Mom and I spent most of yesterday in Medford getting her car worked on at Lithia. It's still there and we had to rent a car and it's still going to cost over $1000 to finish getting the defroster fixed. Dang it Toyota! don't you have any pride or sense of responsibility in your product? Does the word "integrity" mean anything to car manufacturers? Granted the Camry is a pretty nice car, but come on!
While we were in Medford I grabbed a wireless router at Circuit city (Netgear WGR614 or somethin' like that, 29$ after rebate...) So that I am now blogging to you from high in the vaulted loft of my barn. The 21st century has some pretty dang cool things. In 1979 you couldn't have had your own wireless digital network for any amount of money. Now it costs about 64$ if you buy everything new. I supposed off eBay you could get a complete setup for a lot less. 5 more years and they'll come in your cereal box ;-)
Cloudy day but only the faintest trace of precipitation. Gotta go be useful.
Y'all be happy now.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Sunday, October 28, 2007
A good night's sleep
Wow, got over 9 hours of sleep for once. Delightful. Lots of weird dreams though. Dreamt I was leaving Grants Pass via the south exit when suddenly my car and everyone else's just stopped running. Had to walk the 6 miles to home. But then I came across a dude pulling a trailer on Foothill Blvd. and (as is the logic of dreams) his truck was running so I got a ride with him the last 3 miles.
Today will only be slightly a day of rest for me. Lots more clean-up to do before we can have a real day of rest. Plus I want to work on some of the projects I had to post-pone during the harvest season.
Hope you all have a restful and rewarding day.
Today will only be slightly a day of rest for me. Lots more clean-up to do before we can have a real day of rest. Plus I want to work on some of the projects I had to post-pone during the harvest season.
Hope you all have a restful and rewarding day.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Last Day !!!
Last Day! Last Day! Last Day! Last Day! Last Day! Last Day! Last Day! Last Day!
Ok, so I'm obviously pretty excited about today being the last day of sales at the produce stand. Still lots of work to do in the end-of-season tear-down but at least the artificial timing constraints imposed by a commercial outlet will be gone. And best of all I won't have to put up with anymore corn-peelers.
Tonight we will have celebratory pizza. Wish I had a girlfriend to invite over to share, that'd make it a perfect evening. But, oh well. I've never been able to summon tears for overturned dairy products.
Gotta go get girded. Y'all have a super day.
Ok, so I'm obviously pretty excited about today being the last day of sales at the produce stand. Still lots of work to do in the end-of-season tear-down but at least the artificial timing constraints imposed by a commercial outlet will be gone. And best of all I won't have to put up with anymore corn-peelers.
Tonight we will have celebratory pizza. Wish I had a girlfriend to invite over to share, that'd make it a perfect evening. But, oh well. I've never been able to summon tears for overturned dairy products.
Gotta go get girded. Y'all have a super day.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
This is freakin' super cool
Scientists Create Quantum Cascade Laser Nanoantenna This could reveal many new valuable answers about how cells function.
Autumn vicissitudes
A thick, creepy fog shrouded the world this morning. Around noon the sun burned through and brought a smooth warmth to the colors of the world.
At lunch I saw a delightful goshawk harassing a murder of crows. At about 2/3rds the size of a crow I could imagine what a feast one of them would make for her.
Tired now. Still much hard work to do before we close. That'll almost certainly be this Saturday. After which some small part of the world will enter into a new phase of things.
Good night and many blessings upon you all.
At lunch I saw a delightful goshawk harassing a murder of crows. At about 2/3rds the size of a crow I could imagine what a feast one of them would make for her.
Tired now. Still much hard work to do before we close. That'll almost certainly be this Saturday. After which some small part of the world will enter into a new phase of things.
Good night and many blessings upon you all.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Fall in bloom
It was such an amazingly beautiful fall day yesterday that I couldn't bring myself to leave it and sit at the computer. But a chilly, foggy, breezy morning like this makes it easy.
We've got one week of the sales season left. Should be pretty easy to get through especially since the entire week is supposed to be a lot like yesterday. That warm but mellow autumn sun and all those vivid colors on the land create a perfect atmosphere for a finale week.
Wishing y'all a lovely day.
We've got one week of the sales season left. Should be pretty easy to get through especially since the entire week is supposed to be a lot like yesterday. That warm but mellow autumn sun and all those vivid colors on the land create a perfect atmosphere for a finale week.
Wishing y'all a lovely day.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Anybody ever hear of UAT?
Saw this ad for degrees in artificial life design and programming on G4tv last night. I've been working with artificial life since high school (cellular automata and a simulation of planaria worms for instance) as well as genetic algorithms since about 1989 so I was interested.
But I can't find out much about the school : University of Advanced Technology. If anyone knows anything about them give me a shout out.
Wishing you a fine and blustery Halloween season evening.
But I can't find out much about the school : University of Advanced Technology. If anyone knows anything about them give me a shout out.
Wishing you a fine and blustery Halloween season evening.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Reading Wednesday
Uhg! what a slow day in business. Stupid ODOT had the road blocked up all morning, totally killed the chances of anybody stopping.
We had vigorous rain showers and some small winds this afternoon. Enough to shake all the water from the awning in front of the stand. Probably didn't help the customer's mood either. It is a very lovely fall season though; nothing can kill my delight in that.
The extra time was used, if not wisely or productively at least not frivolously. Read a bunch and formulated some things for the new version of my web-blazer.
Hoping you are all productive and happy.
We had vigorous rain showers and some small winds this afternoon. Enough to shake all the water from the awning in front of the stand. Probably didn't help the customer's mood either. It is a very lovely fall season though; nothing can kill my delight in that.
The extra time was used, if not wisely or productively at least not frivolously. Read a bunch and formulated some things for the new version of my web-blazer.
Hoping you are all productive and happy.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Lovely Fall Sunday
Ran to Medford, got supplies. Mellow autumn sunshine all afternoon long- after a dim gray morning of fog.
Foliage color is getting like flashbulb quality brightness in places around the valley. Will have images soon.
Last week of picking corn and we're supposed to have rain starting tomorrow after 11am.
Got a last few chores to do this evening so I don't have to do them in the morning.
Y'all have yourselves a mighty fine night now.
Foliage color is getting like flashbulb quality brightness in places around the valley. Will have images soon.
Last week of picking corn and we're supposed to have rain starting tomorrow after 11am.
Got a last few chores to do this evening so I don't have to do them in the morning.
Y'all have yourselves a mighty fine night now.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
beneath the sea of fog
It is cold and foggy out there this morning. Supposed to get warm later. We used to go into the mountains to cut firewood and often passed above these thick blankets of fog to look down upon our hidden valleys. Occasionally a hilltop poked out above the fog, looking like some island or wizard's fortress.
Dad is off helping Terry with his landscaping so mom and I will run the stand ourselves today. No biggie, with so little business and so little to harvest we can easily handle a day like this.
Well, gotta go hook up for work. Y'all have a fine day now.
Dad is off helping Terry with his landscaping so mom and I will run the stand ourselves today. No biggie, with so little business and so little to harvest we can easily handle a day like this.
Well, gotta go hook up for work. Y'all have a fine day now.
Friday, October 12, 2007
A nice autumn day
Had a pleasant day down at the vegetable stand. Finally got a load of good corn in from the final field of the season. Sweet and delicious. That field should have made a week ago but the cold, wet weather held it off.
Many small birds and at least one flock of wild turkeys have began to make use of the residue in the earlier fields. Our farms produce a huge outflow of life. All sorts of fowl and fauna plus lady bugs by the ton. I always have to laugh when I hear an environmentalist rant against agriculture because of all the life it destroys. Dang stupidest thing I ever heard.
Hope you all have a happy, insightful and open minded evening.
Many small birds and at least one flock of wild turkeys have began to make use of the residue in the earlier fields. Our farms produce a huge outflow of life. All sorts of fowl and fauna plus lady bugs by the ton. I always have to laugh when I hear an environmentalist rant against agriculture because of all the life it destroys. Dang stupidest thing I ever heard.
Hope you all have a happy, insightful and open minded evening.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Nice boring rainy day
Slow business in the rain today. The Douglas fir tree besides our stand played eerie Halloween creaky music on the metal side of the building.
Got some reading done and a little more work on the ol' WebBlazer speed reading software. That was a fun project and I'd like to get it back on the market again but I feel it is necessary to add a couple more features before I go to the trouble of building an install package.
Not much else to report. Stay dry and be happy.
Got some reading done and a little more work on the ol' WebBlazer speed reading software. That was a fun project and I'd like to get it back on the market again but I feel it is necessary to add a couple more features before I go to the trouble of building an install package.
Not much else to report. Stay dry and be happy.
Anybody want a nice farm?
Not mine though, my brothers. They've run into a bit of financial difficulty and so are getting ready to sell their place.
It's a really nice little farm, about 7 acres with a Huge barn on it. My brother has raised turf and horses there.
Here's a google earth of the location. The largest gray rectangle is the barn.
View Larger Map
That's an older image so you can't see all the trees they've planted around the border. The place is about a mile away from 2 different I-5 exits with easy access to three large communities; Rogue River, Grants Pass and Medford. It's surrounded by pastures and nearby mountains with the Rogue River itself just a stone's-throw away for lots of recreation, fishing, boating, kayaking, etc..
