FIRST HARVEST OF THE SEASON

Even though it was a washed out weekend (see yesterday's post), I was able to get out there.

BEHOLD!

Our first harvest from the garden...

Pickling cucumber and tomato

...OK, don't laugh, ha!

One pickling cucumber and one early girl tomato. We are guessing the rain put things into overdrive and a couple of them were ready.

Now what to do with them?

We could make the worlds saddest little salad, but instead we opted for using them to sample the first garden flavors of the season.

Cucumber spears

We sliced the cucumber up and then...

Cucumbers in pickle brine

...added it to the brine of some pickles we already had the refrigerator.  The brine can naturally do its thing to the freshly added cucumber.

As for the tomato...

Early Girl tomato sliced up

We sliced it up and then...

Tomato and egg toast

...put the slices on top of some homemade bread with some fresh farm eggs from 2nd Family and a sprinkling of finishing salt.  AMAZING flavor in one tomato.

It's always fun to enjoy the rewards of your efforts.

Now here's hoping for more veggies to enjoy later on throughout the season!

RAINY DAYS AND HOBART SUNDAY

Yesterday (and today) is a rainy mess again.

I made it out to the farm but when I got there, it was raining.  I was kind of afraid of getting the Jeep stuck in the yard so I had to be careful.  I parked in the highest spot of the yard and was VERY careful when backing up to turn around.

Standing water was everywhere.  I think the total from the prior week was about 5 1/2 inches.  Of course, then it was raining yesterday and today so that total has been increased I'm sure.  There was no watering and no mowing or edging.  That means the mowing next weekend is going to be brutal, ugh.

I drove out there to check the house (fine) and the garden and fruit trees (mostly fine, update tomorrow).  After I was there about an hour, it started raining pretty heavily.  I headed back into town and we've been hunkered down in the rain the rest of the weekend.

Speaking of hunkered down..

...I took this picture of Hobart as I was creating this post.  Yep, he's over there on our his dining room chair that we pushed over to the window on one of our his quilts...sound to sleep on this rainy day.

We keep telling y'all HE'S NOT SPOILED. 😂

Hope you are having a good weekend!

MORE BITS AND PIECES OF LIFE

Here's another still life moment from the desk at the farm.  A few weeks back we posted HERE about items we have on the desk and shelves at the farm.  It's a scattering of things connected to our lives in some way and we know you all enjoyed it the last time.

Here are some more:

The brass cowbell - We're not 100% sure if it was used by my Grandparents but they had a farm cow at one point and it's possible this was on the cow...or they could have just acquired it along the way somewhere. HERE is the link to the original post about it.  All we know for sure is it's old and handmade.  It also has the best sound when you wave it back and forth.

"More cowbell", right?  LOL! 

The amethyst - one of my childhood things.  I collected rocks and minerals and gemstones like this for ages when I was little.  Not even sure where I got this originally but I've had it for most of my life.

The tin metal rocket - that's a purchase.  2nd Man got it for me years ago as a surprise gift.  It's a vintage tin lithographed friction toy.

More bits and pieces of lives lived...

RAIN HAIL AND TORNADOES OH MY

What a night.  There was a line of storms earlier in the evening that they said would be sliding to the North...then, as nature does, the line shifted and started moving due East...and then it intensified.

It was at the farm in no time.  The red pushpin above is the exact location of the farm and the darkest color is the most intense storm.  Then suddenly there was a radar indicated tornado over the town nearest to the farm!  Our phones were blowing up with urgent weather alerts.  We texted 2nd Family and they had just seen the alerts going off as well and were getting in a hallway under a mattress.  She said it was getting pretty scary out there.  About 30 minutes later, that same storm was coming into the Houston area.  Now we were under the gun for the intense weather.  As it moved into the city, we got this message:

 ALERTHOUSTON

Tornado Warning in Effect for Houston

Weather Information

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for all of Houston until 10:15PM.  This means a tornado has been spotted on weather radar and/or by trained professionals.  

Protective Actions

People within the affected area should SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.  Take Action as there is an imminent danger to life and property.  A tornado is coming. 

Get In:  Get inside a sturdy structure, find shelter in an interior room, away from windows.

Get Low:  Seek shelter on the lowest floor possible, or underground, if possible.

Hold On:  Grab on to a sturdy object and hold on.

It was pretty intense here in town too, though not as much as we imagine it was out there at the farm.  We got in touch with them to see how they were.  She said it was a lot of lightning, some hail, some strong wind and a LOT of rain. The yard was flooded.  The tornadic storm rolled over the entire distance from West of the farm all the way across Houston and off to the East in about an hour and a half.  Haven't yet heard of any major damage.  Lots of power outages around town.

