki7K_aCUzptw7sg4c4JsrwjeDxD_ni1Kx3zIjVmoc1nVBOuwJA2u-sijwQCzUpsNijDtkcQ6U/s1026/EGGS2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1026" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31Y7gSnvSvGAXcV2sbOgoh71moLUKtIFWPdQcgvbYDTkn3XhaeU9Ff-1hT8lmO052Csp3QWsLw1L7hWHhpKeyREPCHU0IYZZkCJ6qAwwvaPYXIcxki7K_aCUzptw7sg4c4JsrwjeDxD_ni1Kx3zIjVmoc1nVBOuwJA2u-sijwQCzUpsNijDtkcQ6U/w640-h436/EGGS2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Need a reason to love eggs! They are incredibly nutrient dense containing 13 essential vitamins and minerals. They have lots of B vitamins like B2, B5, B12 which are sometimes hard to get. Chickens that go "outside" produce eggs that are high in Vitamin D. They also contain zinc, choline, lutein, and iron, 6g of protein and all nine essential amino acids, making them a “complete” source of protein. All this for around 70 calories! </div><div><br /></div><div>Eggs provide long lasting energy! I never need a snack in the morning when I start my day with a couple of scrambled eggs, avocado and salsa (my favorite breakfast!). Eggs are sugar free!</div><div><br /></div><div>They are versatile and can be made sweet or savory...scrambled or boiled...fried or over easy...creped or omeletted...caked or cookied...the possibilities are limitless! So many reasons to LOVE pastured eggs!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7lhnNztD6IxVmsGx5uKaDY1S-fPRhg9WljQOCKWrFt3avk0-khl29prXlKgv7fEVxI0HSVEc1787CnUKHG42CbFHl1bBqtgu_tOP-yLE-AuJRDN5megwd7ZppjsvFNUS44hKpiKZeuSAbreaBiqrsOAIVJHw-dWdTeS0YNPfW3G6KpEb0lw2ZrNg/s669/avocado%20and%20egg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="669" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7lhnNztD6IxVmsGx5uKaDY1S-fPRhg9WljQOCKWrFt3avk0-khl29prXlKgv7fEVxI0HSVEc1787CnUKHG42CbFHl1bBqtgu_tOP-yLE-AuJRDN5megwd7ZppjsvFNUS44hKpiKZeuSAbreaBiqrsOAIVJHw-dWdTeS0YNPfW3G6KpEb0lw2ZrNg/w400-h294/avocado%20and%20egg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Have an eggcellent day<div>~Denise<br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-6582903236365088022023-01-01T06:36:00.004-08:002023-01-01T06:50:55.124-08:002022 In Review...Looking back and looking forward...<h3 style="text-align: left;"> Looking back...</h3><div>I usually don't do a "year in review" but it just seemed like the thing to do this year. Many years I usually post about the Christmas gifts that I made but I just did not have time for making Christmas gifts this past year...too busy with other projects (see below)! We finally got Mark's egg business to full capacity! It only took 3 years! This review is going to be mostly about Mark's egg business but I do want to mention that Joshua also had a big year and I will put some of his accomplishments at the end.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Side note: </b> Someone in the community contacted me this past week and wanted to meet and talk about self employment opportunities for people with disabilities. They have a daughter with developmental delays and learned of Mark's business at the Farmer's Market last summer. What a blessing! Wouldn't it be great if more people with disabilities are working in the community!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwFSFmaOl9AE1E9Kwl4b43Tnu7UXrdunb91skJWVL1vPPL3gbdf2TLpvQ_Le1hH0tOyPLIdYj1wRd0YujnDEiw1qLZYXNqYWlN78qXIYjYDojjqtZ27QxDgoXQQcgRpt6iXiogbgMXHWx92jT5hp5FaagN1UCnEuL4PqDDRXAP_XbrPx1obWBCoHO/s4032/IMG_0741.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwFSFmaOl9AE1E9Kwl4b43Tnu7UXrdunb91skJWVL1vPPL3gbdf2TLpvQ_Le1hH0tOyPLIdYj1wRd0YujnDEiw1qLZYXNqYWlN78qXIYjYDojjqtZ27QxDgoXQQcgRpt6iXiogbgMXHWx92jT5hp5FaagN1UCnEuL4PqDDRXAP_XbrPx1obWBCoHO/s320/IMG_0741.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>In late 2021, Mark got 75 Novagen chicks...the new coop was "mostly" finished so these girls went into the new coop in January! The coop is actually 2 coops that are joined by a storage area in the middle. These young girls went into the east coop...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSi0X8k5Ah5MXryWUMTw0VdCwbhI4LoiyemXZsNJTNDcgCXXHZy-p9ik1X6f-UHgP-zULbeDXaiDXmi_KGUmjFreB1koYjZKT92VavPcLBv_dqgBcmAEvPA3XxseFQFDdq_3yjlTRkc19dtCIAaH-aeHK_692PPEBQfYJYXwhOjrDm6ZXtWE62WpVx/s4032/IMG_0927.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSi0X8k5Ah5MXryWUMTw0VdCwbhI4LoiyemXZsNJTNDcgCXXHZy-p9ik1X6f-UHgP-zULbeDXaiDXmi_KGUmjFreB1koYjZKT92VavPcLBv_dqgBcmAEvPA3XxseFQFDdq_3yjlTRkc19dtCIAaH-aeHK_692PPEBQfYJYXwhOjrDm6ZXtWE62WpVx/s320/IMG_0927.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here is a pic of the run area that is on the east side of the east coop...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2N0cKQfVMTZZII9zvTOpGBcC8RjGwbH7JvowwiYxYxo2GT3EjsfCp-CRPWR_NtnR_G4hz6Gw-QiRB2CS3klbq3DJg7u06HftrmuL-OF8elOyaRJ-G4953zW2wxCcqbiZLB2zzgl975oaxPFXc9oOPH_6b8ccORJW16QgvSIUHVpfjBuuqLZRvLyVn/s4032/IMG_1207.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2N0cKQfVMTZZII9zvTOpGBcC8RjGwbH7JvowwiYxYxo2GT3EjsfCp-CRPWR_NtnR_G4hz6Gw-QiRB2CS3klbq3DJg7u06HftrmuL-OF8elOyaRJ-G4953zW2wxCcqbiZLB2zzgl975oaxPFXc9oOPH_6b8ccORJW16QgvSIUHVpfjBuuqLZRvLyVn/s320/IMG_1207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We got a portable grain bin to buy bulk feed in January and then in September, we were invited to get grain from a local feed mill! This will really help to keep the cost of feed manageable!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5mxOTrSn3TctEbWIg-U9jKBdLJUcIkSTr0nRRjiuXLyXfukFRib3mtWRaz6GYFIeW05pfK847BoQhdjtWs-ggXQ1abKUOne4NmmxwyXAqQkJ7La7jofygFmoi6m1nDlfFqtVRY9Nyv-b0gNahy5oUZmqYVhJLaGSXQO-P3y45FcXTaBe5_lPf3R2/s640/Grain%20bin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5mxOTrSn3TctEbWIg-U9jKBdLJUcIkSTr0nRRjiuXLyXfukFRib3mtWRaz6GYFIeW05pfK847BoQhdjtWs-ggXQ1abKUOne4NmmxwyXAqQkJ7La7jofygFmoi6m1nDlfFqtVRY9Nyv-b0gNahy5oUZmqYVhJLaGSXQO-P3y45FcXTaBe5_lPf3R2/s320/Grain%20bin.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">In the spring, the older chickens that were in the barn were moved into the west side of the new chicken coop...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbrJ1DSj5kO182co23-FOWqcnEVJgiuPgfESudNsy2j_ot5UbVEgLV0Wo6zhFeOyHKAZjRtlZ0jsxQsX7KQEathqNIMEaRuysMXpUPW3kYli8ApOKmSsGNRyRxK1XfUxz6WoO6p-wq8A7xusxYn1l1eAS6xeI3gsO1ktSfDl7lCrm8o19NPpCqgWC/s4032/IMG_1692.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbrJ1DSj5kO182co23-FOWqcnEVJgiuPgfESudNsy2j_ot5UbVEgLV0Wo6zhFeOyHKAZjRtlZ0jsxQsX7KQEathqNIMEaRuysMXpUPW3kYli8ApOKmSsGNRyRxK1XfUxz6WoO6p-wq8A7xusxYn1l1eAS6xeI3gsO1ktSfDl7lCrm8o19NPpCqgWC/s320/IMG_1692.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>There is a run on each side of the coop and then moveable paddocks that come off the run. Here is a pic of Mark standing in front of one of the white fenced paddocks. The paddocks are where the girls have access to good, green grass!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuvhifJHWQE3-gtf-r_nvaPa7ZW6mb0iowx3fBtMmcC2w6Ajm500bFOUiqy-jiX7Mh4L9lkl95whivHP9F-is7nrYvG18lijW9aLIT1VEXzRtjTfy_soN6p21pwBgOAzfgagi6lXCdhUhkaj4EpgBqdj0aShDpFOD-dDkUy1NJglJC2otnSl0T0YH/s4032/IMG_1703.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuvhifJHWQE3-gtf-r_nvaPa7ZW6mb0iowx3fBtMmcC2w6Ajm500bFOUiqy-jiX7Mh4L9lkl95whivHP9F-is7nrYvG18lijW9aLIT1VEXzRtjTfy_soN6p21pwBgOAzfgagi6lXCdhUhkaj4EpgBqdj0aShDpFOD-dDkUy1NJglJC2otnSl0T0YH/s320/IMG_1703.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here is another pic of the chickens in the paddock!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmyjqGNLo7wxgO0meGrofOQyYf3xTlimSYf435ByiIXsbgdtWL8ehYDEFviYoX3Mw7YzGfKJfg-knd34yARzkT3qptXiixv9gAFwPqywxGTmiDboR4GG9iLTzrxV9RqeXVLrTbP9hhLaiByTL5uYWxL066Z1Naw3YnND-BR8qyASd7Tj34dnhmHUU/s4032/IMG_1706.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmyjqGNLo7wxgO0meGrofOQyYf3xTlimSYf435ByiIXsbgdtWL8ehYDEFviYoX3Mw7YzGfKJfg-knd34yARzkT3qptXiixv9gAFwPqywxGTmiDboR4GG9iLTzrxV9RqeXVLrTbP9hhLaiByTL5uYWxL066Z1Naw3YnND-BR8qyASd7Tj34dnhmHUU/s320/IMG_1706.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The older chickens were getting "old"...so we decided to try a new breed of chicken to replace some of the older ladies. This breed is called ColorPack and they lay blue and green eggs! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7bhWWcIjomxTNWdW2ls0Dc0Ygua5fsOUU_sjgGx-_KsxbmYNhPAJkZjYYzKZmiZ6AUoBPUR9RkRDYthlFsp2jJF_h2BtlLZRYptLSw7BCsWy_HepbqB8YK4kV9vk9SMfVDJ71_YUekekoSRuFvN2dyaEMmTS7piuWUtMqFJ2DztmF8kwsH9DHlHb/s4032/IMG_1739.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7bhWWcIjomxTNWdW2ls0Dc0Ygua5fsOUU_sjgGx-_KsxbmYNhPAJkZjYYzKZmiZ6AUoBPUR9RkRDYthlFsp2jJF_h2BtlLZRYptLSw7BCsWy_HepbqB8YK4kV9vk9SMfVDJ71_YUekekoSRuFvN2dyaEMmTS7piuWUtMqFJ2DztmF8kwsH9DHlHb/s320/IMG_1739.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>We also decided to go a different direction with the future duck production. We got a pair of Welsh Harlequin ducks from a local farmer...white duck is the duck/female and the colorful guy is the drake...I call him Moby Duck... <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJfV-d6UiCIZnIheEl2JT_S2I-3x1VCqN7MilGTIkS_nXpIJdKecLH-TkpVvZR1c7hH3cNUKNcElE32EcPGsNaNenBsEzoKwQptNHGd4yOLRXWOn-14N10O6MAYsFKQqimf4KQ0RU7eiFLJ-ZKYywk289h5ZNcMGR5NDPmUg5Mx7752LA2Z9oOAlM/s640/Welsh%20harlequin%20ducks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJfV-d6UiCIZnIheEl2JT_S2I-3x1VCqN7MilGTIkS_nXpIJdKecLH-TkpVvZR1c7hH3cNUKNcElE32EcPGsNaNenBsEzoKwQptNHGd4yOLRXWOn-14N10O6MAYsFKQqimf4KQ0RU7eiFLJ-ZKYywk289h5ZNcMGR5NDPmUg5Mx7752LA2Z9oOAlM/s320/Welsh%20harlequin%20ducks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We realized that one duck was probably not going to be enough so we ordered 5 Welsh Harlequin ducklings. One didn't make it but the other 4 grew up and are in with the flock now. They are REALLY beautiful ducks!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzGJgJjS7XG8XmwKiadk8qn06W4624iYdnzJaWx2fzVh9jQbJyfnXYrUo6X95F3Z3POYXFDrfg4zKo0IHveGsfWROTF8W9SRI2PIZfgvRj7oWL-3dstI6036SYXZ-ll-s-R8nuNPLY6DaOHFkObKgXxjJG8fg1m6Q4meB8X9N5EVveWbqVSTivh3l/s4032/IMG_2438.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzGJgJjS7XG8XmwKiadk8qn06W4624iYdnzJaWx2fzVh9jQbJyfnXYrUo6X95F3Z3POYXFDrfg4zKo0IHveGsfWROTF8W9SRI2PIZfgvRj7oWL-3dstI6036SYXZ-ll-s-R8nuNPLY6DaOHFkObKgXxjJG8fg1m6Q4meB8X9N5EVveWbqVSTivh3l/s320/IMG_2438.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Back to the older chickens...we held a class on the farm to teach 5 other individuals how to process chickens and we processed them as stew hens. We are grateful for their egg laying these past 3 years...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4s3DKtLSLEUpM5_1r36gkyE54VZSpgnl4EgXY-zhawJuIeBop8vsEuMvP0_T92zLwIweTT1s3BVrN_PrnGM0fSQqHHXJa3riDn3cDh8oHSz4gqeJQK9YA4jBo6KxLTg3wFsqxTEcNqfRt-rqvZhLEzH-1m6IqtYZanyLsomjfd9Hvat5KtHPoi94/s640/IMG_2686%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4s3DKtLSLEUpM5_1r36gkyE54VZSpgnl4EgXY-zhawJuIeBop8vsEuMvP0_T92zLwIweTT1s3BVrN_PrnGM0fSQqHHXJa3riDn3cDh8oHSz4gqeJQK9YA4jBo6KxLTg3wFsqxTEcNqfRt-rqvZhLEzH-1m6IqtYZanyLsomjfd9Hvat5KtHPoi94/s320/IMG_2686%20(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Did a fun experiment with letting the girls make a jack-o-lantern this fall... the east coop REALLY loved the pumpkin! I was able to pull the pumpkin out of the paddock and grab this pic...I put it back into the paddock and when I came back in a couple hours, the entire pumpkin was gone and only the stump was left! It took the west coop DAYS to work on their pumpkin and I eventually threw it into the east coop...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYSdiYIauKtJzQmUuhwLsDGiCTv76M_WsC4s6HXFq8wEyg_gE4LV_Eqw2Pyx5E6iLFYwIjSCHHzuIXBJJu3WVTv1Qy2G4P2BL7MaW81Z-ym48ZKhEbXtHyADz3IKGjIglQbGdO5rYoGvi9sTtFvYks_PUoyI_77IK0swPVUhRvEcEJNyVlUjG3k3W/s640/IMG_2801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYSdiYIauKtJzQmUuhwLsDGiCTv76M_WsC4s6HXFq8wEyg_gE4LV_Eqw2Pyx5E6iLFYwIjSCHHzuIXBJJu3WVTv1Qy2G4P2BL7MaW81Z-ym48ZKhEbXtHyADz3IKGjIglQbGdO5rYoGvi9sTtFvYks_PUoyI_77IK0swPVUhRvEcEJNyVlUjG3k3W/s320/IMG_2801.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwunEggomRyZIu3kRrqMU7psr2uRs_mUlua6Go2aEfsxjd1VVhaiRHTcqih8NN5tdWOqSadaXUga-lX_Bvlvt6uz_0I65_Ds9YGX0jkVzywIJmDFwUmU8NmNbCrTMAI_ZtTiBxbSZNP2OCfndGFsidsz2A3KXmR-kl63wk8_v9LNX8WbIXtnSU24gd/s640/IMG_2804.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwunEggomRyZIu3kRrqMU7psr2uRs_mUlua6Go2aEfsxjd1VVhaiRHTcqih8NN5tdWOqSadaXUga-lX_Bvlvt6uz_0I65_Ds9YGX0jkVzywIJmDFwUmU8NmNbCrTMAI_ZtTiBxbSZNP2OCfndGFsidsz2A3KXmR-kl63wk8_v9LNX8WbIXtnSU24gd/s320/IMG_2804.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our oldest dog, Benjamin, had to be put down due to his age so we got a new dog. His name is Allen and he just turned one year old in October so we hope to have him around for a while...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1G4tpgf5KI2-wuQb6pqTca0GP2hhY7FjPBm_AswX_Yr3qk3LXhfBzDF49KBbvGKNElBVMlVP2HDCtKY_bs0deZrbaMrkoS6FMxjjkFsCn2p5mYq-Q0aKcOD0-_lCLZmmPnwOeENiXe23kZ15FDBUIPnqnCKtQw5fdfp5wQdd3kiSJSOCaA9CmZ23/s640/allen%20and%20chickens.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1G4tpgf5KI2-wuQb6pqTca0GP2hhY7FjPBm_AswX_Yr3qk3LXhfBzDF49KBbvGKNElBVMlVP2HDCtKY_bs0deZrbaMrkoS6FMxjjkFsCn2p5mYq-Q0aKcOD0-_lCLZmmPnwOeENiXe23kZ15FDBUIPnqnCKtQw5fdfp5wQdd3kiSJSOCaA9CmZ23/s320/allen%20and%20chickens.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>With 2 coops full of chickens now (FINALLY), Mark is getting LOTS of eggs this winter and we have plenty of eggs for all the delivery customers for the first time!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JkdtGKwq9hz5Tjo-qXjkcOWfp76g_lZKBe8D8Nf0zGm41znbacgRrRxtWOvz1y76hk2AyYhSxlMvi3irOzFFt_9n22PoRA5OaQJZKt9SGL67r4NQD78iKUWiuVEAg1Z1OF7_3F-1O9foAcXL5wGKzFdaC2EZIKoDIQcGD_2ICjurtol-E0hVbXjb/s4032/eggs%20in%20snow.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JkdtGKwq9hz5Tjo-qXjkcOWfp76g_lZKBe8D8Nf0zGm41znbacgRrRxtWOvz1y76hk2AyYhSxlMvi3irOzFFt_9n22PoRA5OaQJZKt9SGL67r4NQD78iKUWiuVEAg1Z1OF7_3F-1O9foAcXL5wGKzFdaC2EZIKoDIQcGD_2ICjurtol-E0hVbXjb/s320/eggs%20in%20snow.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just <b>another side note </b>to say that Denise started growing some ever lasting flowers this year to sell at the Farmers Market...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa853p51Rk3SBw5Faw1vp73sR_KAvqs58W17AuQEBYwpVcIljEeXTFJpmQ5G1jM2N3Qhsg3B2dpgpr6b4baYu7qYQcV1WlGzWXotDq_sUJVANRhsDHASzW1WIInUz_u86RUG7uM9AnBsk8OULAWyQ57P9gjzbsoN7U8fx7ZUoQAybHNaEH8Qy0utq/s640/Forever%20flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDa853p51Rk3SBw5Faw1vp73sR_KAvqs58W17AuQEBYwpVcIljEeXTFJpmQ5G1jM2N3Qhsg3B2dpgpr6b4baYu7qYQcV1WlGzWXotDq_sUJVANRhsDHASzW1WIInUz_u86RUG7uM9AnBsk8OULAWyQ57P9gjzbsoN7U8fx7ZUoQAybHNaEH8Qy0utq/s320/Forever%20flowers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Denise also added some flavored apple cider vinegar to her offerings...here we have some rose petal, chive and lemon vinegars brewing...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSLX-x-qSLw1LJBhu3IO2H-IK5TGFboTQEFk2oe00Ag8zUBeQA0WDSPI-YrlgMKs-VrobycFhWIv9TnCxNzk3JZHJMTI-yQYy-aDjFDPcPNz4yNdyqYYLcxVu7Z__ddlmYWFpUaeryk6jqY2FwxIZe5Ee-5RXehhEq9WyzGZcNxVDo1HxBDxsjOc4/s640/vinegars.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSLX-x-qSLw1LJBhu3IO2H-IK5TGFboTQEFk2oe00Ag8zUBeQA0WDSPI-YrlgMKs-VrobycFhWIv9TnCxNzk3JZHJMTI-yQYy-aDjFDPcPNz4yNdyqYYLcxVu7Z__ddlmYWFpUaeryk6jqY2FwxIZe5Ee-5RXehhEq9WyzGZcNxVDo1HxBDxsjOc4/s320/vinegars.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><b>Joshua had a big year</b>...first he was confirmed into the Catholic church...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRrBZo-6M4D_sK66NdrfVvbIBCp5wWh24IXo17zovZVTq8CGRzCRsPOZeK6DkTbkOyT_b8iSH-URq51rLPYjEn_OzboM4PxHFgjZmyAgjOgYVnkpeC2sgMcQSqoXucB7vx82Z-L2-xny6x1YNnLuf7F9aQOvJQZLBs0eWTqcBcxkMW-h8FfbH0u86/s1024/Joshua_Janet_Bishop%20Peter_1_042622.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRrBZo-6M4D_sK66NdrfVvbIBCp5wWh24IXo17zovZVTq8CGRzCRsPOZeK6DkTbkOyT_b8iSH-URq51rLPYjEn_OzboM4PxHFgjZmyAgjOgYVnkpeC2sgMcQSqoXucB7vx82Z-L2-xny6x1YNnLuf7F9aQOvJQZLBs0eWTqcBcxkMW-h8FfbH0u86/s320/Joshua_Janet_Bishop%20Peter_1_042622.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shortly after that he turned 18 years old in May...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnkx5Vwv_w5Up-V_oOYKYhXFH6-KU35OaSluTYXvTJ0SaWGDR7Z7OcrSvyse1JQ4Gq9kOUnvS5pwQ84gbmp48kaDmLjDk1Siyi85r362BVcmiaID8QV0db9Hv6BzLBW6WSraOHiMcejL8eQHt1MTfWjK89kOh5RpQjrdj1IWKqbFUm6YtW2Zl5D7A/s1200/Joshua%2018th%20birthday.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnkx5Vwv_w5Up-V_oOYKYhXFH6-KU35OaSluTYXvTJ0SaWGDR7Z7OcrSvyse1JQ4Gq9kOUnvS5pwQ84gbmp48kaDmLjDk1Siyi85r362BVcmiaID8QV0db9Hv6BzLBW6WSraOHiMcejL8eQHt1MTfWjK89kOh5RpQjrdj1IWKqbFUm6YtW2Zl5D7A/s320/Joshua%2018th%20birthday.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then, he graduated from Paradise Creek Regional High School...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2tRzp36evsqgVlawWrh35eiTFros540CrZXFyshGFxidqmhmjIzlAmVWHXA2mSMT-7bHVaSpnOx3NvuDlKT6jLp6qFnCnDn02tc_KSyMqQ9Zyz8_Coe7DlGZj2k2IJ0Fpbolre8tDC38PcV_wlvaVerynyw_Q5W3yOCkXWlAcFGnuShROiOL_QIE/s1024/Joshua%20Graduation_1921%20Center_060822.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2tRzp36evsqgVlawWrh35eiTFros540CrZXFyshGFxidqmhmjIzlAmVWHXA2mSMT-7bHVaSpnOx3NvuDlKT6jLp6qFnCnDn02tc_KSyMqQ9Zyz8_Coe7DlGZj2k2IJ0Fpbolre8tDC38PcV_wlvaVerynyw_Q5W3yOCkXWlAcFGnuShROiOL_QIE/s320/Joshua%20Graduation_1921%20Center_060822.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>...and started a job in the deli at WinCo!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WY5q8rxNt9epXPwxYWlfEXTGUZ4cGDLRhcyJifjGzWcaU11IsRFTW8vn0w2q9ZkSiENCkCfZBPMii3Az00vSH95J_T5DIvSIFTT4qcwmA4F-q99_IAW5VTvFakMbzV9lKRvIv16EfYqnqpRtofH5iwQv8QuYjbrNGYifN8Bq-PnCuMkVi9zDN_5y/s640/Joshua%20work.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="345" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WY5q8rxNt9epXPwxYWlfEXTGUZ4cGDLRhcyJifjGzWcaU11IsRFTW8vn0w2q9ZkSiENCkCfZBPMii3Az00vSH95J_T5DIvSIFTT4qcwmA4F-q99_IAW5VTvFakMbzV9lKRvIv16EfYqnqpRtofH5iwQv8QuYjbrNGYifN8Bq-PnCuMkVi9zDN_5y/s320/Joshua%20work.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Looking forward...</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">2022 was SO busy that we are hoping to just have a nice, quiet 2023! A couple of projects for 2023 include breeding the Welsh Harlequin ducks and harvesting some drakes which we have never done. There is also some work that needs to be done on the coops...believe it or not...the contractor did not actually finish the job (shocking, I know)...I want to put some rocks around the perimeter of the run to keep the girls from digging their way out. Also, at some point, probably not this year, we want to put up some type of structure over the runs to allow for shade in the summer and to keep some of the snow off that area in the winter. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One last piece of equipment we need is an egg washer...these are crazy expensive (several thousand dollars!) but it will allow Mark to wash the eggs and be more involved in the business (currently, I wash all the eggs). Hopefully, we will be purchasing this equipment in fall 2023...oh yeah...and Denise got 3 geese! We are looking forward to some goose eggs this spring! . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iyYxlGVQ_KtqXegpzWdI6TYtBl9H5OILuZohRj_cltmNR-7jeJb4EIGhsQcQmamZ6iWPYwKYXVSt6CVMFFweTcz4P_Q9ci5aaVi74DDr8ONvQshaHMY4S4pgno0zspXV1NVnlIqYgz8A2joVlq1CWj9n59TkPYv0hnihs3gMdabhAstCejOspz2w/s640/fodder%20and%20geese.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="640" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iyYxlGVQ_KtqXegpzWdI6TYtBl9H5OILuZohRj_cltmNR-7jeJb4EIGhsQcQmamZ6iWPYwKYXVSt6CVMFFweTcz4P_Q9ci5aaVi74DDr8ONvQshaHMY4S4pgno0zspXV1NVnlIqYgz8A2joVlq1CWj9n59TkPYv0hnihs3gMdabhAstCejOspz2w/s320/fodder%20and%20geese.