I'm not sure how much he's asking yet (will get back with some more pics and a price) but it's going to be well below market value and equity cap due to circumstances.
Gotta go get to work now, hope y'all have a great day.
It's a really nice little farm, about 7 acres with a Huge barn on it. My brother has raised turf and horses there.
Here's a google earth of the location. The largest gray rectangle is the barn.
View Larger Map
That's an older image so you can't see all the trees they've planted around the border. The place is about a mile away from 2 different I-5 exits with easy access to three large communities; Rogue River, Grants Pass and Medford. It's surrounded by pastures and nearby mountains with the Rogue River itself just a stone's-throw away for lots of recreation, fishing, boating, kayaking, etc..
I'm not sure how much he's asking yet (will get back with some more pics and a price) but it's going to be well below market value and equity cap due to circumstances.
Gotta go get to work now, hope y'all have a great day.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Harsh week
Bad weather, slow traffic, low product supply along with a menagerie of outside events pressing in on us made this a difficult week.
Dad and I spent this morning planting Brussels sprouts and other mixed cole crops. Had to cover that with deer-x even though there's a pretty effective fence around the field. Would be just like one to find a way through the barb wire.
Then we spent the rest of the afternoon picking mixed pumpkins, winter squash and gourds. And I do mean mixed, a lot of these things are volunteers from last years pumpkin/gourd/squash patch and some intermingling of bloodlines has occurred. With delightful results. I'll try to find time for some pics.
Getting tired now, gotta go get ready for tomorrow.
Hope you all are well and happy.
Dad and I spent this morning planting Brussels sprouts and other mixed cole crops. Had to cover that with deer-x even though there's a pretty effective fence around the field. Would be just like one to find a way through the barb wire.
Then we spent the rest of the afternoon picking mixed pumpkins, winter squash and gourds. And I do mean mixed, a lot of these things are volunteers from last years pumpkin/gourd/squash patch and some intermingling of bloodlines has occurred. With delightful results. I'll try to find time for some pics.
Getting tired now, gotta go get ready for tomorrow.
Hope you all are well and happy.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Tektenamaru
Numerous forces both social and natural are at work producing tremendous stresses on my family and I at the moment. Too complex and varied to enumerate suffice to say an ominous looking cloud hangs overhead both in the figurative sense and the "tomorrow's forecast" sense.
This sort of thing is to be expected going into fall I suppose. It was about a year ago when Cassie had her accident and 2 years ago we lost uncle Tobe. These and many other traumatic experiences seem to proliferate in the history of autumn.
Halloween is a thoroughly appropriate holiday for the season.
Wishing you all wellness and safety.
This sort of thing is to be expected going into fall I suppose. It was about a year ago when Cassie had her accident and 2 years ago we lost uncle Tobe. These and many other traumatic experiences seem to proliferate in the history of autumn.
Halloween is a thoroughly appropriate holiday for the season.
Wishing you all wellness and safety.
Monday, September 24, 2007
2nd day of Fall
I usually try to get on here and write something on the equinox but it has just been a very tiring week. So I made my weekend as restful as possible.
Fall is here and you can definitely tell, all the plants have slowed their production noticeably and this morning it is 36 degrees (Fahrenheit) out there. Also there is that autumn feeling in the air. We're already taking pumpkins and corn shocks down to the stand for the early decorators.
Gotta go cut squash and grapes soon. Hope your day is comfy and stress free.
Fall is here and you can definitely tell, all the plants have slowed their production noticeably and this morning it is 36 degrees (Fahrenheit) out there. Also there is that autumn feeling in the air. We're already taking pumpkins and corn shocks down to the stand for the early decorators.
Gotta go cut squash and grapes soon. Hope your day is comfy and stress free.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Busier, less money
Been a rough week. Mentioned the road problems already, seems to be a bigger problem than just traffic. People are spending less, maybe a reaction to the high price of school materials this year.
Even though less spending is going on, we have still been busy. Lots of people coming in and just buying 1 thing. Eats through bags and uses up labor but puts little in the pocket. Especially when they just buy corn, which makes me the least amount of money of anything I sell. About 30 cents a pound, hardly worth picking but I have to have it or I lose about one-third of my visitors.
My blister is healing very nicely, thanks.
Watermelon are probably gonna be a bust this year. The loss of early water cost us so much early vigorous growth that now the cool days are cutting down the sugar content. Oh well, at least I don't have to worry about picking them, uhg! my back is happy.
Listening to a someone or ones called Basia, super great upbeat music. Love "The waters of March" and especially "A new day for you" totally uplifting.
Still no visit from the sunshine smile lady. Sometimes such mysteries are lost in the rush of life. I can not regret what is fundamentally uncertain no matter how my imaginings might meander. A happy life to you my freckled phantasm.
And to you my intrepid reader, a fine and felicitous day.
Even though less spending is going on, we have still been busy. Lots of people coming in and just buying 1 thing. Eats through bags and uses up labor but puts little in the pocket. Especially when they just buy corn, which makes me the least amount of money of anything I sell. About 30 cents a pound, hardly worth picking but I have to have it or I lose about one-third of my visitors.
My blister is healing very nicely, thanks.
Watermelon are probably gonna be a bust this year. The loss of early water cost us so much early vigorous growth that now the cool days are cutting down the sugar content. Oh well, at least I don't have to worry about picking them, uhg! my back is happy.
Listening to a someone or ones called Basia, super great upbeat music. Love "The waters of March" and especially "A new day for you" totally uplifting.
Still no visit from the sunshine smile lady. Sometimes such mysteries are lost in the rush of life. I can not regret what is fundamentally uncertain no matter how my imaginings might meander. A happy life to you my freckled phantasm.
And to you my intrepid reader, a fine and felicitous day.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Busy Staccato
I'm not sure if that is exactly the right term. There have been multiple traffic stoppages on our stretch of Hwy 99 for the last couple of days. Three different ones today. With the result that business has been coming in shorter, more intense bursts of people arriving. Less steady business and more rushes with long lulls between traffic breaks. During which one just barely has time to lay out a fresh supply of corn and tomatoes and restock the bags.
Dad found this super cool huge puffball mushroom over in field#4 (planting #11 of 12) I got a picture of it, but don't have my camera here right now. Will try to get the pic up tomorrow. I'm certain this type of puffball is edible when harvested young enough but all these are too close to spore to be very tasty. Probably getting a tarry taste. Still looks really cool.
My blister is still bugging me, getting a bit sore as the body attempts to mend and fight infection. And I'm still disappointed that Sunshine hasn't been back by during my shift. If she's around she's probably stopping by in the morning while I'm picking. Ships in the night, indeed! Hopefully she is well.
Wishing you all wellness and strength.
Dad found this super cool huge puffball mushroom over in field#4 (planting #11 of 12) I got a picture of it, but don't have my camera here right now. Will try to get the pic up tomorrow. I'm certain this type of puffball is edible when harvested young enough but all these are too close to spore to be very tasty. Probably getting a tarry taste. Still looks really cool.
My blister is still bugging me, getting a bit sore as the body attempts to mend and fight infection. And I'm still disappointed that Sunshine hasn't been back by during my shift. If she's around she's probably stopping by in the morning while I'm picking. Ships in the night, indeed! Hopefully she is well.
Wishing you all wellness and strength.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Blister beetle bedamned (icky! pic warning)
Got a blister beetle trapped beneath my sandal-strap a couple days ago. Hadn't heard of those dang things since I was a kid but apparently some are living in my tomato patch (they feed on solanacea ) so no more sockless sandals for me! The blister is a little bigger than a 50 cent piece:
Sure makes walking all the miles I cover in a day a mighty joy.
Sure makes walking all the miles I cover in a day a mighty joy.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Too much to report Sunday
So many things happened this week which I wanted to share with you but it all piled up into my brain until it squished down under the combined mental weight into a mushy mound of vague recollections and obscure concepts. A sort of cognitive compost.
I was going to rant a bit about people peeling the corn, mention the fella who brought back his corn because there was a tiny bit of worm damage (we gave him his money back and encouraged him to shop elsewhere...) complain that Sunshine hadn't been back for a visit. Regale the world with tiny tales of daily agricultural trivia.
But it is Sunday and we all need the rest.
Will sip my tea for a while yet, have a little breakfast and then Away! to pick cucumbers and squash.
Wishing you all a crystal clear and relaxing day.
I was going to rant a bit about people peeling the corn, mention the fella who brought back his corn because there was a tiny bit of worm damage (we gave him his money back and encouraged him to shop elsewhere...) complain that Sunshine hadn't been back for a visit. Regale the world with tiny tales of daily agricultural trivia.
But it is Sunday and we all need the rest.
Will sip my tea for a while yet, have a little breakfast and then Away! to pick cucumbers and squash.
Wishing you all a crystal clear and relaxing day.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Wow! so Busy
The word-of-mouth propagation curve has hit that exponential explosion. Plus having a steady supply of peaches has drummed up a lot of new business. Have noticed a diminishment of some of my old clientèle, possibly due to traffic congestion and crowding during choice times of day.
Gonna try and find some watermelons to take in tomorrow. Tomatoes are coming in gang busters, grapes are sticky sweet at their peak and the corn harvest is an avalanche of sweetness and flavor. If I have time I'll move my ladder and pick pears and apples but that will probably have to wait until Sunday.
