Double R Farm (Amish Country Soaps & Sundries)

Well, we've finally gotten the rain that we needed so badly here in Sugarcreek.  The past few days it has been raining and the garden has finally gotten the moisture it needs. The weeds though, they are another story. Yesterday, I spent hours pulling and tossing them by the bucket- full. Today I hear we are set for  more rain.

The rain keeps me inside more. Normally that would bother me, but I've busy with my latest endeavor. I finally finished my 1st novel and am hoping to get it published.  No, it's not a book on gardening which you probably would imagine. The book would fall more into the category of Native American Literature. I grew up in New England surrounded by the ghosts of the Nehantic Indian Tribe, and at one point our family lived across from an old Native American burial ground . I was always fascinated with the way that they lived so peacefully on this earth leaving only their footprints as a reminder that they had been here.

If that weren’t enough to get me thinking, my mother’s side of the family are decedents of the Heron Tribe. As a child I listened to my uncle and grandfather spin tales of their earlier childhood where they incorporated the many rituals of their ancestors. You might say that at a young age I was hooked. I only wish that they had been around longer to teach me more, or at least that I had paid more attention as a child.

 I will admit that I am quite the dreamer, and these dreams have taken me where I am today. A while back I started thinking again and dreaming about writing a novel that encompasses the ideals and ways of the Native American culture. Who knows where this one will lead?

 One of my husband's favorite movies is the "Field of Dreams." Growing up in Ohio the sight of a massive cornfield seems to bring him comfort. He is also an avid sports fan,so the thought of being visited by the ghosts of some of the finest baseball players to ever play  makes it that much better.

 Every year we contemplate planting a large cornfield in one of the back pastures. This year we decided to till a smaller one in a front pasture. I can honestly say that  just now that it looks nothing like a dream. It is roughly tilled with many stones and clumps of grass that need to be removed before we can finish.

Last night I was out working on removing some of the debris when I saw some movement in another garden. I had noticed some plants had been chewed and I had not yet begun the applying of natural repellents. As I walked over I saw this little guy helping himself to some red cabbage.He was within 6-12 inches of me, and  I had  hoped my mere presence would scare him off. As you can see he was not the least bit frightened. I went directly for the repellent as he hopped from the garden and sat there patiently watching me finish. 

We are a no kill farm, and many wild and domestic animals have taken up residence here. We try to plant a little extra knowing they will arrive just as the healthy young plants begin to flourish. One thing for sure if you plant it they will come.... now if we could just attract the ghosts of a few famous baseball players...

We finally received our first real snowfall of the season. It's probably a good thing since I have been working outside up until a few days ago. The ground had not yet frozen so I took the opportunity to move a huge heirloom rose to a spot where it could grow without getting in the way.It took me the better part of the day to get it's roots out and relocate it. As I worked I snacked on the sweet rose hips ones I had snacked on through the fall. I decided I should leave some for the animals and birds that eat them. I think they were getting frustrated with me as I ate them longer into the season than I normally would have. I like to munch on things when I work and the tasty rose hips were just the right snack. They are loaded with vitamin C.

 Now that the weather has changed it's time for indoor projects. I spent most of the weekend drying,  and sorting  seeds for our use as well as to share with others. It won't be too long before he ground can be worked and the newly planted seeds emerge holding their promise for a yummy harvest. I also find it fulfilling and inspiring to grow from seed, and watch the cycle from begining to end. No matter how many times I do this I am still amazed. We offer a few of the seeds on Local Harvest, and hope to add a few new ones this year. Just now I am working with Aunt Molly's Husk Tomato, Heavenly Blue Morning Glory, and some Lamb's ear. If you have the opportunity to grow from seeds it is well worth the investment.

Even if you don't have land you can still grow many seeds in containers. Here are some Lamb's ears I grew indoors. They sit happily on my windowsill stretching to reach the rays of sun. I like to grow in the winter and set the plants out when the weather is warmer. It keeps my hands in the dirt and my soul in the garden  so to speak.

It also reminds me of a saying on a windchime my husband gave me some years ago,"To plant a graden is to believe in the future." -author unknown.

Wishing you a warm winter and a bountiful harvest !

Double R Farm