tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75492367116647944332024-03-15T21:12:56.850-04:00Localrootz ProjectIt's 2024 and the journey continues...
Check in for updates on music, art and homesteading! Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.comBlogger402125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-73146284420235881182023-12-31T05:30:00.001-05:002024-01-09T06:42:39.379-05:00Hibernal Solstice. <p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7tLQB4lEcrNbWNvp7dx5Nf_n40dW8MqAZkTCPf8qjiJRg5E6N7P6xmLfmctiyVAw-rNncqrbSqVpF3SzIx1pqraiMx1GcG9b7Xt7rTi7uePZw1XLvz6vVymq5eIXLK3CkV33P1k8Nhvw7ALN7VPFD7iHYKQ8jEU2fVIceoKPgvbL1UiDE-5HZlcZj1eJ/s1920/thumbnail_image_67198465.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7tLQB4lEcrNbWNvp7dx5Nf_n40dW8MqAZkTCPf8qjiJRg5E6N7P6xmLfmctiyVAw-rNncqrbSqVpF3SzIx1pqraiMx1GcG9b7Xt7rTi7uePZw1XLvz6vVymq5eIXLK3CkV33P1k8Nhvw7ALN7VPFD7iHYKQ8jEU2fVIceoKPgvbL1UiDE-5HZlcZj1eJ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67198465.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">An idyllic wet snow blanketed our homestead by mid December, though as recent winters have shown, the roller coaster weather rolled back with a nasty wallop of rain and wind that knocked power out for many around the state and caused a lot of havoc with flooding and property damage.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHSzjsQZ5yBaC4POPLbjWQG5MaF4V8zg6WfJJT52gavYq0aADT2OWODN5TpsBALrcAe590QFHaZyFqcNt_Vp_6oWBaf7Hiynmu8-yQNc7BCDmnDRZMpeNbPiYPIBLp22DiEjJ3SKBeYJHKT-RoZeTtf5eSF3J3RChiZNFaYp4Lzese5jZ3UbE1ksA_2_n/s1920/thumbnail_image_67504385.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHSzjsQZ5yBaC4POPLbjWQG5MaF4V8zg6WfJJT52gavYq0aADT2OWODN5TpsBALrcAe590QFHaZyFqcNt_Vp_6oWBaf7Hiynmu8-yQNc7BCDmnDRZMpeNbPiYPIBLp22DiEjJ3SKBeYJHKT-RoZeTtf5eSF3J3RChiZNFaYp4Lzese5jZ3UbE1ksA_2_n/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67504385.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After cleaning up from the storm it was time to gussy up the home with some seasonal cheer as the solstice quickly approached. I was able to score a good clutch of winterberry that I foraged along a ATV trail nearby and gathered other offerings from our land to set the mood. Pinecones are super abundant this year and the storm brought that realization to the forefront.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bIh8U3BuDz_plsfaeFarTwXJPYqWZhmGSmIXlGbp539CJ7Z0XNpUbD_99i6GM6lhYEijQvy_0zADagUNQ3R8PEMBRY6BMaGDiSPTU8SzACKESAp9MeMW_qfLJOxjVNrsolcwwghyphenhyphenJ5sDrjTpnse_-oqv4jvPPf15xgJm029Elw43X8o8Ak9tOIXeU8Pf/s1920/thumbnail_image_67214081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bIh8U3BuDz_plsfaeFarTwXJPYqWZhmGSmIXlGbp539CJ7Z0XNpUbD_99i6GM6lhYEijQvy_0zADagUNQ3R8PEMBRY6BMaGDiSPTU8SzACKESAp9MeMW_qfLJOxjVNrsolcwwghyphenhyphenJ5sDrjTpnse_-oqv4jvPPf15xgJm029Elw43X8o8Ak9tOIXeU8Pf/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67214081.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dNxc1SkM2dBc71B2Vy1LPgXpgjuy4Avf5q35Gj5vVsQ6WL9E2yPKolQpVIMhgBf-AaIuhc03d50ya-GW2ufAtR5DGNs2FdkkeFwpiHTjRbOICSAuZd-JPv57O6Z1Bf-93UmVJ3vHCuv6AttTGOAqiiTUDPXwSfxUWUKrYa2Ekp54ZDCwnqQYlRxct7FU/s1920/thumbnail_image_67236609.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dNxc1SkM2dBc71B2Vy1LPgXpgjuy4Avf5q35Gj5vVsQ6WL9E2yPKolQpVIMhgBf-AaIuhc03d50ya-GW2ufAtR5DGNs2FdkkeFwpiHTjRbOICSAuZd-JPv57O6Z1Bf-93UmVJ3vHCuv6AttTGOAqiiTUDPXwSfxUWUKrYa2Ekp54ZDCwnqQYlRxct7FU/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67236609.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Setting the mood with some old timey Christmas music pumping on the bluetooth speaker as I unfurled the strands of lights and got to work just in time for the sun to set and the lights to glow with hope and warmth as winters darkness embraces the calendar.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMblHuZQNHFnQM-D12_QC0VO6YqUjTKz-K3l9etIHm-dOVoEVbnsiiNHTg5_tf2ui7D8PIyusZE1nOmiyW2wRI_7M8XG7JVQPiG7zDi5l05d2SJnemJYJTBGWuCR4pCDM407rrO6JlOZx5QWMUKL89Bpuq1L0qjph4KhROwWuJ5jDLw_Lp1FPZ5p9VbN1/s2774/thumbnail_image_50414081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2774" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMblHuZQNHFnQM-D12_QC0VO6YqUjTKz-K3l9etIHm-dOVoEVbnsiiNHTg5_tf2ui7D8PIyusZE1nOmiyW2wRI_7M8XG7JVQPiG7zDi5l05d2SJnemJYJTBGWuCR4pCDM407rrO6JlOZx5QWMUKL89Bpuq1L0qjph4KhROwWuJ5jDLw_Lp1FPZ5p9VbN1/w442-h640/thumbnail_image_50414081.jpg" width="442" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hGEVyIlH_qo5WPOEt9YzhdwTyciy0UHifOGS-CUzQCYcp7AHBSMt4WJiHVqrJ7PjoST6JRaT2Ae9iY0ZJDLdMILhhPdkF3MGASZBMISjwDACYHAZ-qQf2G4MI65bJldSXVRAfDN7XMGphEECdsmkZ7ldeEx6r_ZeiqxhZByaEzZTSOfF3w8Vnn9LpcPY/s1920/thumbnail_image_67202817.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hGEVyIlH_qo5WPOEt9YzhdwTyciy0UHifOGS-CUzQCYcp7AHBSMt4WJiHVqrJ7PjoST6JRaT2Ae9iY0ZJDLdMILhhPdkF3MGASZBMISjwDACYHAZ-qQf2G4MI65bJldSXVRAfDN7XMGphEECdsmkZ7ldeEx6r_ZeiqxhZByaEzZTSOfF3w8Vnn9LpcPY/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67202817.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As the solstice came we celebrated with our annual family trip up to the "Gardens Aglow" at the <a href="https://www.mainegardens.org/">Coastal Maine's Botanical Gardens</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Grg3tbdSGgaAGoIvdIp7Vs3rdULs6itfzFlduXtcmjYOb2emH6QX7itv-LImQLTZR0kaVmgHtAUeO29Ng3aLYAbzYz-q0t6lQO0vKJ7Nvh8kurVfin-TSAAo3BaYfm3Tjvbm6Wy1s0YjulK-0v0jBiaBCm_d52dttf0j9D5VneyZOhVSlWUj3g_GFknH/s2560/thumbnail_image_50400513.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Grg3tbdSGgaAGoIvdIp7Vs3rdULs6itfzFlduXtcmjYOb2emH6QX7itv-LImQLTZR0kaVmgHtAUeO29Ng3aLYAbzYz-q0t6lQO0vKJ7Nvh8kurVfin-TSAAo3BaYfm3Tjvbm6Wy1s0YjulK-0v0jBiaBCm_d52dttf0j9D5VneyZOhVSlWUj3g_GFknH/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50400513.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A brisk stroll through the magical lights always warms the soul and sets the mood for the fast approaching holiday season.</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/AVvXsEjgbVgan1PLXUbGvF4D2AxSlZZhOoABf0QB8l6GqTGkj7S5HjXmERjHAxnmqx889VlS8dVH9Ljzaf-JqP-hK2b-xnp-vIdUOYB2CKtXi07KGoR74Jo_PSxQZluzjXxTHrBb7LZcMTWH_U0ezOFrPB8m27TtYi_VJKXMSTGCUUJFgMcRUka_-6D3BmxU1kV9/s1920/thumbnail_image_67137281.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbVgan1PLXUbGvF4D2AxSlZZhOoABf0QB8l6GqTGkj7S5HjXmERjHAxnmqx889VlS8dVH9Ljzaf-JqP-hK2b-xnp-vIdUOYB2CKtXi07KGoR74Jo_PSxQZluzjXxTHrBb7LZcMTWH_U0ezOFrPB8m27TtYi_VJKXMSTGCUUJFgMcRUka_-6D3BmxU1kV9/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67137281.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEhNQCwcLvE8Q0GesrlDhPZaLMkIe4hNib5YRooaHFGFLuPpLI5gYrObaMTc7WrLp8vZJGb6Jy1fOkoHxh0S09jezUXUnYpe3CBJGtZqX_gveD6XX6OWmJWAIJqZZKLG_rQwBbAwbEfJuqj0bHjnKM5nfN24NRPsr7-M1Jge1z33vtwKwnCz4fUZOUB2U-S-/s1920/thumbnail_image_67171841.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQCwcLvE8Q0GesrlDhPZaLMkIe4hNib5YRooaHFGFLuPpLI5gYrObaMTc7WrLp8vZJGb6Jy1fOkoHxh0S09jezUXUnYpe3CBJGtZqX_gveD6XX6OWmJWAIJqZZKLG_rQwBbAwbEfJuqj0bHjnKM5nfN24NRPsr7-M1Jge1z33vtwKwnCz4fUZOUB2U-S-/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67171841.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEgtlBNNttJcuBk7pZhpuFfHK9PNkTf17CW94TT5THzBB89VLZOkxAq91uosVv_Bw9yt93OIcVnvnE-r-ZGCPbumpNVz__-cbFlAXJDhCuCpTQonS2i_lHOceQOA_LCiJPI2q4cGEwMzWcaySWYyfx97cNdYFDLyPuXUQeC4NNUg93TAS2kP39qA_BhphJB2/s2560/thumbnail_image_50456577.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlBNNttJcuBk7pZhpuFfHK9PNkTf17CW94TT5THzBB89VLZOkxAq91uosVv_Bw9yt93OIcVnvnE-r-ZGCPbumpNVz__-cbFlAXJDhCuCpTQonS2i_lHOceQOA_LCiJPI2q4cGEwMzWcaySWYyfx97cNdYFDLyPuXUQeC4NNUg93TAS2kP39qA_BhphJB2/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50456577.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even the trolls turned up for the celebration!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9463gEGlJQgJuYte_1m1_SV1IebZjlSt9ThB7rQcz7CAutyvOfpV6LEaf3pFbsaBVgCjyFKY4QKhX9J-EliuU1_c_-_1c2FJ8t6bjHKJA2w6XrRp9wYpP6TI3CkSJlAQkz_rJWESzmHkvznz23bwy5LsWe2BGc-kmlQpAoQN1wpHtBVfIFk-7sNWRC7VH/s1920/thumbnail_image_67550209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9463gEGlJQgJuYte_1m1_SV1IebZjlSt9ThB7rQcz7CAutyvOfpV6LEaf3pFbsaBVgCjyFKY4QKhX9J-EliuU1_c_-_1c2FJ8t6bjHKJA2w6XrRp9wYpP6TI3CkSJlAQkz_rJWESzmHkvznz23bwy5LsWe2BGc-kmlQpAoQN1wpHtBVfIFk-7sNWRC7VH/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67550209.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hazel has been leaning on the more adventurous side in her activities and occasionally at the dinner table too! Oysters have become a more common snack since introducing her to the briny delights this past summer.</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/AVvXsEjdfhVJ47qGHz4Er39qmFead7fCAo7CETaU5w0FY6H1-yY2H3C_e7Ks78cjmi8fFsDDfooBt9BXMkhJ9ajquc0RIx2YqAdO79Mq5UIiNQ2cVRCIxpw85TqLnhMT7785KKP5xXVcBLDc4s77XCqurSj8a0-B7KQV1uC-a052JKiKfEwH2sf0dKdNXMk4RMr5/s1920/thumbnail_image_67214593.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfhVJ47qGHz4Er39qmFead7fCAo7CETaU5w0FY6H1-yY2H3C_e7Ks78cjmi8fFsDDfooBt9BXMkhJ9ajquc0RIx2YqAdO79Mq5UIiNQ2cVRCIxpw85TqLnhMT7785KKP5xXVcBLDc4s77XCqurSj8a0-B7KQV1uC-a052JKiKfEwH2sf0dKdNXMk4RMr5/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67214593.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of dinner... the Christmas Eve feast had to make an appearance as we are still working our way through the leftovers and nobody seems to be complaining!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFcp-xRTbGpqWvM7r0EpCMPtawQyWWrltBVFfpmgXukSaazmPw30hkpNaxoJ2UwpTlmdJcQmk2PhEZluDsSopFaA7r9NXW5zRQEwRKWvZSJ3Iq0-rLKnnIZ_vmjkJ7SXuCIGC5KdOqfMrj3eGL_x_NxGLKg3PfyWsMmljs_Hj8hGiYki4OA0zBNkxFSY1/s1920/thumbnail_image_67546113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFcp-xRTbGpqWvM7r0EpCMPtawQyWWrltBVFfpmgXukSaazmPw30hkpNaxoJ2UwpTlmdJcQmk2PhEZluDsSopFaA7r9NXW5zRQEwRKWvZSJ3Iq0-rLKnnIZ_vmjkJ7SXuCIGC5KdOqfMrj3eGL_x_NxGLKg3PfyWsMmljs_Hj8hGiYki4OA0zBNkxFSY1/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67546113.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><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/AVvXsEjQxXRJehuxTGEYG5lW8jNSMfEakPcI5j33ZLkpLvnK4smLuqeaLtgXd3e-9ikIaF3-x5k1_qXswmNqwtneK3h2S6jwSdu0KKAEDih1-BlA-eTPgeWdE0LgJ8ogZMYsT_xjM4C6oCBM6jGvVpfmxYxRupAcPyVEgs9waHpuJTOOm1qDpD8kw72Wy2122Ogx/s1920/thumbnail_image_67219969.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxXRJehuxTGEYG5lW8jNSMfEakPcI5j33ZLkpLvnK4smLuqeaLtgXd3e-9ikIaF3-x5k1_qXswmNqwtneK3h2S6jwSdu0KKAEDih1-BlA-eTPgeWdE0LgJ8ogZMYsT_xjM4C6oCBM6jGvVpfmxYxRupAcPyVEgs9waHpuJTOOm1qDpD8kw72Wy2122Ogx/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67219969.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The magic of Christmas is alive and well at the LocalRootz Homestead! It is so fun seeing the excitement in your child's eyes as they get spoiled with thoughtful gifts from every corner of the family tree. Lots of activities and crafts for the winter stretch along with some guilty pleasures that are just perfect for those cold snowy mornings. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YXLOhAqLWdLDvWrUMpq9debLKLnveHL-KAFpAHTQ0hCgyKvBFGPYz2UlygK7s6A6cEMoZLKArZ4B5ewpBFQc1x_s80YhJ6jJm7f2BgyptsrUR_0Iws0DawhbL4CdAflvi3_KGaycWAqKn8URQMlJuCiu7EMFeDuEuM2RPMB2uMyWb1uHMe7iWqkwkeL2/s1920/thumbnail_image_67219457.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YXLOhAqLWdLDvWrUMpq9debLKLnveHL-KAFpAHTQ0hCgyKvBFGPYz2UlygK7s6A6cEMoZLKArZ4B5ewpBFQc1x_s80YhJ6jJm7f2BgyptsrUR_0Iws0DawhbL4CdAflvi3_KGaycWAqKn8URQMlJuCiu7EMFeDuEuM2RPMB2uMyWb1uHMe7iWqkwkeL2/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67219457.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The glow of the tree brings joy to us all including our beloved Maple!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhOogZ2lpOedmidghzXxu-2ioIa7YGusJBl6cY8os00_joM2K8zrcwBLhywj5wsMg8_1krmWz7BuRwpxKgGpPPnJwFyUDuIWAu0r8vw8NmTZO2s0dbDCFqlHfjYQpJ2fVHNdqGGMO-DPFvA4kl0T65reaMIGqsyLuppH7xivk3X81WNJEu_uipYpa6bLl/s1920/thumbnail_image_67158017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhOogZ2lpOedmidghzXxu-2ioIa7YGusJBl6cY8os00_joM2K8zrcwBLhywj5wsMg8_1krmWz7BuRwpxKgGpPPnJwFyUDuIWAu0r8vw8NmTZO2s0dbDCFqlHfjYQpJ2fVHNdqGGMO-DPFvA4kl0T65reaMIGqsyLuppH7xivk3X81WNJEu_uipYpa6bLl/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67158017.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheers to 2024... I have my resolutions that I will focus on and hold myself accountable for, but in general I hope for a year of being inspired, being productive and being the best husband and father I can be to my lovely wife Cassi and daughter Hazel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-70272905104992396522023-11-28T06:51:00.000-05:002023-12-06T06:51:58.727-05:00Growth, Nourishment & Being Thankful.<p style="text-align: center;"> As the growing season of 2023 comes to a close, we scroll through the memories of the seasons fleeting moments of success and abundance as the morning frost gathers on our windows. The sound of hunting rifles echo through the crisp autumn air, tools get gathered and stored... replaced only by the rake, ice scraper and snow shovels that winter will put to the test. Wood gets split and stacked, tarps get folded, beds get amended and holiday trimmings are gathered. The ground hardens at the crust as we dig out the dahlia tubers for storage and plant a slew of tulips, daffodils, irises, crocuses and more garlic of course along with a trial of oriental poppies and some choice daylilies. Already planting optimism for the year ahead as we give thanks for the remainder of the current one. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtrc0-3abANO7X_G0I5-LadC3QhgPA68QSlTRh3AQ2tqBsWc3eSW4LmqSY-hLJcbnm6u5LM3giXShg-7QUqEbFR5IM7_FYOW0hm7__CQ8NXOs6QgGA8qlNpzKaLvmJ20XOi4pa4um1_Izijkjd6AkvFnzQk2_Ydcm8luJhGWqiUn_vuOtJ1KvC1b9CpZg/s1920/thumbnail_image_67505921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtrc0-3abANO7X_G0I5-LadC3QhgPA68QSlTRh3AQ2tqBsWc3eSW4LmqSY-hLJcbnm6u5LM3giXShg-7QUqEbFR5IM7_FYOW0hm7__CQ8NXOs6QgGA8qlNpzKaLvmJ20XOi4pa4um1_Izijkjd6AkvFnzQk2_Ydcm8luJhGWqiUn_vuOtJ1KvC1b9CpZg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67505921.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One that brought an abundance of blossoms... in all colors shapes and variations!</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/AVvXsEg_HcQ6P8esouEL3aGMLD0ZhJOKFIuAVw0ft-IKPp2ZIxjtWvaQfZ5xGJl7wOqUm3GrHIYuCxIjGkFKvCzwIC4NYn_8u2AtW7Azr6sHXKizWKZBxlNmnPbLyyiIJslWsYzeWTmowX85nebNH6BFADNofLlNpLEL9WFrMW-o-y5ACmUpZmHYQ9pHb9y_u1-n/s1920/thumbnail_image_67553537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HcQ6P8esouEL3aGMLD0ZhJOKFIuAVw0ft-IKPp2ZIxjtWvaQfZ5xGJl7wOqUm3GrHIYuCxIjGkFKvCzwIC4NYn_8u2AtW7Azr6sHXKizWKZBxlNmnPbLyyiIJslWsYzeWTmowX85nebNH6BFADNofLlNpLEL9WFrMW-o-y5ACmUpZmHYQ9pHb9y_u1-n/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67553537.jpg" width="480" /></a></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/a/AVvXsEgU-DXvaj_WoHfPC-S-Pv5YdTdPJZ6VteW7NcPRerxYl8eT78vC1bMIxXs-9A9e2uKrELIyb1RDaoZ2EspU8UIBNKyetKt4SCqkKryn7LYgJK29-Itelw22KpwEGLeVpM9WC-1eMhvhENdEcG_4Fhc9KN0XP1m_8lD6ZqIdywJ9Hg9CrNt3pr2P9duGalo1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU-DXvaj_WoHfPC-S-Pv5YdTdPJZ6VteW7NcPRerxYl8eT78vC1bMIxXs-9A9e2uKrELIyb1RDaoZ2EspU8UIBNKyetKt4SCqkKryn7LYgJK29-Itelw22KpwEGLeVpM9WC-1eMhvhENdEcG_4Fhc9KN0XP1m_8lD6ZqIdywJ9Hg9CrNt3pr2P9duGalo1=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We grew some of the largest flowers we hadn't even thought possible until this season!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKeyYovf032R71-VfkiuFens0_AO1kzazy8aKkp1iQXz24tSIy1MAgGVGGxzL0PO0LdLY6Wje5bOzeLTRwfkX-hyfRosDLz7BBOtcPBlecxYxHYHnqwIFhdwDoWG_WpRIqG1CuQAQMq83gADKgLoIpc0aYEBtEmPXGeh48sr0IO5Mxn9aWgNDE3pCT1vEh" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKeyYovf032R71-VfkiuFens0_AO1kzazy8aKkp1iQXz24tSIy1MAgGVGGxzL0PO0LdLY6Wje5bOzeLTRwfkX-hyfRosDLz7BBOtcPBlecxYxHYHnqwIFhdwDoWG_WpRIqG1CuQAQMq83gADKgLoIpc0aYEBtEmPXGeh48sr0IO5Mxn9aWgNDE3pCT1vEh=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVhrJQCwDeQH64RucUzzb-45zBy2q7du-GtV402mMdNS930zErGLBSNjZuTknUuqtVMi100s1JsWnl-Uq5tBloKsGIQVZULdZcfKtVP9xDGz4BqANpg17A9iiUa0Qx6SpEwSrX8fxwYYZme8GfzSv-WjEj7YOIB60_Gahx908GDVN4swqYEWy6bLcSyxw/s1920/thumbnail_image_67508225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVhrJQCwDeQH64RucUzzb-45zBy2q7du-GtV402mMdNS930zErGLBSNjZuTknUuqtVMi100s1JsWnl-Uq5tBloKsGIQVZULdZcfKtVP9xDGz4BqANpg17A9iiUa0Qx6SpEwSrX8fxwYYZme8GfzSv-WjEj7YOIB60_Gahx908GDVN4swqYEWy6bLcSyxw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67508225.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pink Lemonade Cosmos</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/AVvXsEgxtysxT0CEC93sD4wu4Dn-N0Fx_tIBTdUNwEYg9P-bsXot6ZH4WdDjMP0SVWYuzQPiEwk8Y269izbzeQxw9eJ9-kfKFZErqmt67z-HASbhROl_ax_6Z_hGbfNEFUfyV8isHoqWpla6PM0qmszETm4HnmJ5ok9u6ITX_WrwlfTXqC8Hny85w5hkRqyms5Mi/s1920/thumbnail_image_67180545.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtysxT0CEC93sD4wu4Dn-N0Fx_tIBTdUNwEYg9P-bsXot6ZH4WdDjMP0SVWYuzQPiEwk8Y269izbzeQxw9eJ9-kfKFZErqmt67z-HASbhROl_ax_6Z_hGbfNEFUfyV8isHoqWpla6PM0qmszETm4HnmJ5ok9u6ITX_WrwlfTXqC8Hny85w5hkRqyms5Mi/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67180545.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEgOqQtKTXip9KLfI3NnzmibegN3DitCD6w7X2F-H5W8a4VT-tfa7_SgG0Bv97NAG9bt66UKvnWxUqPGY9yEd_Oapld0xTAFGej3SRUniqzE8mQrpsa1zUWu_cNrlEUtANddZkKKNM8PbAs41hMOPpgCUFhT_9Cx0-MkfuSnlm9OFjIJnlo-eopZaj18O0Up/s1920/thumbnail_image_50729217.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqQtKTXip9KLfI3NnzmibegN3DitCD6w7X2F-H5W8a4VT-tfa7_SgG0Bv97NAG9bt66UKvnWxUqPGY9yEd_Oapld0xTAFGej3SRUniqzE8mQrpsa1zUWu_cNrlEUtANddZkKKNM8PbAs41hMOPpgCUFhT_9Cx0-MkfuSnlm9OFjIJnlo-eopZaj18O0Up/w640-h480/thumbnail_image_50729217.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The abundance of colors and shapes from the garden always made for creative endeavors inside, arranging and hanging all of our garden gifts to maximize the appreciate and enjoyment they brought to the day!</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/AVvXsEi2OjFGxeSMYQF-aL_OPn3c6al-HhTdfvOA-iQhyZcEwXY-Q288hnj63kbjPKLyDpGLQ3QTdu2aD4kjEfhVnC5-5X3fDTm8toLSALCI0HR84ijnWf2iSZpnxB3znhFpJ1Z60meQ9pCydsWrhP0e7nD22BTeaMmo30fKH7Q97s5o9tmFCaLvc0365utrX8tQ/s1920/thumbnail_image_67161345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OjFGxeSMYQF-aL_OPn3c6al-HhTdfvOA-iQhyZcEwXY-Q288hnj63kbjPKLyDpGLQ3QTdu2aD4kjEfhVnC5-5X3fDTm8toLSALCI0HR84ijnWf2iSZpnxB3znhFpJ1Z60meQ9pCydsWrhP0e7nD22BTeaMmo30fKH7Q97s5o9tmFCaLvc0365utrX8tQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67161345.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From elegant to playful it was so fulfilling to create small snapshots of natures offerings!</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/a/AVvXsEjxO5CyiGW5dVwsbfcMUCKbJkxtKNq12oXppF0TbDdBvw7OOF-EIo2oZiRdOe0BZKWv8_tGbJ0LU7KYUN3w_aJYYCtmV6SihiTmEQN_e9BeziRm48MXY4F7uJ_Ta72Jxtkwxuw04-LEejUjhUnQ5aEAlSrzP01p661XLJBUhmt7vr1SRD6DegoqJlQVTQIU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxO5CyiGW5dVwsbfcMUCKbJkxtKNq12oXppF0TbDdBvw7OOF-EIo2oZiRdOe0BZKWv8_tGbJ0LU7KYUN3w_aJYYCtmV6SihiTmEQN_e9BeziRm48MXY4F7uJ_Ta72Jxtkwxuw04-LEejUjhUnQ5aEAlSrzP01p661XLJBUhmt7vr1SRD6DegoqJlQVTQIU=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along with flowers, our vegetables bounced back from a "sluggish" start and really started producing abundance come September, October and well into the waning days of November.</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/AVvXsEhWBcHPBUUhQqrccHXMzDqDX2MvEbycCDmQE9tAUZFWfVfVoAbNmYY1Z6dTyT4420ZbWYo1B2Fhwpv9FhJJDlrtIYHMbjMT6wr268ZXBBEUAIQqDCsr_gElY6A493TpHTdAVDmkkxD2gt6WbPZI_10B0UwvyK7aJz10rTcQwzop0_sNqUbfbOuxjWiZhIY8/s1920/thumbnail_image_67544065.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBcHPBUUhQqrccHXMzDqDX2MvEbycCDmQE9tAUZFWfVfVoAbNmYY1Z6dTyT4420ZbWYo1B2Fhwpv9FhJJDlrtIYHMbjMT6wr268ZXBBEUAIQqDCsr_gElY6A493TpHTdAVDmkkxD2gt6WbPZI_10B0UwvyK7aJz10rTcQwzop0_sNqUbfbOuxjWiZhIY8/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67544065.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEixlmuDdSs2Fvrzdq3bpjoaMzhbazD5li4K8a0mdInRmUwgvoqZEA-vXtv60r9kAvicScsdDkvucTWQqFHQBdajFjKfNmxjYxQzxlzC2HIDNHTS6WUV2OnLwN7GX1LNb5QLl6FIst9oNQKd0PoMKeJViwAIBlXB6NbYOg-22sYMvSjKXLPZYRwlJLbvnJfV/s1920/thumbnail_image_67546881.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlmuDdSs2Fvrzdq3bpjoaMzhbazD5li4K8a0mdInRmUwgvoqZEA-vXtv60r9kAvicScsdDkvucTWQqFHQBdajFjKfNmxjYxQzxlzC2HIDNHTS6WUV2OnLwN7GX1LNb5QLl6FIst9oNQKd0PoMKeJViwAIBlXB6NbYOg-22sYMvSjKXLPZYRwlJLbvnJfV/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67546881.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEh_URj40yjpJN3sreBF6H5qgX0rtI5_BXgGkXtoNMBgOA3yB2yvdEWt24gkwmoZ0LSqtqDYXapWopBHrykwHaqJv5QMyBxlgDRz2LSE5pRv4hVLiwhfBosl1p7zS8I5q_Ey-geSn5qI7hF1ficxqWfDPaE1JGGN-zAYRJXFNoEFegocXtxLfST8xxyoLCi_/s1920/thumbnail_image_67526145.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_URj40yjpJN3sreBF6H5qgX0rtI5_BXgGkXtoNMBgOA3yB2yvdEWt24gkwmoZ0LSqtqDYXapWopBHrykwHaqJv5QMyBxlgDRz2LSE5pRv4hVLiwhfBosl1p7zS8I5q_Ey-geSn5qI7hF1ficxqWfDPaE1JGGN-zAYRJXFNoEFegocXtxLfST8xxyoLCi_/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67526145.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Peppers were poppin, cukes appeared at a seeming glance of the trellis, eggplants plumped up, garlic hardened and tomatoes struggled. The heirlooms were a bit of a bust with the rainy season we had. We got a handful of harvests but didn't put nearly as much sauce into the cellar this year. Cherries and Sungold varieties shined best this season and created an abundance that even our family couldn't keep up with at times!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwEpPoqhj1WfjQMmmZbcjmJtuCcxje55F2kJBE_CMKVCPE43vVUvH46pSquwdep2lYpb99_MB2xtGGwPliGCZjjx6W5BgmUC4IctSr0a-J7_7d9frIDJuYbKukMI8y15O5LfgHwUX-hK5_7315MpfUz-Svd4zM85AT5X2fNNIJwAlDNX6lDVD_4ae_hGQ/s1920/thumbnail_image_67541761.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwEpPoqhj1WfjQMmmZbcjmJtuCcxje55F2kJBE_CMKVCPE43vVUvH46pSquwdep2lYpb99_MB2xtGGwPliGCZjjx6W5BgmUC4IctSr0a-J7_7d9frIDJuYbKukMI8y15O5LfgHwUX-hK5_7315MpfUz-Svd4zM85AT5X2fNNIJwAlDNX6lDVD_4ae_hGQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67541761.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrkrQF4abY4-B0W0XyNas65pijX-HF4P0hEfBzHWMKs0buOUXom9XMS7y3oHW4e6h-yR_DmVdunavKIQBrxPAb6uFnJEqfD7iCA--Wqz5LUzuJquzC0h8PeWZ3Nr1im0pq2nTiuvMsWXJa6bXwomnAoJkEnmVw1RoSxYzUGMydzkuc9qG31va1o-PnkGg/s1920/thumbnail_image_67534081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrkrQF4abY4-B0W0XyNas65pijX-HF4P0hEfBzHWMKs0buOUXom9XMS7y3oHW4e6h-yR_DmVdunavKIQBrxPAb6uFnJEqfD7iCA--Wqz5LUzuJquzC0h8PeWZ3Nr1im0pq2nTiuvMsWXJa6bXwomnAoJkEnmVw1RoSxYzUGMydzkuc9qG31va1o-PnkGg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67534081.jpg" width="480" /></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/a/AVvXsEhwljMUaxVodiEzqmT6frpC4TCDqICPtwDXZiXXoSBDWQVfKDJH17YhQFyI3GABTa9-7V-aQtoA-SZYsAL2UrNOn2L_WAlBRleUAuddNVFnC0VrvqefnoCoe5pm046Wkiwd8ruYp2_S1zhzi_XOZYS82IPQXLvhaVkYygRjM3nIblbYPMrMKiOIWEGRk-At" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwljMUaxVodiEzqmT6frpC4TCDqICPtwDXZiXXoSBDWQVfKDJH17YhQFyI3GABTa9-7V-aQtoA-SZYsAL2UrNOn2L_WAlBRleUAuddNVFnC0VrvqefnoCoe5pm046Wkiwd8ruYp2_S1zhzi_XOZYS82IPQXLvhaVkYygRjM3nIblbYPMrMKiOIWEGRk-At=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cukes kept coming and coming and we even wholesaled a couple hundred pounds after many batches of pickles, a smorasbord of new cuke based salads and every other idea we could come up with to enjoy them!</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyC6Pde38b3DOENPQ6yJHRIn_gY7uh2hq_iQisFqYZ0Et0MnrILLepCZzwKImtM-WiFPTVZ9swA-iWIAiF-BBMZq5vvv1JpEkiUAtQYuYMuNRzngvEkQrwM74B12xOWW_5zgG0E0BTLKecRfginLrHZAf4-nLyaMlQiFWXbgnDY1gtOqIFarTFmJGmnde/s1920/thumbnail_image_67505153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyC6Pde38b3DOENPQ6yJHRIn_gY7uh2hq_iQisFqYZ0Et0MnrILLepCZzwKImtM-WiFPTVZ9swA-iWIAiF-BBMZq5vvv1JpEkiUAtQYuYMuNRzngvEkQrwM74B12xOWW_5zgG0E0BTLKecRfginLrHZAf4-nLyaMlQiFWXbgnDY1gtOqIFarTFmJGmnde/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67505153.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A sour dill we made in the crock using sea salt, fresh dill and a clutch of grape leaves we snagged from our friends over at Frith Farm.</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/AVvXsEhrOmsEA1iyqvx5c5tN1r6pXL68zuATxZ1CtruU6bH8opkBwfL3u8FVOcv5Ra5XuqAfrfgS0FMomV2LXi6AKwS4eC9JZVKcta9tTi8Q33ivdbRhd0zC77rrmoNTu1YUhgT8ntXx1GF54GVcWPIYQ5PwGQUrsge1u5OuYVzX5gfAHQgN8EL-LnBEDPZK_rVZ/s1920/thumbnail_image_67225857.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOmsEA1iyqvx5c5tN1r6pXL68zuATxZ1CtruU6bH8opkBwfL3u8FVOcv5Ra5XuqAfrfgS0FMomV2LXi6AKwS4eC9JZVKcta9tTi8Q33ivdbRhd0zC77rrmoNTu1YUhgT8ntXx1GF54GVcWPIYQ5PwGQUrsge1u5OuYVzX5gfAHQgN8EL-LnBEDPZK_rVZ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67225857.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeLPcfIDp63FBA02aQWgcWA21dD7n01exK7NFRviCCqYAT21Fh9x4vzZAxdotWmUaPTvjCE0T2ocU4ox2b_u_JYDd2sRLvlmouo5mQ6aDVnF1jmp4Zzd_0o7b0v6bASJeJKV9jT5HEDr9hT1PEgPtPj0V6nGnIiYHOzXBfb8lfXiRhNT5CnNlVt55-NJ8/s1920/thumbnail_image_67230977.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeLPcfIDp63FBA02aQWgcWA21dD7n01exK7NFRviCCqYAT21Fh9x4vzZAxdotWmUaPTvjCE0T2ocU4ox2b_u_JYDd2sRLvlmouo5mQ6aDVnF1jmp4Zzd_0o7b0v6bASJeJKV9jT5HEDr9hT1PEgPtPj0V6nGnIiYHOzXBfb8lfXiRhNT5CnNlVt55-NJ8/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67230977.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cherry Tomatoes in all shapes, colors and sizes!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qtS3DaCANgz7y6-GDjv3VhIb038dgKBYS-Akw_3gA0fjxBRGLMDlOmWzEr0mx4LWyKDJRygqbLJP9e0AadboKesUnJ1j4tgrAKc_crTHMJwpmTZLHKy3oiRfPN5YtBWAoooJX4MQxEcVzVXn4ZG0PM5l9v4zx2-OUvV5jtWQ-gUcJknMmFQnv5HsUhbP/s1920/thumbnail_image_67230721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qtS3DaCANgz7y6-GDjv3VhIb038dgKBYS-Akw_3gA0fjxBRGLMDlOmWzEr0mx4LWyKDJRygqbLJP9e0AadboKesUnJ1j4tgrAKc_crTHMJwpmTZLHKy3oiRfPN5YtBWAoooJX4MQxEcVzVXn4ZG0PM5l9v4zx2-OUvV5jtWQ-gUcJknMmFQnv5HsUhbP/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67230721.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fennel is always fun to grow, it makes great fresh salads when integrated with cukes, parmesan cheese and some wild blueberry vinaigrette. Its also great grilled or just adding the fronds to a salad or the fennel seeds to a stew or sausage dish. Versatile to say the least and we had a couple happy monarchs call it home for the chrysalis magic!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzLPeVe3HUKr36Q1W--QzX3ksMYEFB_5f8Y6m35ta2dgaO-zff5Vel_cip239FvRTK6RhcSpPTcxiY3hiqkP9oFQrm-nuQ-9sibOjPkktYHVRqje_eN8GaLMo1GPcx8vfAe2bEuFAlF-m3kwmrh0YpSWSP0w4CBd18kYzC-gypKCvxSiJyM-5WdGWoZ6l/s1920/thumbnail_image_50750977.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzLPeVe3HUKr36Q1W--QzX3ksMYEFB_5f8Y6m35ta2dgaO-zff5Vel_cip239FvRTK6RhcSpPTcxiY3hiqkP9oFQrm-nuQ-9sibOjPkktYHVRqje_eN8GaLMo1GPcx8vfAe2bEuFAlF-m3kwmrh0YpSWSP0w4CBd18kYzC-gypKCvxSiJyM-5WdGWoZ6l/w640-h480/thumbnail_image_50750977.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Garlic harvest was a couple weeks behind this year compared to the last few but the sizing and quality ended up just great!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGU1UHn99tPbSN_MYXBY1YXd745PzLRYvtPvudCMqN0Wu9XHFNo-6bXu8EdNoU9GWtgZom8_77D1lIp0wUVuFXwp4glxFyAfOHq7Y7xsUMCzg4CCCsi2Pc58rrXYR-ABp-P91ttK0nAm9HyEi20ia-fW1TuGTuy0wzcdl2_DEyXhW5ePyCK9vltCJ6vMmN/s2560/thumbnail_image_50729985.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGU1UHn99tPbSN_MYXBY1YXd745PzLRYvtPvudCMqN0Wu9XHFNo-6bXu8EdNoU9GWtgZom8_77D1lIp0wUVuFXwp4glxFyAfOHq7Y7xsUMCzg4CCCsi2Pc58rrXYR-ABp-P91ttK0nAm9HyEi20ia-fW1TuGTuy0wzcdl2_DEyXhW5ePyCK9vltCJ6vMmN/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50729985.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Green beans came on strong in the late summer and lasted well into the cold mornings.</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/AVvXsEjjyWblpm6MPylw7uMHQ66fiT1O8kxPyW08cBaJl2F-_wgoczVbEwvRpZoo2CvaO8dTnnvUWnqzNfROGQFwYvXRVeP09QQohjLRgz9gpMMHMe-31tFb0QGpsvnrlXkB9MnM1G8ne0xrKT3mY9MO_SVVx2Mitlx0c64822RB_Tp-eP6VBiHFuf5rYvEluI2k/s2560/thumbnail_image_50445825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyWblpm6MPylw7uMHQ66fiT1O8kxPyW08cBaJl2F-_wgoczVbEwvRpZoo2CvaO8dTnnvUWnqzNfROGQFwYvXRVeP09QQohjLRgz9gpMMHMe-31tFb0QGpsvnrlXkB9MnM1G8ne0xrKT3mY9MO_SVVx2Mitlx0c64822RB_Tp-eP6VBiHFuf5rYvEluI2k/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50445825.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Zucchini and Summer Squash stayed steady throughout and shaving them and tossing them with fennel and roasted hazelnuts made an appearance on a few hot afternoons and is a recipe we need to keep in our rotation year after year.</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/a/AVvXsEj5Z6XwUaj9_H6LVh78uZ6EreVE-7UPPvUGDj71FP-xw8VB08zlzqPUN9hdL5_0Ar3IhYczjGTMRd5iof5RprK4pGxcUCwP1eB7xfX_gb4hDRG8sEYi2Z8NYaoGWIbPjyzfeHUFYiXJOYf9sEzlg1LeqndSUlp1pMw7LjjQyiD8BTew1UbejuJG2_aG85XK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5Z6XwUaj9_H6LVh78uZ6EreVE-7UPPvUGDj71FP-xw8VB08zlzqPUN9hdL5_0Ar3IhYczjGTMRd5iof5RprK4pGxcUCwP1eB7xfX_gb4hDRG8sEYi2Z8NYaoGWIbPjyzfeHUFYiXJOYf9sEzlg1LeqndSUlp1pMw7LjjQyiD8BTew1UbejuJG2_aG85XK=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As seen in a previous post, mushroom foraging was abundant with such a wet season and finding multiple flushes of oysters on this standing oak was such a treat!</div></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/AVvXsEivMwqw5dY61X4WbURdLkncE_oSoJUPmFFeCFVP_jvaLR7JlsLjziFd8KDmHY5V10BrRKWN-7fXCH23wtSajMw1D475ObMaV9_OE-hEU9QofxZdSjhP15aJ2Luy90qx45s8dObEekrJHjq8VC6L6iqKqn1OHEO9ylwxZ-QIDpIkosjAffM_MEKkUsUU1ah8/s1920/thumbnail_image_67511809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMwqw5dY61X4WbURdLkncE_oSoJUPmFFeCFVP_jvaLR7JlsLjziFd8KDmHY5V10BrRKWN-7fXCH23wtSajMw1D475ObMaV9_OE-hEU9QofxZdSjhP15aJ2Luy90qx45s8dObEekrJHjq8VC6L6iqKqn1OHEO9ylwxZ-QIDpIkosjAffM_MEKkUsUU1ah8/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67511809.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg1_awGRAI1eG7Zmtmx_aduEAhPd4-SR8LeCBR-HffvcvdNtGr_9zqU0nYdxo01-2okQIdaBtp-FUZ1SFMfbN6_98N1dnPExjByfRDLn6Gloz8xYPsEkGhvRM51qqOctOrMQL_qsJOLSOCCOqkGqBwDl0nbtvBCtK93mK2x7MkEvk5-X6Tx8M4pOmftlk/s1920/thumbnail_image_50441217.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvg1_awGRAI1eG7Zmtmx_aduEAhPd4-SR8LeCBR-HffvcvdNtGr_9zqU0nYdxo01-2okQIdaBtp-FUZ1SFMfbN6_98N1dnPExjByfRDLn6Gloz8xYPsEkGhvRM51qqOctOrMQL_qsJOLSOCCOqkGqBwDl0nbtvBCtK93mK2x7MkEvk5-X6Tx8M4pOmftlk/w640-h480/thumbnail_image_50441217.jpg" width="640" /></a></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/a/AVvXsEiI0-qlIzpEonuJKsLe0XEbBLNxYwvsWssUjwA4x7Axwd6j-hGT8y_3jvwa-JXRQd9D5LUzyBV2ZUu1203pfAhQeCUEkLDJyoViA8iOEkXRbzOL96-UqsU1T7OBI3H3vIHnjRXir5ERBx1eTbGTanuGwIKYryjbllmxU8zQD_zH_amvDjT9FS2_idyHkOTf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI0-qlIzpEonuJKsLe0XEbBLNxYwvsWssUjwA4x7Axwd6j-hGT8y_3jvwa-JXRQd9D5LUzyBV2ZUu1203pfAhQeCUEkLDJyoViA8iOEkXRbzOL96-UqsU1T7OBI3H3vIHnjRXir5ERBx1eTbGTanuGwIKYryjbllmxU8zQD_zH_amvDjT9FS2_idyHkOTf=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXGvouW4Hl_lx8F3j-f8Cnh5QEDaJQhiC2nRZ4vIzkdYu3cI832VyH87zL5hkUEVQcwInif25lCOLFGUcZzAYLBVExw8j_K82n3BuNWZGLENqo6a_aij9ZU3AIH-OaA_ZcsylKQSvqnd9Y4rLK0x025qHIi1rLxwewbu9X02nF0F_CkmZs9I6AAWXnSZES" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXGvouW4Hl_lx8F3j-f8Cnh5QEDaJQhiC2nRZ4vIzkdYu3cI832VyH87zL5hkUEVQcwInif25lCOLFGUcZzAYLBVExw8j_K82n3BuNWZGLENqo6a_aij9ZU3AIH-OaA_ZcsylKQSvqnd9Y4rLK0x025qHIi1rLxwewbu9X02nF0F_CkmZs9I6AAWXnSZES=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br />Our bees thrived and then struggled midway through the season when we observed them becoming queenless... after a little patience they reared a new queen and started to thrive again in the late season but we shall see if that speedbump dampens the chances of them making it through the winter.</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/a/AVvXsEgIR7mxPwX0Pihf4Uz85Ntsb9NU9jXhgrtphz2_7Rh5CEQDA77SGTPVLhBOz8GbU0E0yYE9n8e-k0VMt-GPYwC46Gk3UVO3-pYWLa-eUKORxIo3I_zeUTMucGOIFAMHjQTICjSqBR2tVatJuUH4o5V6CpT7oSbgzQvBzb1Qrh7noORqU7nW9BM_X--K0bsh" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIR7mxPwX0Pihf4Uz85Ntsb9NU9jXhgrtphz2_7Rh5CEQDA77SGTPVLhBOz8GbU0E0yYE9n8e-k0VMt-GPYwC46Gk3UVO3-pYWLa-eUKORxIo3I_zeUTMucGOIFAMHjQTICjSqBR2tVatJuUH4o5V6CpT7oSbgzQvBzb1Qrh7noORqU7nW9BM_X--K0bsh=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another loss to the homestead that can not be replaced was the passing of our beloved turtle, Ripple. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A red ear slider that lived to the ripe old age of 26 and brought much joy and pride to our family. He always loved a nice toothbrush scrub and his favorite treat was a fresh caught fly from the windowsill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He has been with me personally since freshman year of college and it was a sad day to have to say goodbye. We gave him a final resting place under the japanese maple we planted this summer.</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/a/AVvXsEhNFdUBVhbmOKPeDrYYsNDcGGXPxsWLWTE2BKvjI5OmfbHkUyzBYKj5DY6IhPrNrmj0NDcAL5zjll7nNSEVSQkwgswYgpsS-VcjBw9PPTg_sad8Z4BGWUGwAszcp0grgPnMT48tnmTkXr3WEAZCvww7F6BL3IIzM3SFry_GLjK1_7LAYaHpSWnf0a1lbrrH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNFdUBVhbmOKPeDrYYsNDcGGXPxsWLWTE2BKvjI5OmfbHkUyzBYKj5DY6IhPrNrmj0NDcAL5zjll7nNSEVSQkwgswYgpsS-VcjBw9PPTg_sad8Z4BGWUGwAszcp0grgPnMT48tnmTkXr3WEAZCvww7F6BL3IIzM3SFry_GLjK1_7LAYaHpSWnf0a1lbrrH=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along with some mundane autumn projects like cleaning gutters, painting window trim, glazing storm windows, composting leaves and turning compost piles... archery entered the vocabulary and has been a fun way to spend some spare minutes to focus the mind and body and geek out on youtube videos about shooting barebow style. Seems the wife and kiddo are interested too so hoping we find sometime this winter to go shoot some arrows as a family at the local indoor range in North Yarmouth.</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/a/AVvXsEhbhjydq09J_o-zusFhiY31esLrqo99mBcCQ2iKYxVyk-nDKXoGH7YgW32OQ3vpBS3pj_eu3eFKikQHn5ESJ4cHDqv1RN95izTJcIwkGklCxqavW3ZcRHu626rBckr4hHYIniHzTitegKuFCdxbfAemdfTfhwV8jhDW5rZfSvtg5mIppy-5woccwb2TY7Vz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2559" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbhjydq09J_o-zusFhiY31esLrqo99mBcCQ2iKYxVyk-nDKXoGH7YgW32OQ3vpBS3pj_eu3eFKikQHn5ESJ4cHDqv1RN95izTJcIwkGklCxqavW3ZcRHu626rBckr4hHYIniHzTitegKuFCdxbfAemdfTfhwV8jhDW5rZfSvtg5mIppy-5woccwb2TY7Vz=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally got around to installing the new patio light and touching up the trim around the new kitchen windows we replaced last year!</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/a/AVvXsEgczvZudEedq67cjFXvoZVD3F33ykqa5g-VOYOCbUD2jnIusKXuu96lArcH8LG8dqszROk9aZV1UCAZeLLeLgGGO_RGUJRKnibHpTKcIvJl_4nvFeT_AIgk1bsS1qmx9XMFXI9DPLrrLdeSf6DjCAtYkf-dULfqPPGPSyOXiByRA0zTGwW35ueVw_RK5fwU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgczvZudEedq67cjFXvoZVD3F33ykqa5g-VOYOCbUD2jnIusKXuu96lArcH8LG8dqszROk9aZV1UCAZeLLeLgGGO_RGUJRKnibHpTKcIvJl_4nvFeT_AIgk1bsS1qmx9XMFXI9DPLrrLdeSf6DjCAtYkf-dULfqPPGPSyOXiByRA0zTGwW35ueVw_RK5fwU=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While tidying up the trim we went all out on autumn decorating with gourds, pumpkins, mums and decorative kale and cabbages. It is alot of work rotating seasons but the curb appeal when you pull into the homestead just makes all the effort worthwhile!</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/a/AVvXsEjCopaddFkz8ps6OZCWaT51aIHN91zLO6R5rc3lgUIw2Ydmd4G5xe4ZblOSM_t2cXh-MeW9UqxhdQBgh2KDHKN4BEFv-vZFujAjiNl0G-13MpZcLtL20ChBSYtjVJHKFLOVAHVvEEFmLuwadm80aCdma5u9FbKnT_kXvvOglUgmLgT19JNQYZc6-WJikpp3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCopaddFkz8ps6OZCWaT51aIHN91zLO6R5rc3lgUIw2Ydmd4G5xe4ZblOSM_t2cXh-MeW9UqxhdQBgh2KDHKN4BEFv-vZFujAjiNl0G-13MpZcLtL20ChBSYtjVJHKFLOVAHVvEEFmLuwadm80aCdma5u9FbKnT_kXvvOglUgmLgT19JNQYZc6-WJikpp3=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hazel and Cassi get really excited about "spooky season" so we went a little overboard on the halloween decor but most of it translates well into my favorite season.... Thanksgiving!</div><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/a/AVvXsEihEBvJgFQ_iF_q7kMZmTFia6qbk0_SIrK_ayoL2fo1QfMehhW2H6tU-9lVwA0HuHjyn9_0NEIZQoBtCUTajrKHT86-_3o7HgXyOHGPqKaMpkURSpW-WkmAzcAya454RUCgmPZ9i9_aX2rgH1JoxdRDiRrwFJvWdyAqvRsaQgdvoNYT0Bt4GX0Y3wIiJSih" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihEBvJgFQ_iF_q7kMZmTFia6qbk0_SIrK_ayoL2fo1QfMehhW2H6tU-9lVwA0HuHjyn9_0NEIZQoBtCUTajrKHT86-_3o7HgXyOHGPqKaMpkURSpW-WkmAzcAya454RUCgmPZ9i9_aX2rgH1JoxdRDiRrwFJvWdyAqvRsaQgdvoNYT0Bt4GX0Y3wIiJSih=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As always we gave thanks with a small gathering of family at the homestead. Our feast was filled with Maine offerings from our garden along with farmer friends from all over the state. A reflective moment in each bite thinking about the struggles of a wet growing season, the strength of the local food movement and the gratitude of being able to enjoy a meal with 3 generations of Maine women.</div></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUJ25Pil1_-l4zx9stmz3HI3zgj_q4PD41AM-hDl-vfhx_-DDK5hSt69KpO61ihcRZp5ME6ScqXZF1zc48YI1uzzPaOf99qxPpyxFYAxNtqWm3Llyr0H0oI3j-Jw4dtxCim58Jue83kSJ9XzW9ysZ6pGudqAKWKEdBMTCplWyw6CHOiwNj6c5J-xGXC2fQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUJ25Pil1_-l4zx9stmz3HI3zgj_q4PD41AM-hDl-vfhx_-DDK5hSt69KpO61ihcRZp5ME6ScqXZF1zc48YI1uzzPaOf99qxPpyxFYAxNtqWm3Llyr0H0oI3j-Jw4dtxCim58Jue83kSJ9XzW9ysZ6pGudqAKWKEdBMTCplWyw6CHOiwNj6c5J-xGXC2fQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leftovers galore with our local turkey providing over 5 meals with some turkey stock put away for the upcoming winter months!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-39695235762952410122023-09-03T07:59:00.004-04:002023-09-03T10:58:20.732-04:00Fungus Among Us.<p> </p><p style="text-align: center;">The upside to this rain soaked summer has been the prolific varieties of fungus popping up amongst the landscape day after day. As you may have picked up from previous blog posts, mushrooms are a big fascination and area of discovery on the homestead. From inoculating logs, burying spawn plugs, making mushroom beds and diving into indoor cultivation along with constantly wandering the landscape and working on identifying our findings. This summer has been full of discoveries and dinner delicacies as we hone our foraging skills and broaden our identification methods through research via books, websites and apps.</p><p style="text-align: center;">As a self proclaimed newbie to the mycosphere, I am not going to add many labels to the following pictures in an effort to not share false information about our finds. I would urge anyone reading this that finds themselves interested in foraging to approach the subject of ingesting with hesitancy and doubt as there are some species of fungus that can cause severe sickness and in very rare cases death if done so in a haphazard and careless way. That being said I urge you to dive in deep and learn about the magic of the fungi kingdom. It is full of rabbitholes of mythology, history and unexplored worlds of the magical networks that we are just recently learning about. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpDSop23A-pWeziJ1TiPontZdrgLozHj-xlT27jZjjw5aBvjyv3F23ZinAY29I6WzX8waIJ3mjeibi9eDOtAwSb2iSVKO67xPS643NdVlL0t6RhodF5tcZ0BpyQDy_aBNwqPdOSDEqxwqqSAUwj57iXw-Tqfsm-0yPVIR8_6ze44LpmuS-o4f9-64CSFk/s2560/thumbnail_image_50781185.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpDSop23A-pWeziJ1TiPontZdrgLozHj-xlT27jZjjw5aBvjyv3F23ZinAY29I6WzX8waIJ3mjeibi9eDOtAwSb2iSVKO67xPS643NdVlL0t6RhodF5tcZ0BpyQDy_aBNwqPdOSDEqxwqqSAUwj57iXw-Tqfsm-0yPVIR8_6ze44LpmuS-o4f9-64CSFk/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50781185.jpg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9PChVjGr9_BTNVXCIm_9nx9ozJwMSyF0YnwVg8ZRzAQMz2iX6vMLtNi7Gw4be8VVY43bmNzA3N43EO6RIUFO2FLQzB2puiDRkNbHwBZbI_scXLU5JDod13NaOFqKfEZ1hmy3VX5lGnDMzu55t-_8BNnDzG12fXfdMLXzy-mb4qazxxvtZMeX0HKhsMl1/s1920/thumbnail_image_67224833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9PChVjGr9_BTNVXCIm_9nx9ozJwMSyF0YnwVg8ZRzAQMz2iX6vMLtNi7Gw4be8VVY43bmNzA3N43EO6RIUFO2FLQzB2puiDRkNbHwBZbI_scXLU5JDod13NaOFqKfEZ1hmy3VX5lGnDMzu55t-_8BNnDzG12fXfdMLXzy-mb4qazxxvtZMeX0HKhsMl1/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67224833.jpg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9allKVOs8gvYLpU9jkesSeonolHGhsiRGPbOqR6VkaGI7XVSsNt1o8isPGX-wISKHNwdUUClIX7xqa9-GD2VVpKIhM0UFtaHJl95FTJ5TB-9tovnSEtOOHONHXehtWGhfrttGqvftp7S43dZp0BWJmefNOTygk72FWHIR43hrfjHdvMFvWyD4FTBaPDB/s1920/thumbnail_image_67228161.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9allKVOs8gvYLpU9jkesSeonolHGhsiRGPbOqR6VkaGI7XVSsNt1o8isPGX-wISKHNwdUUClIX7xqa9-GD2VVpKIhM0UFtaHJl95FTJ5TB-9tovnSEtOOHONHXehtWGhfrttGqvftp7S43dZp0BWJmefNOTygk72FWHIR43hrfjHdvMFvWyD4FTBaPDB/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67228161.jpg" width="480" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAF6TICk_I33AqLtpdOnEViJrTayJyGVLSbJnJuMLrgvxy-o6vpXwX4ivk7-q-NV06kgFlT3__XOwpvwlwjMyvMl6bEofxGVQSa5JyzCFQQUrHeFIpaBee8PpQViQ015-l3TQ6KWOizHDzdKQ6Rc1EpXlN9tjWR02Pd3zwZf9JoNPf3ApcC3k8p7oxETM/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67544065.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEjFfUf0jtw6SKWiBRw2BD8Eln37RDB1NGnOV-DSlPCHrMBhaspHgOhb1QTAPHtw9sovOr97gnVBgWaJ-6DBORC7FbTeLLLzPEvZLd6CZnLds9wl-_Z6iqGE1iat87kYc8Nj4pt3Qw47bZvzeWW2vB2DCYt4EA8QMCYbA_ZMMZa7fjsCwirmLhguHZEAtdK-/s1920/thumbnail_image_67228161.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfUf0jtw6SKWiBRw2BD8Eln37RDB1NGnOV-DSlPCHrMBhaspHgOhb1QTAPHtw9sovOr97gnVBgWaJ-6DBORC7FbTeLLLzPEvZLd6CZnLds9wl-_Z6iqGE1iat87kYc8Nj4pt3Qw47bZvzeWW2vB2DCYt4EA8QMCYbA_ZMMZa7fjsCwirmLhguHZEAtdK-/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67228161.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEhFP4f-UCn_EFtub9aS3nUMIwZLyw-Nvpvs2PTO3-IfmUKzkVFmS2wZGe6jNvhXX-IsfG42ag6V3pXpygv3SwS_yudlMGs3gipxI4LJOzBTYHbs-FdnTaprz4uo2dfTVRHcRJ66_oMSGvpiCVpL6ttodYPrON5Af6STVDJydXTOktd6bRXTj7XiGyNJY8nA/s1920/thumbnail_image_67226113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFP4f-UCn_EFtub9aS3nUMIwZLyw-Nvpvs2PTO3-IfmUKzkVFmS2wZGe6jNvhXX-IsfG42ag6V3pXpygv3SwS_yudlMGs3gipxI4LJOzBTYHbs-FdnTaprz4uo2dfTVRHcRJ66_oMSGvpiCVpL6ttodYPrON5Af6STVDJydXTOktd6bRXTj7XiGyNJY8nA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67226113.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see from this array of pics, there has been quite the abundance of specimens to dig into including this Wooly Chanterelle that was our most recent find.