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy New Year from the Wetzel family!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9gfsSc7c96WkeAq-pdWYehEvMaiS2Fa1kUS9cAFPx4c9brUVTuiI1QAPkKl9shcPkWwdQOvH1PMzPgXRMXGi9jjQV5uOpN6mOnqM1bQtBlo0i2jCsBsAz38xX-4CjWAryIRbeJIfp-e1KMmqZMXsgG9PGAo2SOooNV0mEvHHrD69PMnjfl3mrP_x/s540/family%20pic%202022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="540" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9gfsSc7c96WkeAq-pdWYehEvMaiS2Fa1kUS9cAFPx4c9brUVTuiI1QAPkKl9shcPkWwdQOvH1PMzPgXRMXGi9jjQV5uOpN6mOnqM1bQtBlo0i2jCsBsAz38xX-4CjWAryIRbeJIfp-e1KMmqZMXsgG9PGAo2SOooNV0mEvHHrD69PMnjfl3mrP_x/s320/family%20pic%202022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No wonder I am so tired all the time and can't think straight! Have an eggcellent day!</div>~Denise</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-75572917566369306892022-12-11T06:31:00.000-08:002022-12-11T06:31:05.104-08:00Farm Failures...<h3 style="text-align: left;"> On the Farm</h3><div>Not everything goes according to plan on the farm. Poultry feed is expensive so I am always looking for some alternative ways to get protein for the girls and ladies. Last winter, I tried 2 different ways of doing this...black soldier flies and duckweed and neither one worked! Let's start by looking at the black soldier flies...</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Black Soldier Flies</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_YKyFqXyAHG_aIDenQ5iRNOAH0D0tCe_xmhdRBmWcMJVPQSqSoVZY9hCTto1k-QteYcoEeb9cehT6SbSUqD2N0Ut3-1LSlhWA0rox4rHOZSEtIPuG6UpA5cOI6JeWeV0njP2uuMQbwFhrPZ1dFapLA_THJG1MYgrOlTp1zE8HDs4qoG9VdaUBK7t/s4032/IMG_1046.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_YKyFqXyAHG_aIDenQ5iRNOAH0D0tCe_xmhdRBmWcMJVPQSqSoVZY9hCTto1k-QteYcoEeb9cehT6SbSUqD2N0Ut3-1LSlhWA0rox4rHOZSEtIPuG6UpA5cOI6JeWeV0njP2uuMQbwFhrPZ1dFapLA_THJG1MYgrOlTp1zE8HDs4qoG9VdaUBK7t/s320/IMG_1046.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To begin, let me explain that the chickens/ducks don't actually eat the fly. They eat the mature larvae. The flies do not bite and only hang around for a few days to mate, lay eggs and then die. Black soldier flies are super high in protein...usually over 30% depending on what they are eating. Another benefit of black soldier flies is that they can eat coffee grounds, manure and decaying vegetable matter...things you normally need to get rid of anyway! The idea of turning waste products into protein and calcium rich poultry treats is tempting! I bought a special bin to grow the black soldier flies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnV6PhWMWwKVYKRo3YKBZWij0AGahPgelwFmP-Idy22CnDzztOS9w_MUkY9gRsHLyFOlg4BUO2A9ApumvY88fif0kF7Zdk3F4WJRGQyWjwA0_XV4guOuLjBmA25WKy_n3zAmIyX0YNDHF-ecjTh0n1gWrm_ekEXj_LS1AXuXc0MfIScTVIrs8W4WbA/s4032/IMG_0886.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnV6PhWMWwKVYKRo3YKBZWij0AGahPgelwFmP-Idy22CnDzztOS9w_MUkY9gRsHLyFOlg4BUO2A9ApumvY88fif0kF7Zdk3F4WJRGQyWjwA0_XV4guOuLjBmA25WKy_n3zAmIyX0YNDHF-ecjTh0n1gWrm_ekEXj_LS1AXuXc0MfIScTVIrs8W4WbA/s320/IMG_0886.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then, I purchased some larvae..they are the small white things. They are about the size of rice...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKr7hdhNaLoCQJMOwwcFhANMVIDgz7hIr6kf0tB8aVFEPY9RW9_5JdnmKQNDhrk7dMAvzxgOr29qGli6qmtsYhgqX0Ggb7vEaj-aRja4lJ0KcpF4OFn8uJVAOtH2x8p5i3wSvmQxu7CFt3Rl68GjyGmFPx_WFL2__y41STn_KA882OFN7z2kP5u0q/s4032/IMG_0884.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAKr7hdhNaLoCQJMOwwcFhANMVIDgz7hIr6kf0tB8aVFEPY9RW9_5JdnmKQNDhrk7dMAvzxgOr29qGli6qmtsYhgqX0Ggb7vEaj-aRja4lJ0KcpF4OFn8uJVAOtH2x8p5i3wSvmQxu7CFt3Rl68GjyGmFPx_WFL2__y41STn_KA882OFN7z2kP5u0q/s320/IMG_0884.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Inside the bin, I started with putting in some soaked corn, oatmeal and a little compost to get the larvae started...you can see the ramps at the bottom of this pic on either side of the oatmeal...more on that in a bit...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_SYtKw9gZ6fhvFphhjbylgzhSxRweB2yfA5qZcu1fGS19rN53478e6NK2pTUMT6oZT_B0OUn-dobr8wvObBb-chddgRGR4dIefahfo1q1EZkkwLB-DoN54wgEhqI6jaVPu8fVBbmG23zh2adcZBtwqs2QkCU7RJpXyBSSqzkEVvKTLdAJqHtx6GA/s4032/IMG_0888.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_SYtKw9gZ6fhvFphhjbylgzhSxRweB2yfA5qZcu1fGS19rN53478e6NK2pTUMT6oZT_B0OUn-dobr8wvObBb-chddgRGR4dIefahfo1q1EZkkwLB-DoN54wgEhqI6jaVPu8fVBbmG23zh2adcZBtwqs2QkCU7RJpXyBSSqzkEVvKTLdAJqHtx6GA/s320/IMG_0888.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I placed them in their "food" and then covered them up so they had a little privacy...also, they like it dark...and they can lay their eggs in the burlap. I also put some cardboard in for them to lay eggs inside the corrugation...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcixjV1nwRbSqrT2CeTB0Utwml11i4i4b9LIacFVuSFxv7Xiwu4zknNoSr8owkaa1kNQ7FeY7frZe9db7fgmoRLKPG2cOsD0utek-Jp96HI-0d1IIqKOjWFhxR6yf363BtZ4xuUgSS8nmmQhWZ973UuLOMRK6_-mOmmkkbKFQZEfsg5_LnUkWuX-J/s4032/IMG_0892.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcixjV1nwRbSqrT2CeTB0Utwml11i4i4b9LIacFVuSFxv7Xiwu4zknNoSr8owkaa1kNQ7FeY7frZe9db7fgmoRLKPG2cOsD0utek-Jp96HI-0d1IIqKOjWFhxR6yf363BtZ4xuUgSS8nmmQhWZ973UuLOMRK6_-mOmmkkbKFQZEfsg5_LnUkWuX-J/s320/IMG_0892.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>They LOVE moldy old vegetables!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLFJjQSiJ9Yxj16O_krAixWtIgaZP58KaLZuVUOHmLl7n2-ksVHWNf7GHW4wI4Gv6Rfr-5Oa1-3ZtbqSfhBh90rDucBMBW-mQWzSTWzTaEKK9caM2F7j_D9XGei2XuSQ-_K_1wTWGtU0k0AbIA9Ygz7MHvrElKBQFmze_2WGOic53D6kpUoBMLLQ7/s4032/IMG_0980.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLFJjQSiJ9Yxj16O_krAixWtIgaZP58KaLZuVUOHmLl7n2-ksVHWNf7GHW4wI4Gv6Rfr-5Oa1-3ZtbqSfhBh90rDucBMBW-mQWzSTWzTaEKK9caM2F7j_D9XGei2XuSQ-_K_1wTWGtU0k0AbIA9Ygz7MHvrElKBQFmze_2WGOic53D6kpUoBMLLQ7/s320/IMG_0980.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The larvae grew and then when it is time for them to pupate, they head to the surface and crawl up, up, up...the bin I was using had a special ramp (see in one of the previous pics) that the larvae could climb up and then they would fall into a bucket and I could take the bucket out to the chickens and ducks. Yes, they are self harvesting! It just does not get any better than this! At least, that is how it was supposed to work...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAK9ohzBNKZIVys_9c6Wero61XohS_2X9CWRDe95El3LZTDOM0mGRxlm-HjID5zhLofzq9GwfY-sCq4nCeMQ0AS5SrzGo8JEwTL5JxAfcH9fnYbrvA1_JwTeaU7uEhbohY_z4mZR4hg9lh4vtZkLFahGbfI-OZczjFB_fBPR5mJfypqwaQ9OMO7Y4r/s1500/BSF-commercial-life-cycle-.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1500" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAK9ohzBNKZIVys_9c6Wero61XohS_2X9CWRDe95El3LZTDOM0mGRxlm-HjID5zhLofzq9GwfY-sCq4nCeMQ0AS5SrzGo8JEwTL5JxAfcH9fnYbrvA1_JwTeaU7uEhbohY_z4mZR4hg9lh4vtZkLFahGbfI-OZczjFB_fBPR5mJfypqwaQ9OMO7Y4r/w400-h259/BSF-commercial-life-cycle-.png" width="400" /></a></div>...some of the pupae did climb out and some became adult flies. BUT it seems that the adult flies did not mate to lay eggs! Obviously, the life cycle could not continue. I don't know why they would not mate. I thought it might be too cold for them. In the summer, I took the bin outside and I noticed several black soldier flies in the bin! I was hopeful that I may be able to get the bin started and then bring it back inside for the winter. BUT they never laid any eggs either in the summer! I have not had a lot of time to troubleshoot this. I did read in one article that light intensity has to be at a certain level. I also read that they need a good amount of humidity which is something we do not have here in north Idaho (but as long as you keep their feed wet, that should be good enough). IDK...not sure when I may try this again...if anyone has suggestions, I would be happy to hear them!<div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Duckweed</h4><div>Another idea I had read about is growing duckweed. I read that it is SO easy to grow and doubles in volume every few days. It is also high in protein (30-50%). It can be invasive so I planned to grow it in one of the duck swimming pools. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uFnvvvuipj5gk6Jn0WbrN32-xa_R-_e43xSGCSNFtOnmy14RKk70LPtk22BRmD-zZ5CB-fxpGI9ipDUOoLIFOiQl4wCSb0koMk2u07czz53gud61dhAp5ejEbm4daJFmOcs9QVMqCt7uK3qO1feHs9cuN2FBk3DxxVGfklXQ_yCkDqVKYspXs8bt/s550/duckweed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="550" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uFnvvvuipj5gk6Jn0WbrN32-xa_R-_e43xSGCSNFtOnmy14RKk70LPtk22BRmD-zZ5CB-fxpGI9ipDUOoLIFOiQl4wCSb0koMk2u07czz53gud61dhAp5ejEbm4daJFmOcs9QVMqCt7uK3qO1feHs9cuN2FBk3DxxVGfklXQ_yCkDqVKYspXs8bt/s320/duckweed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>I ordered it in the winter and kept it out on the garden porch with the fodder system but it did not seem to be thriving at all. I thought maybe it just too cool out there and put a heat pad under the bucket but it just limped along. I kept it going so that I could put it in the small swimming pool in the summer. I thought surely with the warm summer days it would just take off! BUT still nothing! As with the black soldier fly system, I have not had much time to troubleshoot. I did read that it likes high fertility and I did not add anything to the water so maybe that was the issue...it was such a miserable failure that I did not even keep any pics of it!</div><div><br /></div><div>If anyone has tips about growing black soldier flies or duckweed, please let me know. Most all the articles that I read online talk about how easy it is to grow both of these things but I failed miserably at both! Luckily, we don't NEED the black soldier flies or duckweed but just thought it would be a nice addition to the fodder, sunflower seeds, pumpkin, dried flower/herbs and other treats we offer to the girls and ladies.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>~Denise</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-17823869226125193542022-11-27T05:58:00.000-08:002022-11-27T05:58:04.501-08:00Elderberries<h2 style="text-align: left;"> On the Farm and in the Neighborhood...</h2><div>I really like elderberries! Each year I love them more! I know people are crazy about huckleberries but elderberries are flavorful, nutritious, and more abundant. They can be grown in your yard and they also grow in the wild and are easy to pick! I can pick a gallon of elderberries in a couple minutes and it usually takes a couple hours to pick that many huckleberries. We have 2 elderberry bushes on the farm. They are loaded with flowers in the spring and they smell amazing! However, for some reason, we don't get a lot of berries. Luckily, I know where there are a few bushes around town and I forage from these bushes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtIbr4NPeuiXBElXzL539bcccsaGCIdlbXfOx-D0Wb-EI9iSxKBncx-yW50DdTJKVbTn8bDKh0AntlfuYzH1qo3fJQE53cVsHcEVsklmhlaJWnCDN-3aKYbnF0xEa-VGgBRahzzZpi7RuQ_Xz4Pm_K5ojaA8WIQLbKs9GPAg5eABHgCM-yjjeSDkO/s1600/Elderberry.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtIbr4NPeuiXBElXzL539bcccsaGCIdlbXfOx-D0Wb-EI9iSxKBncx-yW50DdTJKVbTn8bDKh0AntlfuYzH1qo3fJQE53cVsHcEVsklmhlaJWnCDN-3aKYbnF0xEa-VGgBRahzzZpi7RuQ_Xz4Pm_K5ojaA8WIQLbKs9GPAg5eABHgCM-yjjeSDkO/s320/Elderberry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I see elderberries is two colors, black and blue. The bushes we have on the farm are blue. I see blue ones in town a lot and black ones on the mountains. Because of this dark purple color, the elderberries contain very high levels of the antioxidants. The high antioxidant activity decreases inflammation and improving circulation. <div><div><br /></div><div>Elderberry’s are also known for its ability to ward off viruses. This comes through the action of a potent antiviral component, antivirin, which affects the properties of viruses, preventing them from entering cells in order to replicate. Elderberries are loaded with Vitamin C too so an elderberry syrup defeats the common cold with a one-two punch.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>IMPORTANT: Raw berries are NOT eaten intentionally because they contain a cyanoglycoside that can cause illness. Heating/cooking the berries is a safe way to prepare them. Usually, I am juicing the berries with my steamer juicer so the high heat deactivates the cyanoglycoside.</div><div><br /></div><div>The elderflower also has medicinal properties and can be made into a tea or steeped to make a <a href="https://thehappyherbalhome.com/elderflower-syrup-recipe/" target="_blank">sweet, floral syrup</a>. This elderflower syrup is popular in Europe and people add a little of the syrup to seltzer or club soda and drink in the summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKI1YAM0JXSk3PmdN8DDZDlBpZ5kruNcTze7wq8sNybEXwknkkwF-O5LwJ2WHSbD08Wz5ydqKv_nZZnJk4A8XtcQRywHoJ5rBPprFFKWlQbV59KOzQRDu2qfOxUglRBencIwTbHr_gk4u3ns0bdk6FTansYjfUL-JGPcKwLg980FDAVyPMtPsyBTe/s1164/elderb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1164" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKI1YAM0JXSk3PmdN8DDZDlBpZ5kruNcTze7wq8sNybEXwknkkwF-O5LwJ2WHSbD08Wz5ydqKv_nZZnJk4A8XtcQRywHoJ5rBPprFFKWlQbV59KOzQRDu2qfOxUglRBencIwTbHr_gk4u3ns0bdk6FTansYjfUL-JGPcKwLg980FDAVyPMtPsyBTe/s320/elderb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The flowers can also be dipped in batter and fried...kind of like an apple fritter. Yum! I did make some Elderflower Jelly and it turned out great! Sometimes, the floral jellies do not have much flavor but this one did not disappoint. Will definitely be making this one again...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FnCxyir8a7Tg1bNTOkESXLBwGFxWWnip0rsAIX4ggJnE-2rATDYNeglicFYKXAMBJ-CABSQHPrX3UL8a7g9dD3Wrzh5fZyrvocr2sV98qOr96A5knxv2tRHc2Uinzr7ll3dPR92v5uS2LHW7VAHjZ8GIr-EsL08DZDhJxcGdRmpOATsTQR-Jti9Z/s640/Elderflower%20jelly%20pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FnCxyir8a7Tg1bNTOkESXLBwGFxWWnip0rsAIX4ggJnE-2rATDYNeglicFYKXAMBJ-CABSQHPrX3UL8a7g9dD3Wrzh5fZyrvocr2sV98qOr96A5knxv2tRHc2Uinzr7ll3dPR92v5uS2LHW7VAHjZ8GIr-EsL08DZDhJxcGdRmpOATsTQR-Jti9Z/s320/Elderflower%20jelly%20pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>I make jelly with elderberry juice and I add a little sugar to the juice to make syrup and add that to the lemonade to sell at the Farmers Market. The jelly is one of Henry's favorites. I do have some "medicinal" elderberry syrup that I made for us to take when we feel some sickness coming on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcqjh7w046CPwXJyfmCdNrImBLX2LvAbdzigSXXQrSeODcK891K6vCeXbUG7uNTcKKB-VVjD2mCy2UpOqIUHThCmmcWHJNNJDc0VWYiufaEUltmZ9iko7XaZzz_k1F_1MQX1I9D95W-OPGjmuX9RDhcmNxnyGXmObEc5oWAT_DCrcKJmQd5FE0uF8/s640/elderberry%20jelly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcqjh7w046CPwXJyfmCdNrImBLX2LvAbdzigSXXQrSeODcK891K6vCeXbUG7uNTcKKB-VVjD2mCy2UpOqIUHThCmmcWHJNNJDc0VWYiufaEUltmZ9iko7XaZzz_k1F_1MQX1I9D95W-OPGjmuX9RDhcmNxnyGXmObEc5oWAT_DCrcKJmQd5FE0uF8/s320/elderberry%20jelly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>There is some for sale in the online store too! Whenever I hear Mark start to cough, I start giving him some of the elderberry syrup several times a day. I would actually like to try making some elderberry wine at some point but I will need a lot more elderberries. I do add some of the syrup to my homemade kombucha and it is delicious!</div><div><br /></div><div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>~Denise<br /><div><br /></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-855028804159041302022-11-13T06:18:00.000-08:002022-11-13T06:18:54.173-08:0050th Anniversary Celebration!<h2 style="text-align: left;"> In Kansas...</h2><div>The end of October, our whole family headed to Kansas to celebrate Denise's parents 50th Anniversary. Technically, their anniversary is not until November 25th, BUT they were celebrating with 2 other couples so that it would be one big party! The couples all got married in 1972 and are good friends. We started the festivities with a mass. Two of the couples have children that are priests. Here is Fr. John leading the couples in a renewal of their wedding vows. Fr. John was in my class in school growing up so I know him well. It is a small community so I know a lot of people there...naturally...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxmbRos1x9P4K38mRPYbnv4bek7Q6cR1ehExDbFxsHcJ10MxX_oEQPIj1693MeMkYqeF96wh7909BxN5wlVBDkRaYQ19K1EW0dG9SJJK7b5n4ELAfuKxKRPtrWKmaWOKVOXB7zuNFFqVmi7aKUR3JUXyx3j_N0grzduy_FYORsWnDwrIAwfl4v5X3/s4032/IMG_2850.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxmbRos1x9P4K38mRPYbnv4bek7Q6cR1ehExDbFxsHcJ10MxX_oEQPIj1693MeMkYqeF96wh7909BxN5wlVBDkRaYQ19K1EW0dG9SJJK7b5n4ELAfuKxKRPtrWKmaWOKVOXB7zuNFFqVmi7aKUR3JUXyx3j_N0grzduy_FYORsWnDwrIAwfl4v5X3/s320/IMG_2850.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The happy couples take a pic after the Mass. My parents the middle couple...Dennis and Terry Klenda...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAhJoz620KQE5Yhpd62eXw-i7YiEI9FdM6q8SIRKlTaPse1BrHRd7OUhqWrL7PZ8fCdGfpWanVO4Kg6xPTocW1dejcJEJD01t4UQmeyvyOD-wBMS5BnxUhTsYxLilxhmh2Ug_ftkwK9I_I14Rcww34jym0F73vUq_dx4NlZO748s-55TYzC0nueXf/s1440/FB_IMG_1667138126138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAhJoz620KQE5Yhpd62eXw-i7YiEI9FdM6q8SIRKlTaPse1BrHRd7OUhqWrL7PZ8fCdGfpWanVO4Kg6xPTocW1dejcJEJD01t4UQmeyvyOD-wBMS5BnxUhTsYxLilxhmh2Ug_ftkwK9I_I14Rcww34jym0F73vUq_dx4NlZO748s-55TYzC0nueXf/s320/FB_IMG_1667138126138.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is an invite that went out before the event and the pics of the happy couples on their wedding days...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6C-QES18rsk7NNXeGXwgchrG2cixD18u4TxbEZPTXObiBoERp-irnC3VtpKkPswpp5p1Es6qNmjXGhAiGh946ORRRtwJlyx_pf0IrKBHi_xzGLP409KgJVao_HWOEo8ziNqcDxU0UQ5GcUHXrnY3bfe2i3mVqhK-9xhMN5-zEzc4N1wmWKHhec5IE/s1920/anniversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1920" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6C-QES18rsk7NNXeGXwgchrG2cixD18u4TxbEZPTXObiBoERp-irnC3VtpKkPswpp5p1Es6qNmjXGhAiGh946ORRRtwJlyx_pf0IrKBHi_xzGLP409KgJVao_HWOEo8ziNqcDxU0UQ5GcUHXrnY3bfe2i3mVqhK-9xhMN5-zEzc4N1wmWKHhec5IE/w400-h210/anniversary.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>After the mass, each family had their own dinner and then we met at the Community Center in town for a cake cutting ceremony.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlfiYz940H1cQZ-9bPLW8YBQEHJmTVQG0DT7a05DqIbERPQJP8n8EC3G88m-TIHEUKctHYwjoV5qjR4ri5t1muAyjTXU9lgr1X8PTt7i0SYqWrn6eP1vCHlxK11YpVGxtDU0s64yrbDk/s4032/IMG_2855.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlfiYz940H1cQZ-9bPLW8YBQEHJmTVQG0DT7a05DqIbERPQJP8n8EC3G88m-TIHEUKctHYwjoV5qjR4ri5t1muAyjTXU9lgr1X8PTt7i0SYqWrn6eP1vCHlxK11YpVGxtDU0s64yrbDk/s320/IMG_2855.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQajwjAVFC8N_1MBIYIRrFK6mIMSiPw8YAYh8pU0JLb9YaGIizcQD2pwowlACEBt4-2UQs7MJGjQGjvEEwaUBX4G_hKwb1Sz3nRkQQ5ypgRz4ML0bCICxDYZ7mIHWfSBbLyHDRN9Rl7MaAhqNiV44kXZE6hx41TCYlcmRw8Nfm6opTUryMs2oGo9u/s4032/IMG_3759.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQajwjAVFC8N_1MBIYIRrFK6mIMSiPw8YAYh8pU0JLb9YaGIizcQD2pwowlACEBt4-2UQs7MJGjQGjvEEwaUBX4G_hKwb1Sz3nRkQQ5ypgRz4ML0bCICxDYZ7mIHWfSBbLyHDRN9Rl7MaAhqNiV44kXZE6hx41TCYlcmRw8Nfm6opTUryMs2oGo9u/s320/IMG_3759.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can watch a video of the cake cutting here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7yh-ckxDc2Y" width="320" youtube-src-id="7yh-ckxDc2Y"></iframe></div><br /><div>Here is a pic of my family...from left to right...Denise (me), Tyler (brother), Dennis (father), Terry (mother), Dale (brother) and Darlene (sister). Joshua took this pic for me so that is why it is a little crooked...