Hope you all have a delicious and delightful day.
Gonna try and find some watermelons to take in tomorrow. Tomatoes are coming in gang busters, grapes are sticky sweet at their peak and the corn harvest is an avalanche of sweetness and flavor. If I have time I'll move my ladder and pick pears and apples but that will probably have to wait until Sunday.
Hope you all have a delicious and delightful day.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Labor Weekend
Not Labor DAY weekend, just Labor weekend.
Whew! has it been busy. Traffic is up loads. Lots and lots of new customers. Which of course means many new people who refuse to read the "Please Do NOT Peel the Corn" sign. Dang! that is so irritating, so I'm making a new, bigger sign that just says "DO NOT PEEL THE CORN!" Mom wouldn't let me add "Or Guy might poke you in the eye"
And to top it all off, Sunshine didn't come in this week. Sunshine is what I call this delightful strawberry blond (since I haven't gotten her name yet...) who has been stopping by for a couple years now. She has a smile just like sunshine breaking through the clouds and a personality to match. Even though it was quite hot this week, no Sunshine made it a bit darker.
Dad is over helping his friend Terry with some landscaping and I'm going out shortly to pick cucumbers and grapes for tomorrow. Yes, we'll be open on Labor Day. It is a very busy day for us. Fortunately school starts the following day so that will be a particularly slow Tuesday with which to recover.
Hope you all have a wholesome and invigorating day.
Whew! has it been busy. Traffic is up loads. Lots and lots of new customers. Which of course means many new people who refuse to read the "Please Do NOT Peel the Corn" sign. Dang! that is so irritating, so I'm making a new, bigger sign that just says "DO NOT PEEL THE CORN!" Mom wouldn't let me add "Or Guy might poke you in the eye"
And to top it all off, Sunshine didn't come in this week. Sunshine is what I call this delightful strawberry blond (since I haven't gotten her name yet...) who has been stopping by for a couple years now. She has a smile just like sunshine breaking through the clouds and a personality to match. Even though it was quite hot this week, no Sunshine made it a bit darker.
Dad is over helping his friend Terry with some landscaping and I'm going out shortly to pick cucumbers and grapes for tomorrow. Yes, we'll be open on Labor Day. It is a very busy day for us. Fortunately school starts the following day so that will be a particularly slow Tuesday with which to recover.
Hope you all have a wholesome and invigorating day.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Another Friday
Well, we had dad's birthday ice cream cake after it got dark and we couldn't pick anymore. I was so tired I forgot all the gates on our deer fence open so they probably had a "field day" out there last night. This late in the season it probably isn't such a big deal.
Grapes are coming in like a tidal wave now and next week we start picking some apples, I hope. Ate our first black diamond watermelon the day before last. Yumm! Sent a moon-and-stars to my sister's family yesterday. Hope it was ripe, the tendril had been broken off so it was harder to judge.
Gotta go pick, y'all have a great day now.
Grapes are coming in like a tidal wave now and next week we start picking some apples, I hope. Ate our first black diamond watermelon the day before last. Yumm! Sent a moon-and-stars to my sister's family yesterday. Hope it was ripe, the tendril had been broken off so it was harder to judge.
Gotta go pick, y'all have a great day now.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Happy Birthday, Dad
Dad turns 70 today!
But we'll be lucky if we have time for a wedge of the ice cream cake my sister made before we have to go back out and pick more tomatoes.
Wishing you all a lovely day.
But we'll be lucky if we have time for a wedge of the ice cream cake my sister made before we have to go back out and pick more tomatoes.
Wishing you all a lovely day.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Lovely overcast Sunday morning
Just a fluffy layer of low lying clouds to moderate the morning sun. How delightful.
Finally got a good night's sleep after one heck of a busy week. All the summer product except melons is in full harvest and word-of-mouth has really piled on a lot of new customers so we've been scrambling all week. So many things have happened that it all sort of blurs together and now I can't remember enough details to comment on it all.
This morning will be a little more rest time then I've gotta go out and water, fertilize and harvest. Grapes and canning tomatoes are coming in thick and heavy now so I'll also be painting up a new, larger sign for them.
Wishing you all a restful and/or productive day.
Finally got a good night's sleep after one heck of a busy week. All the summer product except melons is in full harvest and word-of-mouth has really piled on a lot of new customers so we've been scrambling all week. So many things have happened that it all sort of blurs together and now I can't remember enough details to comment on it all.
This morning will be a little more rest time then I've gotta go out and water, fertilize and harvest. Grapes and canning tomatoes are coming in thick and heavy now so I'll also be painting up a new, larger sign for them.
Wishing you all a restful and/or productive day.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Good and busy
Had some good days lately. Tomato season is approaching its peak and we'll soon start rolling out cases of canners. Today we begin the grape harvest which should pick up our sales a bit. Gotta get signs made for that.
Would love to stay and detail stories of customer's folly and nature's wonder, but the fields await and the sun is rising.
Have a great day.
Would love to stay and detail stories of customer's folly and nature's wonder, but the fields await and the sun is rising.
Have a great day.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Insane in the rain
Wow! from 20% chance of rain to 100% rain.
This is a really unusual summer drizzle. Sure to crack the cherry, pear and big beef tomatoes. Bummer. It is the farmer's lot to practice acceptance. What else can one do in the face of totally overwhelming forces?
From the radar image it looks like the worst of it has passed but lots of little showers for the next few hours.
Yesterday morning a largish 4 point buck came prancing through the sunflower patch besides our selling room. Our customers and Sparky were equally excited. Dad and I were just contemplating 100 pounds of venison jerky. Well, maybe that was what Sparky was thinking of too, but probably just the thrill of the chase.
I'm gonna spend today cleaning up and resting. Glorious, glorious resting.
Wishing you a restful day too.
This is a really unusual summer drizzle. Sure to crack the cherry, pear and big beef tomatoes. Bummer. It is the farmer's lot to practice acceptance. What else can one do in the face of totally overwhelming forces?
From the radar image it looks like the worst of it has passed but lots of little showers for the next few hours.
Yesterday morning a largish 4 point buck came prancing through the sunflower patch besides our selling room. Our customers and Sparky were equally excited. Dad and I were just contemplating 100 pounds of venison jerky. Well, maybe that was what Sparky was thinking of too, but probably just the thrill of the chase.
I'm gonna spend today cleaning up and resting. Glorious, glorious resting.
Wishing you a restful day too.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
One more day
Our last day of the week and I will really enjoy sleeping in tomorrow.
Business has been pretty good. A little slower with it being county fair week in Josephine county. That's par for the course. But we had a lot of watering, weeding and fertilizing to do so nobody had time to enjoy it.
This next week we'll start bringing in some of our green seedless grapes. Scrumptious! And the corn is peak of the season now, big ears and oh-so-sweet. I love it when we have product which I am 100% confident in.
Well, gotta go pick squash. Y'all take it easy.
Business has been pretty good. A little slower with it being county fair week in Josephine county. That's par for the course. But we had a lot of watering, weeding and fertilizing to do so nobody had time to enjoy it.
This next week we'll start bringing in some of our green seedless grapes. Scrumptious! And the corn is peak of the season now, big ears and oh-so-sweet. I love it when we have product which I am 100% confident in.
Well, gotta go pick squash. Y'all take it easy.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
busy tired
Had to do the dentist/teeth cleaning thing this morning (thanks Kristy!) so the rest of the day I was short an hour. Extra crushy sort of day.
Would love to regale you all with tales of wildlife and the idiocies of our customers but am waaay too tired.
Have a wonderful evening.
Would love to regale you all with tales of wildlife and the idiocies of our customers but am waaay too tired.
Have a wonderful evening.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
2nd week blues
My Sunday is November.
Got 2 weeks behind us but the work is still piling up. Weed control, fertilizing and of course the convoluted logistics of watering. Bad enough on its own but add outside scheduling conflicts and it makes a Rubik's Cube look like tic-tac-toe.
Had one amazing little delight amidst the consternation. Came back from farm#2 and was refilling the settling pond and noticed some sort of large insect crawling around on the bottom. Bent down to get a closer look and the thing jetted off. Only one critter moves like that in Oregon waters: Crawdads! So that was a fun little discovery. Now I'm a crayfish farmer too.
It's been blessedly cool here this week, hovering just below 90. Perfect tomato growing weather, 58 degree nights and 89 degree days. Great for the corn too.
Gotta go. Y'all have a fine day and a balmy breezy evenin'.
Got 2 weeks behind us but the work is still piling up. Weed control, fertilizing and of course the convoluted logistics of watering. Bad enough on its own but add outside scheduling conflicts and it makes a Rubik's Cube look like tic-tac-toe.
Had one amazing little delight amidst the consternation. Came back from farm#2 and was refilling the settling pond and noticed some sort of large insect crawling around on the bottom. Bent down to get a closer look and the thing jetted off. Only one critter moves like that in Oregon waters: Crawdads! So that was a fun little discovery. Now I'm a crayfish farmer too.
It's been blessedly cool here this week, hovering just below 90. Perfect tomato growing weather, 58 degree nights and 89 degree days. Great for the corn too.
Gotta go. Y'all have a fine day and a balmy breezy evenin'.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Bring it on
In the article "China threatens 'nuclear option' of dollar sales" we see that China is threatening to call in its trillions of dollars in trade deficit.