</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/AVvXsEjQEsXZeZr_7XumhxR0wyvDv-con-sGd5jU6N5j7RTw9p3CUNpBesCoMUGxSHO_bVwT_gzDnJyhyo8KHHffkw1t99AUe-IH9nvSrZgg_DciSe0-fDli5dPbNjmv20JU-iL8Tkan9FdZvqp-NFQvKsaigVnN-wE3mRl25To91nFnGLe0Pmr3S9k3h3sU56Qe/s1920/thumbnail_image_67158529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEsXZeZr_7XumhxR0wyvDv-con-sGd5jU6N5j7RTw9p3CUNpBesCoMUGxSHO_bVwT_gzDnJyhyo8KHHffkw1t99AUe-IH9nvSrZgg_DciSe0-fDli5dPbNjmv20JU-iL8Tkan9FdZvqp-NFQvKsaigVnN-wE3mRl25To91nFnGLe0Pmr3S9k3h3sU56Qe/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67158529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Occasionally if there is an abundance of specimens, I'll collect a few to get closer inspections of and sometimes create a spore print and observe color variations as the fruiting bodies evolve in a more controlled environment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGPChat9jkeAMpaZRKyVtJ5xFthGxghhMJQN6tdj1cU7Tj2fpasZKGmLF11b_UNV93CDTAhB0KNsRxnPp17ybWKkUhaCi0HTzLGmOdp_PnfjLvfkjJsZFqsEuLV3krIE5OjcdFOuxqyxTWNfCHzslSo2TLpCsCr4Wcc0a5IQwm_gZg_yTou42xPIhL33O/s1920/thumbnail_image_67514113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEGPChat9jkeAMpaZRKyVtJ5xFthGxghhMJQN6tdj1cU7Tj2fpasZKGmLF11b_UNV93CDTAhB0KNsRxnPp17ybWKkUhaCi0HTzLGmOdp_PnfjLvfkjJsZFqsEuLV3krIE5OjcdFOuxqyxTWNfCHzslSo2TLpCsCr4Wcc0a5IQwm_gZg_yTou42xPIhL33O/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67514113.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The positive side to all this observing and exploring is finding positive ID's of some pretty delicious finds including this flush of oyster mushrooms. </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/AVvXsEj5QSyewvO_a2Gco5dqYEKaZ01hnoXlva07mwAOp25Sqcw8kTuzFayoGVggtTjnbTc-n4miA3G74H2MzMwXhpNbiflbjAwv_a8MmAlLdRec9Jw1zyTpq1VzuleqL-xpwEEkY9TDDv0T4Nh0GwGUY6otdpRAKKgrjhP2rxnphFijAdqlPx5izF7irrD9fgJb/s1920/thumbnail_image_67180801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QSyewvO_a2Gco5dqYEKaZ01hnoXlva07mwAOp25Sqcw8kTuzFayoGVggtTjnbTc-n4miA3G74H2MzMwXhpNbiflbjAwv_a8MmAlLdRec9Jw1zyTpq1VzuleqL-xpwEEkY9TDDv0T4Nh0GwGUY6otdpRAKKgrjhP2rxnphFijAdqlPx5izF7irrD9fgJb/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67180801.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along with some oysters we have found a small abundance of chanterelles and my favorite find has been a handful of delicious lobster mushrooms!</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/AVvXsEjcTygUT8sbnWubcPHNOPl0n-4K1O5SCzAkEi7Mq92ZucPzatGBnyPcivlgzMlOh2Op9oMgO1LrMnFQBZ6ztXGIQaMh9V_Vr9kXR75zILPwzaKAqpqZilRu1L_nR20d9UGnQnFuEosfaHCE9hf5_EPoeB2j5K5hD5PUDHuse0_aDc15TyFlImsBI9-XuL_l/s1920/thumbnail_image_67222017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTygUT8sbnWubcPHNOPl0n-4K1O5SCzAkEi7Mq92ZucPzatGBnyPcivlgzMlOh2Op9oMgO1LrMnFQBZ6ztXGIQaMh9V_Vr9kXR75zILPwzaKAqpqZilRu1L_nR20d9UGnQnFuEosfaHCE9hf5_EPoeB2j5K5hD5PUDHuse0_aDc15TyFlImsBI9-XuL_l/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67222017.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeE3A7QEpYI43PuEaAs8jdrKPCzDkBRS6_Qo3XReQUTq7XWGa6kFEvenz93BH1bhBbTTIxJLWdm_iKACxCHH3as3r_puzldRYpI-x5MyPQ-OCVeFKqinF9PREz77WGAC1HBCbUI_Dfbm8s-c6mlY-oTseStadyRFHDNO6jza7MbXgiIRdoYVl70ZRaPfvh/s1920/thumbnail_image_67167233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeE3A7QEpYI43PuEaAs8jdrKPCzDkBRS6_Qo3XReQUTq7XWGa6kFEvenz93BH1bhBbTTIxJLWdm_iKACxCHH3as3r_puzldRYpI-x5MyPQ-OCVeFKqinF9PREz77WGAC1HBCbUI_Dfbm8s-c6mlY-oTseStadyRFHDNO6jza7MbXgiIRdoYVl70ZRaPfvh/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67167233.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJf6cVIx2X7HSX1xcwj8G-adMeTuYykLpym5iAO1sTI0ScP6xM94nhFtij02K0cZwvvLiZACLBGDzOzqCRDBtxv9WUiVMWjhxTJSl66RgxOWYUrIeOhReVDUF3kJTwMmbvBkeKW04s3XSbyCypTwe7G-u0WHgEmZBVC7CcnwddVQ4S1n7cVnylu1gWZbfT/s1920/thumbnail_image_67160065.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJf6cVIx2X7HSX1xcwj8G-adMeTuYykLpym5iAO1sTI0ScP6xM94nhFtij02K0cZwvvLiZACLBGDzOzqCRDBtxv9WUiVMWjhxTJSl66RgxOWYUrIeOhReVDUF3kJTwMmbvBkeKW04s3XSbyCypTwe7G-u0WHgEmZBVC7CcnwddVQ4S1n7cVnylu1gWZbfT/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67160065.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along with foraging we have been successful with a few indoor cultivations including this yummy flush of Royal Trumpets. With a busy gardening season the indoor portion of our mushroom project has taken a pause but I am planning on starting some more cultures for indoor projects as the autumn arrives and winter makes being inside a bit more appealing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-21787451668255320512023-08-06T10:38:00.001-04:002023-08-06T10:47:01.003-04:00A Posy of Blooms.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So with all the rain and slugs we had our veggies set back a bit as most growers in New England but we still managed to get a decent harvest of snap peas, bowlfuls of lettuce and leafy greens along with garlic scapes, shiitake mushrooms and bountiful herbs. Somedays it seemed the season was going to spiral into the worst of my gardening life, but alas some scattered sunny days have opened and the summer onslaught of veggies is delayed but arriving as I scourer our photos to pick out some of the winning blooms that have occurred in June and July. More on veggies in an upcoming post but for now...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">FLOWERS! </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/AVvXsEiivBMNdMvyUM_GTpxNcImWPaLGI1-6GWdE0Jqi3wPhFOjKqVIw_timh6G5Gzjy_W8qWE5_CpfNoOb9m8KrN3XLG5z9p-A0I7By17rJG9k2WEnK8i_33g04PfFms9Cq3suepyd_mCSijKxh1WgiB8nck9Sicn_ww52o2B_28p11yn-ObWHer3AvlNJW7o0o/s1920/thumbnail_image_67190529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivBMNdMvyUM_GTpxNcImWPaLGI1-6GWdE0Jqi3wPhFOjKqVIw_timh6G5Gzjy_W8qWE5_CpfNoOb9m8KrN3XLG5z9p-A0I7By17rJG9k2WEnK8i_33g04PfFms9Cq3suepyd_mCSijKxh1WgiB8nck9Sicn_ww52o2B_28p11yn-ObWHer3AvlNJW7o0o/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67190529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Variegated Yellow Sweet Iris</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/AVvXsEiZ9oqzc-3j4drPFlIOscP5A0l5iGp79kF2acnjeLYvxu-Ik0-lX5Tm_wTGy_L8IMfBRGjehEuAQ8q9N-BgDs61OiBHRqgEJXeQzIPv-HqObGDkMELVJvaClCYYVQPITvz5ASQO7pWEe482EWIyuS5MXATNf0LedrZkvetCuaXc2ezB8Z03tmQeE3xS3h8X/s2560/thumbnail_image_50410241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9oqzc-3j4drPFlIOscP5A0l5iGp79kF2acnjeLYvxu-Ik0-lX5Tm_wTGy_L8IMfBRGjehEuAQ8q9N-BgDs61OiBHRqgEJXeQzIPv-HqObGDkMELVJvaClCYYVQPITvz5ASQO7pWEe482EWIyuS5MXATNf0LedrZkvetCuaXc2ezB8Z03tmQeE3xS3h8X/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50410241.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEjXgaQGtDUNAmgoQKI5SKUmZl4yUMegXDDZ1YY7yJ-q6vK7mCaZGJSFl-Zx-5Iq4na5LjpcPKsCqqJ925OzllrIWCPGhcCNUXwB4SgdjQuU8q8ozc9DAJObB6Nj6NVtIbTYewpFPmvYDbFsfHv1TRCXZO5hNjjJ98bWMjQriFnqHdvZbOUHMmJwDqXGxUN5/s1920/thumbnail_image_67509505.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgaQGtDUNAmgoQKI5SKUmZl4yUMegXDDZ1YY7yJ-q6vK7mCaZGJSFl-Zx-5Iq4na5LjpcPKsCqqJ925OzllrIWCPGhcCNUXwB4SgdjQuU8q8ozc9DAJObB6Nj6NVtIbTYewpFPmvYDbFsfHv1TRCXZO5hNjjJ98bWMjQriFnqHdvZbOUHMmJwDqXGxUN5/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67509505.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Edens Perfume Peony</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/AVvXsEi1c_bp-m0FF67WKTriqHTaS9Fs-SLnDguwGhTILDWgjM8yUFqQPh47oF9wTSRNDZJUDOWlHPiN0et7ar2qdq18IeoHvFznniMg4vlCiv_R_9j_9HZzaacuQBK43GGmgKqqWGmYgrLgvcVWGJ7I_BLckAZyF7X2QZkg1PySVUneoFnYVypCbRFvqDKERxyo/s1920/thumbnail_image_67538689.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1c_bp-m0FF67WKTriqHTaS9Fs-SLnDguwGhTILDWgjM8yUFqQPh47oF9wTSRNDZJUDOWlHPiN0et7ar2qdq18IeoHvFznniMg4vlCiv_R_9j_9HZzaacuQBK43GGmgKqqWGmYgrLgvcVWGJ7I_BLckAZyF7X2QZkg1PySVUneoFnYVypCbRFvqDKERxyo/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67538689.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEjEp4XDXyFYtxJV2M1-M-hQvgFmAjGoxGLGbuMVRJ8CVx5P5Ddq7Rw9QwKymzD_Y6KZvCXper-V0xnOXE_RA696FQiH5tci7qMknurx2EXbHxLwH7VPTeU_KwvlXZCRJVXjkNziuNal-BDX1O-w3vg6I2bWN3PR6ZUEHpFILM3GsGrL16MEn2m8-Thhbpnl/s1920/thumbnail_image_67529473.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEp4XDXyFYtxJV2M1-M-hQvgFmAjGoxGLGbuMVRJ8CVx5P5Ddq7Rw9QwKymzD_Y6KZvCXper-V0xnOXE_RA696FQiH5tci7qMknurx2EXbHxLwH7VPTeU_KwvlXZCRJVXjkNziuNal-BDX1O-w3vg6I2bWN3PR6ZUEHpFILM3GsGrL16MEn2m8-Thhbpnl/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67529473.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shasta Daisy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of Cassis' request for this garden season was to dip our toes into the world of roses and dahlias. We picked out this variety after scouring the local nurseries and after selecting this variety we found a nice spot just in view of the kitchen sink window. That way we could keep an eye on them and also enjoy the blooms during our daily dish washing.</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/AVvXsEjEEme21QqmyfU4QuuDZitsufu5m2Ko_2gsD72u6ORJ_4kmno-PdgZRc62G2ShnuVd3tGVCOse_yBinuFA9tj3OlyRE9vUHJkd9hl58TPZFLqhFX3UUf9oAF-gRYorVqmEKnPm-k2iapG4jOHvQH9sLz7B5iaXc9X825-pYczJMU4l1PR8WOqRXbQy5hnJ1/s1920/thumbnail_image_67230721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEme21QqmyfU4QuuDZitsufu5m2Ko_2gsD72u6ORJ_4kmno-PdgZRc62G2ShnuVd3tGVCOse_yBinuFA9tj3OlyRE9vUHJkd9hl58TPZFLqhFX3UUf9oAF-gRYorVqmEKnPm-k2iapG4jOHvQH9sLz7B5iaXc9X825-pYczJMU4l1PR8WOqRXbQy5hnJ1/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67230721.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEict3rHBMv1bhb7Rv11BjUggcKrnMW9VxRUpBkYYngEUxjr1FWKQxesHqBCGA1T8imux6lODwgNcOvmlUYXZrt4l2k38RP6u21t9uAX28aVf6DElXO8hbNf79F0iuCArZ_qaz1-bu7ytPfy8KmnGidPv_AALEn6aG-3LkljlIAIgl5hbfBGsEdHgIYwofYO/s2560/thumbnail_image_50458881.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEict3rHBMv1bhb7Rv11BjUggcKrnMW9VxRUpBkYYngEUxjr1FWKQxesHqBCGA1T8imux6lODwgNcOvmlUYXZrt4l2k38RP6u21t9uAX28aVf6DElXO8hbNf79F0iuCArZ_qaz1-bu7ytPfy8KmnGidPv_AALEn6aG-3LkljlIAIgl5hbfBGsEdHgIYwofYO/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50458881.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lady of Shallots Rose</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/AVvXsEh0UNREKGUZGjZw8ydkB59wvJvaXXP7eeUsIpWH1SKmsWORSd-Ie7-UDPEdTYQnf-8yjygpq0Uzf-7e_EWuGunESfupm1O8gxOOHYIWqNs36YUo3Ophe1OqFVgZPTasX-oBs_vP_sSRvq0Qwcm-pPxHqEVskDZELPjdd3fZPN35AKZKUmBc1OS1UeVkMpJN/s1920/thumbnail_image_67533825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UNREKGUZGjZw8ydkB59wvJvaXXP7eeUsIpWH1SKmsWORSd-Ie7-UDPEdTYQnf-8yjygpq0Uzf-7e_EWuGunESfupm1O8gxOOHYIWqNs36YUo3Ophe1OqFVgZPTasX-oBs_vP_sSRvq0Qwcm-pPxHqEVskDZELPjdd3fZPN35AKZKUmBc1OS1UeVkMpJN/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67533825.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Camelot Rose Foxglove</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along with some stunning blooms, we have been busy filling in our landscape with many native flowers for the local pollinators and to increase the biodiversity of the homestead in general. It is a project that is very enjoyable watching the way the different plants adapt to the environment and observing the beneficial insects interacting with them.</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/AVvXsEieEhjkwygN-htHH6iQhU7-h_whN29IOVQo3I_Go-YETtOjNEx-g4ICzgNY2OlylBozBx1T4YjC4CrIFP645Yf7dPjG7hTa9HEqt39dVmFy9JtvQAXycJS4QOxBK6kJ_e79c6eqYFLnY0xi2Heo_xu-64txpHnmV9tTx8C8gcjelL0cxkU6EYy8KdB7NEZA/s1920/thumbnail_image_67513345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEhjkwygN-htHH6iQhU7-h_whN29IOVQo3I_Go-YETtOjNEx-g4ICzgNY2OlylBozBx1T4YjC4CrIFP645Yf7dPjG7hTa9HEqt39dVmFy9JtvQAXycJS4QOxBK6kJ_e79c6eqYFLnY0xi2Heo_xu-64txpHnmV9tTx8C8gcjelL0cxkU6EYy8KdB7NEZA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67513345.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chocolate Chip Bugleweed</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/AVvXsEjLmfjaSZav1brftyesCk3nwFKNDX124gJrFPEUJV4TBtG82mEHSYhixUsesWOtGoIcec2pU8tRaQlP28PCFpnESHz7cg3Y3Or2e9W0R0WXcAlZJZtwWjnpjK7iSIRKukA9HB8s2gj7aNvqRPiHEhOwqGa3emdfEWm2eY1rW5JlnxBzEh1I4P7sbBykEr42/s1920/thumbnail_image_67229441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmfjaSZav1brftyesCk3nwFKNDX124gJrFPEUJV4TBtG82mEHSYhixUsesWOtGoIcec2pU8tRaQlP28PCFpnESHz7cg3Y3Or2e9W0R0WXcAlZJZtwWjnpjK7iSIRKukA9HB8s2gj7aNvqRPiHEhOwqGa3emdfEWm2eY1rW5JlnxBzEh1I4P7sbBykEr42/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67229441.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiIGItbxUw_bu6MiFH-_tM77bJ2mjndqpe_TXCxYn_-abhALjLSqU0EJiCow0kcGXDq5OIO4ILdF2HiNAIFGPGR66dZiKkzUbV9V2hE9DP3ov272nr5Q8yNsTb1pVzKlhqqYJXqz-bvh0qJImFZKt6gruCBxcpukCazaRF_P0kTzCcdd61dXxT2FPrcBf/s1920/thumbnail_image_67537409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiIGItbxUw_bu6MiFH-_tM77bJ2mjndqpe_TXCxYn_-abhALjLSqU0EJiCow0kcGXDq5OIO4ILdF2HiNAIFGPGR66dZiKkzUbV9V2hE9DP3ov272nr5Q8yNsTb1pVzKlhqqYJXqz-bvh0qJImFZKt6gruCBxcpukCazaRF_P0kTzCcdd61dXxT2FPrcBf/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67537409.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacobs Climb Bee Balm</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/AVvXsEiy4633E6TO52FQSVE-xdz24U1krs8iU6czZkSxSy4p7fHi7xgrpfznyoJAtTwKQesuMURP6IgUfyeWpgYGPYwPFvCu0c5lOiEJCWYPGty3hfpNVQexMjw_TPycbcCT0EJb-c1Yjtawgav_ge5UwH7Mu4JCY-zxA7QnEDLui_EfOXEXwz1YGC_UVToU2qPo/s1920/thumbnail_image_67565057.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4633E6TO52FQSVE-xdz24U1krs8iU6czZkSxSy4p7fHi7xgrpfznyoJAtTwKQesuMURP6IgUfyeWpgYGPYwPFvCu0c5lOiEJCWYPGty3hfpNVQexMjw_TPycbcCT0EJb-c1Yjtawgav_ge5UwH7Mu4JCY-zxA7QnEDLui_EfOXEXwz1YGC_UVToU2qPo/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67565057.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meadow Lupine</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/AVvXsEg--P5_9_TjmYY2gQJdI8a4MhkLxGpGUktyk1wT50A73NdooWyDrU0ffKoz3tFTOkaWrNOB7okyaKvMpa5W8FHFIajNyo2iRhF-gKVUKzoS_YhjQJPiGCG5Z5iRs9LvH04C1kEYl1S79B5-C_IknXCQuI67n3Y3gD0zYwbblMjZU7q-KKlDTaTVnSE00xhG/s1920/thumbnail_image_67223553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg--P5_9_TjmYY2gQJdI8a4MhkLxGpGUktyk1wT50A73NdooWyDrU0ffKoz3tFTOkaWrNOB7okyaKvMpa5W8FHFIajNyo2iRhF-gKVUKzoS_YhjQJPiGCG5Z5iRs9LvH04C1kEYl1S79B5-C_IknXCQuI67n3Y3gD0zYwbblMjZU7q-KKlDTaTVnSE00xhG/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67223553.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eastern Pasqueflower</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/AVvXsEjSOYXKnpQtUGt5K_Ozx7JeKezL7ysBfVKf5455MgN5lccOIw9hcALeRwjXptjuHPmrQsehdIkNcA7ef37I6P7aP8yo3-uWbqiH4fUwjH5O9JQ-GGWX6pDdinlBIyFMFDPhtGaRr_dsIvjeshiXhhbYNMVy2QMQqqeCKi88VnjMVXpkfYajdDeQwbyM1WWk/s2560/thumbnail_image_50457601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOYXKnpQtUGt5K_Ozx7JeKezL7ysBfVKf5455MgN5lccOIw9hcALeRwjXptjuHPmrQsehdIkNcA7ef37I6P7aP8yo3-uWbqiH4fUwjH5O9JQ-GGWX6pDdinlBIyFMFDPhtGaRr_dsIvjeshiXhhbYNMVy2QMQqqeCKi88VnjMVXpkfYajdDeQwbyM1WWk/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50457601.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Queen Anne's Lace</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/AVvXsEiF3Ua7W66efr9_hLaxCGaFU7CYfkFa7WdKDfXxsh80PQXr72MadJrwmuDWolvQxC3vyldTK2QX1JZ9a4CIq69YRX7twO852cdTYjpMPI-ckMZ98u-1U91Pcsl0fGwM3L5wOKMqdmeSKGKd2PkswPL4R7jjqc1ouuyXggjTJcGbuqxhzUghcesveex7hTwt/s1920/thumbnail_image_67527169.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3Ua7W66efr9_hLaxCGaFU7CYfkFa7WdKDfXxsh80PQXr72MadJrwmuDWolvQxC3vyldTK2QX1JZ9a4CIq69YRX7twO852cdTYjpMPI-ckMZ98u-1U91Pcsl0fGwM3L5wOKMqdmeSKGKd2PkswPL4R7jjqc1ouuyXggjTJcGbuqxhzUghcesveex7hTwt/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67527169.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEib64Well8cwXKBhpDGL3kgIyvt6Pbx6FtcU0a8L1wySDolkqv-c2u96QR2Y34Aex-kLTjThUrqhtHjO6rl0xetBj_M8tfg431lCDtcQsDEVJcKGa6aniYUjmpHTehTpygrJ1ztci5C3omtFT4-UuFCNkQcOiXl1SyRQOkGo7t-rM9x6vs6uTwtrc-TqylA/s1920/thumbnail_image_16880897.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib64Well8cwXKBhpDGL3kgIyvt6Pbx6FtcU0a8L1wySDolkqv-c2u96QR2Y34Aex-kLTjThUrqhtHjO6rl0xetBj_M8tfg431lCDtcQsDEVJcKGa6aniYUjmpHTehTpygrJ1ztci5C3omtFT4-UuFCNkQcOiXl1SyRQOkGo7t-rM9x6vs6uTwtrc-TqylA/w400-h300/thumbnail_image_16880897.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Earlybird Purple Columbine</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/AVvXsEg5uoAkKHVZZRTlQXf0-s32lskymI8aesc_tKxzL1XlxwpQI5ON2-D_rqhLFpA1QElKCqfsJQ8p6SI85CQlEnIzr7SGimNnYiLH5LcxO0_MeklsOFznk8Nnd-mK4K8kpk2PulUVNQfUuXt1Donjd51c4zZWoFCazWIkuWlaJwXYDvDdZSX8GnVU-n-olrp9/s1920/thumbnail_image_67228161.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uoAkKHVZZRTlQXf0-s32lskymI8aesc_tKxzL1XlxwpQI5ON2-D_rqhLFpA1QElKCqfsJQ8p6SI85CQlEnIzr7SGimNnYiLH5LcxO0_MeklsOFznk8Nnd-mK4K8kpk2PulUVNQfUuXt1Donjd51c4zZWoFCazWIkuWlaJwXYDvDdZSX8GnVU-n-olrp9/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67228161.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yellow Evening Primrose</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/AVvXsEheajrHTzZuTkHe6CmdPddfmg9shXwjDOQKycX6xJOCqSRCryc_8cXwzRjK55bkqrIDTP1yBGn-KE3jtnztWcFmDSQP19so1QzlGUfXyP9sD7vcYLQTFrA0sHUKM6MVD8WDuayq1AVBRSgBz8LAOyy1fZCkkqkJyNE0y0NQdJ3g6ksL_1VaQSjhfxsKaP1l/s1920/thumbnail_image_67576065.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheajrHTzZuTkHe6CmdPddfmg9shXwjDOQKycX6xJOCqSRCryc_8cXwzRjK55bkqrIDTP1yBGn-KE3jtnztWcFmDSQP19so1QzlGUfXyP9sD7vcYLQTFrA0sHUKM6MVD8WDuayq1AVBRSgBz8LAOyy1fZCkkqkJyNE0y0NQdJ3g6ksL_1VaQSjhfxsKaP1l/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67576065.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coronation Yellow Yarrow</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/AVvXsEhnwwJDgKmrdPhQ7NS6_eIWF-wOun2EA6ES0qD5pMIXc9zq2BFBNvBJ-9n-acldK6BFMw9N8og2v9b-gWKhxQ3TiLkgul55mB1WLttWRniuNHa2QTK8lsvRhm_3VBo8hzuTYd8F15uUIonJyvhZuAGE4Iby3EQpPl6RKW6di8z7JZWaX1Zcnx6BOdlh4FoM/s1920/thumbnail_image_67544833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwwJDgKmrdPhQ7NS6_eIWF-wOun2EA6ES0qD5pMIXc9zq2BFBNvBJ-9n-acldK6BFMw9N8og2v9b-gWKhxQ3TiLkgul55mB1WLttWRniuNHa2QTK8lsvRhm_3VBo8hzuTYd8F15uUIonJyvhZuAGE4Iby3EQpPl6RKW6di8z7JZWaX1Zcnx6BOdlh4FoM/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67544833.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Himalayan Pincushion</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/AVvXsEiNXP3Oz3UWTqea2CB3zYcHpKEhhWzD4m7gU50GVg41yL_Wesg_Rnie34bjY-t4HoDr2TSUjMoq-1ifl1RN8JCdv4wzWl839Da6dSC4WOGDdaPDI_r3VGaFinLlZNR2x9roF--9lDAwByCI9Gv5BpJxw475JzNf_6VnqaEoHETHFM0EIoYigjxKQNJRcOh9/s1920/thumbnail_image_67504129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXP3Oz3UWTqea2CB3zYcHpKEhhWzD4m7gU50GVg41yL_Wesg_Rnie34bjY-t4HoDr2TSUjMoq-1ifl1RN8JCdv4wzWl839Da6dSC4WOGDdaPDI_r3VGaFinLlZNR2x9roF--9lDAwByCI9Gv5BpJxw475JzNf_6VnqaEoHETHFM0EIoYigjxKQNJRcOh9/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67504129.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Queen of the Prairie</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/AVvXsEjgBPA7oQP3siUNGXDrLcIZAECaYzckpdvGkzZ5LPik8i8XXWWP1aOvz-cQrAh0nbRYZijS2lqnr84uBNwgEPRvh-vdt-hQPcwDg_zNk2Rz7WrBIw77UbTZsAl_PSfekwC6p4oOIU61cN7qI5_eBi3ccm7m9rW5fCpdRBnT1Gdf8or98xvcuJ6n0uJxtEc8/s1920/thumbnail_image_67516673.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBPA7oQP3siUNGXDrLcIZAECaYzckpdvGkzZ5LPik8i8XXWWP1aOvz-cQrAh0nbRYZijS2lqnr84uBNwgEPRvh-vdt-hQPcwDg_zNk2Rz7WrBIw77UbTZsAl_PSfekwC6p4oOIU61cN7qI5_eBi3ccm7m9rW5fCpdRBnT1Gdf8or98xvcuJ6n0uJxtEc8/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67516673.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sweet Mock Orange</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/AVvXsEjBEKRXfE_ToF9lV9k3SqjfApL7L_BjdgdW1QDReDhJcjjHQQmeWsqAgMZOExOBU426MbOxfdQUsugmvPr5peJwA3-Qc_e4TxZmyQ1z02EBa1FgffVxhhbXTvazGqpVJ74SpLO8hg8LiuTpxb7gl9fOH-VUiP0LNzh7zqu0WFPS6hiLXu4IWveEc0f7EGJl/s1920/thumbnail_image_67229441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEKRXfE_ToF9lV9k3SqjfApL7L_BjdgdW1QDReDhJcjjHQQmeWsqAgMZOExOBU426MbOxfdQUsugmvPr5peJwA3-Qc_e4TxZmyQ1z02EBa1FgffVxhhbXTvazGqpVJ74SpLO8hg8LiuTpxb7gl9fOH-VUiP0LNzh7zqu0WFPS6hiLXu4IWveEc0f7EGJl/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67229441.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Marsh Mallow</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/AVvXsEiPM5O75bP67uX3JKTbeJURemFe_eHlS0MiXYvI6j370ZKMQ0nqEvtkzGD7BcAkZV5Wvp4HVOPStqGp-Yq1C9mpyQBDPNLMd-EjOrPJKnOoSWDObL31f1U7UxVG9gsLSg2HXXsJ9cArjxC_AcfB_BWR39muZTnQXwvA7lqFruDGGIuzpfkj9JOV5HM_TfQB/s1920/thumbnail_image_67519489.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPM5O75bP67uX3JKTbeJURemFe_eHlS0MiXYvI6j370ZKMQ0nqEvtkzGD7BcAkZV5Wvp4HVOPStqGp-Yq1C9mpyQBDPNLMd-EjOrPJKnOoSWDObL31f1U7UxVG9gsLSg2HXXsJ9cArjxC_AcfB_BWR39muZTnQXwvA7lqFruDGGIuzpfkj9JOV5HM_TfQB/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67519489.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Butterfly Weed Milkweed</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/AVvXsEjH57jMA08dMnIKiTFL2ht_tSrFx86AQaRSYfapoOCxkQ_71jqG9YkJMSI5kYzTUVDcOOa620izNXG49xLnLlcHw1QwfwI1xrzyj5fbHleG68MmN20KRWPlqxO2igV8hpUil-LX1YXQNtaypnffeMuhIXrNOfaK2Q0XqbuWkwBGyts67tBN4pAzMCy0GlcP/s1920/thumbnail_image_67538945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH57jMA08dMnIKiTFL2ht_tSrFx86AQaRSYfapoOCxkQ_71jqG9YkJMSI5kYzTUVDcOOa620izNXG49xLnLlcHw1QwfwI1xrzyj5fbHleG68MmN20KRWPlqxO2igV8hpUil-LX1YXQNtaypnffeMuhIXrNOfaK2Q0XqbuWkwBGyts67tBN4pAzMCy0GlcP/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67538945.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEiPza_1QwLYYzM4PGLseLqrtnCjd9QdiK4a1gSkmIrV5ItJDYRYJ9ezfXPUHKFN1cPSTMusELLp1tUjZ1as5lH1d3-42rxuYFcoFHqACwN1YIkZTSOuNO6oaKyhxs_qd4QhcRkRL3NzP_t_WzTHNZrGZjihONyFQ2INFoPWg7o0w8OcsAnydYe9VGuglGbT/s1920/thumbnail_image_67525121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPza_1QwLYYzM4PGLseLqrtnCjd9QdiK4a1gSkmIrV5ItJDYRYJ9ezfXPUHKFN1cPSTMusELLp1tUjZ1as5lH1d3-42rxuYFcoFHqACwN1YIkZTSOuNO6oaKyhxs_qd4QhcRkRL3NzP_t_WzTHNZrGZjihONyFQ2INFoPWg7o0w8OcsAnydYe9VGuglGbT/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67525121.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blue Flag Iris</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/AVvXsEjf84eF_9NJHOpuoCBLbgtmchYfLaKGlwU3bm9YVqrWewJDH-PQ17DJFa6byCaIIM7JuuQkwZslBeDLGlgLqkh1REzOZucuRJsKr7sARzh5oPZCKwmzHghROd6yQ670PAgMRMXQcXXMnVO3qwKGjyoK-oDss-cmi_tMVm3QRsUpWTwbermIypSEhLMFBdrY/s1920/thumbnail_image_67505921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf84eF_9NJHOpuoCBLbgtmchYfLaKGlwU3bm9YVqrWewJDH-PQ17DJFa6byCaIIM7JuuQkwZslBeDLGlgLqkh1REzOZucuRJsKr7sARzh5oPZCKwmzHghROd6yQ670PAgMRMXQcXXMnVO3qwKGjyoK-oDss-cmi_tMVm3QRsUpWTwbermIypSEhLMFBdrY/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67505921.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">California Poppy</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/AVvXsEh7YLmSXsGDE6YduMYO9SvBl79wMdT-V7ap4bEFDIdF02RD7EUwA96hF5OLKT9jheEARYILaFs26XByhLjGh9KkFOx-ZFiSQS_-ER2orBCX-6TCSjfWU3oP_lE_su_dRPxco-kIXo4rdhiTxn2esNYWte-hj0zZLA9xkk2jEqbcEQ9m7BRU2BHeiagd6A7T/s1920/thumbnail_image_67504897.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7YLmSXsGDE6YduMYO9SvBl79wMdT-V7ap4bEFDIdF02RD7EUwA96hF5OLKT9jheEARYILaFs26XByhLjGh9KkFOx-ZFiSQS_-ER2orBCX-6TCSjfWU3oP_lE_su_dRPxco-kIXo4rdhiTxn2esNYWte-hj0zZLA9xkk2jEqbcEQ9m7BRU2BHeiagd6A7T/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67504897.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Calendula</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/AVvXsEjdCbQYMqvggzMaIZzte_srVm8Bykd51TwhvpcwmPxp8F6T9vc9xe1u4Xf2ZAZALDMDSw31d8DIr3y-t-Lcn-yZeiX_e8sDdRY8ePip14k1qD0AWrOOCpSxwJSfc2v0jqa4KtLmtanF9kJlFW3sawBTVHUIRqhNChTgmem3s539B2FSoU7oXYbscgVNI3Jl/s1920/thumbnail_image_67564033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCbQYMqvggzMaIZzte_srVm8Bykd51TwhvpcwmPxp8F6T9vc9xe1u4Xf2ZAZALDMDSw31d8DIr3y-t-Lcn-yZeiX_e8sDdRY8ePip14k1qD0AWrOOCpSxwJSfc2v0jqa4KtLmtanF9kJlFW3sawBTVHUIRqhNChTgmem3s539B2FSoU7oXYbscgVNI3Jl/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67564033.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Orchid Cream Nasturtium</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/AVvXsEiJzCoPxfxvaMmpOuXzpHUYGP6B6cua-tqerGcpv9wY_wFPYhppGhf88yvPUp8gxcxgOewkAuNwNJQqeVLhtywoznonbegQ0NVAbQHwGcGKSD3uI4KbND6LiEEXXb1xe436Z0hNhYD7hdqvSH8R2RpBdERvRF1z9uujgM9c5tXeb-ClEEb2ChGE6Y4-G69s/s1920/thumbnail_image_67216385.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzCoPxfxvaMmpOuXzpHUYGP6B6cua-tqerGcpv9wY_wFPYhppGhf88yvPUp8gxcxgOewkAuNwNJQqeVLhtywoznonbegQ0NVAbQHwGcGKSD3uI4KbND6LiEEXXb1xe436Z0hNhYD7hdqvSH8R2RpBdERvRF1z9uujgM9c5tXeb-ClEEb2ChGE6Y4-G69s/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67216385.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEh3iDVL9_44aRE0BYk2OKfGSbb-3_kGCP8aLIO67zthiusXw-hRiwWSqoh041PVORuP0cstbfXAI-PCBa_H-Inh8JDtOkIEpb_NxuAgv9JMS-GJecYUaN044YRyt6KpF4yDZ32aM8kEKExam2LfnzYBpXWWuz0zey-ofcTgGokzU13D9TleAyzK6QIbO2Oc/s1920/thumbnail_image_67528961.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iDVL9_44aRE0BYk2OKfGSbb-3_kGCP8aLIO67zthiusXw-hRiwWSqoh041PVORuP0cstbfXAI-PCBa_H-Inh8JDtOkIEpb_NxuAgv9JMS-GJecYUaN044YRyt6KpF4yDZ32aM8kEKExam2LfnzYBpXWWuz0zey-ofcTgGokzU13D9TleAyzK6QIbO2Oc/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67528961.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEhCDMBFKMrs7fhAhz2huVUpY6Xyxmtmius35c9RmkSsPGpHiWoKM8oCpYGMj700m1MK6gfvxS8PQ_F1eJvjDg8fHCeOy19pNk-oaBqJEV41W1cM_aQGRWCuHTFgj1KDeFgzKOUlaFu4_-U96KxyjXAG3hzt3frw6HbHWV9akS9Qc3KFYqv494b66dno_dBT/s1920/thumbnail_image_67196417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDMBFKMrs7fhAhz2huVUpY6Xyxmtmius35c9RmkSsPGpHiWoKM8oCpYGMj700m1MK6gfvxS8PQ_F1eJvjDg8fHCeOy19pNk-oaBqJEV41W1cM_aQGRWCuHTFgj1KDeFgzKOUlaFu4_-U96KxyjXAG3hzt3frw6HbHWV9akS9Qc3KFYqv494b66dno_dBT/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67196417.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Zinnias</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/AVvXsEhHtEwfu09G1nvuky3DW5fXZ7bc_L9AGTAc52r6IzwlKQ8e47QHLF-FRwbGvkT9DcWnyn9orki_AcPK70111ynEQs7gU65MrJH0on5OCeoOTu4_OSM7gZvolIfckZ--vA_nkUhsI-yZjcK_XXnqGHjXkPMBZmAkxYFGngnsxZYhUZyQ53uUR16uMktuoWYm/s1920/thumbnail_image_67211265.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtEwfu09G1nvuky3DW5fXZ7bc_L9AGTAc52r6IzwlKQ8e47QHLF-FRwbGvkT9DcWnyn9orki_AcPK70111ynEQs7gU65MrJH0on5OCeoOTu4_OSM7gZvolIfckZ--vA_nkUhsI-yZjcK_XXnqGHjXkPMBZmAkxYFGngnsxZYhUZyQ53uUR16uMktuoWYm/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67211265.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Horizon Sunflower</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/AVvXsEgHdeEpSg0ShzsSXpET2oNrTIRcx3BH1VCJYqaGQamT5eXnWzE9JXlpReavlYGmB1CwDBDit5QXOjkiBDTRgqsAu2plOy0dAkp81tFE99ksAzb1csVnftN1cf1jAFD20bfAiSSLS5zcCQfSRfeMMa5Oo2RebxdvcqBPwBD0L2BolLVoaEgw4e_qy-xaZhvK/s1920/thumbnail_image_67536385.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdeEpSg0ShzsSXpET2oNrTIRcx3BH1VCJYqaGQamT5eXnWzE9JXlpReavlYGmB1CwDBDit5QXOjkiBDTRgqsAu2plOy0dAkp81tFE99ksAzb1csVnftN1cf1jAFD20bfAiSSLS5zcCQfSRfeMMa5Oo2RebxdvcqBPwBD0L2BolLVoaEgw4e_qy-xaZhvK/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67536385.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Project Dahlia is in full swing at the LocalRootz Homestead... we started a handful of tubers that we sourced from <a href="https://fleurfarm.com/" target="_blank">Fleur Farm</a> in VT & <a href="https://www.bumblerootorganicfarm.com/" target="_blank">Bumbleroot Farm</a> just down the road in Windham and we are now in the end of July and early August starting to reap the benefits of the hardwork! We are taking a class on flower farming at Bumbleroot this week and are excited to expand the varieties and knowledge as we go down the rabbit hole of flower growing together. </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/AVvXsEhZjXa1nCQsJxLiBcqw6tGeYYYZhivKWCPPdWH2nD_Mae5m4jprtgUTDGtTy8FD4L3U_K9vVn9_D6qqtQVrmjR8xep-A8Q9XLE0p2WaADG1LE2hdfdgFQnl74yCDvn0cCcnesoHpL5kRxx8c-7259vHFJ4d7JoTVZnpWUfujSOs8QUznGZCigP_YEzuARTE/s1920/thumbnail_image_67207681.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjXa1nCQsJxLiBcqw6tGeYYYZhivKWCPPdWH2nD_Mae5m4jprtgUTDGtTy8FD4L3U_K9vVn9_D6qqtQVrmjR8xep-A8Q9XLE0p2WaADG1LE2hdfdgFQnl74yCDvn0cCcnesoHpL5kRxx8c-7259vHFJ4d7JoTVZnpWUfujSOs8QUznGZCigP_YEzuARTE/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67207681.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Strawberries & Cream Dahlia</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBc42OFVuaVlm8jMROhKzG0cNXYB-7h0PSszh_hnFtQCmHdOr7IiOBreT6ErEZ0HvZ3v_3yUZYcTzi0tYK4ADH5Hxu2IsLvykP9PumNvNQt8tgw9-yVop0wr9VU9Ctbg82R08yDsqRwlzvC02kzk_ppnKZAhB_lVTfQtVx3H4CGtktdkATeSks5Q8bVnt/s1920/thumbnail_image_67532033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBc42OFVuaVlm8jMROhKzG0cNXYB-7h0PSszh_hnFtQCmHdOr7IiOBreT6ErEZ0HvZ3v_3yUZYcTzi0tYK4ADH5Hxu2IsLvykP9PumNvNQt8tgw9-yVop0wr9VU9Ctbg82R08yDsqRwlzvC02kzk_ppnKZAhB_lVTfQtVx3H4CGtktdkATeSks5Q8bVnt/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67532033.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hazel has been pretty excited about the stunning blooms as well!</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/AVvXsEiraXFU_koQOdV8sLldPVdAFxoXk4W6M0hXjNQaIIZmdeZqRYU99uZ63yhF67HECzX1DGrSwXF_e53Rt2hwV5WhupVM6Zw3F_1VeXo_20TfkMBqrXzCBKxraQlLH3gc6msuBuwpqE3LImAHWQyZaRx4j4SYhcZF5hSCO1G6iLuJcxrbhTpTR-xlSAUWG-Q2/s1920/thumbnail_image_67209729.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraXFU_koQOdV8sLldPVdAFxoXk4W6M0hXjNQaIIZmdeZqRYU99uZ63yhF67HECzX1DGrSwXF_e53Rt2hwV5WhupVM6Zw3F_1VeXo_20TfkMBqrXzCBKxraQlLH3gc6msuBuwpqE3LImAHWQyZaRx4j4SYhcZF5hSCO1G6iLuJcxrbhTpTR-xlSAUWG-Q2/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67209729.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brown Sugar Dahlia</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFasfU4kunJch_7P9r5Aoaq0N8PfX_bBKdWp3tgEY5zwApGeJeEbD3BV9CJMJOvLkHmGfh71Wjf8k9XQjBHvtWitlHDmPBg7rxOR4NQT0eGfIh6d0w_AOp4MiZs4dFcwYo33CiZUKGd0M1czD_ed7_6GaTl-JULztRcoZFYNTzRIomlJvwOPlXJqjqmzgH/s1920/thumbnail_image_67209985.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFasfU4kunJch_7P9r5Aoaq0N8PfX_bBKdWp3tgEY5zwApGeJeEbD3BV9CJMJOvLkHmGfh71Wjf8k9XQjBHvtWitlHDmPBg7rxOR4NQT0eGfIh6d0w_AOp4MiZs4dFcwYo33CiZUKGd0M1czD_ed7_6GaTl-JULztRcoZFYNTzRIomlJvwOPlXJqjqmzgH/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67209985.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Strawberries & Cream Dahlia</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/AVvXsEiSG3_QaDQGvpT4JzPh4jcjl5VOL_VGk0Lasix_TajvSfjn3gAVuMNR947UIYHeuvIKZIbjMOvqsqUk-oDogeXCZlg6EXiUR-X9-n-Hp6rYNvWfPBIA12zBQMnEyjQovcoRV73khIl6s_rZm4qzFTdGGpkVRLvQijmv9XrRX8MbJHjh4kcxnxLoJGXiccI1/s1920/thumbnail_image_67229441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSG3_QaDQGvpT4JzPh4jcjl5VOL_VGk0Lasix_TajvSfjn3gAVuMNR947UIYHeuvIKZIbjMOvqsqUk-oDogeXCZlg6EXiUR-X9-n-Hp6rYNvWfPBIA12zBQMnEyjQovcoRV73khIl6s_rZm4qzFTdGGpkVRLvQijmv9XrRX8MbJHjh4kcxnxLoJGXiccI1/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67229441.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cornell Bronze Dahlia</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/AVvXsEiyIcpp0wn9ERNM9cn6MmuGV2oOR53kK9uwW_h7RtIKgZGdLcpI_WLfPkkbMzXdS_nJ6nhauozK37v8_w22wOK-VWUMicCSDURIi6C_D9ToGhY4hd2Df92TsGea6MMUrXojTU0lX-mmrPDQ3hM3kIiUKAjXtfIK87LViyGusXp0wlN1tb75Xl2VofJ2ji63/s1920/thumbnail_image_67548673.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIcpp0wn9ERNM9cn6MmuGV2oOR53kK9uwW_h7RtIKgZGdLcpI_WLfPkkbMzXdS_nJ6nhauozK37v8_w22wOK-VWUMicCSDURIi6C_D9ToGhY4hd2Df92TsGea6MMUrXojTU0lX-mmrPDQ3hM3kIiUKAjXtfIK87LViyGusXp0wlN1tb75Xl2VofJ2ji63/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67548673.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEgqMTvT5HRbxKryjMVwizrKeJ2J7vUZ1AzPqDxYyV1v7sE4Gbiy3udneJXhWInMCkk7kFyGcSE-foQNVIFUxzV8pz4U5AoAeK3K6JB1Q4OQPkjrnh78RgyC9pa9tEpouBuVV-gAsoqRG-P8X5Ex3_C9VybNQnE3CNz9gzwSxWMZfNxmEsJBLK4ip9CnItU-/s1920/thumbnail_image_67547393.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMTvT5HRbxKryjMVwizrKeJ2J7vUZ1AzPqDxYyV1v7sE4Gbiy3udneJXhWInMCkk7kFyGcSE-foQNVIFUxzV8pz4U5AoAeK3K6JB1Q4OQPkjrnh78RgyC9pa9tEpouBuVV-gAsoqRG-P8X5Ex3_C9VybNQnE3CNz9gzwSxWMZfNxmEsJBLK4ip9CnItU-/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67547393.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lindas Baby Dahlia</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/AVvXsEjCLUrMAdsln70Gvm61g3S6MYCa5ybZIwOahPgk6l4Tpd5JrSnv--9J6h-YRldSSYXAc0nA3bfGxJk6_CjfqeD5NjbVvjIf936tO5363TcQODr4fsNDaNCgRpEYFWtI4sJujiwwQ0TWiEXXD_RVN6dqiTWa6y1NdkjP3zkXqdDNsF8cZg7-QnWsFQiPolyq/s1920/thumbnail_image_67196929.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLUrMAdsln70Gvm61g3S6MYCa5ybZIwOahPgk6l4Tpd5JrSnv--9J6h-YRldSSYXAc0nA3bfGxJk6_CjfqeD5NjbVvjIf936tO5363TcQODr4fsNDaNCgRpEYFWtI4sJujiwwQ0TWiEXXD_RVN6dqiTWa6y1NdkjP3zkXqdDNsF8cZg7-QnWsFQiPolyq/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67196929.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Its been a weekly project to fill the vases around the house and we also just grabbed a few hanging racks to work on some dried bouquets and arrangements as the season progresses!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stay tuned for more flower fun...</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/AVvXsEh3NWnI_3JxHeXGvGvGSXuU-vi8TPqgL2tlDqfo2RKzi-Taz8K0kal1nB5_BenOJVzCKe3RqDjrHQGDnR34nq7dVf5JnDirKhts8PBlqjFECp9d0zQaJtGC3YBvvMmIhB_Q4Z1n7tc3iiwPtzaytMfX_TX6BU_C9qDIe9aK6nnrLI4Cx8I8jzkk3cq7_xfG/s3681/thumbnail_image_50401537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3681" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NWnI_3JxHeXGvGvGSXuU-vi8TPqgL2tlDqfo2RKzi-Taz8K0kal1nB5_BenOJVzCKe3RqDjrHQGDnR34nq7dVf5JnDirKhts8PBlqjFECp9d0zQaJtGC3YBvvMmIhB_Q4Z1n7tc3iiwPtzaytMfX_TX6BU_C9qDIe9aK6nnrLI4Cx8I8jzkk3cq7_xfG/w334-h640/thumbnail_image_50401537.jpg" width="334" /></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/AVvXsEjdDjL9c04Qre95DdoDIxeOhsNHLlap-nDxXUp2P8PycXlaRDF8w5-VrYEfGS6HZ9x_uzMhCBoyE4kb1BLAfoF_j_AFwI03dY902YiBq3UzGY9BKoTTKkdd8ZlUAjiScucGF5TnuajhAcOsaITvM1tCIwaaj2fgmkzhyXzAUfmkgdZUtmx4udmeKkqoy_-w/s1920/thumbnail_image_67162625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDjL9c04Qre95DdoDIxeOhsNHLlap-nDxXUp2P8PycXlaRDF8w5-VrYEfGS6HZ9x_uzMhCBoyE4kb1BLAfoF_j_AFwI03dY902YiBq3UzGY9BKoTTKkdd8ZlUAjiScucGF5TnuajhAcOsaITvM1tCIwaaj2fgmkzhyXzAUfmkgdZUtmx4udmeKkqoy_-w/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67162625.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEisC0G2I8AOXvgBG1EAEUUoxZtw50vW69m7kxZtvZOD-6Y0hR5ZcU9WSSOmEvPaXTZWgZNcfpzjerrxLlhTXB5bjwGaAzmGxonanwhpMxqMHNBkUapckeQRIx8smBBYNgmJiiq2yR1pur4ZwYdw_B3vwfJJZ_bhGWKFop1rZuiSjDwb8HJkTwbUWsQ63VAO/s1920/thumbnail_image_67204609.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisC0G2I8AOXvgBG1EAEUUoxZtw50vW69m7kxZtvZOD-6Y0hR5ZcU9WSSOmEvPaXTZWgZNcfpzjerrxLlhTXB5bjwGaAzmGxonanwhpMxqMHNBkUapckeQRIx8smBBYNgmJiiq2yR1pur4ZwYdw_B3vwfJJZ_bhGWKFop1rZuiSjDwb8HJkTwbUWsQ63VAO/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67204609.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mystery Day Dahlia... never got a shot of this one in the wild as a big storm made it an urgent cut but hoping for more blooms from this variety soon!</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/AVvXsEieXCg_JHlCmJXNA_wh5kjFLZnbW-QwgxJdeF_9zvDUDsWEiYiPyzgEMFsh29V4mioHOSWx_3ofz8xN-vtRTg6yVWB96Oc_qqRnY4wNa6hHyh5ZBhAiUhDXrKTXD9YqR0SG87df3WkyeoeCi01_thhfvcu10nbxevMDVaTOwS1YlZcVTIF2nzfrlAShrpvR/s1920/thumbnail_image_67191041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXCg_JHlCmJXNA_wh5kjFLZnbW-QwgxJdeF_9zvDUDsWEiYiPyzgEMFsh29V4mioHOSWx_3ofz8xN-vtRTg6yVWB96Oc_qqRnY4wNa6hHyh5ZBhAiUhDXrKTXD9YqR0SG87df3WkyeoeCi01_thhfvcu10nbxevMDVaTOwS1YlZcVTIF2nzfrlAShrpvR/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67191041.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Lindas Baby has been my favorite and I can't help but stop and stare at them anytime I pass by.</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/AVvXsEhgKEyQltIbBnAUrfnfeO7qNok6Je-TR5jIqsI42QvHtwcPHphqlbkVdvHCL2AapISB4cwZdKS-toGVnkGKWycDjE-a_EGDH5veXSbsJkp0-Lw43Yxmtxz67K1LFJkBywie53BfwH9H3pEHwpFqls93mbaRQXL1z_zzuLRKWe48XLzpaFDbwZeijLu87shx/s3164/thumbnail_image_50413569.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3164" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKEyQltIbBnAUrfnfeO7qNok6Je-TR5jIqsI42QvHtwcPHphqlbkVdvHCL2AapISB4cwZdKS-toGVnkGKWycDjE-a_EGDH5veXSbsJkp0-Lw43Yxmtxz67K1LFJkBywie53BfwH9H3pEHwpFqls93mbaRQXL1z_zzuLRKWe48XLzpaFDbwZeijLu87shx/w388-h640/thumbnail_image_50413569.jpg" width="388" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We really enjoy making these little unassuming arrangements by just taking a early morning stroll with a pair of pruners and a bit of creative inspiration. This one was just a touch of coleus tops along with some hares foot clover that was growing along our long meandering dirty driveway accented by a rose that was smiling from the window. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-51912121183418605112023-07-15T08:33:00.043-04:002023-07-23T06:52:44.258-04:00Slugging Along.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Greetings! It's been a minute...planting season combined with the end of our daughters school year as well as all things summer seem to have burst into existence all at once. The pictures, projects and thoughts pile up as the moments of time available to drop updates seems to evaporate like the morning dew... but alas here we are!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a throw back to the first of June where the temps began warming and our cold hardy crops were starting to gather strength as seeds were sown and seedlings transplanted.</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/AVvXsEiz04raCqY3_O3qYCymbirwpmvIkaEBwdIhHOaxtpr9FKkuVdMpFpIkmuxhTG1LFsVHGmaps3-ZKVeYfYbsp0okMkuGS0kpmuy3bYR_sOCJeGvZN9Zl2lGvZUzERcUiXVOHpRb7xdbpHl4dZDOQ2-XFWTELhQY4Oh06K5xdBe15c3lVap6Cmp8baquqv5Jg/s1920/thumbnail_image_67528705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz04raCqY3_O3qYCymbirwpmvIkaEBwdIhHOaxtpr9FKkuVdMpFpIkmuxhTG1LFsVHGmaps3-ZKVeYfYbsp0okMkuGS0kpmuy3bYR_sOCJeGvZN9Zl2lGvZUzERcUiXVOHpRb7xdbpHl4dZDOQ2-XFWTELhQY4Oh06K5xdBe15c3lVap6Cmp8baquqv5Jg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67528705.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then came the rain... along with more rain and more rain.</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/AVvXsEiHYLKo0YTLdcavl1lLXJzDlDj4BfF_9u564EUkzm5HArOKyMuqMSWobfEV6FmT_Fz4Zj3Vxtg6DZAsCfxAsiGUUgcfBPKSeKgWWD1Plnv2aY3nFyIPh7On_uzASQFqzGxPgW9oUBja9AgdaMRXjMC2xg7ni5EN7cMfa-UHx3Ax-zk3eBlR11TNUfsHF6S-/s1920/thumbnail_image_50437121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYLKo0YTLdcavl1lLXJzDlDj4BfF_9u564EUkzm5HArOKyMuqMSWobfEV6FmT_Fz4Zj3Vxtg6DZAsCfxAsiGUUgcfBPKSeKgWWD1Plnv2aY3nFyIPh7On_uzASQFqzGxPgW9oUBja9AgdaMRXjMC2xg7ni5EN7cMfa-UHx3Ax-zk3eBlR11TNUfsHF6S-/w640-h480/thumbnail_image_50437121.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the last couple growing seasons having pretty heavy drought conditions, the rain at first was embraced. Germination was popping, our hose sat neatly coiled and undisturbed... we got a spring flush of shiitakes from our logs. Things were shaping up for a bountiful season, and then it kept raining and kept raining.</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/AVvXsEg9MqwcNH6CQArbHZFTagLFGquq8r1hok1rh2izhLl2tTwmycLtnyIwKrW7B-APjd4roM7lR97mj5v4SIlpCqvfBCz1xNjcNhQroTKgedXCm5hUK2IMXbfjRQriqwJ7ljWlUYm2mwA29ttz3v7wHL1-Hk8HbKC3RQVHxsijOTiSPq_0gib-YtpM0npUE28k/s1920/thumbnail_image_67503873.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MqwcNH6CQArbHZFTagLFGquq8r1hok1rh2izhLl2tTwmycLtnyIwKrW7B-APjd4roM7lR97mj5v4SIlpCqvfBCz1xNjcNhQroTKgedXCm5hUK2IMXbfjRQriqwJ7ljWlUYm2mwA29ttz3v7wHL1-Hk8HbKC3RQVHxsijOTiSPq_0gib-YtpM0npUE28k/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67503873.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunny days were far and few between and although the temperatures were not dancing with frost, the wet soil wasn't encouraging much growth of anything with one big exception.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>-SLUGS-</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNbHtER96KOrfFpHCtIufrvhEDXbXqn7UaIuQenWcyJIk87V6WVE6MWj0EhSV4IE4ywrj2imMHN_pOTp3no18PcnIcwafhzeEov7YJPzrn1qo4n-bnHL5g0hL3zglQzMBT_6KMaYf51Ve04FEKqpOWw4Wus0dSyKr9rhnom7zX9wqxiDlWN-oUUkRCSsA/s1920/thumbnail_image_67193089.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNbHtER96KOrfFpHCtIufrvhEDXbXqn7UaIuQenWcyJIk87V6WVE6MWj0EhSV4IE4ywrj2imMHN_pOTp3no18PcnIcwafhzeEov7YJPzrn1qo4n-bnHL5g0hL3zglQzMBT_6KMaYf51Ve04FEKqpOWw4Wus0dSyKr9rhnom7zX9wqxiDlWN-oUUkRCSsA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67193089.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seemingly overnight, a slimy army of slugs engulfed the beds from end to end leaving devastation and slime trails in their wake. Perfectly germinated rows of heirloom carrots were mowed down in the blink of an eye. Seedlings were ravaged and flower buds destroyed. One of the downfalls of using fallen trees as raised bed borders along with gardening in a woodland setting has always been the creation of great slug habitat. We have battled them in years past in much smaller doses. Usually they find a niche and capitalize on it and we adapt but this was an all out assault that had me up at night researching methods of regulating them. Coffee grounds, copper strips, eggshells, crushed oyster shells, Sluggo pellets. Mixed results were reported with all these methods with the exception of Sluggo that supposedly is "allowed" in organic production but as I have stated in past posts, we try to never add anything other than compost and let the natural balance of the ecosystem we inhabit to even itself out. We also take great pride in the biodiversity of our soil and I do not know how a substance could devastate the slug populations in a treated area and not effect other vital organisms like earthworms and various other beneficial insects.</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/AVvXsEhGSLr1P_zhriMUf1R4RzRjCWD8-t5nTl81QabQkINBYZCcgXH1io8aMHygkPTMv7WzKSY4BIrRU7aL2hdBis9plH2TAH7sIRIIwUKmf3WoelUIe8g2vkS_0IuaWi7oox0SEO2XjFFku2qObxVIXlbjBR8SKS4RvYwZl8W5S52f4Z76m2BY-SM2xRms6vR2/s1920/thumbnail_image_67556353.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSLr1P_zhriMUf1R4RzRjCWD8-t5nTl81QabQkINBYZCcgXH1io8aMHygkPTMv7WzKSY4BIrRU7aL2hdBis9plH2TAH7sIRIIwUKmf3WoelUIe8g2vkS_0IuaWi7oox0SEO2XjFFku2qObxVIXlbjBR8SKS4RvYwZl8W5S52f4Z76m2BY-SM2xRms6vR2/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67556353.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That being said, the abundance of slugs was mindboggling. From what I can gather among farmer friends and fellow home gardeners, we were not alone in this problem. After many days of finger picking slug after slug and having my hands and clothes covered in a yellow film of slug slime... I decided we needed a better plan of action. I choose the oldest trick in the book, beer! Integrating small dishes of beer in the areas getting the heaviest pressure helped for sure. The problem is when it rains everyday the beer gets watered down and overflows into the surrounding soil, compounding the problem and the few warm sunny days that appeared in between stretch after stretch of rain would evaporate the beer quickly leaving some pretty nasty science experiments to clean up. Yuck. However it did seem to alleviate a bit of the pressure after a couple 12pks of PBR and I would suggest it for that purpose. Another remedy that helped a little was actually to pull back the straw mulch layer that typically serves as a barrier to help the soil stay moist in the hot midday sun. Since those midday sun events were seemingly non existent and the straw just added more shelter for the slugs, we pulled it back on most of the beds.