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-GvMSJumsKJyeZjIhC3HE8_JIMTogQY309v5HhjXKcxMnjGgtwblx-6FC_IhZx59vgTd0wSlgN_OTmW20UDNNMzp5Jbov9eE40i2qDC7J_JLAY2G6dw6JI1OSmmSvyvw4kqCDhg2T_IOnvMMHh_R3leWD_gDyHDilXdFl-v1lNXvIkvwc8eVbA2t/s2804/IMG_2862.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2804" data-original-width="2141" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-GvMSJumsKJyeZjIhC3HE8_JIMTogQY309v5HhjXKcxMnjGgtwblx-6FC_IhZx59vgTd0wSlgN_OTmW20UDNNMzp5Jbov9eE40i2qDC7J_JLAY2G6dw6JI1OSmmSvyvw4kqCDhg2T_IOnvMMHh_R3leWD_gDyHDilXdFl-v1lNXvIkvwc8eVbA2t/s320/IMG_2862.HEIC" width="244" /></a></div>Then, cake was served to everyone! Here is a pic of my brothers serving the cake and being goofy...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuIShtCubP0rNRjK0Brt3uC5VkDlWXnBmQB_8ahgbq2IWT5Cmgrgdqb8MRPyasuzyce_ePN-KcBUZYyznC0CHkK8j0x6wimahuLPLeL0gSVq3HaFZR7RHvIvdFaMI5I-hdutzBkNVxi79tJDDdfMmlGEASqRjo1Yu9LVXV2S9agYPOTl1J2a4Slts/s4032/IMG_3763.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuIShtCubP0rNRjK0Brt3uC5VkDlWXnBmQB_8ahgbq2IWT5Cmgrgdqb8MRPyasuzyce_ePN-KcBUZYyznC0CHkK8j0x6wimahuLPLeL0gSVq3HaFZR7RHvIvdFaMI5I-hdutzBkNVxi79tJDDdfMmlGEASqRjo1Yu9LVXV2S9agYPOTl1J2a4Slts/s320/IMG_3763.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>Then, the polka dance began! The couples had a dance first and you can watch that here:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ia_0HKXhi6Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="ia_0HKXhi6Q"></iframe></div><div>More dancing fun! And an open bar! It was a great event! The name of the polka band was called <a href="https://barefootbecky.com/" target="_blank">Barefoot Becky</a> and she really did play barefoot all evening! They came down from Iowa!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXdlFkEIV5cVnYNP_MdtB9eY68-3vpws7Xf28I6ypG_bEFqunaXRpcCxBSUZgqdOFGiJsSUNNDXnf7HXd1b8HvQNd4zFHV7hbNduIsmlHEaKg7emfn-ixkw5_JzdX9dH7nSJ7kOxx43eqTHSiqH7IRaCwvJgCmhHvvyzVQ0HNgdznMvu6TG1QckXg/s1536/20180119_193058-1536x864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1536" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXdlFkEIV5cVnYNP_MdtB9eY68-3vpws7Xf28I6ypG_bEFqunaXRpcCxBSUZgqdOFGiJsSUNNDXnf7HXd1b8HvQNd4zFHV7hbNduIsmlHEaKg7emfn-ixkw5_JzdX9dH7nSJ7kOxx43eqTHSiqH7IRaCwvJgCmhHvvyzVQ0HNgdznMvu6TG1QckXg/s320/20180119_193058-1536x864.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZDh9tzsHzZFCbEXa2KOtgOxi1d-haUml-vhL_gLOT0DcakBuJtg0WaLvgBjmbd8-YfIUgiy267tfIcV4YKbeTRZjqhq6BoNc8sNUaJZ-H4ZxZD7mG5D8f5x269xrQVvUngb4DMhEBf4WtwaAW7-QpzrR0fWDXauxDOYQgMSUh6dxbiOwE2mgVleo/s4000/IMG_20221029_190915394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZDh9tzsHzZFCbEXa2KOtgOxi1d-haUml-vhL_gLOT0DcakBuJtg0WaLvgBjmbd8-YfIUgiy267tfIcV4YKbeTRZjqhq6BoNc8sNUaJZ-H4ZxZD7mG5D8f5x269xrQVvUngb4DMhEBf4WtwaAW7-QpzrR0fWDXauxDOYQgMSUh6dxbiOwE2mgVleo/s320/IMG_20221029_190915394.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r2y8TmTYl-w" width="320" youtube-src-id="r2y8TmTYl-w"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So grateful to my siblings for organizing this event with the other families. It was a crazy amount of work and I felt pretty useless being several hundred miles away. I was so happy to see some cousins that I have not seen for years and my aunt for Pennsylvania flew out for the event too. A wonderful family came to take care of all the girls at the farm while we were gone. It was so nice to not have to worry about that while we were having fun in Kansas!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have an eggcellent day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">~Denise</div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-69867667120022013242022-10-30T06:15:00.000-07:002022-10-30T06:15:51.549-07:00Chicken Pumpkin Challenge<h3 style="text-align: left;"> In the Paddock</h3><div>Had some fun letting the girls make a jack-o-lanterns! This is part of a Chicken Pumpkin Challenge that has been going around on Tik Tok. You scrape off a bit of the pumpkin where you want the chickens to peck and then let them create their own jack-o-lantern. Here is the pumpkin with a little bit of the face scraped off...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfF2ZzPhkEnxC64jdn1ZHXPpYQvBXLY8zsmEva4X1rFgklDG-83tongTFwJdQeftCBxyXdjFMv-SCqKhyRQDQRa2C7GIwDD9_teL8a9KDkMmUQbx7PC2l5fCu5seSeyje9MeqoMnKzM5lkCHbCe8SnoN3g_sdsmpP3D_eglyabGgly0bvuMq8jeFPI/s640/IMG_2792.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfF2ZzPhkEnxC64jdn1ZHXPpYQvBXLY8zsmEva4X1rFgklDG-83tongTFwJdQeftCBxyXdjFMv-SCqKhyRQDQRa2C7GIwDD9_teL8a9KDkMmUQbx7PC2l5fCu5seSeyje9MeqoMnKzM5lkCHbCe8SnoN3g_sdsmpP3D_eglyabGgly0bvuMq8jeFPI/s320/IMG_2792.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The girls in the east coop dived right in and started pecking away...they even made their own holes in the back of the pumpkin!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfF2ZzPhkEnxC64jdn1ZHXPpYQvBXLY8zsmEva4X1rFgklDG-83tongTFwJdQeftCBxyXdjFMv-SCqKhyRQDQRa2C7GIwDD9_teL8a9KDkMmUQbx7PC2l5fCu5seSeyje9MeqoMnKzM5lkCHbCe8SnoN3g_sdsmpP3D_eglyabGgly0bvuMq8jeFPI/s640/IMG_2792.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxH9ueALW6z6OTMS4Yn4UM9gzba86LAZlFlkXq9Y6GllbqxcSwTo2-tpvmry2B0VX0kud6pRf5WR69iBKi-x2SrBB8kr0W6l2J9jduCO8_98RJW8ZgOJ0dYl9kR9LcCrf-gplJjD7GkDpSHXd_gHjXRayHPxdtRSjwjNHnxKdqbsgJJ0asmp2IktFC/s640/IMG_2802.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxH9ueALW6z6OTMS4Yn4UM9gzba86LAZlFlkXq9Y6GllbqxcSwTo2-tpvmry2B0VX0kud6pRf5WR69iBKi-x2SrBB8kr0W6l2J9jduCO8_98RJW8ZgOJ0dYl9kR9LcCrf-gplJjD7GkDpSHXd_gHjXRayHPxdtRSjwjNHnxKdqbsgJJ0asmp2IktFC/s320/IMG_2802.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEtSTFC6Ud7cYyRwCmMOUJ0X7D2WTqaeq6YuB2hLdJrD5KwK6_GZ7CoF0sLQtto2IhlhCcbnFXfNeTCt0fjR3iFybCbikcEBufPP_Lr0ZPqaWIe4Od0ue9lFUUnLkOCQRuzDiqVrNgKmPxC3AIfFs8P25vKn_37vIo2DNfmATWPvqXIq64otFQGV6/s640/IMG_2804.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEtSTFC6Ud7cYyRwCmMOUJ0X7D2WTqaeq6YuB2hLdJrD5KwK6_GZ7CoF0sLQtto2IhlhCcbnFXfNeTCt0fjR3iFybCbikcEBufPP_Lr0ZPqaWIe4Od0ue9lFUUnLkOCQRuzDiqVrNgKmPxC3AIfFs8P25vKn_37vIo2DNfmATWPvqXIq64otFQGV6/s320/IMG_2804.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They got one eye done so I took the opportunity to pull the pumpkin out of the paddock and grab a quick pic...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi340koPvX_6DvFtPBviM6Ju0gT2-hDd23NNRonJ2tE_L0U-vfIRK_-l0KlYb-UIqop8dQLgjHr9sWq2dg7qxb3jIi8TlwvV9GOIfl3sxammTJ4EOOlvclsI-KLc6hgSEw0hTu7Y1byz5b88faroBolX0BrUO5J4UiArt90SCpgIDKfqM8Vbo0jqFbq/s640/IMG_2800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi340koPvX_6DvFtPBviM6Ju0gT2-hDd23NNRonJ2tE_L0U-vfIRK_-l0KlYb-UIqop8dQLgjHr9sWq2dg7qxb3jIi8TlwvV9GOIfl3sxammTJ4EOOlvclsI-KLc6hgSEw0hTu7Y1byz5b88faroBolX0BrUO5J4UiArt90SCpgIDKfqM8Vbo0jqFbq/s320/IMG_2800.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The girls were anxiously waiting for me to give them their pumpkin back...they ended up eating the entire pumpkin in just a few hours!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-v_KsHicNV-QgnrmFYeOEjKVVDtflCoWBPsV0sZz5N-jSZiZTOgVykIAGaNJvQRQid76_NgcQdc51RKpG51VaRTYG008DHg7zGMML_S-oPGB0PdV9H0jV2K3lsxLcxZ69b4-EIxqZHUDgm_dc8NJZ4SIdGVVZTaY8k4j9jaahi-3u_fW9A3uemKt/s640/IMG_2801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-v_KsHicNV-QgnrmFYeOEjKVVDtflCoWBPsV0sZz5N-jSZiZTOgVykIAGaNJvQRQid76_NgcQdc51RKpG51VaRTYG008DHg7zGMML_S-oPGB0PdV9H0jV2K3lsxLcxZ69b4-EIxqZHUDgm_dc8NJZ4SIdGVVZTaY8k4j9jaahi-3u_fW9A3uemKt/s320/IMG_2801.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here is the pumpkin in the west coop...they took a couple of days to get their jack-o-lantern completed...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoe5fSXlBgpqmmoRGL5TltLyk2nqYN5mRWgvn-VmNc4DXwe4NdA2Z4A1s3FNgxZxQmPkSqdVMKzzXM8FdSzD1GzGiD_fXrq53YzDsOtLNqcC4WNQNpwwrNSmlof-ku5ltAJXYcQTdpIGFFH--kSZn74G6gkz-Muhkk6aVPp9m8TQi6yqawflMY-5m2/s640/IMG_2808%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoe5fSXlBgpqmmoRGL5TltLyk2nqYN5mRWgvn-VmNc4DXwe4NdA2Z4A1s3FNgxZxQmPkSqdVMKzzXM8FdSzD1GzGiD_fXrq53YzDsOtLNqcC4WNQNpwwrNSmlof-ku5ltAJXYcQTdpIGFFH--kSZn74G6gkz-Muhkk6aVPp9m8TQi6yqawflMY-5m2/s320/IMG_2808%20(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Jack-o-lantern in the west coop...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc47GWi1LoJmcunnarBlZG_SSni0lEqQNlPHUE5oAm8jJus_cpQ8r_k3DBxyTcr4_gDaQuufS_LxFQivX95AQ8RpIBLasytJPKBWd3qrh85KO4ewHvWtMY9ZpHi_NEhLtgjsPm95f_6ZkyN_3IjKSpvrggrepNSdHWiQWyHYuQWfp0RECfqgjD34-/s640/IMG_2809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc47GWi1LoJmcunnarBlZG_SSni0lEqQNlPHUE5oAm8jJus_cpQ8r_k3DBxyTcr4_gDaQuufS_LxFQivX95AQ8RpIBLasytJPKBWd3qrh85KO4ewHvWtMY9ZpHi_NEhLtgjsPm95f_6ZkyN_3IjKSpvrggrepNSdHWiQWyHYuQWfp0RECfqgjD34-/s320/IMG_2809.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I put the jack-o-lantern back in and they did a little more work on it...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYHdbBYRrwLpUcbqTXt3J9hu0o-0hsKCKD0-iIo_d0YdnU7nQ0hVi849ZouCASC4Gh7bczNQmf28mk0FNRxUy3RjlVqZ-KZdg1HP56P3jFN-zh_G0W3eh1nylww3NDNw5rNeURerITxQSlitbB7Au_C3BYPeJgCcuDKXbAlIiKyz5XY7uasg8nr6o/s640/IMG_2811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYHdbBYRrwLpUcbqTXt3J9hu0o-0hsKCKD0-iIo_d0YdnU7nQ0hVi849ZouCASC4Gh7bczNQmf28mk0FNRxUy3RjlVqZ-KZdg1HP56P3jFN-zh_G0W3eh1nylww3NDNw5rNeURerITxQSlitbB7Au_C3BYPeJgCcuDKXbAlIiKyz5XY7uasg8nr6o/s320/IMG_2811.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_yqNBluL90CWV5R8mfq4Rx_VuOmArtkBcZlUQmc7rg2FI4-NNkcqsSUDDEFosOvlseCTy5XSI-D5OTigUPkKSSLZKtgcoqYJc2tJaILDY8Cb-dlApjK9JHj7-WTUUZ6hu6otPTjTGYvK1mrMY6n3c3vd06IOhCm7NsUJr8V2y09JsRwTFM1DSFGr/s640/IMG_2819.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_yqNBluL90CWV5R8mfq4Rx_VuOmArtkBcZlUQmc7rg2FI4-NNkcqsSUDDEFosOvlseCTy5XSI-D5OTigUPkKSSLZKtgcoqYJc2tJaILDY8Cb-dlApjK9JHj7-WTUUZ6hu6otPTjTGYvK1mrMY6n3c3vd06IOhCm7NsUJr8V2y09JsRwTFM1DSFGr/s320/IMG_2819.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So...just a little Halloween fun on the farm!<div><br /></div><div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>~Denise<br /><div><div><br /></div></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-47372689994773609592022-10-16T06:15:00.001-07:002022-10-16T06:15:33.590-07:00Stew hens!<h2 style="text-align: left;"> In the Coop and Kitchen</h2><div>The time had come to retire several of Mark's first hens that he bought to start his egg business. I always knew this day would come and was not looking forward to it. We did our best to make lemonade out of lemons and held a butchering class for people in the community. Five people came and learned how to humanely kill, scald, pluck, and eviscerate a chicken. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aZ8nUOQAUflJhFom9BL8dOrnWH_F6GeU0Qdv7rtqfJP82W2uvs_Z6wLW9mplVEU5DKND-5SRHBNVQFZy_nn9odefIR5wRWkaeRxOi84xUWMuHzVl3cFsj9ovweqcwVKnGR3eMNC082w8dHB3UtOzqS4NuJi-4WmmyrLfwNP_f_hLhRZIfJ1Pb_dT/s640/IMG_2686%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aZ8nUOQAUflJhFom9BL8dOrnWH_F6GeU0Qdv7rtqfJP82W2uvs_Z6wLW9mplVEU5DKND-5SRHBNVQFZy_nn9odefIR5wRWkaeRxOi84xUWMuHzVl3cFsj9ovweqcwVKnGR3eMNC082w8dHB3UtOzqS4NuJi-4WmmyrLfwNP_f_hLhRZIfJ1Pb_dT/s320/IMG_2686%20(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Everyone that came to the class got to take 2 stew hens home. Then, we still had a few left so I put two stew hens in a bag and let them "age" in the cold room for several days before putting into the freezer. They are for sale now in our online store! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sDsN3CaglChN0csBDOCV6ntxA___gP7-bt3KQdPjSpxRw57EakA4FUp4LK8ZLZlDM7W6XSQ3CliaeJBQfMrBwEtLlyAbPcnvapdLvNlyOpUoZ1seYZx404q2f9V-8lPr0G9v44FtPw3HVrOteXdnE5D0sRRAAMB4E6XUe4D_Y_3XeC1u78rXdc2A/s640/stew%20hens.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sDsN3CaglChN0csBDOCV6ntxA___gP7-bt3KQdPjSpxRw57EakA4FUp4LK8ZLZlDM7W6XSQ3CliaeJBQfMrBwEtLlyAbPcnvapdLvNlyOpUoZ1seYZx404q2f9V-8lPr0G9v44FtPw3HVrOteXdnE5D0sRRAAMB4E6XUe4D_Y_3XeC1u78rXdc2A/s320/stew%20hens.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div>Next was to figure out how to to cook these ladies. I have made bone broth several times but never cooked a stew hen. Since these chickens were almost 3 years old, you can't just roast, bake or fry them. The meat would be too tough for that type of cooking. You have to cook them over low heat with lots of liquid - to stew them. As muscles get older, they develop lots of connective tissue so the long slow cooking time is needed to break that tissue down, which in turn flavors the broth. I decided to try two different methods of cooking. <div><br /></div><div>Method 1 is the Instant Pot: I put one stew hen in a instant pot, added carrots, celery, and onion, 4 quarts of water and a splash of apple cider vinegar then pressure cooked it for 90 minutes. I basically followed the information in this post: <a href="https://thetopmeal.com/how-to-cook-stewing-hen-in-pressure-cooker/" target="_blank">How To Cook Stewing Hens In Pressure Cooker</a> I did not add the spices that were featured in this blog post. I like to keep the chicken broth neutral and add spices when I use it in a recipe.</div><div><br /></div><div>Method 2 is the Crock Pot: For the crock pot method, I just put the stew hens in the crock pot like I do when I make chicken broth from bones. I put them in the crock pot (I was able to get 2 stew hens in the crock pot) and added celery, carrots and onion. Another important thing that I included in both methods was a tablespoon of vinegar. This helps to get some of the minerals out of the bones. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLB2zLjYU4GrXY9LK3JPw2vbk9CrVwrohrdbvDP6ss3c6mJk-JPz4jx9fP9UAda5vUiaBpd0Fj2r5LW4TUEP76dfrJBLn5If1vHHhneMu2JhMKoW_n4AWnyJkjq0BGuIi1vXF0ZVGFHO-bp5lidjjClzb6EcuocBZErJXpFSFOc4yhZh-uhBZpNchq/s640/IMG_2733.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLB2zLjYU4GrXY9LK3JPw2vbk9CrVwrohrdbvDP6ss3c6mJk-JPz4jx9fP9UAda5vUiaBpd0Fj2r5LW4TUEP76dfrJBLn5If1vHHhneMu2JhMKoW_n4AWnyJkjq0BGuIi1vXF0ZVGFHO-bp5lidjjClzb6EcuocBZErJXpFSFOc4yhZh-uhBZpNchq/s320/IMG_2733.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I turned the crock pot on low and let it go overnight.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihY6VyJ5-ZlIYBx2yHctzLlf1xMXuxWBNDjbd68QM4g23vNlf39So-dS0wgW0y5J5UnArqvmfZOgv6246zO7Dnj3jtkSPGYVUOcEJTWW2Fbb3BfCxfcpZj1x_n0DaNsQvoL77xzTTTMwKJHnChj2TVq0_ykQ1EsRiur1PTSW_2qXnCia7uA64Rw-o0/s640/IMG_2737.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihY6VyJ5-ZlIYBx2yHctzLlf1xMXuxWBNDjbd68QM4g23vNlf39So-dS0wgW0y5J5UnArqvmfZOgv6246zO7Dnj3jtkSPGYVUOcEJTWW2Fbb3BfCxfcpZj1x_n0DaNsQvoL77xzTTTMwKJHnChj2TVq0_ykQ1EsRiur1PTSW_2qXnCia7uA64Rw-o0/s320/IMG_2737.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I strained off the broth and then let the hens cool down so I could pull the meat off the bones. I got almost 2 cups of meat from one hen. One thing I noticed is that the dark meat was very dark and the fat was very yellow! While stewing hen meat is a little chewier, not as plump and juicy as young chicken, it has SOOOO much more flavor.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn53MRRsIlEjrI5VcKCWQg2esxFrKSAtVue5f3IZhq6sRyYa5xQv-tcW9mjCoGAfy_cXeZ0zkocV0oUTpUn8ooxl18629AmkKRYnV6wCKcj-378c86xVhB2nYF7x15zsCxb2N0FggF-MLTUMyPPgCnherIemrQVTbCHEM587VZ4keqfDNvZSNsdx-g/s640/IMG_2738.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn53MRRsIlEjrI5VcKCWQg2esxFrKSAtVue5f3IZhq6sRyYa5xQv-tcW9mjCoGAfy_cXeZ0zkocV0oUTpUn8ooxl18629AmkKRYnV6wCKcj-378c86xVhB2nYF7x15zsCxb2N0FggF-MLTUMyPPgCnherIemrQVTbCHEM587VZ4keqfDNvZSNsdx-g/s320/IMG_2738.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I chopped up the meat and used it to make enchiladas and they were great! Since I had done 3 stew hens, I even had some extra meat that I put into the freezer to use in maybe a taco soup later this winter.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-ZC5eixFzEae0Wj-6WaZzyx6GvpFKWWY1F1OW88E3ycuIGkIIs5IciGayvRWyNdds4iuSwfsQ41aEFMzkI82ZpH8r0_R4nu5FFOxVU03_Skh5T1ipgY5Gx6j-MLVSLTurxEJJXt3flF9PZsEZT32z2fcoueQCSIQr7w6suURgY0yo_lIvewRP-oE/s640/IMG_2740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-ZC5eixFzEae0Wj-6WaZzyx6GvpFKWWY1F1OW88E3ycuIGkIIs5IciGayvRWyNdds4iuSwfsQ41aEFMzkI82ZpH8r0_R4nu5FFOxVU03_Skh5T1ipgY5Gx6j-MLVSLTurxEJJXt3flF9PZsEZT32z2fcoueQCSIQr7w6suURgY0yo_lIvewRP-oE/s320/IMG_2740.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Here is a pic of the chicken enchiladas! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkaMk4-4wEgwkPeas9mgWtOcmtoqcAAIbNr1XHRhxGom7HYQrBdVRGS-BCv_BR7AXdreTXQ3qiW_6pnE1Ai6mFZaBhw2clT5PCtHn85BdwMD2jtKUZQuTmte7PFpvhVOv_IbRxlhhcdeve1qQD7OIyLe1Z4jEcq-BRSXtN7Q8km35mhnlGEvL6BjK/s640/IMG_2741.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkaMk4-4wEgwkPeas9mgWtOcmtoqcAAIbNr1XHRhxGom7HYQrBdVRGS-BCv_BR7AXdreTXQ3qiW_6pnE1Ai6mFZaBhw2clT5PCtHn85BdwMD2jtKUZQuTmte7PFpvhVOv_IbRxlhhcdeve1qQD7OIyLe1Z4jEcq-BRSXtN7Q8km35mhnlGEvL6BjK/s320/IMG_2741.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I wanted to include a couple more links to information about cooking stew hens that I found useful:</div><div><a href="https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/07/cook-old-chicken.html" target="_blank">How to Cook an Old Rooster (or Hen!)</a></div><div><a href="https://thepaleomama.com/2015/07/11/how-to-cook-a-stewing-hen/" target="_blank">How to Cook a Stewing Hen</a> - this blog has links to some recipes on how to use the meat</div><div><br /></div><div>After pulling off all the meat, I put the bones back into the crock pot and added some chicken feet (yes, I saved a few feet...they are GREAT for making broth) and let it go again over night. I ended up canning up about 15 quarts of broth!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfjxFit5Wu93HUymagetz2T0_eYbTpI9DsLLDLftd8GnGwZwCS0eOE9sjMmWqPVYdyMVGwsb0k4VSUgf8DAEWnRNSs_mki46aKxzcLZ5dviusQWUPIota0VtywvTbQbfYtNbTeZdB2RVtXvQmeGvd4yH4qGvZsjDe_dGK1pskmHHM1MNGGxrsR6YQ/s640/chicken%20broth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfjxFit5Wu93HUymagetz2T0_eYbTpI9DsLLDLftd8GnGwZwCS0eOE9sjMmWqPVYdyMVGwsb0k4VSUgf8DAEWnRNSs_mki46aKxzcLZ5dviusQWUPIota0VtywvTbQbfYtNbTeZdB2RVtXvQmeGvd4yH4qGvZsjDe_dGK1pskmHHM1MNGGxrsR6YQ/s320/chicken%20broth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>I prefer to the crock pot method. Most likely because I am used to making bone broth using this method. The instant pot is clearly faster but I don't mind waiting and the house smells amazing!</div><div>This is a great way to honor these ladies for the years of service that they provided. We appreciate their service to Mark's egg business!</div><div><br /></div><div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>~Denise<br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-49373243949273599262022-10-02T06:09:00.000-07:002022-10-02T06:09:42.269-07:00Nest box woes and wins! Got Straw bales! Yeah!<h3 style="text-align: left;"> In the Coop</h3><div>When the new chicken coop was finally completed, we were so "eggcited" to put the fancy rollaway nest boxes into there. We got them mounted up right away and they looked so nice! One of these extra large nest boxes is good for 70 chickens and that is about what we had in the coop so this was perfect.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdizlloLINfmOsZ-EhHI8zHlcLxs6cA61KFUb45MMF_QBgFMrb18cLY5Ai3bFheS-eLMtoU4--TjrhGVfaRTnmiqCnRHxaGccyvfuqS91adPI6ud1NGzexDrfHgUInmJW6BdUhZI3rUJEoU3MMOfnq8L4bGp8PK-JHsszXEKcuIQ2toH089v5x8XwS/s640/rollaway%20nest%20box.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdizlloLINfmOsZ-EhHI8zHlcLxs6cA61KFUb45MMF_QBgFMrb18cLY5Ai3bFheS-eLMtoU4--TjrhGVfaRTnmiqCnRHxaGccyvfuqS91adPI6ud1NGzexDrfHgUInmJW6BdUhZI3rUJEoU3MMOfnq8L4bGp8PK-JHsszXEKcuIQ2toH089v5x8XwS/s320/rollaway%20nest%20box.