"J" said she would walk around our house tomorrow and check it out.  We fear for the garden and/or the fruit trees in the heavy rain & wind.  I guess we'll find out soon enough.  

Later in the evening, she texted after it passed through and said "so...when we get both our houses done, do y'all want to go in halfsies on a storm shelter?"

RESTRINGING THE DEER FENCING

This was on my weekend list las time and I got it done.  Thought we'd share the pictures.  With warm weather here and only getting hotter, it was time to restring the fishing line on the deer fence around the orchard area.  We figured with the blueberries and fruit trees putting on fruit, it was time to update it so that deer will leave things alone.

T-post and fishing line

Last year I made the mistake of doing them in one long continuous strand for each level.  I'd go around one post and wrap it around a few times then go to the next pole, wrap around again, go to the next and wrap around, and so forth until I got to where I started and then tie it off.  What ended up happening was if one section broke, it caused that whole line all the way around to sag or fall.  I didn't want to make that mistake again, so this time I cut each line in a section from post to post.

Protecting the fruit from deer

Sure it took a little longer but it'll be worth it in the end. We added a fourth row of line too (a low one) so we feel it's well protected from attack.  Our only issue last season was the random goat attack from the neighbor's goats but his fence is fixed and at that time, we didn't have a lower line so they just came in underneath.

Deer fencing

We have had great luck with this in keeping out the deer.  Deer are easily startled and people who've used this method say that in time, because they are creatures of habit, they just avoid the area if they are spooked by the "scary invisible thing" that touches them. They just start avoiding the area completely.  We haven't had any issues with birds or other animals getting into the lines.

So far, it's been a perfect solution for us.

WASHOUT WEEK AND HOBART

Well, this week is going to be wet...

...and it's starting today. In fact, as we post this, it's pouring rain here in Houston and at the farm.

We are under flash flood watches and warnings and they said it will probably be that way all week.  At least I got to the farm yesterday but the errands we were going to run today are cancelled.

And of course, it's HOBART SUNDAY!  Here is a picture of him doing what he seems to do best, sleeping.  Of course look outside behind him; it's raining and gray and gloomy but he has a warm fuzzy blanket and some soft pillows...hmm, I think we're getting sleepy too!

We've got a couple of chickens dry brining in the fridge and we'll roast those later.  We always do two, eat one and take the meat off the second one for a future meal.

Hope you have a having a better weekend!

POST EARLIER TODAY

Something happened with it, a Blogger error and/or Google because the website was down for a bit.  It was reported to Google and it has been fixed. They are also going to keep an eye on things.  It's always something. I won't repost because it's completely gone.

Just didn't want anyone to wonder or get a weird message.  So here, enjoy this sunset in downtown Houston.  Sure a farm sunset is beautiful too but we do enjoy this view too.

More this weekend!  Several things planned, we'll see what all happens.  Might go tomorrow, might wait until Sunday as other things are planned for tomorrow but not sure what will happen first, ha. 

Be safe, have a good one!

TRASH TO TREASURE THAT WE IGNORED

  Regular readers know that I have a favorite place to look for bargains...our downstairs trash area!  Our building has trash chutes on every floor and they feed into a separate room, but for boxes and other things that people can't put in the chute, there is an area (indoor) near the loading dock where people can put the things they don't want.  I've found quite a few cool items over the last few years.

THIS however, is NOT one of the latest:

I went downstairs recently and saw this thing sitting there. Side note, this is how things are often left when I pick them up. This is one that I saw the sign and went "oh wow, cool!" (big and free!). But then I stepped back, looked at it again and went, "WHAT IS IT?"

We still have no idea.  I even had 2nd Man come down and look at it and we couldn't figure out a use for it, whatever it was.  It was obviously handmade, or maybe custom made (welded together) and was very heavy made up of various large pieces of metal.  The top curved piece rotated, almost like a globe would do.  We were kind of thinking maybe something laid in there, like a piece of art or an artifact like a sword or something similar?  It was probably expensive originally.  

We DO pass on things, ha, I just never take pictures of them.  This one tough, we thought you'd enjoy.

So what do you think it was?  It was gone later that evening so SOMEONE found a use for it.

ORCHARD UPDATE BABY FRUIT

After the garden and veggie update, here is another part of what I did plus some baby fruits.  Alas, no baby ducks in these pictures, ha.