</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/AVvXsEj5AcCviWFGSz24pJ9dZB3KHoEcVMeGCLlIXrewmuriRG3EI29bnCQUmVItzUvEB6f2_jYWZHs22hzWHArYIUQdYYAF_BKwudou2AJDXdZBedGiv4WpY6wLR4fTWp33jIMOGxCr3UpmWf3IbElC6eMtlbikfV8LsQpjPVbq6Yx6r3nEQ65cGZnZjnv7j0-y/s1920/thumbnail_image_67566081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AcCviWFGSz24pJ9dZB3KHoEcVMeGCLlIXrewmuriRG3EI29bnCQUmVItzUvEB6f2_jYWZHs22hzWHArYIUQdYYAF_BKwudou2AJDXdZBedGiv4WpY6wLR4fTWp33jIMOGxCr3UpmWf3IbElC6eMtlbikfV8LsQpjPVbq6Yx6r3nEQ65cGZnZjnv7j0-y/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67566081.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The best method we found overall was simply timing and persistence. Every morning before work for a couple weeks I would go through the garden with headlamp and chopsticks, constantly towing along a five gallon bucket to plop them into. Cassi would often do a once over later on in the morning and we all would do another round or two of patrols in the early and late evening. The amounts of slugs was mind boggling and even makes me a touch queasy looking back at some of these photos. </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/AVvXsEirryKlialssfTtSjNLXGY2_OKQH5uFM7DQc-44-ZVuARvlyJtY5cxmCCF3Ym3Sl1bHX9aRreCcK2PTJiPJhw1-TwkYMtNHNxnEC0IAsZIALQP5V0QEQXHXB94ZDwU3EtJRttaArXFCPcCbxzEbD2TqCqywbfmAAcpqxf2OfHjprBVSMRCdg7jURUEjZvd1/s1920/thumbnail_image_67516417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirryKlialssfTtSjNLXGY2_OKQH5uFM7DQc-44-ZVuARvlyJtY5cxmCCF3Ym3Sl1bHX9aRreCcK2PTJiPJhw1-TwkYMtNHNxnEC0IAsZIALQP5V0QEQXHXB94ZDwU3EtJRttaArXFCPcCbxzEbD2TqCqywbfmAAcpqxf2OfHjprBVSMRCdg7jURUEjZvd1/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67516417.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It seems slugs were everywhere this June and even while typing this I am still picking a handful out of the beds on a daily basis... but again persistence and nature finding its balance seems to be paying off. That along with a recent stretch of warm sunny weather has some plants bouncing back from a slow start and new seeds germinating in hopes that a crop can be salvaged with a little stroke of good luck weather wise and a bit of proactiveness with things like pruning lower leaves to prevent soil born pathogens that tend to persist in these wet weather patterns. Adaptation and education. Every season is a different set of successes and failures and its observing these trials and tribulations that make gardening so fun and sometimes I'll admit frustrating!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjic3OF2s8cZcKcQzeza9XorhnTWth6GXya7nI6Tdra4dWXp5ghl5xDaofNf_iiRKYgzz4QPVWGKN-QScaUOAwcVmv5wUxZgUdYIdSES-_wOHSVYYtTpUVIMbFMCXJ_IRzVtYcYMBVoe-EEywgixiy5pUdNYMf5ecznvqJkI6FFlNY_ui1bp45D9DXWjRJt/s1920/thumbnail_image_67582465.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjic3OF2s8cZcKcQzeza9XorhnTWth6GXya7nI6Tdra4dWXp5ghl5xDaofNf_iiRKYgzz4QPVWGKN-QScaUOAwcVmv5wUxZgUdYIdSES-_wOHSVYYtTpUVIMbFMCXJ_IRzVtYcYMBVoe-EEywgixiy5pUdNYMf5ecznvqJkI6FFlNY_ui1bp45D9DXWjRJt/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67582465.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hopefully the worst of slugfest 2023 has passed and sunny days are more abundant in the foreseeable forecast. Blooms are blossoming and cucumbers are producing at a rapid pace with tomatoes coming close behind. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Check back soon as I will be sharing some of the successes we are having as we look forward to a strong last couple months of the growing season!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-66748643322792819032023-05-28T05:52:00.001-04:002023-05-28T05:53:25.049-04:00Buzzing Beets.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6m0YpzENDC9nlgOvHUw0mBWFZp2Iq2rZyOfEsVmFJdMfjX0KCdSkT04RYm1VjKrMW9YK8_saGcJ3RG7r9ekp2iWnIXhpImd_PUqsYIZj8SuZ8KUlFNFwATeppnKA9uSe_Z2LY0oL5O3eGztlepd-atymMs8R17LqpV3KUpWeoz6whJv1GsbX0-DUPbw/s2560/thumbnail_image_50435585.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6m0YpzENDC9nlgOvHUw0mBWFZp2Iq2rZyOfEsVmFJdMfjX0KCdSkT04RYm1VjKrMW9YK8_saGcJ3RG7r9ekp2iWnIXhpImd_PUqsYIZj8SuZ8KUlFNFwATeppnKA9uSe_Z2LY0oL5O3eGztlepd-atymMs8R17LqpV3KUpWeoz6whJv1GsbX0-DUPbw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50435585.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Got a few hours in the Rootcellar Studio this week and was able to finish up this piece I started a couple weeks ago!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKpXDuu77_okZRFa19Ty3uawj6k6e5yZ27aX4K-ioa698GCK4TwC6P5gwgQQXqQqSubVi_ES_cWm1AeIspgxpk98aeCcxoeK2zhx6WPu6Yd6GC9Ue25jJYN1xY14IPD-8uzt6fnMEQogC2ueUrLRiFDTRFfqXCDA51pnvVUAxHSOSnYu5zCGve2EQYA/s2013/thumbnail_image_50455809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2013" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKpXDuu77_okZRFa19Ty3uawj6k6e5yZ27aX4K-ioa698GCK4TwC6P5gwgQQXqQqSubVi_ES_cWm1AeIspgxpk98aeCcxoeK2zhx6WPu6Yd6GC9Ue25jJYN1xY14IPD-8uzt6fnMEQogC2ueUrLRiFDTRFfqXCDA51pnvVUAxHSOSnYu5zCGve2EQYA/w610-h640/thumbnail_image_50455809.jpg" width="610" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b>Buzzing Beets.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Acrylic, Watercolor and Ink on 300# Arches Paper)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Time does not teach the honeybee how to dance</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Time just allows</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Honeybees just dance</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Flowers bloom</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Times fades</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Petals flutter</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Butterflies</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Worm</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dirt</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Root</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Time just allows</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Time does not teach the honeybee how to dance</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Honeybees just dance</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-46407016581151610132023-05-24T06:59:00.003-04:002023-05-24T08:23:48.952-04:00May Snaps.<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="text-align: center;">Mays days are fleeting and the suns rays feel stronger by the day. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: center;">The no seeums and biting flies are joining the party as the landscape awakens and the various songbirds migrate their way back into the ecosystem filing the air with their distinct songs and behaviors. A resident skunk appears to be devouring grubs at a rapid pace and hopefully their persistence will ease up any Japanese beetle impact come summer. Cycles of nature have a way of balancing themselves out if we just spend the time to observe rather than react, we can learn so much. We always try to take those reflective moments while performing the monotonous tasks like watering and mulching. The more you see the more you learn and the more time you spend in the garden the more observations and changes are noticed. Noticing is the first step to gaining knowledge from experience.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wQDYwzVDjy6Fslvp1qRCiV1tSorFH2w0NxMGJ7ZWYwPI8Mo1cFdw41JIkUzHf9TIgpNNCrQTF_1Dm14FwJ2jf-8b5w7GazJoNSn8O4rPrbYww2_t1gKy398GF6oi3CcGPVj0sBr7hq-arpwnwjjSeM-bAHf_JwuAOhxAm5V2sR5lj_UIuKvTZzIbyA/s1920/thumbnail_image_67231233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wQDYwzVDjy6Fslvp1qRCiV1tSorFH2w0NxMGJ7ZWYwPI8Mo1cFdw41JIkUzHf9TIgpNNCrQTF_1Dm14FwJ2jf-8b5w7GazJoNSn8O4rPrbYww2_t1gKy398GF6oi3CcGPVj0sBr7hq-arpwnwjjSeM-bAHf_JwuAOhxAm5V2sR5lj_UIuKvTZzIbyA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67231233.jpg" width="480" /></a></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Watering seedlings is a daily chore that is now requiring more observing and planning as we supplement them with the occasional compost tea and foliar seaweed spray as they anxiously await being transplanted into their forever homes. Along with these feedings we are introducing our cellar dwellers to the golden sun and leaving them out overnight when the temps do not dip under 50... this method is referred to as "hardening off" and strengthens the seedlings resilience in hopes that the transplant process is as stress free as possible.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNEGpJRIYjxIMguTt3VQeVnhxBCy6Du4Xq_ENm4q94AwmlYhEukWaa8I9oCFKhsWb1pRTZlsRr76KKgtJV4S1Ei9nwqJB6Ho4fAe4Iwn2NZ7z-JQTd_D6TjijAUxU5Vw4tYNjaNpSb5Jbp7lNpkCs7XCSYBfWySbj_qvnMcZd-CoNL7lANSckPPaPmQ/s1920/thumbnail_image_67558401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNEGpJRIYjxIMguTt3VQeVnhxBCy6Du4Xq_ENm4q94AwmlYhEukWaa8I9oCFKhsWb1pRTZlsRr76KKgtJV4S1Ei9nwqJB6Ho4fAe4Iwn2NZ7z-JQTd_D6TjijAUxU5Vw4tYNjaNpSb5Jbp7lNpkCs7XCSYBfWySbj_qvnMcZd-CoNL7lANSckPPaPmQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67558401.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mallow is emerging in the native perennial bed along with wild ginger.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmvNlWntPp88ZQUd8EEIWNBigzXorwDkVzbrjNvBxcqWUzjEVTyZRtC6hojup5W6UPbz-sHwrDyKs-RuVjo-ZsV0z_SAyqrvgaq90Q8cyMDJ510X6nJ2tIAMU6R7TPe45ZJ3w0TSwmtcBRhqrnR-KWhy1e_YTLhHWxyBqq9kHquPx8OTN0FS_PnXcIA/s1920/thumbnail_image_67520769.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxmvNlWntPp88ZQUd8EEIWNBigzXorwDkVzbrjNvBxcqWUzjEVTyZRtC6hojup5W6UPbz-sHwrDyKs-RuVjo-ZsV0z_SAyqrvgaq90Q8cyMDJ510X6nJ2tIAMU6R7TPe45ZJ3w0TSwmtcBRhqrnR-KWhy1e_YTLhHWxyBqq9kHquPx8OTN0FS_PnXcIA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67520769.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wild Ginger (pictured here next to some lovely cup fungus) has these unique lil ground flowers that attract a type of fly to pollinate it, then it produces a nutrient dense seed that ants love to haul underground propagating it further and allowing it to flourish. I picked this stock up last summer from <a href="https://edgewood-nursery.com/">Edgewood Nursery</a> among many others and all of them have flourished and returned which is always a rewarding feeling of accomplishment!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfICVl2O9ebWWUGqLjwdbdPF03ppVT1wJAhN8KaUQqN_8z9FifHFL_pQ10whyrRq3_8bNsTbOfkeGiKxAoIRcoyvuMYPZdY9dbcKyuFgVmup1056d3DvyPjwZSZbG03FkVca33nUdboGx3zF7pMCGofG7Dc-l2p36qDq8ZHQpq8soBlyh1N7tWp6yBg/s2560/thumbnail_image_50447361.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfICVl2O9ebWWUGqLjwdbdPF03ppVT1wJAhN8KaUQqN_8z9FifHFL_pQ10whyrRq3_8bNsTbOfkeGiKxAoIRcoyvuMYPZdY9dbcKyuFgVmup1056d3DvyPjwZSZbG03FkVca33nUdboGx3zF7pMCGofG7Dc-l2p36qDq8ZHQpq8soBlyh1N7tWp6yBg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50447361.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Along with perennial success we have also been observing lots of native wildlife emerging and flourishing throughout the garden. I spotted 3 different species of frogs in just an hour of garden pick up including this lil Eastern Gray Tree Frog. Hopefully he is enjoying a nightly feast of slugs as we have already been seeing some pressure on a few of our cold hardy seedlings that have been placed in our beds!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHt3SgzU6gjptUJyA1QjI1SVM4If_Dwku7TZQbueXECZPR895d1x0RLcgraincL4HbQ2pr7A8aaOF78IZLogepNef6KxmzTAPI6mh60b_fwVMTJBpRxpX_gmWX_C2OhRkrxWD7EHUvcTwsDIVLRFHdFA_C1KEic36qMTtl8apfkFlqIqidEzCuFiY0Jw/s1920/thumbnail_image_67195905.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHt3SgzU6gjptUJyA1QjI1SVM4If_Dwku7TZQbueXECZPR895d1x0RLcgraincL4HbQ2pr7A8aaOF78IZLogepNef6KxmzTAPI6mh60b_fwVMTJBpRxpX_gmWX_C2OhRkrxWD7EHUvcTwsDIVLRFHdFA_C1KEic36qMTtl8apfkFlqIqidEzCuFiY0Jw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67195905.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And of course Phoebe our resident Eastern Phoebe has finished her nest and spends most of her days roosting on her eggs or hunting bugs in the garden. She has been pretty chill with our shared use of the shed and seeing as we have been coinhabiting our spaces for the last 4-5 years I think she is aware that we are on her side and mean her no harm. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbPzuZ_vDvOv_-d_5YtYQH_Eu--e-0UsEVQQZydgBELSgSQnoJAqfPIYzWLLGa1eNFcasIXa2u4W5K9BinhWfwbOnupOZRWhSyblDsx1E9Rlk--vyZjuhWNUkYZN--2yovv7g4u13HYpJVgg7uaHL1Y0ID4WbyDC5GlJGg7yeknlpp8TC5sM7AkR8Og/s1920/thumbnail_image_67529729.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbPzuZ_vDvOv_-d_5YtYQH_Eu--e-0UsEVQQZydgBELSgSQnoJAqfPIYzWLLGa1eNFcasIXa2u4W5K9BinhWfwbOnupOZRWhSyblDsx1E9Rlk--vyZjuhWNUkYZN--2yovv7g4u13HYpJVgg7uaHL1Y0ID4WbyDC5GlJGg7yeknlpp8TC5sM7AkR8Og/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67529729.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As May temps warm more cold crops like these Asian greens are getting into the beds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here we are planting Tokyo Bekana & Beni Houshi Mizuna!</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/AVvXsEgwLnkGXX05pM2KOvmzHo-qdlMW21TD7VJAdVjdQDLy4oMVvOW2N2JZC3L-OqIRb9giF3_bkn9L6cX2crBhDa_s_pdyo6kP6i-BVr4Fbss0NWPxJ924Fl9l8nEFQ1BNiuzUPpQOcWBajtkRDdhzqzu3O8TjPWXPFepsj-6oa9vCgaPODV1oXaz_qTJBOw/s2560/thumbnail_image_50415361.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLnkGXX05pM2KOvmzHo-qdlMW21TD7VJAdVjdQDLy4oMVvOW2N2JZC3L-OqIRb9giF3_bkn9L6cX2crBhDa_s_pdyo6kP6i-BVr4Fbss0NWPxJ924Fl9l8nEFQ1BNiuzUPpQOcWBajtkRDdhzqzu3O8TjPWXPFepsj-6oa9vCgaPODV1oXaz_qTJBOw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50415361.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a good soaking rain this past weekend... up popped a slew of Pink Lady Slippers!</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/AVvXsEi7mthLl1wk7tOu1xpHOvyHIarO_mVKM6x16mnG5wzxONaY3eDdcZfH3ON2dC6mvJieJ7WOgVPnUiX5Raier1BIeRQfHY92hUHRvkjFV4m0M0tGy3QsylbQuOl4yqr0KEorItpSW1eJVrDMVJBwgU1pY0lTw8TIrWw8uqGvSdDjPhHeYhw9obFueDZEbw/s2570/thumbnail_image_50458113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2570" data-original-width="1920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mthLl1wk7tOu1xpHOvyHIarO_mVKM6x16mnG5wzxONaY3eDdcZfH3ON2dC6mvJieJ7WOgVPnUiX5Raier1BIeRQfHY92hUHRvkjFV4m0M0tGy3QsylbQuOl4yqr0KEorItpSW1eJVrDMVJBwgU1pY0lTw8TIrWw8uqGvSdDjPhHeYhw9obFueDZEbw/w478-h640/thumbnail_image_50458113.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along with keeping an eye on our local flora we have also been gently monitoring the bees. Cassi took the reigns on our most recent hive inspection and it appears all our suspicions were correct!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our queen and her supporting colony have been hard at work after a cold rainy start to the season. As soon as the warmer temps and sunshine appeared for a good stretch we monitored lots of pollen being collected and pulled the sugar water from the hive. After this inspection it was clear that the colony was running out of room and we quickly spent a evening constructing a stack of new frames that we added to the hive so they can continue to grow and flourish. </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/AVvXsEhTM7C2Hs9Cs9yItAP3eEevbAp7JjdN1_Z_TFm60hQPvMgUyHi_mQZnxLA7DtOPD4XHhe3SxKhoXzEnN04G4WtmrfNMLej00EcLD04mC3XsJ7K5bpsWEmmkikVMtAZzUnTe3OQ5dzYLKxeLvVv3YZHTR61TX4tjoPzaZpncN2Nrwee3tijOcxedA_-Tpw/s1920/thumbnail_image_67227393.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTM7C2Hs9Cs9yItAP3eEevbAp7JjdN1_Z_TFm60hQPvMgUyHi_mQZnxLA7DtOPD4XHhe3SxKhoXzEnN04G4WtmrfNMLej00EcLD04mC3XsJ7K5bpsWEmmkikVMtAZzUnTe3OQ5dzYLKxeLvVv3YZHTR61TX4tjoPzaZpncN2Nrwee3tijOcxedA_-Tpw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67227393.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In my downtime I have been growing out more mushroom spawn and finding time to inoculate logs and substrates, learning more mycological skills as time allows. Above you can see some sawdust spawn of shiitake (miss happiness strain) as I inoculate a red maple trunk I chopped down a few weeks prior. I got 5 logs done this evening and have 15 more to go when I find the time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of timing... as we approach the end of May and our zones last frost date. We begin preparing for a prolific memorial day weekend by getting the last of our garden planted with tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and of course a slew of flower starts along with our dahlia tubers and ranunculus that have been pre-sprouting in our windowsill. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once we free up the grow light space and the window sill it will be time to start round two of seeds so that our cut flower options and salad green supply will be steady throughout the growing season!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Till then, happy planting, sowing and observing!</div><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-63521518127918550352023-05-17T06:37:00.008-04:002023-05-17T06:38:22.612-04:00Fruiting Transplants and Spring Flowers.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Catch up post!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I mentioned previously, its been a busy spring season here at the homestead with any windows of time always being focused on getting cold hardy crops in the ground, nursing perennials, mulching beds, spreading & flipping compost, starting seeds, prepping tubers, checking in on bees, inoculating fungi and garden planning!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I figured now being on the cusp of our last frost date, that it was a good time to get caught up on a couple of our new additions as well as update the progress of all those fall bulbs we got <a href="https://www.lukaduke.com/2023/01/winter-thoughts.html" target="_blank">planted</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/AVvXsEgJdK6g4-VQTawiz-suJRG9-Da2kXwGY9gpx5BL83Y0HzniyY-FUjTl4Esjgc6a6LNQ2QNF0qf2RJlvX-io-Z6Ncl6evCVbAHSImiwYcgDI7T8kfGIwjOmKPLCKx8dtq9nLazVfSNjYEUqlk4GPJeIoADrxB3E_PuWPRQf8ZoUzEpyJxSwwFrjAwOHYzw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67229953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdK6g4-VQTawiz-suJRG9-Da2kXwGY9gpx5BL83Y0HzniyY-FUjTl4Esjgc6a6LNQ2QNF0qf2RJlvX-io-Z6Ncl6evCVbAHSImiwYcgDI7T8kfGIwjOmKPLCKx8dtq9nLazVfSNjYEUqlk4GPJeIoADrxB3E_PuWPRQf8ZoUzEpyJxSwwFrjAwOHYzw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67229953.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you recall from a previous post, we got some fruit trees! After repotting our grafts from last year and playing in the compost and woodchip piles, a dinner time conversation lead to a trip to our local nursery where the entire family came to a consensus on 2 apple trees and 2 pear trees to start our orchard journey with!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After debating the best placement for a week we caught a window to start digging after a week of steady rain with another week of steady rain predicted. Perfect planting weather!</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/AVvXsEiObn-KIqzthKfhKpc_dkjxQUJ1QNUZCF_8e-sTJnCfVUBx6u_M9MlRYpH1oFCXhLeUBTRU3qcZpUH9AImk2v6Alx7b6D32M--M4ePzMwSXpcmg8nKaBp2J8WfeIZGnCHl1b1Mfw3OixX9FW8u-7AMzZ3acnJAa8fCi5xszP3S2UIayjnC4AtUOw4_cHw/s1280/thumbnail_image_50421249.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObn-KIqzthKfhKpc_dkjxQUJ1QNUZCF_8e-sTJnCfVUBx6u_M9MlRYpH1oFCXhLeUBTRU3qcZpUH9AImk2v6Alx7b6D32M--M4ePzMwSXpcmg8nKaBp2J8WfeIZGnCHl1b1Mfw3OixX9FW8u-7AMzZ3acnJAa8fCi5xszP3S2UIayjnC4AtUOw4_cHw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50421249.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tree planting mixture of leaf mold, decomposing wood chips and rich compost!</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/AVvXsEgO2L1uzL36omsEDL2cfgHnavHE0vTGWFqgS_3b9WfgOaq4pYENJrZHZnCybz5FCgP3NT09IibZoUzTmXiTyvSzIuIV7gh0XhXaoPP0iyFZCPjeth-DUjVKZY6RgytCD9b6iw66RHrEFVB-xyCYk938_5R_KDCrmGMcCYQYmqPKRARgi6Bzkb2F9paR6w/s1280/thumbnail_image_50410241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="789" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2L1uzL36omsEDL2cfgHnavHE0vTGWFqgS_3b9WfgOaq4pYENJrZHZnCybz5FCgP3NT09IibZoUzTmXiTyvSzIuIV7gh0XhXaoPP0iyFZCPjeth-DUjVKZY6RgytCD9b6iw66RHrEFVB-xyCYk938_5R_KDCrmGMcCYQYmqPKRARgi6Bzkb2F9paR6w/w394-h640/thumbnail_image_50410241.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Digging the holes was tough going as our location is on a granite shelf which results in many boulders to unearth as well as a good bit of tree root structure left behind from our fallen maple</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> from a few years ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Luckily I had quite the crew of determined ladies to prep a nice crater for each tree!</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/AVvXsEhpJzQ_pLyEqsJvHfNP-AVfiz8OWUJ15T9doNYEP5FAnlDSBVypOkcLhBux1I2rmky9f2JQtkqYpETfnRdeIVhDzy-DnAhFrgc7J0xbkTtpv9-Oeg3NQEF21F0b6A4LWxrU8Zt65jvRJSGVCXXormbV1m19XRk3zijNUdGvyc66SQaBBgkulGrL6g3XYw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67507457.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJzQ_pLyEqsJvHfNP-AVfiz8OWUJ15T9doNYEP5FAnlDSBVypOkcLhBux1I2rmky9f2JQtkqYpETfnRdeIVhDzy-DnAhFrgc7J0xbkTtpv9-Oeg3NQEF21F0b6A4LWxrU8Zt65jvRJSGVCXXormbV1m19XRk3zijNUdGvyc66SQaBBgkulGrL6g3XYw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67507457.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hazel enjoyed making the most of the new space and channeled her inner chipmunk as she repurposed rock piles into rock and fossil piles.</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/AVvXsEiLMBjvQJcb-8hqgKFyEiQere1k5t5Usj0W9jCJP3itBM-F94vDI0zzUNanxqLrEU5DbfBklVTL_R1LDrIgXEqucDR5HVINjeZoMa49qa-mw3f4Kcvl0yl8_Biyg43JCjrWMbElwXkooUht6hFtVI8o5Yw011aVvQxysJnqn8H3TadZLRsLtpDdPIOrOw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67508993.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMBjvQJcb-8hqgKFyEiQere1k5t5Usj0W9jCJP3itBM-F94vDI0zzUNanxqLrEU5DbfBklVTL_R1LDrIgXEqucDR5HVINjeZoMa49qa-mw3f4Kcvl0yl8_Biyg43JCjrWMbElwXkooUht6hFtVI8o5Yw011aVvQxysJnqn8H3TadZLRsLtpDdPIOrOw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67508993.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each tree got a mixture of a few wheelbarrows of the compost/woodchip mix along with a few scoops of organic tree-tone (6-3-2) that will slow release over the first growing season to help the trees acclimate to life on the homestead.</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/AVvXsEhID_OqOAu-xQGwF5TM7lX67IkjgFb7gbK8Dbj9kLZmlLj9edPNMDy26y0QwYTr1VdAnWjts6j8JvVXl6hfYnoRy6n2upu0e_AoPOuGAYqz9GeuXueVCNbUMe6xnvy_zyZc85hNjOB688WJueQ-m96rvTfMYUxpuS5dDnCrXkBSsxI1ciXxA9QYn3Y9Yw/s1280/thumbnail_image_50436609.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhID_OqOAu-xQGwF5TM7lX67IkjgFb7gbK8Dbj9kLZmlLj9edPNMDy26y0QwYTr1VdAnWjts6j8JvVXl6hfYnoRy6n2upu0e_AoPOuGAYqz9GeuXueVCNbUMe6xnvy_zyZc85hNjOB688WJueQ-m96rvTfMYUxpuS5dDnCrXkBSsxI1ciXxA9QYn3Y9Yw/w640-h480/thumbnail_image_50436609.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fruit Trees Planted!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Apples- (Roxbury Russet & Macoun)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pears- (Red Bartlett & Shinseiki)</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/AVvXsEgHKqLHbwBlDylUaYYC1UWX0hj--YYIVvqiVQbgc14l8HLBCF_J7otQa-aQJjy8VHXdlGxcWKiUTrqHwhUpVJeDQTeSZroDGs_CHKWWJwZq79yi11rp2KXZgtSD52TypkXEsRNwp8ucDYTVVfBiXjpZGu2c8Gyn63R_QDVjf3l5zi7GzxaC5_7ZDVNuyA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67509505.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKqLHbwBlDylUaYYC1UWX0hj--YYIVvqiVQbgc14l8HLBCF_J7otQa-aQJjy8VHXdlGxcWKiUTrqHwhUpVJeDQTeSZroDGs_CHKWWJwZq79yi11rp2KXZgtSD52TypkXEsRNwp8ucDYTVVfBiXjpZGu2c8Gyn63R_QDVjf3l5zi7GzxaC5_7ZDVNuyA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67509505.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As we finished up the fruit trees our first tulips started opening....</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/AVvXsEjjWHNsolbD6NhhlSL3etqLCGCn2IHiOZSjYPIaApkH_pysnodc4-jaTp7pdCrwedg6as1R_jR-2_Knzq_hizCNaF2UEfmnGmT6ikLFTHngH6XDRVth6lQPZ2v3yZKisVzMnI78giUf2PqK2Rtv2c8cxZ8RrTNHwFiUin2PgwOHH82cHZxCeOpHVLubSg/s1280/thumbnail_image_50736385.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="806" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWHNsolbD6NhhlSL3etqLCGCn2IHiOZSjYPIaApkH_pysnodc4-jaTp7pdCrwedg6as1R_jR-2_Knzq_hizCNaF2UEfmnGmT6ikLFTHngH6XDRVth6lQPZ2v3yZKisVzMnI78giUf2PqK2Rtv2c8cxZ8RrTNHwFiUin2PgwOHH82cHZxCeOpHVLubSg/w404-h640/thumbnail_image_50736385.jpg" width="404" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everyday for a week or two it seemed something new opened up to invite us to explore the garden and observe its beauty!</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/AVvXsEhyDK_hPIbFFpZMSclSwHDxhLcD-SXWVIrFFqo9qiwcfUrSUZ_MZbdtNTkNPpirNr98K9JOT_7h-xMaDQ-Vth40lbd7rfFoUo6zHJ4p7FsB2694QsBm95PTGvl0sWe-EcgL6PKpz65byE8s31-6nFUnfzwo03tNc61Jf1LH7IawFEXfJO1iOWQEBbPWqA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67522817.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDK_hPIbFFpZMSclSwHDxhLcD-SXWVIrFFqo9qiwcfUrSUZ_MZbdtNTkNPpirNr98K9JOT_7h-xMaDQ-Vth40lbd7rfFoUo6zHJ4p7FsB2694QsBm95PTGvl0sWe-EcgL6PKpz65byE8s31-6nFUnfzwo03tNc61Jf1LH7IawFEXfJO1iOWQEBbPWqA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67522817.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Flowers have been a hot topic at the dinner table as of late and we have lots of fun new varieties starting in the cellar and we are also taking a leap into the world of ranunculus and dahlias with several trays of tubers and corms currently sprouting on our windowsill and a whole bed set aside for them this year that we have been slowly dressing with compost and monitoring the temp of the soil in anticipation of getting them in the ground as soon as possible.</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/AVvXsEj4VmqovKHJLW4iTg-I8Ny86M9mcCUezGIpZ6C-eqHlSFFLGGkmpK3aJF4VfBoORuWQOCjOnDgbYgaheA18lXJNrdnxodpcCvg6gnwuXbeTLCEoZbnP5AsGH9GyFMeCjMss82FeQj65ED9VWV6xsdZz6yYup48C8slHJhO3md6kcUnXXY-NHaKPWYRBJg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67559681.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VmqovKHJLW4iTg-I8Ny86M9mcCUezGIpZ6C-eqHlSFFLGGkmpK3aJF4VfBoORuWQOCjOnDgbYgaheA18lXJNrdnxodpcCvg6gnwuXbeTLCEoZbnP5AsGH9GyFMeCjMss82FeQj65ED9VWV6xsdZz6yYup48C8slHJhO3md6kcUnXXY-NHaKPWYRBJg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67559681.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have really been enjoying the tulip variations popping up and we talked about next year going all in with tulip bulbs and using the newly dedicated flower bed in rotation with the tulips before dahlias.</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/AVvXsEjZ8qHkI21nFu3ISm6FQoIYaye8MQmMk6MF63SNu3HmYnMrM3U3qx5GnAUi4-Z60J5qdsJDUsqu4oCZ4QDxKFA0SSSGpGP9mOSWzSEHr9ce5qhuZMlgrwiyXTSiJXZZcHnIhjL2gbv0gADBcTt9lkjt-7T8tuMif8_l9woOfqXuxH9gs8Xi6xNeinPxCA/s1280/thumbnail_image_50458369.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8qHkI21nFu3ISm6FQoIYaye8MQmMk6MF63SNu3HmYnMrM3U3qx5GnAUi4-Z60J5qdsJDUsqu4oCZ4QDxKFA0SSSGpGP9mOSWzSEHr9ce5qhuZMlgrwiyXTSiJXZZcHnIhjL2gbv0gADBcTt9lkjt-7T8tuMif8_l9woOfqXuxH9gs8Xi6xNeinPxCA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50458369.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along with upping our tulip game, I am also enjoying the array of daffodils popping up here and there and look forward to incorporating more varieties spread throughout the homestead. High on the list is the pheasant eye daffys! Love the way they contrast with the mountain flox by the stone wall too!</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/AVvXsEgwKkzVuZn0oXtWWDezwHFY1Ok27YYcqnvsZgSz5f0VSRh70Fa7XhRebrWGd_6EO20jCjb0NsaqQtrwSITctIOZMNv7iOSOso3Uvlu4l2QIKfsHd7hJx66eyskkOZcy7PW7G9rZlAbzmNnv_JAy-V6IdtE12HVhrAtNkOOAA-rT3zOb16cCEn3Q0h1Mew/s1280/thumbnail_image_50389761.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1055" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKkzVuZn0oXtWWDezwHFY1Ok27YYcqnvsZgSz5f0VSRh70Fa7XhRebrWGd_6EO20jCjb0NsaqQtrwSITctIOZMNv7iOSOso3Uvlu4l2QIKfsHd7hJx66eyskkOZcy7PW7G9rZlAbzmNnv_JAy-V6IdtE12HVhrAtNkOOAA-rT3zOb16cCEn3Q0h1Mew/w528-h640/thumbnail_image_50389761.jpg" width="528" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Always excited to see the garden beauty sneaking its way onto our dinner plates and into the homescape too!</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/AVvXsEilcNa8lfXCv939d5KJPEweConhZPap3uohc_kDfWwffmuvLMJFgZFAEtw789ebV0vd59JmKNZT05u_O-qQiDeyJXPGt1o6_2rj1JoVGfVC-fofZTgTn2J20UvjiBG6B9co3DHL4EhR3ItJ_kftOJwZB_hxwJiUxuYBc_CDw22wvdBcYBlhWiHn6ioJ9A/s1280/thumbnail_image_50430209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcNa8lfXCv939d5KJPEweConhZPap3uohc_kDfWwffmuvLMJFgZFAEtw789ebV0vd59JmKNZT05u_O-qQiDeyJXPGt1o6_2rj1JoVGfVC-fofZTgTn2J20UvjiBG6B9co3DHL4EhR3ItJ_kftOJwZB_hxwJiUxuYBc_CDw22wvdBcYBlhWiHn6ioJ9A/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50430209.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Early morning fungus eruption.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7-aZAW-uP9fswSRdBYDm0v-H84goeZeSUy_KPCXEPjWX125Xi5mFnziGCXfKVuvy9obV0aru8OCC8OzY7K8mmIHJzaEJSi1OmP9SmSe4VlAoUIbOZHM5TjLQL_CyPjAHLKya5tf9EWpZuwxeSg6UunUIY89VH_hYWldk81m9_9WuO2WY_djF7aKPqg/s1280/thumbnail_image_50751233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7-aZAW-uP9fswSRdBYDm0v-H84goeZeSUy_KPCXEPjWX125Xi5mFnziGCXfKVuvy9obV0aru8OCC8OzY7K8mmIHJzaEJSi1OmP9SmSe4VlAoUIbOZHM5TjLQL_CyPjAHLKya5tf9EWpZuwxeSg6UunUIY89VH_hYWldk81m9_9WuO2WY_djF7aKPqg/w640-h480/thumbnail_image_50751233.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some cold hardy veggies are making their way into the beds. Here we have our peas emerging with our first round of lettuce, some fennel and just out of the picture is a bit of bok choy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our garlic in the background seems to be swelling with optimism for this growing season!</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/AVvXsEi9tXG6Ute34G4gw2GeD93IIMQpdNeCyNdL7M4ZX_KXx1R7Ju-0Gekoz_kaVXGk4hrElUzTscpCYnY9uEwNQ7Jb0dxBBq7QP6utp7WTdXHzTp12fFgk3RWE8RNmGlWXIuweLUr3sIFB4PG1MXl-W5-kF9DduH6Duha5cEjliP7RMFSCo9SuFZoTELvUQA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67194625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tXG6Ute34G4gw2GeD93IIMQpdNeCyNdL7M4ZX_KXx1R7Ju-0Gekoz_kaVXGk4hrElUzTscpCYnY9uEwNQ7Jb0dxBBq7QP6utp7WTdXHzTp12fFgk3RWE8RNmGlWXIuweLUr3sIFB4PG1MXl-W5-kF9DduH6Duha5cEjliP7RMFSCo9SuFZoTELvUQA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67194625.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Macoun Apple Blossom</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjte-hQj9s4jxBacKWll8YhecN95MxTwcq_04G9Nk_zUxcWaOFQS68dfiHl8cnTPEDI7NuoX13XuiOjTLy02UcUN85_wUVNTolBbSlOsBzyRp1aMQwnQ7molDrJPJryT9xRpuxV_GOPS0rUrMTJ2VbeblCv4Rx40HubI_C538JzgE6lDk5QO66bHNdw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67197953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjte-hQj9s4jxBacKWll8YhecN95MxTwcq_04G9Nk_zUxcWaOFQS68dfiHl8cnTPEDI7NuoX13XuiOjTLy02UcUN85_wUVNTolBbSlOsBzyRp1aMQwnQ7molDrJPJryT9xRpuxV_GOPS0rUrMTJ2VbeblCv4Rx40HubI_C538JzgE6lDk5QO66bHNdw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67197953.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tripartite Sweat Bees, an overlooked native pollinator that has been hard at work in our shinseiki tree!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Till next time.</div> <p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-14421182118077272752023-05-14T09:50:00.004-04:002023-05-14T09:59:03.130-04:00Biodynamics on the Homestead.<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"> Biodynamics? </span></p><p style="text-align: center;">You may be unfamiliar with this term or the reason why I found it intriguing enough to take the plunge. It is a slightly long and convoluted path that I have had through the years of investigating different holistic and intuitive gardening practices from around the globe. At its core its a philosophy of growing that was developed by Rudolph Steiner in the 1920's when he was coaxed by a group of concerned farmers who saw the future of farming being on the path of disconnecting from the land and from the natural cycles of nature. Steiner responded by offering a series of lectures evolving around ecological and sustainable approaches to farming and later these lectures where compiled into a book that is simply called <a href="https://rudolfsteinerbookstore.com/product/agriculture/" target="_blank">Agriculture</a>.</p><p style="text-align: center;">The basic concepts behind this book became the foundations of Biodynamics. The ideals of biodynamics revolves around a basic principle that we personally have always felt important here at the homestead, that principle ideal is treating the entire homestead/farm as a whole organism. Closing the loop of outside inputs and looking at the ecosystem in which your space inhabits as a symbiotic relationship. Similar to my previous posts about the importance of creating our own compost on the homestead and working with the indigenous mycorrhiza and microbial systems that we inhabit and coexist with. Along with supporting these natural systems there is also a more spiritual space that is given within the biodynamic process that incorporates a calendar of suggested windows for optimal times to sow seeds, weed and harvest the best tasting and best storing produce possible. These suggested calendar dates are all aligned with positions of the moon and the planets. Some call this thinking witchcraft and woo woo, and to an extent I engage in these practices with great optimism and a good dose of skepticism as well. Though as I have followed some of the suggested calendar timing in past seasons I decided this year with the final beds situated, that it was a good time to give some of the amendment practices a try. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I mean if the power of the moon has such a undeniable major influence on the oceans, why would we think that similar changes are not happening in our mineral dense soils and plant life as well as all flora and fauna on this planet. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Anyhow, again I am not an expert but simply a curious gardener who decided this season it was time to start working with some of the basic concepts and principles behind biodynamics as well as beginning to dabble more in creating our own plant amendments and extracts. More on those in future posts but for now I'll get to explaining the beginning steps in our biodynamic journey here at the LocalRootz Homestead!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicac_B92lHWJeo0_vvX00bnDAMkdFhYWXdH4Zk9BVkTzMSAZEY0-bwbT93Uuc9vdsGtiCIhBBMo-QYqIFi_W39h3AHaa7FxnszXBihlit1O8x2DBVXSfD_Kh4ZSC3zYKQbrt4Y3qA3fc9gGjcmTb8GbxJ0Dk7npa-lmDIOShYCOiQn45Nhm3AroLTAAQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_67176193.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicac_B92lHWJeo0_vvX00bnDAMkdFhYWXdH4Zk9BVkTzMSAZEY0-bwbT93Uuc9vdsGtiCIhBBMo-QYqIFi_W39h3AHaa7FxnszXBihlit1O8x2DBVXSfD_Kh4ZSC3zYKQbrt4Y3qA3fc9gGjcmTb8GbxJ0Dk7npa-lmDIOShYCOiQn45Nhm3AroLTAAQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67176193.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We first did some research on where to source our preparations, luckily we found a farm who has been involved in biodynamics for nearly 2 decades and offered a thorough explanation of the processes and was as close to home as we could find. <a href="https://www.biodynamicsolutions.org/" target="_blank">Biodynamic Solutions </a> out of Peterborough, NH seemed like a great choice. In fact the southern New Hampshire area around Mount Monadnock is quite the hot bed for biodynamic resources and there is a rich history to the practices and information being shared in that region so I felt pretty confident that I would be getting as much of the woo woo as we could from their preparation kit!</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/AVvXsEj8hq2sMGM5AC6cpWxRJBUsJyShsYTdghBrXjPnrWtwRR3ngf5aZ1VX0NLdarqhSjy-lCf2gGBgyJQ2DP4np3ropWoyJZtPh0tmijGFqMfnV8A1LIOWs4-vEtV9ot_MXmxt3OKSEpYp6t6gKbMM5BNuolQvIF2DdVsRWTAeDE_o5E3p9w4-GaPIGWkekA/s1280/thumbnail_image_50348033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hq2sMGM5AC6cpWxRJBUsJyShsYTdghBrXjPnrWtwRR3ngf5aZ1VX0NLdarqhSjy-lCf2gGBgyJQ2DP4np3ropWoyJZtPh0tmijGFqMfnV8A1LIOWs4-vEtV9ot_MXmxt3OKSEpYp6t6gKbMM5BNuolQvIF2DdVsRWTAeDE_o5E3p9w4-GaPIGWkekA/w640-h374/thumbnail_image_50348033.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The foundations of all biodynamic preparations starts with the BD 500 simply called the horn manure. It's a microbe rich package of manure that has been stuffed into a cows horn in the autumn and buried over the winter. In the spring the horn is dug up and the prep is ready for applying. More on that in a minute. Along with the BD 500 is the Compound preparation which is also added to the spring application spray and I also added a sprinkle into our seed starting soil to kickstart the microbes to better synthesize the transition from cellar (where we start our seedlings) to garden! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRo8_Nb9XaZT4hKYG5hqSDObrDW0c-eqkoTrtuMHKP6Tcn5UukzvrmOMs9pmw4JrKqnXpfLISefSE2J3Cg3HO-V6OpRPPNf4uXWDGuoX-im8c-QtvSASjA0Dd0zhqJHaZSTbAbzQx-UqdWC039G_1OPzF-wZ1CQMlSHz3IMASps2FpYtHJzBXU5c2Q4w/s1280/thumbnail_image_50377729.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="1280" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRo8_Nb9XaZT4hKYG5hqSDObrDW0c-eqkoTrtuMHKP6Tcn5UukzvrmOMs9pmw4JrKqnXpfLISefSE2J3Cg3HO-V6OpRPPNf4uXWDGuoX-im8c-QtvSASjA0Dd0zhqJHaZSTbAbzQx-UqdWC039G_1OPzF-wZ1CQMlSHz3IMASps2FpYtHJzBXU5c2Q4w/w640-h204/thumbnail_image_50377729.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along with those preparation, the starter kit also includes these preparations that all have their own unique steps to prepare.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BD 501 Silica </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(not pictured as its sitting in the sunny window waiting for summer to disperse)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BD502 Yarrow</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BD503 Chamomile</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BD504 Stinging Nettles</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BD505 Oak Bark</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BD506 Dandelion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BD507 Valerian</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BD508 Horsetail</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each preparation has its own steps to apply, I will not go into each one in depth but will finish this post with some great resources to check if you are so intrigued! </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/AVvXsEgRcBKMd5hQXuUNRwucObiPkqtMGvYWgRL39MuumouV_yzKorz9K6Ozr1cwZt9WUVLHZlodtPbA2tvcuS3CvdA75fKWmksTyYd8QO4vpUkSRCU3oJI0jUgC6nuRGMlTVsQBLILWIla2JGeIsqK4_i5fdTePSaYoVsx1mx-tUt3du2tHrDnexFh0iNtoiw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67201537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcBKMd5hQXuUNRwucObiPkqtMGvYWgRL39MuumouV_yzKorz9K6Ozr1cwZt9WUVLHZlodtPbA2tvcuS3CvdA75fKWmksTyYd8QO4vpUkSRCU3oJI0jUgC6nuRGMlTVsQBLILWIla2JGeIsqK4_i5fdTePSaYoVsx1mx-tUt3du2tHrDnexFh0iNtoiw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67201537.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first treatment of the season besides the small amount added to our seed starting mix is preparing the BD500 for application. It starts with a 5 gallon bucket for the size of our homestead. I'd prefer to use ceramic or wood but for a 5 gallon size all we had on hand was this plastic bucket. However it has been housing our hardwood charcoal for a year and I also have used it to ferment some compost tea the last few seasons so its well purified of its gases and has better vibes than a orange home depot bucket... its all about aesthetics, but needless to say a few more used wooden barrels are on the "wants" list for applications like this and more! Anyhow back to the BD500 prep. We filled the bucket with a mixture of rainwater and some of our well water. From there you add the entire packet of BD500 (Horn Manure) then you stir and stir and stir. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCev6drnwCiagkQz9QgCjSFTKNckmOnA_FNNjBomfSCCYdOv-UJ4gTMooAuCtBB-MPhI2a8MM9D2NSEowcCKWTmFdj46H0441ucrjfC3i05ed5HhVIl_EnNbU8dItrJyQjy7VDtdCfwhg-B063gflqOAXwwawW1hvjpxYDyQ_kQmMBcmU2_bulEToWA/s1280/thumbnail_image_50417409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCev6drnwCiagkQz9QgCjSFTKNckmOnA_FNNjBomfSCCYdOv-UJ4gTMooAuCtBB-MPhI2a8MM9D2NSEowcCKWTmFdj46H0441ucrjfC3i05ed5HhVIl_EnNbU8dItrJyQjy7VDtdCfwhg-B063gflqOAXwwawW1hvjpxYDyQ_kQmMBcmU2_bulEToWA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50417409.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stirring helps oxygenate all those beneficial microbes and gets them kickstarted before applying. It takes a full hour of constant stirring, at times I felt like my arm was gonna fall off and then I sunk into a rhythm about 15 minutes into it as I absorbed a wonderful podcast about caring for an orchard holistically by the late great Michael Phillips. </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/AVvXsEiXhhsrlWVJUAGurVV7hpzSPNUJRv1zGpfuMDCOJHXO3k-v8kJyLAxAOGu-hKfeWu3BK1tpE2Tsb6Sxz8lcZ9DVOPZPPoE8wY4IzAUwg93bxmfd_VEPYppOVBJXpWSW0JJwyS43JWlw8qcF0d8RtCcp9Pa-pVhIVvMbICzDh2j5iATT71CTJlg40MBymA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67515137.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhhsrlWVJUAGurVV7hpzSPNUJRv1zGpfuMDCOJHXO3k-v8kJyLAxAOGu-hKfeWu3BK1tpE2Tsb6Sxz8lcZ9DVOPZPPoE8wY4IzAUwg93bxmfd_VEPYppOVBJXpWSW0JJwyS43JWlw8qcF0d8RtCcp9Pa-pVhIVvMbICzDh2j5iATT71CTJlg40MBymA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67515137.jpg" width="480" /></a></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;">After 40 minutes, it was time to add the compound preparation to the mix for the final</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">20 minutes of stirring. The best method is to vigorously stir the prep until a vortex forms as deep as possible and when the vortex is achieved you reverse direction to create a cross currant resulting in a bubbling oxygenated prep!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="416" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qjopyxBejWo" width="500" youtube-src-id="qjopyxBejWo"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After the hour was complete I checked the solution with a glass jar for color and sediment. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I then loaded up our pump sprayer with part of the solution that I used to spray our new fruit tree additions as well as a few other special spots I wanted to make sure got ample coverage with the fine spray. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCrZPAQa3OEAiMeWWeukn1idYnwD2pgWMHjQBJQtTjYhDuLXZdRXflIsiXkNbdbFdhiZzsavZKT1k8AyfxNFrUvc1fgZ10oV8OgwiB0CS7XMirzQV_7pKN_ngWM1RyGg5CsGPzfLmERQztpoWXJi4US4GbwkmyAHNpWlzhYQAAMO3tb6R3DgfoB8Fiw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67514113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCrZPAQa3OEAiMeWWeukn1idYnwD2pgWMHjQBJQtTjYhDuLXZdRXflIsiXkNbdbFdhiZzsavZKT1k8AyfxNFrUvc1fgZ10oV8OgwiB0CS7XMirzQV_7pKN_ngWM1RyGg5CsGPzfLmERQztpoWXJi4US4GbwkmyAHNpWlzhYQAAMO3tb6R3DgfoB8Fiw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67514113.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After that I took to the classic method of making a aspergillum out of white pine boughs.</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/AVvXsEgdA948e8quoIpbgGhJNYoFGMWHBjRbrQec3qc8pqr1FczO_DP0rhnA4Itp8zu1A5P0p6hL3mjmTeaG-3I3YkSTh1ElMQdsXywCe1nLu1FhsqDTa583ARBbIMHJoBk3IytWm9PIyDb9FIe-6tCShLizxQcukOgm6_X6_zqjH-5ZmB1EgWzEIwbuhCaVJw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67531265.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdA948e8quoIpbgGhJNYoFGMWHBjRbrQec3qc8pqr1FczO_DP0rhnA4Itp8zu1A5P0p6hL3mjmTeaG-3I3YkSTh1ElMQdsXywCe1nLu1FhsqDTa583ARBbIMHJoBk3IytWm9PIyDb9FIe-6tCShLizxQcukOgm6_X6_zqjH-5ZmB1EgWzEIwbuhCaVJw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67531265.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryvf6_mXaAVrt5q9kbPQH4U5oe3jCSgeYHzivQjJXZ8gt9ZDMq7LqQWM7ZAN7A4GVFFMzpaXwOKwXzUdKk_SPHnKQRNtaro5p8WkfOo3hjBIAYDzI-O8zy4HzPRioFEqbPOxmcJ_CgmW3l9AO8Tzb_f7_f0y87BythTpz-XvWxTWwKKINdftLXdtuow/s1280/thumbnail_image_67237889.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryvf6_mXaAVrt5q9kbPQH4U5oe3jCSgeYHzivQjJXZ8gt9ZDMq7LqQWM7ZAN7A4GVFFMzpaXwOKwXzUdKk_SPHnKQRNtaro5p8WkfOo3hjBIAYDzI-O8zy4HzPRioFEqbPOxmcJ_CgmW3l9AO8Tzb_f7_f0y87BythTpz-XvWxTWwKKINdftLXdtuow/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67237889.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From there I proceeded to disperse the remaining preparation across the homestead with this traditional method. Like a priest with their holy water... I blessed the landscape with good intentions and meditated upon the beauty of the land and the partnership we as a family have engaged in here at the homestead! </div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMEp3X1LxqnSHdrDQNsfXWZj8F8QP4ZiToh8dKuFYiSUtYblAxUq34fo4igSDma0hg1Hany5RPghWU02icPGLrHYJ-HWgj_heCE9otbZgf3nNd_thgEsx_5chvNyLi9P_sD5sPAVgPxtKhSZ3Vq2XdZDVy6YRzLXnyoC-RS-rdOWeSpHdf_03UFXpyQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_50417665.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMEp3X1LxqnSHdrDQNsfXWZj8F8QP4ZiToh8dKuFYiSUtYblAxUq34fo4igSDma0hg1Hany5RPghWU02icPGLrHYJ-HWgj_heCE9otbZgf3nNd_thgEsx_5chvNyLi9P_sD5sPAVgPxtKhSZ3Vq2XdZDVy6YRzLXnyoC-RS-rdOWeSpHdf_03UFXpyQ/w640-h480/thumbnail_image_50417665.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">As we move forward I will talk more about amendments that we have been using and making in the garden. I have been starting to create some Cider Vinegar extractions as well as various plant juices and foliar sprays. Interested in learning more about biodynamics? </p><p style="text-align: center;">Check Out These Great Resources:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://demeter.net/" target="_blank">DEMETER</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.biodynamics.com/" target="_blank">BIODYNAMIC ASSOCIATION</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pfeiffercenter.org/">THE PFEIFFER INSTITUTE</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by as always and in closing I will leave you with a new piece I got underway in the Rootcellar Studio... maybe I'll have it finished for our next post as all our homestead projects have been happening faster than I can find time to type about... mushrooms and fruit trees as well as seeds being planted, trellises made and compost always churning!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweqjlmY3aSzq53qDu-7jWxovQYEnpjotGnGQnGbsbUiMmtfde4on0q6cs6JXpbBt9hSlnI8X2hJ3zARdYuDgMa3sv9Z4aVmvUhFL_5Q3XJ2ov1nvp8GHMLJwqv2CxjJrOVqivx-qHFpFNbkLUdt4Ui3GLZOb26DSSKpDkXi4fUzr3s-G386qVYL1kdw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67502337.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweqjlmY3aSzq53qDu-7jWxovQYEnpjotGnGQnGbsbUiMmtfde4on0q6cs6JXpbBt9hSlnI8X2hJ3zARdYuDgMa3sv9Z4aVmvUhFL_5Q3XJ2ov1nvp8GHMLJwqv2CxjJrOVqivx-qHFpFNbkLUdt4Ui3GLZOb26DSSKpDkXi4fUzr3s-G386qVYL1kdw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67502337.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Bee Well! </p><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-20866576515316964172023-05-07T07:48:00.008-04:002023-05-14T10:12:42.443-04:00the Perennial Morals of the Morel.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibR3tKV-AdmEBTcd6uEox1q7You3IyrtIPFVj7JK1txZQ5PXNmGRPnuwFw5dDBbhjdgN9tiCfYt10mr_oVU6e77PogRTfU0MdX_sUbzro9ljyUGZZlwmcbb0EjS94EclxxbzRp1IGc7tcd3cwdyAkK3mVUk_qW51GxJkc5S_i60tnUFXg0QLzjzF5mCA/s1280/thumbnail_image_50373121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="765" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibR3tKV-AdmEBTcd6uEox1q7You3IyrtIPFVj7JK1txZQ5PXNmGRPnuwFw5dDBbhjdgN9tiCfYt10mr_oVU6e77PogRTfU0MdX_sUbzro9ljyUGZZlwmcbb0EjS94EclxxbzRp1IGc7tcd3cwdyAkK3mVUk_qW51GxJkc5S_i60tnUFXg0QLzjzF5mCA/w382-h640/thumbnail_image_50373121.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rainy days have been abundant with the occasional sunset peeking through the persistent cloud cover. The perennials are soaking up the moisture and gradually emerging from their winter slumber just waiting for its old friend sunshine to warm its tender growth.</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/AVvXsEh8XOmUTh-MIYOddLwZruWbEZ1LC8QLKqfk9kOsjctglTVVcw5mkW7SM_GvFPmCgKp3lgguF6GiodkF4efsM2bzY-SefC1ziBOcNxPqZdbTvZ3kdBju7TOWSsiG-PrXAO7qJufLb9jlzuI3NmppaaPaouXqUQcCyEYF_e5Tmr-UvqWpPVljq7MbMKEBHA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67180289.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XOmUTh-MIYOddLwZruWbEZ1LC8QLKqfk9kOsjctglTVVcw5mkW7SM_GvFPmCgKp3lgguF6GiodkF4efsM2bzY-SefC1ziBOcNxPqZdbTvZ3kdBju7TOWSsiG-PrXAO7qJufLb9jlzuI3NmppaaPaouXqUQcCyEYF_e5Tmr-UvqWpPVljq7MbMKEBHA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67180289.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Inside the artificial sunshine is managing those seeds who can't bare to be left out in the Maine spring nights just yet... a good daily watering and spritzing has become part of the homestead chores and now that the cotyledons (first seed leaves) are starting to curl back and the true leaves are popping we are starting to supplement the watering with an occasional foliar spray that is a gentle compost tea made with the rich soil that awaits its upcoming planting date.</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/AVvXsEhzKqEmS4RWJSrdHLB8tBtrLMeX7F_adsAvpGbP-rihPwBACfDHMpiYymhD-xkJRWDy5VA8KmNltgyJG4lSVYolDGV5HK932g2fyJdIIFyjviMQRx-HeN2g3u5CzkGefz28u4najtERf3p4lfwx7FckBqpKDIk2P-l4nh96XHbAVjmHttepmrKf4iEMMA/s1280/thumbnail_image_50793985.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1070" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKqEmS4RWJSrdHLB8tBtrLMeX7F_adsAvpGbP-rihPwBACfDHMpiYymhD-xkJRWDy5VA8KmNltgyJG4lSVYolDGV5HK932g2fyJdIIFyjviMQRx-HeN2g3u5CzkGefz28u4najtERf3p4lfwx7FckBqpKDIk2P-l4nh96XHbAVjmHttepmrKf4iEMMA/w536-h640/thumbnail_image_50793985.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Turkish Rocket</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/AVvXsEgr1emJiX4zsjW5_Mfq2ciDagAv-d3IADeysm462BxT5nR2M5RyUF8vuNVmY4bVWdqVv6KkZygerbKksFALk8g7nu-l6EjaOX_DkX8q_nv4S_1ewDd5XsBIJF-sajqX-JAKElsPy5ndDTQ2JXLQAtFxzdXkd6ORqid3UN6oU_kTvHr42ZD8s7wpXr81Nw/s1280/thumbnail_image_50788609.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="1280" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1emJiX4zsjW5_Mfq2ciDagAv-d3IADeysm462BxT5nR2M5RyUF8vuNVmY4bVWdqVv6KkZygerbKksFALk8g7nu-l6EjaOX_DkX8q_nv4S_1ewDd5XsBIJF-sajqX-JAKElsPy5ndDTQ2JXLQAtFxzdXkd6ORqid3UN6oU_kTvHr42ZD8s7wpXr81Nw/w640-h638/thumbnail_image_50788609.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lupines alongside some wild alpine strawberries</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/AVvXsEifOWBRSbTAIqYpU53kX_lHm0CenDT8W2TqItSdtPAOf_VieNVPTSSWYX-SOrJZFHdOAftqXoSJbwfPSB7xzHZMAbQKX9DUkuVzG31AbkRTeq_1RrgOpAceCYp_-FKgHXLVnzf2t6XNr9Qh4PTE2fCkyKIePigMgrYCr7tepLBzfZEB5j-9j0R3HkI9wQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_67527425.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOWBRSbTAIqYpU53kX_lHm0CenDT8W2TqItSdtPAOf_VieNVPTSSWYX-SOrJZFHdOAftqXoSJbwfPSB7xzHZMAbQKX9DUkuVzG31AbkRTeq_1RrgOpAceCYp_-FKgHXLVnzf2t6XNr9Qh4PTE2fCkyKIePigMgrYCr7tepLBzfZEB5j-9j0R3HkI9wQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67527425.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pink Ragwort</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each day it seems we observe abundant reminders of the persistent plantings of previous seasons. Perennials such as comfrey, lupines and ragwort pictured above are always welcome sights for the balance of the homestead. These have lots of value to our overall wellness and the biodiversity of the landscape. Native plants attract native pollinators as well as species specific insects which in turn attract certain wildlife such as birds and frogs and other fauna that help with that natural balance of the homestead. So many times we impose ourselves on our landscape and nature has to fight in order to find its place and sometimes that battle is lost and won but in all fights there has to be a winner and loser. We choose to look at our overall impact as a balancing act, a gentle dance where we interweave our personal needs with those of the ecosystem in which we inhabit. Observing the ebb and flow and the patterns and working along with them, even if occasionally that can lead to total crop failure in one variety, it may open the door for another to flourish. Season to season we learn, we observe and we adapt. These are the morals of nature.</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/AVvXsEiR0Kj4PpmhHMxjGtKsOIAIRRQuvoFraaw7jHxYfV3oqm5XLqjyBAph78ovwe_f3J9hLLqSb2I_tNN4C34ql-PpnPCLYgkZeQhSNFYwabAXxgGB06zu96y6kJBFzFskBsV2LHdvlLp1MbwkwiHryNTqu0KoiQ6azowoJ5ROfKSlTPyiTRwf7448BavX4g/s1280/thumbnail_image_67229697.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0Kj4PpmhHMxjGtKsOIAIRRQuvoFraaw7jHxYfV3oqm5XLqjyBAph78ovwe_f3J9hLLqSb2I_tNN4C34ql-PpnPCLYgkZeQhSNFYwabAXxgGB06zu96y6kJBFzFskBsV2LHdvlLp1MbwkwiHryNTqu0KoiQ6azowoJ5ROfKSlTPyiTRwf7448BavX4g/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67229697.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of morals, lets move on to a story about morels.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBm0muYnPiz8ltQ5oZaMk8cMCOVhOZQa-iX4NmM_gHXldaHOvJ8slAzCca49a1tOoGQWaukCp-CAF0R3D9li7Olbo0cvu7HDcUloppfKdfRGb7X6403VfYp0Gy-bmduR-67Q3D4XMEYX2WCV4UNveZRjXNerIuM2ObSX4vnc1rX2xkjzMIHnMQmoi8QQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_50397441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBm0muYnPiz8ltQ5oZaMk8cMCOVhOZQa-iX4NmM_gHXldaHOvJ8slAzCca49a1tOoGQWaukCp-CAF0R3D9li7Olbo0cvu7HDcUloppfKdfRGb7X6403VfYp0Gy-bmduR-67Q3D4XMEYX2WCV4UNveZRjXNerIuM2ObSX4vnc1rX2xkjzMIHnMQmoi8QQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50397441.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />I scored a trial of these Yellow Morel Mushroom Pegs from <a href="https://www.fieldforest.net/?gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmN2iBhCrARIsAG_G2i7-n4SigPgIjPL6pRbuj1JPeqBO7J_CiZnNZfjg_P528lRWVbVQOs0aAg9aEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Field & Forest</a>,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We choose a shady bank that is near a couple of our apple trees, and intermingled with some oak, maples and rich fungal activity on the homestead. I sectioned off a square block with a fallen birch just to remind me of the project and proceeded to open up the few year blanket of decaying leaves that we are using to encourage the moss blanket to spread and the grass lawn to regress. clearly it was working as most of the grass underneath was brown and decaying but lots of lichen and moss seemed to be thriving. There are many varieties of moss throughout this area along with abundant species of fungi that we have foraged in this area including boletes, amanita, chanterelles and wood ear mushrooms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So it seemed like a good area to trial these peg spawn that field and forest have had limited success with. Wood loving mushrooms that identify with one host species have much more success in the cultivation world than do these types of mushrooms that seem to draw nutrients from a diverse collaboration of symbiotic species and natural occurrences. One such occurrence that seems to activate the fruiting body of the morel has routinely been fire. Its a foragers secret that forest fire locations are prime hunting grounds for morels and with that knowledge I amended the bed after drilling some pegholes and stuffing them with the mycelium soaked pegs with some fresh firepit ash and a couple inches of decaying woodchips.</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/AVvXsEjjQJv2tAfw5TG5-aDxIoxfYJXkPdbNUT61vitCR2mqn6BsL_CVbVWSeoS29WAIhkC0hRcmMvacZ_ycZ8iZbOrQtURnU5iiKQl4PDgaqIYYVbzcA1paWN4VFadyBy1wH3lfD4ZcF6fAUH3UMZWzhNvwC8j9tVUkop0JQM_GXl8_7Zyj9F5NUGI0i1OE2Q/s1280/thumbnail_image_67539713.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQJv2tAfw5TG5-aDxIoxfYJXkPdbNUT61vitCR2mqn6BsL_CVbVWSeoS29WAIhkC0hRcmMvacZ_ycZ8iZbOrQtURnU5iiKQl4PDgaqIYYVbzcA1paWN4VFadyBy1wH3lfD4ZcF6fAUH3UMZWzhNvwC8j9tVUkop0JQM_GXl8_7Zyj9F5NUGI0i1OE2Q/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67539713.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEjL_DJ_a_MthOQ-6w73nK6wy6KvmOO80HL89bGZC3vbhb5AuHvvU67_Da63lT10ivnySAMpQZ-GCjMuyJiBYWoeEtjCXHdjWp5tvcsbArQ3hsy1SIlPrWNVUkTRe18MCih7_2b_VoBJ6XAWQCdX00JIQG1yx844JaDK1aV0h45in4ES6KYllDu0GS2wZA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67531265.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_DJ_a_MthOQ-6w73nK6wy6KvmOO80HL89bGZC3vbhb5AuHvvU67_Da63lT10ivnySAMpQZ-GCjMuyJiBYWoeEtjCXHdjWp5tvcsbArQ3hsy1SIlPrWNVUkTRe18MCih7_2b_VoBJ6XAWQCdX00JIQG1yx844JaDK1aV0h45in4ES6KYllDu0GS2wZA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67531265.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The soil here is a mixture of rich decaying matter and some sandy bits so we shall see how this project evolves. </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/AVvXsEikJRybs81GJYZ7CWX9qIJcZNWI22-5UDOVGYcAUU6KVhkAmzFV_J0sD-3dKrXfq6uxyqi4iz0kBw5DokwNzQPw27mGPNJa0TTtLow-5CVTJD3twY3WL-y4XIAYpWrXLJDLj5OZ8QZOyXSZUb89LCy_Pxf_UJK1xPzKxHrJ0IVSYXDvP5nYqQfIlpB3UQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_67534337.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJRybs81GJYZ7CWX9qIJcZNWI22-5UDOVGYcAUU6KVhkAmzFV_J0sD-3dKrXfq6uxyqi4iz0kBw5DokwNzQPw27mGPNJa0TTtLow-5CVTJD3twY3WL-y4XIAYpWrXLJDLj5OZ8QZOyXSZUb89LCy_Pxf_UJK1xPzKxHrJ0IVSYXDvP5nYqQfIlpB3UQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67534337.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another positive of this site location is its right by the walkout cellar, so I walk by it daily. That way if they do start popping up, hopefully I find them before the critters!</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/AVvXsEirmbDu7GmFpjDd1_XGee7npRUboKeL1jimIFlkYtxDY30jD32QLPCmHFilmeq0hHQTcR0d7gvVBfxz1nj2K7z9syvttZUgWZFzEof3D1P14LReiIkiKg4udgZoURf4ZeFo9-2IvxUDyw9cyyRuFrNVUM5tXyK2VXgqymeOktchcpmE2_YFgB2rhsBtbQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_67236609.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmbDu7GmFpjDd1_XGee7npRUboKeL1jimIFlkYtxDY30jD32QLPCmHFilmeq0hHQTcR0d7gvVBfxz1nj2K7z9syvttZUgWZFzEof3D1P14LReiIkiKg4udgZoURf4ZeFo9-2IvxUDyw9cyyRuFrNVUM5tXyK2VXgqymeOktchcpmE2_YFgB2rhsBtbQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67236609.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Time will tell but considering the cost of the project was around $15... and about a half hour of labor, if it works the moral of the blogpost would be to give it a try!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxBV1azeSdb5iLIkXy-mSIriXj4ix_fQPAVfMAXNbwE2WmeCJb1kBbEe1QYAiRp7wm5QjIIYqKmKKvDWDpkbN0v4eUU54U2qfhrnny-aExxXPjfNWSfuqzWJR3E-0GbN4BrjO9U80yYtDONLRcvc0YAScYTtOl1Hds5ofZU-IQH0cHT60jELVw1_75Q/s1280/thumbnail_image_67174913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxBV1azeSdb5iLIkXy-mSIriXj4ix_fQPAVfMAXNbwE2WmeCJb1kBbEe1QYAiRp7wm5QjIIYqKmKKvDWDpkbN0v4eUU54U2qfhrnny-aExxXPjfNWSfuqzWJR3E-0GbN4BrjO9U80yYtDONLRcvc0YAScYTtOl1Hds5ofZU-IQH0cHT60jELVw1_75Q/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67174913.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seems the all the rain got Phoebe (Eastern Phoebe) thinking outside the box for her nesting site this year... usually she makes her nest on one of our spotlights under our eaves but this year she decided the tool shed was a better idea... upon noticing it right away I tried to deter her by pulling the start of the nest down and putting my tools back in place but she has persisted so I told her I would be careful around her nest as long as she gave me full access without any altercations. I think she understood and generally she has been very accommodating to us coinhabiting her nesting space. They are also voracious insect eaters and have even been known to dine on things like ticks, moths and grasshopers... so we will let her enjoy her nesting site in hopes that the balance and harmony of the homestead persists and flourishes for many more seasons to come.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeWxlLIqppxBsGYbYQIpgYrOL9TZXHqo0i2XV1E5or6AhmYcaPfwH2k1hNDN1buGCcC5SyykRH8HzFd2bJc1Hd3ZZKfLGrHFYkkVtsdohX3RKyE4CBL11HPBZraISbyDH4iBf8a8KGfuUTswnllS7JgwfP1_UC-AaEEknrAeIc0AWYt9LKmkgI74Lzw/s1280/thumbnail_image_50737921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeWxlLIqppxBsGYbYQIpgYrOL9TZXHqo0i2XV1E5or6AhmYcaPfwH2k1hNDN1buGCcC5SyykRH8HzFd2bJc1Hd3ZZKfLGrHFYkkVtsdohX3RKyE4CBL11HPBZraISbyDH4iBf8a8KGfuUTswnllS7JgwfP1_UC-AaEEknrAeIc0AWYt9LKmkgI74Lzw/w640-h480/thumbnail_image_50737921.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">Till next post, I leave you with this flourishing sample of pixie cup lichen that is blooming on an old stump in the surrounding the garden space.</div>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-78300254743980598222023-04-30T07:01:00.002-04:002023-05-03T04:43:58.455-04:00Spreadin' Chips and Splittin' Logs.<p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzgNMiOA0O4Dp6aoXNSoTBqPH0bsdhLr2oaA9SCLkV4_yBrSrY2v12suPVva2_IG6w4cQgcvzyLUSuGb_tJ5ArGS7QLiCh7nTKesSg0Xnk3YQ0ZHjZPv6FqkiGOTdXTpliMx7xcVleS7uqE7WGB89oDv7OlxWjEcLbK1dwhFqdL7pGC8BO4lKI2BIdw/s1280/thumbnail_image_50436353.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzgNMiOA0O4Dp6aoXNSoTBqPH0bsdhLr2oaA9SCLkV4_yBrSrY2v12suPVva2_IG6w4cQgcvzyLUSuGb_tJ5ArGS7QLiCh7nTKesSg0Xnk3YQ0ZHjZPv6FqkiGOTdXTpliMx7xcVleS7uqE7WGB89oDv7OlxWjEcLbK1dwhFqdL7pGC8BO4lKI2BIdw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50436353.jpg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Running a bit behind as it has been a busy couple weeks here at the LocalRootz Homestead! Lots of Spring projects to update the blog with and other fun explorations are underway. So many preparations and investigations are happening seemingly around the clock as the land inhales and exhales. Sometimes the best way to focus and calm the mind is with methodical tasks like splitting wood with my newly acquired Gransfors Bruk splitting maul (seen above) or simply spending a couple hours moving mulch and compost shovel by shovel, wheelbarrow by wheelbarrow.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeI6eGyfqf0aHY3RHtMqO1DRx8xx4Cno1_Bdtj2TdG3KGw_fd9fZ95TZ7CHxmcPQK6Ax9JRgMuSeuGYvRww5siULYLh7-GM9eF_VUQcmu4ZGN2rdsueNOt7Ps3TFE-fveeuzd_rI1TtQt5--6AZThcFgqb4lD5FUADLnNM409ruYEHAkd2fDP2f70J7g/s1280/thumbnail_image_67235073.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeI6eGyfqf0aHY3RHtMqO1DRx8xx4Cno1_Bdtj2TdG3KGw_fd9fZ95TZ7CHxmcPQK6Ax9JRgMuSeuGYvRww5siULYLh7-GM9eF_VUQcmu4ZGN2rdsueNOt7Ps3TFE-fveeuzd_rI1TtQt5--6AZThcFgqb4lD5FUADLnNM409ruYEHAkd2fDP2f70J7g/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67235073.jpg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">In these moments of methodical transcendence I notice the little connections happening throughout the landscape and pay close attention that we are helping weave these connections into a stronger ecological bond rather than breaking them down and splitting these integral connections apart. In science there is a word for this symbiotic relationship happening throughout the forest, it is know as mycorrhizae.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> Mycorrhizae is the symbiotic relationship between fungus and plants. Its uses these connections to balance and harmonize the nutrients of the decomposing forest to make them more bioavailable to the plants on our landscape. Many urban/suburban yards are completely void of these networks as the forest that once inhabited the neighborhood has long been clearcut, the soil has been bulldozed and then filled with "clean fill" of nutrient empty dirt to grow their green lawn and ornamental shrubs. </p><p style="text-align: center;">At our homestead we are lucky to still be surrounded by a diversified forest made up of maple, oaks, hemlock, pine, birch, beech and a few others. We strive to always keep a balance between our growing area and the surrounding forest and are constantly researching, observing and weighing the needs of our homestead with the needs of the environment that we inhabit. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Creating a closed loop is a good way of keeping that balance in check. When we inevitably had to take a few trees from our landscape that posed some safety risks to our home we chose to keep the wood on our land. Some of the wood we are using for firewood, some we used to make raised beds, some we inoculated with mushroom spores and are currently growing mushrooms in, and the rest of the twigs and branches got chipped and mulched into a giant pile that I occasionally incorporate into the compost and have been letting the pile age for just under 2 years. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LjX1__lV9_gXqYI3I30FerDFnHV7WTS6nlqPSkic2F-pO_FL5kOddUSNVy4SKmLu8Ct_8T3kJBTyx-kYax5TPxGalB0EiOioXp8bfxRvCKOkK7dn_6jG9qvueCMG39zTgYY9pu8-oJAqC4BF_lVWH0VzNYWyqgjATsJBqUl3Yn9uVPbccNQXOzQoJQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_67510529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LjX1__lV9_gXqYI3I30FerDFnHV7WTS6nlqPSkic2F-pO_FL5kOddUSNVy4SKmLu8Ct_8T3kJBTyx-kYax5TPxGalB0EiOioXp8bfxRvCKOkK7dn_6jG9qvueCMG39zTgYY9pu8-oJAqC4BF_lVWH0VzNYWyqgjATsJBqUl3Yn9uVPbccNQXOzQoJQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67510529.jpg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">While it is just the end of April here in Maine the temps are still a bit on the chilly side to be putting any annual plants in the ground, so our garden focus is on amending the beds and building trellising as well as absorbing the signs of a new growing season as we watch the perennials slowly creeping through the soil. Part of amending the beds is top dressing them with some fresh compost from last year. In the process of stirring the compost I noticed how fertile the woodchip pile was looking as well, and devised a plan to spread those chips over some of the perennial beds and other areas of the garden that could use a boost of that aforementioned mycorrhizae. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUIZrsx0Z4eulML4eBWvu2yZnoZRe4VEpK6ApV-fjzi5r49LNqNHugQLXlsheV3LhdctHZJcQOwkQCbHoTNvxqbPgdcISGskH43OJHlMX9c0CnzAiosHsG1pshxAtkK-_xkUvotHLMPqpYE0SsICNIk0RWR0jpweBpu4LW5ZFnnM_Dw8_AGlZi7p2gQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_67548673.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUIZrsx0Z4eulML4eBWvu2yZnoZRe4VEpK6ApV-fjzi5r49LNqNHugQLXlsheV3LhdctHZJcQOwkQCbHoTNvxqbPgdcISGskH43OJHlMX9c0CnzAiosHsG1pshxAtkK-_xkUvotHLMPqpYE0SsICNIk0RWR0jpweBpu4LW5ZFnnM_Dw8_AGlZi7p2gQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67548673.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fertile chips.</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/AVvXsEiqJBd6W_Us3qyN5XAOc06aJxV7-AzF0rxxvZt3hQi5kQPvaEFjV_pkNOWg-FmBHBWOPIA6O0WVzdSdDgP1SBqwWnj_mJLgRPbCCqXbONNlgMbb66a-4GaGpwhggwcuS_-b0ZSdi834lBJGgaP163nrioMU2pngKj3hx8faWa9VPRBhLjU4w7DCn6K-qQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_67516673.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJBd6W_Us3qyN5XAOc06aJxV7-AzF0rxxvZt3hQi5kQPvaEFjV_pkNOWg-FmBHBWOPIA6O0WVzdSdDgP1SBqwWnj_mJLgRPbCCqXbONNlgMbb66a-4GaGpwhggwcuS_-b0ZSdi834lBJGgaP163nrioMU2pngKj3hx8faWa9VPRBhLjU4w7DCn6K-qQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67516673.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As we dug into the mound of woodchips the excitement of how happy our beds were going to be to get a dressing of this before the rainy week ahead kept us on tasks as we spread load after load, probably close to 6yds of decomposed chips over all of our perennial beds and berry bushes. In some places we even blended in some of the compost as well. Knowing this wood was grown in the same place that it was being spread was poetic and just felt right. I am not opposed to bringing in amendments from outside the homestead when needed but also greatly embrace whenever we can close that loop.</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/AVvXsEgIeN4KJumMJHVhVgp9ROzpfazrP_eDHPdluk3Cx2XSmP8x2Ja29nsWYlg0Co2LMRttBv8Dz_BOD6PqRvSvSZP-3cQT5kfVYPdaWwIFtazuqLU7E5_VbbnzgnQKcDFZMIoaqXl_pBc6yhuc17qkrBeScDM4xnznbzfttt-RN5m_223G5lsF6-BnPf2CEQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_67209217.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIeN4KJumMJHVhVgp9ROzpfazrP_eDHPdluk3Cx2XSmP8x2Ja29nsWYlg0Co2LMRttBv8Dz_BOD6PqRvSvSZP-3cQT5kfVYPdaWwIFtazuqLU7E5_VbbnzgnQKcDFZMIoaqXl_pBc6yhuc17qkrBeScDM4xnznbzfttt-RN5m_223G5lsF6-BnPf2CEQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67209217.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Happy blueberries soaking in their fresh top dressed chips!</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/AVvXsEjyhSQ1lfdfJB0QNIs6Pe-HBxroWgUilFUZE2ULlXHD8evJa6DAXhNqG5C6IJA4oZ9cBIxtboVlTzUd6KhFmrX4aNDLtwPLgkkRW19E-YEZO1JKf_4ADDU3BqIsU7IEboxLg30wpNeg0hgAJozTPn_8qcPd5mbyl8lh_nbxbuqoseLiEob2bN8VUCl5NQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_67213057.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhSQ1lfdfJB0QNIs6Pe-HBxroWgUilFUZE2ULlXHD8evJa6DAXhNqG5C6IJA4oZ9cBIxtboVlTzUd6KhFmrX4aNDLtwPLgkkRW19E-YEZO1JKf_4ADDU3BqIsU7IEboxLg30wpNeg0hgAJozTPn_8qcPd5mbyl8lh_nbxbuqoseLiEob2bN8VUCl5NQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67213057.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This part of the perennial garden bed that really hasn't gotten the attention it deserves over the past few years, got a heavy dressing of chips that will enrich the soil as well as smother some of the persnickety weeds we hope to avoid this year. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsG7w7ybrknyi5iDKz2Qjdmu6491Y_hJE-wiw4NH4gUiWdnKW65UJiod3NEJkZuAQhVvkoMdGoH6XwGZ7VcX6WCEdI2Dp3qJdY3em0v4gMBX0tH0qYzAUNNnk5vOif8-uyNAbAcGVbgF7Swpc9SMAeozi6-tV3QUzd2tF-d_1y1LlTob4libk8Qt91QQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_50385921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1033" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsG7w7ybrknyi5iDKz2Qjdmu6491Y_hJE-wiw4NH4gUiWdnKW65UJiod3NEJkZuAQhVvkoMdGoH6XwGZ7VcX6WCEdI2Dp3qJdY3em0v4gMBX0tH0qYzAUNNnk5vOif8-uyNAbAcGVbgF7Swpc9SMAeozi6-tV3QUzd2tF-d_1y1LlTob4libk8Qt91QQ/w516-h640/thumbnail_image_50385921.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a hard earned day of spreading wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow of amendments, the earth smelled amazing and the rain started gently falling, gradually filtering these nutrients deep into the root systems. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUve2f_SvGKursNTyrycfGg74MIewo8tyMjojtpME_bPPqPwH8ePEntDeDkdcvfecF_mGBzZr6533esHLAlFeuVdkmt6U9H8wzHq97AgHQe4QElUoS_Cr1hKN0TOGh4395i_OOVTf6cl0lUUqmm1VrE8gTnlU4UhwUSD3dQq9jwqw9NXJGY95q7vpRg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67516929.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUve2f_SvGKursNTyrycfGg74MIewo8tyMjojtpME_bPPqPwH8ePEntDeDkdcvfecF_mGBzZr6533esHLAlFeuVdkmt6U9H8wzHq97AgHQe4QElUoS_Cr1hKN0TOGh4395i_OOVTf6cl0lUUqmm1VrE8gTnlU4UhwUSD3dQq9jwqw9NXJGY95q7vpRg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67516929.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEg6cPpSKPaIvvLf7pltAxZEkG8bRVZlnJNTfdp0jmSglL6PHzwrl9PLiSDmcWI2S9tkRoZLaUGtlzsBMXKltZmHrI0xn3MH69Nv0wU0bdqAYdIJVwrkmy9A0fjkzEg_gV5NqI8oDGevIffussnYuCJqv-Uz8xdN1dMQEi96UArSMm1w_Rxv1zP4BkYDPA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67516161.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgOYNXMFvynsfD9XSzXhrVWjdGWJoNPrDXZWaZGOcHryXs232hR-3f-b8NoXfvOnFtHlOiyV8AmssyppZb1qY7VjxhgxVF6L4r5kn7VeG20olAwSGYYgtENPb2TD489hQp9oNaNYrIBBev3kkFIo35WZ5twnNNG-PX45tRQPvgHnPJit1uyC4VQTnPg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67219713.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgOYNXMFvynsfD9XSzXhrVWjdGWJoNPrDXZWaZGOcHryXs232hR-3f-b8NoXfvOnFtHlOiyV8AmssyppZb1qY7VjxhgxVF6L4r5kn7VeG20olAwSGYYgtENPb2TD489hQp9oNaNYrIBBev3kkFIo35WZ5twnNNG-PX45tRQPvgHnPJit1uyC4VQTnPg/w300-h400/thumbnail_image_67219713.jpg" width="300" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cPpSKPaIvvLf7pltAxZEkG8bRVZlnJNTfdp0jmSglL6PHzwrl9PLiSDmcWI2S9tkRoZLaUGtlzsBMXKltZmHrI0xn3MH69Nv0wU0bdqAYdIJVwrkmy9A0fjkzEg_gV5NqI8oDGevIffussnYuCJqv-Uz8xdN1dMQEi96UArSMm1w_Rxv1zP4BkYDPA/w300-h400/thumbnail_image_67516161.jpg" width="300" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq52QArE-iyULAQnbvzZHKtZ_o8TmegugwViMjNf7G5gWKiEUH-eSJKp0CeX9ECNedEo3WSgjj7HWVi7Fz00PKjsAk6gspcWZRDZlAQ62doiwsV0ZENBWltYWteGzh-3AbWTLGg_WmfM3qtkh7EnJn1fTKHsod_awBvM1yfX4KjenZDQxTTpqtadatYw/s1280/thumbnail_image_6487327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq52QArE-iyULAQnbvzZHKtZ_o8TmegugwViMjNf7G5gWKiEUH-eSJKp0CeX9ECNedEo3WSgjj7HWVi7Fz00PKjsAk6gspcWZRDZlAQ62doiwsV0ZENBWltYWteGzh-3AbWTLGg_WmfM3qtkh7EnJn1fTKHsod_awBvM1yfX4KjenZDQxTTpqtadatYw/w426-h640/thumbnail_image_6487327.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We finished the day with a lil brush clean up and old pallet bonfire. </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/AVvXsEgA68I9ORAqT5lUgZr8jFBKFCgTv_TvnXJY8vuHltxMEaR1yWaBj81sQdNQsdBdGcsq4qul9OHsUOWju_psIdp4QMdTz-ZRehZhnZD-doWbuU6nWfCo8ExSYMtr01HxY2z9yXPeZA-LAvLt1aW6kWkNwvx90Z9RbFCsjIMKVL5IHj7d1A2OU9-YSfO1ng/s1280/thumbnail_image_50443009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="959" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA68I9ORAqT5lUgZr8jFBKFCgTv_TvnXJY8vuHltxMEaR1yWaBj81sQdNQsdBdGcsq4qul9OHsUOWju_psIdp4QMdTz-ZRehZhnZD-doWbuU6nWfCo8ExSYMtr01HxY2z9yXPeZA-LAvLt1aW6kWkNwvx90Z9RbFCsjIMKVL5IHj7d1A2OU9-YSfO1ng/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50443009.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our apple grafts from last year started showing signs of budding so we put them all in their own pots and started working on a outdoor work station/kitchen after acquiring this old stainless steel counter from work! We look forward to adding a sink basin and a few tool hooks. It will be nice having a little area that we can prewash our produce before bringing it inside! While we were repotting the apple grafts we started talking about how incorporating some fruit trees would be a big step and how perfect those woodchips and compost would be for backfilling a couple tree holes.... unfortunately these grafts probably need another year in pots to grow strong enough to plant.</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/AVvXsEjJnDBtgLqcnE-jLG3GN63VdNCWDbNvcgqN5hGGBWSCv-UvBe-UvQglfrrLNTt-T4EKo-KRb8LVjFmzO5rnUDp8JmsrCfP01BQRzSRuucvNaa2vq6HZz77la0lE-TRg_dZCX1P8GX02_Gk84DTHSIzp2ReVu_WTzQCuJ6OIy_6VWfOo0f6QUJOOQNhOgQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_67182593.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnDBtgLqcnE-jLG3GN63VdNCWDbNvcgqN5hGGBWSCv-UvBe-UvQglfrrLNTt-T4EKo-KRb8LVjFmzO5rnUDp8JmsrCfP01BQRzSRuucvNaa2vq6HZz77la0lE-TRg_dZCX1P8GX02_Gk84DTHSIzp2ReVu_WTzQCuJ6OIy_6VWfOo0f6QUJOOQNhOgQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67182593.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So instead we took a late afternoon family excursion to the local nursery to see what they had in stock, I sped off the next morning to fill the car with our agreed selections of two apple and two pear trees! More on these coming soon as we get them planted... also stay tuned for a previously promised mushroom growing update and more spring amendment practices we have been researching involving biodynamic preparations!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy growing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-19269749395273521402023-04-17T05:03:00.005-04:002023-04-18T04:39:35.446-04:00Bee Yard Bucking and Blooming Bulbs.<p></p><div style="text-align: center;">As with all projects, things happen in steps and tackling them as a whole can seem so daunting that its paralyzing to even start... but breaking it down into manageable chunks can bring daily feelings of accomplishment and at the end of the week you can look back at your pictures and revel in the journey it took to get to this feeling of accomplishment. Nature and homesteading has its way of humbling and challenging us. In the frigid months of February during a family dinner Cassi and Hazel talked about how fun it would be to have a beehive again. When we took our first foray into beekeeping it coincided with the news that baby Hazel was on her way, so out of an abundance of caution, Cassi took a backseat to the bee work and I took the reigns. After a challenging couple seasons of learning how to keep a hive happy and well cared for, all the while juggling the new found roles of being parents we took a break from bees after the hive collapsed over the winter. Still having most of the equipment from that time made the decision to reboot a lot easier and over the next month I inventoried our hive supplies and ordered up a package of Italian bees with a marked queen from <a href="http://www.backwoodsbeefarm.com/" target="_blank">Backwoods Bee Farm</a> as a Valentines gift to my beautiful wife.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNiX-kKb0zlff20Y-rAbuN5hF43Qs9pfzYud9p41qDschGPsnm9PSksehSswI3u1_f0A7hcHge59OHk8e9CRaukJQDA3rFWwsVC1PX5dm7BCYx8GaNcNTopJwMMHHErNmemyizaoBnZAI_IxSwoJYW7exl6PHKEZarPsPEiitRB5i7EMfAle9ytM1bg/s1280/thumbnail_image_50739969.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1280" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNiX-kKb0zlff20Y-rAbuN5hF43Qs9pfzYud9p41qDschGPsnm9PSksehSswI3u1_f0A7hcHge59OHk8e9CRaukJQDA3rFWwsVC1PX5dm7BCYx8GaNcNTopJwMMHHErNmemyizaoBnZAI_IxSwoJYW7exl6PHKEZarPsPEiitRB5i7EMfAle9ytM1bg/w640-h574/thumbnail_image_50739969.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As the days grew warmer and the crocuses began to lift through the soil our bee package arrival date grew closer and closer. We took a family trip to <a href="https://thehoneyexchange.com/" target="_blank">the Honey Exchange </a>in Portland to grab some new frame hardware and a bottom board along with a new hive feeder and a bee veil for Hazel. The rest of the week it was full throttle on bee prep as we constructed the frames, sanded the old boxes, painted the new boards and shined up the copper roof to our old hive. The one BIG project that loomed over the bees arrival was finding the right spot to locate the hive at the homestead. We had the perfect spot that the bees seemed to like in our previous endeavor... the only problem was when we had the giant maples taken down last year we had them pile up the wood right in our clearing that was our bee area. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxQn7-IXJQzs2mc00iyMcWrDwkY3kupPwZuzr3fdgzzHY8PcJcEL-YOWz52yBtLraPdiZxSpzY80pBjQrZ5Dw3IBIACH4KkGlTBBV0kxH2OgFAq1zvRSjp5jjsWnGAollUmbMMZo4BvxxdV3RZzcmwzsRrbnmOp3yO1SlaQVxpqeqgp3U863gqIoW1w/s1280/thumbnail_image_67238913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxQn7-IXJQzs2mc00iyMcWrDwkY3kupPwZuzr3fdgzzHY8PcJcEL-YOWz52yBtLraPdiZxSpzY80pBjQrZ5Dw3IBIACH4KkGlTBBV0kxH2OgFAq1zvRSjp5jjsWnGAollUmbMMZo4BvxxdV3RZzcmwzsRrbnmOp3yO1SlaQVxpqeqgp3U863gqIoW1w/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67238913.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So here is where a daunting task that seemed paralyzing weighed on me... staring at this pile of massive logs stacked 8ft high and 15ft across. Hmmm. What to do, what to do. I first thought if I just cleared a little section for the hive it wouldn't take too much effort but then as I started working on that idea I began thinking about how I probably wouldn't want to be running a chainsaw a few feet away from the beehive, nor do I want to be rolling massive half ton logs around the hive once its established... bring on the impending feelings of doubt and desperation! I started looking for other locations for the soon arriving hive. We do have lots of land, but only a few areas that get full morning sun and most of those spaces are right in our high traffic areas around our garden and our patio area. They didn't seem like good options as you never know what the demeanor of your hive will be and we wanted to have the bees in a space that is easy to monitor from the house but not so close that its gonna get any not-so-bee friendly folks antsy when they come to visit. After a day or two of procrastinating I decided that as long as I could buck up the pile into manageable chunks and get the chainsaw work out of the way, then I could spend the rest of the summer loading the chunks into a wheelbarrow and splitting them at my own leisure. My mind was set and everyday for about a week after I got home from work I spent 2-4 hours getting it done one section at a time. Tackling the edges and end sections of the giant pile and gradually gaining more confidence in my work ethic, chainsaw abilities and overall plan of action. I really got to know my chainsaws limits and quirks through the process and with each cut felt more empowered and enthusiastic about the project. I spent my evenings honing my chainsaw sharpening skills, musing about things I could utilize some of this wood for, besides just firewood. I spent a few late nights researching a new splitting axe to splurge on with all this bucked wood to split. More on the axe selection when I start splitting some wood next week! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFT5r2gqHmceHsH5kjiC8RgGVtIU3nFV7Cm0KCJhYqpGq7ffskeqkbBC9kLrqI7YbWhjeaXtlAJfHzREPvR9WpZV59ATuhO0xn7gEYRWMut4hvkrErq_GdSP8dMApNvAC6n3NQ4lHj4eixeutjDl_cZyQWpQVb0MWt5UYZrVLBSnO7YEQSDL0GV3I3A/s1280/thumbnail_image_67218689.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFT5r2gqHmceHsH5kjiC8RgGVtIU3nFV7Cm0KCJhYqpGq7ffskeqkbBC9kLrqI7YbWhjeaXtlAJfHzREPvR9WpZV59ATuhO0xn7gEYRWMut4hvkrErq_GdSP8dMApNvAC6n3NQ4lHj4eixeutjDl_cZyQWpQVb0MWt5UYZrVLBSnO7YEQSDL0GV3I3A/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67218689.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Slowly but surely, cut by cut I made my way through the stacks...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoujCaSb79o1r_StjHS_F2b6BpHpCF1k07raRHwZzx5pXc9IURaOqum6F0LjW9Wn-Pah5xVuMOCJynKLkqCZFIIfPK0tGWejWdBgkvzfDfzbJ6Ai1mJQEP9QKwj0bR1nbjK3cfGkgWnl5nu7C2DPdGa98ObH7J1mXU8zLlHF6lQdjr7r3eidJwchZEw/s1280/thumbnail_image_50438913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoujCaSb79o1r_StjHS_F2b6BpHpCF1k07raRHwZzx5pXc9IURaOqum6F0LjW9Wn-Pah5xVuMOCJynKLkqCZFIIfPK0tGWejWdBgkvzfDfzbJ6Ai1mJQEP9QKwj0bR1nbjK3cfGkgWnl5nu7C2DPdGa98ObH7J1mXU8zLlHF6lQdjr7r3eidJwchZEw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50438913.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One tool I had purchased a few years back to help me with projects like this was the <a href="https://www.thelogox.com/?ref=StoreYa&utm_source=stry&utm_medium=trafb&utm_campaign=storeya2b&utm_term=kwd-378325218470" target="_blank">LogOx</a>!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I had used it a handful of times pulling logs out of the woods for our raised beds but navigating my way around these 1000lb+ logs made it indispensable. So many times I thought I hit a road block and was like... how in the world am I going to get this thing into a manageable position to be able to buck it up, and after getting creative with the LogOx I was like damn, I did it! Its made in the USA and for a homesteader on a wooded lot, I would highly recommend it. The price of it seems to have doubled since when I originally purchased it years ago but hasn't everything! Even at the current price I would highly recommend it for anyone doing solo tree work on a somewhat regular basis. It truly is like having an extra set of hands and gives a ton of leverage and control over trunks that I didn't think I could ever maneuver through!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz8exSTNWRYyrNPZNiMuqieDjLhfaP7Amu9HxpQax17OIjivhZ53nT6UH1lUkuDUltIeF38FGyB5HF1_7QFaNserd08pzgCtHG633MuWn_4ZWNC6346Fo4fTxjzKh5le8ppTgT0SCVWLGU6-TVoBF2m69IS5eyhDN9MMjGlizp8jS1RbxFx9exdNFVA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67514113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz8exSTNWRYyrNPZNiMuqieDjLhfaP7Amu9HxpQax17OIjivhZ53nT6UH1lUkuDUltIeF38FGyB5HF1_7QFaNserd08pzgCtHG633MuWn_4ZWNC6346Fo4fTxjzKh5le8ppTgT0SCVWLGU6-TVoBF2m69IS5eyhDN9MMjGlizp8jS1RbxFx9exdNFVA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67514113.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Its also great for keeping your chainsaw out of the dirt during the bucking process as well!</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/AVvXsEiHmg4TAJn7KP30X1aMPhSNEt4KzAL-GiYWBxdDg9j1k1jYvHjZQyy_AVsw4M8P4oFTWjhBlHY7tF4YPbBtszfLz7ONLA-4SxOpHj9flJxCKFXWKEiyDYQ-5FzlaQ3Wgdh_QjtNTBVRX5xPlCDuBtP4f68BV7d4AtOHpeCVerP421wdLCFg9Yv2_gRW1A/s1280/thumbnail_image_67526913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmg4TAJn7KP30X1aMPhSNEt4KzAL-GiYWBxdDg9j1k1jYvHjZQyy_AVsw4M8P4oFTWjhBlHY7tF4YPbBtszfLz7ONLA-4SxOpHj9flJxCKFXWKEiyDYQ-5FzlaQ3Wgdh_QjtNTBVRX5xPlCDuBtP4f68BV7d4AtOHpeCVerP421wdLCFg9Yv2_gRW1A/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67526913.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Progressing along nicely and I even took a moment to swing the axe a few times after another long afternoon on the chainsaw.</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/AVvXsEhwPSM_E4TDvOmKpEaUfLZlDxGustJkm0yIJjm3MtlRCQgslR7ulm7-5xxTTh4FgoT0gO4o6znEDeJmEShmlmd-SCWYrl2xrFoQPNOP4k9attH92Inr6QKhK-0UGK6aJ_IeOL6CKYfkgD34xuaSNlFA3kw4pk-GwfqFuXLtGK0-cMWZS2Ph3gHAPmncig/s1280/thumbnail_image_50414593.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPSM_E4TDvOmKpEaUfLZlDxGustJkm0yIJjm3MtlRCQgslR7ulm7-5xxTTh4FgoT0gO4o6znEDeJmEShmlmd-SCWYrl2xrFoQPNOP4k9attH92Inr6QKhK-0UGK6aJ_IeOL6CKYfkgD34xuaSNlFA3kw4pk-GwfqFuXLtGK0-cMWZS2Ph3gHAPmncig/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50414593.