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unfortunately, there were some problems with the fancy rollaway nest boxes. First, the girls really did not like using it. It is hard to explain but I could just tell. Then, I started noticing that there were fine, hairline cracks in the eggs. I would say that at least a dozen eggs a day would have these cracks and you can't sell eggs with cracks! I called the manufacturer and explained the issue. He asked if the boxes were level. I said that they were mounted in the chicken coop and that the coop was built on a concrete pad. I was not quite sure what he was asking. Then, he explained that the eggs were coming down into to the collection area too quickly and to make sure the nest box was level. Henry and I added some wood to the bottom of the box to help level it out but this seemed to continue to be an issue...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mU6Eu99jM6L_kOssDeu3gHnyWdWrmNv6TmHP_DywKj9gqZKhXmKrBKgI22eyDWL11CkaAOhiHGoc3iB7HY9eRHxgbuSq-ZUBZGX7IwH1a8JsORtSHdz3ubg-AvdRyL7w3TYL6wSxPp9q1NHWyipksj9F5z-gmEBngzFIl3I1rFBvYEzyEJwVf67F/s1920/egg%20with%20cracks.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mU6Eu99jM6L_kOssDeu3gHnyWdWrmNv6TmHP_DywKj9gqZKhXmKrBKgI22eyDWL11CkaAOhiHGoc3iB7HY9eRHxgbuSq-ZUBZGX7IwH1a8JsORtSHdz3ubg-AvdRyL7w3TYL6wSxPp9q1NHWyipksj9F5z-gmEBngzFIl3I1rFBvYEzyEJwVf67F/s320/egg%20with%20cracks.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>THEN, the worst thing happened. The girls figured out how to stand in the nest box area and put their heads down into the collection area and eat the eggs! I wish I had taken a pic of this but it was too upsetting for a pic. I would open up the egg collection area and there would be a bunch of eggshells with holes in them. One day I counted 15 eaten eggs! I tried to punish the hens that were eating the eggs. There were about 3 that figured out the system. I would put them into the quarantine cage but as soon as they were let back out, they went right back to it. It was like a game for them. Once a chicken learns this type of behavior, it is really hard to detour. The whole idea of the rollaway nest boxes is that the eggs rollaway so that the chickens can't get to them! </div><div><br /></div><div>We decided to just purchase some regular old nest boxes and put them up around the coop. This seems to work fine...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HkMzuqIvMeey--NvQbqBMeM_cnX73_JioBvRtXwnhvLw525K5ijyRR8KTi8uJ0R03Mn9HCdizrrmuiCvlSZaM45ufYPHDVUVubIvxVbBvqdBUU-Y3nO6yHlInk_-MXTuvRDi_pvFiNWnQJjXM7kNClSM0lDPYtFLDezTHj5OgtmsLirXzjxEC7AF/s640/nest%20box.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HkMzuqIvMeey--NvQbqBMeM_cnX73_JioBvRtXwnhvLw525K5ijyRR8KTi8uJ0R03Mn9HCdizrrmuiCvlSZaM45ufYPHDVUVubIvxVbBvqdBUU-Y3nO6yHlInk_-MXTuvRDi_pvFiNWnQJjXM7kNClSM0lDPYtFLDezTHj5OgtmsLirXzjxEC7AF/s320/nest%20box.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>...AND even though the eggs are just sitting right there...out in the open...no one eats them! It is somewhat bizarre to me but I am glad it works.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaNWtnIxZbCZxeQEn4rf8RstgnYhdu_5VLYicvNq0hBfInj0oHL05jvBI_KYFsOI4dTd6EkVZaicN75SHtyC9AkEbCGrnRHigMEHt5-sWZEAGvFqdOyayArUEI2Fza16YdGBDnhSgnKqFfUtJ2Cl37lZhjmnUDDJhEIktNCoj5oTiKqtevnN_c_yA/s640/eggs%20in%20nest%20box.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaNWtnIxZbCZxeQEn4rf8RstgnYhdu_5VLYicvNq0hBfInj0oHL05jvBI_KYFsOI4dTd6EkVZaicN75SHtyC9AkEbCGrnRHigMEHt5-sWZEAGvFqdOyayArUEI2Fza16YdGBDnhSgnKqFfUtJ2Cl37lZhjmnUDDJhEIktNCoj5oTiKqtevnN_c_yA/s320/eggs%20in%20nest%20box.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>So, one reason I could not get around to writing some blogs this past summer is that I spent a lot of time working through the new forever flowers, feed and nest box issues...hoping we are on a good path at this point. Also, there has been a serious shortage of small straw bales. We got one load of straw bales last fall and I was confident that they would last until the summer. Boy, I was way off. The girls and ladies use a lot of straw! This past week, I found a local farmer that had small straw bales and we got some! Yeah! This time we got 2 trailer loads!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCdTrjkdIUzEl6tUzw4qwYbDrKNXVawu0VMVWuqCEfZ3zJY_fJnrBc2o87zXIa-JRHo-eZmRlmJN8U3FEb3KVhzxeKrJci-3PU1Z2TTgcLRFKv3nTmO-WDoPYcfoghbdB31HnH7aicIF5XBiDBuw2hBIltOL-WKBevmWON143tH3CsKiWsvNbwdsm/s640/straw%20on%20trailer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCdTrjkdIUzEl6tUzw4qwYbDrKNXVawu0VMVWuqCEfZ3zJY_fJnrBc2o87zXIa-JRHo-eZmRlmJN8U3FEb3KVhzxeKrJci-3PU1Z2TTgcLRFKv3nTmO-WDoPYcfoghbdB31HnH7aicIF5XBiDBuw2hBIltOL-WKBevmWON143tH3CsKiWsvNbwdsm/s320/straw%20on%20trailer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ollie, the cat, helped us unload the straw...you almost can't see him...he is "straw" colored...LOL...</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2EYuNFlM9SyAP5zuAEOmFcYxaV9GJMck3jq8Z2wZvH53Xh3uQCEmpOcTusULKMNR7cifYQ9FkaprHraIWzJHZeN4xA-byPAR_8NPFonf7RXKbCKvpkJPcFGBuH7jbD-hgLNLqVjy9R3YPW60Vyf-XPbhs0dKKXB_YWtDpuOXaKeoGabj1r58yzPv/s640/straw%20and%20ollie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2EYuNFlM9SyAP5zuAEOmFcYxaV9GJMck3jq8Z2wZvH53Xh3uQCEmpOcTusULKMNR7cifYQ9FkaprHraIWzJHZeN4xA-byPAR_8NPFonf7RXKbCKvpkJPcFGBuH7jbD-hgLNLqVjy9R3YPW60Vyf-XPbhs0dKKXB_YWtDpuOXaKeoGabj1r58yzPv/s320/straw%20and%20ollie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>...and put into the barn!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4h8gDGHzyzX7tD-nXUrUmpftulEN4PrJ4yy9vo96-ae5pMH7INGSt96IHkTfOgOCTnC4thXCYPiFS-8EdygftR6e5yZjB-7xkDkbj3NpU732Fwj7Wr2hodR9cWKoSvucPAiUKzEKMswgYk_HYNqPH8Wo_vHPwl-0cTz7e-U5IbmZdAPs2z5F5oNG/s640/straw%20in%20barn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="640" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4h8gDGHzyzX7tD-nXUrUmpftulEN4PrJ4yy9vo96-ae5pMH7INGSt96IHkTfOgOCTnC4thXCYPiFS-8EdygftR6e5yZjB-7xkDkbj3NpU732Fwj7Wr2hodR9cWKoSvucPAiUKzEKMswgYk_HYNqPH8Wo_vHPwl-0cTz7e-U5IbmZdAPs2z5F5oNG/s320/straw%20in%20barn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>It has been a crazy summer season and now I am happy we have:</div><div><br /></div><div>Straw in the barn for the winter! </div><div>A great new feed dealer! </div><div>And hens laying eggs in their nest boxes and not eating them! </div><div><br /></div><div>It's the simple things!</div><div><br /></div><div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>~Denise<br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-18817580457828638502022-09-18T06:36:00.000-07:002022-09-18T06:36:11.285-07:00Feed woes and wins!<h2 style="text-align: left;"> On the Farm</h2><div>Sometimes things just don't go according to plan...We knew that there would come a time that we would need to get poultry feed in bulk. When I say "bulk", I am talking about tons of feed at a time. If you go to the local farm store, you can buy 50 pound bags of feed. We would go through a 50 pound bag of feed each day with all the ducks and chickens that Mark has. We were buying 40 pound bags of feed from a local farmer and we were getting like 25 bags at a time. This would last about a month and this is when Mark had 70some chickens and 40some ducks. Since that time, we have added another 70some chickens. The point is that this a lot of feed to move around by hand! I started researching about feed bins and got in touch with a lady on a local Facebook homesteading group. She sells feed and I was asking her about how she gets the feed and sorts it out for people. She also had an egg business at the time, but has since sold her egg business. She had a big portable grain bin and this seemed like a good way to go for buying feed. She gave me the name of the individual that she purchased her feed bin from.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzLyKv8340NicZjiLY9h4VAA9YSpLAMRwg2xWmmQxf1c6HNSRrWjpailMW7-5Hz4k3ZyLPZa0fcdDDFI62aUmChaqemFLdYpAji_WZu-FJYOM5qYd-qC4icba6haT826hvklFhqWuztsn8rKD0KqsM4RSH9RkZIFIA5MUIz7tU6zIJmWbphJc3-nC/s4032/IMG_1067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzLyKv8340NicZjiLY9h4VAA9YSpLAMRwg2xWmmQxf1c6HNSRrWjpailMW7-5Hz4k3ZyLPZa0fcdDDFI62aUmChaqemFLdYpAji_WZu-FJYOM5qYd-qC4icba6haT826hvklFhqWuztsn8rKD0KqsM4RSH9RkZIFIA5MUIz7tU6zIJmWbphJc3-nC/s320/IMG_1067.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three ton portable feed bin</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Luckily, he was located in Post Falls, Idaho which is a couple hours north of where we live now. We contacted the individual and set up a day and time to go and pick one up. I also asked if he knew of any place where we could go and take it and get it filled! He gave me the name of 3 local grain mills and I made some calls. One of the mills was "kind of" on the way home so we set it up to get a ton of feed from them. The portable feed bin holds 3 tons of feed but we could only afford to get one ton at the time. I am going to call this first grain mill the "Valleyford" grain mill from now on (because it was located near a town called Valleyford). <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIhOWBu_JnhvRbhA7EBr-X2tHmrgkpRQvNhKxsPNL3bd6KjoeHkRvzoQWSrmBZEOnJlc-ZLAOMUysRkBZ1_4s5ItSq-XxkGl_h4dKAKjIFf-CSc-rAIAwSkUwp_i-FN85432gBM3NjQfVvQYIUJ6AvrT5qROeUhM4F4yauJr5SC-zixVyZYEnffuE/s4032/IMG_1050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIhOWBu_JnhvRbhA7EBr-X2tHmrgkpRQvNhKxsPNL3bd6KjoeHkRvzoQWSrmBZEOnJlc-ZLAOMUysRkBZ1_4s5ItSq-XxkGl_h4dKAKjIFf-CSc-rAIAwSkUwp_i-FN85432gBM3NjQfVvQYIUJ6AvrT5qROeUhM4F4yauJr5SC-zixVyZYEnffuE/s320/IMG_1050.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling the feed bin at Valleyford</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>There is a local grain mill that is only about 15 miles from our home. BUT they are so popular that they have a wait list to get in and purchase feed from them! We got on the wait list in January when we got our feed bin. However, we were going to have to do something else in the meantime. The individual that we were purchasing feed from in 40 pound bags stopped providing feed. I literally got a text message from him while driving home with the new feed bin saying that he was getting out of the feed business. Talk about timing!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihe9usawn70SXD7HmCZGOa2hEJ989vpPrbXCfa-c4NtHcOQ0FHLhVwsGQpNj8SizKh7cPpGukmvrEgmLxKBvtXUsM4TihTiB3Y7hSqNBPotOa4K0OAAL3pWp0VqP2hRS6vcC9o-SPtM3yg-CO08PJww_RHju4qycjO5wRZGygtGGJzMmWZkwWFSKfA/s4032/IMG_1060.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihe9usawn70SXD7HmCZGOa2hEJ989vpPrbXCfa-c4NtHcOQ0FHLhVwsGQpNj8SizKh7cPpGukmvrEgmLxKBvtXUsM4TihTiB3Y7hSqNBPotOa4K0OAAL3pWp0VqP2hRS6vcC9o-SPtM3yg-CO08PJww_RHju4qycjO5wRZGygtGGJzMmWZkwWFSKfA/s320/IMG_1060.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feed going into the feed bin</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Okay...we got home with the grain bin and the feed. This one ton would last about a month. The Valleyford feed mill was 1 hour and 45 minute drive...one way! I had been talking to another farmer that sells feed and they were much closer...about 40 minutes from our home. It was a little challenging to work with him and he didn't always have feed but at one time it finally worked out that he had feed available and we needed some. We headed out there to get a ton of feed. We will call this one the Colfax grain mill. The feed looked different and it had garbanzo beans in it. They kept going on and on about how it was such good feed. Colfax grain mill was cheaper and closer than the Valleyford feed mill so we decided to give it a try. We brought it home and almost immediately, I realized that it was probably NOT even chicken feed. No one would eat it...not the chickens and not the ducks. They hated the garbanzo beans! AND I don't think there was any minerals in it because we started getting soft shelled eggs. I have no idea what they sold us but it was not good...and we had a ton of it!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS73SCu0YhezCLJayb-51aTSIUODX72kUNIplcz1qoWriySrIcjd2O7D_grHb8rsRzY_qn-Xy4KQYHRKli5JjtAcv5yRpe4BE_XFYRUtRIBKpzBXiqGMfodXwtChxzHiV3tkB3zaVK3-b3wnsHr1CjhvtJqzTKg5PTsVNAseg8r030rxtq-00a89a_/s4032/IMG_1065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS73SCu0YhezCLJayb-51aTSIUODX72kUNIplcz1qoWriySrIcjd2O7D_grHb8rsRzY_qn-Xy4KQYHRKli5JjtAcv5yRpe4BE_XFYRUtRIBKpzBXiqGMfodXwtChxzHiV3tkB3zaVK3-b3wnsHr1CjhvtJqzTKg5PTsVNAseg8r030rxtq-00a89a_/s320/IMG_1065.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cats were very curious about the grain bin when we brought it home.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Shortly after getting this bad feed into the bin, I noticed another new local feed mill in our area. It might sound odd but as the feed goes into the bin, the feed on the top actually get pulled through and comes out the bottom into the bucket first. I say this to tell you that I had a great idea of putting some "good" feed on top of the bad feed and then it would "mix" together to kind of dilute the bad feed as it came out the bottom of the bin. We will call this one Garfield grain mill. I asked what the price of a ton of feed was and it was a good price! It was also fairly close...about 40 minute drive one direction. We headed out and got the feed. Then, we got the bill. It was TWICE as much as I was expecting! I think I even felt my heart skip a beat. I almost wanted to cry...it was WAY more than we could hardly afford. I asked for clarification. See...I had asked for the price of a ton of feed. She had replied with the cost of 1000 pounds. If you didn't know, a ton is 2000 pounds. SO...I thought I was getting a great deal on a ton of feed but it was only half of the price. Does that make sense? It was totally a miscommunication. I just assumed that when I asked for the price of a ton of feed that she was giving the the cost of a ton of feed but her text clearly says 1000 pounds is $X amount. It was super great feed but just way too expensive. Like several hundred dollars more expensive than Valleyford grain mill.</div><div><br /></div><div>We finally got through all the bad and expensive feed then needed more feed, naturally...the chickens and ducks want to eat every day...who knew. We went back to Valleyford grain mill even though it takes a couple hours to drive there, an hour for the feed to load into the bin, and then a couple hour drive back. It makes for a long day. We even almost got into a super bad accident on the highway on the way there this time. It is a little hard to explain but we had been following a truck hauling a boat for most of the way. All of a sudden, I see them pull over onto the shoulder...remember, we are all driving 60 MPH. The reason he hit the shoulder is because there was a truck stopped in the highway wanting to make a left hand turn in front of him. I was trying to decide which one I wanted to hit because we were going WAY too fast to come to a stop. I decided it was best to hit the boat but then at the last second I decided to go into the lane of the oncoming traffic. LUCKILY, the car in the oncoming traffic realized what was happening and had pulled over onto their shoulder. So, I flew through going about 40 MPH and we were all lined up 4 vehicles across the highway. Then, the truck with the boat pulled in behind me and we just all kept going like it was supposed to happen that way. My heart was pounding like a hundred miles a minute and I just could NOT believe that we didn't hit someone! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJYKPxGsgZAqdKgCXMwJ4yclGl_MGzznLh4lF39mW1Fq8xY-vW_RDtaLOMoCYBPHhI8vW-02cgbZIeF-hadpzeus3gPd8ECV38pQy1aRZPyt6cADUutosIGCjB-MTKx4GrQV9x5trwurRoYpjCJv8RCWeJJLSCG4F0jXa3vgnxIPMa2FlmFJ1nHx3/s4032/IMG_6696.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJYKPxGsgZAqdKgCXMwJ4yclGl_MGzznLh4lF39mW1Fq8xY-vW_RDtaLOMoCYBPHhI8vW-02cgbZIeF-hadpzeus3gPd8ECV38pQy1aRZPyt6cADUutosIGCjB-MTKx4GrQV9x5trwurRoYpjCJv8RCWeJJLSCG4F0jXa3vgnxIPMa2FlmFJ1nHx3/s320/IMG_6696.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A throwback pic of Mark feeding chickens!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Okay...back to the feed...the first batch of feed we got from Valleyford grain mill was ground up very fine and it kept getting like "stuck" in the bin. I would have to open the top and climb up there and knock it down with a hoe. Remember, this is back in the winter when things are cold and icy. I did not like having to climb up the steel ladder and try to knock the feed down while balancing and trying not to fall down 10 feet to the ground below. I asked if they could do a more course grind, hoping that it would flow out of the bin better and they were able to do that and it worked great! </div><div><br /></div><div>In late summer, we needed more feed and we went back up to Valleyford grain mill and I asked for the course grind. Unfortunately, this time, the feed did not get ground up enough and we ended up with a lot of whole peas in the feed. The poultry cannot eat whole peas so there was quite a bit of waste in this batch. The whole peas would plug up the feeders and it was a mess. You can see the peas in the bottom of this feeder...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5zw8eHzTTUzEsOULH8z5mc3NIux9up8-CEClAFW8q5ooLwDtQoSVIFG47gEUS58Gmy4dltbRwYbnFSRAZPRrvqdCVvonqRLZ45Zqj6tKg79eaRkyKTwjvMtOZuI2Geu5joCmk6TokcWzhmaTtKPxxXJxOyCayF3brd-KLqG8TySNXb0Desn8XQEG/s640/peas%20in%20feed%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5zw8eHzTTUzEsOULH8z5mc3NIux9up8-CEClAFW8q5ooLwDtQoSVIFG47gEUS58Gmy4dltbRwYbnFSRAZPRrvqdCVvonqRLZ45Zqj6tKg79eaRkyKTwjvMtOZuI2Geu5joCmk6TokcWzhmaTtKPxxXJxOyCayF3brd-KLqG8TySNXb0Desn8XQEG/s320/peas%20in%20feed%20.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I was going to have them just grind it up fine again the next time BUT WE FINALLY GOT THE TEXT THAT WE WERE OFF THE WAITLIST AT THE LOCAL GRAIN MILL!!! This is such a blessing! We can drive there, get the feed loaded and drive back home in less than an hour! AND...it is the BEST feed!!! The girls and ladies all LOVE it! So happy!!! Here is a close up of the feed that we have now...it is perfectly ground...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9Uvbxx9CV29129forMgCPhczob5bgcyTwvBUNEAiRu9M5lvafQ71BlP1WwdyPVx5_qxzQqPsPsoBkh6yB08H9jyin_SSYw2Z86G65n7MZpkbKHPZFxWPAkJxEYOWcEOdOYJqTWIp3JTmK1s_gC8xAismZOoGHPPQIYWDQBmeqCN5xXVUZ_7Koycpa" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9Uvbxx9CV29129forMgCPhczob5bgcyTwvBUNEAiRu9M5lvafQ71BlP1WwdyPVx5_qxzQqPsPsoBkh6yB08H9jyin_SSYw2Z86G65n7MZpkbKHPZFxWPAkJxEYOWcEOdOYJqTWIp3JTmK1s_gC8xAismZOoGHPPQIYWDQBmeqCN5xXVUZ_7Koycpa=w240-h320" width="240" /></a></div></div><div>I know this blog has been a bit of a rant...who knew that getting feed for poultry could be so challenging! I thought we were going to have to start our own grain mill business! I hope this local grain mill never goes out of business!!! I know there are lots of exclamation marks in this post too!!! BUT we are SO happy!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>~Denise</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-67745515391079305492022-09-04T07:01:00.001-07:002022-09-06T05:22:15.664-07:00Welsh Harlequin ducks??<h3 style="text-align: left;"> In the Coop</h3><div>A couple of weeks ago, there was a post on a local homesteading Facebook page that a pair of ducks were available. The breed is called Welsh Harlequin. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kBg1lyA7XgaTqbL3O16sn2vWvyampvcDY_k0k2H_6krCrq8qkMtrZUeGA-MuCjAqV7_D8jF9uFMKZBSMLBT22Q2-NMSQJABvbiv-qENjyQl7gNA1eVgKgHNVQYuSOQITatx6EmWSyDEUTNyxt9IFS-YYUzGuQumMUIsNEB2nSSgxVvSlxlsjpeMZ/s640/welsh%20harliquin%20ducks%20in%20tub.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kBg1lyA7XgaTqbL3O16sn2vWvyampvcDY_k0k2H_6krCrq8qkMtrZUeGA-MuCjAqV7_D8jF9uFMKZBSMLBT22Q2-NMSQJABvbiv-qENjyQl7gNA1eVgKgHNVQYuSOQITatx6EmWSyDEUTNyxt9IFS-YYUzGuQumMUIsNEB2nSSgxVvSlxlsjpeMZ/s320/welsh%20harliquin%20ducks%20in%20tub.