Double R Farm (Amish Country Soaps & Sundries)

Here in Sugarcreek the weather has been a bit crazy. It warmed up, cooled down, and the other day we even had  sleet and hail! It's almost May and many of us still have our heat on. Very unseasonable weather for us.

 It's also has not been the best weather for planting and growing, but the weather this weekend is suppossed to be glorious with temperatures reaching in the 70's-80's. Plantng season is upon us, so last weekend we managed to get a cultivator to help with the tilling. We normally have an Amish neighbor do the tilling for us, but we decided to till an area 2-3 times larger than usual. We hope to accomodate the additional requests for  CSAs and get more veggies grown for the markets.

We have seen a steady increase in requests for naturally grown produce, and a greater interest in the farm.I imagine that  with every new food scare that is announced more and more people are worried about how and where their food is grown.I can't say I blame them. I like to know where my food comes from too. The more natural and local the better.

Honestly, I was begning to think the sun would never shine here in Sugarcreek. After many days of rain, drizzle and grey skies the sun has finally come back.It is a warm and welcoming sight.

The next few days are supposed to be nice as well, and then well, back into the cold rain again. We have a lot to do in those few days. Some roofs need mending, and more spring veggies need to be planted.

We are looking forward to the nice weather to get started on tilling the soil so we can begin planting for the summer harvest. Before we know it the crops will need to be harvested, and that first juicy home grown tomato will be ready.Mmmmm..I can taste it already.

The weather has been unseasonably cool here in Sugarcreek. This morning we awoke to yet another frosty and cool morning. The flowers seem to be blooming more slowly than usual, and many of the more tender varieties we grow  have had to be covered nightly.

The spring garden that was planted a few weeks ago is coming along, but it too seems to be taking forever. I try to remember that growing from seed is in itself a lesson in patience and often times humility. The young peas and lettuces are just now emerging, and with enough sun and warmth  will burst through the soil quickly.

The rhythms of nature do not necessarily match my own, and I try not to be too hasty in my expectations. A visit to the peace garden this morning seems to be the perfect way to start the day.

Mr. Drooley came to us this past winter when the winds were howling, and the temperatures were below freezing. Truly, the last thing I needed was another mouth to feed, but I am inclined to take in anything that needs warmth and nourishment.

I tried to find a home for him. but it never materialized. He went nameless for months, as we told ourselves he probably wouldn't be staying. Not too long ago we noticed that he has been hanging around with the chickens. We are not sure if he doesn't realize that he is a cat, or the chickens don't know he is not a chicken. Daily, we find him taking dust baths with the chickens, or all of them curled up in front of the barn for an afternoon nap.

Every evening when we put the chickens in he follows them to the door. Once they are secured and the small barn door is closed he wanders over to the hay and finds himself a warm place to sleep.The oddest thing is, that we have two other outdoor cats who will have nothing to do with him. They hiss and swat at one another, and we thought he would be happier in a new home. Mr. Drooley though, seems content to be with his feather-brained friends, and they seem to enjoy his company as well.

The chickens and Mr. Drooley taking an evening stroll.

 

 

 Yesterday's weather proved to be as glorious as the optimists had predicted. The chilly early morning gave way to above average warmth by noon. The children at school quickly shed their heavy winter jackets, and the birds sang loudly. Finally, we enjoyed a day of springtime warmth.

Today, unfortunately was not as pleasant. It appears that Mother Nature has decided to change her mind and remind us that winter is not completely gone. We have wind gusts between 35-45 mph, and the temperature has plummeted. The children have put back on their winter coats, and the brave souls sporting shorts have surrendered them yet again to long pants.

It is still early Spring here in Sugarcreek, and it will be a few weeks before we see some real warmth.The early spring flowers keep their buds tightly wrapped, hesitant to open completely. The only flower seemingly brave enough to open completely is the Lenten Rose. They were planted  years ago, because they are one of the earliest Spring flowers. True to their name they only open during the season of Lent.

Heading to he barn this morning I noticed the tender plants and the windshield covered in frost. It’s hard to believe that in a few hours the temperature will reach the high sixties here in Sugarcreek. I am having difficult time explaining to my son that it’s too cold for him to wear shorts. He is convinced that since it will get so warm he NEEDS to wear them, and apparently he is not the only one. On my way into work I see many a brave soul dressed in shorts and a jacket. Maybe we will finally get one of those glorious days that I have been reading about in other’s blogs. Let’s hope so, or many a brave soul will have chattering teeth.

Today seems no different than those early spring days when I feel I have to work a little harder to make up for the time I’ve been away from the gardens. The winter provides a much-needed slumber for the beautiful plants that surround our farm, and by the time the ground softens I am stealing minutes and even hours outside. Mornings are still chilly here in Sugarcreek, but the afternoon gives way to the gentle warmth of the springtime sun.

 Last night I was feeling energetic and decided to tackle a small garden in front of the barn. Some plants had grown under a large stone, which was surrounded by two smaller ones. Well, I’d like to say that I am the patient type, after all growing from seed and carefully cultivating does take patience, but in some matters I am the first to admit that I want it done NOW. I decided that despite my small stature I would move the large stone with merely a shovel and some misguided ingenuity. As most ill planned projects go this one was doomed from the start.

I had not accounted for the fact that my body weight was not enough to move the stone, and that placing my gloved hands under it was probably not the best idea. I did manage to move the middle- sized stone, and began gently working away the earth around the plants. I must admit that I was quite proud of my accomplishment until I realized that the tubers of the plants had grown directly under the larger stone.

 I tried to move the large stone, but after much huffing and puffing I decided that the stone was more stubborn than I, and I had to admit defeat. Despite my protests I would have to ask my husband for help in moving it. I clumsily picked up the middle-sized stone to place it back to where it was originally, and set my sights to another day. As I am lost in thought I set the stone down too close to another and wedged my fingers between the two. It wouldn’t have been so bad if I hadn’t let go of the stone in my hand and then proceeded to smash my already wedged fingers.

For now I have been gracefully sidelined, but at least I know there is always tomorrow....