As someone who has been forced to buy the faulty, defective and poorly constructed chinese products which have displaced so many sturdy, functional and finely wrought American products due to their slave-labor low prices I would just like to say one thing: "Bring it on you commie bastards." There is nothing I would like more than for my country to be forced to STOP TRADING with you due to our inability to pay.
And while we're discussing it, how about you pay for all that technology you've been "borrowing", hmmm?
As someone who has been forced to buy the faulty, defective and poorly constructed chinese products which have displaced so many sturdy, functional and finely wrought American products due to their slave-labor low prices I would just like to say one thing: "Bring it on you commie bastards." There is nothing I would like more than for my country to be forced to STOP TRADING with you due to our inability to pay.
And while we're discussing it, how about you pay for all that technology you've been "borrowing", hmmm?
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Busy Saturday
Pretty tired, had a good days run. Sold lots of peaches today. Corn sold good too. We're into the "Incredible" variety now so people are getting pretty enthusiastic. Most customers have been ok, though we have had some complainers due to our "Please Don't Peel the FREAKIN'! Corn" policy.
A bunch of hard work is waiting for me tomorrow. Mostly moving water and doing weed control in the last planting of melons, pumpkins and squash. So much for a day of rest. Glad planting is finally behind us (unless of course we lay in a fall garden starting end-of-August.)
Hope your day is restful and interesting.
A bunch of hard work is waiting for me tomorrow. Mostly moving water and doing weed control in the last planting of melons, pumpkins and squash. So much for a day of rest. Glad planting is finally behind us (unless of course we lay in a fall garden starting end-of-August.)
Hope your day is restful and interesting.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Tired Friday
Pretty good day today. Busier early, a few good long spells for reading in the afternoon but lots of one dollar sales after that. Lots of work, little money.
It was HOT again today. Only 3 days left until the peak of summer is past.
The corn pollen is really bugging my eyes these days.
Hope you all rest well and dream happy.
It was HOT again today. Only 3 days left until the peak of summer is past.
The corn pollen is really bugging my eyes these days.
Hope you all rest well and dream happy.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Good day
We were delighted to discover that Charley had taken down the saw-horses and surfaced a stretch of driveway-side all across our entrance this morning. I was thinking that maybe I had exaggerated how much that interruption was affecting our business, but was I wrong! Saw a definite and clear upswing in customers today. Really a big improvement, almost back to the traffic flow we had last week. So I am grateful for that.
It is HOT! today. Only 3 more days or so to the half-way point between the summer solstice and the autumnal equinox. The summit of summer if you will. Damn! I'd like to take a day and go rafting down the Rogue followed by an evening at the drive-in theater. Ohhhh,, those days are gone ;-)
Wishing you each and all a spirited companionship.
It is HOT! today. Only 3 more days or so to the half-way point between the summer solstice and the autumnal equinox. The summit of summer if you will. Damn! I'd like to take a day and go rafting down the Rogue followed by an evening at the drive-in theater. Ohhhh,, those days are gone ;-)
Wishing you each and all a spirited companionship.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Slow Tuesday
Our landlord at farm#2 black-topped his driveway last weekend and until he gets the saw-horses and other barriers out of the way our customers are having to avoid them to drive in. Net result: a bunch of people are slowing down and then just driving off instead of pulling over. I'd guess I'm losing about 80$ a day because of that.
On top of it, today, ODOT was plugging pot-holes on the road; totally killing traffic. It was a Very slow Tuesday.
Gotta go get cleaned up and do some watering.
Y'all have a great day.
On top of it, today, ODOT was plugging pot-holes on the road; totally killing traffic. It was a Very slow Tuesday.
Gotta go get cleaned up and do some watering.
Y'all have a great day.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Working Sunday
Spent most of today putting down fertilizer and moving sprinklers. Needed to rest but that option wasn't available. Maybe next Sunday.
Getting up early to pick squash and move irrigation.
Hope you all have a lovely night.
Getting up early to pick squash and move irrigation.
Hope you all have a lovely night.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Bizee
Rhymes with dizzy. Feels similar too.
Posting will largely be suspended until Sundays due to extreme workload: harvesting, watering, selling etc. etc.
Hope you all are well and calm and happy.
Posting will largely be suspended until Sundays due to extreme workload: harvesting, watering, selling etc. etc.
Hope you all are well and calm and happy.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Good opening day
Saw lots of my "regular regulars" today and a few newbies. A couple of "yearlings" stopped by too. All very happy that we were open so they could get their good munchies again.
Kinda tired from standing all afternoon. Gonna go have sloppy joes now.
Y'all have a fine evening.
Kinda tired from standing all afternoon. Gonna go have sloppy joes now.
Y'all have a fine evening.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Sunday serenade
Crickets and cars racing the night's silence for each their own goal.
I've drawn a half circle, a sort of protection in the driveway outside my room. Mosquito repellent has more than one purpose. The night seems to throb and roll, warm and still outside the barrier I have risen.
Around the yard a few incense sticks burn, filling the air with a surreal perfume of nature and artifice.
The radio is playing Billy Joel's "Don't Ask Me Why"
I've drawn a half circle, a sort of protection in the driveway outside my room. Mosquito repellent has more than one purpose. The night seems to throb and roll, warm and still outside the barrier I have risen.
Around the yard a few incense sticks burn, filling the air with a surreal perfume of nature and artifice.
The radio is playing Billy Joel's "Don't Ask Me Why"
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Cornfield Camera
Got some pics 'cause my public demands them. This first one is the cornfield at farm#2 and the second one is the big sprinkler gun running at farm#3, next door.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Wounded in action
It had been a great day. Watering was well under way, the fertilizer had been put down on the next two fields of corn. Dad was busy unhooking the fertilizer spreader from the Massey-Fergusun's three-point. I was cutting gladiolas to take home to mom. It was 4:45. I forgot that I had put a new razor blade in my pocket-knife. My thumb immediately informed me of what I had forgotten. The blade went in about 2/5ths of an inch. I staunched the flow with a paper towel and drove the truck down to get dad. Don't think I'll need stitches but you should-a heard me cussing. I freakin' HATE this sort of carelessness. Think I might need to get a prescription for my AADD, maybe I can get some Provigil which sounds like a pretty interesting substance albeit quite expensive.
So today I'm working with an extremely minor handicap, bandaged thumb syndrome. Still managed to get the base coat of paint on our "Opening Soon" sign.
Soldier on, and may your day be wound-free.
So today I'm working with an extremely minor handicap, bandaged thumb syndrome. Still managed to get the base coat of paint on our "Opening Soon" sign.
Soldier on, and may your day be wound-free.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Weed
Technically, that's a plant growing somewhere you don't want it to. Rather an egotistical definition but there you go.
Since these (extremely odd) rains have blown through weed control has become our paramount activity. My least favorite work and one which I must pursue diligently for the next several days. Fortunately I have more machinery these days to help facilitate the procedure.
The higher humidity is accelerating our corn too so we are suddenly faced with harvest starting around the 25th. Luckily we've still got last years signage and of course the metal building which I still think of as new even though it's 3 years old. So we can just open with very little prep work.
Oh yeah, and I pulled off the first big tomato yesterday. So we should have corn, tomatoes, black berries, cabbage, beets, onions and potatoes for our opening. Not a bad line up for an early starting season (we usually open August 1.)
May all your weeds be easy to pull.
Since these (extremely odd) rains have blown through weed control has become our paramount activity. My least favorite work and one which I must pursue diligently for the next several days. Fortunately I have more machinery these days to help facilitate the procedure.
The higher humidity is accelerating our corn too so we are suddenly faced with harvest starting around the 25th. Luckily we've still got last years signage and of course the metal building which I still think of as new even though it's 3 years old. So we can just open with very little prep work.
Oh yeah, and I pulled off the first big tomato yesterday. So we should have corn, tomatoes, black berries, cabbage, beets, onions and potatoes for our opening. Not a bad line up for an early starting season (we usually open August 1.)
May all your weeds be easy to pull.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Are you part of the Long Tail?
Arnold Kling had a great article a couple years back, about the gradual atrophy of the right-left dichotomy which has dominated our American political system for so long. He was spot on and many of the trends he mentions are becoming quite visible. The 2008 election may well spin in unexpected directions do to this phenomena.
Lovely night of rain
Of course I wish it will last a while into the day, so I can have an excuse for taking the day "off" (I'll still end up working but at least not so hard outside)
It was so wonderful to wake up at 3am to the sound of rain and the site of puddles lacing the driveway. The yard lights from a number of neighbors illuminated just the puddles and silhouetted the fruit trees making for quite a picturesque scene.
This morning the dust is all gone and the air smells heavenly.
Well, gotta get some breakfast and do some work. Y'all have a magnificent day.
It was so wonderful to wake up at 3am to the sound of rain and the site of puddles lacing the driveway. The yard lights from a number of neighbors illuminated just the puddles and silhouetted the fruit trees making for quite a picturesque scene.
This morning the dust is all gone and the air smells heavenly.
Well, gotta get some breakfast and do some work. Y'all have a magnificent day.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Pretty Ok Sunday
Spent the morning working at farm#2, spraying weeds again mostly. Moving a little pipe and some other chores, getting just about ready for some corn harvest action, ate our first couple of ears of sweet corn today. I had forgotten how freakin' good that can be. Still a little young but I can tell I'm gonna have some happy customers when it is ready.