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>I have always been interested in this breed for Mark's egg business. Before we got any ducks, I spent a lot of time researching breeds. The Welsh Harlequin is a great egg layer. I started reading about hatching eggs to produce our own new ducklings and it got really complicated, very quickly. To purchase a good incubator was very expensive (several hundred dollars). Then, what would we do with the drakes (males - this was before we were processing meat chickens). I then discovered the Golden Hybrid 300 egg laying ducks and this seemed to be a good way to go to get the egg business started. But the idea of having our own breeding system to replace old layers never went out of my mind...a way of being more sustainable...</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, last September, the opportunity came up to purchase some Khaki Campbell ducks and a drake (Dudley). </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmXAXMKIAulwIBHj1uTb18XfhI98rBET_AMuCe3yTgJAKx5xFjCpAikbImjBjwisdQgXjT1Ry3f_u-iYP6TlFqtdqsNroony2DFHP3PspdjWTr-EQ_BQVywUbwozVak40nMY4TLITk3rN35rxN2SNqSivbAIHf6Z8CntOyHGzpJS8mSTXsk4xAfLs/s4032/IMG_9940.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmXAXMKIAulwIBHj1uTb18XfhI98rBET_AMuCe3yTgJAKx5xFjCpAikbImjBjwisdQgXjT1Ry3f_u-iYP6TlFqtdqsNroony2DFHP3PspdjWTr-EQ_BQVywUbwozVak40nMY4TLITk3rN35rxN2SNqSivbAIHf6Z8CntOyHGzpJS8mSTXsk4xAfLs/s320/IMG_9940.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Khaki Campbell ducks and drake</td></tr></tbody></table>Khaki Campbells are well knows in the duck world as excellent egg layers. I was told that the mother of the drake laid over 320 eggs in her first year. That is a lot of eggs for one duck! The plan was to sequester them into their own pen this last spring (2022) and let them hatch out some replacement ducks. This just never happened because I got busy with the meat chickens earlier this year. Also, we were getting SO many eggs this past summer (we had a 90% lay rate for much of the spring/summer!). It did not seem like we needed more egg layers right away so that project got put on the back burner. <div><div><br /></div><div>One thing that bothers me about the Khaki Campbell and the Golden Hybrid 300 is that the ducks are high strung and energetic. I have read that the Welsh Harlequin resulted from a couple mutant Khaki Campbell ducks that were bred specifically to create a new breed in 1949 so it is a relatively new breed. The ducks are active but more docile. I was talking with a women at the Farmers Market and she mentioned that she had some Welsh Harlequin and the drakes got larger than the Khaki Campbell drakes so that they are better for dressing out. As soon as she said this, I knew that we had to get back to the original plan of growing out the Welsh Harlequin...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybZ3X6oe6YIVhjjUGsD7vh8-jYUqHt9wpR42vlvTW0Ed10z1K0BNEJCGodUJV3pXDpBfwmCQybgIWU1uz-eg8_yV_b3okKBYQnKnSx4keyBm6JufTdpUEotNUSmFgVWrniOFsPrFxJGFSsM1waIrK1tSqKZSAOdyDRpD8Rg_k6qwmm-M8eX4B2oO6/s640/Welsh%20harlequin%20ducks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybZ3X6oe6YIVhjjUGsD7vh8-jYUqHt9wpR42vlvTW0Ed10z1K0BNEJCGodUJV3pXDpBfwmCQybgIWU1uz-eg8_yV_b3okKBYQnKnSx4keyBm6JufTdpUEotNUSmFgVWrniOFsPrFxJGFSsM1waIrK1tSqKZSAOdyDRpD8Rg_k6qwmm-M8eX4B2oO6/s320/Welsh%20harlequin%20ducks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female and male Welsh Harlequin ducks</td></tr></tbody></table>The duck and drake that we purchased were hatched on the same day but I don't know if they are related. I think it is safe to say that they probably are related. Also, the female we got is all white. The Welsh Harlequin I have seen online have creamy white heads with brown "stippling" which is a way of saying brownish spots all over them. To introduce some variability and get back to the original breed description, we got some Welsh Harlequin ducklings!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJufD1I5BAB5OCOXyRYokMF2QxW5jBtjRzfpn_L2t9QlHh2F1Lg4dGS-DMxXvKXVf08Niy8lnSfMdtASFTMqW_YREb2SBS1G8D10LPj_9_49TXjsRoBB_mbg1z2jzoZZU8QCfCu7rMtpOiI4bYUYluZQ_FMeaPwtJ20B43GURIlSFWhRb-CVcTuNZ/s4032/IMG_2438.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJufD1I5BAB5OCOXyRYokMF2QxW5jBtjRzfpn_L2t9QlHh2F1Lg4dGS-DMxXvKXVf08Niy8lnSfMdtASFTMqW_YREb2SBS1G8D10LPj_9_49TXjsRoBB_mbg1z2jzoZZU8QCfCu7rMtpOiI4bYUYluZQ_FMeaPwtJ20B43GURIlSFWhRb-CVcTuNZ/s320/IMG_2438.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQADdq4An9xwTB9jC6bWHE5YDHoe77C0DTQIVjlPMfCXMMRJ8q5hk60Grnvy7rrZXL6Ia7wUV9ru3TGZkO4JhrQxOHISvj_S0d4g2U8Whab-nYizVux5pekIZJnZgYiS8eDY1HbkYGZMTTV8Iur5gL_1zlU702I-fxVsBob4aIwjCP79r1WGfS3fHM/s4032/IMG_2446.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQADdq4An9xwTB9jC6bWHE5YDHoe77C0DTQIVjlPMfCXMMRJ8q5hk60Grnvy7rrZXL6Ia7wUV9ru3TGZkO4JhrQxOHISvj_S0d4g2U8Whab-nYizVux5pekIZJnZgYiS8eDY1HbkYGZMTTV8Iur5gL_1zlU702I-fxVsBob4aIwjCP79r1WGfS3fHM/s320/IMG_2446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Unfortunately, one of the ducklings passed yesterday. So, we have 4 ducklings. Another nice thing about the Welsh Harlequin is that you can sex them by the color of their bills when they are born! So, it should be easy to separate out the drakes and grow them out for meat. I actually had someone ask just last week if we had duck meat for sale. I have also read that they pluck out more easily than other waterfowl. This is a plus because I have read that plucking duck feathers is more challenging because their feathers are water resistant and harder to remove. </div><div><br /></div><div>We will probably not even be able to breed the Welsh Harlequin next summer because they are just ducklings and it takes several months for them to mature. In the best case scenario, we will be able to breed them late next summer (about a year from now)...we will see...so that is our duck story and it may seem a little convoluted but sometimes that happens when you are figuring things out...</div><div><br /></div><div>The days are getting shorter and I need to get the coop lighting set up...</div><div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>~Denise</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-46319754310451583302022-08-21T06:18:00.000-07:002022-08-21T06:18:06.923-07:00Garden 2022<h3 style="text-align: left;"> In the Garden</h3><div>The garden has been a little neglected this year because of the flower farming. BUT...some things are finally starting to take off! I know I probably sound like a broken record about this but the cool, wet spring really kept things from getting a good start.</div><div><br /></div><div>My radishes grew well. In fact, I had so many that I made some radish kimchi. I liked it so much that I decided to plant some more radish called daikon radish and they grow like super big! Like a foot long...we will see how this goes...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1JNT2-r-spGDnXoye0eCwqHctJIlZKKiaeOdU554HnlnsEPfTE4e8IcDDn9oJLIIqKLsJevHkQuFxTcXBzg0ZWgpeRtnxQV5tzBWSZdKeln8t8mm7S772tn5msl8JykCCsG9Whom2ZAV2cEGySTdg5xquotOGquBscmSnUUlUboLl007h3iqktJU/s4032/IMG_2256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1JNT2-r-spGDnXoye0eCwqHctJIlZKKiaeOdU554HnlnsEPfTE4e8IcDDn9oJLIIqKLsJevHkQuFxTcXBzg0ZWgpeRtnxQV5tzBWSZdKeln8t8mm7S772tn5msl8JykCCsG9Whom2ZAV2cEGySTdg5xquotOGquBscmSnUUlUboLl007h3iqktJU/s320/IMG_2256.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Cider enjoys hanging out in the garden!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_6rj8F4_-UesqV-CNzI_oc0qacn6Aa3NKMZOgYwkjfm5vTB07QMgb4vu6JNOfDs0ah6Jgm1-7TH-EDskjSyo03RKvkfMoTLFPmYZNfuG2zZjs8_3bct27ur9Tv-4Z6ybpasz0oefVTZeL2vzH82XOC6kqtgqMavxtbxgprqS-05qWVEFt_NuQN1l/s4032/IMG_2259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_6rj8F4_-UesqV-CNzI_oc0qacn6Aa3NKMZOgYwkjfm5vTB07QMgb4vu6JNOfDs0ah6Jgm1-7TH-EDskjSyo03RKvkfMoTLFPmYZNfuG2zZjs8_3bct27ur9Tv-4Z6ybpasz0oefVTZeL2vzH82XOC6kqtgqMavxtbxgprqS-05qWVEFt_NuQN1l/s320/IMG_2259.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Baby watermelon are so cute! I think I saw a total of 4 watermelon growing...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbUyRSzBwaaNc35JLRxKbZ5jFL49GeOwGnbmPP3yEy1yXBJfTpcI9eSfQ5I4hCYSJXs9l68zbh3GqUAGogtz6ZS6VpaDQ1z8oDpu--Fy-Ic2Mi2S59owtKbzVJ81k-23uPdHnleIECU5ISzHTjJJrxyfU-VP1a_wboTCnkChM2SYoykjmn3Dbsy0L/s4032/IMG_2260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbUyRSzBwaaNc35JLRxKbZ5jFL49GeOwGnbmPP3yEy1yXBJfTpcI9eSfQ5I4hCYSJXs9l68zbh3GqUAGogtz6ZS6VpaDQ1z8oDpu--Fy-Ic2Mi2S59owtKbzVJ81k-23uPdHnleIECU5ISzHTjJJrxyfU-VP1a_wboTCnkChM2SYoykjmn3Dbsy0L/s320/IMG_2260.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Harvested this cabbage this last week and made a 1/2 gallon jar of sauerkraut. It is fermenting now and will be finished next week...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3TLOINHix0jEWGFTIYtd5x8KV5mRlTaeM2d3K2IjGlwfPN0LW8YxrGh50O0xWcBXGL3u4ZsNyy-Sc25PQ_7mBbx48_1urr4ND2n6oaMOiScMQ_APROQNnBFilS0x_3U8Y2_DInFHqh8eWN86t7ZYWiZyOQCzi-QwgjFo_x_TNFXV5CESFsXLhGnl/s4032/IMG_2261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3TLOINHix0jEWGFTIYtd5x8KV5mRlTaeM2d3K2IjGlwfPN0LW8YxrGh50O0xWcBXGL3u4ZsNyy-Sc25PQ_7mBbx48_1urr4ND2n6oaMOiScMQ_APROQNnBFilS0x_3U8Y2_DInFHqh8eWN86t7ZYWiZyOQCzi-QwgjFo_x_TNFXV5CESFsXLhGnl/s320/IMG_2261.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The onions are doing well!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJb2hE3rpo3PSl7Z-6KwF51cK2CRqcobN0q0a0ooYOFoHcuysiAr8woCoXwCO9L_8N7MzAmPu3f2RJmhqFTrqb1w4aXnM2lwC9MENr5iVWv9F5OXiv8rX4jbVth7FLONvnMdP2eKvMrlTeFWNA6UAHQrtVFHGzstktF0ih5eFrPaHD7bJSr289jvK/s4032/IMG_2263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJb2hE3rpo3PSl7Z-6KwF51cK2CRqcobN0q0a0ooYOFoHcuysiAr8woCoXwCO9L_8N7MzAmPu3f2RJmhqFTrqb1w4aXnM2lwC9MENr5iVWv9F5OXiv8rX4jbVth7FLONvnMdP2eKvMrlTeFWNA6UAHQrtVFHGzstktF0ih5eFrPaHD7bJSr289jvK/s320/IMG_2263.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here are the sweet potatoes. I have tried to grow them the last 4 years with little success. Feeling a little more optimistic this summer but we will see if there are any potatoes under those vines soon...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIx-vUfggBcl_MqaSbGn1ZlNq3-eqEM5NAvz3DE6zpqni8w5R2yjMgO2dmUGkRNWe1WNaxmvyCtfmxczEe3xw8ZFLwgXuNjbXZSVFkSeNi80FYNj7VRJjlRTOKv2WqV4uoAiCRry4bWXohJmcvw4kbPbvo6PGiQ0rSyDiSyCex5LC89URYMPViQ96/s4032/IMG_2264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIx-vUfggBcl_MqaSbGn1ZlNq3-eqEM5NAvz3DE6zpqni8w5R2yjMgO2dmUGkRNWe1WNaxmvyCtfmxczEe3xw8ZFLwgXuNjbXZSVFkSeNi80FYNj7VRJjlRTOKv2WqV4uoAiCRry4bWXohJmcvw4kbPbvo6PGiQ0rSyDiSyCex5LC89URYMPViQ96/s320/IMG_2264.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Some Jacob's Cattle Bens and celery in the background.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1_RTHBFHnPj--aKT8xWKNl4njH2Tff-cndn3xfnAFm4ZZhVttAegZEbFHGn47guKDgCGHp9GbGxCFnHvKSTF5H3Nb6wm2fpc1TdbirahabLkuVzByQe5bXuuk1eQ0-zsjLnDI5t599v_I1hO2wSG4fXyicaP-faJo_QsqrUqhmq2D1a14qIYSFTN/s4032/IMG_2266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1_RTHBFHnPj--aKT8xWKNl4njH2Tff-cndn3xfnAFm4ZZhVttAegZEbFHGn47guKDgCGHp9GbGxCFnHvKSTF5H3Nb6wm2fpc1TdbirahabLkuVzByQe5bXuuk1eQ0-zsjLnDI5t599v_I1hO2wSG4fXyicaP-faJo_QsqrUqhmq2D1a14qIYSFTN/s320/IMG_2266.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Pulled the garlic the end of July and it is about down drying down.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtjc9IWjXPLZM3IqrBUJ9-eKY9394mr39JqjA1jhMF0WzBjqNbShO6UQLMwQSbyUyUJJS31TnT6xXoH1feVPtiBkID24uUBPJ5C5WjT9KPP3reRLqc0rBPFT4Aq5ABovf4rTQqaTD3zw3MQhUNtYtiwM1C2NMy1no1--WwOS-j_V-hhuwyelug5m_/s4032/IMG_2267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtjc9IWjXPLZM3IqrBUJ9-eKY9394mr39JqjA1jhMF0WzBjqNbShO6UQLMwQSbyUyUJJS31TnT6xXoH1feVPtiBkID24uUBPJ5C5WjT9KPP3reRLqc0rBPFT4Aq5ABovf4rTQqaTD3zw3MQhUNtYtiwM1C2NMy1no1--WwOS-j_V-hhuwyelug5m_/s320/IMG_2267.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Basil and tomatoes!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHbuMdA784tNm4wF-nzycqOj6AcJf1-hdIHXV8U8mu6OO96VEtH3KYsmVWyjVB_7frvEiIC9bwhVPP2vZeDC6OTeu8O5fXfp-ijGhk__twf4YXnfO8awFdIMBgXjrnVMp73o54suX_NPKI6GCQLoKdTlfXZJGSDoxgZCmjFIBQntQk8iL-GLrDavk/s4032/IMG_2268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHbuMdA784tNm4wF-nzycqOj6AcJf1-hdIHXV8U8mu6OO96VEtH3KYsmVWyjVB_7frvEiIC9bwhVPP2vZeDC6OTeu8O5fXfp-ijGhk__twf4YXnfO8awFdIMBgXjrnVMp73o54suX_NPKI6GCQLoKdTlfXZJGSDoxgZCmjFIBQntQk8iL-GLrDavk/s320/IMG_2268.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Used the tall sunflowers as "poles" for some pole beans and I have just started harvesting some of the beans...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXR7gWjoUE4hsPcmPScs4C4jJwmdhA9i-_gIQ3EZR5ZtWrINjYf8xZ_I_I_azihN1xiPt9dYokYKXkTM_mkTp1kVmJ19VbvMAwwXz3-EBKANjAFoMYvNMIrLSdI6zKmwqSzrLKDMTmkYsfotzAN_9I1kP4IC-meV9t_yMU4kuhIqq0tSeJtW7WVZX/s4032/IMG_2310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXR7gWjoUE4hsPcmPScs4C4jJwmdhA9i-_gIQ3EZR5ZtWrINjYf8xZ_I_I_azihN1xiPt9dYokYKXkTM_mkTp1kVmJ19VbvMAwwXz3-EBKANjAFoMYvNMIrLSdI6zKmwqSzrLKDMTmkYsfotzAN_9I1kP4IC-meV9t_yMU4kuhIqq0tSeJtW7WVZX/s320/IMG_2310.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>This cantaloupe vine looks amazing...waiting for the cantaloupes to develop! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sf6qX2wzwE_OWloubBIqJJpD8Vv_CDCI63RrKd6Gb5UqAGCwVOrdFHiXYoXDICkXYqdAGcHjRziLPA4UzwsYyQWrY2FXJPlm1bRdD0s5XN4uLp85810R6M5dvwJZ0g1JIk3Gbj-_xK78-ZQ4DeFWJqBUbRqyDcmQ_8_p7xUgjy-r4K7JQ_pWOdbh/s4032/IMG_2311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sf6qX2wzwE_OWloubBIqJJpD8Vv_CDCI63RrKd6Gb5UqAGCwVOrdFHiXYoXDICkXYqdAGcHjRziLPA4UzwsYyQWrY2FXJPlm1bRdD0s5XN4uLp85810R6M5dvwJZ0g1JIk3Gbj-_xK78-ZQ4DeFWJqBUbRqyDcmQ_8_p7xUgjy-r4K7JQ_pWOdbh/s320/IMG_2311.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Tried a new heirloom zucchini variety called Cocozelle. It is striped and we have too many!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-X6pLFYuvx6_YjfqxLJ99OBVCluiPf5kUwn8S6MBYVZYeopB8o7CmBGOB8-SBQv8RxfYjwoXpWKRy3g8OBKU1BafvCs5gCiwGEeVaC81lSoXTPs-hjMfOJXrehQPvslVflLhaQf_NhlJMGue4Ul_Vup70yGFCgG-bg1qk8_BlcKkyaXywwmdIvdfU/s640/cocozelle%20zucchini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-X6pLFYuvx6_YjfqxLJ99OBVCluiPf5kUwn8S6MBYVZYeopB8o7CmBGOB8-SBQv8RxfYjwoXpWKRy3g8OBKU1BafvCs5gCiwGEeVaC81lSoXTPs-hjMfOJXrehQPvslVflLhaQf_NhlJMGue4Ul_Vup70yGFCgG-bg1qk8_BlcKkyaXywwmdIvdfU/s320/cocozelle%20zucchini.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The beet seeds got eaten by some birds so we only got a couple of beets. I planted some more when I planted the daikon radish and they are coming up slowly. Got a little bit of broccoli but then the flea beetles came in and demolished it. Same with the kale and swiss chard...ugh...flea beetles!<div><br /></div><div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>~Denise<br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-44180621543008155732022-08-07T05:43:00.001-07:002022-08-07T05:43:14.876-07:00Forever Flowers!<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> In the Flower Garden</h2><div>I know it has been a few weeks since I put out a blog post but things have been VERY busy! Lots of planting and re-planting this past spring. The weather was so wet and cool, it seems that it was hard for plants to get growing. Decided to try and plant some everlasting flowers this year for something different. They keep their color even when they are dried. I picked 10 different flowers. I only got 5 of them to grow. That was a little disappointing at first but I have been so busy that I have not had much time to despair. Here are a couple pics of some flowers that I have picked and are drying...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFESlMxKJ7PJYykAdxSpFOgufXd8UW-sMZO95Q3AKfkhO6FrDvGqrNhvsMJmMvle2qQ8H5yOIvkU5T4hOjjmnvQEystYo4rpOTaX4s206ztKGk50ypOAC9iUj0kM2fhX6PsjriZOoB2_CUiO14dWoS157oEOvIUW_yVQEUFiW_1NgELm8h_TVTkg9/s4032/IMG_2206.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFESlMxKJ7PJYykAdxSpFOgufXd8UW-sMZO95Q3AKfkhO6FrDvGqrNhvsMJmMvle2qQ8H5yOIvkU5T4hOjjmnvQEystYo4rpOTaX4s206ztKGk50ypOAC9iUj0kM2fhX6PsjriZOoB2_CUiO14dWoS157oEOvIUW_yVQEUFiW_1NgELm8h_TVTkg9/s320/IMG_2206.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahQtx_2pXL65JFJ2gv6aBxmA5aPciI2r-TWgNVeQFavG13luxCiSgz5SMebWtgEkjl4KLOmVBnxM8_XGwyVjLI3LplPIOl8KtkHK4eBAfBY4G315JffNHQJFClfqqDXPlI4aUUjLhIicmaXniR-di6heYodmnsuC2n6x_599Z0qP4Xp3-lwlE1AQE/s4032/IMG_2207.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahQtx_2pXL65JFJ2gv6aBxmA5aPciI2r-TWgNVeQFavG13luxCiSgz5SMebWtgEkjl4KLOmVBnxM8_XGwyVjLI3LplPIOl8KtkHK4eBAfBY4G315JffNHQJFClfqqDXPlI4aUUjLhIicmaXniR-di6heYodmnsuC2n6x_599Z0qP4Xp3-lwlE1AQE/s320/IMG_2207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, let me back up and go through the flowers that grew! Let me start with the Love Lies Bleeding which is a type of Amaranthus. This is a type of pigweed. I did my Masters thesis on identification of 10 different pigweeds so this one had a special place in my heart! It was by far the largest plant. It is in the background of this pic and it grew as tall as me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZme6gx2Vgkdminbqg_90wn2vSGCyFCsadSd0ombGrj4Zt_zxNL_sTxNYzZrerJnlw3RTWMtPz392e77nNwUEpoDYIOK9_UV1pWMWbMBWvUSr3CUI1vhmR5OMImjjJY425vToJDoJNIoKsUc9byfUJt8f47Vm1val-r1F3PoEYuVnUMPiVddm7e8JC/s4032/IMG_2135.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZme6gx2Vgkdminbqg_90wn2vSGCyFCsadSd0ombGrj4Zt_zxNL_sTxNYzZrerJnlw3RTWMtPz392e77nNwUEpoDYIOK9_UV1pWMWbMBWvUSr3CUI1vhmR5OMImjjJY425vToJDoJNIoKsUc9byfUJt8f47Vm1val-r1F3PoEYuVnUMPiVddm7e8JC/s4032/IMG_2135.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GvoucugHuL5bk82Q7ikuZHFwZpe49IOhY1Y3V_-5o2pIZ3Ib8oMhxTp6c1KzGnC4VPAIyJHmt8FNnBznu5waenHmwEXGVV9onBWyMa61lI8NuzMSG7rMNu9Au1BrB71TQfcvSGAQKVEGqdvwkBTBa3faJGdZ6iQAJNvlc7Yk6Epox_1jelbHzoEX/s4032/IMG_2204.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GvoucugHuL5bk82Q7ikuZHFwZpe49IOhY1Y3V_-5o2pIZ3Ib8oMhxTp6c1KzGnC4VPAIyJHmt8FNnBznu5waenHmwEXGVV9onBWyMa61lI8NuzMSG7rMNu9Au1BrB71TQfcvSGAQKVEGqdvwkBTBa3faJGdZ6iQAJNvlc7Yk6Epox_1jelbHzoEX/s320/IMG_2204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div>It produces these long, reddish flowing flower heads and they are so beautiful! I took a bunch to the Farmers Market last time I went and someone walked by and offered to buy them. Sold!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VEotLr9hmiMI5exq7Fn46WpR4ITz-l5PNq3SI3rLnAI4EcaM4mbweF-e2jy-IZmkH1gS1PyCTnyStqMREH-gNSjV43Kqvb5fxYDswaPbHLwEb25TeWWogbV0eXGaO13qyanOBgpuHIH9Ue-rll4uGi9PFdCH0PpKYv5ijozLBL_dHIKYelWTZPOj/s4032/IMG_2146.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VEotLr9hmiMI5exq7Fn46WpR4ITz-l5PNq3SI3rLnAI4EcaM4mbweF-e2jy-IZmkH1gS1PyCTnyStqMREH-gNSjV43Kqvb5fxYDswaPbHLwEb25TeWWogbV0eXGaO13qyanOBgpuHIH9Ue-rll4uGi9PFdCH0PpKYv5ijozLBL_dHIKYelWTZPOj/s320/IMG_2146.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>This flower is called Globe amaranth but it is not an Amaranthus species (at least I don't think so). It's scientific name is Gomphrena. There are little flowers and they have a really neat flower with lots of detail. It reminds me of a round seashell pattern. There are white and purple ones...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SecXe9FcSOi-O_kB6itoROG7QSXTuEKVYNEH9C7HRK1ANiIJ7BMMxVgG0rYtAWbeP4Dr53g9TKJDsLpjxfzVDHg5qk77Zi-3gh8xKU3mnFm9ihePcR_HqVkpsL2ec4bqP7C3pp1yK9qd_3ufmVojYkpQCpxzV5yJVz59PbuiCfCwTF-u6WN51vyn/s4032/IMG_2150.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SecXe9FcSOi-O_kB6itoROG7QSXTuEKVYNEH9C7HRK1ANiIJ7BMMxVgG0rYtAWbeP4Dr53g9TKJDsLpjxfzVDHg5qk77Zi-3gh8xKU3mnFm9ihePcR_HqVkpsL2ec4bqP7C3pp1yK9qd_3ufmVojYkpQCpxzV5yJVz59PbuiCfCwTF-u6WN51vyn/s320/IMG_2150.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIeGyFJVRC9PMGrLh5xXbVMKBdR742rseDeo-nc0xkDSiCIb1dZHPeOlt_iDvexAQqsCy9B3JuFZ6FoYmxx7JtSAAMMwaZdR5GFogy8gKirjHUyqoJO9OHYnFOj8PpCqLBs2mM8fAlf1uPOs_ceDsOaWybnUgSEBydZ06Px7qbq1l37p-H4Y9fwLl/s4032/IMG_2211.