I got the cherry bushes planted.  For those who may have missed the post about them, you can read about it HERE.  They are Nanking cherries and while not a cherry tree, they are in the cherry family and produce a bush type of cherry that grows in drought, heat AND hard freezes.  Perfect for our crazy climate!

Nanking cherry

We had two planting rings ready to go with the right soil and I planted them.  This one has grown into a "V shape" we're fine with that.  Just planted it and mulched it.  One down one to go.

Nanking cherry bush

This is the second one, it's more of just a straight single stem, we'll see how it develops over time.  It was a bit windy and we were a bit worried but we're willing to let them grow and be strong.

Blueberries

We have four blueberry plants and they all have at least a few berries on them.  We'll have to get some bird netting over them soon.

Mystery fruit

They mystery fruits continue to grow.  There are four on there.  I hope to let them at least grow enough for me to sacrifice one for educational purposes (ha!) to see what it looks/smells/tastes like on the inside.  Then maybe the identity will be revealed.

Anna apple

And look at this!

One of about half a dozen apples on the Anna apple tree.  We're excited about that.  I did harshly prune it recently (more on that in an upcoming post) so it could be that.  Or that PLUS the record breaking cold freeze we had.  Either way, we're happy to have them.  Last year the three we got were eaten during the "Great Goat Attack", ha.  So we didn't get any.  Hoping this is the start of many years of ever increasing harvests!

BABY VEGGIES AND BABY DUCKS

 It was a good day Saturday.  I got the garden set up for automated watering.  And look, we have veggies coming in.  The plants all look healthy too.

Pickling Cucumbers

The pickling cucumbers are growing like crazy, the vines climbing the trellis.  There are blooms and a couple of tiny cucumbers (click to enlarge).  Exciting to see.

Eggplants

Eggplants bloomed and the blooms went away and now there are tiny little fruits on there.

Tomatoes

And of course the tomatoes are doing their thing for sure.  They aren't so tiny either and are looking good.  So far no issues.  Hoping they keep growing.  This is just one of the plants, the other tomato plant has about four on it, all in varying sizes.

The basil plants are still struggling but hoping with regular watering they'll perk up.

Next was time on the Zen Machine...

After two weeks it wasn't too bad and you know I love my time on the Zen Machine anyway.  This was about normal (actually a bit quicker).  I mowed it pretty short, our grass grows quickly and this will allow me to skip a week which will help with planning other yard projects.

And then as you may remember, 2nd Family had ten new babies...

Ducklings

...and here they are!  Getting bigger.

They are in an enclosure for their safety.  I asked "J" if she had picked them up and she said no, Mama is way too protective.  I got in there and tried but this was as close as I could get.  Yes, mama is VERY protective.  She always put herself between me and the babies.  

But still, we could have sat there and watched them for hours.  They are adorable.

It was a good weekend.

UPDATE FROM YESTERDAY AND HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

Yesterday, we posted about my goals for spending the day at the farm.  Well, I'm back in town today (for in town errands) but here is the update:

Mow (DONE)

Edge  (KIND OF 1/2 DONE)

Plant the cherry bushes (DONE)

Plant a fruit tree

Transplant the pineapples into larger pots

Restring the deer fencing (DONE)

Set up the garden watering system (DONE)

Not too bad.  More on some of those in upcoming posts.  The mowing was good as always, there was no mud and I cut it pretty short.  It always comes back and we'd rather it be short enough so that if I miss a week for whatever reason it's not a long day of mowing and clogging up the mower, ha.  Yesterday was good!

When I got back, 2nd Man made one of my favorite weekend meals...pork loin with herbs de Provence (with the lavender), mashed roasted sweet potatoes with garlic and buttered green peas.  Put it on the plate, pour some pan drippings over it, a glass (or two) of wine (not wind, ha, thanks for catching that Marcia!) and it becomes a good end to a day of hard work...

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there!  We don't have ours but we wish a happy day for all and nothing but good memories to all! 

AT THE FARM TODAY

As this publishes, I will have been up at 7am and headed out for the day...

After last weekend's washout, we're back to clear skies and warm weather and I have a long list of things to do.  In a perfect world, this is what I'd get done:

Mow

Edge

Plant the cherry bushes

Plant a fruit tree

Transplant the pineapples into larger pots

Restring the deer fencing

Set up the garden watering system

But it's not always a perfect world.  I need to stop and get gas.  I need to stop at the garden center.  I need to get some supplies for the garden and trees.  I will mow for sure.  I'd like to edge but that can wait (who's gonna see it? ha).  I will definitely plant the cherry bushes.  I need to add some fishing line to the deer fencing around the fruit.  And I have to get the garden on the automated watering system now that our water is back on and the days are heating up.

