I know I know, it has been awhile for a post! Honestly, I don't know how bloggers get a posting out a day and with photos. It is all we can get out what we can.
I'm very glad Steve is back from his photo trip to Ireland. Farm chores just automatically double in time when one has to do them on one's own. Of course the goats all knew that the substitute was in and they did everything possible to bollox things up.
The gardens have been producing like crazy, I've been freezing beans, edamame and tomato sauce, as well drying grapes, peaches and cherry tomatoes and just about everything else. yesterday the meat birds went to winter camp, in other words, the freezer. We processed 34 chickens all up in a matter of two hours, we have it down to a system now, and so our 18 chickens are all resting comfortably at camp. What a relief to have one less task in the morning and evening. The majority of them dressed out to between four and five lbs. perfect!
The last peach tree to be harvested is just laden with fruit. I check them a few times a day hoping that I will get them harvested before the racoons fine them. The tree has already been hit by a porcupine and looks worse for wear. It has survived Hurricane Irene that blew through last weekend so I am hoping for a bountiful harvest. The grapes are coming on now, the first two vines I have harvested, some were eaten and most were dried for museli making this winter.
Speaking of hurricane Irene, we fared much better than expected and are very grateful for that. We got a total of 6 3/4 inches of rain, but didn't suffer from flooding or loss of power. Vermont and northern NH took the brunt of the storm in New England with major flooding, roads and bridges washed out. And just think, another storm has formed and could be headed our way again. Joy.
A number of years ago a client gave me a piece of her waterlily which I planted down at the pond. I hadn't seen it since then, but the other day I was down talking to the goats Fred and Jack and noticed I had waterlilies blooming. they are beautiful!
The days are getting shorter and the trees are beginning to show color along the ponds. I better enjoy the good days while they last.