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This trusty lil hatchet was another resourceful tool for cleaning up some messy spots here and there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have really been inspired by some of the high quality tools I have slowly acquired over the years. Its amazing how much a good handmade tool can make a project more enjoyable.</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/AVvXsEjv5XTKC6WXXCNXxD4OOqfEckEm0tIWSmjaL2UEZ-qLAZ22bybvUQhGk0J4uSYggyD_TmGssi6q98kTTv-228o4xV1We19WW1rMcnKSPvpeEwEDkHTbiXPuAGxR_NRFqT4-rOlbr4PTxaXST1mLKTugep3Ps3XoW7eGOJyXJ3MKn75pqiU7c0e19pU9qA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67218433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5XTKC6WXXCNXxD4OOqfEckEm0tIWSmjaL2UEZ-qLAZ22bybvUQhGk0J4uSYggyD_TmGssi6q98kTTv-228o4xV1We19WW1rMcnKSPvpeEwEDkHTbiXPuAGxR_NRFqT4-rOlbr4PTxaXST1mLKTugep3Ps3XoW7eGOJyXJ3MKn75pqiU7c0e19pU9qA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67218433.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When the sun went down the projects moved into the cellar where we methodically constructed the hive frames and wired in the beeswax foundations that the hive will build their comb on. Its a bit of a tedious job applying glue to all the lil connections then hammering all those tiny nails in but with a cold beverage and some good tunes we made quick work of it and finished up the hive with a couple coats of exterior paint just in time for bee pick up day to arrive!</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/AVvXsEh4eeEpOB3LS6Uw45UZuYyzjyAZ5icIyg0HoQ_pINbM9ANOZcpZFsVAkz6Km9I7JhIUEzjGmXsXE62M7o4pjIRht84aTQTlZ2SgUpPlMncHcO0ZPxwzDPsI_9w4eA4hPefdnhDx2p88vDqROogIGJH6aqodZNYb4RCs65E-VyBFLoBVs7EZ05Ve_qMihg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67209217.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eeEpOB3LS6Uw45UZuYyzjyAZ5icIyg0HoQ_pINbM9ANOZcpZFsVAkz6Km9I7JhIUEzjGmXsXE62M7o4pjIRht84aTQTlZ2SgUpPlMncHcO0ZPxwzDPsI_9w4eA4hPefdnhDx2p88vDqROogIGJH6aqodZNYb4RCs65E-VyBFLoBVs7EZ05Ve_qMihg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67209217.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEi-ggktPLaRfen8w26fJkykH3UHJDWEN3HGYtOiRj6z90yMz94FX5I3VUkKbhrKzEIXpcMKMCpYT9a6P_fTWkpxNoKpE0q8sTdS4a_Tbr2MHy5HKlTO_tR7hKNGyufXdhRziZkdml5HNbmalB3T1wMB3bI8W1WkL6GRvSxUSUuLIrNbgeszstptFw4WQA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67209473.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ggktPLaRfen8w26fJkykH3UHJDWEN3HGYtOiRj6z90yMz94FX5I3VUkKbhrKzEIXpcMKMCpYT9a6P_fTWkpxNoKpE0q8sTdS4a_Tbr2MHy5HKlTO_tR7hKNGyufXdhRziZkdml5HNbmalB3T1wMB3bI8W1WkL6GRvSxUSUuLIrNbgeszstptFw4WQA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67209473.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our 3lb package of Italian Bees were picked up from Georgia on Thursday, driven to Maine on Friday and we got them to their new home on Saturday afternoon! Cassi and Hazel were excited to suit up and show our 10,000 new friends where they will be staying now!</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/AVvXsEhls0xZ7v-zZEzwhscohi0CDRKf_inFM6VsGkyzvF2QPNNXQ2sYKv_iGBzSEwLMkKl4iBkZwdsDga6Q6iNTDIMvUBbk4OR-V2DAar4zPhil3hGUFv3hSSd1nu2w81nx0qdPxliE8zl23J65y-hi-8FIWBU7IzM7LEXUKEsGObgC4GS1Ft3rq-s6MR3pYw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67218945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhls0xZ7v-zZEzwhscohi0CDRKf_inFM6VsGkyzvF2QPNNXQ2sYKv_iGBzSEwLMkKl4iBkZwdsDga6Q6iNTDIMvUBbk4OR-V2DAar4zPhil3hGUFv3hSSd1nu2w81nx0qdPxliE8zl23J65y-hi-8FIWBU7IzM7LEXUKEsGObgC4GS1Ft3rq-s6MR3pYw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67218945.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is our queen with a few attendants alongside. In a 3lb package they take bees from a thriving hive and place a new queen in the package with them. It takes them a couple days of getting to know one another before the hive will accept the queen and to protect her they put her in the small box inside of the package so they can become acquainted. Our job is to remove the cork on the candy side of the cage where there is a marshmallow blocking the exit. Over the next couple days the queen and her attendants will chew their way out and hopefully the hive will embrace her as their Queen and the magic of a beehive will begin !</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/AVvXsEgo7fGlbJuGKNOKrHdXc4c2nQTYw0vPTHSCRe2pyR6axMKjzSWhVEAxcbRe9er2Ro6q23nVUASW3tn1UTWrncHz8k15Wkl8ut7qhLW-voLWP4gpm5jzWhwroNwD7B_xAUtw2QXiOrNdBh3DD2zMFP4dywNbEEu-PL6KR3UY9qk1JDjRzS9lKN_MXUxcsA/s1280/thumbnail_image_6487327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="627" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7fGlbJuGKNOKrHdXc4c2nQTYw0vPTHSCRe2pyR6axMKjzSWhVEAxcbRe9er2Ro6q23nVUASW3tn1UTWrncHz8k15Wkl8ut7qhLW-voLWP4gpm5jzWhwroNwD7B_xAUtw2QXiOrNdBh3DD2zMFP4dywNbEEu-PL6KR3UY9qk1JDjRzS9lKN_MXUxcsA/w314-h640/thumbnail_image_6487327.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once the Queen is securely placed in the hive, you simply shake the others out of the package into the hive as Cassi is so gracefully doing here, then you gently ease your remaining frames into the box, being very careful not to squish many bees in the process. Cassi then secured the lid and placed a feeder solution of sugar water inside another empty deep box on top. That will nourish them until more food is available and they get their bearings around our homestead and abroad!</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/AVvXsEjnGP4MFP5hs8nK5DtmShVWzzM9RWRo9N7zduU2UNxxxabjh-cYrTNsTUV4_VriTZAvMJbF5PwmKq0odaPV-vzVADj9aFdA8nC0xYzMAN_cbteW0a-t63U1aCi2N2F8uWyte61zoAsT2k6bA4m04hS2AceiW-vWV9gBUYnrTU9BJwh7v10v8c-mnLWZ_w/s1280/thumbnail_image_67215873.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGP4MFP5hs8nK5DtmShVWzzM9RWRo9N7zduU2UNxxxabjh-cYrTNsTUV4_VriTZAvMJbF5PwmKq0odaPV-vzVADj9aFdA8nC0xYzMAN_cbteW0a-t63U1aCi2N2F8uWyte61zoAsT2k6bA4m04hS2AceiW-vWV9gBUYnrTU9BJwh7v10v8c-mnLWZ_w/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67215873.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The mostly empty package is set down in front of the hive so the stragglers can find their way in before nightfall.</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/AVvXsEhHtMAxWaElL8T-39TakkFEtDSUwH8NlhTewaXLoYZIPZlrx7e0itohRu1gcLMbLim-ui99HKcRSWK_ukgmKF3agnCSZmMVJLUlzFD5LTA3FLXq0CFkezyaiqFnQa8rJ1Jwd1QVvXz4EAjuzdOlz8ralbb4cfrfR7j5VZzqNb9jQpAmaMpgYGL4Yc6jYg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67507457.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtMAxWaElL8T-39TakkFEtDSUwH8NlhTewaXLoYZIPZlrx7e0itohRu1gcLMbLim-ui99HKcRSWK_ukgmKF3agnCSZmMVJLUlzFD5LTA3FLXq0CFkezyaiqFnQa8rJ1Jwd1QVvXz4EAjuzdOlz8ralbb4cfrfR7j5VZzqNb9jQpAmaMpgYGL4Yc6jYg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67507457.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='408' height='339' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyE1d3aD5yJ-Y58-S6IJHUf0wh_DGGuFU-Z7qm1DXUigmFxQ6eaTcxahqN3OCk-WulOdx8DZ9mwTHjMxFH_XA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The area was buzzing with energy as they spread their wings to navigate the new surroundings, take a cleansing flight and then hopefully concentrate their efforts on building up some comb for the queen to start laying a new brood .</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/AVvXsEhsPiIQcTnVnLt7dlv8M0iar4V6Gguojt6yypPlgqj9upaEkPXfTzjGYEjHtq-eFH2oHD6aKqkXb-_iEzOuLn9wVAWo0srIukk9wrpwYE1r1BJl3vlvoEgUeTOnesOVmN35WYQI9NH9wOZzbFRsnKqh7ElahHpbe4ln-yTIEXblxEMfT01AjwqZ4hB_Iw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67235073.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPiIQcTnVnLt7dlv8M0iar4V6Gguojt6yypPlgqj9upaEkPXfTzjGYEjHtq-eFH2oHD6aKqkXb-_iEzOuLn9wVAWo0srIukk9wrpwYE1r1BJl3vlvoEgUeTOnesOVmN35WYQI9NH9wOZzbFRsnKqh7ElahHpbe4ln-yTIEXblxEMfT01AjwqZ4hB_Iw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67235073.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just as dusk settled in the package was empty and the hive was huddled up staying warm in their new climate here in Maine'. </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/AVvXsEhmkoPUqkzIxNzTtXWXIlD_pzeOrEEQFujA5jvJYHpWZ1AZhvDOqnwnYXdmoh5_A2AbhdKTklPBCivB19EjVVVMKzDbPntrGUd_uQA25YmfU5a1JcYeOq9jPjcOsCfdMwvAbWg6dRUTAOy_uwjJXgnEjcVlKSC9CH5nLDrSI4C2rCtuERyo9TYcm0CkzA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67510017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkoPUqkzIxNzTtXWXIlD_pzeOrEEQFujA5jvJYHpWZ1AZhvDOqnwnYXdmoh5_A2AbhdKTklPBCivB19EjVVVMKzDbPntrGUd_uQA25YmfU5a1JcYeOq9jPjcOsCfdMwvAbWg6dRUTAOy_uwjJXgnEjcVlKSC9CH5nLDrSI4C2rCtuERyo9TYcm0CkzA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67510017.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did find this straggler on the wood pile and I told him not to stay out too late before heading in for the evening!</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/AVvXsEjfRS4ePPdAyKfNwiDNKJZV3lg-rb0ItlY5o96PNXlXgFw4HdpaRHfXMqmjbvPRBXP0NpDzl6-TQCAYj9MS6b_CBj59hyBZLLFhmeTkLB4bcAZW4QhRfVNPM6pO5SbRkJTjt0s8ZGRvF5ZHWcqgpk1BJ8jD-tKyQsOO6pvnwJmkbCOF7nJq-3BccyZN6Q/s1280/thumbnail_image_67504129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRS4ePPdAyKfNwiDNKJZV3lg-rb0ItlY5o96PNXlXgFw4HdpaRHfXMqmjbvPRBXP0NpDzl6-TQCAYj9MS6b_CBj59hyBZLLFhmeTkLB4bcAZW4QhRfVNPM6pO5SbRkJTjt0s8ZGRvF5ZHWcqgpk1BJ8jD-tKyQsOO6pvnwJmkbCOF7nJq-3BccyZN6Q/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67504129.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a lovely weekend, maybe a lil too hot to fast but all the bulbs are happy to soak it in after being covered in a good snow pack most of the winter! Everyday everyone is peeking out to check for new shapes and colors of the marathon bulb planting that happened after Thanksgiving! So far I'm seeing lots of success and the added beauty to the muddy terrain has spring fever sweeping the homestead! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9SiFHDA-fs97ZZtlIRLO6ZIveQxJ75Wz9N_MvwU1mDby0y2Zh-oxgHm6JHKyVsO2UaulSp8pXhERJ2-HkillFMmxLkqk1qekEVfFblk7dBJOZoteALM9gwOvCDtQE2mnLllIR1ao0ffZdaN8NvB9eFbcazgpUwDE3IfBrO2fVKBxL32YSrIZVAMOsQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_67231233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9SiFHDA-fs97ZZtlIRLO6ZIveQxJ75Wz9N_MvwU1mDby0y2Zh-oxgHm6JHKyVsO2UaulSp8pXhERJ2-HkillFMmxLkqk1qekEVfFblk7dBJOZoteALM9gwOvCDtQE2mnLllIR1ao0ffZdaN8NvB9eFbcazgpUwDE3IfBrO2fVKBxL32YSrIZVAMOsQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67231233.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Long Cup aka Trumpet Daffodils</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oaxzrpj7FcEXHMtGMNtfPiXXD7VyllEqev_RTtzq9lDjSJfZ-Aq0zQ2uioP6D55vrhTByUE49gxnx8fH03fc7a7NUqUxEsSQKSYQW9PIM3fFuik65e0e7ZTJaRBw-eb7r7yy_TGnxY1YpC7d6vZEC8eicM3O6JBCsS-4U-pci0RN2vbUKJ8boDNdMg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67226369.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oaxzrpj7FcEXHMtGMNtfPiXXD7VyllEqev_RTtzq9lDjSJfZ-Aq0zQ2uioP6D55vrhTByUE49gxnx8fH03fc7a7NUqUxEsSQKSYQW9PIM3fFuik65e0e7ZTJaRBw-eb7r7yy_TGnxY1YpC7d6vZEC8eicM3O6JBCsS-4U-pci0RN2vbUKJ8boDNdMg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67226369.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">White Hyacinth</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/AVvXsEjrxX1tlxLY090ECNVWnxC1lmZDZsBVVmg_vMEkQqCoS_M3O02wK-nsPu9qb6llDRCj0fLqCiTy4YYPnoBcMFLuf76DBQXnKq_4tJBrCKoa_GmXebuYN3kiysIusBfi39CoMFfKgJ8dKr4Rfrw1gYngRiPIHP5qqgzcSLL93Z9OCtaPzaPkJ0rKRihqrA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67527937.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxX1tlxLY090ECNVWnxC1lmZDZsBVVmg_vMEkQqCoS_M3O02wK-nsPu9qb6llDRCj0fLqCiTy4YYPnoBcMFLuf76DBQXnKq_4tJBrCKoa_GmXebuYN3kiysIusBfi39CoMFfKgJ8dKr4Rfrw1gYngRiPIHP5qqgzcSLL93Z9OCtaPzaPkJ0rKRihqrA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67527937.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And of course Garlic, always an early showoff in the garden along with the chives!</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/AVvXsEiAoutryR4Z5trOEUsqu5N4scVRpttl-d9aC7n_e-6gSg4MWSpe_WExyaO9HNVyP7zSIx6umTvKL8MLY0yN9uiy70gf2T4CG5MGPuqrXC7cYIO3C8B-4jfQW3tpG9aVjzIhSvgbZVM05Kx63TqVzjS3IpWpkNv2-VVxoA9ooXgXe9ZqAtUEqf57fxJokA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67144193.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoutryR4Z5trOEUsqu5N4scVRpttl-d9aC7n_e-6gSg4MWSpe_WExyaO9HNVyP7zSIx6umTvKL8MLY0yN9uiy70gf2T4CG5MGPuqrXC7cYIO3C8B-4jfQW3tpG9aVjzIhSvgbZVM05Kx63TqVzjS3IpWpkNv2-VVxoA9ooXgXe9ZqAtUEqf57fxJokA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67144193.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seeing the garlic sprouting up made me assess our current kitchen supply and with a good amount left from last years harvest and a bit of sprouting beginning I decided to take a moment, peel it all and chop it up with some sea salt and olive oil. This should hold us over a month or so until the scapes start forming!</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/AVvXsEjeXlc3SJF2SGF-_0VOoGZ7Ou5NqCFqOM_3qo2St5EG0zy3uzoDo7kQyH6g-NT3wi6ora-L3Qdel7b-6CV6g04uxjOsWDfLWv2tMmSFxN5uCrwkLWBtoJwU7Pqyin3jfjF9NNecSQbS0j5rWTb8vv5EkZFf7tmCaEVJ7xoNupbLXcItNfYx7Ewfq69WuQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_67234305.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXlc3SJF2SGF-_0VOoGZ7Ou5NqCFqOM_3qo2St5EG0zy3uzoDo7kQyH6g-NT3wi6ora-L3Qdel7b-6CV6g04uxjOsWDfLWv2tMmSFxN5uCrwkLWBtoJwU7Pqyin3jfjF9NNecSQbS0j5rWTb8vv5EkZFf7tmCaEVJ7xoNupbLXcItNfYx7Ewfq69WuQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67234305.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As this sunny summerlike weekend wraps up and all the bees get settled we look forward to some other projects on the horizon for the week ahead. I dropped a few small sugar maples while the chainsaw was sharp and cut them into 3ft sections in preparation for some more mushroom experiments! The grain jars from last post are colonizing wonderfully, more liquid cultures have arrived and some other fungal experiments are going down so stay tuned for a new mushroom geek post coming soon... Along with that its go time for starting seeds and our germination station is prepped and ready for sprouting!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3zt5ia2MLKB9OO-STZMgubLeaCBzwTnvUVbnWhWuIYi5pIlE7ojrzv-fpezh4XGKbo2Hk3gqOIRXa-iDYV4TlOlSpy3x69i4khZMvophoDEFjw15ttIi8iTwXHs3ddKMgjQpie03a5Vgr7AJovH-GWitmFUmSFHeLnCVMJruujFA1w-ZNYQjRkC8Aw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67200769.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3zt5ia2MLKB9OO-STZMgubLeaCBzwTnvUVbnWhWuIYi5pIlE7ojrzv-fpezh4XGKbo2Hk3gqOIRXa-iDYV4TlOlSpy3x69i4khZMvophoDEFjw15ttIi8iTwXHs3ddKMgjQpie03a5Vgr7AJovH-GWitmFUmSFHeLnCVMJruujFA1w-ZNYQjRkC8Aw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67200769.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Till next post...</div><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-2654284300228004052023-03-26T11:04:00.007-04:002023-04-18T04:40:45.132-04:00Cultures happening Inside and Out!<p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Spring has sprung and this past week found the homestead stirring with activity as we finished up the last drips of maple sap, sorted through our seed stocks, inventoried our bee keeping supplies, jumped in head first to learning about mushroom cultures and finished off the week with a little date night... soaking up some culture in our old stomping grounds of Portland.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok first lets start with the mushroom project! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As we are just starting to learn the in's and out's of cultivating mushrooms I will not go super in depth on the process as I am still fine tuning my methods. We will surely have some success and failures to share as we navigate through all the information and experiences that come with this unique hobby. I will provide helpful info when I feel its valid, but keep in mind we are newbies and without real time experience under our belt, we currently are just absorbing and regurgitating information at this stage in our fungal explorations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As some of our longtime visitors may know we have been dabbling in foraging and log grown shiitakes for a few years now but up till now I have always purchased spawn from local mushroom companies to inoculate our logs. Part of my exploration currently is learning how to create our own spawn in order to grow our mushroom knowledge and make cultivating them more affordable. I've had this itching interest since I was about 14years old and probably even before that. The older I grow the more I realize how beneficial they are to our bodies, minds and ecosystem. Recent studies done by John Hopkins along with all the information coming out about the symbiotic relationships that occur in nature with fungus and other organisms simply reinforce these curiosities and inspire me to learn more. Did you know that some trees use the fungal mycelium layers between them to communicate and share nutrients</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">back and forth through the underlying mycelium network that is vastly operating throughout the worlds forests? What... no really it blows my mind that there is still so much we do not understand about these mycelium networks, similar to space and the deep depths of the ocean. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here I am pictured at age 16 with my award winning colored pencil drawing of an Aminata Mushroom that appeared behind the basketball hoop in our suburban yard. I remember being so intrigued by it and after spending a few afternoons observing it I decided to devote a couple weeks of painstaking colored pencil work creating this piece that I titled "Ant's View". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxHtM280XzPid3SF4kBuP0Jvz_BVIlKCPKxQyscFbCRGp4W6Oi9f89BDJsYU63khzIlr2f_hLSGaJKhWABGf9ntq74CRyf2_MzLFu8rnOf3RH0HVjcEWKp79_jrIXSACgyp058YjeXiKNI05NywKwbYIl_WJpcoVXqpHRZCEGHdISkZMn2Pjz4m5a4Q/s1230/image_6487327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="987" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxHtM280XzPid3SF4kBuP0Jvz_BVIlKCPKxQyscFbCRGp4W6Oi9f89BDJsYU63khzIlr2f_hLSGaJKhWABGf9ntq74CRyf2_MzLFu8rnOf3RH0HVjcEWKp79_jrIXSACgyp058YjeXiKNI05NywKwbYIl_WJpcoVXqpHRZCEGHdISkZMn2Pjz4m5a4Q/w514-h640/image_6487327.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So fast forward now to the age of 43 and I have decided to dive even deeper into the world of fungus and harness the knowledge shared by so many Myconauts, Mycologists and just FunGuys over the past few decades of eye opening research :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok so to get started I went through a local mushroom supplier to obtain some liquid cultures to start our culture bank and experiment with sanitizing and dialing in the moisture content of substrates. To get those cultures to grow I decided to start with growing them out in jars of grain. After a 24hr cold soak I rinsed and dried a blend of Maine Grown Wheat and Rye Berries and used the run off liquid to make a agar solution that is then poured into petri dishes as a fertile spot to grow out cultures and screen them for contamination. </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/AVvXsEj9cZ4-dfpEFXlvEmvHGkfVWbtXw86FVWpuv4Za9Zpj3RhxzfWX2N5hJqB6jS4x7GWWmF9mJh2zEjauUPwIVcfrrP_iYg-zEb8kdliQawFqqD_M6zLgvxWxVlLgieo-PCmMowXNiUfyFUt6aE5sPEnYPfL1IucFuPL2p-0fuWLz-N103C2Mu5z0WoDJNQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_67180289.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cZ4-dfpEFXlvEmvHGkfVWbtXw86FVWpuv4Za9Zpj3RhxzfWX2N5hJqB6jS4x7GWWmF9mJh2zEjauUPwIVcfrrP_iYg-zEb8kdliQawFqqD_M6zLgvxWxVlLgieo-PCmMowXNiUfyFUt6aE5sPEnYPfL1IucFuPL2p-0fuWLz-N103C2Mu5z0WoDJNQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67180289.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once the grain blend is fully hydrated and then air dried to touch it is transferred into jars.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These jars are your typical canning jars with holes drilled into the lids. Each of the lids gets a filter placed on it with one being a simple vent to allow excess moisture and heat to dissipate from the jar but is a special material that filters any contaminates from entering from the outside atmosphere. The other filter is a self sealing material that allows you to inoculate the grain with a syringe loaded with spores. The grain is essentially the food for the spores to grow on and form a strong network that eventually will be spread onto a larger growing substrate in order to kick start the fruiting stage of the mushroom!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmmR7I8TUHB358mN5V39giVU6_vvRqXQafo5X8W7nUgjLPGEv7AUtfegHiwF0A_jpY30Trb960yYYt8dQ0KMDh98xIsaBR-saDg9aXDEFVXos8hGHPJGDsaPbXCyI6VMd_9Wu3xA039NsJ1crhSH0G5ya2eH3D-4Ql9clsHD7FJB-MuzqkhGjOSXxPA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67204865.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmmR7I8TUHB358mN5V39giVU6_vvRqXQafo5X8W7nUgjLPGEv7AUtfegHiwF0A_jpY30Trb960yYYt8dQ0KMDh98xIsaBR-saDg9aXDEFVXos8hGHPJGDsaPbXCyI6VMd_9Wu3xA039NsJ1crhSH0G5ya2eH3D-4Ql9clsHD7FJB-MuzqkhGjOSXxPA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67204865.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But before inoculation can occur we need to sterilize the grain so that no bacteria from our kitchen or that is naturally present on the grain can contaminate it causing the whole process to veer off course. This is the mycological dance of a mushroom grower. Making a substrate ripe with nutrients and moisture for the spores to flourish and trying not to let it invite any of its nasty bacterial relatives that want to spoil the magic!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvVAK2VKXllBJKvAEv7UH_EX52asoTuufYcE8My3hXtL3fMmy8S9KU_rdZ4SeGm8mJAYY10SpvWk4Zkzg0VlGyzniLkwM06S1jJXlawsgwCZQQP55tt5g5-6maxKpHNqX1AA8alOZEo1xhyaOjaPUYaHklLB1DO10_86PcTA9ttC8-580gH2vH5Ol7w/s1280/thumbnail_image_67197953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvVAK2VKXllBJKvAEv7UH_EX52asoTuufYcE8My3hXtL3fMmy8S9KU_rdZ4SeGm8mJAYY10SpvWk4Zkzg0VlGyzniLkwM06S1jJXlawsgwCZQQP55tt5g5-6maxKpHNqX1AA8alOZEo1xhyaOjaPUYaHklLB1DO10_86PcTA9ttC8-580gH2vH5Ol7w/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67197953.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So before inoculation we need to sanitize these jars in our autoclave... which was part of my Christmas present this winter! I started small with the All American 1915X Model primarily because we have a glasstop stove so I didn't want to get the heavier larger size and increase the chance of breaking the stovetop which some people have warned could happen when running this equipment on this type of stove. But after checking the weight specs on our stove model it seemed more than reasonable to make it happen and after a couple of runs I don't see having any issues. It will be very helpful to make this process more sanitary and open up the possibilities of summer canning as well! Till now our canning method has always been the hot water bath so I always go a lil heavy on the lemon juice and vinegar to make sure we do not encounter botulism but with an autoclave you open up the world of canning lots of veggies as the pressure and internal temperatures that this tool allows gets you up to a temp that doesn't allow any of those issues to arise... so onward and forward with the canning recipes for 2023! </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/AVvXsEjlpfdsslrlhXA3x_PskdW1Yhp0Birquyh93QzbNrV8Qz0LFbdhbNbJXuhyPyj-TJ6IjxKyWcqHPj8ruBel1E8fiV-HYL75hMny9sESNLjsa3AIRwJs5lXJUnqIq3cxOeLZY4APHRd8VcAd-Y717KOWLm98lEqVYCRcVDmGjhh9mnsIUkmSVnuP5V7zjw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67208961.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpfdsslrlhXA3x_PskdW1Yhp0Birquyh93QzbNrV8Qz0LFbdhbNbJXuhyPyj-TJ6IjxKyWcqHPj8ruBel1E8fiV-HYL75hMny9sESNLjsa3AIRwJs5lXJUnqIq3cxOeLZY4APHRd8VcAd-Y717KOWLm98lEqVYCRcVDmGjhh9mnsIUkmSVnuP5V7zjw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67208961.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a sanitized and ready to inoculate jar of grain!</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/AVvXsEiFRjvm0rYmDBW0vvHL8Yjg_H6IZ3-sfsOOE4MdU7ke6Szquw87nGo5sbwTRKRkNITwS4iUixNal_brlXh9wEkPPMfATY8xWn6c8Kc1nM1UZg8Pw0pi2N-altSrFZBDJWii85vGFhBfMHjyEJi9WRXou8O0QSDQhuu7JDW88KB7RFK7G78wDS-_Yx3hdQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_67186689.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRjvm0rYmDBW0vvHL8Yjg_H6IZ3-sfsOOE4MdU7ke6Szquw87nGo5sbwTRKRkNITwS4iUixNal_brlXh9wEkPPMfATY8xWn6c8Kc1nM1UZg8Pw0pi2N-altSrFZBDJWii85vGFhBfMHjyEJi9WRXou8O0QSDQhuu7JDW88KB7RFK7G78wDS-_Yx3hdQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67186689.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the moment all the inoculating and open air processes need to be done in as safe an area as possible. Here is the humble beginnings of our mushroom lab. As you can see we are starting pretty lowtech. The upside down storage container with arm holes cut into them are what we call a "Still Air Box" or SAB. This box is meticulously sprayed down with isopropyl alcohol before every step and then everything is also wiped clean before working on it inside the box. We wear gloves that are also slathered with sanitizer to limit any outside contamination... which will inevitably happen but the more meticulous and aware you are the less chance that will happen. Someday I hope to be able to afford a Laminar Flowhood which allows a little more freedom of movement for the workstation but they are expensive so I want to make sure this is something I enjoy doing on a bigger scale before making the investment in that piece of equipment as its only purpose would be for mushroom cultivating unlike the autoclave which also serves as a food preservation tool!</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/AVvXsEg09f2OarqP1oBrGbwHnSLhxdkL4vXwhbxC7VmVOYK3SzBu1dbPe0eORHxoOLYUSmYHUIU79Leih6Hlz5_hHU2kpOtJ5pFySCQ3DX24Oj-9_mUlqXbY22wxX5Pnawbtu6dPtMjXwcNmINzyGF9N0rPBCrPTlzLcTP8K0Q8QQaTR1UGwXFdoYdCbDqxM8g/s1280/thumbnail_image_67164929.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09f2OarqP1oBrGbwHnSLhxdkL4vXwhbxC7VmVOYK3SzBu1dbPe0eORHxoOLYUSmYHUIU79Leih6Hlz5_hHU2kpOtJ5pFySCQ3DX24Oj-9_mUlqXbY22wxX5Pnawbtu6dPtMjXwcNmINzyGF9N0rPBCrPTlzLcTP8K0Q8QQaTR1UGwXFdoYdCbDqxM8g/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67164929.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a view through the armholes... I use a clear plexi sheet to cover the holes when I'm not using the box but it still needs a fresh sanitizing anytime you preform any task inside. Here you can see the stacks of petri dishes I have ready to collect culture samples from my current array of spores. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyPXS4llfsuYYS_vrHsGNNNuluVnVHrFvxMQWQs0L-J81HMChirAK5lOVGnupAtIBnlu4-H89lFF_R3p4P1VZahwa1FjDxATSLi_7sChE63XZV_P3BubB0Y7yMzdrx25_6OwgYMP16KW3NyaTsqqrptEvjAQ0PGW3l9bUNgLIKp6n8iglGhkzvPv-Sw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67191297.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyPXS4llfsuYYS_vrHsGNNNuluVnVHrFvxMQWQs0L-J81HMChirAK5lOVGnupAtIBnlu4-H89lFF_R3p4P1VZahwa1FjDxATSLi_7sChE63XZV_P3BubB0Y7yMzdrx25_6OwgYMP16KW3NyaTsqqrptEvjAQ0PGW3l9bUNgLIKp6n8iglGhkzvPv-Sw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67191297.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mushroom Supply Station</div><div style="text-align: center;">Other than the autoclave, most mushroom supplies are very affordable and most stuff I had laying around or easy access to. Jars, Filters, Grain, Hardwood Pellets, Coco Coir, Agar Powder, Gypsum, Nutritional Yeast along with some storage containers, strainers, scales and measuring cups!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-gLEcSPDg4Cts8raR9t42WXj_HBtALsLWioHFNjRYnS4maXEHqJdLrGEUEbnNDWZJuFdBFtp5EWUYyIlm4scvqRrZpPd5XcnWcaD1XBaD6KFTyWcDtwak0bLortGEt1IzRXkdPYTTzvE_9IDYwlGgzhN84vT1OOcuJ5rLBTq0IyBkuP9LAiQDPX0yQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_50392321.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-gLEcSPDg4Cts8raR9t42WXj_HBtALsLWioHFNjRYnS4maXEHqJdLrGEUEbnNDWZJuFdBFtp5EWUYyIlm4scvqRrZpPd5XcnWcaD1XBaD6KFTyWcDtwak0bLortGEt1IzRXkdPYTTzvE_9IDYwlGgzhN84vT1OOcuJ5rLBTq0IyBkuP9LAiQDPX0yQ/w640-h480/thumbnail_image_50392321.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our first inoculations are done! We started with three syringes of liquid culture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">King Trumpet/ Black Pearl King Oysters / Chestnuts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along with inoculating two jars of each I dribbled a few drops onto the petri dishes of agar to collect a spore sample to grow out into future batches. If all goes well these jars will be full of happy mycelium in the coming month or two and then they will be spread across a larger growing substrate and we will begin our indoor mushroom project in full force!</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/AVvXsEhxFRGVP2ky04o50-aP-vCseuQCFQ3-x3AIM3Z59pjeBuigN5Fs1AoGaZ__2TKoEcpJ4b5wNFfy88GdhACpkjeV35pIBwbVRgtRWkGxe2NouzWYVDqLQKJwxOZ9cbJW5P7rbJnFOryPua7Xs0oxAxWidbs8RPJB2aaHwSIJlJdX1TYkVEynqCoNX6aKYw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67188225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFRGVP2ky04o50-aP-vCseuQCFQ3-x3AIM3Z59pjeBuigN5Fs1AoGaZ__2TKoEcpJ4b5wNFfy88GdhACpkjeV35pIBwbVRgtRWkGxe2NouzWYVDqLQKJwxOZ9cbJW5P7rbJnFOryPua7Xs0oxAxWidbs8RPJB2aaHwSIJlJdX1TYkVEynqCoNX6aKYw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67188225.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our first signs of a successful culture!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzWCQqTgFHASmIcE-tNXVBk5wyekx8E5dl8xhZdQFyG6L-C7gQk0mZ_mjFgzXQYmoN_rjnmrez7_xs5UPq2mlBeEM1ifUQyanLrniWZpAVQ6-X6W2JicunJMpFynIBxta_RN-1UFN40zJ9pUYtNIOxo6182ZFN6OavHVeO1W2BKdIrlHjQtEpFGRPLg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67236097.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzWCQqTgFHASmIcE-tNXVBk5wyekx8E5dl8xhZdQFyG6L-C7gQk0mZ_mjFgzXQYmoN_rjnmrez7_xs5UPq2mlBeEM1ifUQyanLrniWZpAVQ6-X6W2JicunJMpFynIBxta_RN-1UFN40zJ9pUYtNIOxo6182ZFN6OavHVeO1W2BKdIrlHjQtEpFGRPLg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67236097.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And speaking of first signs...always the first to bloom on the homestead every spring are these precious lil dwarf irises. Always a sign of the snow pack receding!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Variety: Katharine Hodgkin Dwarf Iris</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(hybrid of the iris winogradowii & iris histrioides)</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/AVvXsEgSX3SCi9GzkPRoc1yOPJ2oh-Kr2FngMxNZbJE0yq6tdb4f6AasVJ_36Jji28rNa2zsxmNikw3qGOoJtMk9nBsOwbPIfGf1HpFL3v9JSMxXqEHfkiF3oZblqcKO294qJ_gsg0hcK2ZnWDyPn-a3NrSmabejFTAISKT8f1eEEovAov38GaZvss8JxQ0VBQ/s1440/pwmwi-harbor-views-7025-hor-feat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1440" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSX3SCi9GzkPRoc1yOPJ2oh-Kr2FngMxNZbJE0yq6tdb4f6AasVJ_36Jji28rNa2zsxmNikw3qGOoJtMk9nBsOwbPIfGf1HpFL3v9JSMxXqEHfkiF3oZblqcKO294qJ_gsg0hcK2ZnWDyPn-a3NrSmabejFTAISKT8f1eEEovAov38GaZvss8JxQ0VBQ/w640-h256/pwmwi-harbor-views-7025-hor-feat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With all this excitement around the homestead we got a chance for a night out, so Cassi and I made our way into Portland for a date night! We kicked it off with a few delicious cocktails in our old west end neighborhood at a place called <a href="https://www.thedanforth.me/" target="_blank">the Danforth</a>... which we recalled being a corner store named Vespucci's that had an odd array of pizza sizes that ranged from 6" all the way to a huge 48" size. Nothing fancy but the nostalgia was thick as we talked about the old days of the west end while sipping fancy cocktails and smearing fresh chive butter on a slab of warm sourdough from <a href="http://www.zubakery.com/" target="_blank">Zu bakery</a> next door. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwhOR-I5i9zw35dOexMDOf8AEckUZ4i20J-zklVqsHE5F-JEcrUD1g4ka4ORb1xM2Hvm4awEKqE3mN2N64HfQELSo49x5nus16EoKWdgjuqoAsOntrtFPWWC3fACp3IoNAV86TGZto5OSVoL7HOs1gXzWQvUjGP8oz56k9RTCK9lQC-8iHPGwPJZF5w/s1280/thumbnail_image_50413313.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1280" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwhOR-I5i9zw35dOexMDOf8AEckUZ4i20J-zklVqsHE5F-JEcrUD1g4ka4ORb1xM2Hvm4awEKqE3mN2N64HfQELSo49x5nus16EoKWdgjuqoAsOntrtFPWWC3fACp3IoNAV86TGZto5OSVoL7HOs1gXzWQvUjGP8oz56k9RTCK9lQC-8iHPGwPJZF5w/w640-h482/thumbnail_image_50413313.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From there it was off to the Portland Museum of Art where they had a folk art exhibition that lured us in as well at the free admission on Fridays! I always am drawn to the landscapes of the "folk" artists and was happy to see a couple classic Grandma Moses pieces along with some lesser known but equally inspiring work.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu97nD0u03lUAxHpBEe_73DUnNuNGMgFrNGgI7-aPc_CQor7FJPLQdllPpqckcHaWbXjBDC62RVEJmxZN-ViGuOr2_S5rhLjku7Xerq14dW5m39xUjGP8fY3ktoBvMiqFL_OVe-HsQln6W-QxQ_8ZgHAvoIoQn40n2kEL9ejuGXeWfRn3tZjFIlJpcQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_50417665.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu97nD0u03lUAxHpBEe_73DUnNuNGMgFrNGgI7-aPc_CQor7FJPLQdllPpqckcHaWbXjBDC62RVEJmxZN-ViGuOr2_S5rhLjku7Xerq14dW5m39xUjGP8fY3ktoBvMiqFL_OVe-HsQln6W-QxQ_8ZgHAvoIoQn40n2kEL9ejuGXeWfRn3tZjFIlJpcQ/w640-h448/thumbnail_image_50417665.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a long walk around the peninsula we were shut down by couple hour wait times at some of the new to us establishments and started to feel a little desperate and overwhelmed by the "current scene" In a last ditched effort to find a spot we were excited about we hoofed it across the old port to <a href="https://www.miyakerestaurants.com/miyake" target="_blank">Miyake</a> and we presented with a perfect lil bar nook and ended up being surrounded by a staff of familiar faces and an absolutely awe inspiring meal that checked all the boxes of old classics, new flavors and unique and unfamiliar combinations.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Zzdkherh9v1nMC10JfQweuCnfHgJ9rlAPk77ve10HOcLLLuS7Im6Y-_yzotwx8yqGPDhq6CJgzVJP_R_gKzelycHFICZUtqX86WKzGQWosQpR4JyTYptjtr7DxeIscfHlcUGsl9B834LO-qctAENb5pdK-i4WLP3B5y8XWnZVApFAFSiiots-FMazw/s1280/thumbnail_image_50449921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1280" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Zzdkherh9v1nMC10JfQweuCnfHgJ9rlAPk77ve10HOcLLLuS7Im6Y-_yzotwx8yqGPDhq6CJgzVJP_R_gKzelycHFICZUtqX86WKzGQWosQpR4JyTYptjtr7DxeIscfHlcUGsl9B834LO-qctAENb5pdK-i4WLP3B5y8XWnZVApFAFSiiots-FMazw/w640-h494/thumbnail_image_50449921.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Masa always focused and reserved.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYgXchBiPhjBqQY-aBVk7TJNOtnppcWu1L-XHT8HcnI_FqSnuWCx59RdV4XBGB3HnZ6XFOMx_hs78Mx8uJXq8eucDN91_beph-9eCJDllyKzAG6LLQsuVH1_bS-mssrkCGjJiQ-ZSEcisflepF2t6brphkyB5c3LZe_RXvDijj3VOAYvH2BPGV2PSEw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67205633.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYgXchBiPhjBqQY-aBVk7TJNOtnppcWu1L-XHT8HcnI_FqSnuWCx59RdV4XBGB3HnZ6XFOMx_hs78Mx8uJXq8eucDN91_beph-9eCJDllyKzAG6LLQsuVH1_bS-mssrkCGjJiQ-ZSEcisflepF2t6brphkyB5c3LZe_RXvDijj3VOAYvH2BPGV2PSEw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67205633.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pictured here is our "Omakase Hassun" with offerings of wasabi dusted flounder, lobster ceviche, a dashi soaked oyster with enoki mushrooms, seared beef over a potato egg salad like concoction and the most interesting yet delicious dish (pictured below) was these baby squid over tuna with a spicy mustard type sauce.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I could eat this and all the other offerings we picked over and over in my head! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The flavors were so focused and balanced and we were also excited to see the addition of some tasty cocktails on their menu! The Nikka Manhattan was a stand out for me personally as well!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMJGB0vAx34J2M18On7g972ogEdVqQGlK_wAm5rhosI2lkHap1cczMjBC_rrs6H1-G62cSXsjBu9h0SMyoKDcei4jDYUczlPX9ikSKSpLJQhW_tgpUyaeKAisAfDHzgePwXBXrlHqJI4XLL14KwncDPsEyhJeLTbbQE8S1skeUdxBw_HVCN0RtY4D9Q/s1280/thumbnail_image_67528193.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMJGB0vAx34J2M18On7g972ogEdVqQGlK_wAm5rhosI2lkHap1cczMjBC_rrs6H1-G62cSXsjBu9h0SMyoKDcei4jDYUczlPX9ikSKSpLJQhW_tgpUyaeKAisAfDHzgePwXBXrlHqJI4XLL14KwncDPsEyhJeLTbbQE8S1skeUdxBw_HVCN0RtY4D9Q/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67528193.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by the old blog... I'm always encouraged to see the amount of traffic here and am thankful to each and everyone of the over 280,000 views so far!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Feel free to leave a comment, ask a question or let us know what you would like to see more or less of!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Till next time.<br /><br /></div><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-82814230621421900942023-03-23T06:26:00.002-04:002023-04-18T04:41:34.635-04:00Maple Flow 2023<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Spring has been doing its normal awkward dance showing glimpses of 50 degree stretches that are then tamped down quickly by incoming Noreasters dumping feet of heavy wet snowpack. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcU9YcaHKSxaYoQ1ScZQHLhoRH47K5eYog5a9Xm4ZJIUGWcSBH_-MRe_RUf1m1z5yWy3lP8a9KNl-sAC6ZgtS919eTki9PTb7wXhZEvTZP3njd2kfSS_Ldrke30PWyow1K3ZT-O6j8aUxtXsz7Bivh25Vymr-tCUv5cCThwR5U2Mi10XzzDqsa98-3A/s1280/thumbnail_image_67210497.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcU9YcaHKSxaYoQ1ScZQHLhoRH47K5eYog5a9Xm4ZJIUGWcSBH_-MRe_RUf1m1z5yWy3lP8a9KNl-sAC6ZgtS919eTki9PTb7wXhZEvTZP3njd2kfSS_Ldrke30PWyow1K3ZT-O6j8aUxtXsz7Bivh25Vymr-tCUv5cCThwR5U2Mi10XzzDqsa98-3A/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67210497.jpg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">The local deer herd has been bedding down all winter huddled around some fallen pines just a hundred yards from our home and the warmer weather has seen them more active and hungry as we watch them foraging around the homestead most evenings just about dinner time! Spring storms weigh down the hemlock boughs and seem to be a delicacy for them along with any freshly fallen trees that allows them access to those clusters of moss and lichen making them now easy targets for snacking! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QyjIDuBonSZzKYCjzhEG2cXN0-CcNOxqScMOHTQ4o0qZVf7lS7GwJ9_-bMVmLBPuw5m71BIrID0aR7kBcUYc9mbZANbSQ4x5KE86euBHkXWRJBCZOxtd1_GDMj5kwDv5iC618ffDj5M8EqBiEvMZqfrJ16_T4WOeQoQDz3LuDRQHdfIGZIAGZE2yUw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67547649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QyjIDuBonSZzKYCjzhEG2cXN0-CcNOxqScMOHTQ4o0qZVf7lS7GwJ9_-bMVmLBPuw5m71BIrID0aR7kBcUYc9mbZANbSQ4x5KE86euBHkXWRJBCZOxtd1_GDMj5kwDv5iC618ffDj5M8EqBiEvMZqfrJ16_T4WOeQoQDz3LuDRQHdfIGZIAGZE2yUw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67547649.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along with the storms we have had some nice temperature swings that have made our maple buckets heavier than ever! One week we collected close to 70 gallons of sap, luckily the snow banks made for easy storage and after getting an extra early start on Saturday morning we had a nice family day spent doing art, chopping wood, eating smores and building fairy houses. </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/AVvXsEjalPJG0L4Az8Ei7AXbg0vrdgtvj0NWFANSSQmwIKcg4pKSB957WYvEm6Df0tZYgrHFgkI8ffu2njErEasJVPC4AHx7puxunNwOzKIEGTOFadoPqaPWWQoUkYPLXOVqhm7LqL5FRP0oa-Ko-7noj0Trpqi9GXeiDVlgBXdH6Hs8SGp-0xnuN-rKTeB3Pg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67213057.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalPJG0L4Az8Ei7AXbg0vrdgtvj0NWFANSSQmwIKcg4pKSB957WYvEm6Df0tZYgrHFgkI8ffu2njErEasJVPC4AHx7puxunNwOzKIEGTOFadoPqaPWWQoUkYPLXOVqhm7LqL5FRP0oa-Ko-7noj0Trpqi9GXeiDVlgBXdH6Hs8SGp-0xnuN-rKTeB3Pg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67213057.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hazel noticed how black my hands were when she came out to soak in the maple sweetened air and inquired why my hands were so black... this question was a catalyst for a discussion of how charcoal is made and that turned into a drawing session with charcoal fresh from the firepit. Hazel was pretty impressed with her new found knowledge!</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/AVvXsEi_tERMRfaxDcW9JZPQ7MDNjWYy8p-IDNaC2DFn3xMdYQtjPQdUgmcaQZ5yodn927bvvh5AzTwWC7buzo4mzOAEv3S2UeISYvxCVEU6T4tLH9Zru5_dp05LA6ipXe1zwf0IeIKYAPEDBiYw5jKqa8uEWZsEKEYNfONDyFVEekITpA2pP8vkI004lCxYhg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67209217.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_tERMRfaxDcW9JZPQ7MDNjWYy8p-IDNaC2DFn3xMdYQtjPQdUgmcaQZ5yodn927bvvh5AzTwWC7buzo4mzOAEv3S2UeISYvxCVEU6T4tLH9Zru5_dp05LA6ipXe1zwf0IeIKYAPEDBiYw5jKqa8uEWZsEKEYNfONDyFVEekITpA2pP8vkI004lCxYhg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67209217.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the fire roared and the evaporated maple steam filled the air we got to work felling some deadwood from our forest along with bucking up the fresh blowdowns from these past few storms. The dead dried trees burn hot and work the best for making quick work of the gallons and gallons of sap to be boiled. This was an epic day as we kept that fire blazing from 6am till around 10pm when it finally condensed down to a three gallon stock pot that rest overnight in the fridge.</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/AVvXsEgiugZtwbBEhPf8YQEO5sABiLnrszJWPm4FVX2Mac_vtsLRvHEar2cR8UDr8drv0t-RtTWovMXtb-8dzlzF73F-pzih3VA648HPD5SysQ7xFdnRXJNTmoYAIfBci9zm9SibzoIYj4QvvfwykihUZr1L5ovWoYRnPgyjwcVWlmLMPhyqrDH19iF9pDIhuw/s1280/thumbnail_image_50449409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiugZtwbBEhPf8YQEO5sABiLnrszJWPm4FVX2Mac_vtsLRvHEar2cR8UDr8drv0t-RtTWovMXtb-8dzlzF73F-pzih3VA648HPD5SysQ7xFdnRXJNTmoYAIfBci9zm9SibzoIYj4QvvfwykihUZr1L5ovWoYRnPgyjwcVWlmLMPhyqrDH19iF9pDIhuw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50449409.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cassi showed some interest in learning to buck up a few blow downs with the chainsaw and Hazel took a front row seat to watch Mom use that "scary saw". We try to teach her to respect tools but not to be afraid of them and watching Mom make quick work of that tree was a confidence builder for us all and I am always grateful when I get help stacking up the burn pile!</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/AVvXsEgFFzn99Z6EmdgEkBHiqDMsE3oOFHI8Hip2LTIUXMIXZOC48v8zrYWGXCOSgdz2et0vnXncX7FETkfdAJMay-BxOP5QgukW_a0jItnFrKwicwuAcFKdcO-3hxdHmNGNUIGOLLqBzN_YjUYZXAFu5dtte2fJc1uARCexE4ZlsQJ35korHxR8hY-hutnhGw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67207169.