Wasted the afternoon in a delightful splendor of laziness, just catching up on some math reading I've been meaning to do. Really starting to enjoy my WebBlazer program which lets me chew through wikipedia entries quite quickly. Have started learning what I need to do to make it into a Firefox extension. Already have it coded to work as an Internet Explorer browser helper but want to get it working with at least one other browser and that'd have to be Firefox which I think works pretty great.
Well, gotta get to bed early for tomorrow mornings awakening struggle. I wish I could wake up early and energized like I used to do.
Y'all have a great night and lovely morning.
Wasted the afternoon in a delightful splendor of laziness, just catching up on some math reading I've been meaning to do. Really starting to enjoy my WebBlazer program which lets me chew through wikipedia entries quite quickly. Have started learning what I need to do to make it into a Firefox extension. Already have it coded to work as an Internet Explorer browser helper but want to get it working with at least one other browser and that'd have to be Firefox which I think works pretty great.
Well, gotta get to bed early for tomorrow mornings awakening struggle. I wish I could wake up early and energized like I used to do.
Y'all have a great night and lovely morning.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
But no subsidies for the Savage Farmer
Here is a great article about how the US government is throwing away millions of dollars subsidizing suburban lawns and farms owned by millionaires. The department of agriculture provides me with loads of informational resources and things like soil testing (for a fee) all of which I am grateful for. But our government unfairly provides subsidies to large farms while leaving people like me out in the cold. Nothing is offered or available. I just have to struggle on my own against the lower prices artificially created when a thousand-acre broccoli farmer in California (for instance) gets a big fat check.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Sunburned knees
Had a good start to the day spraying weeds around the watermelon patch. Everything is still pretty soaked from the big downpour Wednesday but we've been doing a little advance watering just in case it turns real hot again.
Spent the whole afternoon mowing the walk-ways in the first cornfield with the riding mower. My sunblock ran out about 2:30 and I was there until after 5. So now I'm nursing the subject in question. Ouch, thank goodness for Solarcaine.
Very tired. Long, hot, dirty day of work with little or no time to pursue my sidelines, leaves me spent and weary. The sunset was beautiful, high whispy clouds drenched in the colors of full summer.
Wishing you all peace, strength and mischief.
Spent the whole afternoon mowing the walk-ways in the first cornfield with the riding mower. My sunblock ran out about 2:30 and I was there until after 5. So now I'm nursing the subject in question. Ouch, thank goodness for Solarcaine.
Very tired. Long, hot, dirty day of work with little or no time to pursue my sidelines, leaves me spent and weary. The sunset was beautiful, high whispy clouds drenched in the colors of full summer.
Wishing you all peace, strength and mischief.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Storm/corn update
Hooray! The corn has suffered only a tiny amount of damage, less than 10% I'd guess. So we are feeling rather a bit UP about that. We've still lost some grapes and tomatoes but we can recover from that.
Loads of summer squash starting to come in and the beets have reached a delightful size. Think I know what I'll be having with dinner.
Gotta go wash off herbicide. Hope y'all have a super-duper day.
Loads of summer squash starting to come in and the beets have reached a delightful size. Think I know what I'll be having with dinner.
Gotta go wash off herbicide. Hope y'all have a super-duper day.
Whicked Freakin' Storm
I was typing in the first few words of a post yesterday when suddenly the lights went out. I had just warned mom and dad that a large thunderstorm was visible in the nexrad image, heading our way fast.
5 minutes later all hell broke loose. Huge drops of rain started splattering down. Withing seconds the ground was evenly wet and it really started to pelt. Dad dashed down to the greenhouse and pulled the sprinkler we had left in there so it wouldn't punch a whole in the deflating greenhouse. Air supported means no support without electricity. He got out as the wind started to heave and whip the greenhouse. He only made it into the north barn before lightning started to split and roar overhead.
Whirlpools of rain and huge walls of slate gray fury spun and crashed across the landscape. Drunken storm giants on a rampage!
Almost an inch of rain fell here in about 20 minutes.
The giants thundered off towards the northwest, no doubt taking time to linger on the edge of Grants Pass for one last drink.
This morning, the aftermath. Several of the neighboring tree tops have been smashed to the ground, thankfully none on our property. But dad and I will have to shift redwood branches just to get out the driveway.
Our grape plants have several huge "footprints" across them. I'm anticipating that we will have lost about a third of our corn.
Uhg, gotta go. Y'all have a wonderful day.
5 minutes later all hell broke loose. Huge drops of rain started splattering down. Withing seconds the ground was evenly wet and it really started to pelt. Dad dashed down to the greenhouse and pulled the sprinkler we had left in there so it wouldn't punch a whole in the deflating greenhouse. Air supported means no support without electricity. He got out as the wind started to heave and whip the greenhouse. He only made it into the north barn before lightning started to split and roar overhead.
Whirlpools of rain and huge walls of slate gray fury spun and crashed across the landscape. Drunken storm giants on a rampage!
Almost an inch of rain fell here in about 20 minutes.
The giants thundered off towards the northwest, no doubt taking time to linger on the edge of Grants Pass for one last drink.
This morning, the aftermath. Several of the neighboring tree tops have been smashed to the ground, thankfully none on our property. But dad and I will have to shift redwood branches just to get out the driveway.
Our grape plants have several huge "footprints" across them. I'm anticipating that we will have lost about a third of our corn.
Uhg, gotta go. Y'all have a wonderful day.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Blazing sun Baffled by Birthday hat
Looks sort of like a newspaper heading, doesn't it?
Water suddenly came swooshing back into our ditch. It had vanished sometime late last night. So I dropped my plan to rest in the afternoon and dashed out to move sprinklers. It was HOT! but the hat Bro gave me for my birthday and the sprinkler plume kept me reasonably alive.
Don't think I'll have any trouble getting a nap now, a little dizzy from the heat but plenty of fluids and an air conditioner will see me right as rain.
Take care.
Water suddenly came swooshing back into our ditch. It had vanished sometime late last night. So I dropped my plan to rest in the afternoon and dashed out to move sprinklers. It was HOT! but the hat Bro gave me for my birthday and the sprinkler plume kept me reasonably alive.
Don't think I'll have any trouble getting a nap now, a little dizzy from the heat but plenty of fluids and an air conditioner will see me right as rain.
Take care.
Sunday in the Crunch
We've reached that stage in every year during which all the work piles up together. Planting, fertilizing, soil prep, weed control, watering are all due and harvest is imminent. Of course once harvest starts several of that list will be over with: soil prep and planting.
And it is also getting quite hot these days which means a split shift, morning and evening with a rest episode during the hottest part of the day. With so much on my mind it has been hard to sleep but that's ok, I use the time to read and work on programs if I can't sleep.
Gotta go get some lunch, y'all have a great day.
And it is also getting quite hot these days which means a split shift, morning and evening with a rest episode during the hottest part of the day. With so much on my mind it has been hard to sleep but that's ok, I use the time to read and work on programs if I can't sleep.
Gotta go get some lunch, y'all have a great day.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Hot Friday
Man! the sun was just Blazing out there. But at least there was a pretty nice breeze and the humidity wasn't too high. Dad jumped into the pond shortly after we got back from planting beans, pumpkins, winter squash and the yearly flower patch. Only one planting of corn, cukes, squash and watermelon left. After next week, glorious! done with at least one job.
I would've gone swimming too but I had some reading to do plus I'm still working on some gnarly programming design problems. Pulled out my old WebBlazer project and started dusting it off. I think people might like it, it's sort of like reading on speed. It allows one to stream the content of web pages through a single focused window in a different fashion than usual, much faster albeit a considerably different experience. I find that my reading and retention rate go up about 50% when I use it. It is really awesome when used with wikipedia which didn't exist when last I was working on it. Hopefully I'll have a version back up for people to try by fall.
Well, gotta go soon to brave the heat and rising humidity of evening. Hope you all have a delightful night.
I would've gone swimming too but I had some reading to do plus I'm still working on some gnarly programming design problems. Pulled out my old WebBlazer project and started dusting it off. I think people might like it, it's sort of like reading on speed. It allows one to stream the content of web pages through a single focused window in a different fashion than usual, much faster albeit a considerably different experience. I find that my reading and retention rate go up about 50% when I use it. It is really awesome when used with wikipedia which didn't exist when last I was working on it. Hopefully I'll have a version back up for people to try by fall.
Well, gotta go soon to brave the heat and rising humidity of evening. Hope you all have a delightful night.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Independence
Happy Birthday America !!
Yesterday dad and I were setting up the big gun sprinklers at farm#2 when Gary the neighbor stopped to chat with me. He said "What are you guys doing working on the 4th, don't you know it's Independence Day?"
"I don't know" I replied "I feel pretty independent. No body is telling me to be out here working and if they did I'd probably punch 'em in the nose."
Yesterday afternoon we went to my niece Charlie's annual fourth of July barbecue/luau.
What Fun! Great food, great company and all the independence you can stand. My great niece Kaycee was a riot. She kept the great grandparents fully entertained the entire evening and brought everyone else sodas between her escapades. Lainey Joe (great niece#2) is still quite small but showing her first signs of play and wonderment. At least wonderment to me. It is a delight to see her with her grandparents (although thinking of my sister as a grandma makes me suddenly a little more weary...) who clearly love her and her sister so much.