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIeGyFJVRC9PMGrLh5xXbVMKBdR742rseDeo-nc0xkDSiCIb1dZHPeOlt_iDvexAQqsCy9B3JuFZ6FoYmxx7JtSAAMMwaZdR5GFogy8gKirjHUyqoJO9OHYnFOj8PpCqLBs2mM8fAlf1uPOs_ceDsOaWybnUgSEBydZ06Px7qbq1l37p-H4Y9fwLl/s320/IMG_2211.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEv9_KMArV9clm3s9E0TnGP-Ysc7Ssb4JF77qXG0rQxJIfzIgiHMyKsRPM30i9IbAbusbi-4KRO3erlgvs9JFiM6ZAhOP6N0H2wGKtemqoololflVEFZZ66ag-QOBD42GXVkGmyYjz6QGh0FsuICFKINhLZDhXI7kkF-mMcr5DgfjxqyB9vmJ234qF/s4032/IMG_2155.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEv9_KMArV9clm3s9E0TnGP-Ysc7Ssb4JF77qXG0rQxJIfzIgiHMyKsRPM30i9IbAbusbi-4KRO3erlgvs9JFiM6ZAhOP6N0H2wGKtemqoololflVEFZZ66ag-QOBD42GXVkGmyYjz6QGh0FsuICFKINhLZDhXI7kkF-mMcr5DgfjxqyB9vmJ234qF/s320/IMG_2155.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This flower is called Statice and I am REALLY liking it. It has a unique growing pattern with a whorl at the bottom and then sends up the flower stalks. They look like they belong in the desert or another planet...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZme6gx2Vgkdminbqg_90wn2vSGCyFCsadSd0ombGrj4Zt_zxNL_sTxNYzZrerJnlw3RTWMtPz392e77nNwUEpoDYIOK9_UV1pWMWbMBWvUSr3CUI1vhmR5OMImjjJY425vToJDoJNIoKsUc9byfUJt8f47Vm1val-r1F3PoEYuVnUMPiVddm7e8JC/s320/IMG_2135.JPG" width="240" /></div><div>I feel that a bouquet of them is pretty all by itself! Ignore my dirty sleeve...LOL!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41wBdmqjYAjpslPFm5cMjLD7BM3bHeSSc4eZxyCkPk-1umqHExi35SYCxkf6n2QfM9TkPQM5MU16u_ciWPd2nFulIFBV8-hheWw_UIr5qMpi218MDWKw9fuOHMBIl2cmXQ5tZafbP-6SxVL0TxqKt78s9sepE_bVffjqJ4dOpRGEH1XfTIF4QsrRj/s4032/37ED5975-7521-4E19-B8BE-7BBB2B4A2EC1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41wBdmqjYAjpslPFm5cMjLD7BM3bHeSSc4eZxyCkPk-1umqHExi35SYCxkf6n2QfM9TkPQM5MU16u_ciWPd2nFulIFBV8-hheWw_UIr5qMpi218MDWKw9fuOHMBIl2cmXQ5tZafbP-6SxVL0TxqKt78s9sepE_bVffjqJ4dOpRGEH1XfTIF4QsrRj/s320/37ED5975-7521-4E19-B8BE-7BBB2B4A2EC1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div>This is a type of Nigella and it is called Love in the Mist. The flowers are pretty but I don’t care for the way they dry down...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEila8qtzuYaj2n9tKockgiofkOg2Hjbp0wRqhxLxm3_YyUcmXZH9inA81bCTM2FaZfBKOLBfPsMafMH5Da-vFGh3KC7U7SHaQkJvnJjNqE6WlaS-pcrA4OnRVSEyhYox0UpLmvEyR5xauFAzr7CaB_nWKg0xdQyQsYYr2tAZp0cOXoj2vQKvSyc-8T_/s4032/IMG_2156.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEila8qtzuYaj2n9tKockgiofkOg2Hjbp0wRqhxLxm3_YyUcmXZH9inA81bCTM2FaZfBKOLBfPsMafMH5Da-vFGh3KC7U7SHaQkJvnJjNqE6WlaS-pcrA4OnRVSEyhYox0UpLmvEyR5xauFAzr7CaB_nWKg0xdQyQsYYr2tAZp0cOXoj2vQKvSyc-8T_/s320/IMG_2156.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>...BUT they do make some interesting seed pods though!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7VY9NmDu3CxOJSOrANTU8UOw8vnuhTZsddhrP_ncNjpfc-3C5KUQXIyQ3iidhypZULGm8WzneL-XwUY3qp5Z2ZQ_hsoYJIecE6PP8RKes5tsL-ZyilEmf5d_pEy4OPPjICdL5htMLnpwVhwNyQ_BBbGpgAefeUrkHIErx3lQkxLCGo7bQbAJB5Qa/s4032/9F51DF11-4958-4F1C-A1F8-143041EE68AA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7VY9NmDu3CxOJSOrANTU8UOw8vnuhTZsddhrP_ncNjpfc-3C5KUQXIyQ3iidhypZULGm8WzneL-XwUY3qp5Z2ZQ_hsoYJIecE6PP8RKes5tsL-ZyilEmf5d_pEy4OPPjICdL5htMLnpwVhwNyQ_BBbGpgAefeUrkHIErx3lQkxLCGo7bQbAJB5Qa/s320/9F51DF11-4958-4F1C-A1F8-143041EE68AA.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>Here is a type of strawflower. It has single flower heads. The plants are pretty small and only about a foot tall. They dry nicely but are just so small I am not sure if they will work well in a larger bouquet but I am going to try and make some smaller ones. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyptMCmpou2hdZ0UwGAfzdK8US3Bq93p2tovqEPH3angIoP_a9BFHdS94nDJ1zt05EMIPi4mCzpS35yKkrGFBzSe71hNck0KN0LoWFJkoxj2L5uCluOaqLDh5Vlt8CtYpPcxgcMJ3kGD175bpo9g61Kjs_uPUVyF30ZkqQZ3REjZN9yX09rJ3o9oIN/s4032/IMG_2236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyptMCmpou2hdZ0UwGAfzdK8US3Bq93p2tovqEPH3angIoP_a9BFHdS94nDJ1zt05EMIPi4mCzpS35yKkrGFBzSe71hNck0KN0LoWFJkoxj2L5uCluOaqLDh5Vlt8CtYpPcxgcMJ3kGD175bpo9g61Kjs_uPUVyF30ZkqQZ3REjZN9yX09rJ3o9oIN/s320/IMG_2236.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div>This is another type of strawflower and it has double flowers and is much larger than the first kind mentioned before this. I like it a lot better and I think it will look nice when dried!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNvMD4Q9FpUuSfSGmCwLvqesXtb271eGvHGEv_T1JXuKf4bL4xMKkPBl0TbSOB4SYhX4WK4fKKwg0A5RMlTsGGQJYX4WZon03elxXRSFEwOjjyKZCAGLs6NobqeOdtsYN0CPK0V7S_0tHhbE82UIzyxXRcwBxPbWRxkD5eYWX8cWg0S-g75pEVRaI/s4032/IMG_2237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNvMD4Q9FpUuSfSGmCwLvqesXtb271eGvHGEv_T1JXuKf4bL4xMKkPBl0TbSOB4SYhX4WK4fKKwg0A5RMlTsGGQJYX4WZon03elxXRSFEwOjjyKZCAGLs6NobqeOdtsYN0CPK0V7S_0tHhbE82UIzyxXRcwBxPbWRxkD5eYWX8cWg0S-g75pEVRaI/s320/IMG_2237.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Several of the flowers I planted did not grow. Among those were yarrow, baby’s breath, Flamingo flower, globe thistle and foxtail millet. The foxtail millet did not even germinate so I must have gotten some bad seed. I was most disappointed that the yarrow didn’t grow because I really like yarrow and was hoping for some pink yarrow plants. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course, the birds, butterflies and bees LOVE all the flowers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmSIQI2_IkVFsSKNBticJoDyHLZJ4nVD0Se_4VdxMcKIKUghEMI5QQyeJ3P-SBdU4M999SQeptH-kzK4YUOdu1YjNWECOgAlMdE5riKetzRCeT8v70BXTnfcOszwlH-_sz3zj3KHOQRtC3PHU6nV1vFmZXSupfZZpToSQOd-cvQSLNybK8r5Oyh-n/s4032/IMG_2213.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUBvnb5p89qBF5_goipYwKaMGoqsTOX4gzpTGmf7w5Pwg0msMJbydfVpgAUx9CiWNaFyMJbDzaAdKSGH0sGzJBz-P9afyvbKysYxYEf3W31cLnU0zDuRk4wF6BzCrZBx61W1t8otU1WJ5D09GIQeP_kFh1zpKmJYB7sxF1V2p3LRjzotn6FwEB2aU/s4032/IMG_2200.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUBvnb5p89qBF5_goipYwKaMGoqsTOX4gzpTGmf7w5Pwg0msMJbydfVpgAUx9CiWNaFyMJbDzaAdKSGH0sGzJBz-P9afyvbKysYxYEf3W31cLnU0zDuRk4wF6BzCrZBx61W1t8otU1WJ5D09GIQeP_kFh1zpKmJYB7sxF1V2p3LRjzotn6FwEB2aU/s320/IMG_2200.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmSIQI2_IkVFsSKNBticJoDyHLZJ4nVD0Se_4VdxMcKIKUghEMI5QQyeJ3P-SBdU4M999SQeptH-kzK4YUOdu1YjNWECOgAlMdE5riKetzRCeT8v70BXTnfcOszwlH-_sz3zj3KHOQRtC3PHU6nV1vFmZXSupfZZpToSQOd-cvQSLNybK8r5Oyh-n/s4032/IMG_2213.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAWB57ZlhrjjF2WpO90Ik2hOwIoViSQaWNZZh5Tt9-O8NNBJc8xuy0Qm8CTqIG82Qiw5zZcIJR8jQTQMPOgxW-P3kCiHZgkE-wmj_PWbV-jRj20uXu_Ti3VNI4jCbgVyAa4akJ-ZuWBgpwb5-CTGPEzz7dpMHAOOPVLHUhmwJThV7oy0hC9z784iw/s4032/IMG_2126.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAWB57ZlhrjjF2WpO90Ik2hOwIoViSQaWNZZh5Tt9-O8NNBJc8xuy0Qm8CTqIG82Qiw5zZcIJR8jQTQMPOgxW-P3kCiHZgkE-wmj_PWbV-jRj20uXu_Ti3VNI4jCbgVyAa4akJ-ZuWBgpwb5-CTGPEzz7dpMHAOOPVLHUhmwJThV7oy0hC9z784iw/s320/IMG_2126.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #0000ee; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkq6yzggsN-iwjVNyntXg5ATRAyaNaM_q7rfn5UZzfYnacNz84WGkTuaVrZiD9fEbrW79P1h2usA8lIrRg3biIx28qb0cjJGvJ1qPsg8ugK8mQlNrU3s6cGcYzexsLbOwGu3h7dT_ljiaMaQmor8tyBCz9nHK70PA_1xd_hLqz7DZbDx3-RC-gmgvs/s4032/IMG_2244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkq6yzggsN-iwjVNyntXg5ATRAyaNaM_q7rfn5UZzfYnacNz84WGkTuaVrZiD9fEbrW79P1h2usA8lIrRg3biIx28qb0cjJGvJ1qPsg8ugK8mQlNrU3s6cGcYzexsLbOwGu3h7dT_ljiaMaQmor8tyBCz9nHK70PA_1xd_hLqz7DZbDx3-RC-gmgvs/s320/IMG_2244.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The sunflowers are finally starting to grow too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYvFSQOwxIUHKV278iwz-hm_8Zr48KAxIa46bzV54X4tgeGKHHy7O_HioUEN0ZpkQ3oO7jH4E09FXZXzcUvaw8PJy-2rh9lJDV0XAXI0zRSsF0nR5oApMmXqWaPlxmYyuY_WPKmy48aP2g_URb6cNO79teKyR9w6bLG-FpDkL17mek1eEtIidocl8/s4032/IMG_2242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYvFSQOwxIUHKV278iwz-hm_8Zr48KAxIa46bzV54X4tgeGKHHy7O_HioUEN0ZpkQ3oO7jH4E09FXZXzcUvaw8PJy-2rh9lJDV0XAXI0zRSsF0nR5oApMmXqWaPlxmYyuY_WPKmy48aP2g_URb6cNO79teKyR9w6bLG-FpDkL17mek1eEtIidocl8/s320/IMG_2242.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I am going to start attempting to put these bouquets together this week. Wish me luck! Hopefully, will be back with a garden post in a couple weeks...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have an eggcellent day!</div><div style="text-align: left;">~Denise</div><u style="color: #0000ee;"><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-61616235556031327592022-06-19T06:24:00.001-07:002022-06-19T06:31:48.493-07:00Flavored vinegars and ACV drink recipes<h2 style="text-align: left;"> In the Kitchen</h2><div>I posted about making apple cider vinegar (ACV) last November. Then, at the end of winter, I made a post about foraging for pine needles and making pine needle vinegar. This led me to looking into other types of flavored vinegars that could be made. Wow! What a rabbit hole! You can make a flavored vinegar with just about anything! It is actually quite simple. You put the item that you want to flavor in a jar, fill it up with vinegar and then let it sit about 6 weeks to infuse. You can speed up the process by heating the vinegar. I don't want to heat the vinegar because I am going to be using the apple cider vinegar that I make from our apples. This vinegar is "alive" because I ferment it myself and I want to keep this product raw so that there are probiotics in the ACV which is good for your gut health, microbiome and digestion!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1n339HFXX8jAppPDhcelZ77-fyVyryhDluqUQdocXe3dF8UTbJP2fN8QSiKXdnuSsHaA8RYiOjc7AdLN1lLpFDHu4-Mw9i-vm4pW946_p1GYenukLlkEAOppJzVOWNxQVQkP6PwOZFlQFx1Z49HDjVpLrqGSe1YVGmV2S5Pc6o1EjiLDNtlrd3Q3/s640/pine%20needle%20vinegar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1n339HFXX8jAppPDhcelZ77-fyVyryhDluqUQdocXe3dF8UTbJP2fN8QSiKXdnuSsHaA8RYiOjc7AdLN1lLpFDHu4-Mw9i-vm4pW946_p1GYenukLlkEAOppJzVOWNxQVQkP6PwOZFlQFx1Z49HDjVpLrqGSe1YVGmV2S5Pc6o1EjiLDNtlrd3Q3/s320/pine%20needle%20vinegar.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>Let's take a step back and look again at apple cider vinegar. Basically, it is acetic acid. It is the result of fermenting yeast and bacteria with a food/drink item. I use apples for the food item but there are lots of different vinegars. Red wine, white wine, grapes (balsamic), and rice vinegars just to name a few. Yeast turns the sugar in the food item into alcohol and then bacteria converts the alcohol to acetic acid. Just to be clear, I am making ACV from our apple trees and then flavoring the ACV with plants we grow on the farm. </div><div><br /></div><div>ACV is all natural and can be used as a home remedy for many ailments. But not everything you read on the internet is true about ACV. What is the scientific evidence for the benefits of ACV? These five proven benefits with sufficient scientific evidence are taken from the <a href="https://www.medicinenet.com/20_benefits_of_drinking_apple_cider_vinegar/article.htm" target="_blank">MedicineNet article 20 Benefits of drinking Apple Cider Vinegar:</a></div><div><br /></div><div>1. Lower the blood glucose level: There is enough scientific evidence that ACV regulates the blood sugar level in diabetes; however, it shouldn’t replace the medications. Adding ACV as a part of an anti-diabetic diet may help to control the blood sugar level.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Weight loss: Researches have stated that ACV helps in weight management, lowering lipid levels, and prevents fat deposition around the organs.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Antibacterial: ACV has multiple antimicrobial properties on different microbial species, affecting its growth.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Boost skin health: ACV kills the bacteria and prevents the infection on the skin, thus helping in enhancing skin health.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. ACV helps in detoxification of the body.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6-X24B6nU7Vr8luSI-SNUPW11V7yH-3b5DgHKaLVMhuPeGxtdJBsK1Fc4XQcWo6GrHVkggEOBOAWDMfrqSIrcU3ni31oFOfV11bspuesKjjOhkMy1RJULylVLX7y2W4uA9a6N8p9ZxeHhSsZahWncXd0_ytmJusN2DuewDgQC52e0_nrL9f1WuKK/s640/apple%20cider%20vinger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6-X24B6nU7Vr8luSI-SNUPW11V7yH-3b5DgHKaLVMhuPeGxtdJBsK1Fc4XQcWo6GrHVkggEOBOAWDMfrqSIrcU3ni31oFOfV11bspuesKjjOhkMy1RJULylVLX7y2W4uA9a6N8p9ZxeHhSsZahWncXd0_ytmJusN2DuewDgQC52e0_nrL9f1WuKK/s320/apple%20cider%20vinger.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div>It is important to dilute ACV before consuming it. Put 1-2 tablespoons of ACV in 1 cup of water. ACV shouldn’t be directly applied to the skin as it can damage the skin. I am drinking some of the pine needle vinegar in a glass of warm water this morning as I am finishing this blog post. Make sure to use warm (not HOT) water or the hot water will kill the probiotics you are trying to consume.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Drinking straight ACV can be a little sour tasting. You can add a couple drops of sweetener to balance out the acidity. You can also add other ingredients to make a healthy drink. Here is a great recipe for using ACV in a morning drink from <a href="https://store.nuvisionhealthcenter.com/blogs/apple-cider-vinegar/5-easy-apple-cider-vinegar-drink-recipes-you-can-make-at-home" target="_blank">NuVision</a>: </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">Apple Cider Vinegar Berry Lemonade</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">2 tbsp of berries (like strawberries) </span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">1 tbsp apple cider vinegar</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">1 tbsp lemon juice </span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">2 cups water</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">Place the berries in the bottom of your cup </span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">Add in your ACV, lemon juice, and sweetener if using. Fill the cup up with ice and add in enough water to fill the rest of the cup. Stir and enjoy! </span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">You can also add a few drops of raw honey or stevia if you prefer more sweetness in your drink. This drink is not only delicious, but the ingredients will also provide helpful benefits to start your day off right. Berries are low in calories, yet packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, and other powerful nutrients and vitamins. These components will replenish your electrolytes, give your immune system a boost and the fiber will help you feel full by delaying the movement of food through your digestive tract. Along with the berries, lemon juice is another great addition to this beverage. Lemon juice has been shown to ease bloating, improve digestion, and even promote detoxification, which makes it a great option for a detox drink. Lemon juice contains helpful vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Consuming this drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach will further promote these benefits. These ingredients make it a great apple cider vinegar recipe for weight loss, and overall health. </span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, let's get back to talking about flavored vinegars. As I mentioned before, you can use almost anything to flavor vinegar...fruit, flowers, herbs, vegetables and a combination of these items! I plan on experimenting with many different flavors this year. I already started another batch of pine needle vinegar. My chives are getting ready to flower and I am going to start some chive flower vinegar soon. Also, I just made some rose petal jelly last week and I am thinking of making some rose petal vinegar now! Here is a great website with some ideas for making <a href="https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/flavored-vinegars/" target="_blank">9 flavored vinegars</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>How else can you use ACV?</div><div><br /></div><div><div>* Use ACV as a substitute for plain vinegar in any cooking recipe</div><div><br /></div><div>* Use ACV instead of lemon juice in homemade mayonnaise</div><div><br /></div><div>* Homemade Broth – add a tablespoon of ACV to your bones to help get the minerals out</div><div><br /></div><div>* Make salad dressing:</div><div>2/3 cup olive oil</div><div>1/4 cup cider vinegar</div><div>1 tablespoon honey</div><div>2 teaspoons Dijon mustard</div><div>1 garlic cloves, minced</div><div>1/4 teaspoon salt</div><div>1/8 teaspoon pepper</div><div>Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; shake well. Store in the refrigerator. Just before serving, shake dressing again.</div><div><br /></div><div>* Water Bath Canner or Steamer Juicer – I add a tablespoon of ACV to the water in my canner/juicer to keep the minerals from building up inside</div><div><br /></div><div>* Fruit Fly Traps – I just pour some in a small dish and keep it near my composting container on my counter. I also add a couple drops of dish soap to the dish.</div><div><br /></div><div>* Vinegar is an acid and is great for cleaning because it kills microorganisms</div><div><br /></div><div>Homemade Natural Cleaning Products</div><div>Make your own all-purpose cleaner with one part water and one part ACV. Use it to clean hard surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom, including countertops, hard water stains, and drains.</div><div><br /></div><div>Daily Shower Cleaner</div><div>1.5 cups water</div><div>1 cup vinegar</div><div>1/2 cup rubbing alcohol</div><div>1 teaspoon liquid dish soap (I like this kind– affiliate link)</div><div>15 drops lemon essential oil (these are my favorite essential oils ever)</div><div>15 drops melaleuca (tea tree) essential oil</div><div>Mix all the ingredients together in a quart-sized spray bottle.</div><div>Shake well, and spray onto shower surfaces every day after use.</div><div>Remember–this is designed as a maintenance spray, so I would suggest starting with a clean shower first. It won’t remove built-on grime by itself, it’ll just slow down the process.</div><div><br /></div><div>Homemade Hair Rinses</div><div>After shampooing, just mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, massage into your hair, and rinse off. It helps remove buildup, it also works as a natural detangler and general scalp revitalizer. Best not to use this hair rinse if you have color treated hair.</div><div><br /></div><div>Foot Soak</div><div>Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water with a tablespoon of Epsom salt. Soak your feet in the bath for 20 minutes. After soaking, rinse off feet and coat your feet in a hydrating cream, put on a pair of socks, and let the lotion sit on them overnight.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Have an eggcellent week!</div><div>~Denise</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></p>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-67750829656860893202022-06-05T05:57:00.002-07:002022-06-05T05:58:35.301-07:00Spring 2022 update and phenology...Joshua graduating from high school this week!<h2 style="text-align: left;"> On the Farm</h2><div>Just going to do a little update about what is happening on the farm...mostly planting! We have had an unseasonably cold spring this year. It has delayed planting of pretty much everything until the past couple of weeks. I remember in past years planting in April and just crossing my fingers that everything would be okay but I didn't dare do that this year. As soon as it looked like there were no freezing temps in the 10 day forecast, I started planting. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a pic of something new I am trying this year...Pink Celery! Celery is actually pretty easy to grow and I have grown regular old green celery for several years. I have canned my own cream of celery soup to use in casseroles the past couple years. I saw the seed for this pink celery and decided to give it a try...so cute!