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFzn99Z6EmdgEkBHiqDMsE3oOFHI8Hip2LTIUXMIXZOC48v8zrYWGXCOSgdz2et0vnXncX7FETkfdAJMay-BxOP5QgukW_a0jItnFrKwicwuAcFKdcO-3hxdHmNGNUIGOLLqBzN_YjUYZXAFu5dtte2fJc1uARCexE4ZlsQJ35korHxR8hY-hutnhGw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67207169.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While Cassi took control of the chainsaw I diverted my focus on splitting some of the chunkers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had recently upped my axe game when I came across this beautifully restored vintage piece of history from <a href="https://www.bnctools.com/" target="_blank">Brant&Cochran</a>. I stopped in there after work this past week and ended up getting a impromptu tour of their shop. I have one of their axes on order already so when the time comes to pick that one up maybe Ill bring my camera along and share a bit about this hidden little gem in a future post!</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/AVvXsEgXpH-ti-Pvt3gXqb2cAuGgD-wKI3uV_wOh62rqaVB-52FLZ4rJPre0MezNVWxmf3M3nwnEo0gnx3QlYfNyun_MWioRKYo2JH-Ieex-6CiYDjImlLQlnxB1FsSxgfL5ICmApRON1fz2Kj4BzHAEv8YTI5m4bYCZs3Ut90scgFhFt7o6YEQX_s5ZYTJOyg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67250433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpH-ti-Pvt3gXqb2cAuGgD-wKI3uV_wOh62rqaVB-52FLZ4rJPre0MezNVWxmf3M3nwnEo0gnx3QlYfNyun_MWioRKYo2JH-Ieex-6CiYDjImlLQlnxB1FsSxgfL5ICmApRON1fz2Kj4BzHAEv8YTI5m4bYCZs3Ut90scgFhFt7o6YEQX_s5ZYTJOyg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67250433.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEgoQId1djAw_G2FEcT4V3vo-0upRYK5dnSdsAqMqGEKO6Y_VcCgZ2-wL7cXqxI010eGUE5QgnQ-CVfZVB72aEwi72d-B97NXDYnryXYJ4lJTTFhbSalC_hlRJLdHZjOqrGtX8RKHh85MKo4BYT3nL0cEBrygSQB6PqIeVz5jrDjSRZgo99tycwXalXJcg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67523841.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQId1djAw_G2FEcT4V3vo-0upRYK5dnSdsAqMqGEKO6Y_VcCgZ2-wL7cXqxI010eGUE5QgnQ-CVfZVB72aEwi72d-B97NXDYnryXYJ4lJTTFhbSalC_hlRJLdHZjOqrGtX8RKHh85MKo4BYT3nL0cEBrygSQB6PqIeVz5jrDjSRZgo99tycwXalXJcg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67523841.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is something about swinging an axe on a crisp overcast morning with maple sweetened smoke wafting through the air that will forever make me grateful for life.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdx7vUQcBaCGHQyyYD7li9Arx00wXekEIzjQ6W2dtKtZlFBwxYNwlwHz6qtdkoWAWLwzhWuVqv0ODjIjYMb665tnIm5lpz0gsTB-g2aEGb89d-3C4E1TUfI-mjZAgO4RC2Y4_HAgpvrIn9hXdVSe1w1LJBrXK74RydoSUncwjO1DBcodKISnoqW1eFg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67179777.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdx7vUQcBaCGHQyyYD7li9Arx00wXekEIzjQ6W2dtKtZlFBwxYNwlwHz6qtdkoWAWLwzhWuVqv0ODjIjYMb665tnIm5lpz0gsTB-g2aEGb89d-3C4E1TUfI-mjZAgO4RC2Y4_HAgpvrIn9hXdVSe1w1LJBrXK74RydoSUncwjO1DBcodKISnoqW1eFg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67179777.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As always I cold crash the final few gallons of sap in the fridge overnight and strain the liquid through cheesecloth... from there I bring the temp up to 225* and then filter through some wool flannel to get any cloudy haze out of the syrup. After that its all about dialing in the sugar content using a hydrometer to measure the density which translates into the brix content of the syrup. It sounds more complicated than it is, really its just like getting the hydrometer to float between the right target so you know when its ready to bottle for storage! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAavkdlt_ysHDq8uwWJqFODw09f5eTGbXpOCjGh7pNtupzZHQ08oZ8o8ZQL1tTVhDVJ6mC8exRDePp_pzNAmvejTRwtjSb9ln-RqZWsZXVLXxsda7SL87-T9lrHuUHQjJ1o__uwOdCH4K_fMJpDb5vcML32So-isG-D20RRcdn3Fr3HGI-Hjp51vNKQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_67171585.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAavkdlt_ysHDq8uwWJqFODw09f5eTGbXpOCjGh7pNtupzZHQ08oZ8o8ZQL1tTVhDVJ6mC8exRDePp_pzNAmvejTRwtjSb9ln-RqZWsZXVLXxsda7SL87-T9lrHuUHQjJ1o__uwOdCH4K_fMJpDb5vcML32So-isG-D20RRcdn3Fr3HGI-Hjp51vNKQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67171585.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once its at its target we funnel it into some clear wine bottles and cork finish them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have been making quite a bit this season so we also chose to make a few 375ml samplers for gifting and trading and those bottles just take a standard bottlecap so Hazel had fun learning about how those tools work. </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/AVvXsEix94xTCETd2VddlAULhO13_j-OzN_KIJyAdT6XcNENdx7VgtKj-1mpWJYrxHo4I0Bq3shwICF3h8w7OvbycStuJ98i86a_ul-RYv8XABym_Enz_NVszwkR-Sw5Jz-V2CyBtUI-3PEHfF93NwiQfxbM8qvk6GD03lLesuC8bDZTxlz9FmN69euAWBbybA/s1280/thumbnail_image_50754049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1140" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix94xTCETd2VddlAULhO13_j-OzN_KIJyAdT6XcNENdx7VgtKj-1mpWJYrxHo4I0Bq3shwICF3h8w7OvbycStuJ98i86a_ul-RYv8XABym_Enz_NVszwkR-Sw5Jz-V2CyBtUI-3PEHfF93NwiQfxbM8qvk6GD03lLesuC8bDZTxlz9FmN69euAWBbybA/w570-h640/thumbnail_image_50754049.jpg" width="570" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We get alot of inquiries about if we sell our syrup. Simple answer is no... for the amount of time and effort we put into the process it wouldn't be affordable and the last thing I want to do is sell our syrup and end up having to buy someone elses later in the year if we ran out! The joy of enjoying the sweet nectar from our surrounding woods is what homesteading is all about. From pancakes, to cocktails to summer lemonade, we use our syrup for as a sweetener for baking among other things so we never seem to ever have too much on hand! </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/AVvXsEiVyzJOhhxTQbf9iPzG5F71gI0Oulf3FVCSB921GERxmUgHYYAB2GmPGv9OevGcMQb_MHrAHX5k0zajMbR0C6TNdPF2WKZun9saxpmxgnmeIi47zpcjThXjd2r1BfC-9-Fe-H0yBoPiOOos4nGBei3xp0h_Aet0GQq_5lI23cAkEXC5XCWA4aVEESq2rw/s1280/thumbnail_image_50411521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyzJOhhxTQbf9iPzG5F71gI0Oulf3FVCSB921GERxmUgHYYAB2GmPGv9OevGcMQb_MHrAHX5k0zajMbR0C6TNdPF2WKZun9saxpmxgnmeIi47zpcjThXjd2r1BfC-9-Fe-H0yBoPiOOos4nGBei3xp0h_Aet0GQq_5lI23cAkEXC5XCWA4aVEESq2rw/w640-h480/thumbnail_image_50411521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of which... it was time for Hazel and Dads favorite breakfast!</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/AVvXsEiW_vtjKLEmGXID6DOkkznqApQgOShksz0CioFK0tAyn5HXLAV5ouUnyJbO7LZWFtqu56TU2OHXqnpKbajbg1yDn4MUf-9JK96Z_Ha_y_rpib-zkFL0U9M5GJ5mFW4chKIM7LdGwu6QOw86ygVOV5HCxPL8tTSlYWsQsKOl0rbZGLCAacO4YC844nJizw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67227393.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_vtjKLEmGXID6DOkkznqApQgOShksz0CioFK0tAyn5HXLAV5ouUnyJbO7LZWFtqu56TU2OHXqnpKbajbg1yDn4MUf-9JK96Z_Ha_y_rpib-zkFL0U9M5GJ5mFW4chKIM7LdGwu6QOw86ygVOV5HCxPL8tTSlYWsQsKOl0rbZGLCAacO4YC844nJizw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67227393.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And finally it wouldn’t be right to not give a nod to our sweet kitty, aptly named Maple! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGd3vaUDhzb0yBUZa9EdGD7Gc6hiiIX5q8_YKnmSk-_qubwlDXX274vcaE5aDXMzLOyafrtBCRe5GOrAvOccoHAmiNt71OpMGH-M7_rD0iK_AzQwA4a94GaRftBd7zEbuSAgt5E_zoz9PlpnUEQ1XYWqpXvKFdEk3FzeBqc1I-qD5idSbcnI5Itr3GWw/s3088/1857A5CE-1DF7-431E-98D4-E8E43BCDA1E7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGd3vaUDhzb0yBUZa9EdGD7Gc6hiiIX5q8_YKnmSk-_qubwlDXX274vcaE5aDXMzLOyafrtBCRe5GOrAvOccoHAmiNt71OpMGH-M7_rD0iK_AzQwA4a94GaRftBd7zEbuSAgt5E_zoz9PlpnUEQ1XYWqpXvKFdEk3FzeBqc1I-qD5idSbcnI5Itr3GWw/w480-h640/1857A5CE-1DF7-431E-98D4-E8E43BCDA1E7.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-44306867971293223452023-02-21T06:43:00.006-05:002023-02-21T06:46:04.855-05:00Sharpened Saws, Bubbling Sap & Maple Smoke <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After tapping the trees and hanging the buckets last weekend, we spent this past week prepping for the seasons first boil. Collecting over 40 gallons of sap in five gallon buckets is a daily routine of maple season. The buckets then get buried in snow on the northside of the homestead until the weekend arrives. Another part of the prepping that is needed for our maple syrup set up is lots of wood. Having a large wooded lot makes sourcing wood pretty easy but its always more fun when your chainsaws are well oiled, tuned up and sharp. After taking a look at both my saws and a quick sharpen of my hatchet and axe, it was apparent that my lil workhorse needed some TLC. After an hour of degumming the insides by scraping away a season of thick sap hardened saw dust I decided the teeth on the old chain were not worth sharpening again and replaced it with a new even more aggressive chain.</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/AVvXsEgNbZeE7toLPuSYmcy6JktBh8Ijo3XW8_T8Y6KTRzDbt65XiAePrLKjQ2qf14IK3SSnchZN4WZwDUlwjUgRrI1oc_6hi9cY4h4fvuSzRqV5YreUrHoVmsTQS8S9vNs-3vwMojndVUv57NoFCtX4IGmdvCN0qzmeozVghWoyZ9fG0VpjCJK-6L4jWsADSg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67513345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbZeE7toLPuSYmcy6JktBh8Ijo3XW8_T8Y6KTRzDbt65XiAePrLKjQ2qf14IK3SSnchZN4WZwDUlwjUgRrI1oc_6hi9cY4h4fvuSzRqV5YreUrHoVmsTQS8S9vNs-3vwMojndVUv57NoFCtX4IGmdvCN0qzmeozVghWoyZ9fG0VpjCJK-6L4jWsADSg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67513345.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKsx3QyKUxmNw8x4yq5hZj9WTdil9c43qMcyX8owYOb21jih0wqMcnXYIpUAFTKnP1UZ_4VpntsAoBsY7VDuAcIUG81Fus06rz06qXZv5G2l3G3U_UG5v4gUHdVOPDxNf4Q1EEhSXSj12WQ4TVDSuyMqr8pcbXwOlHrhN92_W9c7jmtV4E_HMWSjM_g/s1280/thumbnail_image_50729985.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKsx3QyKUxmNw8x4yq5hZj9WTdil9c43qMcyX8owYOb21jih0wqMcnXYIpUAFTKnP1UZ_4VpntsAoBsY7VDuAcIUG81Fus06rz06qXZv5G2l3G3U_UG5v4gUHdVOPDxNf4Q1EEhSXSj12WQ4TVDSuyMqr8pcbXwOlHrhN92_W9c7jmtV4E_HMWSjM_g/w640-h480/thumbnail_image_50729985.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Like a hot knife through butter... the new chain made quick work out of a handful of standing deadwood. Bucking it up and hauling it to the firepit is the next step and is easier to maneuver on a cold morning when the frost hardened ground makes the wheelbarrow part a little more pleasant. Nothings more demeaning then pushing a heavy load up a muddy hill... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCTLVuP4uU-9Zdw3RUyWxGCPqIQA4Njb1QoVi1PZ3vt7572QHS5qBboSFTLC_jSzKNgC3bOdpg2C99LDVnWyfLswgF-k93qBp2qiZlp2F0AE7VZk8EfLTFR-dINw7saXV-RJszWu5cVAiX5erzb7bjNfYmBu9edPuFfwmHsfJJixM-dgVShSS2YoJrg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67505921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCTLVuP4uU-9Zdw3RUyWxGCPqIQA4Njb1QoVi1PZ3vt7572QHS5qBboSFTLC_jSzKNgC3bOdpg2C99LDVnWyfLswgF-k93qBp2qiZlp2F0AE7VZk8EfLTFR-dINw7saXV-RJszWu5cVAiX5erzb7bjNfYmBu9edPuFfwmHsfJJixM-dgVShSS2YoJrg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67505921.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Timber... buck, load, push and stack.</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/AVvXsEgvaP7aVjN1CT39m6XmbhDcIGKx0no_agbMS5w8lOuYfV-Yl_idU9Zj3oZIHGBpT7feogBRqJ8t3AOL34pRT8xoUYsrUCKUgupmzTXctQ4vDOQZqhJvbhoklBT5ZnJWUiQjWvr8VqXpvNLK0Dpsk9CW93Wipo_XnWpGLbrFJeUxEnWJnZmeyNH1pZvNeQ/s1280/thumbnail_image_67514113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaP7aVjN1CT39m6XmbhDcIGKx0no_agbMS5w8lOuYfV-Yl_idU9Zj3oZIHGBpT7feogBRqJ8t3AOL34pRT8xoUYsrUCKUgupmzTXctQ4vDOQZqhJvbhoklBT5ZnJWUiQjWvr8VqXpvNLK0Dpsk9CW93Wipo_XnWpGLbrFJeUxEnWJnZmeyNH1pZvNeQ/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67514113.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All ready to boil... fire started and let the sap flow, simmer, boil and bubble!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='468' height='389' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwvsXNbhWBgWrNZxjE1op2dXRsOq2mEIs1_7Lj_eWJnSPoOcWrDIRM3Th2niFdY48MmqhZnXlOd0vJN3qLOjg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></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/AVvXsEiSRTPigQB24yPxH7Deg0Jkbv81WMglS-Loda-XDx-sFasBuoEZXOy3-jUSr_Qd4xcelNRAubmIYd-tSnVkTzDs1YqkdpTqTU5-Rfxg9oy2ToZwiJ8PomTGxSxZUWxBvsJviVrUiLNu346kBCoW4NJ72fzlX41O7XZbr7FLWgGksWIAuyBaQf-9sdzFYw/s1280/thumbnail_image_50416129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRTPigQB24yPxH7Deg0Jkbv81WMglS-Loda-XDx-sFasBuoEZXOy3-jUSr_Qd4xcelNRAubmIYd-tSnVkTzDs1YqkdpTqTU5-Rfxg9oy2ToZwiJ8PomTGxSxZUWxBvsJviVrUiLNu346kBCoW4NJ72fzlX41O7XZbr7FLWgGksWIAuyBaQf-9sdzFYw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50416129.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oIM8yeUfwCPDN0cBoiAs_3a2lTsPChuUXQA--60KaGc2zQLouu30CFf--E5aQiyWnKVpfeLhYbY3GSVX11DfUZYKub8vnl8liqWCFbQ7Zt2XAv9ZFo7PhwJs91dki082OI4dIFJRLx9OAGaZBR1aW2Tt9ZpJ6uBwOKLRGrgwbo3GIzQLMNCCOX9GJw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67218689.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oIM8yeUfwCPDN0cBoiAs_3a2lTsPChuUXQA--60KaGc2zQLouu30CFf--E5aQiyWnKVpfeLhYbY3GSVX11DfUZYKub8vnl8liqWCFbQ7Zt2XAv9ZFo7PhwJs91dki082OI4dIFJRLx9OAGaZBR1aW2Tt9ZpJ6uBwOKLRGrgwbo3GIzQLMNCCOX9GJw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67218689.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Always a good day to put out the invite as a typical boil day has me lighting the fire first thing in the morning and straining the remaining couple gallons after dinner. We had a steady stream of folks pass through </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/AVvXsEixGpE0W3U8VhFlzQkrbyRTGxzkASAweniNNoRRAVP6dVwILgQZF-UxJmvA7_6Ez5X-NTs_QBfLatyW3n8ENN8Vr6DqaoGDWTvLATbzzEAZKL86L3ZDowrpf-mxaJmeaZ5rD3qTZ4pCnEMvgEjNwfVdUVQAF0Zi4swXKcQAqkHbmkQFx5EMmEx8miFwhg/s1280/thumbnail_image_50733313.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGpE0W3U8VhFlzQkrbyRTGxzkASAweniNNoRRAVP6dVwILgQZF-UxJmvA7_6Ez5X-NTs_QBfLatyW3n8ENN8Vr6DqaoGDWTvLATbzzEAZKL86L3ZDowrpf-mxaJmeaZ5rD3qTZ4pCnEMvgEjNwfVdUVQAF0Zi4swXKcQAqkHbmkQFx5EMmEx8miFwhg/w640-h480/thumbnail_image_50733313.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='546' height='454' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxK2IpLH_o82jx9DDVcdd5koVm6kjwS-9s2tP3lJTKV85jKKhIohpGlc5uAlgQCh8PwdltcvmAbARNdFF3fTQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another successful maple boil that has took just over 40 gallons of sap down to 2 gallons of sweet tree nectar that I strained through cheesecloth before cold crashing in the fridge overnight. After work tomorrow Ill bring it up to a boil, strain it through a finer wool flannel material and dial in the sugar content before bottling. The sap buckets are already collecting more sap for another boil next week and the process will continue as long as the season allows!</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/AVvXsEjYU-6HB1XYiVWbTazkGG6uqaVosd2Yw5yMv7gEYeqBMNgOE-1i0btm1WNH1-FJu5VxnXGWH0YwdfDffPIoDOlHWvjNEbc2IcKlbKPRtehiA-JtXN7m7rZ_YRTwn7e4g5lp9-fQwPJFQ-X1w1nbZJ1B1eqrOAEJIzg2HUKAhFy05dnKHDAJvgOyIBTLfw/s1280/thumbnail_image_50432257.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYU-6HB1XYiVWbTazkGG6uqaVosd2Yw5yMv7gEYeqBMNgOE-1i0btm1WNH1-FJu5VxnXGWH0YwdfDffPIoDOlHWvjNEbc2IcKlbKPRtehiA-JtXN7m7rZ_YRTwn7e4g5lp9-fQwPJFQ-X1w1nbZJ1B1eqrOAEJIzg2HUKAhFy05dnKHDAJvgOyIBTLfw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50432257.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-56308558417376697102023-02-15T08:31:00.009-05:002023-02-19T11:42:59.820-05:00Sap Drips and Brush Marks.<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qsL4Sfcs9TVIvf7i6aoUdqOzQ-Ycp_To3PkwiFrWDbM9EcNOUBcCQSLeSWGupbHCFNAVHA8hlxQlrtES7DVgWkoUpOFRp5NzlL687-ASdddpBdCeust-4fnQAlXWVk_1npF9IFn-5Qcp2Df53uJ3O0T2fVJS2XjGMlprxkjxwadkSiYIazykJJG7Rw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67547649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qsL4Sfcs9TVIvf7i6aoUdqOzQ-Ycp_To3PkwiFrWDbM9EcNOUBcCQSLeSWGupbHCFNAVHA8hlxQlrtES7DVgWkoUpOFRp5NzlL687-ASdddpBdCeust-4fnQAlXWVk_1npF9IFn-5Qcp2Df53uJ3O0T2fVJS2XjGMlprxkjxwadkSiYIazykJJG7Rw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67547649.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maple Syrup season has arrived with the sap dripping a bit earlier this year than the past few seasons. Winter seemingly has become quite unpredictable around here as rollercoaster weather patterns blow through with temps dipping into the -20s followed by 50 degree afternoons only days later. I've noticed the ground doesn't seem to maintain that hard frozen crust as winters 10 years ago seemingly always did and instead there seems to be lots of fluctuation with rain and ice constantly freezing and thawing leaving a muddy mess of slick frozen puddles around the landscape as we slowly spin around the sun wondering what to expect from this ever changing climate and how to properly plan our plantings and focus here at the homestead.</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/AVvXsEhn7HwtLxsLtu8dRFiaNoO8rRYpWl5Q7bkXgnqgQp51ehqP7AxnaH5psNXerpvdrDYXl3o7_EciLctbLLcEtN4bbuExTXzaRZKtTJ-YiTAjIdrQJFufso1ej0xz_okB3lLiwjWsyHHjSUGAShBJKhPSLfQx7p4m94evu0M9ges5sJyAIyNFYOtSKLnPXg/s1280/thumbnail_image_50371585.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7HwtLxsLtu8dRFiaNoO8rRYpWl5Q7bkXgnqgQp51ehqP7AxnaH5psNXerpvdrDYXl3o7_EciLctbLLcEtN4bbuExTXzaRZKtTJ-YiTAjIdrQJFufso1ej0xz_okB3lLiwjWsyHHjSUGAShBJKhPSLfQx7p4m94evu0M9ges5sJyAIyNFYOtSKLnPXg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50371585.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year we tapped 14 trees and hung 16 buckets as our syrup supply has dwindled down to the final 750ml bottle from last year and I wanted to explore some new tree options that I have been eyeing up. It always humbles me to realize the more you immerse yourself in the landscape, the more knowledge and understanding emerges with it... making me realize how disconnected we have become from the land and how little inherent knowledge lingers from the our ancestors and the indigenous people that inhabited this land. Making maple syrup grounds us into those traditions of the past, creates awareness as to the seasonal nuances and patterns of nature all while humbling our place in the world. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWhJHgICGPAwpWtEmNrf1RkAOv3hN38vWUI_h0iEtR2FuAemALCpipJHNH_yoRyJVUEnUMmcPv9y_E5CEIl5FdFHaGzNmpILlQyt-EZ4xU1ltKx12lm_2M_JOaqO9ItkUQ0Ha6zUnbSYDPaxJJ2s2NvN9bu4bYLuCnjyEaNuqJhFSWKm2POSV-keolg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67231233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWhJHgICGPAwpWtEmNrf1RkAOv3hN38vWUI_h0iEtR2FuAemALCpipJHNH_yoRyJVUEnUMmcPv9y_E5CEIl5FdFHaGzNmpILlQyt-EZ4xU1ltKx12lm_2M_JOaqO9ItkUQ0Ha6zUnbSYDPaxJJ2s2NvN9bu4bYLuCnjyEaNuqJhFSWKm2POSV-keolg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67231233.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tapping begins with drilling a deep 5/16" hole into the tree at a slightly upward angle. Tradition states that you should locate your hole on the south facing side of the tree and following a vertical line with a major branch is also said to release the optimal amount of sap from each tap. After that you bang in the spiles and hang the buckets, threading the lids through the hole in the spile to better secure the setup to the tree. We have been very happy with the plastic buckets from our Canadian friends up north at <a href="https://www.cdlinc.ca/en/" target="_blank">CDL</a>. Occasionally they get blown around a bit but I've learned to always keep a inch or so of sap in the buckets to help give them a little more weight on the windy days. I like them because the worry of rust isn't a factor and the less hefty weight makes it a project that our little one can always take part in. She is becoming a pro after a few years of helping... she knows all the steps of the process and makes sure no step gets neglected.</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/AVvXsEiw7FUgU_oMaYUqKA2p19nnRFNcuzr0F6dedcZY4rbIe9eoW9NKoksTtuTGdYXwn68o36EhzYXDvi7elxutgtzIApsafv5lkprnBRlFtlL4etqgSg7Q3t1JGceSj2Ji2vh9wkjmsJ5x8fpyXHvzO7LtpeEVR8zsrnzVYBgGzhvkcCrPaymo7UbXvp9pHA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67230721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7FUgU_oMaYUqKA2p19nnRFNcuzr0F6dedcZY4rbIe9eoW9NKoksTtuTGdYXwn68o36EhzYXDvi7elxutgtzIApsafv5lkprnBRlFtlL4etqgSg7Q3t1JGceSj2Ji2vh9wkjmsJ5x8fpyXHvzO7LtpeEVR8zsrnzVYBgGzhvkcCrPaymo7UbXvp9pHA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67230721.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Within a few minutes of hanging the buckets that telltale sound of drip drip was vibrating through the forest and you could almost hear the landscape thawing in the midday sunshine.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wwiFbQZfM45M1z98YKG2wUmK7JJLf-nxBPj8Sh2ci0HPN8oOt6pmY8APZj2i-FgzWR-wS1ufXqq0VBgzXRpFblzVsW1UFPdXT_kDfvIHmFctvRRM8OTnCBqV_1lfyBSK0Y0otKQT8swSHCBFfWbxP1MrJkXhg2OColbSDRsrcYJscQeCEIQ-E0m5Rg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67189761.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wwiFbQZfM45M1z98YKG2wUmK7JJLf-nxBPj8Sh2ci0HPN8oOt6pmY8APZj2i-FgzWR-wS1ufXqq0VBgzXRpFblzVsW1UFPdXT_kDfvIHmFctvRRM8OTnCBqV_1lfyBSK0Y0otKQT8swSHCBFfWbxP1MrJkXhg2OColbSDRsrcYJscQeCEIQ-E0m5Rg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67189761.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few days into the drip and we already have about 20 gallons collected... with 3 more days till our first boil I predict an easy gallon of syrup for our first week of the season! It's a nice routine to come home from work and collect the sap into 5 gallon containers. We then bury the jugs in a big snow pile on the shady northside of our home to keep it cold till boil day! The other plus to the plastic buckets is you can see the amount of sap in each bucket from a good distance away so I always stay on top of collecting and never waste a drop!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiC-2MAz6cOAa_Udqx8JILvZP8A-Hma3u8EIhHOpf8omBdYStdR4pBRjZ2zcqb5gnnXaTqGN2WJI7_osvrh7M9RbrI24f8Wxz8SuVQ-JXF9tOeoWU59GF6r_GdP6FoJYNUw1knVF5srj0dYVyv2kr6d-AxoD4zro4hUvc_jKxgK1_wdvC1FMCG8-Uf5w/s1280/thumbnail_image_67176705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiC-2MAz6cOAa_Udqx8JILvZP8A-Hma3u8EIhHOpf8omBdYStdR4pBRjZ2zcqb5gnnXaTqGN2WJI7_osvrh7M9RbrI24f8Wxz8SuVQ-JXF9tOeoWU59GF6r_GdP6FoJYNUw1knVF5srj0dYVyv2kr6d-AxoD4zro4hUvc_jKxgK1_wdvC1FMCG8-Uf5w/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67176705.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A quick strain through some mesh into a 5 gallon water jug is the only prep we need before boil day. Luckily a good snow pack makes for easy storage but all sap should be kept cold and boiled down within 5-7 days of collection. I always slurp up a few handfuls of the first drips of the season. Its so subtle yet refreshing to taste the forest nectar on my lips and the ceremonial sip just gets me stoked for boiling the season ahead!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgZ7PKRlb7dvtDtHdPrRr2Gbhnzo49U3pqwBA4eWu44nKibvxF6Taj1wyyrQvmJ1y6YrawfQDHcpBtbHN0BX7d0Nq73CYgDE_GFV8nhG6HaI8FwJ4rkaYv2wrUUsjiqy0Y9glV8oo_fzbXwAEgzKHUCxJdjNlSLcDmKHQ7PGYoG8FfA1FgPeajuFX7Q/s1280/thumbnail_image_50757889.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1280" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgZ7PKRlb7dvtDtHdPrRr2Gbhnzo49U3pqwBA4eWu44nKibvxF6Taj1wyyrQvmJ1y6YrawfQDHcpBtbHN0BX7d0Nq73CYgDE_GFV8nhG6HaI8FwJ4rkaYv2wrUUsjiqy0Y9glV8oo_fzbXwAEgzKHUCxJdjNlSLcDmKHQ7PGYoG8FfA1FgPeajuFX7Q/w400-h375/thumbnail_image_50757889.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our deer friends have been making daily appearances around the homestead, every maple season I notice them starting to forage the vast amount of hemlocks that surround our forest. Its these patterns and observations that help us better understand nature and its interdependencies. The natural beings of the world just seem to effortlessly integrate into the environment. I have been immersing myself deeply into the study of mycology this winter as we start to explore the possibilities of cultivating a vast network of fungus around the homestead. Playing with spores and identification methods as well as learning the history and folklore behind this integral part of our universe has humbled and inspired me to start constructing a dedicated mushroom lab in our cellar. Learning to identify the different species of trees and really paying attention to the lay of the landscape and where the rain collects is an integral part of foraging wild mushrooms and as my knowledge and experiences increase the connections and symbiotic relationships of the forest inspires me, encourages me and most important humbles me. </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/AVvXsEh5iNPLFYh5npiGAUlw8zrEcN5F7SGVuGZe0ai6by6LRXgsjymiPSAaO668oWj9sMk_2LHUvZf_4aETeBT_t9uIztRoHEfcAQJXBtjAA41Fm-qcBw2YutxV-EKlksTYXP6vTolDxMJHo2K0lgv5UG9Z9bMdGPzkjhnFSA-nbRdrWkaCR7VyY1TgHE2M_g/s1280/thumbnail_image_50450177.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1221" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iNPLFYh5npiGAUlw8zrEcN5F7SGVuGZe0ai6by6LRXgsjymiPSAaO668oWj9sMk_2LHUvZf_4aETeBT_t9uIztRoHEfcAQJXBtjAA41Fm-qcBw2YutxV-EKlksTYXP6vTolDxMJHo2K0lgv5UG9Z9bMdGPzkjhnFSA-nbRdrWkaCR7VyY1TgHE2M_g/w610-h640/thumbnail_image_50450177.jpg" width="610" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I have also found some time to let some of this inspiration flow freely through the Rootcellar Studio and have some new works underway along with a few finishing touches being done on some previous commissions. </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/AVvXsEhN-5gTSTaJQUlccwtWzg3W2BiVFm0UguWRA1VYbKUXgGeEHWmZV5iW1V6nNWXfiiOFUYyA1hDIoeLGJVzo5hip_vys2XdcrSA_RKSy4RUsdmHA-UaLLVrFbyD9TKjDqpvezcGAUBTEdfX1lXed-TqxtoeRMsQypjy9II2gVo_Mh0JZ1TJaAWpeOpqIog/s1280/thumbnail_image_67502337.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-5gTSTaJQUlccwtWzg3W2BiVFm0UguWRA1VYbKUXgGeEHWmZV5iW1V6nNWXfiiOFUYyA1hDIoeLGJVzo5hip_vys2XdcrSA_RKSy4RUsdmHA-UaLLVrFbyD9TKjDqpvezcGAUBTEdfX1lXed-TqxtoeRMsQypjy9II2gVo_Mh0JZ1TJaAWpeOpqIog/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67502337.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More to come as the sap starts boiling, the spores begin to colonize and our homestead continues to evolve with our passions and inspirations!</div><br /><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-33834266486577769632023-01-08T09:57:00.006-05:002023-01-08T10:05:47.825-05:00Birch Polypore <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDJj33rXd5pnU3Pyr6wi7IbjnHHHsBpB72OaVWeVTXWiYRKMdxihzV9WGOe4r-t4o_sx1nT3cMpzi16EkzVZrDwrdMimxZtpGkonrKiTDHLSa9wTHwlWYVihQz15Ago-1yB6nxKIg_eh_Mr-Bw-Qrx0DqyjWHteNElrBqZx8hK6STan1eqaI5E1wIXg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67205377.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDJj33rXd5pnU3Pyr6wi7IbjnHHHsBpB72OaVWeVTXWiYRKMdxihzV9WGOe4r-t4o_sx1nT3cMpzi16EkzVZrDwrdMimxZtpGkonrKiTDHLSa9wTHwlWYVihQz15Ago-1yB6nxKIg_eh_Mr-Bw-Qrx0DqyjWHteNElrBqZx8hK6STan1eqaI5E1wIXg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67205377.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With cold and flu season in full swing I spent some of my holiday break foraging for immune support around the homestead and one of my favorite go to mushrooms for this has become the Piptoporus betulinus aka Birch Polypore... though some updated science will direct you to its new taxonomy of Fomitopsis betilina. This mushroom was made famous by the Ice Man discovered frozen in the Alps in the 90's and his presence dated back 5,400 years ago. In his possession was this mushroom that was also found in his digestive tract. The benefits of this mushroom are that its properties are anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral as well as having immune-boosting properties. </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/AVvXsEhB7Xpw_tRxWVnxUwV5NinfAK0L4zvKsTodvwRMebkVYT68CGdMuYvPApO_XjRdR_YPvm83f2K6soG5xjP5eKhyKDfoTjzYdwa7oOjpNlE71_-qdwPtrfHz944K2XrH8EmCb5LHWqw_TA4VRMRRJNsLthG2j25QhTsHqu33Ahgu5_HLC3sQrVXoDsLlPw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67219969.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7Xpw_tRxWVnxUwV5NinfAK0L4zvKsTodvwRMebkVYT68CGdMuYvPApO_XjRdR_YPvm83f2K6soG5xjP5eKhyKDfoTjzYdwa7oOjpNlE71_-qdwPtrfHz944K2XrH8EmCb5LHWqw_TA4VRMRRJNsLthG2j25QhTsHqu33Ahgu5_HLC3sQrVXoDsLlPw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67219969.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found it most accessible by slicing it into quarter inch slices and simmering it for 2-3 hours. The potency seems to withstand a couple batches and I usually spruce its bitterness with fresh squeezed lemon juice and a dribble of homestead maple syrup and a dash of dried ginger powder.</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/AVvXsEjmMlpYM5LoFJedO9gRT9Yh_jqfJN39I7yNqb9lhCQJ9is0YhmXFc86oWuYSqcnkxAbcKCX1vlxYidfyZlCLYJokslZ9v2k7VmxJFiKhl9BCjDlRjGyKgCWEPuHJjhx29Lz9U-ADKnI4KJfj3YL-A2HroVIPNWOXGkX7pndvzpM--4uVEeEk8-LYkmCgg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67146241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMlpYM5LoFJedO9gRT9Yh_jqfJN39I7yNqb9lhCQJ9is0YhmXFc86oWuYSqcnkxAbcKCX1vlxYidfyZlCLYJokslZ9v2k7VmxJFiKhl9BCjDlRjGyKgCWEPuHJjhx29Lz9U-ADKnI4KJfj3YL-A2HroVIPNWOXGkX7pndvzpM--4uVEeEk8-LYkmCgg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67146241.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Simmering is better than a full boil and I usually strain it gently and label it so I know what and when I made it.</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/AVvXsEgNoEDlv30tl3Vu3Aht1aLySmcuTwM4_RgMWZCpl4O7iEHfeFQmLAHIi6TQbOur0esQ7lADRu535UGKG0O3QiCJmK95utNotNJJyYImoOiXmAOgrGjsC0FMNY5XaO8CYmHrYhEMsFySgBibxYJwvc9qg8EqIxkD4kbPjc7NxU1L75h5lG5qq1q7Nq5tWw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67126785.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNoEDlv30tl3Vu3Aht1aLySmcuTwM4_RgMWZCpl4O7iEHfeFQmLAHIi6TQbOur0esQ7lADRu535UGKG0O3QiCJmK95utNotNJJyYImoOiXmAOgrGjsC0FMNY5XaO8CYmHrYhEMsFySgBibxYJwvc9qg8EqIxkD4kbPjc7NxU1L75h5lG5qq1q7Nq5tWw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67126785.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0Y52P-sRof7o9GCXD1mZMqQcfX5RbhpgxrENv4G7pdY6u5Ein_euipWyNnx5l8csHxuzVEENmcKU8NP7ePi3ARx99PSAlcRwBKYViMCfHSHFto1xA2OZEHTv4yJ2isznVYEwfRIZ5irQb8RdaXrOB_TCarS4H1EpMLJ8cFoUNC0KZQ3BADsPL7yRMg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67144705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0Y52P-sRof7o9GCXD1mZMqQcfX5RbhpgxrENv4G7pdY6u5Ein_euipWyNnx5l8csHxuzVEENmcKU8NP7ePi3ARx99PSAlcRwBKYViMCfHSHFto1xA2OZEHTv4yJ2isznVYEwfRIZ5irQb8RdaXrOB_TCarS4H1EpMLJ8cFoUNC0KZQ3BADsPL7yRMg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67144705.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is a very easy mushroom to forage as it doesn't have many if any "looks-a-likes" and it seems the birch logs I used for our garden beds are a great source for finding them but any forest with a decent stand of birch trees should reap some opportunity to find some. The most likely spot to uncover it is on fallen birches or almost dead standing birches.</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/AVvXsEgdCoN3XpwhU99EzygKT942VimNAanXTscuAMrwPCnEMpPManoQRQImHKdTSJspVbXoISe54iDyE6UF68yKldsdstsY8JUr5ElSCPYFayzfElpBfpVenxp6b8Oymi7J9vbSUWi7u8ydvvhKRVrn3-AX4zHcIgPdCnNDRx88d6MAUfA1tNX7FUb0cEqnHA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67207169.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCoN3XpwhU99EzygKT942VimNAanXTscuAMrwPCnEMpPManoQRQImHKdTSJspVbXoISe54iDyE6UF68yKldsdstsY8JUr5ElSCPYFayzfElpBfpVenxp6b8Oymi7J9vbSUWi7u8ydvvhKRVrn3-AX4zHcIgPdCnNDRx88d6MAUfA1tNX7FUb0cEqnHA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67207169.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stay healthy and don't let a little frost and snow keep you from spending some time outside!</div><br /><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-67888803453702802252023-01-04T06:34:00.003-05:002023-03-29T05:22:01.428-04:00Winter Thoughts.<p></p><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/AVvXsEiKlEgL53A6DTyw5wtHnrQRfp_7W9RmU_5-dbyS3eW096-N55eJy72Rj5dUlXfJraNUazz9jHBkVaxF6vU_QswV0HoX-byrpVG63LkkeNHryUeHXSAXmdKRyLUfKVDHfJIQTH3jiz22kBBa9f3HoQsB9joFs5vjoLBk0WYQmNKAYGFK80heP6-rrQ2LDg/s1280/thumbnail_image_50411777.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="838" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKlEgL53A6DTyw5wtHnrQRfp_7W9RmU_5-dbyS3eW096-N55eJy72Rj5dUlXfJraNUazz9jHBkVaxF6vU_QswV0HoX-byrpVG63LkkeNHryUeHXSAXmdKRyLUfKVDHfJIQTH3jiz22kBBa9f3HoQsB9joFs5vjoLBk0WYQmNKAYGFK80heP6-rrQ2LDg/w420-h640/thumbnail_image_50411777.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As we move into 2023 and leave the holiday season behind, we take a moment to reflect on this past year and project light, focus and hope into the next. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2022 was a year of hills and valleys. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Struggles and triumphs. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pCJMHJ28fDgXQgbLVebESsgUmxThm3OKSChiRJ6OEFIPfDm_FWcKQHrEOLiza9r3-RcFjYy3QFkLCqtnX9bD9k8p7k2ByMhZZtj1SGoAZ7yrbZhAHqVccwBpB-VUu1_9fDNHE9K9X1IcjxwID1Q-EHX3HUl_k8G4dEH3bEb4v1q0mXPr-4SHKuUAVg/s1280/thumbnail_image_50432513.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pCJMHJ28fDgXQgbLVebESsgUmxThm3OKSChiRJ6OEFIPfDm_FWcKQHrEOLiza9r3-RcFjYy3QFkLCqtnX9bD9k8p7k2ByMhZZtj1SGoAZ7yrbZhAHqVccwBpB-VUu1_9fDNHE9K9X1IcjxwID1Q-EHX3HUl_k8G4dEH3bEb4v1q0mXPr-4SHKuUAVg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50432513.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy lil holiday tree courtesy of <a href="https://www.celebrationtreewellnesscenter.com/" target="_blank">Celebration Tree Farm</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/AVvXsEgdinaKHacbyw9q70-pF3B52kGn5m_6K8EGcDqxiyN-NZVOr9qC-DMoNSgRR7p4koPFUI7Is38aJxDYeknzXsndYBbkcTSfRpE81w334dllEFRRt75VMpohDa1lutA-pJOVvuZOPacbF_gMKtlukKVMjRKwfaTbWF1CM-eh6IYWl9zDhQE1CjUba7ciIg/s1280/thumbnail_image_50394369.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdinaKHacbyw9q70-pF3B52kGn5m_6K8EGcDqxiyN-NZVOr9qC-DMoNSgRR7p4koPFUI7Is38aJxDYeknzXsndYBbkcTSfRpE81w334dllEFRRt75VMpohDa1lutA-pJOVvuZOPacbF_gMKtlukKVMjRKwfaTbWF1CM-eh6IYWl9zDhQE1CjUba7ciIg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50394369.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0qj5V6prOHsWvJN-azYEYoiE1lSAtqM0mlFiydp5ytgSsR7cXAfnxKY6pF1N-Uzygf0Y5O9w2lWBjFOZyYP406N40d68IqpmdRu-WzYY69XoaEo1ZSfT2AvYlfBt0YxLMSzVORCK7fZ2rplPpXvgXeJoyVnwlofRETzcYW9hVO_e8IlygCrcH3YRBA/s1280/thumbnail_image_67189249.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0qj5V6prOHsWvJN-azYEYoiE1lSAtqM0mlFiydp5ytgSsR7cXAfnxKY6pF1N-Uzygf0Y5O9w2lWBjFOZyYP406N40d68IqpmdRu-WzYY69XoaEo1ZSfT2AvYlfBt0YxLMSzVORCK7fZ2rplPpXvgXeJoyVnwlofRETzcYW9hVO_e8IlygCrcH3YRBA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67189249.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pulling down our seasonal trimmings to store away till next year and embracing the dark cold days of winter, our minds are spinning with projects and plans for the new year. Seeds are being acquired & organized, beds are being laid to rest with straw and this unpredictable rollercoaster of temperature swings that has become more consistent rolls along bringing with it rain, ice and snow across the landscape, confusing us, challenging us and telling us, we are not in charge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvpxZ67-w0EO_Qr09GKodplINqQCBxN83ykqtVi39-I8-VYx18gcBzrtCLEPX6ex9467cCZE9b6Uz_Ogloat64MqK-Gu5eIov_5kypqELFHkrbgbfSRUs6dn0WYCs-sBTwM9S2cnHl2A5_Pm_yaM5kMAtbrO2Zf58SP19ilFvfdO-fD6Rwar0Grx-Wg/s1280/thumbnail_image_67523841.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvpxZ67-w0EO_Qr09GKodplINqQCBxN83ykqtVi39-I8-VYx18gcBzrtCLEPX6ex9467cCZE9b6Uz_Ogloat64MqK-Gu5eIov_5kypqELFHkrbgbfSRUs6dn0WYCs-sBTwM9S2cnHl2A5_Pm_yaM5kMAtbrO2Zf58SP19ilFvfdO-fD6Rwar0Grx-Wg/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67523841.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In my pursuit of wreath making supplies I happened upon a bin full of discount bulbs at our local greenhouse. At $1 a bag and knowing we had a random stretch of 50 degree afternoons arriving with some rain that week, we took advantage of the opportunity and tucked over 400 bulbs in for a long winters rest in hopes that spring will bring forth much color and beauty when its needed most!</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/AVvXsEh_s-lzDH01dS8FFsPstgDO9D1qeYKaZQRi8BR-sZ8lDjWycHH2GWX7ViIJ0kPakcxMcPMSk4TZctY6_v3VhHaCcsiRhItWFWh3CvNjL2Hkk2eBRtquXSasi6pdO0TVA4fRBNMPm2GXKpNi4ynuZGcjGEkm4_YtHibYkGdjsMrAsDY_eoGVyWuJ86rnXw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67545345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_s-lzDH01dS8FFsPstgDO9D1qeYKaZQRi8BR-sZ8lDjWycHH2GWX7ViIJ0kPakcxMcPMSk4TZctY6_v3VhHaCcsiRhItWFWh3CvNjL2Hkk2eBRtquXSasi6pdO0TVA4fRBNMPm2GXKpNi4ynuZGcjGEkm4_YtHibYkGdjsMrAsDY_eoGVyWuJ86rnXw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67545345.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along with the crocus', daffys' and tulips bulbs we also managed to fill a bed with a few of our favorite garlic varieties before dressing them with the remaining few wheelbarrow loads of last years compost and finally laid a blanket of straw bedding.</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/AVvXsEg-sdhCIP_hdk6TqX2M5Ku3VufswHgujJFQ-0x0aFYDhgk0qyhlKp5uATg148bGdoYz8-FQ9KnY7myPDJBwewmvIadXieL6JM5yKi94qsJDYEg_amOxTfRRRfWCvHuewfMOfLn3H7g-w8txuSg5FXUZDQfx24RAjxrWYCDy6LvWYuY5uNU21lHDYBn0Mw/s1280/thumbnail_image_67524353.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sdhCIP_hdk6TqX2M5Ku3VufswHgujJFQ-0x0aFYDhgk0qyhlKp5uATg148bGdoYz8-FQ9KnY7myPDJBwewmvIadXieL6JM5yKi94qsJDYEg_amOxTfRRRfWCvHuewfMOfLn3H7g-w8txuSg5FXUZDQfx24RAjxrWYCDy6LvWYuY5uNU21lHDYBn0Mw/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_67524353.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEjYe6vZsGs4TYaighvhIrM1qrzqulCDCz20VCVs59285wMNSeV1eHTGk63wlseSvwDmqNTc-Aq1OIgw_TbvtLsYuAAFAXuXL7XSxiwDXIgmTS36FOJ7lSpIn4JTj2vX-exhmK8ySyl3t5__ZDdq7Jr26_68DM5qHnqu9Tao8gRPN3LJVMxTqGBS3R8KGA/s1280/thumbnail_image_50455041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYe6vZsGs4TYaighvhIrM1qrzqulCDCz20VCVs59285wMNSeV1eHTGk63wlseSvwDmqNTc-Aq1OIgw_TbvtLsYuAAFAXuXL7XSxiwDXIgmTS36FOJ7lSpIn4JTj2vX-exhmK8ySyl3t5__ZDdq7Jr26_68DM5qHnqu9Tao8gRPN3LJVMxTqGBS3R8KGA/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_50455041.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> My intentions for the winter are to concentrate on finishing up a few painting commissions, creating more art, setting up a proper mushroom lab, continuing to strengthen our knowledge of the land we inhabit and the flora and fauna we share it with and enjoying some downtime with my family.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope the season finds you full of light and hope.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-47468930180018317752022-03-30T20:15:00.001-04:002022-03-30T20:16:08.682-04:00Spring Mourning and Compost Reflection.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As we continue our march towards Springs renewal of life we must also mourn the passing of two of my favorite creators that I admire for their dedication to their arts as well as the fruits of their labor.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3vmtyhOHFeLY1a9zh1inNl68WKCbLJTyWDkl4aqmv-qFt8rOV1IR_OdXm0cKY1M1-R-OqxBeQkaNYTw5G0-r9j9WoKKSFM0c7xs1m3jDIPCiyUA_kYtlX1GAtiALcrLMZeMliLOXxCs2G-wLbXxcZSDTT-PLRT0xOWauGzpMHtLw76jsRSls-06BXQ/s4032/4C805A19-F348-4281-8B76-16E25352848D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3vmtyhOHFeLY1a9zh1inNl68WKCbLJTyWDkl4aqmv-qFt8rOV1IR_OdXm0cKY1M1-R-OqxBeQkaNYTw5G0-r9j9WoKKSFM0c7xs1m3jDIPCiyUA_kYtlX1GAtiALcrLMZeMliLOXxCs2G-wLbXxcZSDTT-PLRT0xOWauGzpMHtLw76jsRSls-06BXQ/w480-h640/4C805A19-F348-4281-8B76-16E25352848D.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Snow Mandala from a winter hike with Hazel)</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRL5j9WMe8-3hBgDa2sxjnSv40WTrIoZhvLH7Dq1pb-y2hfEVp78HAxOYdiJXqCz-_0iEmmKWpThr1vquen7-NekirkLNPnfHw6hNwPInvj7mH0ilo0BwJD2w5j3RW2lzZ7ookGhziPinmPq1bLKOc-WgWRDTmaDWhCRuWxR9hoxMvK8xrZ1DHQpn9A/s500/artworks-000120311169-7pxqlh-t500x500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRL5j9WMe8-3hBgDa2sxjnSv40WTrIoZhvLH7Dq1pb-y2hfEVp78HAxOYdiJXqCz-_0iEmmKWpThr1vquen7-NekirkLNPnfHw6hNwPInvj7mH0ilo0BwJD2w5j3RW2lzZ7ookGhziPinmPq1bLKOc-WgWRDTmaDWhCRuWxR9hoxMvK8xrZ1DHQpn9A/w400-h400/artworks-000120311169-7pxqlh-t500x500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><b>Hisao Oma "Isao" Suzuki</b> </span><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122; text-align: left;">鈴木 勲 </span><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;">(January 2,1933 - March 8, 2022)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Japanese Jazz Bassist</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzwrbwSAjDoqeLZ7CtBY4nm3tTdKQqWAmBy0rwXfKNnQpRRX_I37KlZb3b_Iyonvv9K_TqivJWqcp3PDZumSJ0SXY03nvxYerZt5cdQEiHz1xkcNMREKmsWkVrm_00FnJtddtnVboU4rUF77veHv9imKb7LqJog7Aelnb0YIg2AznzVUM4_ARZyyHbg/s800/a.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="790" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzwrbwSAjDoqeLZ7CtBY4nm3tTdKQqWAmBy0rwXfKNnQpRRX_I37KlZb3b_Iyonvv9K_TqivJWqcp3PDZumSJ0SXY03nvxYerZt5cdQEiHz1xkcNMREKmsWkVrm_00FnJtddtnVboU4rUF77veHv9imKb7LqJog7Aelnb0YIg2AznzVUM4_ARZyyHbg/w395-h400/a.png" width="395" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="background-color: transparent;">Armand Debelder</b><span style="background-color: transparent;"> (October 26, 1951 - March 6, 2022)</span></span></span></div></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122; font-size: medium;">Grandpa Geuze of <a href="https://www.3fonteinen.be/en/" target="_blank">Drie Fonteinen</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I first heard Isao Suzuki in my everlasting exploration of jazz. Even in my early days of high school I can remember being drawn to the concept of jazz music and can still recall listening to Kind of Blue by Miles Davis on a cassette tape that I borrowed from the local library. Since that early foundation was laid I have been making my way through the history of the art form via live performances, documentaries, books and yes of course vinyl. Jazz comprises a good portion of my vinyl library and I find it a great way to experience the history of our civilized world and the environments in which they came from. In this never ending search, I acquired a Mal Waldron album called Left Alone Live 1. I had a little knowledge of Waldrons work but hadn't ever acquired an album of his and the price was right so I added to my library. Upon listening to it I was drawn in by a unique and fuzzy bass tone that perked my senses and had me grabbing the jacket to inspect the line up. Curiously, I realized that this performance had taken place in Japan and had Mal utilizing a trio consisting of Japanese musicians with the bass maestro listed as Isao Suzuki shining at me from the liner notes. It was at that moment that I became aware and intrigued to hear more work by Isao Suzuki and in turn dive deeply into the world of Japanese Jazz, or as the folks in the know call it... J-Jazz!