Afterwards we went to the Glendale fireworks show at the high school. Simply super. I love just about any form of pyrotechnics and between all the youngsters setting them off around the track, a few illicit ones brought from mexico no doubt and the huge display that the mill and local firemen put on it was a visual smorgasborg. Kaycee was an absolute riot, she loves fireworks too and did the classic kid thing: running in circles and spinning until you fall down.
Wishing us all another fine year of independence and fireworks.
Yesterday dad and I were setting up the big gun sprinklers at farm#2 when Gary the neighbor stopped to chat with me. He said "What are you guys doing working on the 4th, don't you know it's Independence Day?"
"I don't know" I replied "I feel pretty independent. No body is telling me to be out here working and if they did I'd probably punch 'em in the nose."
Yesterday afternoon we went to my niece Charlie's annual fourth of July barbecue/luau.
What Fun! Great food, great company and all the independence you can stand. My great niece Kaycee was a riot. She kept the great grandparents fully entertained the entire evening and brought everyone else sodas between her escapades. Lainey Joe (great niece#2) is still quite small but showing her first signs of play and wonderment. At least wonderment to me. It is a delight to see her with her grandparents (although thinking of my sister as a grandma makes me suddenly a little more weary...) who clearly love her and her sister so much.
Afterwards we went to the Glendale fireworks show at the high school. Simply super. I love just about any form of pyrotechnics and between all the youngsters setting them off around the track, a few illicit ones brought from mexico no doubt and the huge display that the mill and local firemen put on it was a visual smorgasborg. Kaycee was an absolute riot, she loves fireworks too and did the classic kid thing: running in circles and spinning until you fall down.
Wishing us all another fine year of independence and fireworks.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Hot Day, cool spray
Spent the noon and afternoon hours working beneath the full on blazing sun. Removing weeds from corn fields is hot, difficult work. The only thing keeping me from getting sicky was the delightful, rainbow filled plumes of irrigation drift which blew my way from the big sprinkler. Probably catch something unpleasant from the river water anyways but at least I didn't cook in the infernal solar gaze. Even with SPF50 on my arms still got a little red.
Only 2 more rows of tomatoes to stake and one last planting of corn. Flowers, pumpkins, winter squash and a few other miscellany and about next week planting season will be over.
Of course, the 65 day corn has fully silked ears already which have even begun to lean away from the stock, a sure sign they are going to sprint to ripeness. Either that or they are going to be really huge ears which is unlikely with an early corn but would give me a couple extra days until the pressure of harvest kicks in. Wishful thinking sometimes give us the courage to dog it out...
Hope you all have a courageous day.
Only 2 more rows of tomatoes to stake and one last planting of corn. Flowers, pumpkins, winter squash and a few other miscellany and about next week planting season will be over.
Of course, the 65 day corn has fully silked ears already which have even begun to lean away from the stock, a sure sign they are going to sprint to ripeness. Either that or they are going to be really huge ears which is unlikely with an early corn but would give me a couple extra days until the pressure of harvest kicks in. Wishful thinking sometimes give us the courage to dog it out...
Hope you all have a courageous day.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Some politics
This was sort of a mind-blower. After El Presidente Bush pardoned Scooter Libby today I found a link to Clinton's pardons, just to compare. Whoa! He sure pardoned a lot of pot-heads and rum runners. Ol' Slick Willy, those were the days. When no one inhaled and the muslims still loved us.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Let's see if this works
Been working on my "Shores of other worlds" software in my rare and precious few minutes of spare time (usually eating into my sleep time unfortunately...)
Along the way I needed to test some sine wave subroutines and I wrote another simpler program which with a little modification and some extra controls made an interesting little package. Reminds me of some of the whacky sound makers I designed on the ol' TRS-80 model 3.
Anyhow, if you'd like to play with it, you can download a copy here: http://www.4shared.com/dir/3131504/1813f8fc/sharing.html or HERE I put it in both .exe and .zip formats so as to make it as easy as possible for someone to download. If you don't have the right files to run this, leave a message and I'll hook you up with fresh copies. Most people with win98 and darn near anyone with winXP should be able to run this. I think young kids will find it especially amusing.
Along the way I needed to test some sine wave subroutines and I wrote another simpler program which with a little modification and some extra controls made an interesting little package. Reminds me of some of the whacky sound makers I designed on the ol' TRS-80 model 3.
Anyhow, if you'd like to play with it, you can download a copy here: http://www.4shared.com/dir/3131504/1813f8fc/sharing.html or HERE I put it in both .exe and .zip formats so as to make it as easy as possible for someone to download. If you don't have the right files to run this, leave a message and I'll hook you up with fresh copies. Most people with win98 and darn near anyone with winXP should be able to run this. I think young kids will find it especially amusing.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Wonderful world of welding
Spent most of the morning moving water and all the rest of the day welding cross braces onto tomato stakes. Should have all 700+ tomatoes staked by Monday or so. Will try to get a pic of the finished field up around then.
Welding is fun and interesting. I am fascinated by the patterns that form in the arc plasma and in the liquid puddle of metal beneath the welding arc. The sound and physical sensations give me the impression of struggle with an angry beast to produce a desired result. The wind would come up behind my back as I was running a bead. As I braced my body against it and covered the shield gas from being blown away with my wind-shadow I got a gripping feeling of fighting some tremendous force, willing it into an intended motion and manifesting something ... specific.
I'm not terribly fascinated by the sensation of a hot blob of slag finding its way through the top of my shoe and between my toes. Yee-ouch!!
Well, gotta go out and drive those stake in now, y'all have a great day.
Welding is fun and interesting. I am fascinated by the patterns that form in the arc plasma and in the liquid puddle of metal beneath the welding arc. The sound and physical sensations give me the impression of struggle with an angry beast to produce a desired result. The wind would come up behind my back as I was running a bead. As I braced my body against it and covered the shield gas from being blown away with my wind-shadow I got a gripping feeling of fighting some tremendous force, willing it into an intended motion and manifesting something ... specific.
I'm not terribly fascinated by the sensation of a hot blob of slag finding its way through the top of my shoe and between my toes. Yee-ouch!!
Well, gotta go out and drive those stake in now, y'all have a great day.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Happy Birthday, brother
I don't know if my brother will see this or not, but it's about as likely as him checking his email today, so I'm wishing him happy birthday here too. I'll by him three bucks worth of something he likes instead of a card next time I see him.
Dad and I spent this afternoon repairing a busted irrigation riser instead of finding Bro' a nice gift. Spent most of the last of my pocket cash on that too.
But a delightful little shower just arrived a few minutes ago to lift my spirits. I know just like dad says, it'll bring up more weeds and make other troubles. But I can't help it, I love rain.
Wishing you all a fine "Brother's Birthday"
Dad and I spent this afternoon repairing a busted irrigation riser instead of finding Bro' a nice gift. Spent most of the last of my pocket cash on that too.
But a delightful little shower just arrived a few minutes ago to lift my spirits. I know just like dad says, it'll bring up more weeds and make other troubles. But I can't help it, I love rain.
Wishing you all a fine "Brother's Birthday"
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Good Wednesday
Got a pretty good start today. Got the corn planted at farm#3, Shawn Smith's place. Threw a handful of mixed sunflower seeds into the seeder which will surprise everyone later, spotting the field with bright golden, yellow and red color.
Then ran into town to pick up a few treats for mom's birthday. Got her a nice little wind chime, unfortunately couldn't find one made in America. She said she didn't want a cake so dad came up with an idea from her childhood: we got donuts and ice cream instead. She was delighted.
Spent the rest of the afternoon welding up new support stakes for the tomato rows. The old wooden stakes we've been using for years have broken down too far. These new units will do a much better job and make it so much easier to tie the wires up. Our method of "controlled sprawl" really works good. Convenient for picking, good support and easy on the plants. Also lends itself to the use of many tools which reduces the need for labor.
Got back to the old farm a little before 5 and took mom and dad out for dinner at Karen's Kitchen, 9001 Rogue River Hwy. Great burgers there, especially crunchy fries which I love.
Tired now, going to bed early tonight so I can beat the birds out in the morning.
Have a super day.
Then ran into town to pick up a few treats for mom's birthday. Got her a nice little wind chime, unfortunately couldn't find one made in America. She said she didn't want a cake so dad came up with an idea from her childhood: we got donuts and ice cream instead. She was delighted.
Spent the rest of the afternoon welding up new support stakes for the tomato rows. The old wooden stakes we've been using for years have broken down too far. These new units will do a much better job and make it so much easier to tie the wires up. Our method of "controlled sprawl" really works good. Convenient for picking, good support and easy on the plants. Also lends itself to the use of many tools which reduces the need for labor.
Got back to the old farm a little before 5 and took mom and dad out for dinner at Karen's Kitchen, 9001 Rogue River Hwy. Great burgers there, especially crunchy fries which I love.
Tired now, going to bed early tonight so I can beat the birds out in the morning.
Have a super day.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Near the peak
Almost to reach the tipping point in our work load. Only three more corn plantings left and about a month out from first corn harvest. Will be switching to the big guns for watering in the corn fields which halves the number of times we move pipe.