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir76N19sgR_uLCQ4-x9l0zahLg7CQfqfk5H2Y4Mhu9YNU_FvDk0TURO5CLPj0FSGRPciOJEPBps0F-X7vFZqYhKj2VwfcVlKJYfmCsIqFs-q9V2oh3xjJDgH1-RAo-S4dwC_CQxUIAaDVafEQgO53hhiCPyqdn0hg-JJGghz0dZWzaVOJgm4-uz275/s4032/IMG_1823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir76N19sgR_uLCQ4-x9l0zahLg7CQfqfk5H2Y4Mhu9YNU_FvDk0TURO5CLPj0FSGRPciOJEPBps0F-X7vFZqYhKj2VwfcVlKJYfmCsIqFs-q9V2oh3xjJDgH1-RAo-S4dwC_CQxUIAaDVafEQgO53hhiCPyqdn0hg-JJGghz0dZWzaVOJgm4-uz275/s320/IMG_1823.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The geese are doing great! Can you believe they are only 7 weeks old! They only have a few baby feathers left on their necks. They are learning how to go into their mobile coop at night and come out in the morning. Golly the Gander is really good at going in at night now. The first few nights I had to catch them and put them in but now they walk up the ramp themselves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aciuAPOnzLDcwpRoT6Tfq6jOuc1f26ofIxMOy7A4ufE1XQRu68bwr4tfPLbIob_xgxEuldamBcHfrspOG4ebsZg1U5l5E5qIfOK3QxecdnEuGQ1eP9DUXA0Ggn3obRVfOeBCX7y3A_TGAFqHBDbqXa-6_YdhCcz7FtpJa_xzN7_FVmNL5xwLli1E/s4032/IMG_1766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aciuAPOnzLDcwpRoT6Tfq6jOuc1f26ofIxMOy7A4ufE1XQRu68bwr4tfPLbIob_xgxEuldamBcHfrspOG4ebsZg1U5l5E5qIfOK3QxecdnEuGQ1eP9DUXA0Ggn3obRVfOeBCX7y3A_TGAFqHBDbqXa-6_YdhCcz7FtpJa_xzN7_FVmNL5xwLli1E/s320/IMG_1766.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>They love their pool but it is a little small for them. I have a bigger pool to get out but just haven't found the time to drag it out of the barn.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgog6OUQ2OWS8Vdd6zChkqJchhH4-9bdSE6w7iq4Ou9Ox_n0y0qNaLQlt3JcjBX1nm5ji7PBh9zzH6Vl3wxwGwhoJqB5BcWP40YbT3gyJclleeHP5SdYGR7gmpHjPMfJJVZl_bZs0rJ_I_gqSDjbmR7lyMWh7ZcL9jYMKmyisQQvEMqe0E2oDzzN3k/s4032/IMG_1768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgog6OUQ2OWS8Vdd6zChkqJchhH4-9bdSE6w7iq4Ou9Ox_n0y0qNaLQlt3JcjBX1nm5ji7PBh9zzH6Vl3wxwGwhoJqB5BcWP40YbT3gyJclleeHP5SdYGR7gmpHjPMfJJVZl_bZs0rJ_I_gqSDjbmR7lyMWh7ZcL9jYMKmyisQQvEMqe0E2oDzzN3k/s320/IMG_1768.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The apple trees finally started blooming a couple weeks ago and the bees are out. All 3 of our hives made it through the winter. This is pretty amazing. I really was just hoping at least 1 would make it. Most of the time you can expect about half of your hives to not make it through the winter.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW2DNdJZAnIV4yWxth34TNJSGGwxkx_7iHNlkwsAgrmQ1XF8-wIQo0GZzF_phjmTqzKneLpvFT9Nc0KnPK5hUq3i62ct1lsVN_zb8uECGtO2nZDTC6BKRDieRYVWsO_qEqW1oasfNSG_5cbC75EKnjFHrc9155oY19IoR-YZqe7Ey7YSi8RT6l-vw/s4032/IMG_1799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW2DNdJZAnIV4yWxth34TNJSGGwxkx_7iHNlkwsAgrmQ1XF8-wIQo0GZzF_phjmTqzKneLpvFT9Nc0KnPK5hUq3i62ct1lsVN_zb8uECGtO2nZDTC6BKRDieRYVWsO_qEqW1oasfNSG_5cbC75EKnjFHrc9155oY19IoR-YZqe7Ey7YSi8RT6l-vw/s320/IMG_1799.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I moved the worms out to their summer home...the bathtub that we converted to a worm bin. They will stay out here until the freezing weather returns. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of worms that I had in my bin in the house...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAoRpoSxMU5Wvp8gqZDp9WioeDUsE1Cu34uwrqDs8hWw-DTN7IJ53OTAB6RHdhe2O6KTDCTuzCCgqKEYHG3orcH1L6XTO3q48zGqJ9nso-oRhWxbA6nZXXRev3zBkRtfIpgwxxBzh9URQC-Z1SwUy4FfkbE4C84C35qDc62xrQ_2FyNsncmq_T2C0/s4032/IMG_1811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAoRpoSxMU5Wvp8gqZDp9WioeDUsE1Cu34uwrqDs8hWw-DTN7IJ53OTAB6RHdhe2O6KTDCTuzCCgqKEYHG3orcH1L6XTO3q48zGqJ9nso-oRhWxbA6nZXXRev3zBkRtfIpgwxxBzh9URQC-Z1SwUy4FfkbE4C84C35qDc62xrQ_2FyNsncmq_T2C0/s320/IMG_1811.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>They will love it in the bathtub and will have lots of room to expand and grow. I love the vermicompost that I can collect at the end of the season.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXBS8z1rqTKST8H6O6c7L6-OlKlMJrI4X1sgi85O9Nj1Co1PJuPGOqV2b-GLpTn3Sg4YoSxYd0BS11ZoMW5WGwMpjv467F1eC-qxMn1_GPMwwZ6oiOOuh5BtyzX7yYruorx28F6w_2YhlwL4Twjy-EUXNAZeR7TBxmyAur3S9FdRb9zet-8btVckC/s4032/IMG_1812%20-%20Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXBS8z1rqTKST8H6O6c7L6-OlKlMJrI4X1sgi85O9Nj1Co1PJuPGOqV2b-GLpTn3Sg4YoSxYd0BS11ZoMW5WGwMpjv467F1eC-qxMn1_GPMwwZ6oiOOuh5BtyzX7yYruorx28F6w_2YhlwL4Twjy-EUXNAZeR7TBxmyAur3S9FdRb9zet-8btVckC/s320/IMG_1812%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I have been working on expanding the flower farm. I got the weed mat down and burned holes in it. I did get some flowers planted but still have about half of it to go...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQEKwkZ17hmnr80qfjYnMmd4EfSDDlfWCBm7tYI8mP523Of1Ji-Efqa1IL0ypgiB0vRtIgBANzYrEu-VcGa-Z1HVJcT744e4vZY84evUTERYyvrpW8kE_y4fc0oomBb_PYltV08VYAqhSS6XtWMSNl06NzDobUVqrP0V6vSnLzjXtUr3dD17ocEyT/s4032/IMG_1818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQEKwkZ17hmnr80qfjYnMmd4EfSDDlfWCBm7tYI8mP523Of1Ji-Efqa1IL0ypgiB0vRtIgBANzYrEu-VcGa-Z1HVJcT744e4vZY84evUTERYyvrpW8kE_y4fc0oomBb_PYltV08VYAqhSS6XtWMSNl06NzDobUVqrP0V6vSnLzjXtUr3dD17ocEyT/s320/IMG_1818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Phenology</h4><div>I find phenology fascinating and I always think that I am going to follow this advice but then life happens and I just get so busy and want to get it all planted! One aspect of phenology is looking to (mostly perennial) plants to give you cues as to when to plant your garden. In a broader sense, phenology also encompasses bird migration, fall leaf color, insect emergence, etc...</div><div><br /></div><div>Taken from almanac.com:</div><blockquote><div><div></div><blockquote><div>"Phenology is the study of cyclical natural phenomena and events—from bud burst to bird migration—and then letting nature’s timing help you understand when to plant and harvest. Native and ornamental plants act as nature’s “alarm clock” by signaling that temperatures and precipitation are optimal for planting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since average frost dates are just an estimate, observing the plant and animal activity can be very helpful. While not totally foolproof, following nature’s clock helps us tune in to the rhythm of life around us."</div></blockquote></div></blockquote><p>Here are some examples...sorry, not the best quality pic but I think you can read it if you make it larger...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwV5XcYD_ZdI-GW1WgDMh32tpiv6Geu6-SMpws0IenkSMpBzJ4bUNKEkHARKtFwNP5RQ_KBmFD4vVOy2PLgN3vHd0n56Cv-UOw_XlLyg8V_AURfFKe0iIS1FCiSEzOYkjXwasZSV8Il4LKuunCespiOPa8-WNbMH9gZmbqoNrUcmUcIh_cpFdKs0dv/s792/phenology%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="595" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwV5XcYD_ZdI-GW1WgDMh32tpiv6Geu6-SMpws0IenkSMpBzJ4bUNKEkHARKtFwNP5RQ_KBmFD4vVOy2PLgN3vHd0n56Cv-UOw_XlLyg8V_AURfFKe0iIS1FCiSEzOYkjXwasZSV8Il4LKuunCespiOPa8-WNbMH9gZmbqoNrUcmUcIh_cpFdKs0dv/w480-h640/phenology%20(1).jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">When I asked Henry if he knew about phenology he said he did and gave me this example: it is time to put out a preemergence herbicide for crabgrass when the forsythia bloom. I had heard earlier this spring that it is time to hunt for morels after you have cut your grass 2 times. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do you use any phenology when you plant your garden?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have an eggcellent day!</div><div style="text-align: left;">~Denise</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joshua is graduating from high school on Wednesday! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVlLE9Hr06GgZC-yx5fjtvlYQsoZKJdPyNWsI4i0W3rE4q3nAMmEld1HdY9-4TKU9PTxzGhm4t6-Gzc1YDiDawQvovGWNlZVFZW2IzfAEev-yDw2GdHihnkFl73OKrRtfuEsnPWazA_yFdE4fvsMVPzOxGJLvql_KTZ18rZ_mSdxccK99Ocd9PtB2/s5555/Joshua%20graduation%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5555" data-original-width="3703" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVlLE9Hr06GgZC-yx5fjtvlYQsoZKJdPyNWsI4i0W3rE4q3nAMmEld1HdY9-4TKU9PTxzGhm4t6-Gzc1YDiDawQvovGWNlZVFZW2IzfAEev-yDw2GdHihnkFl73OKrRtfuEsnPWazA_yFdE4fvsMVPzOxGJLvql_KTZ18rZ_mSdxccK99Ocd9PtB2/s320/Joshua%20graduation%201.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4-5Ob0boP-DmrSLl9jOONkrcqOou5tYS81g2aJ11GQK9tUjvsq-cxSpO3y15_ecjRQiSSdGEiBXkaa28yH0SHuAe6R6hdLRUfdYEkViuKPA1F37z2vgcuq5x2V4rPDpTJ1sg-UI76xepYO2nCvNBDwLnsfJ99apYaaW4IU18W3Mvp0g6UQRwkLr1/s6000/Joshua%20graduation%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4-5Ob0boP-DmrSLl9jOONkrcqOou5tYS81g2aJ11GQK9tUjvsq-cxSpO3y15_ecjRQiSSdGEiBXkaa28yH0SHuAe6R6hdLRUfdYEkViuKPA1F37z2vgcuq5x2V4rPDpTJ1sg-UI76xepYO2nCvNBDwLnsfJ99apYaaW4IU18W3Mvp0g6UQRwkLr1/s320/Joshua%20graduation%202.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRf_1PuPgxIyX-GlM_eM3oagyhbNzS1mb7ysEekmdOfXpv35nWsb0DNMumppyYLwvBXMheNlV-SZawRKT50qVz1Env4CWVRG7_6ZpS20o9lCbebMyU-L_hKMwAg2dkwcCeGnOhbJhDpElVdnmlKstqKVvoWyf4pxnRhLZIDIlWil3nHqFU74bKVv4t/s5722/Joshua%20graduation%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5722" data-original-width="3814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRf_1PuPgxIyX-GlM_eM3oagyhbNzS1mb7ysEekmdOfXpv35nWsb0DNMumppyYLwvBXMheNlV-SZawRKT50qVz1Env4CWVRG7_6ZpS20o9lCbebMyU-L_hKMwAg2dkwcCeGnOhbJhDpElVdnmlKstqKVvoWyf4pxnRhLZIDIlWil3nHqFU74bKVv4t/s320/Joshua%20graduation%203.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlefJYhXROX54ch9GHP8RZNexaf7dfPp0BnfEEAe_Ee8p3Pz93MPp9PCIzyZA5T0liHKhjH-3I8XxUlCC4g_czLqSP_tsOfwyosVsBISXKcoTa-30NRxHJ84495zP5Kvvq-69DyjT6W1t1pdjoIohhBDqTkivwY9Ucc4zx8RhPUiems_QPa6DM3w6/s1654/Joshua%20graduation%20party.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1654" data-original-width="1654" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlefJYhXROX54ch9GHP8RZNexaf7dfPp0BnfEEAe_Ee8p3Pz93MPp9PCIzyZA5T0liHKhjH-3I8XxUlCC4g_czLqSP_tsOfwyosVsBISXKcoTa-30NRxHJ84495zP5Kvvq-69DyjT6W1t1pdjoIohhBDqTkivwY9Ucc4zx8RhPUiems_QPa6DM3w6/s320/Joshua%20graduation%20party.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyJOKx2D58BO1gc5BRZS74MWu9G9KgOx5Y4JEJWZFTMrLBxBFsZLr4KIEiIwJVITe5yM6Evow_oOgJjKaq2Chp-CHNjwRZWpqbGSpUrzst6IfTz0AAWfGCqxMS9QZ-B9zd1iRGYKuYyrV24p4WShn_HG2onLaHhDHgZqU1sWtRuCMr-F-qAND6XPN/s6000/Joshua%20graduation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyJOKx2D58BO1gc5BRZS74MWu9G9KgOx5Y4JEJWZFTMrLBxBFsZLr4KIEiIwJVITe5yM6Evow_oOgJjKaq2Chp-CHNjwRZWpqbGSpUrzst6IfTz0AAWfGCqxMS9QZ-B9zd1iRGYKuYyrV24p4WShn_HG2onLaHhDHgZqU1sWtRuCMr-F-qAND6XPN/s320/Joshua%20graduation.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><p><br /></p>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-89079627303037260812022-05-22T05:49:00.001-07:002022-05-22T05:49:51.835-07:00Edible Flowers and Jelly<h2 style="text-align: left;"> In the Kitchen</h2><div>A lot of patrons of the Farmers Market are intrigued by the Dandelion Jelly that I sell. They look at it and think that it is honey at first until they get closer and can read the label. I first made Dandelion Jelly several years ago and it is the reason I decided to try and make the Red Sunflower Jelly. Making a flower jelly is not that hard and it can be made from any edible flower. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67KAO1ftDuycriE5cjDZFSBwzJwMSA83O3xsNJ76dipNZa1Uvnu-YH96IAast8wqEOlvR8u5LjqCsGP4XzXSZWNQNEKhzarXDZ3Rdr_kTJy9taMLo2t4P0a9bHqVM8xFxRDWDDBd92STLuDaqng1ApVMC08F-rnrRi0XhZ6RG_QOnIJvk4_G-q8p7/s4032/IMG_9115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67KAO1ftDuycriE5cjDZFSBwzJwMSA83O3xsNJ76dipNZa1Uvnu-YH96IAast8wqEOlvR8u5LjqCsGP4XzXSZWNQNEKhzarXDZ3Rdr_kTJy9taMLo2t4P0a9bHqVM8xFxRDWDDBd92STLuDaqng1ApVMC08F-rnrRi0XhZ6RG_QOnIJvk4_G-q8p7/s320/IMG_9115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>First, you make a “tea” by putting flower petals into boiling water and letting it steep. Collecting the flower petals is one of the hardest parts. It takes a lot of petals! We have some dandelions on our property but I like to go to my friends farm and gather them...they are HUGE and I am able to pick enough flower heads in about 3 minutes to make the jelly. To get the petals, make sure and try not to get the green part of the flower head. The green part is a little bitter. You can kind of grab the base of the flower head and twist to release the petals. I have also just used a scissors and cut off the petals. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENfM4g1DS_KBnjiRzrbnSuxE_0DqDF684w9j9qbJWRRBrfNJNbRG2N2BNbLgxghOC_W9yK46Z8Y_LMw4ZPO1N5J0G_vALxr2UbAueSRloOHMzw4xDZKMBf24Eyfizu0fxznPUdUjwIFn27kKnX-3TfZxT5w9lBx90MvRo6703HX74IZG1FaaLOFSq/s4032/IMG_1727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENfM4g1DS_KBnjiRzrbnSuxE_0DqDF684w9j9qbJWRRBrfNJNbRG2N2BNbLgxghOC_W9yK46Z8Y_LMw4ZPO1N5J0G_vALxr2UbAueSRloOHMzw4xDZKMBf24Eyfizu0fxznPUdUjwIFn27kKnX-3TfZxT5w9lBx90MvRo6703HX74IZG1FaaLOFSq/s320/IMG_1727.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div>For the Dandelion Jelly, I use 2 cups of flower petals into 4 cups of boiling water. I have also seen some recipes that call for 1 cup of water for each cup of dandelion flowers.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLI4R91tP3Mpb3INtCEkaUCKzVv2CCT6plW7SkA1s9xDe62BvvG8RHdTd_Ryl76dtsV2Y3QtbD_tQUX6G6Vg4_VXz_PZSY-fw_meUOVOqTA6dEC3QPzoPaBH1O4Gnz-mtshKCZy3LgoqejJyHqgByA5h50KYCWsyHUHObPNZWzayXKXy3qUugxyFCc/s4032/IMG_1723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLI4R91tP3Mpb3INtCEkaUCKzVv2CCT6plW7SkA1s9xDe62BvvG8RHdTd_Ryl76dtsV2Y3QtbD_tQUX6G6Vg4_VXz_PZSY-fw_meUOVOqTA6dEC3QPzoPaBH1O4Gnz-mtshKCZy3LgoqejJyHqgByA5h50KYCWsyHUHObPNZWzayXKXy3qUugxyFCc/s320/IMG_1723.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div>Let this steep for an hour. I usually just let it sit all day. I pick the flowers in the morning, make up the tea and then come back to it and make the jelly in the afternoon or evening…whenever I find time. Making the jelly is pretty similar to other jellies…add lemon juice and pectin, boil, add sugar and boil again. Put in your jars and process. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNXHiYiT-wyRgr3pS2An7M1JHfLVn704RP0oxPWZAuUVSNR9YID4W0rPTAZsQOYPGihLi-MD5yiFlx8Q-p0Fmmqeq1G6HAvSMvoaQMqAhbqdH1Dasq9WDl_ztNwHOXBID3E8fI15dlL360ExjAf8SU5U9IVtPQx0PhOT3GrQlpdWPzbKnoW1NXfXO/s4032/IMG_1728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNXHiYiT-wyRgr3pS2An7M1JHfLVn704RP0oxPWZAuUVSNR9YID4W0rPTAZsQOYPGihLi-MD5yiFlx8Q-p0Fmmqeq1G6HAvSMvoaQMqAhbqdH1Dasq9WDl_ztNwHOXBID3E8fI15dlL360ExjAf8SU5U9IVtPQx0PhOT3GrQlpdWPzbKnoW1NXfXO/s320/IMG_1728.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>All parts of the dandelion are edible. I have dug up the roots, dried them down, and ground them to make a tea/coffee. I know the greens can be eaten in a salad or cooked but I have never done that. I recently found a recipe for Dandelion Syrup and this sounds really intriguing to me. Basically, you make the tea and add sugar and then boil it down to thicken it up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the flower jelly…you can make jelly from any edible flower. Here is a pic of some edible flowers but there are much, much more than what is listed here…</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF7haFObxSh64Ms_y-JNpewoPyi0TP-MhbcnZXXj88kG4hdi8IEdGPVSRBf_fK00UE98ynZYPQk2lGe-iAlwWGui71_13VVA63Xy1IRPY0DLmSUUs_R1rd18Yn1Fefo7nUSDf7FpM9kSmpoiS4LWefqXyT-CEJsZ-iugrg2XAT4TdAl6lVEn7vrYp/s1024/36F45156-423F-4D44-9D62-9C3F90A20065.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwF7haFObxSh64Ms_y-JNpewoPyi0TP-MhbcnZXXj88kG4hdi8IEdGPVSRBf_fK00UE98ynZYPQk2lGe-iAlwWGui71_13VVA63Xy1IRPY0DLmSUUs_R1rd18Yn1Fefo7nUSDf7FpM9kSmpoiS4LWefqXyT-CEJsZ-iugrg2XAT4TdAl6lVEn7vrYp/s320/36F45156-423F-4D44-9D62-9C3F90A20065.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Here is a link to a <a href="https://whatscookingamerica.net/edibleflowers/edibleflowersmain.htm" target="_blank">comprehensive guide to edible flowers</a>. It says what part of the flower is edible, how they taste (flavor) and best ways to prepare them. <div><br /></div><div>Dandelions are so much more than just a weed. Here is some information from <b>We Don't Deserve This Planet </b>regarding dandelions:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some interesting facts about the dandelion flower:</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The dandelion is the only flower that represents the 3 celestial bodies of the sun, moon and stars. <span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="☀️" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t6d/1/16/2600.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" /></span> <span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🌙" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t33/1/16/1f319.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" /></span> <span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="⭐️" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tb4/1/16/2b50.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" /></span>. The yellow flower resembles the sun, the puff ball resembles the moon and the dispersing seeds resemble the stars.</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The dandelion flower opens to greet the morning and closes in the evening to go to sleep. <span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="😴" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/taf/1/16/1f634.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" /></span> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Every part of the dandelion is useful: root, leaves, flower. It can be used for food, medicine and dye for coloring.</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Up until the 1800s people would pull grass out of their lawns to make room for dandelions and other useful “weeds” like chickweed, malva, and chamomile.</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The name dandelion is taken from the French word “dent de lion” meaning lion’s tooth, referring to the coarsely-toothed leaves. <span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🦁" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/ta/1/16/1f981.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" /></span> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Dandelions have one of the longest flowering seasons of any plant.</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Dandelion seeds are often transported away by a gust of wind and they travel like tiny parachutes. Seeds are often carried as many as 5 miles from their origin!</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Animals such as birds, insects and butterflies consume nectar or seed of dandelion.<span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🐦" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t90/1/16/1f426.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" /></span> <span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🐛" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t1d/1/16/1f41b.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" /></span> <span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🐜" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t9e/1/16/1f41c.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" /></span> <span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🦋" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tbb/1/16/1f98b.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" /></span> <span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🐝" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t1f/1/16/1f41d.