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5S8coi_NKqw8WMvq8snTn3wzGIQmpv7--55WRPkxv0Lod-HmyIYJpL8nW9qUhmJrHDruBVXpT4uYIvshgNxr1ANmTBv8a-forSJHSFQ6jTOzDqW7KRADCymZ4DW4qjDKZw8VloSZNE1K-196ne2tScER9mHGh-e2ffyWnQ40KNdjnXmEJ0D2iDukBw/s4032/62030C80-557C-4EE6-BF3C-165377F8086C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5S8coi_NKqw8WMvq8snTn3wzGIQmpv7--55WRPkxv0Lod-HmyIYJpL8nW9qUhmJrHDruBVXpT4uYIvshgNxr1ANmTBv8a-forSJHSFQ6jTOzDqW7KRADCymZ4DW4qjDKZw8VloSZNE1K-196ne2tScER9mHGh-e2ffyWnQ40KNdjnXmEJ0D2iDukBw/w640-h480/62030C80-557C-4EE6-BF3C-165377F8086C.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In this quest I have slowly acquired a good arsenal of Suzukis' work through various means of listening and googling. I have found lots of his work accessible through youtube and would highly suggest these solo albums if you are interested in listening to his magic:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BLOW UP!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">AKO'S DREAM</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">CADILLAC WOMAN</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ORANG-UTAN</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BLACK ORPHEUS</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(all currently available to listen to on youtube with a quick search)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I knew he was up there in years but I also knew he was still actively playing music and had this secret desire to see him live one day... sadly that dream will not manifest itself in this realm of reality but every time I listen to his enchanting and hypnotic low end I am forever grateful that his catalog of music will remain for generations to come.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a few snippets from my pensive listening session while absorbing his transition into the next world...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='403' height='335' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzPzK-mCyJb-2Zv_GZXiJ1COBs8SiOdWwROjrmYYgY2VcE4h-klkx329coj1NgsgrzkRVNGzvUPcsLJSP7rAw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='405' height='337' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxraGdvFpFrv-VXcEuPD6Fx_V2aynuEyE9FFBY4yCLHXAoTIOAx2ouC-PiYEhyBPuvUgUxUw2EwqKLp8DpCGg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To accompany my intensive listening session in the Rootcellar Studio, I had to pay homage to Armand by cracking open a dusty bottle of his Drie Fonteinen Oude Gueze. I will spare you the long history of lambic and the magic of spontaneous fermented beer and urge you to put down your hazy IPAs and experience a true work of fermentation magic that is present in all Armands creations. I will share that the couple times I briefly met Armand and was able to experience his passionate yet sublime thoughtfulness, it all made sense why his creations taste so beautiful and well balanced. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are lots of creative people in this world but only a handful I have come across that harmonize their life experience and passions together to form products that epitomize their actions and philosophies behind their creations. I believe both Armand and Isao are beautiful representations of this and I know their spirits will live on to inspire generations to come. I give thanks for the universe guiding me into their light and hope sharing a glimpse of my inspiration with each of these indivisual may inspire you to dig deeper into their work and anyone artistic endeavor that speaks to you on a personal level.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tzv-GsToGI3jeVBkiiD0_HvIClGlEPYt7yA1-M4hnzANZoCB5JCbFNO_rQhjt9_KJKHmToEj7kAjczcFOnB33jwOOJziG6hsYjHCc2njRM2TPOmKOXth4AsDsgbOUZKP2RJNAPyxm6XSkylz5U5vZzmtAoWhTZ8scur-gyTjY8KUbQoArTHXruFskw/s4032/BA36E5D1-264E-4C7A-AC87-64D94D66FA26.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tzv-GsToGI3jeVBkiiD0_HvIClGlEPYt7yA1-M4hnzANZoCB5JCbFNO_rQhjt9_KJKHmToEj7kAjczcFOnB33jwOOJziG6hsYjHCc2njRM2TPOmKOXth4AsDsgbOUZKP2RJNAPyxm6XSkylz5U5vZzmtAoWhTZ8scur-gyTjY8KUbQoArTHXruFskw/w480-h640/BA36E5D1-264E-4C7A-AC87-64D94D66FA26.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNPiN1o0nORKAUrNH0znKTIwe9S7Nv0vCFvw2xgBXrYN70Ka1LLgNehXvOItHz6VQl6f3w9zywP57BWOfYXigHQ1lGSy-T748V_aX-086387UWVwoQprwAiXgWtSwGG0C9SdxBR3uiQP2JnTilw32R299dYS69khY2JWg5UcFx_HcNhhstEQj0-ZZKQ/s4032/CC6FFE85-16C6-433B-8E37-2BE178CF4158.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNPiN1o0nORKAUrNH0znKTIwe9S7Nv0vCFvw2xgBXrYN70Ka1LLgNehXvOItHz6VQl6f3w9zywP57BWOfYXigHQ1lGSy-T748V_aX-086387UWVwoQprwAiXgWtSwGG0C9SdxBR3uiQP2JnTilw32R299dYS69khY2JWg5UcFx_HcNhhstEQj0-ZZKQ/w480-h640/CC6FFE85-16C6-433B-8E37-2BE178CF4158.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Aged Gracefully in the Rootcellar for 10 years)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJriS0CeI8oYX8ahogJjbafvaJGHo3DGfQ0zstxZR9lF2wKG5OsOt56IUSNtENFJcuYemiOqGuBICOhQrGFYR5YR_yTfZtS3bbtCsQTk61j-8E0VmrbbbJ5F6axq4oXYaecJrMEuCYXhtf24835uwYa0tSFvBcnk3gvFvBJtsIy9zDoz5qDeh5QGlPw/s1920/DC0F04D1-5769-4BBC-9C38-60B8BED93CE9.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJriS0CeI8oYX8ahogJjbafvaJGHo3DGfQ0zstxZR9lF2wKG5OsOt56IUSNtENFJcuYemiOqGuBICOhQrGFYR5YR_yTfZtS3bbtCsQTk61j-8E0VmrbbbJ5F6axq4oXYaecJrMEuCYXhtf24835uwYa0tSFvBcnk3gvFvBJtsIy9zDoz5qDeh5QGlPw/w296-h640/DC0F04D1-5769-4BBC-9C38-60B8BED93CE9.jpeg" width="296" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqOs8m0JtcwqoRa9cT6muEbshQSTl7nn4gregJ1vVBbWslajzYtu-VMl8lTyDFhvqb5XYMZDofKTA9uqw5NKb8Y7Uz_oITyrd55rOdjzEDK6rQjFiB0obLhMTKxq2e93P8TYz1eh8Pkrkos2pKLOkL7QvIEdamsPgXnhxXIaCT4S_jw89vQ2_e6U7_Q/s1920/89111BB0-D72F-49E1-BB5D-07812CFCCF31.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpqOs8m0JtcwqoRa9cT6muEbshQSTl7nn4gregJ1vVBbWslajzYtu-VMl8lTyDFhvqb5XYMZDofKTA9uqw5NKb8Y7Uz_oITyrd55rOdjzEDK6rQjFiB0obLhMTKxq2e93P8TYz1eh8Pkrkos2pKLOkL7QvIEdamsPgXnhxXIaCT4S_jw89vQ2_e6U7_Q/w296-h640/89111BB0-D72F-49E1-BB5D-07812CFCCF31.jpeg" width="296" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few shots from the rootcellar during a magical night of sights, sounds and flavors while I channeled my creative energy into a tribute painting of Isao Suzuki.</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/AVvXsEjlA7H2OKF0qjniv0rkF-yPOAz61QwaJYWAmBjJz0yXqcI2Pxy3mfLA1FYXGrYEwZHgxb_oYU7DFL37VD4qDKUPBN7FRYlmMM1R9iPolqpMr2NdSuLAxEkZWKacTmDkTYpg6ZEHvwAyZ36xzJ1vWHFyM2vVxdOgoi0QOIubovBKPWqRgw54x9npJKdoNg/s4032/3FC0C49F-88CE-4937-BC87-801335A81221.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlA7H2OKF0qjniv0rkF-yPOAz61QwaJYWAmBjJz0yXqcI2Pxy3mfLA1FYXGrYEwZHgxb_oYU7DFL37VD4qDKUPBN7FRYlmMM1R9iPolqpMr2NdSuLAxEkZWKacTmDkTYpg6ZEHvwAyZ36xzJ1vWHFyM2vVxdOgoi0QOIubovBKPWqRgw54x9npJKdoNg/w480-h640/3FC0C49F-88CE-4937-BC87-801335A81221.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrw9pTu3ZsUQRY-nHfcHkESs5u3P5_gPZMZH9Onvkg9_gzY6yoalfXOSlus52213kox2MGfly7DMLRgKbEuRBvBh-HjsvKX3Tlf8VAIdJyiYj_4NAM7VuWBQPUvEK_DfAKEB_z3HiheeYw0WmvLjorYFU4CECu1hzb1Xef-4Ob_YdtCSOquo-hoHeBNg/s3459/D7099A5D-73E6-4651-99FD-686B73228435.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3459" data-original-width="2451" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrw9pTu3ZsUQRY-nHfcHkESs5u3P5_gPZMZH9Onvkg9_gzY6yoalfXOSlus52213kox2MGfly7DMLRgKbEuRBvBh-HjsvKX3Tlf8VAIdJyiYj_4NAM7VuWBQPUvEK_DfAKEB_z3HiheeYw0WmvLjorYFU4CECu1hzb1Xef-4Ob_YdtCSOquo-hoHeBNg/w454-h640/D7099A5D-73E6-4651-99FD-686B73228435.jpeg" width="454" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='404' height='336' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzw62WV_qPZMDQWMdIlCciamhLwL7E5YS73phFCIlV86nf1iEDCAkVIgqzCiKvSWsfcnDbJMvb-hcC70w7RXQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm going to close out this post with a poem by Walt Whitman entitled:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><u>THE COMPOST</u></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Something startles me where I thought I was safest,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I withdraw from the still woods I loved,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I will not go now on the pastures to walk,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I will not strip the clothes from my body to meet my lover the sea,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I will not touch my flesh to the earth as to other flesh to renew me.</div></span></i><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><i><br /></i></span></div><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">O how can it be that the ground itself does not sicken?</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">How can you be alive you growths of spring?</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">How can you furnish health you blood of herbs, roots, orchards, grain?</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Are they not continually putting distemper'd corpses within you?</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Is not every continent work'd over and over with sour dead?</div></span></i><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><i><br /></i></span></div><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Where have you disposed of their carcasses?</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Those drunkards and gluttons of so many generations?</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Where have you drawn off all the foul liquid and meat?</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I do not see any of it upon you to-day, or perhaps I am deceiv'd,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I will run a furrow with my plough, I will press my spade through the sod and turn it up underneath,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">I am sure I shall expose some of the foul meat.</div></span></i><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><i><br /></i></span></div><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Behold this compost! behold it well!</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Perhaps every mite has once form'd part of a sick person—yet behold!</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">The grass of spring covers the prairies,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">The bean bursts noiselessly through the mould in the garden,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">The delicate spear of the onion pierces upward,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">The apple-buds cluster together on the apple-branches,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">The resurrection of the wheat appears with pale visage out of its graves,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">The tinge awakes over the willow-tree and the mulberry-tree,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">The he-birds carol mornings and evenings while the she-birds sit on their nests,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">The young of poultry break through the hatch'd eggs,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">The new-born of animals appear, the calf is dropt from the cow, the colt from the mare,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Out of its little hill faithfully rise the potato's dark green leaves,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Out of its hill rises the yellow maize-stalk, the lilacs bloom in the dooryards,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">The summer growth is innocent and disdainful above all those strata of sour dead.</div></span></i><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><i><br /></i></span></div><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">What chemistry!</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">That the winds are really not infectious,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">That this is no cheat, this transparent green-wash of the sea which is so amorous after me,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">That it is safe to allow it to lick my naked body all over with its tongues,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">That it will not endanger me with the fevers that have deposited themselves in it,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">That all is clean forever and forever,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">That the cool drink from the well tastes so good,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">That blackberries are so flavorous and juicy,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">That the fruits of the apple-orchard and the orange-orchard, that melons, grapes, peaches, plums, will</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;"> none of them poison me,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">That when I recline on the grass I do not catch any disease,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Though probably every spear of grass rises out of what was once a catching disease.</div></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;" /></i><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><i>Now I am terrified at the Earth, it is that calm and patient,</i></span></div><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">It grows such sweet things out of such corruptions,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">It turns harmless and stainless on its axis, with such endless successions of diseas'd corpses,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">It distills such exquisite winds out of such infused fetor,</div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">It renews with such unwitting looks its prodigal, annual, sumptuous crops,</div></span></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: left;"><i>It gives such divine materials to men, and accepts such leavings from them at last.</i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: left;"><i> </i> </span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: "Poets Electra", Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34fyxVLXFDqMjsnSVr4547gvZ6IQ8xuCp8Yl23vbEfoHcCgAIXZh9hLjpH1UgKAhgeHf2VNmxlGPZFNdGdWldcfLIlZigYrGKkcuQ1qDL77o37P1KndPjWC1vI9yq82_mlYArALMd7jBebMKmJ427x11Vee_o6ca8TDXWhX_0YvPSHDAD1QZL3PAmZA/s4032/D1D19C15-7536-4CB8-962F-8C617989559E.jpeg" style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; padding: 1em 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34fyxVLXFDqMjsnSVr4547gvZ6IQ8xuCp8Yl23vbEfoHcCgAIXZh9hLjpH1UgKAhgeHf2VNmxlGPZFNdGdWldcfLIlZigYrGKkcuQ1qDL77o37P1KndPjWC1vI9yq82_mlYArALMd7jBebMKmJ427x11Vee_o6ca8TDXWhX_0YvPSHDAD1QZL3PAmZA/w480-h640/D1D19C15-7536-4CB8-962F-8C617989559E.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Last years compost pile is this years fertile soil!</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdB_3N2-fTZVMlMOUa_TtK8D5UCpO9di7-lZy0gY4Img0_3NJE4GI9Qogaq_0BHTSj03bcI6FLJYDW5UZ88OtlZqgR4sM9rAhxtoNROyEwO_Xc_hBjkBVnztEMH1D0lDAWl865t7UjNCV7o2iHExnIexqhPH0CpRX7GHS1cbRx5T_XOAbFlL78qkV5yA/s4032/9A9DFD3E-D4F3-499D-AE96-D20B2F4F4038.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdB_3N2-fTZVMlMOUa_TtK8D5UCpO9di7-lZy0gY4Img0_3NJE4GI9Qogaq_0BHTSj03bcI6FLJYDW5UZ88OtlZqgR4sM9rAhxtoNROyEwO_Xc_hBjkBVnztEMH1D0lDAWl865t7UjNCV7o2iHExnIexqhPH0CpRX7GHS1cbRx5T_XOAbFlL78qkV5yA/s600/9A9DFD3E-D4F3-499D-AE96-D20B2F4F4038.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And with death comes life.... the first blossoms on the homestead of 2022!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-73547958049515390422022-03-21T09:18:00.002-04:002022-03-21T09:19:09.871-04:00Thawing Spring 2022<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGjUETdEPJhLfAa0ZmUNQqoyQMvUJSa80p3fqUWbZy8B9S_BNiof999tEn8zQrQO-Ekx-nmDtEHi3ZT3PdOEaPPHzFNdB4CYGdy4yQDhjuk4SPUXoA82jB-4bFyDQykbFaWECVPx8WFwlgXppWU2qu4FuTH1TVcCG7Fa5tE_Z7L3pqdL94E8BYbeIchQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGjUETdEPJhLfAa0ZmUNQqoyQMvUJSa80p3fqUWbZy8B9S_BNiof999tEn8zQrQO-Ekx-nmDtEHi3ZT3PdOEaPPHzFNdB4CYGdy4yQDhjuk4SPUXoA82jB-4bFyDQykbFaWECVPx8WFwlgXppWU2qu4FuTH1TVcCG7Fa5tE_Z7L3pqdL94E8BYbeIchQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> As the chilly mornings begin breaking with the rising morning sun, the frequency of chirping birds and scurrying wildlife increases as the frozen memories of winters chill slowly cracks and thaws into a snow soaked sponge of muck, mud and ice kissed puddles. The sauntered remains of last years growth shyly emerges from the frozen blankets of winter and are filled with tree shed tears of branches, stick and twigs. The setting of spring is one of recovery, rejuvenation, healing, hope and the yearning desire for the future while entirely embracing the subtle signs of natures persistence. The emergence of life, the thoughtful actions that help perpetuate that growth and the rewards of it all harmonizing in a beautiful dance of self sustaining abundance and beauty in all its forms. Smells, tastes, sights and sounds. Spring is emerging, the compost is fertile and the desire to put in the effort is strong. Can you hear the song?<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><iframe width="100%" height="120" src="https://www.mixcloud.com/widget/iframe/?hide_cover=1&feed=%2Flocalrootz%2Fworm-moon-session-from-the-rootcellar%2F" frameborder="0" ></iframe>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-8109177586241923112021-09-20T05:02:00.002-04:002021-10-03T08:46:28.358-04:00Fading Summer 2021<p style="text-align: center;"> As summer days start dwindling and cooler nights refresh the morning air we are rolling into our autumn preparation and contemplation. As we soaked up the final weeks of summer with some family field trips and daytime excursions, our garden projects filled in our gaps of time and the long days seem to go from trickling away to having the drain pulled into a vortex of here comes September! Thus here we are midway through September and and our life schedules and seasonal adjustments have begun. </p><p style="text-align: center;">One major highlight of our late summer excursions was a trip to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Cassi and I have always enjoyed visiting this place to explore the trails and exhibits but the addition of the giant troll sculptures made it even more appealing now that we have Hazel to entertain in our journeys and they did not disappoint! We had a lovely day spent hiking through the various eco-landcapes, gaining inspiration for our homestead planning and just taking in some serenity that is always much needed in the daily chaos of the current times. Having Hazel as a co-navigator, continually asking where the next troll is and pointing out her favorite things made the whole experience a memorable one that I hope we can replicate next year. Im not sure the length of the trolls existence but we are hopeful that we can visit the weathered trolls next year as well! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_QgUgupPholsF1yWolB64ic3mv4a9VSpYEsdRgnM0VFTdL0ur9c_KLjj8AbLS9hSxwS2C7goT7vaXJ3grLSBhGleQ5rDjoaA6Rv7y2rSXUW5lTB4Un8oBHMzuiRi19-wT3jrUnTMKhyphenhyphen6/s1280/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_QgUgupPholsF1yWolB64ic3mv4a9VSpYEsdRgnM0VFTdL0ur9c_KLjj8AbLS9hSxwS2C7goT7vaXJ3grLSBhGleQ5rDjoaA6Rv7y2rSXUW5lTB4Un8oBHMzuiRi19-wT3jrUnTMKhyphenhyphen6/w480-h640/2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In all there were 5 trolls and they all are the size of a small houses so the scale is quite grand. They are dubbed "the Guardians of the Seeds" and were constructed byThomas Dambo of Denmark using recycled materials that mainly consisted of palate wood and some natural tree elements.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Learn more <a href="https://www.mainegardens.org/events-exhibits/giant-trolls/">HERE</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/AVvXsEhuPoAaRkRdTdseIzauDVY298kaLyxKszC8HpsybMiKKETJ09PpUK90ZgpYYJjvTVvijkMD7YQHyPlyH_zHxdpdnZTrFJM0-yBogcX2kDEj_utrdYmVPoRMyLuHQNv4WtmGaNH2l928JkAJ/s1280/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPoAaRkRdTdseIzauDVY298kaLyxKszC8HpsybMiKKETJ09PpUK90ZgpYYJjvTVvijkMD7YQHyPlyH_zHxdpdnZTrFJM0-yBogcX2kDEj_utrdYmVPoRMyLuHQNv4WtmGaNH2l928JkAJ/w480-h640/1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along with family trips around Maine we also spent much of our free time stocking our freezer and filling our bellies with seasonal fruits. We made a handful of berry picking excursions to Bradbury Berry Farm, Winslows Farm and now that September is rolling along we have started visiting some of our favorite local orchards for peach and apple picking and cider sampling!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv9zJB6MYSW0_UJTkglJ22l5FyB5jHa4AJGFQTLXl6S4Cf57-WpGxQ0qWtST7msFgl-yrTGa8-LgeCC5ApdME9TV1ahMrkLtggwYaMRPTSU79VRDF9DrzvIpk3lmcfTEtxXodxvDJARCv/s1280/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCv9zJB6MYSW0_UJTkglJ22l5FyB5jHa4AJGFQTLXl6S4Cf57-WpGxQ0qWtST7msFgl-yrTGa8-LgeCC5ApdME9TV1ahMrkLtggwYaMRPTSU79VRDF9DrzvIpk3lmcfTEtxXodxvDJARCv/w480-h640/3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the homestead our garden has been bursting with productivity and wildlife. We have had the pleasure of observing many species of frogs, snakes and all sorts of insects. A pair of finches and mourning doves are always perching on the trellising and I think they are a big factor in the lack of pest pressure we have had this season!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8YBwOy0xsFh_GHm6ausvDBbqy-HlyUkVI3vH8cTDRei7aR4kTKi9FDTC5eElpoB2y4uYq9CZ2DoyB4LEbioP_XrPhRsxYnD5pxamin_BA86VCZjsmmr1ksVDTd0azzRqmtJITvG7yVeE/s1280/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8YBwOy0xsFh_GHm6ausvDBbqy-HlyUkVI3vH8cTDRei7aR4kTKi9FDTC5eElpoB2y4uYq9CZ2DoyB4LEbioP_XrPhRsxYnD5pxamin_BA86VCZjsmmr1ksVDTd0azzRqmtJITvG7yVeE/w640-h480/5.jpg" width="640" /></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/AVvXsEhu4YGp6pJut-gQu-pdt2LUDzy27KXscPUyTh8YrWAMxUW54oc2qnjH3JIG2Gy7EH_KpdxTrEh68AuPJf4RZtwhX-cRONrJ1YVP3mxb4tmnfRwfhjDgZIiY8khWmRtFurmSMlr9i_4R305F/s1280/20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4YGp6pJut-gQu-pdt2LUDzy27KXscPUyTh8YrWAMxUW54oc2qnjH3JIG2Gy7EH_KpdxTrEh68AuPJf4RZtwhX-cRONrJ1YVP3mxb4tmnfRwfhjDgZIiY8khWmRtFurmSMlr9i_4R305F/w480-h640/20.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEiMSO9YpuiyOLDWrf8OdbPvo108qeYf2qNWcqx5WxJeDkrH_q2wAO9MSemPoPT8r7NGzJLiFcLZLAvP9-1ahvA85cWMT52qVp7WTFPnbf0B9CC1xbMC2IsJGqE01HK3MaV2U21kxUhfCLlq/s1280/21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMSO9YpuiyOLDWrf8OdbPvo108qeYf2qNWcqx5WxJeDkrH_q2wAO9MSemPoPT8r7NGzJLiFcLZLAvP9-1ahvA85cWMT52qVp7WTFPnbf0B9CC1xbMC2IsJGqE01HK3MaV2U21kxUhfCLlq/w640-h640/21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hazels flower garden has been providing lots of lure for our local pollinators and the waves of blossoms have kept her enthusiastic about getting out to the garden and creating flower potions and bouquets to share with the family.</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/AVvXsEg1Cz7J6nWxAHhLmjVUHAxw-VhLAmu_xJj8Sh38a8JMDTNjpqWQJFKmLbDBfMpiAyriDCdACw1S-xqHLtNr20DZCAk2cvaOKCGI4u5jZHDoVgUaBLnbvGyIrlD9UCciU3ZanLxVoJYGDvya/s1280/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Cz7J6nWxAHhLmjVUHAxw-VhLAmu_xJj8Sh38a8JMDTNjpqWQJFKmLbDBfMpiAyriDCdACw1S-xqHLtNr20DZCAk2cvaOKCGI4u5jZHDoVgUaBLnbvGyIrlD9UCciU3ZanLxVoJYGDvya/w480-h640/7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pickling season has slowed as the late summer and more time intensive crops have begun to take center stage. Eggplant has been flourishing for weeks and after many yummy eggplant bake dinners we have also pivoted to a new addition on our menu, baba ganoush. It is simple, easy, delicious and a quick way to turn 10-15lbs of eggplant into a couple containers of snacking goodness! Traditionally it is smoked for optimal flavor but I have found pan roasting to be the quickest method. Split it in half, roast it at 350* for 20-30 minutes, scoop into strainer and let cool and drip excess liquid for an hour then blend with tahini, lemon juice and salt to taste, and to impart that smokey flavor that roasting in the oven misses... sprinkle with a bit of smoked paprika! Serve with vegetables or pita chips and it makes a great alternative to hummus in sandwiches!</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/AVvXsEjMjIoN_rHFviUL_JVyPUujmu997yhbwiesn7MH7J_Qs3yJxXMuamxfG-TATjfm_wQyTKgjMZhFU8x6kjm_ly3bbnFCXoNzE732An55WcuAGpbrTupxyqYi0PlAjSm1QR-ela57CvpicdLS/s1280/thumbnail_image_123923953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjIoN_rHFviUL_JVyPUujmu997yhbwiesn7MH7J_Qs3yJxXMuamxfG-TATjfm_wQyTKgjMZhFU8x6kjm_ly3bbnFCXoNzE732An55WcuAGpbrTupxyqYi0PlAjSm1QR-ela57CvpicdLS/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_123923953.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><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/AVvXsEj2ZlCdiu-a2BEfiNI9yCcBi3r8IiuNJkoiATEryM5L_0cAQMOOBhMzHtX243XXOXqAsF1DA4Oz1Iz-RC3XH-7hJYi_aLa9yLRDDJLMXzrNxz_HCvFAxfZPLZQt39LKisU2RiZqTxL9l4pN/s1280/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZlCdiu-a2BEfiNI9yCcBi3r8IiuNJkoiATEryM5L_0cAQMOOBhMzHtX243XXOXqAsF1DA4Oz1Iz-RC3XH-7hJYi_aLa9yLRDDJLMXzrNxz_HCvFAxfZPLZQt39LKisU2RiZqTxL9l4pN/w640-h480/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><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/AVvXsEg9apb_zmSBQFmZiDDk_c3U8dJkPxIh1zsG7KUVOxSz7NPP1qgo5MvQVZ0JG5CHvsMjLVWzYSidF1dDzQjVT18KgJ9Oo2W7t-vTQAtt3Rz-FyFi-ymKaqfpQHonyqUnhZKT-sioyZ_5xHBW/s1280/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9apb_zmSBQFmZiDDk_c3U8dJkPxIh1zsG7KUVOxSz7NPP1qgo5MvQVZ0JG5CHvsMjLVWzYSidF1dDzQjVT18KgJ9Oo2W7t-vTQAtt3Rz-FyFi-ymKaqfpQHonyqUnhZKT-sioyZ_5xHBW/w480-h640/8.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along with a bumper eggplant crop our beans have been very prolific and I think they will be one of the crops we will grow for market next year... more on that in the winter months :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our potato nests started showing signs of exhaustion so Hazels persistence of asking when we can dig our potatoes was finally met with "TODAY!"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhju9GvXox_AEbAYAvEHO0GEXIeFQaBWUHHXApDarGITjixs8M2nlHJZsOkJwEwAMO7EZY6VCDm0ffx4rOmAFE6Z0AxejuQkhvd6Kk_edpsFmrSq2TgvQIXaJIEXqzUmah2hsiaY2njY6O_/s1280/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhju9GvXox_AEbAYAvEHO0GEXIeFQaBWUHHXApDarGITjixs8M2nlHJZsOkJwEwAMO7EZY6VCDm0ffx4rOmAFE6Z0AxejuQkhvd6Kk_edpsFmrSq2TgvQIXaJIEXqzUmah2hsiaY2njY6O_/w640-h480/9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you remember from the spring we constructed 4 potato nests using some old wire fencing I had rolled up behind the shed. We lined the bottom with a foot of mulched leaf compost from the forest floor then shoveled in about 6" of compost in the middle planting 4 different varieties. On top of the sprouting plants we hilled the nests with straw and all in all it was a great success considering the minimal cost of material and the mobility of the method. I trimmed all the wilted growth to make the harvest a little less daunting for Hazel and after removing the top foot of straw we were delighted to see some of the most perfect unblemished potatoes we have ever grown! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZ-85rgJVIRQD-ebZYIcGOu7kpmZMC3xd6JenT3zTGOzI7UchCTtEuLyOx00m0N-8M1Nl7F0pb4DWCu5BwD-wuHXzUyNF7SfiXNaedT-8JrSbyKhQ3HaLi3Q9CdIZBqJ1vt72noghGjFN/s1280/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZ-85rgJVIRQD-ebZYIcGOu7kpmZMC3xd6JenT3zTGOzI7UchCTtEuLyOx00m0N-8M1Nl7F0pb4DWCu5BwD-wuHXzUyNF7SfiXNaedT-8JrSbyKhQ3HaLi3Q9CdIZBqJ1vt72noghGjFN/w480-h640/10.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We yielded about 10-15# of each variety ending up with just over 40lbs of taters that have been a staple on our plates for the last few weeks and Hazel has a new found appreciation for the spuds! She is a very open minded eater but for some reason never really was a potato fan except for french fries but I've yet to find someone who isn't a fan of french fries. Anyhow, I think the whole experience of harvesting her food opens her mind to trying new things and gives her as much pleasure as her parents knowing it was our hard work and the help of mother nature that produced our meal.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrB2TodXywIOJc8D_g_CLUB_0pKG8SxFNLAwBOdD4eTtkAciLL05ejdlCWEA87_4-BDmsXbsliP81OzXiMVmfT9S2Ow5kDRwbU8s94okmc1GOX7pS1ihhWphZIkzlvGCni6MNVCjSZgOqn/s1280/11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrB2TodXywIOJc8D_g_CLUB_0pKG8SxFNLAwBOdD4eTtkAciLL05ejdlCWEA87_4-BDmsXbsliP81OzXiMVmfT9S2Ow5kDRwbU8s94okmc1GOX7pS1ihhWphZIkzlvGCni6MNVCjSZgOqn/w480-h640/11.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GnE-YvUddjzr0zFfKLpDINcw1lD7p-sWKxuq4l7igK2_KwaJuQDEAts-HeQE96D6B0R3daFIf9df9JRYsUkko49IiUlOTeGh0BZtkjOrQ64_jAloduoX1njsK9jHFNvekaQyRJX3N7kt/s1280/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GnE-YvUddjzr0zFfKLpDINcw1lD7p-sWKxuq4l7igK2_KwaJuQDEAts-HeQE96D6B0R3daFIf9df9JRYsUkko49IiUlOTeGh0BZtkjOrQ64_jAloduoX1njsK9jHFNvekaQyRJX3N7kt/w480-h640/12.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The other great success of this growing method for potatoes is all the straw and leaves made for great balancing of green material in our compost pile and after a quick rake the footprint of there existence was gone until next year when Im sure we will grow them again!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now on to TOMATOES!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everyone's favorite garden delight, I'm not sure if its the patience it takes to nurture, prune and trellis into existence or just the fact that a store bought tomato will always be inferior to a fresh vine ripened sun warmed orb of summer goodness, but tomato season has finally arrived in all its abundance!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuX5Yodj97Je2RcJOmftlyfcJua6mOVEWkhVo31PVBDl4RPDLTMJiLQ7RarKFz2xcP3NLJG0sDbfT8L0OyAuVZEDi1IMCslNOi2nXGmh2gbxCnNl1ZJuQXQBliejXCXtCrhDiCcdyUvzYO/s1280/14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuX5Yodj97Je2RcJOmftlyfcJua6mOVEWkhVo31PVBDl4RPDLTMJiLQ7RarKFz2xcP3NLJG0sDbfT8L0OyAuVZEDi1IMCslNOi2nXGmh2gbxCnNl1ZJuQXQBliejXCXtCrhDiCcdyUvzYO/w640-h480/14.jpg" width="640" /></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/AVvXsEgRdTn7RzMB5EobTh7Xly6n64jdvx9DHmFHP0sujI-5y3You_S2rmOaRoVCK6LzkD9FjPCYikrCdH960a_u5PdeWYoTxm8LwWU02DBROzGtHIU9QhnV9kKgIYGqkmJxAz6kJ8DDVlOfhh-F/s1280/22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdTn7RzMB5EobTh7Xly6n64jdvx9DHmFHP0sujI-5y3You_S2rmOaRoVCK6LzkD9FjPCYikrCdH960a_u5PdeWYoTxm8LwWU02DBROzGtHIU9QhnV9kKgIYGqkmJxAz6kJ8DDVlOfhh-F/w640-h480/22.jpg" width="640" /></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/AVvXsEhHC1Vca4Q3he4YBs_yVxMEA7Akj2wqjRArBMEGdFkOA-VzMUkDiEeJeXxAyxyWzYQU5vpGWld6E2fIAbYqXOZ8AurcvuB6ynlHNZ6GBOQkQsog-BuOdW9_oakXCJzh-aNLn_gBXIw8JLBW/s1280/27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHC1Vca4Q3he4YBs_yVxMEA7Akj2wqjRArBMEGdFkOA-VzMUkDiEeJeXxAyxyWzYQU5vpGWld6E2fIAbYqXOZ8AurcvuB6ynlHNZ6GBOQkQsog-BuOdW9_oakXCJzh-aNLn_gBXIw8JLBW/w640-h480/27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our windowsill has disappeared as the ripe orbs have piled up the first few weeks of September with varieties like Bosque Blue Bumblebee, Violet Jaspers, Cherokee Purple, Black Icicle, Pineapple, Brimmers, Pantanos and more... I'm guilty of giving up on a seed packet library and sometime just dump all like varieties of seeds into a glass babyfood jar and just let chance decide what I grow from year to year. That happened with a few types this year, I can usually decipher them based on what I know I've ordered for seeds and the look of the final fruit but in the beginning of the season they are all just tomatoes to me! </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/AVvXsEhDPSvh-1QdwNreYe4b6sipjwCZtAoUPKFlUj-E4ljO1USgOIoiVqSDD1IU-yvCtbZFQJUieEvGsKLh9XlwWNQ84-IQWxKjjd7hbe1JbXyJJqDQSQSu5lEkath4HdKSde6_8Njo94jDliOA/s1280/23.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPSvh-1QdwNreYe4b6sipjwCZtAoUPKFlUj-E4ljO1USgOIoiVqSDD1IU-yvCtbZFQJUieEvGsKLh9XlwWNQ84-IQWxKjjd7hbe1JbXyJJqDQSQSu5lEkath4HdKSde6_8Njo94jDliOA/w480-h640/23.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let Saucin' September begin... so far I've done sauce batches on the 1st/9th and the 15th bringing our total cellar haul to 18 quarts and we should easily hit 24 by the end of the month! </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/AVvXsEhO69LfRX7GHoF9_sbdbCfMU_W2k2D2KkIkkRHgiMtAYWWsWOPJ-lR0Wt9DkQ4fjmdTfOvmpgum8p1E_oKQytJqin3nFy0JMG_oOwBjyyRwmSuqdVBSx_tGn399BELUNURmuzJkYTN7Hkx1/s1280/24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO69LfRX7GHoF9_sbdbCfMU_W2k2D2KkIkkRHgiMtAYWWsWOPJ-lR0Wt9DkQ4fjmdTfOvmpgum8p1E_oKQytJqin3nFy0JMG_oOwBjyyRwmSuqdVBSx_tGn399BELUNURmuzJkYTN7Hkx1/w640-h480/24.jpg" width="640" /></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/AVvXsEgNFGcvl_fItcmkYUriozLq0FS7QGGAXeG1EQ_aFnNmvIakS-teoQ2agQNraKO-3Ssgju5TOvHqJ_xj52PfxqreGx9FPxUx4oE58Ee0IND5AQ365V0tUbqkNBMs73NNmcaIMR1psRuYOkVE/s1280/26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFGcvl_fItcmkYUriozLq0FS7QGGAXeG1EQ_aFnNmvIakS-teoQ2agQNraKO-3Ssgju5TOvHqJ_xj52PfxqreGx9FPxUx4oE58Ee0IND5AQ365V0tUbqkNBMs73NNmcaIMR1psRuYOkVE/w640-h480/26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of our favorite ways to cool down after a long morning canning tomatoes and harvesting veggies is to take a quick ride up to our favorite swimming hole Range Pond!</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/AVvXsEhaoNWPENsLP2HOZapKn_ThdImjQRPD7RzyxgcWTKfLfYYwvR_E3cBq4qyXmXaQoXU5dLVKWi-wU4sUBdzXW-Jioh5Dk5YAL3mbgjh0bu-QHrgYsqPrTkBbxXZpnDncq3rS9qV1rq8JF-9F/s1280/16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoNWPENsLP2HOZapKn_ThdImjQRPD7RzyxgcWTKfLfYYwvR_E3cBq4qyXmXaQoXU5dLVKWi-wU4sUBdzXW-Jioh5Dk5YAL3mbgjh0bu-QHrgYsqPrTkBbxXZpnDncq3rS9qV1rq8JF-9F/w640-h480/16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I always enjoy the less populated shady area that provides a nice privacy buffer so I can just relax let Hazel enjoy being a kid and dad can get a little painting done too!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhVtCVoSP_GIynl4atu-4FwuZrTtR8RnAgmJbM65G_MkuIGurmEI5EIKb-e_QWLYxZi2rwaRRAqLevbNhf2dPPzMk-PY9jJxeTzJiKZ8xIN9EBvcLdqP2y0_IKvzOzL2P1-hxVti-Ovvh/s1280/17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhVtCVoSP_GIynl4atu-4FwuZrTtR8RnAgmJbM65G_MkuIGurmEI5EIKb-e_QWLYxZi2rwaRRAqLevbNhf2dPPzMk-PY9jJxeTzJiKZ8xIN9EBvcLdqP2y0_IKvzOzL2P1-hxVti-Ovvh/w480-h640/17.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9fWKN7YuhrQBx1FYeDBRadlu-Ty9RrxPbbCssH3DV56JYftdk9pZOx179n4kjiT1rYEbi2XxcDBNqXz4reMHJjpSVZrE23o_WVFYI97B_Vneh-exblwPuwA47M5BkqxAGnqfTzywb9d8/s1280/18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9fWKN7YuhrQBx1FYeDBRadlu-Ty9RrxPbbCssH3DV56JYftdk9pZOx179n4kjiT1rYEbi2XxcDBNqXz4reMHJjpSVZrE23o_WVFYI97B_Vneh-exblwPuwA47M5BkqxAGnqfTzywb9d8/w640-h412/18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Range Pond Study - September 9th</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7BoqMQLrHYO6WuiWMLgMH9R-B1XfRWA2AfHXh7R5MlO9ETBXysFwuxV6IqWVXQEze1DdbIit-JrjOyMJA5Lq3-FSFQiG5YebT8NFLNNIYHs7VSCzvC5hTemTstXM4LLTAGQmKjiDgujd/s1280/19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7BoqMQLrHYO6WuiWMLgMH9R-B1XfRWA2AfHXh7R5MlO9ETBXysFwuxV6IqWVXQEze1DdbIit-JrjOyMJA5Lq3-FSFQiG5YebT8NFLNNIYHs7VSCzvC5hTemTstXM4LLTAGQmKjiDgujd/w480-h640/19.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the season winds down, we have harvested some celery, chard and leftover cukes to make the autumn clean up a little less daunting. After expanding the garden quite a bit this year we decided to not fuss too much on getting a fall planting in and extending the growing season but we did manage to sow a bit of amaranth and edamame and will see how those do. Im already scheming next season in my head and thinking about opening up a little more of the tree canopy so we can finally integrate a couple of our own fruit trees into the localrootz arsenal! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxPRqIFmbeSGmCT118KMuTRkb9jimczZTg1qUrY_Nwe7kELgWBId9JWqXfem4IHht9ftkfuJPvsMQ2a107agp7Z59JorgPWWuchTzBYf9v9khpdalX4zChwA2EFCCQeWiupBY3fqiYN9g/s1280/28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxPRqIFmbeSGmCT118KMuTRkb9jimczZTg1qUrY_Nwe7kELgWBId9JWqXfem4IHht9ftkfuJPvsMQ2a107agp7Z59JorgPWWuchTzBYf9v9khpdalX4zChwA2EFCCQeWiupBY3fqiYN9g/w640-h480/28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Edamame sprouting up to about 12" currently and just starting to form pods.</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/AVvXsEiaIaWR-9KjjhxHQl6q4RWGUkNKG8TbF7JOxVW3f58xIfYNhNwFsycg2szlUNv7dHKqL88sIAQhQ3d9piPoEWV8myJfmXVkJDHjZYv3kJdbeG5hSMkNaudL0CHnnwT_grAz7zWmoShpy5Kg/s1280/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIaWR-9KjjhxHQl6q4RWGUkNKG8TbF7JOxVW3f58xIfYNhNwFsycg2szlUNv7dHKqL88sIAQhQ3d9piPoEWV8myJfmXVkJDHjZYv3kJdbeG5hSMkNaudL0CHnnwT_grAz7zWmoShpy5Kg/w640-h480/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the Red Amaranth is sizing up nicely with the interplanting of rudbeckia resulting in a very visually stimulating bed for the early autumn!</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/AVvXsEg0brfQysQeicYXfAo5EMC06XESggCBY586KWarb-8WzURdQQSO7i0VQ76prmMZY8z5YYxKU49aU3e0VucNj5hwiiOmLOPT3jyWepzwCJYq0nYPKb0TjaPZClNPqILLVvBNsbL__G6tOC6U/s1280/29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0brfQysQeicYXfAo5EMC06XESggCBY586KWarb-8WzURdQQSO7i0VQ76prmMZY8z5YYxKU49aU3e0VucNj5hwiiOmLOPT3jyWepzwCJYq0nYPKb0TjaPZClNPqILLVvBNsbL__G6tOC6U/w480-h640/29.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJ93F_7WVCz_zbgxeiRiM_niYWyd701zy14oFqWvc9f2PPbOcxl6DpAN8Pnd6uyGYYTgsFDwPUB5_3Go7ElSmWCMnelZQZ5vr9KUBmyOkbRbG2MacKRa_guqBNCTGOAH0JsbEFsgH5GUU/s1280/30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJ93F_7WVCz_zbgxeiRiM_niYWyd701zy14oFqWvc9f2PPbOcxl6DpAN8Pnd6uyGYYTgsFDwPUB5_3Go7ElSmWCMnelZQZ5vr9KUBmyOkbRbG2MacKRa_guqBNCTGOAH0JsbEFsgH5GUU/w480-h640/30.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our moss garden has also been blooming with lot of fungal diversity after a drought stricken year last year, it seems they are thriving once again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHmloK0TA5uZy6BciAO64j-J5y8fm-3xVarklKI-VFZFNANibZPybxyLHA4MVRW1WviolVRvlkWp-hilhoOBFlC8M8TR9J-pDsS0olIYs9YyA79fVT_gNLIaUnGx2DdicgE4NFittp1cv/s1280/thumbnail_image_6483441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHmloK0TA5uZy6BciAO64j-J5y8fm-3xVarklKI-VFZFNANibZPybxyLHA4MVRW1WviolVRvlkWp-hilhoOBFlC8M8TR9J-pDsS0olIYs9YyA79fVT_gNLIaUnGx2DdicgE4NFittp1cv/w640-h480/thumbnail_image_6483441.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gFdlVgoNFss7Cygh5xcBczilazvOsySxsY9Z06ibLqmupjSD7CjaaGKNYIsqTcx-3dMUeu7t8JuLvD6LO3dNDmOb-St4aYmEXH421gO2HPlVsHZnYwYjBIFiHrqGI82uUBOJ-7180spf/s1280/00.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gFdlVgoNFss7Cygh5xcBczilazvOsySxsY9Z06ibLqmupjSD7CjaaGKNYIsqTcx-3dMUeu7t8JuLvD6LO3dNDmOb-St4aYmEXH421gO2HPlVsHZnYwYjBIFiHrqGI82uUBOJ-7180spf/w640-h480/00.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></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/AVvXsEjwrVZGPobXqR5qBn0pl4GyAI-Ru0EwDL-PmTqpIvOr1fZ4YdfdcZHkCHjXP6s-IzEQvmXB3srRyUJjTMhZlvDwyUBXrrOIogsFXZZZjHDdLk8C3VSwbaFNGTsppkVcSeIjZSUZC5ookcVn/s1280/25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrVZGPobXqR5qBn0pl4GyAI-Ru0EwDL-PmTqpIvOr1fZ4YdfdcZHkCHjXP6s-IzEQvmXB3srRyUJjTMhZlvDwyUBXrrOIogsFXZZZjHDdLk8C3VSwbaFNGTsppkVcSeIjZSUZC5ookcVn/w480-h640/25.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Had another great day out at Oxbow this past weekend providing a soundscape to the All Species Fishing Event. Thanks again to everyone who has passed through this amazing spot in the western hills of Maine!</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/AVvXsEiGZwr-326yO1UIEfzUYjJAjnfREgEwaRgN4YMhaKjwdH_M5TCXhyjj1e_ONDJP5r0KKGc0MHZERaVm8JaEnC8PoVLfOcexDFKXH0uzbqlg4e8_DydwnkpxRD0IinSNYpdPj4leQUSTeUEN/s650/thumbnail_image_6483441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="486" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZwr-326yO1UIEfzUYjJAjnfREgEwaRgN4YMhaKjwdH_M5TCXhyjj1e_ONDJP5r0KKGc0MHZERaVm8JaEnC8PoVLfOcexDFKXH0uzbqlg4e8_DydwnkpxRD0IinSNYpdPj4leQUSTeUEN/w478-h640/thumbnail_image_6483441.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looks like one more installment of Beets & Grooves for this season on Sept. 25th then Ill be dropping some fire at Goods from the Woods on October 9th... after that stay tuned for some serious sessions from the Rootcellar which I hopefully will be streaming online or uploading to a platform for your online enjoyment!</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/AVvXsEgd-iBrZsM2Cwt9s2vApn04A3PhXmQ1HGj3-W0eU6dg65kg8JFWe5sgNg2SKh063qgG-TiRztyZUZv-Y6BjyiQH1tqxI0x6SH_32d0UaxL285u_SXVtkWmkZt4qyIXXd7dHHBgWWDAi7Y6t/s777/0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-iBrZsM2Cwt9s2vApn04A3PhXmQ1HGj3-W0eU6dg65kg8JFWe5sgNg2SKh063qgG-TiRztyZUZv-Y6BjyiQH1tqxI0x6SH_32d0UaxL285u_SXVtkWmkZt4qyIXXd7dHHBgWWDAi7Y6t/w494-h640/0.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't miss this last one... its PURE selectors choice from 4-8pm... and maybe later because its my birthday weekend and I do not have to go to work at 3am on Sunday like I normally do! Come early stay late, farm to table pizza and the best farmhouse beers this side of the pond!</div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-79607818728441199182021-08-22T06:04:00.001-04:002021-08-22T06:04:38.043-04:00BEETS and GROOVES (August Edition!)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSX19mnRAN5GBK-AstoWsfJ2A5D9zZX6-MaoZo4Jgx6P4UViuSamVdS6qAMK7h8xFJgDhgZ_BWlRhyphenhyphencXNRTt5mkbnPrNrG1LM_kg_x68lrjCo4kcsVHGRIBXP-4QqFs6ya0URrE7hnEVY/s929/022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="718" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSX19mnRAN5GBK-AstoWsfJ2A5D9zZX6-MaoZo4Jgx6P4UViuSamVdS6qAMK7h8xFJgDhgZ_BWlRhyphenhyphencXNRTt5mkbnPrNrG1LM_kg_x68lrjCo4kcsVHGRIBXP-4QqFs6ya0URrE7hnEVY/w494-h640/022.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">The last Saturday of August is almost here and that means another installment of Beets & Grooves at <a href="https://oxbowbeer.com/location/oxford/">OXBOW BEER GARDEN</a> in Oxford, ME!</p><p style="text-align: center;">This months selections are gonna be a 4 hour set of 100% 45rpm vinyl from right here in Maine to around the globe! If you haven't made it out to my favorite spot in the Maine hills, now is the time!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Picturesque farmland at the foot of the Oxford Hills with the best farmhouse beers, farm to table pizza and pure positive vibes. All outdoor seating with some covered tables if weather looks a little unpredictable. Set the date now... your opportunity to catch LocalRootz HiFi this summer is slipping away. I will be back in September and then heading up to Newcastle for: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://oxbowbeer.com/event/goods-from-the-woods-2021-10-09/" target="_blank">GOODS FROM THE WOODS 2021</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Saturday / October 9th</p><p style="text-align: center;">Which reminds me, if you haven't gotten your tickets, get on it... it surely will sell out!