Makin' the Pesto, Garden Update 2012

 

 Somehow managed to have the farm all to myself this past weekend.

I spent it in the garden harvesting basil and tomatoes. 

 

 With the 2nd cutting of basil, I put away 12 -2 cup portions of the yummiest pesto I have ever made. (from beauty that moves) I've already got my eye on the basil for another harvest.

 Garden freshness is really starting to pop. The first big flush on tomatoes have me thinking about tomato jam, preserved whole tomatoes, salsa, and freshly roasted toms. Teddy bear sunflowers make a nice back drop to the many (55!) tomato plants we have this year.

 

 Cut flowers in the kitchen window, above the sink. This year, our garden keeps these fresh. (went a little crazy with the zinnias, but I would never admit that to my husband!) Green beans are on, peppers are hot and ready for a big first harvest, onion and red potatoes happy, and the corn is taller than me. The pumpkins are looking nice and the squash is off the hook as well. 

Trying to keep it contained is a good problem to have. 

 (Instagram is just too much fun -follow along!)

Took a Vacation

Took a vacation. It was a long time coming. Too long. Came home to lots of chores: a rental that needs addressed, a remodel to push forward with and lots of farm life happening. Garden harvest on my mind and school is just around the corner. Trying to remember to breathe properly. 

It's important to do so, you know.

Oh and, did I mention? My boy spent his 2nd Birthday on the beach -Happy Birthday Finn!!

We really did have a lovely trip to the beach, with lots of fun stops along the way. Yep, just can't seem to get my feet outta the ocean and back here on land in the desert. 

Summer Evening, with Camera in Hand

 As seen through the eye of my camera, of course. 

Hey, something new! Follow me on Twitter: @sugarmtn_crafty

July 4th, 2012

4th of July celebration this year: worked in the garden (because growing our own food celebrates a freedom that ripples), sipped spiked lemonade (try this!), good food, a surprise visit from a friend driving through town (I love good surprises like that), and watching fireworks.

Family Garden

A family that gardens together, eats good food together!

I love this time of year in the garden, so much potential and hope.

This spring, Lance began to transform our garden into raised beds. We have a large garden and he was only able to complete 4 of the 12 rows before we (he) ran out of time and we needed to get plants in the ground. Once the beds are in place (maybe this fall?), the irrigation will be top of the list. Not including the 4 new raised beds, we water through irrigation pipes and gates. Not efficient at all. Soil is constantly moving. Raised beds will also help keep our soil warmer, extending our growing season.

We are constantly thinking about the health of our garden soil, so last week our plants got their first drink of compost tea! I was very (very) excited about this. It can only get better from here! 

Oh soil, I heart you!!! (you too compost tea!)

SuperMoon

 My SuperMoon photos, looking south over the back pasture.

Finn Moves the Cattle

Finn helping move the cattle to the back pasture. See his legs running and his arms flying as he hollers, "Yah Yah!!" Such a sweet little farm boy.

Big Egg!

Check out that huge egg! We get at least one of these every day.

New Coop in the Orchard

Another coop finished last night. Trying to relocate the chickens that insist on roosting on the barn rafters, making a mess of things below. We'll keep these egg producers and their rooster (Big Red) cooped up for a week or two, pushing them to make the new coop home. All this also in preparation for baby goats to born! Not to mention these unruly chickens like to lay eggs in silly places, looking forward to collecting eggs in one place! (or 3 if you count all the chicken coops we have)

Juiced!

Afternoon delight... freshly juiced with 5 carrots, 2 apples and a chunk of ginger. 

Just what I needed, love our Champion!!

Greenhouse Sun, How it Goes....

Oh man, I can't believe how long it's been since my last post! It's not like I haven't been blogging either, it's just that all my computer time is used up for work. That's how it goes, I guess, especially when you have a toddler. I miss this space terribly though -I miss the personal journaling. And I can't just pick up from today, I must share the beautiful afternoon we spent with friends straight after publishing my last post -you know, the one where I was feeling the woes of winter...needing some sun. Sooo, with that little preface, here we go: an excerpt from that afternoon back in February....  

"Weekending" ... I've heard of people doing this, but we're always so busy on the farm to enjoy a break. Family & friends, Home brew, hot springs (Roxie's 1st skinny dip!), greenhouses (bananas!) and ladybug sex -perfect weekend get away. 

And there you have it. I am back to blogging (that really does sound silly to me, I blog everyday!)

Sun Shine Down...

Needing sunshine...seems to be the case whenever I feel overwhelmed with responsibility - yup, I yearn for the sun. For that empowering fire ball to bestow its glorious love on me. 

I have so many happenings to blog about! Honey, rabbits, barns, remodels, babes getting older, recipes...and I never seem to get back to this space. I love blogging! But I suppose it's one of those luxuries I grant myself only when "this and that" is complete. Totally a mom thing to do - to put myself last. I am trying to get past this block. Trying to find the balance I crave and need.

So with that, I will share a favorite photo of the sun shining down on me on a beautiful summer day, and then give myself the "mama break" I deserve. (yes, I said deserve -just like all busy mamas do)