Would've had corn planted today, right after fertilizing the second and third plantings but our truck got a flat so we had to change plans to accommodate that. Will plant the third from the last field of corn tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow is mom's birthday so dad and I are going to leave for work early and when we've done with moving pipe etc. bring home a cake and some of the lovely gladiolas which are just now starting to flower at farm#2. I'm thinking of getting her a new wind chime as several of her old ones have broken down a bit. We all love wind chimes here.
Bro just stopped by and we've been shooting the breeze. So nice to get to visit but it doesn't happen terribly often anymore. He dropped off a neat copper and glass hummingbird feeder for mom's birthday gift and gave me a really nice, big straw hat for mine. Take that! ozone hole. His birthday is the day after tomorrow. Three cancers in the same family, what're the odds? 1:1.
Sending you a day of subtle passions and intense mellowness.
Would've had corn planted today, right after fertilizing the second and third plantings but our truck got a flat so we had to change plans to accommodate that. Will plant the third from the last field of corn tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow is mom's birthday so dad and I are going to leave for work early and when we've done with moving pipe etc. bring home a cake and some of the lovely gladiolas which are just now starting to flower at farm#2. I'm thinking of getting her a new wind chime as several of her old ones have broken down a bit. We all love wind chimes here.
Bro just stopped by and we've been shooting the breeze. So nice to get to visit but it doesn't happen terribly often anymore. He dropped off a neat copper and glass hummingbird feeder for mom's birthday gift and gave me a really nice, big straw hat for mine. Take that! ozone hole. His birthday is the day after tomorrow. Three cancers in the same family, what're the odds? 1:1.
Sending you a day of subtle passions and intense mellowness.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Robotic Workers Unite !!
I've been saying it for years: automation is the way to grow in agriculture.
Now Vision Robotics in California is picking up the refrain.
They are preparing robotic systems in order to replace human migrant workers.
Finally!
More details here: Wired Magazine
and here: Vision Robotics
Fortunately my own farming systems won't compete in the same work space.
Now Vision Robotics in California is picking up the refrain.
They are preparing robotic systems in order to replace human migrant workers.
Finally!
More details here: Wired Magazine
and here: Vision Robotics
Fortunately my own farming systems won't compete in the same work space.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Cool Sunday
What a delight the weather has been today. Hovering around 75 at the hottest with an occasional brisk breeze to keep the sun scald away.
Just (finally!) got the white corn planted. Will put in 2 more plantings before the planting season runs out. That's the story with everything now, like the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, the first week of July looms in the distance. Still time to do some cukes, maybe a few more cantaloupes, pumpkins for sure and some winter squash if time allows.
Then it'll be hoe-hoe-hoe until the first week of August and opening. Man! Am I ever looking forward to that first meal of fresh sweet corn.
Hope your day has been pleasant.
Just (finally!) got the white corn planted. Will put in 2 more plantings before the planting season runs out. That's the story with everything now, like the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, the first week of July looms in the distance. Still time to do some cukes, maybe a few more cantaloupes, pumpkins for sure and some winter squash if time allows.
Then it'll be hoe-hoe-hoe until the first week of August and opening. Man! Am I ever looking forward to that first meal of fresh sweet corn.
Hope your day has been pleasant.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Everyday Glory
The setting sun cast a lambent and buttery light across the wooded hills above our farm. It had been a tough day and my body was tired but as I moved the small sprinkler in the interlaken grape row my mind was invigorated by a rush of all the complex and vivid little things which appeared before my wandering eyes.
Grape vines twisting their tendrils in grasping reach of air. Red blackberry thorns like the blood they so often draw. Flickering grey and green cottonwood leaves. Shrubby. verdant. dark and pungent evergreens and junipers. Swifts in flight and jays in silent contemplation. Broken bits of three year old plastic irrigation pipe I still haven't gotten around to disposing of.
Made some good progress working on my sound sculpture today. Almost have the various surf down perfect, really sounds quite a bit like standing on an ocean beach. Working today on some chirps and cheaps and a few buzzes to make up the "small animals" section. Still have to elaborate some control mechanisms although I may just make a demo version that plays in its own esoteric walk.
Joy to you all.
Grape vines twisting their tendrils in grasping reach of air. Red blackberry thorns like the blood they so often draw. Flickering grey and green cottonwood leaves. Shrubby. verdant. dark and pungent evergreens and junipers. Swifts in flight and jays in silent contemplation. Broken bits of three year old plastic irrigation pipe I still haven't gotten around to disposing of.
Made some good progress working on my sound sculpture today. Almost have the various surf down perfect, really sounds quite a bit like standing on an ocean beach. Working today on some chirps and cheaps and a few buzzes to make up the "small animals" section. Still have to elaborate some control mechanisms although I may just make a demo version that plays in its own esoteric walk.
Joy to you all.
Disconsolate Birthday
Had to look that word up to make sure I was using it right: Disconsolate
Work's been a frustrating struggle all morning. Probably not going to get my birthday wish and to thoroughly spoil today's mood my cousin Galen called with news from Kansas that his mom, my mom's sister, Aunt Pauline, passed away this morning. I can do nothing but remember my aunt and pray for her family's comfort.
41 years I've been on this planet and this mess we call life is more confusing than it was when I was 5. If there's a message in this series of events the author is being quite inscrutable.
I wonder where my lady is today. Alone in her universe as I am in mine, is she beset by similar quandaries? Or does the mirror image of our lives move her gracefully towards a fine day of unruffled pursuits? I hope it is the latter.
Wishing you all comfort and success in this momentary struggle.
Work's been a frustrating struggle all morning. Probably not going to get my birthday wish and to thoroughly spoil today's mood my cousin Galen called with news from Kansas that his mom, my mom's sister, Aunt Pauline, passed away this morning. I can do nothing but remember my aunt and pray for her family's comfort.
41 years I've been on this planet and this mess we call life is more confusing than it was when I was 5. If there's a message in this series of events the author is being quite inscrutable.
I wonder where my lady is today. Alone in her universe as I am in mine, is she beset by similar quandaries? Or does the mirror image of our lives move her gracefully towards a fine day of unruffled pursuits? I hope it is the latter.
Wishing you all comfort and success in this momentary struggle.
The toes of summer
I was so busy that the solstice just slipped by quietly. I usually spend more than a moments effort reflecting on that agriculturally significant date.
It is a cool and lovely morning here in the pacific northwest. One of the wild turkeys was out grazing beneath the bird feeders. Lots of water in the ditch and with the cool weather it might even stay there until tomorrow morning.
It is a cool and lovely morning here in the pacific northwest. One of the wild turkeys was out grazing beneath the bird feeders. Lots of water in the ditch and with the cool weather it might even stay there until tomorrow morning.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Reflection deflection
A strange and striking fact was just mentioned to me by my mother.
I will be turning 41 the day after tomorrow.
That is just so hard to believe. Except for the rapid rise in daily aches and pains I still feel like I'm in my twenties.
But it aint true.
Today water is in the ditch, although not as much as should be. A quick drive up Rogue River Hwy. showed a bunch of the upstream A-holes still running sprinklers and soaker hoses all over the place. Mostly they'll shut them off right around 9 or 10, before the ditch-walker can come along and give them grief. A few will continue to steal water, as if they own the world.
Off to work, jiggity-jag. You have a great day.
I will be turning 41 the day after tomorrow.
That is just so hard to believe. Except for the rapid rise in daily aches and pains I still feel like I'm in my twenties.
But it aint true.
Today water is in the ditch, although not as much as should be. A quick drive up Rogue River Hwy. showed a bunch of the upstream A-holes still running sprinklers and soaker hoses all over the place. Mostly they'll shut them off right around 9 or 10, before the ditch-walker can come along and give them grief. A few will continue to steal water, as if they own the world.
Off to work, jiggity-jag. You have a great day.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Recovery
Got a minor case of heat stroke yesterday while putting down fertilizer and planting corn. The blazing sun reached out to touch me. But after an early bedtime and a night dreaming of water falls I am feeling much better.
The momma turkey was out with her half grown chicks today. They were mournfully inspecting the mostly dry irrigation ditch. There were still a few puddles so I'm not worried about them yet. Tomorrow is the first day of our watering cycle so all should be well.
Working on getting tomatoes staked this week. They're almost too big already. Some of the fruit is the size of golf balls. Most people don't know that the tomato is actually a berry.
Gotta go plant the next cycle of summer squash.
Happiness.
The momma turkey was out with her half grown chicks today. They were mournfully inspecting the mostly dry irrigation ditch. There were still a few puddles so I'm not worried about them yet. Tomorrow is the first day of our watering cycle so all should be well.
Working on getting tomatoes staked this week. They're almost too big already. Some of the fruit is the size of golf balls. Most people don't know that the tomato is actually a berry.
Gotta go plant the next cycle of summer squash.
Happiness.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Proud Granpa
Got these pics from my sister yesterday. May not be important enough to write about for John C. Dvorak but me and my family wanna crow like the morning rooster. You can spot Randi near the middle of the bottom pic walking to get her diploma. You can also see some of Ashland's lovely terrain.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Cherry pickin' Father's Day
Happy Father's Day to all you fathers out there.