</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-16736814716445401362021-08-15T07:10:00.006-04:002021-08-15T08:44:52.599-04:00Pine Point Musings<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">August 10th, 2021</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pine Point Beach - Scarborough - Maine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the fog engulfed the ocean in a somber embrace, the saturated humidity weighed on my mind as I contemplated our current moment of time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Too hazy to gain focus, too oppressive to feel hope.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Yet, in this foggy chaos of the rolling waves ebbing and flowing with the tides, I see gumption.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I see determination and I see beauty. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I see hope in the blurred silver lining that is time.</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/AVvXsEg1DBYFT7PngO3EX_VAoEq3z2CwP8ZlY-JJK2QN7aqDvpOJ0xHZYiAJc3pJR4iXC9wbmJXX8NnHk0kRJUdLnk9CKnRn_4jwe0c1dx2fF5VlZJWlRVMYN_K86Jx_C_DSeFprebNeHbk9FTyo/s1280/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1280" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DBYFT7PngO3EX_VAoEq3z2CwP8ZlY-JJK2QN7aqDvpOJ0xHZYiAJc3pJR4iXC9wbmJXX8NnHk0kRJUdLnk9CKnRn_4jwe0c1dx2fF5VlZJWlRVMYN_K86Jx_C_DSeFprebNeHbk9FTyo/w640-h530/5.jpg" width="640" /></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/AVvXsEg2NXZKQPDwNx7QCB4c1iMoOrI1ZtFNeORFXUQnKeeRwwlAvEjXHWl8brJqnADpGfydaEE8E6zMFnkYSKnuaaYxj4oPrRfcSUt6X_BT4xEOuaZdLP-B_62SLSwhfmSCPkEnvJ2FGi0FFzPT/s1280/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NXZKQPDwNx7QCB4c1iMoOrI1ZtFNeORFXUQnKeeRwwlAvEjXHWl8brJqnADpGfydaEE8E6zMFnkYSKnuaaYxj4oPrRfcSUt6X_BT4xEOuaZdLP-B_62SLSwhfmSCPkEnvJ2FGi0FFzPT/w640-h420/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqNlxP7aCxvAQpBUDIdp9mFRvYc9PmC59Ef650LOHjLTKei2-P1mZA-Zm0VFP_27E34UJmUkhzsIdud37Fdc4m7MAsVNcTdNFXfoLiLOlGO__ukf1Cfpu3dwio_Wk5Jy7f2CYAXEj8YXG/s1280/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisqNlxP7aCxvAQpBUDIdp9mFRvYc9PmC59Ef650LOHjLTKei2-P1mZA-Zm0VFP_27E34UJmUkhzsIdud37Fdc4m7MAsVNcTdNFXfoLiLOlGO__ukf1Cfpu3dwio_Wk5Jy7f2CYAXEj8YXG/w640-h356/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CFee-gritCwLMTc9LyKMqqdtpZ1YpxtVRaC2RJ9-BRlr5QFfXX_CfusdiavLtvlPUHKl05pUcG9OiPQMWNLdNtD851NwVekz6trnWzhZMu7YHvv1ZEMTkzhZBfsttPM_JN_cJuaszV6t/s1280/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CFee-gritCwLMTc9LyKMqqdtpZ1YpxtVRaC2RJ9-BRlr5QFfXX_CfusdiavLtvlPUHKl05pUcG9OiPQMWNLdNtD851NwVekz6trnWzhZMu7YHvv1ZEMTkzhZBfsttPM_JN_cJuaszV6t/w640-h408/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All studies done on site on this humid overcast afternoon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Watercolor & Gesso on Arches Paper </div><br /> <p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-29115508803052464792021-08-08T05:20:00.015-04:002022-03-17T07:20:00.683-04:00Summer Harvest 2021<p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Bountiful produce has been flowing from the garden and requiring daily attention, thought and planning. From what meals incorporate the ripeness of todays harvest to when will I have time to preserve some of this bounty to enjoy in the cold winter months when the landscape becomes barren of all this lush garden bounty. Cabbage, Celery, Cukes, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Chard, Kale, Onions, Green Beans.... its all sizing up and ready when needed this time of year!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23yxtEWsb3mSDYcNfuKXIabpkCg8z_-oy-MOwgHAvHX5zdKX_jFAPnHVmtuOkhehQ2d0CZWS6BWsZUGPVj0-DWWzldJ_Y7KtmOFqMg2Gam2MOxsohckzkljNxUsq3VfTbo2JLSB9tmefV/s1280/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23yxtEWsb3mSDYcNfuKXIabpkCg8z_-oy-MOwgHAvHX5zdKX_jFAPnHVmtuOkhehQ2d0CZWS6BWsZUGPVj0-DWWzldJ_Y7KtmOFqMg2Gam2MOxsohckzkljNxUsq3VfTbo2JLSB9tmefV/w480-h640/2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In an attempt to avoid corn mishaps from past seasons I found some time to construct a makeshift cage for our corn patch by weaving some bamboo stakes and reinforcing them with jute... it seems to have done some good but a couple swift thunderstorms have put the lean on a chunk of the smaller stalks even still. I think the looseness of the raised bed soil inherently makes the struggle to keep the stalks vertical that much more challenging for such a top heavy crop like corn. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUwYH6xKNbKQ0UZ5nGZ7ttb2bHQy-tHgN7rkhMHe1k4fVm6VUaU8yhNS-3xL0I8tSTnoNqgAIwHkxO5p87MSpJ8vnM-T5wNZTBJKc-DpH2L4nUSr1wITCd9wVaauQcoQOscut6g1M0Vvb/s1280/16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUwYH6xKNbKQ0UZ5nGZ7ttb2bHQy-tHgN7rkhMHe1k4fVm6VUaU8yhNS-3xL0I8tSTnoNqgAIwHkxO5p87MSpJ8vnM-T5wNZTBJKc-DpH2L4nUSr1wITCd9wVaauQcoQOscut6g1M0Vvb/w640-h480/16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wiSeXs525-gTDUeovjVH-3qYUl3EY377Vdf65FXYBv7n6_Tab9STXs0fQLM6IJnVA6w0RgSz3boWCdJiT9FXoGIJ7KXA1DjgqF1AshJqpnoJVoJBG7ivlMsYJvT-YnwtiiCS_3W10I04/s1440/18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wiSeXs525-gTDUeovjVH-3qYUl3EY377Vdf65FXYBv7n6_Tab9STXs0fQLM6IJnVA6w0RgSz3boWCdJiT9FXoGIJ7KXA1DjgqF1AshJqpnoJVoJBG7ivlMsYJvT-YnwtiiCS_3W10I04/w640-h640/18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tomatoes are stretching to 8 plus feet at this point but limited amount of ripening so far. Mostly just a few cherries to snack on while weeding and pruning. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7Z5pGmwHWpFgT8tttfBYQavL0idMyTOnNyI0ENMu0mImzY8zz-FnTmXzLY6vq_jRET1akY6YDRvb3wTeBMQkZV-8N62SLPWIuom_IvyZThxdObmIOc5T0DAuMKCnBsFv_irLRzjgtklA/s1280/21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7Z5pGmwHWpFgT8tttfBYQavL0idMyTOnNyI0ENMu0mImzY8zz-FnTmXzLY6vq_jRET1akY6YDRvb3wTeBMQkZV-8N62SLPWIuom_IvyZThxdObmIOc5T0DAuMKCnBsFv_irLRzjgtklA/w480-h640/21.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of fruit setting though and the basil and marigold interplantings have been a successful use of space. Wishing I got another round of lettuce sown in there with all this rainy weather it would have been happy but when the timing was right the weather was so hot and dry I figured the lettuce would just bolt so quick it wouldn't be worth planting. Mother Nature always humbling the gardener, no matter how much "experience" we gain from year to year, we really are servants to the elements. I think Ill start sowing some autumn greens this week.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacrqqPvFR7SOVyJGx1kIcp0YZzWc_WxqYKFCq59-vmHQsa1cQKKlxY-5wCGgs7evI1RonMiT1UB0m15WpjZdOzqOzCpzzPL9luoycp4IGZDs-Swk0IDH2N5-YxMZcdldtZvU53eeFBje5/s1280/14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacrqqPvFR7SOVyJGx1kIcp0YZzWc_WxqYKFCq59-vmHQsa1cQKKlxY-5wCGgs7evI1RonMiT1UB0m15WpjZdOzqOzCpzzPL9luoycp4IGZDs-Swk0IDH2N5-YxMZcdldtZvU53eeFBje5/w480-h640/14.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZP_hyTugWu4rx-l5h9q3djiBFJ0Fe1jK6cNHbu-Sf1-C2Sjpc0NjsAntA1KVRzmfZX_Bf0Js6HQqdLm0qHtFPzi5nv_niG0TuL4htzYgpeu8J9PWa3yaUDrQk7E55rvaTztvRbtWARKsF/s1440/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZP_hyTugWu4rx-l5h9q3djiBFJ0Fe1jK6cNHbu-Sf1-C2Sjpc0NjsAntA1KVRzmfZX_Bf0Js6HQqdLm0qHtFPzi5nv_niG0TuL4htzYgpeu8J9PWa3yaUDrQk7E55rvaTztvRbtWARKsF/w640-h640/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hazel has been quick on the draw finding the ripe tomatoes before I get a chance, but occasionally she will share a couple.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhks3Rrr5lL9xQoPfzEAZE_jTZ59LLj2cmNVj4isdoyA562D0wteNXUHOz24MKmsmvXrGvcT5tW-_-tQLVmGKRsaqJv6fWWTQSPtqq22r7W_IVuMT3KhEjBoy42LwESg-dDwSEr-svJ5jBE/s1280/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhks3Rrr5lL9xQoPfzEAZE_jTZ59LLj2cmNVj4isdoyA562D0wteNXUHOz24MKmsmvXrGvcT5tW-_-tQLVmGKRsaqJv6fWWTQSPtqq22r7W_IVuMT3KhEjBoy42LwESg-dDwSEr-svJ5jBE/w480-h640/7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Buttercrunch Lettuce... a complimentary seed packet from our friends over at Baker Creek has been a family favorite blended in with our salad mix.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuX_vMmDSpJqJULSXbWRxo6uBQ32zYdCiy0PW1_Gmqx5_aZonIsnJwRl-fJ9wOaZMkMffzTq_4AkySisC5JBmkD9j0PRjrwXD3dGLj7tmkQT-3uHsB9HZV_fDv66dBeUp6-ikF2Leu7X8/s1280/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzuX_vMmDSpJqJULSXbWRxo6uBQ32zYdCiy0PW1_Gmqx5_aZonIsnJwRl-fJ9wOaZMkMffzTq_4AkySisC5JBmkD9j0PRjrwXD3dGLj7tmkQT-3uHsB9HZV_fDv66dBeUp6-ikF2Leu7X8/w480-h640/3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cauliflower for days... pushing me into some Indian cooking. Something about roasting it with a touch of oil, salt, pepper and turmeric that really brings out the earthy sweetness of this vegetable. I even had to re up on our homestead curry powder that I make by slowly cracking a proprietary blend of fenugreek, corriander, cumin, cardamom, clove, cinnamon and mustard seeds. I say proprietary because I never measure I just sprinkle a heap of each into a cast iron pan and warm slowly to toast the spices until they start to pop and crackle releasing all the oils and flavors, then I transfer it to a stone mortar and pestle and grind till it turns to powder, add a dose of turmeric powder to round out the flavors and then jar it up to simmer with coconut milk for an easy garden dinner with that exotic touch!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmDsoku4nAkz8jwkt3Vp4mYOjHhSmaUBgRIJlZI45wKYIcwcYviPDbr58zWijjFGhyphenhyphendjtMHERFsjL2pRNexUIQqNzmTKiIyN5WXIKZTcl_TZD-URW_9PFCY_OsAmIGItRyRGFImKNKA3E/s1280/11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmDsoku4nAkz8jwkt3Vp4mYOjHhSmaUBgRIJlZI45wKYIcwcYviPDbr58zWijjFGhyphenhyphendjtMHERFsjL2pRNexUIQqNzmTKiIyN5WXIKZTcl_TZD-URW_9PFCY_OsAmIGItRyRGFImKNKA3E/w640-h480/11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cabbage is ready for kraut making sooner than later, I harvested most of it this week and wrapped it for a rainy day... hopefully soon!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpZyIRXwGW0b950DJcq16xzs8cvYF4JwS9Q6iUmS0IwP8Ar96uys_ZwsClKUod15A7iVq8o0LCkPciOT316Uh32OSICulAOUEU1JjwXVvIV4nrZ67DWr1STwVb5xSHSq5SntS1a1UeO2e/s1280/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpZyIRXwGW0b950DJcq16xzs8cvYF4JwS9Q6iUmS0IwP8Ar96uys_ZwsClKUod15A7iVq8o0LCkPciOT316Uh32OSICulAOUEU1JjwXVvIV4nrZ67DWr1STwVb5xSHSq5SntS1a1UeO2e/w480-h640/9.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hazel really enjoyed this years bok choy crop, not sure who or what planted it (it wasn't me) but it was a happy addition to some early summer meals.... then the few that were left behind began bolting with the warm summer heat and became good decoy crops for some of the pest pressure that is inevitable if you choose to grow organically. We have never and never will spray for bugs or treat any of our food with anything except fertile compost. Biodiversity is of great importance to me and the ecosystem that surrounds our homestead. I have learned that working with nature and rolling with the punches is a better road to sustainability than waging a battle of us vs. nature. The amount of info you can learn by watching and observing the balance of living organisms in the garden and how the cycles of predators vs pest seem to even themselves out is part of why I love gardening. Yes some years you have to live without certain crops because of this, but usually something else will flourish in its absence. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5bzu8AZ9VPhV2JRU4WGod5wpSzO7anm52J-fAXF3IBZMUjWrG7gxqPaLi5_bYSepAS4uNtHQiW45JsHg06n3FvwKiGH_xaSZlLYJx1FaWuvanXe2zXsIyMJfg6XPckN4T10w9AxdbvZc/s1280/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5bzu8AZ9VPhV2JRU4WGod5wpSzO7anm52J-fAXF3IBZMUjWrG7gxqPaLi5_bYSepAS4uNtHQiW45JsHg06n3FvwKiGH_xaSZlLYJx1FaWuvanXe2zXsIyMJfg6XPckN4T10w9AxdbvZc/w480-h640/5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A quick garden harvest, was very impressed by the crown size of our broccoli this year. I thought maybe I spaced them a little too close and yes one or two of the plants got smothered by others but also lost 2 to chipmunks at the early stage that helped even out the spacing. Always presume 10-20% of your crop will be lost, do not put all your eggs in one basket and you will always have some eggs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfk2x8uzdAsBpseoEFY25y3bAHuOWSjh2lkUKYVVMKnQjDXXqPg1hfx-l9e0yJArG29m_M_gnrSO5F-LRIozff6AGzkJvSaTol83eNRWEHKEu6-N-EIVVEApb9gjo5JleSXEt01PYfTwy/s1280/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfk2x8uzdAsBpseoEFY25y3bAHuOWSjh2lkUKYVVMKnQjDXXqPg1hfx-l9e0yJArG29m_M_gnrSO5F-LRIozff6AGzkJvSaTol83eNRWEHKEu6-N-EIVVEApb9gjo5JleSXEt01PYfTwy/w640-h480/12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Raging the garden on a rare day off and processing it accordingly. Part of this process is washing and drying, breaking down cauliflower into florets and sealing them in plastic ziplocks, wrapping cabbage etc. The goal is s to keep the bounty fresh for a couple weeks as we work it all into our meals. I find that art of balancing a bountiful garden and enjoying it in your meals is also something we have been learning to juggle over the years. Nothing is worse than seeing beautiful produce you work so hard to grow get soft and limp in the fridge, only to end up back in the compost pile. It helps that we have an enthusiastic 4yr old who has a very open mind to eating. I think a lot of that comes from the excitement of knowing where the food is coming from. Hazel loves snacking on everything from lemon verbena leaves to celery stalks while we are out enjoying our land and she will also ask where things are from that she knows we didn't grow. After lots of farm field trips she has grown familiar with the different farms we source from and will ask "is this from Frith Farm?" or "did this come from Ironwood?" </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLL3Tz-t7qbd_uiLIYDA3SLl1WTq_D4H2k_c7328ESdwattjUpDruRE3o8dVqMdeLwIrzlZiF2NDUt22GQEZf888SQIqf8ZONKrWsK_SCKjo41YjJiFVKqtbbHUMPeCG8QKa3ZYRG04QvZ/s1280/19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLL3Tz-t7qbd_uiLIYDA3SLl1WTq_D4H2k_c7328ESdwattjUpDruRE3o8dVqMdeLwIrzlZiF2NDUt22GQEZf888SQIqf8ZONKrWsK_SCKjo41YjJiFVKqtbbHUMPeCG8QKa3ZYRG04QvZ/w480-h640/19.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Garlic Harvest 2021 has arrived!</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/AVvXsEhe1lgFkznEnAb_oIqFxcyJHxddh1NXC2BFxe1EqND5mRxyH1rrYzedFjG2RmeQRyLkLE7c95nGgWd8jxwvKEVrU95dK3oWVGRE6xmLab56e7LgE1jLTWPMZI2-kH9B-RuHlds0lZQekLjp/s1280/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1lgFkznEnAb_oIqFxcyJHxddh1NXC2BFxe1EqND5mRxyH1rrYzedFjG2RmeQRyLkLE7c95nGgWd8jxwvKEVrU95dK3oWVGRE6xmLab56e7LgE1jLTWPMZI2-kH9B-RuHlds0lZQekLjp/w480-h640/8.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEim-ZrZ6q5abM-ZQyw0zNKzP3ZuJ_nUbtmVNk8DCnSi3Otpbi5C35xr3BQLTgZqIqdP4hig6KL6Ak5Kgwdb55YUyWS4V-Pegv4voOUzRqCgwsCShWGRqPfaLUyU9dg2uBUN9Hh3i1ZcfmmD/s1280/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-ZrZ6q5abM-ZQyw0zNKzP3ZuJ_nUbtmVNk8DCnSi3Otpbi5C35xr3BQLTgZqIqdP4hig6KL6Ak5Kgwdb55YUyWS4V-Pegv4voOUzRqCgwsCShWGRqPfaLUyU9dg2uBUN9Hh3i1ZcfmmD/w480-h640/4.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEgfXVEi2TXw_FMLulIO3zu7AjWFwZFcjFghq7hMRUZEa1TVFFk8NWz0293vpypCWaxrfX3jmsuugbzMmuLnn_zKrimFrIxt4uqjL3nJ0KH1bsg1PmyQ5ns-KamoGjIUjbIT2seLiLABhV8j/s1280/24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXVEi2TXw_FMLulIO3zu7AjWFwZFcjFghq7hMRUZEa1TVFFk8NWz0293vpypCWaxrfX3jmsuugbzMmuLnn_zKrimFrIxt4uqjL3nJ0KH1bsg1PmyQ5ns-KamoGjIUjbIT2seLiLABhV8j/w640-h480/24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgob0ZrgIIRFkU4JvbntX-CtxzEahVbMWFNUEarQLDMO6lDXzHG3F4-py2y8B4Nv5jbYEbFHZ7iMlzSrm10bJfFvp-7GgxEIRDfO696Ili8l-oqTcjlTP1sRVzYtFH_x2RR5TBPGX2YVB8d/s1280/26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgob0ZrgIIRFkU4JvbntX-CtxzEahVbMWFNUEarQLDMO6lDXzHG3F4-py2y8B4Nv5jbYEbFHZ7iMlzSrm10bJfFvp-7GgxEIRDfO696Ili8l-oqTcjlTP1sRVzYtFH_x2RR5TBPGX2YVB8d/w640-h480/26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After pulling it all up I usually leave 2-3" of stem and spread them out in a crate that I then set in our cellar near the dehumidifier that I run down there in the summer. Every day I give it a little roll and shake and sweep up the falling dirt for a week or two before I trim it a little closer to the bulb and shave the roots off for long term storage. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kvBs8ilorByj5CfQLM_sYalErLcvf0IH4LiHRKhHrlZHLOTy6HuHC0TReKTNvR3lqVjthk39AGoaGl39I1g65KrbBp6SBKp4owhdgP-BRVSOC0znoMpphY0qea1f3uV4Q3o3bOiGRTIb/s1280/25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kvBs8ilorByj5CfQLM_sYalErLcvf0IH4LiHRKhHrlZHLOTy6HuHC0TReKTNvR3lqVjthk39AGoaGl39I1g65KrbBp6SBKp4owhdgP-BRVSOC0znoMpphY0qea1f3uV4Q3o3bOiGRTIb/w480-h640/25.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEgvc5U0jNDwKML9nZEXp9QtbZ9Tz49govaDCDhuhREBJPaqdFBcfjXN8wihkf3ez-zn3IOFe_kCNSTEHsLj71gU2aBVUN4IOuXKL8dviIQLsGfHOeYY3aVXez82jse5E1oG8LtBTt5D-Sr5/s1280/thumbnail_image_6483441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvc5U0jNDwKML9nZEXp9QtbZ9Tz49govaDCDhuhREBJPaqdFBcfjXN8wihkf3ez-zn3IOFe_kCNSTEHsLj71gU2aBVUN4IOuXKL8dviIQLsGfHOeYY3aVXez82jse5E1oG8LtBTt5D-Sr5/w640-h480/thumbnail_image_6483441.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One crop that has been exceeding my expectations this year is our cucumbers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Giving them their own space, fresh compost and using the string trellis method has really helped them stretch beyond 8ft and produce a huge amount of fruit. It seems like every other day I'm picking 10-15lbs to the point that I've resorted to picking them at 1-2" size just so I don't run out of jars for pickling. Plus the little tiny fruits make for great extra crunchy pickles. Most of them are the yellowish/white pickler style.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Old Time Ruby Wallace and also some Boothby Blondes too.</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/AVvXsEiDemL1vQyKoUGNCgzQxQVs-hgBC8NVSaPbROJip_vOzrUbc1Mq5KBNS754l241875bIKOUtc_3VUJFmVT2VBt2TTUKkhdD2OeePxhViKHpe_GCe6YDFHcHxh0ZIf0fy36FsaQsaBOWLqEV/s1280/20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDemL1vQyKoUGNCgzQxQVs-hgBC8NVSaPbROJip_vOzrUbc1Mq5KBNS754l241875bIKOUtc_3VUJFmVT2VBt2TTUKkhdD2OeePxhViKHpe_GCe6YDFHcHxh0ZIf0fy36FsaQsaBOWLqEV/w480-h640/20.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But we also have this amazing slicer variety from Japan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Suyo Long Cucumber which scare me how big they are sizing up and still have very limited amounts of seeds!</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/AVvXsEhJ6_IOf7VW5H3hVFBDzxO8tNO9VAF2TuqJO_qhXy78v_BhTxt3P8l95Np2sJwGZOKfkSwEZvAkpHBwKSAN3SPTtkn72CMSbTUiUK3HEwrFFyNH-N5wpNBzb6_xzq28kblDeyKwGQaLgViC/s1280/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6_IOf7VW5H3hVFBDzxO8tNO9VAF2TuqJO_qhXy78v_BhTxt3P8l95Np2sJwGZOKfkSwEZvAkpHBwKSAN3SPTtkn72CMSbTUiUK3HEwrFFyNH-N5wpNBzb6_xzq28kblDeyKwGQaLgViC/w480-h640/6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></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/AVvXsEgCwr-OfE323Ymsr9PnX8yCqypgmwe9b8r5u7uCuqieGii7TfON5cQ3JlYchxPBC7kTVauunCr4jbAj0sc_R6x8Dwo6U7R3fW145PWncxKx5T6i1ddhKgLewlmsNuWKrt1j2_aWJXyNnFHB/s1280/66.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwr-OfE323Ymsr9PnX8yCqypgmwe9b8r5u7uCuqieGii7TfON5cQ3JlYchxPBC7kTVauunCr4jbAj0sc_R6x8Dwo6U7R3fW145PWncxKx5T6i1ddhKgLewlmsNuWKrt1j2_aWJXyNnFHB/w480-h640/66.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have a classic pickling method where I use a mixture of lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, classic pickling spices, sea slat and a touch of our maple syrup. I adjust each batch a little and sometimes will plop some herbs,onion or garlic cloves in a batch here there to give us a little variety. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJi5cjBHbKJ7U1zxOmgVx4qfaqamgvOu7U9IAmcX37y4D9QtIcTkp0VokkgLU6f0Ru_r9pZcFBTOqGXWp7kkTklTj7wysmhJqLS5gaInn53f1eMjnLYMttq9hO6wPE4bFRYxje_ip0W1K/s1280/23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJi5cjBHbKJ7U1zxOmgVx4qfaqamgvOu7U9IAmcX37y4D9QtIcTkp0VokkgLU6f0Ru_r9pZcFBTOqGXWp7kkTklTj7wysmhJqLS5gaInn53f1eMjnLYMttq9hO6wPE4bFRYxje_ip0W1K/w640-h480/23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhYJWXmwPO6wsJ0tPZx78I9QPl7iXtQwPltuMCKBfXmXCqr0b-9gryvF33PdRfNpsBq1L06W4W3yAOnEv_jOukkG7su1gYDx6g1x1flFZY4UmIWMwC1LVQly0-8LMremnxYPiH152SGsl/s1280/22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhYJWXmwPO6wsJ0tPZx78I9QPl7iXtQwPltuMCKBfXmXCqr0b-9gryvF33PdRfNpsBq1L06W4W3yAOnEv_jOukkG7su1gYDx6g1x1flFZY4UmIWMwC1LVQly0-8LMremnxYPiH152SGsl/w640-h480/22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW56Q6vWS1Ttr0YNvH0230b0O3nQsFvf7raxTtEKHqcYAAN6-kvk1c4EcNcpqCEv4sbmtJnr7MeqTQ69r48AwBG3GDNBlZFQkTM6t_rftN7GykL-ePk41rH4L6e4h4OiqG1X1e8O0M6UA/s1440/29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW56Q6vWS1Ttr0YNvH0230b0O3nQsFvf7raxTtEKHqcYAAN6-kvk1c4EcNcpqCEv4sbmtJnr7MeqTQ69r48AwBG3GDNBlZFQkTM6t_rftN7GykL-ePk41rH4L6e4h4OiqG1X1e8O0M6UA/w640-h640/29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We use the classic water bath canning method, and yes I did fill the pot to over an inch above the lids, just took the picture first :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are currently at about 18 Quarts of pickles in the cellar and probably have already consumed 5-6 quarts of "quick" pickles from the fridge where I use a similar recipe but also add a little lacto into the process for boosting our immune system.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With many hours spent in the garden it was time for a little break to visit some extended family on a lake in Casco. Hazel got her first try at fishing and talked about it the whole ride home. In fact she was able to land her first smallmouth bass with a little help from Dad.</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/AVvXsEgFfHm03qt7mv9XFSkqPNZzdFJzrBp53A8z39D_vG4Dc82zf_4I_wQV6wYZW9-MDaMQUvM3lbeiyGfMZ7cIaE_sWt5ob1NpNIEwRMgA-YouTkjwynDAIo2Wfo27vrvm59FQ3Y14EK_2_Q0a/s1280/15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfHm03qt7mv9XFSkqPNZzdFJzrBp53A8z39D_vG4Dc82zf_4I_wQV6wYZW9-MDaMQUvM3lbeiyGfMZ7cIaE_sWt5ob1NpNIEwRMgA-YouTkjwynDAIo2Wfo27vrvm59FQ3Y14EK_2_Q0a/w480-h640/15.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">IN other nature news, this toad comes out just about every day I am walking around the garden, I have yet to name him but he is always welcome to eat slugs whenever he wishes.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEWnP7P9C4xWIq91Nd5yFc9XD3n2-js2yTcAOtLG4LEoU3be-3HI5OSkbSn4TNkKm4BNtXPgBEPek0uiNDOTZkuT2hfow3qAEdC1nLmi-NBy05BE-8EYSwHyx7PxQD-JgD4Sw4dcwamDB/s1280/13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEWnP7P9C4xWIq91Nd5yFc9XD3n2-js2yTcAOtLG4LEoU3be-3HI5OSkbSn4TNkKm4BNtXPgBEPek0uiNDOTZkuT2hfow3qAEdC1nLmi-NBy05BE-8EYSwHyx7PxQD-JgD4Sw4dcwamDB/w480-h640/13.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along with the toads, hooting owls, robins, mourning doves and finches that have</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">enjoyed the garden this year we have also had a amazing diversity of fungus around the homestead!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIwJfO5LsARwC7yEAWkkCoa4VC9QrgyEMLbu6g8Yad9745eIq3Tm6Jflw6HG9fQmhWmOd7pUEHX2cWYRnPvAvKkfbKcJxYUe_2YJ5AKYz-dGcxjHLoecFNCWV0Neegr46K_1G4I9xZhEM/s1280/27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIwJfO5LsARwC7yEAWkkCoa4VC9QrgyEMLbu6g8Yad9745eIq3Tm6Jflw6HG9fQmhWmOd7pUEHX2cWYRnPvAvKkfbKcJxYUe_2YJ5AKYz-dGcxjHLoecFNCWV0Neegr46K_1G4I9xZhEM/w640-h480/27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AKIrl41pRyRnPootd8Oprhhs8J4wxeY1dnc9z25bQ8rQJ6a_mIKbKg8nxK3zuz43C1RqCXWoP69fADT_9KFFPpiFgPQ5kQBwDrIJk7DjEtsy_WPvHuunambFPqj0r8Wdz8BucGcxJHcK/s1280/28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AKIrl41pRyRnPootd8Oprhhs8J4wxeY1dnc9z25bQ8rQJ6a_mIKbKg8nxK3zuz43C1RqCXWoP69fADT_9KFFPpiFgPQ5kQBwDrIJk7DjEtsy_WPvHuunambFPqj0r8Wdz8BucGcxJHcK/w480-h640/28.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEgWzGAcsKy96l1NX0amfF0gfOYCzhMtNESwQOmC6cr9e9oHWQDtbdBOAS9LZw6wuG-FOHsJLFjmypVmS6efsA1AfLdQRU1X9ZjqRp2QF_Dkr3IT8AY9qp0D9EG8ht_yxaSiuBg8a43Os8Qx/s1280/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzGAcsKy96l1NX0amfF0gfOYCzhMtNESwQOmC6cr9e9oHWQDtbdBOAS9LZw6wuG-FOHsJLFjmypVmS6efsA1AfLdQRU1X9ZjqRp2QF_Dkr3IT8AY9qp0D9EG8ht_yxaSiuBg8a43Os8Qx/w640-h480/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOfumCz1MnAI4p-t67gVnFTB3tIIWatopWMmWW2XU5roSuT8wAVjQYOpy5n0vhhO6D94HDXjRpWRyW7ekLFIRA6LGnj3wLcYi9ktjSJGurTb-AXKlq1C-bA-1b4IwKzxHEu-KUPrETxfp/s1280/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOfumCz1MnAI4p-t67gVnFTB3tIIWatopWMmWW2XU5roSuT8wAVjQYOpy5n0vhhO6D94HDXjRpWRyW7ekLFIRA6LGnj3wLcYi9ktjSJGurTb-AXKlq1C-bA-1b4IwKzxHEu-KUPrETxfp/w640-h480/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ASjl7W8P1RPpL2QwvX7slFCuRjLegO5OIIiI8GKfyQ4M4wo0SVuSA8qrtVA7c7bCmdn62H35NQNVspvpee3o3EGFmt26pzk2oX-Qq2FvHt9AfmK8LS5URic3lpflyqHIh_DEzKA-bid-/s1280/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ASjl7W8P1RPpL2QwvX7slFCuRjLegO5OIIiI8GKfyQ4M4wo0SVuSA8qrtVA7c7bCmdn62H35NQNVspvpee3o3EGFmt26pzk2oX-Qq2FvHt9AfmK8LS5URic3lpflyqHIh_DEzKA-bid-/w640-h480/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eY4z2mm41QObgZfM0Cm5SH38GYa8CsoYcrxAKMqkPAJN4a5eoI77xJeX9-gOaCSLvplhBUTTRvvXQRp0Ew1vOpCjDWwWGM-gZGOh9kZ9ZQg6JlS-WzNpwb6YZd4iUHil4-ytLHuuxF4b/s1280/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eY4z2mm41QObgZfM0Cm5SH38GYa8CsoYcrxAKMqkPAJN4a5eoI77xJeX9-gOaCSLvplhBUTTRvvXQRp0Ew1vOpCjDWwWGM-gZGOh9kZ9ZQg6JlS-WzNpwb6YZd4iUHil4-ytLHuuxF4b/w640-h480/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also another installment of Beets & Grooves happened last week... a big thanks to everyone who passed through and enjoyed the beautiful weather and eclectic tune selection! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next months edition falls on Saturday, August 28th and I am feeling like a pure 45rpm session is in the cards! Flyer coming soon but in the meantime here is last months flyer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiL2cLXMpU5mRlylceNU3owjqiYBpYP-0N0iYjdFBEIvnQscE3UZWKHJ4b4_2c4pmtRoDgc2L43XI3THTOEGr8tvwdeE5bWMEvrCSP4BJKXLpWoA0tX7K71TI94aofKyYG9vei0wgVQ-SQ/s929/0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="718" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiL2cLXMpU5mRlylceNU3owjqiYBpYP-0N0iYjdFBEIvnQscE3UZWKHJ4b4_2c4pmtRoDgc2L43XI3THTOEGr8tvwdeE5bWMEvrCSP4BJKXLpWoA0tX7K71TI94aofKyYG9vei0wgVQ-SQ/w494-h640/0.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks as always to everyone who stops by this blog to check in on the LocalRootz happenings. Its been a busy summer and my mind is drifting to autumn/winter with big things in the works for 2022. <br /></div><br /><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7549236711664794433.post-53948240249347800022021-07-07T05:33:00.009-04:002021-07-29T05:12:20.529-04:00Summer Growth 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Summer has arrived... and as the Strawberry Moon was in full bloom the garden really is starting to show some love after that arduous spring of smothering, composting, spreading and shoveling. We have had great success in some areas and a complete failure in others. I feel this is the essence of gardening. Learning that every crop has a balance and sometimes nature helps maintain that balance and other times there is really nothing you can do. In saying that, it looks like our early summer peas are off the table after sowing 150 plus seeds and having them ravaged by chipmunks, then shriveled by a heat wave and again ravaged by chipmunks I decided to just let the bed become a home for some neglected cabbage seedlings that were straggling behind at work and plant something else to see if it stuck in that bed. We will probably try a late summer/autumn sugar snap crop and see how that goes and will just resort to grabbing some from our friendly local farmers in the meantime.</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/AVvXsEgCMcHQFU2911ClLlstbfRI6GBO15IclLJ7a1lNcgZNpB_IyVS3yn5vm5asOwikeXpv-7aXClaOWkPaV8Agc8j5hbtIJ-JZdiYcBkA6bDZCh4xZP-V4PATU3yVUjBLMjdR9KqNbwVYqQI_Z/s1280/33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMcHQFU2911ClLlstbfRI6GBO15IclLJ7a1lNcgZNpB_IyVS3yn5vm5asOwikeXpv-7aXClaOWkPaV8Agc8j5hbtIJ-JZdiYcBkA6bDZCh4xZP-V4PATU3yVUjBLMjdR9KqNbwVYqQI_Z/w480-h640/33.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Garlic is sizing up nicely and the scapes have been a welcome addition to our meals. I think we should be pulling the bulk of the garlic up in the first week or two of July!</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/AVvXsEihWU3aOTNMW0Oy83gaFIgaW4ZxVLoQF1rO4kxN0CnAReEhzVTvIInLH1MBjjH7lWG-Vh-wJHhSCwu1HFdXYbg9bp9MM3IPeVfkvHHHA0F6DSA9_09H9XsjD3vSDHI4IBaAAPotOSMvDxl3/s2048/4D535A36-5712-470B-9300-C690ED797055.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWU3aOTNMW0Oy83gaFIgaW4ZxVLoQF1rO4kxN0CnAReEhzVTvIInLH1MBjjH7lWG-Vh-wJHhSCwu1HFdXYbg9bp9MM3IPeVfkvHHHA0F6DSA9_09H9XsjD3vSDHI4IBaAAPotOSMvDxl3/w480-h640/4D535A36-5712-470B-9300-C690ED797055.jpeg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEj9IxBxBLUpsVheK5euJpZ3-Gjc4E-bxYBak6vlg3ZfU5Qx88ynpP5qWK5b1_ixd5b5uG8Vn05QhyphenhyphenNMiVyzjSwqakDnmXRxEZiOEyrzZmhgxeuCM5H_chofbNcK4XPSrAuizRt4_I9_Fucd/s1280/66.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IxBxBLUpsVheK5euJpZ3-Gjc4E-bxYBak6vlg3ZfU5Qx88ynpP5qWK5b1_ixd5b5uG8Vn05QhyphenhyphenNMiVyzjSwqakDnmXRxEZiOEyrzZmhgxeuCM5H_chofbNcK4XPSrAuizRt4_I9_Fucd/w480-h640/66.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tokyo Bekana was a mealtime favorite and actually got some use in our salad mix as well. It bolted pretty fast with that early summer heatwave but even the flowers had great flavor so we made pretty quick work of it. We will probably try another round for late summer into the autumn.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgENrQSXqNM5nQO0KxEdZIg0DtHLStNKi6xtw1sfKEiuy4Z647ynDsjiy7QP6olle-B9txkkq-67AY8AzN7Pv4kMHCIw6TNKWNDaigLWgJe9q3-nq7XDMWJxIVCgK1r4juDgrEBUuVR06r/s2048/5BD83346-46D9-4453-A506-1FC3ABED75FD.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgENrQSXqNM5nQO0KxEdZIg0DtHLStNKi6xtw1sfKEiuy4Z647ynDsjiy7QP6olle-B9txkkq-67AY8AzN7Pv4kMHCIw6TNKWNDaigLWgJe9q3-nq7XDMWJxIVCgK1r4juDgrEBUuVR06r/w640-h480/5BD83346-46D9-4453-A506-1FC3ABED75FD.jpeg" width="640" /></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/AVvXsEhvOR0g4ifA6oPUMK3rT4mLeF_lDdMyXP_Lr5D4Eck9Uue7um361IOreiUxWknAG0NEPYplBJre2oMu5IO2XK30kmangiTxC0RQxjXPFAlEY9MATNi9ELkLIZ18X7N3wT7OzgCRD1ZG-r6Y/s2048/D976E992-2FF3-4177-875C-E0E1A0D3919F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOR0g4ifA6oPUMK3rT4mLeF_lDdMyXP_Lr5D4Eck9Uue7um361IOreiUxWknAG0NEPYplBJre2oMu5IO2XK30kmangiTxC0RQxjXPFAlEY9MATNi9ELkLIZ18X7N3wT7OzgCRD1ZG-r6Y/w480-h640/D976E992-2FF3-4177-875C-E0E1A0D3919F.jpeg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEhvOR0g4ifA6oPUMK3rT4mLeF_lDdMyXP_Lr5D4Eck9Uue7um361IOreiUxWknAG0NEPYplBJre2oMu5IO2XK30kmangiTxC0RQxjXPFAlEY9MATNi9ELkLIZ18X7N3wT7OzgCRD1ZG-r6Y/s2048/D976E992-2FF3-4177-875C-E0E1A0D3919F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5Z3moOjrGpQ6u8dB1WE97GMjeDpc-46n1g5QI_RMV6Ap3-ocntBz868CIgjFy-lPNFUjufTz0J4q5VnPa8ybotcKnbQCuOB2qjtry_-Big1N7-8sQJRxFatVT-R33nVmXWANaz1Hn-UT/w480-h640/2030F7E0-BDB1-442A-B0FA-A5E785EA77AA.jpeg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Radishes were a favorite garden snack while we got our projects done and I was very happy with the sizing and heat tolerance of the Jantar radish variety from Poland that we sourced from <a href="https://www.rareseeds.com/jantar" target="_blank">Bakers Creek</a>. Its flavor has a unique spice and the golden skin color adds a nice variety to our meals.</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/AVvXsEj2N4Zq5e1MLjA1PBidQPRwMDrmmk9jArI83DlbtnGcPjef-VJPoWYtW1Z1HXzjm-wy9d-ONSRfk3ZeMUiNtUJ4QluIvOEj4k1BeOwotCaZMK-rQ2cbIVBQ4iNdtB28yjAsyGon0PXbsTRH/s1280/thumbnail_image_123923953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2N4Zq5e1MLjA1PBidQPRwMDrmmk9jArI83DlbtnGcPjef-VJPoWYtW1Z1HXzjm-wy9d-ONSRfk3ZeMUiNtUJ4QluIvOEj4k1BeOwotCaZMK-rQ2cbIVBQ4iNdtB28yjAsyGon0PXbsTRH/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_123923953.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another new varietal we planted this year was Wasabi Arugula, its packs a punch and I find myself snacking on these leaves the most when I am out working on garden projects!</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/AVvXsEhmWZHXhpZ5PR9bkMiCFxa4A00nsoDBExQEYEljEZjPJqGw_0LEdK00Iag9sr6EQ4NMCjlGE-d_RxpBtoInnhGhWR2v9WBqH4KeyslNnXKfU1iHWalJ12UqA8YtFoPWoHoy4Hv7Rz9W974f/s1280/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWZHXhpZ5PR9bkMiCFxa4A00nsoDBExQEYEljEZjPJqGw_0LEdK00Iag9sr6EQ4NMCjlGE-d_RxpBtoInnhGhWR2v9WBqH4KeyslNnXKfU1iHWalJ12UqA8YtFoPWoHoy4Hv7Rz9W974f/w480-h640/1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our peonies did amazing this year and I think finally remembering to throw a cage around it early in the spring helped retain its beauty longer this year.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XYJd7NOILPs1dsiNm3YkFoJwTn9e0u9Ong4eEjsq6na9Bx-MDXZsa8hkc0ItKqh_EgbgQP_U52itsrksydtV_yK_cB4cAghoZGg0TIKFTjLyVoOKBvHSdgYczLFDTXKBFQcAb_On4iDh/s2048/5DE53BBC-9513-4019-8263-4C14D1C28404.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XYJd7NOILPs1dsiNm3YkFoJwTn9e0u9Ong4eEjsq6na9Bx-MDXZsa8hkc0ItKqh_EgbgQP_U52itsrksydtV_yK_cB4cAghoZGg0TIKFTjLyVoOKBvHSdgYczLFDTXKBFQcAb_On4iDh/w640-h480/5DE53BBC-9513-4019-8263-4C14D1C28404.jpeg" width="640" /></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/AVvXsEhEoR5QAB0bBhy-ttez2ORuxcsx9wyPExu9DynUfhkAhMhN-gq-XLA6HcJS4XoEBlE9cAyfrfLeGXz2QcU3r607A-dC7sPwuoy1ZIDtm46qpBL7MubBk7SrbL-TdOXom_VJVZPSQTvUFlWN/s1280/44.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoR5QAB0bBhy-ttez2ORuxcsx9wyPExu9DynUfhkAhMhN-gq-XLA6HcJS4XoEBlE9cAyfrfLeGXz2QcU3r607A-dC7sPwuoy1ZIDtm46qpBL7MubBk7SrbL-TdOXom_VJVZPSQTvUFlWN/w480-h640/44.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hazel and I spent almost an hour following this swallowtail around the homestead.</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/AVvXsEhI_2-PkOq0_XxWFcMXE9K34EbXe4tFFjeBMCLKyDlPJOYzuRTDPtFziJuQ7hk5RJ3N-64bt2JVVZG8Mrq-kUgXjt8K60UlyA_rnSKCUTpXGKo7NQBngeMfI3gUQziQXb1-gPw2-pe6js_8/s2048/D909F9B7-416D-4BAD-BB72-6BF400D1E9E6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_2-PkOq0_XxWFcMXE9K34EbXe4tFFjeBMCLKyDlPJOYzuRTDPtFziJuQ7hk5RJ3N-64bt2JVVZG8Mrq-kUgXjt8K60UlyA_rnSKCUTpXGKo7NQBngeMfI3gUQziQXb1-gPw2-pe6js_8/w480-h640/D909F9B7-416D-4BAD-BB72-6BF400D1E9E6.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of Hazel, she is pretty excited about the progress her flower circle has made and is very excited about the prospects of the nasturtiums climbing up the tepee trellis we constructed recently.</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/AVvXsEhC15m4PNJoDbT45GnkbtpqLoob6NQSxpuqJhvMLHW2QGIMI7RrgS7Vtz7bYxVCuxv4BiEaYQVr6de5k7MHSa2mV0BYeIKdllHzxIzCHtpMJbuX0N_djIaWR0AfsL7Uje0FdSNib09wnH8e/s1280/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC15m4PNJoDbT45GnkbtpqLoob6NQSxpuqJhvMLHW2QGIMI7RrgS7Vtz7bYxVCuxv4BiEaYQVr6de5k7MHSa2mV0BYeIKdllHzxIzCHtpMJbuX0N_djIaWR0AfsL7Uje0FdSNib09wnH8e/w640-h480/3.jpg" width="640" /></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/AVvXsEhXxBGaDo-owRVtM3IEjDkMqGgbQX-ZNMPUkHHDQOIuDuvElEjmZVWbgopqqzPS69kyxhSKcERdP56lFxxaiPLlt1A8KM3V610jyEdcZ_3VBCPt7y41TBvrD76jM8TIGfs_scepfD5hs-oP/s1280/1111.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxBGaDo-owRVtM3IEjDkMqGgbQX-ZNMPUkHHDQOIuDuvElEjmZVWbgopqqzPS69kyxhSKcERdP56lFxxaiPLlt1A8KM3V610jyEdcZ_3VBCPt7y41TBvrD76jM8TIGfs_scepfD5hs-oP/w640-h480/1111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tomatoes are all strung up and climbing as we patiently anticipate their arrival in our kitchen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> and in our bellies.</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/AVvXsEgqUPIRdGbcaN8B4-f_gXAh47x2Z5qmM_1kxVWgGsl3kFxhQV_-AjZPTuu8bCPPlDPaoNB3l_IcWJsyB7FU4OsHs_SZJ_fKYdjA79PuUClfcpUucCJF6Mx-F6Mi6M3qPesB80WSONXgzHoh/s2048/303637AF-C6F9-4B9C-A7D4-43B2461D09B7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUPIRdGbcaN8B4-f_gXAh47x2Z5qmM_1kxVWgGsl3kFxhQV_-AjZPTuu8bCPPlDPaoNB3l_IcWJsyB7FU4OsHs_SZJ_fKYdjA79PuUClfcpUucCJF6Mx-F6Mi6M3qPesB80WSONXgzHoh/w640-h480/303637AF-C6F9-4B9C-A7D4-43B2461D09B7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPVOvcYPD87tlc6lqBp-lj4AhE1uTeydi2kbXW7TvRkjGa6661ga8oubr9ewur1WgvJgS7g3iweEetLont_lIX7Vidg_sI0CwFoyS7KAn0eKqAt5B-wt_LvWG9STP02VW40G6GAT97b7w/w640-h480/4.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Our corn is doing well and we preemptively made a makeshift square trellis with bamboo stakes and jute around it to help keep it vertical, hopefully preventinig it from blowing over like it has the last two seasons. Seems like this will work unless we get a real brutal microburst which has been known to happen! </span><span style="color: black;">Fingers crossed.</span></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/AVvXsEgRMWZlCiLMpFjsuYebzsH59ZQyveSvuhYRJmuLOfoUGC0OYJVewaVZf62of2JBwNu0QowLWEBStltCCVWH6KQg924JE7WMgd_yJcmqhlZNCJLKSrmxpq3jGKuuXlTXRqI3JmNMrZ4hZDE5/s1280/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMWZlCiLMpFjsuYebzsH59ZQyveSvuhYRJmuLOfoUGC0OYJVewaVZf62of2JBwNu0QowLWEBStltCCVWH6KQg924JE7WMgd_yJcmqhlZNCJLKSrmxpq3jGKuuXlTXRqI3JmNMrZ4hZDE5/w640-h480/5.jpg" width="640" /></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/AVvXsEhJA2F-it4jH_5KSM4OLICTHR7PSdNXMgwwkCrjrYBV2GjTJGgn-wjpYNVuhWS7wCtxch-m4K_ldEWXxm1UYcUmJsjoT75K2ykJzf1pCe4CqxZ_OrafDX5x7SGX-ciHmKgvlNl1cWKR3g7i/s1280/333.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJA2F-it4jH_5KSM4OLICTHR7PSdNXMgwwkCrjrYBV2GjTJGgn-wjpYNVuhWS7wCtxch-m4K_ldEWXxm1UYcUmJsjoT75K2ykJzf1pCe4CqxZ_OrafDX5x7SGX-ciHmKgvlNl1cWKR3g7i/w480-h640/333.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Cucumbers are climbing and popping flowers every minute...looking like a bumper crop if things keep progressing in this direction! Time to stock up on pickling supplies before the shelves empty like they did last year!</span></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/AVvXsEis5I5f2NyZ5scuG_81rWlmTdYp-_pQOJsNTEFCLOcJw_fOmvaRgY5Sj-M6kIi1zygqZGd2rXxrCxr16pDJDRk4lXtMqduRtNU_la9xvUKa2gezxqptyKD9p-F8fTLsmrLFH2e07dtB8sYJ/s1280/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5I5f2NyZ5scuG_81rWlmTdYp-_pQOJsNTEFCLOcJw_fOmvaRgY5Sj-M6kIi1zygqZGd2rXxrCxr16pDJDRk4lXtMqduRtNU_la9xvUKa2gezxqptyKD9p-F8fTLsmrLFH2e07dtB8sYJ/w480-h640/6.jpg" width="480" /></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/AVvXsEh_QgimqRKO_tnr5CSpRjK9n8fXFbP-gC9qOz-pY1_20nq3NoVOsjHuUyeMzo1e3N2TVrA1KAldwkz38-IpegBDb2-YAkJeYBSE75zRztj4x5Rrdwu-DoEpIfgdpTkdQ8hqwtOKDp9-6vE7/s1280/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QgimqRKO_tnr5CSpRjK9n8fXFbP-gC9qOz-pY1_20nq3NoVOsjHuUyeMzo1e3N2TVrA1KAldwkz38-IpegBDb2-YAkJeYBSE75zRztj4x5Rrdwu-DoEpIfgdpTkdQ8hqwtOKDp9-6vE7/w480-h640/2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIe3ZG4qjMkm5okp5rMcu4LT84dbRsyS-BFSy1uusriE26SExUOjLw8byOBHHAVid3oOkKytSn2TAdMegTuIs1vOVeMdyDnpO1_9q9Tb5acWPL8aaM8zphKT1gODVOpkrmeb5dHOBHeoXl/s1280/thumbnail_image_123923953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIe3ZG4qjMkm5okp5rMcu4LT84dbRsyS-BFSy1uusriE26SExUOjLw8byOBHHAVid3oOkKytSn2TAdMegTuIs1vOVeMdyDnpO1_9q9Tb5acWPL8aaM8zphKT1gODVOpkrmeb5dHOBHeoXl/w480-h640/thumbnail_image_123923953.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><u><br /></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixsd_SLWc1ssfhuzaN0hIqL4GsabkgLa7wWRm6IIphY0RASEkgLngVfqffNO1p-57A6kioYx_Z-aFVi-TpoY-e6uP0W-zK6xwCIMnBAP-0gKaNjKLTyHmZZhFBrsF1BKp0yWKgWHShQyv/s1280/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixsd_SLWc1ssfhuzaN0hIqL4GsabkgLa7wWRm6IIphY0RASEkgLngVfqffNO1p-57A6kioYx_Z-aFVi-TpoY-e6uP0W-zK6xwCIMnBAP-0gKaNjKLTyHmZZhFBrsF1BKp0yWKgWHShQyv/w640-h480/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">We also got a few solid strawberry picking sessions in over at Bradbury Mountain Berry Farm in Pownal. Such great picking this year, Id say we went through close to 30lbs! We never even had to freeze any and using the fresh cut tops to make strawberry lemonade was a family favorite! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Looking forward to heading out there again in the coming weeks for raspberry season! </span></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/AVvXsEh5DZghNFmgoVSc0iWVHFX3ItihbFWQRSa_-WV4_7BtrlZFTKyBhcLGp_emDtr3NNNJrDAmoDw96kgNjOFt3sJgsHDcUJMcPBPr39BFolXJEqxnDmfvviOaozrizZSKs8QZ0SebkMFCxmJc/s1280/22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DZghNFmgoVSc0iWVHFX3ItihbFWQRSa_-WV4_7BtrlZFTKyBhcLGp_emDtr3NNNJrDAmoDw96kgNjOFt3sJgsHDcUJMcPBPr39BFolXJEqxnDmfvviOaozrizZSKs8QZ0SebkMFCxmJc/w480-h640/22.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Hazel had her own special method for picking... she exclaimed loudly "I'm a butt picker" a few times making dad and a few other pickers smile, never a dull moment with a 4yr old!</span></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/AVvXsEjH8ircwygB2ERZ04K6dcxP4s0nH5RldeRWFAgZ1FWkjNqMbRKgwJHpSwspcTCZVvUt844T_WHqIkodcD5A1B38im84P5TVJ3p7tLUDwYw1imY2c-4Gt2UvBfPs8vk7kiSwTernFcAJGCn6/s1280/55.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8ircwygB2ERZ04K6dcxP4s0nH5RldeRWFAgZ1FWkjNqMbRKgwJHpSwspcTCZVvUt844T_WHqIkodcD5A1B38im84P5TVJ3p7tLUDwYw1imY2c-4Gt2UvBfPs8vk7kiSwTernFcAJGCn6/w480-h640/55.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGTS5YglUgzSFXXC75m4vUO-aRAbb-CfsgBXOHFDV78GMNHmS8A7go8ayxX_5fBRGgu1dzbtGIJ7FamVKHdGxVcqi7ccVMzfE_2ZCn7Rip7pGnw87ZwBE9t7rQ-LvoRrA5EYlj8m73fBd/s1280/444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGTS5YglUgzSFXXC75m4vUO-aRAbb-CfsgBXOHFDV78GMNHmS8A7go8ayxX_5fBRGgu1dzbtGIJ7FamVKHdGxVcqi7ccVMzfE_2ZCn7Rip7pGnw87ZwBE9t7rQ-LvoRrA5EYlj8m73fBd/w480-h640/444.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>And just in time for the end of strawberry season we made a family trip into Portland to experience the grand opening of the new children's museum and topped off the trip with a visit to the Eastern Prom for a delicious strawberry soft serve courtesy of <a href="https://www.mainemaplecreemeeco.com/">Maine Maple Creemee Co.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #0000ee; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LwZpnqYveHL8xjgxTcmTfyWRCl6yWXi-tz5N0o7FRQy74_rFMmxTiEocb2CJUuN26VlYvNo5F3NZPuM8wkaqFvbkDzplUxJRw_DNC1Tp96dPeKzltlZOyukJL2qnqRnq-kM-WoDGfdjS/s1280/77.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LwZpnqYveHL8xjgxTcmTfyWRCl6yWXi-tz5N0o7FRQy74_rFMmxTiEocb2CJUuN26VlYvNo5F3NZPuM8wkaqFvbkDzplUxJRw_DNC1Tp96dPeKzltlZOyukJL2qnqRnq-kM-WoDGfdjS/w480-h640/77.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div>PS Hazel no longer shares the rest of her ice cream with dad! :(<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #0000ee; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><p></p>Lukadukehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06248709276315492161noreply@blogger.com0