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" /></span>.</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Dandelion flowers do not need to be pollinated to form seed.</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Dandelion can be used in the production of wine and root beer. Root of dandelion can be used as a substitute for coffee. <span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🍷" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/teb/1/16/1f377.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" /></span> <span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="🍺" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t15/1/16/1f37a.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" /></span> </div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Dandelions have sunk their roots deep into history. They were well known to ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, and have been used in Chinese traditional medicine for over a thousand years.</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Dandelion is used in folk medicine to treat infections and liver disorders. Tea made of dandelion act as diuretic.</div></div><div><div><br /></div></div>I made Forsythia Jelly a couple of weeks ago and sold out. The thing with flower jellies is that the flavor is very delicate. I liked the Forsythia Jelly but I like the Dandelion Jelly more. My next project is to make Lilac Jelly. My lilacs are just starting to bud (everything is late this year because of our cool wet spring).</div><div><br /></div><div>Do you enjoy eating flowers?</div><div><br /></div><div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>~Denise<br /><br /></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-55075623635721829442022-05-08T06:13:00.000-07:002022-05-08T06:13:35.840-07:00The first blog post...<h3 style="text-align: left;"> On the Farm</h3><div>This has happened kind of suddenly but I don’t feel like I have a lot more to say in my blog posts anymore! I have been blogging our journey for just over 6 years now. There have been over 200 blog posts in that time. Also, I am just feeling a little stress from spring planting and expanding the cut flower business. This is just a crazy busy time of year so maybe that is why I cannot focus on what to blog about. In fact, I didn't even really get around to taking a nice pic in honor of Mother's Day but I had this pick of the geese from this past week so I just decided to use that... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3MxD6pnN9neiY2ZP9RoZyVKxQJv5mLnPiXLIPiuQR5kCf-CZ2Q4FSGyfBQbQF_IUXCZLUsE9wVbATz4gO-lDPyCxprViU-Y3nqaerjC5EIyy5OPT_f6RESxbIOjfQ6rMtIsEuqmTXIF-5-z9pZLVRsReagjF55ZDX-_--VjGv9IlPFfP8V9CrlNa/s940/Happy%20Mothers%20Day%20Facebook%20Post%202022.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3MxD6pnN9neiY2ZP9RoZyVKxQJv5mLnPiXLIPiuQR5kCf-CZ2Q4FSGyfBQbQF_IUXCZLUsE9wVbATz4gO-lDPyCxprViU-Y3nqaerjC5EIyy5OPT_f6RESxbIOjfQ6rMtIsEuqmTXIF-5-z9pZLVRsReagjF55ZDX-_--VjGv9IlPFfP8V9CrlNa/s320/Happy%20Mothers%20Day%20Facebook%20Post%202022.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Back to the blog posting...I thought it might be fun to take a look back at where we started on this journey 6 years ago. Here is my very first blog post:</div><div><br /></div><div><h2 class="date-header" style="color: #336600; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 10px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;">Tuesday, March 3, 2015</h2><div class="date-posts" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 14.4px;"><div class="post-outer" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: scroll; background-image: url("https://resources.blogblog.com/blogblog/data/1kt/watermark/post_background_birds.png"); background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; border: 1px dotted transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 10px;"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><a name="5860963226537267415"></a><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-size: 24.48px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">The Dream</h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #997755; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5860963226537267415" itemprop="articleBody" style="font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.3; position: relative; width: 353px;">Mark and I want to have a small farm that is open to the public. We will have pastured eggs in the spring (and hopefully, all year), you-pick berries in the summer, a pumpkin patch in the fall, and a Christmas tree farm in the winter. I am wanting to document our journey. We are collecting lots of information right now...hopefully, will be looking for land and a home next year (2016).<br />~Denise</div></div></div></div></div><div>That is it! The whole post. I guess you have to start somewhere. Of course, this was before we even had a mailing list that I would share this through. The blog was mostly for my own reference to document our journey and help me remember back to where we began. Let’s look at this first blog post and see how things have changed. </div><div><br /></div><div>First, we are not really aiming for a farm that is open to the public anymore. There are a lot of liability (insurance) issues with this. I am happy to give a family a private tour but it is just not feasible to have lots of people coming and going all the time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pastured eggs…yes!</div><div>You pick berries…no</div><div>Pumpkin patch…no </div><div>Christmas trees…no</div><div><br /></div><div>I still continue to learn new things and this has changed the direction of our farm dream. Keep in mind that this blog post was written before we even moved to our farm property. We moved to the farm in June 2017. Since we bought a smaller property (4 acres), we don't have the room for a Christmas tree farm and pumpkins require quite a bit of space too. We have adapted to the farm space that we bought.</div><div><br /></div><div>Okay…what does the future of ReMARKable Farms look like? Of course, Mark will still have his egg business. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are things that I (Denise) continue to work on:</div><div>Meat chickens - each summer for our family and a select group of people that help with harvest day</div><div>Cut flowers - started with sunflowers and now expanding to everlasting flowers</div><div>Preserves - jams and jellies that I make from items that we grow on the farm or forage for in the community/mountains </div><div>Apple Cider Vinegar - newest venture to utilize the apple from the 50 apple trees on the property. I will be experimenting with different flavored vinegars. Made the pine needle vinegar and have sold out so I am feeling hopeful about this new product! Obviously, I could not foresee that we would be moving to a farm with old apple trees so this was not part of the original "dream". </div><div><br /></div><div>I think that all this is going to be enough to keep me busy!</div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday was the first Farmers Market of the season! I always sell some type of flavored lemonade at the Market. This week, the featured lemonade was Rhubarb Lemonade. I gave a statement to the newspaper and you can read it here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnab_ks984ONOnFS1DmC0dCrWtsDKez7ZxYlqo9x2i2rAJagKOtTow9JCL2toRnDdgpdnfKsyHuC-_BfhqbiFPh1bjiZ8aW0VJ_U-7TcZYxfz9d3kjuzYgYPTL9j3396RRSqf9A6R4QSNo7diBqFcXQ6xG6neKm1HsifQIUP54EpzELGasbMFnWJMU/s1079/newspaper%20article%20may%202022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1078" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnab_ks984ONOnFS1DmC0dCrWtsDKez7ZxYlqo9x2i2rAJagKOtTow9JCL2toRnDdgpdnfKsyHuC-_BfhqbiFPh1bjiZ8aW0VJ_U-7TcZYxfz9d3kjuzYgYPTL9j3396RRSqf9A6R4QSNo7diBqFcXQ6xG6neKm1HsifQIUP54EpzELGasbMFnWJMU/s320/newspaper%20article%20may%202022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, we just got the geese and they are so fun and have grown so fast!!! They really like to “talk” with you! We have plans for other poultry in the future...maybe turkeys and guineas...</div><div><br /></div><div>I think I may try to do just little update blogs every couple of weeks to let you know what we have going on. When I have something to write about, I will do a more “involved” post about that…we will see how this goes…I know this post has been all over the place but I just keep thinking about getting out on the farm and getting some stuff done today!</div><div><br /></div><div>Have an eggcellent day!</div><div>~Denise</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427517513431567973.post-3391058336928002722022-04-24T06:29:00.000-07:002022-04-24T06:29:26.565-07:00Why geese?<h2 style="text-align: left;"> On the Farm</h2><div>After learning that geese can grow to full size on grass only, I was fascinated and knew that we just had to get some. Talk about a pasture raised animal! We have about 4 acres of grass and geese seem like they might be good little lawn mowers! Geese are herbivores which means that they only eat plants. They don't really care to eat insects like chickens and ducks. They even have little teeth on their tongues to help them bite off blades of grass. Let me back up and explain our journey to get goslings...as with most everything else, it has taken a few years...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisMHYtk00UkqnzFIM1hHbJlzkLL-pd9oYu1fAHZKXqyMH3EuztHRls9gq1ZI796Ui44xCYAqg-NHoci9Q-n7RnK7L4fzgSD73ZjRpb6jVj9_jSMjOpS-OAFjlEf-qHoX922MdU7WrdXLtVUTWpkoLJTGGHXPephnHe4TPapQWCr9ASQN9ow3ppG0t/s4032/IMG_1517.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisMHYtk00UkqnzFIM1hHbJlzkLL-pd9oYu1fAHZKXqyMH3EuztHRls9gq1ZI796Ui44xCYAqg-NHoci9Q-n7RnK7L4fzgSD73ZjRpb6jVj9_jSMjOpS-OAFjlEf-qHoX922MdU7WrdXLtVUTWpkoLJTGGHXPephnHe4TPapQWCr9ASQN9ow3ppG0t/s320/IMG_1517.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div>Before we even moved to the farm, I did some research about using geese for guard animals. I had followed a farm on YouTube and they had a goose with their chickens. The idea is that when a predator approaches the chicken yard, the goose would squawk loudly and scare them away. To do this, it is best that the goose is raised with the chickens so it accepts the group of chickens as its own flock to defend. If you have 2 geese with the chickens, they will just stick together and not really develop the guarding instinct. I didn't think this idea would work for us because geese can live for many years and we would be rotating out the older laying hens on a regular basis. I was unsure of how it would work to put a goose with a new group of chickens, especially young chickens. Also, I found out that you can really only purchase goslings in the spring and we were getting our chicks in the fall so they would not have the opportunity to grow up together. We decided to go with the guard dogs for guarding the chickens, ducks and farm!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47UxlJlLgWwHVoLp3JbiuMZCjDg0PqOqjuDDBCgnsPQRmQqx1yWKiB9njZfj4nxyyobLyq4KFFqkdCwCx7P6MbqkiJmqJ3ejfa6x_jzr4UwOVvOWtHl6ylvs5tWwUMyaxX4C6cbRHPcmSS15Iu-JY3LA1nrN3TzRWH_pF7EzxK0kSLvz4iAZ8iRiE/s780/why%20geese.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="780" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47UxlJlLgWwHVoLp3JbiuMZCjDg0PqOqjuDDBCgnsPQRmQqx1yWKiB9njZfj4nxyyobLyq4KFFqkdCwCx7P6MbqkiJmqJ3ejfa6x_jzr4UwOVvOWtHl6ylvs5tWwUMyaxX4C6cbRHPcmSS15Iu-JY3LA1nrN3TzRWH_pF7EzxK0kSLvz4iAZ8iRiE/s320/why%20geese.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>In December 2019, I started to research about geese. I knew that I wanted some but I didn't know what breed might be a good fit for our farm. Some geese are louder and more aggressive than others and different breeds lay differing amounts of eggs. Here is a link to a great <a href="https://heritagebreedmarketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/GooseChart.pdf" target="_blank">chart</a> that compares the different breeds. I did a lot of reading and, after weeks, finally decided to get some American Buff geese. Now, this gets a little confusing because Buff is actually a color of feathers and the breed is called American. For some reason, on a lot of websites and books, they are often just referred to as "Buff." I started looking for a goose breeder. One of the books I was reading was called The Book of Geese A Complete Guide to Raising the Home Flock by Dave Holderread. It just so happens that Holderread Farm is in Oregon. I looked onto their website and found that they had American geese in Blue and Lavender colors! These are more rare colors and I thought they would be so interesting to get some of those. </div><div><br /></div><div>I contacted them and they only sell adult birds. See, geese only lay up to about 20-40 eggs each year in the spring. The Holderread Farm sells show quality geese. They raise up the geese through the summer and then sell the lower quality geese as "utility" geese and the show quality geese for a much higher price. They actually ship full size geese through the mail but it can cost up to $300 for the shipping for one goose! I looked it up and the Holderread Farm is about 7 hours from our house. I decided that we would drive there one day, spend the night, then get the geese in the morning and drive the 7 hours back home. I asked if they had any geese available and they were already sold out for 2020. I waited and then inquired again in fall 2020 and got on the list for some geese the next year (fall 2021)!</div><div><br /></div><div>We waited and waited. In October 2021, I finally contacted them and they said that they would be going through the geese in early November to separate the utility and show quality geese. Finally a few weeks after that, I got an email. It said that they did not have any utility grade Blue or Lavender American geese but they had some show quality geese available for sale. I wanted a male (gander) and 2 females (goose). The price for the utility geese was $75 each. The show quality geese were $250 each. I was like...no thank you...I wasn't going to spend hundreds of dollars on an animal that I have never raised before. It almost felt like a bait and switch situation. I am sure it was not but it was so disappointing to wait for months and months and then not get the geese. Back to the internet for goose breeders...</div><div><br /></div><div>Since it was fall, 2021 at this point, I was just in time to place an order for spring goslings. If you want goslings, you pretty much HAVE to order them in the fall for a spring delivery. Almost all hatcheries will sell out over the winter. Since I was going to have to put in an order for geese with a hatchery, I decided to take another look at different breeds and switched to the Pilgrim breed. This is an auto sexing breed. See, geese are not like chickens where the rooster is bigger and showier than the hen. OR the ducks where the drake has a different quack and a curly tail. Male and female geese look identical. There are only 2 breeds that are auto sexed which which means that you can sex the goslings when they hatch. Pilgrim geese are one breed that autosexes. The male goslings are light yellow colored and the females are gray. As they grow, the males develop white feathers and the females stay gray colored. They are good for meat and may lay up to 40 eggs a year. They are a medium sized breed and fairly docile. Don't worry, if you come to the farm, they will be kept in a fenced area and not allowed to roam all over the farm and attack people! Here is a pic of a male Pilgrim goose and a female Pilgrim goose...super easy to see the difference!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-fJfMqw2fQrMJ0RnUgEFupuQYIwV06XbWyYUd2j5eZf2tryizqausD6Yvur0WFkCR5CZv3gMpPTVbH2R0qzKMtFo1w8tXOeEqk8ZrcwwKKuhoFPwt6tQCm7tLhqDpB9f6agFAEYmH0-FOiEgHimer_gD2F6RwwU9XHUH2e6NzoiKT-ZUja5h2hah/s300/pilgrim.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-fJfMqw2fQrMJ0RnUgEFupuQYIwV06XbWyYUd2j5eZf2tryizqausD6Yvur0WFkCR5CZv3gMpPTVbH2R0qzKMtFo1w8tXOeEqk8ZrcwwKKuhoFPwt6tQCm7tLhqDpB9f6agFAEYmH0-FOiEgHimer_gD2F6RwwU9XHUH2e6NzoiKT-ZUja5h2hah/s1600/pilgrim.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Why geese?</h3><div>As I mentioned earlier, when I found out that geese can eat grass and grow to produce a large amount of meat, I just found it very intriguing. To be fair, I have never eaten goose. Maybe we won't even like it. Also, I hear that it is challenging to pluck the feathers clean on the carcass on waterfowl because of all the down feathers. It is recommended to not let geese raise goslings the first year they lay eggs. So, we won't even have any of our own goslings for 2 more years. If you think about it, geese seem like an amazing animal for the homestead. They lay eggs in the spring and then graze on grass all summer and fall and then you can harvest them in early winter before it gets super cold and you have a Christmas goose! Easy peasy! We would like to get some turkeys at some point. The downside of the turkeys is that they have to mostly eat grain and it gets very expensive to feed them but they will probably be easier to clean. We plan on feeding the geese grain also, but we really want to be able to move them around the farm and take advantage of their lawn mowing capabilities. Also, geese can live up to 20 years and turkeys live about 10 years. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think most people probably know that geese are pretty territorial and can honk and make a lot of noise when strangers come onto the property. This makes them great guard animals for the farm. Now, a goose is no match for a coyote and I heard on a podcast about a lady that watched as an eagle carried one of her geese off (so sad) but they are quite noisy and make keep small predators away. They are mostly aggressive in the spring when it is mating season. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEsVXiwV-ml331FcT5ctRR-NYfENUuqKXmHkUiXO7g2Ck11nBUz_kFNi1z0tmzBubQ5z9t-NAkJqvjGJxNIrkVn2A7j9C3yJiBsdBrcWAZkDqO0OpLzVlwO2yYgBd_bMWIqA6cHIn2-PlZNq_PzPHHpOPrhItlo55JY9_XyW6sTtu380rofuUPTK8/s4032/IMG_1521.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEsVXiwV-ml331FcT5ctRR-NYfENUuqKXmHkUiXO7g2Ck11nBUz_kFNi1z0tmzBubQ5z9t-NAkJqvjGJxNIrkVn2A7j9C3yJiBsdBrcWAZkDqO0OpLzVlwO2yYgBd_bMWIqA6cHIn2-PlZNq_PzPHHpOPrhItlo55JY9_XyW6sTtu380rofuUPTK8/s320/IMG_1521.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div>If you didn't know, as with ducks, most domestic geese cannot fly well. They have been bred to produce meat so they are too heavy to really get off the ground. At one point, I was looking at a different breed of geese called Cotton Patch geese. They are actually a landrace so there is some variability among different strains and they are the other breed of geese that autosex. Cotton Patch geese were used to weed cotton fields in the south. For this reason, they had to be able to get away from predators so they have retained the ability to fly and they are a smaller goose. I really was interested in the Cotton Patch geese but I didn't want to worry about them flying away. </div><div><br /></div><div>To be clear, the geese are mine (Denise) and not part of Mark's flock. I have been working for the past 3 years to get Mark's egg business going and it was time for something fun and different. We may have goose eggs for sale next spring but they are mostly for our family to enjoy. </div><div><br /></div><div>So...we have one gander (male) and 2 geese (females)...and they need names! Let me know if you have suggestions to name them!</div><div><br /></div><div>~Denise</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>ReMARKable Farmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13141731702115860608noreply@blogger.com0