If I can mow and we don't get any rain this coming week, I might not have to mow at all next weekend and I can make this a two part list. 

Check back tomorrow and of course next week and we'll see what all gets done.  2nd Man has to be in all weekend on a project for work but I'm sure we'll get some good food in at some point.  And Hobart will be napping, as usual.  Hope you all have a great weekend!

WOODEN BOTTLE SHIPPING BOX TRASH TO TREASURE

 Regular readers know that I have a favorite place to look for bargains...our downstairs trash area!  Our building has trash chutes on every floor and they feed into a separate room, but for boxes and other things that people can't put in the chute, there is an area (indoor) near the loading dock where people can put the things they don't want.  I've found quite a few cool items over the last few years.

Here is one of the latest!

This box probably had bottles in it, wine bottles most likely, or olive oils.  It's very well made and very sturdy.  It was probably something shipped that had to be strong to hold up during the process.  The wood is solid and hard so it should last a while.

We've taken it to the farm where I put it in the barn so I can find a great use for it.  I did discover that it fits nicely into a drawer in the workbench so maybe I can use it to sort items like screwdrivers or something similar.  2nd Man already has items like this (organizers, dividers) for his kitchen drawer supplies so it's my turn to use it for tools or something else, ha. 

BANANA PUPS

Banana pup coming up

Remember when I had the bananas in the back of the Jeep because of the historic freeze? Not sure what was going on in the back of the car, LOL, but I discovered this!  They had given birth to "pups" ha!  They are of course also called suckers or offshoots from the main tree.  In the ground, they can be dug up and planted and will become a new banana tree.

Banana pup

So I dug them up though one didn't make it out of the process, it broke off at the root end.  Oh well.  I saved this one with a nice root ball on the end, grabbed a container with some fresh soil and planted it a couple of weekends ago.

We still have to figure out where we are going to put them.  Because of their growth habit, we want to make sure they are planted in the right spot.  They can grow fast and tall.  They also aren't always the most attractive plant in the world, well, more tropical looking than farm looking, like they should be around the sides of a pool or something like that.

We're thinking we can maybe put them in an area of the yard and just leave them to grow and multiply...when we do that, it looks like we might eventually have a banana grove in our future, ha!

HONEYSUCKLE IN BLOOM

When we pull up to the farm this time of year and get out of the car, we can smell the familiar scent on the breeze.  Indeed while I'm mowing I get to inhale that intoxicatingly wonderful scent of childhood...

Honeysuckle patch

Honeysuckle is in bloom everywhere!  This patch is behind the house...

Honeysuckle growing wild

When I was mowing last weekend, I found it everywhere else too.  Here along one side by the fence.

Honeysuckle in bloom

And here is more on the other side of the property.  Who among us hasn't plucked some flowers and pulled out that oh so sweet nectar?  We're grateful to have these just growing wild everywhere on the property.  

Because of this, we've been researching recipes to use with honeysuckle and found some jelly recipes that are supposed to be "Summer in a jar delicious".

I think I'm going to try that here in the next couple of weeks before the flowers go away.  It takes a lot for a batch but I'm willing to do it to try something new and maybe recreate that taste of childhood Summers.

Image via pinterest.com

Anyone ever tasted and/or made a batch of honeysuckle jelly?

SOUTHERN BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS AND HOBART

I awoke to this...

2nd Man made a pan full of biscuits.  Side note, we now just call his Lodge sheet pan the "biscuit pan" ha.

And what better way to top that off some homemade biscuits than with some sausage gravy.

It's the "Southern breakfast of champions"!

Hobart would approve of good food, but he's currently on a "post catnip high" and sleeping...

WEEKEND WASHOUT

Well...

...there won't be a trip to the farm this weekend.

We are in the middle of storms that just keep rolling in over and over.  No major flooding yet, there is a break between them, but it's supposed to last all weekend.

That storms are widespread and staying along the coast which draws up moisture and keeps the rains coming.

This was at 2am when we were awakened by loud thunder...I picked up my phone and checked the radar so we can see what it's doing at the farm.  That little "push pin" symbol is the farm.  Just rain and storms for a hundred miles around.

So today and tomorrow will be good days for reading and napping and just generally being a cat, ha!

Hope your weekend is off to a better start!

7:00pm update: 3.25 inches of rain at the farm