Dad and I started the picking cherries before the birds came along and wiped them out. We got about a 5 gallon bucket 3/4 full of them. Bro stopped by and gave dad an air mattress for floating on the pond. I, being a poor man myself, got him 40 ounces of Budweiser delight. He was kind and shared a glass with me over dinner.
I never had the good fortune to become a father but since the choice was largely out of my hands I feel little in the way of regrets. I recognize the missed opportunity mostly in the abstract. My many friends who are fathers report mixed feelings on the matter but mostly universally say that it is a remarkable experience.
Tomorrow we start back at work in Bro's welding shop to get the second fertilizer spreader finished. Seems a bit odd to be making a piece of complex equipment for farming if this is going to be our last year of big scale farming but the welding experience is worth something if nothing else. Plus it will be a really nice piece of machinery to own.
Wishing you all a strong, supportive and nurturing night.
Dad and I started the picking cherries before the birds came along and wiped them out. We got about a 5 gallon bucket 3/4 full of them. Bro stopped by and gave dad an air mattress for floating on the pond. I, being a poor man myself, got him 40 ounces of Budweiser delight. He was kind and shared a glass with me over dinner.
I never had the good fortune to become a father but since the choice was largely out of my hands I feel little in the way of regrets. I recognize the missed opportunity mostly in the abstract. My many friends who are fathers report mixed feelings on the matter but mostly universally say that it is a remarkable experience.
Tomorrow we start back at work in Bro's welding shop to get the second fertilizer spreader finished. Seems a bit odd to be making a piece of complex equipment for farming if this is going to be our last year of big scale farming but the welding experience is worth something if nothing else. Plus it will be a really nice piece of machinery to own.
Wishing you all a strong, supportive and nurturing night.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Lovely day for a graduation
It was cloudy when we arrived in the steep city of Ashland which kept the bright morning sun cool and moderate. Band members and gown clad seniors where milling towards the stadium where it was all happening.
Mom, dad and I took a school bus/shuttle from the parking area on Mountain Ave. and arrived at the stadium in a timely fashion. A quick ring-a-ding on the cellphone and we'd found Sis high in the stands.
What a view! Ashland and the Mountain Arena in particular have a stunning view. Rolling hills of brown grass studded with bright green juniper and pine, high distant mountains, thickly wooded nearby mountains and a stark cliff rock outcropping across the valley. Too complex to describe elegantly but elegant in its own right. Like a total idiot I had forgotten my camera.
SOU has a lot of students. After Cassie's high school graduation my mind was incorrectly tuned to the scale of things. But the commencement went smoothly with several memorable speakers. An odd note, at both Randie and Cassie's ceremonies one of the speakers emphasized the importance of taking risks. Of pursuing our goals despite our fears and uncertainties. I never ignore when the universe feels it needs to repeat itself.
Wishing you all a risky, adventurous day.
Mom, dad and I took a school bus/shuttle from the parking area on Mountain Ave. and arrived at the stadium in a timely fashion. A quick ring-a-ding on the cellphone and we'd found Sis high in the stands.
What a view! Ashland and the Mountain Arena in particular have a stunning view. Rolling hills of brown grass studded with bright green juniper and pine, high distant mountains, thickly wooded nearby mountains and a stark cliff rock outcropping across the valley. Too complex to describe elegantly but elegant in its own right. Like a total idiot I had forgotten my camera.
SOU has a lot of students. After Cassie's high school graduation my mind was incorrectly tuned to the scale of things. But the commencement went smoothly with several memorable speakers. An odd note, at both Randie and Cassie's ceremonies one of the speakers emphasized the importance of taking risks. Of pursuing our goals despite our fears and uncertainties. I never ignore when the universe feels it needs to repeat itself.
Wishing you all a risky, adventurous day.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Busy, busy, busy
Tired, tired, tired
Going to my niece Randi's college graduation tomorrow morning. Hoorah! She's got here bachelor's in science for physical therapy (I think! what a terrible uncle I am)
Very hot busy day, going to bed soon.
Peace and joy to all.
Going to my niece Randi's college graduation tomorrow morning. Hoorah! She's got here bachelor's in science for physical therapy (I think! what a terrible uncle I am)
Very hot busy day, going to bed soon.
Peace and joy to all.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Ahhhh... water
The ditch is the most full it's been all year. Don't know what the irrigation district did, but it's about time.
That A-hole at 6751 is still running his sprinklers but so long as we get plenty of water I'll be able to resist the temptation to chuck a burning bottle of gasoline against his front porch.
Numerous sprinklers and drip systems are running and I swear I can feel the plants becoming happier.
Mom's new kittens are being quite rambunctious.
Wishing you all a very fine, wet day.
That A-hole at 6751 is still running his sprinklers but so long as we get plenty of water I'll be able to resist the temptation to chuck a burning bottle of gasoline against his front porch.
Numerous sprinklers and drip systems are running and I swear I can feel the plants becoming happier.
Mom's new kittens are being quite rambunctious.
Wishing you all a very fine, wet day.
Muddy water morning
It's a little after 6 and mom is still sleeping. I'd like to think it was the prayers, but I have a suspicion she took a whole one of her sleeping pills. Either way, good for her.
Mom and dad went to Glendale Sunday and picked up a couple of kittens from my niece, they're rough housing it up in mom's sowing room. That'll give her something to do when she wakes up.
The water is finally starting to trickle back into the ditch. Dad zipped up the road and saw that there were still about 8 houses watering their gravel and weeds. Unfortunately I can't just take my shot-gun and go knocking on their doors to talk to them about it. Hopefully GPID will send someone down to have a word with them. Some of them will shut down before they go to work this morning but no matter how you slice it they are stealing from us.
Well, gotta go get to work. Y'all have a fine morning.
Mom and dad went to Glendale Sunday and picked up a couple of kittens from my niece, they're rough housing it up in mom's sowing room. That'll give her something to do when she wakes up.
The water is finally starting to trickle back into the ditch. Dad zipped up the road and saw that there were still about 8 houses watering their gravel and weeds. Unfortunately I can't just take my shot-gun and go knocking on their doors to talk to them about it. Hopefully GPID will send someone down to have a word with them. Some of them will shut down before they go to work this morning but no matter how you slice it they are stealing from us.
Well, gotta go get to work. Y'all have a fine morning.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
not such a good day
Worst news first to make the rest seem less important. Mom got a call from her older sister in Kansas today. Their oldest sister, Pauline, has apparently suffered a brain embolism or stroke and is unresponsive. Tough time for mom tonight; everybody pray that she gets some good sleep despite this, ok?
Lesser worst news, the ditch is still dry after four days of the pigs upstream gulping it all down for their lawns and driveways (you read it right) and on top of that news has come out in the paper that we will be assessed additional billing by the Grants Pass Irrigation District to make up for a short fall due to bad bookkeeping. The amount goes up per acreage, looks like we'll be nailed to the tune of about 350$. Still a month and a half out from cash flow and the universe is tightening the screws.
Sorry to my usual readership for the angst; You folks all have a lovely and serene evening/night/morning or whatever.
Lesser worst news, the ditch is still dry after four days of the pigs upstream gulping it all down for their lawns and driveways (you read it right) and on top of that news has come out in the paper that we will be assessed additional billing by the Grants Pass Irrigation District to make up for a short fall due to bad bookkeeping. The amount goes up per acreage, looks like we'll be nailed to the tune of about 350$. Still a month and a half out from cash flow and the universe is tightening the screws.
Sorry to my usual readership for the angst; You folks all have a lovely and serene evening/night/morning or whatever.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Silicon Score
Water running on the corn field smells sweet like malt or molasses. Overhead an osprey wheels and kites, her piercing cry drifts down on a mist laden breeze.
I find it a fascinating coincident that long before the digital age mankind was exploiting silicon for its many useful properties. Today's wonderful find in the realms of magic and manifestations was a delightful little reflection on mankind's dexterity with silicon.
I find about one of these every year or so, getting a nice little collection put together. Not of any archaeological value since they come from tilled fields, but quite a thrill for me every time none-the-less. In the same manner I've put together a good pile of jasper, agate, chalcedony, carnelian, fossilized and agatised fossilized wood plus many other unique example of quarts and silicon.
Beneath the blazing sun and bright blue sky, the earth refulgent gives me tiny gifts for my perseverance.
Have a fine and shiny day.
I find it a fascinating coincident that long before the digital age mankind was exploiting silicon for its many useful properties. Today's wonderful find in the realms of magic and manifestations was a delightful little reflection on mankind's dexterity with silicon.
I find about one of these every year or so, getting a nice little collection put together. Not of any archaeological value since they come from tilled fields, but quite a thrill for me every time none-the-less. In the same manner I've put together a good pile of jasper, agate, chalcedony, carnelian, fossilized and agatised fossilized wood plus many other unique example of quarts and silicon.
Beneath the blazing sun and bright blue sky, the earth refulgent gives me tiny gifts for my perseverance.
Have a fine and shiny day.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Class of 2007
We were proud and delighted to attend my niece Cassaundra's graduation last night. The ceremony was (no doubt blessedly to the seniors) short due to some steady showers of rain. Afterwards we went to her mom's parents house for cake and visiting. Cass was radiantly happy at her final escape. "I can't hardly believe I've finally graduated!" she said at one point in the evening. I certainly remember that sensation. She's one tough little gal; rock on Cassie!
Here's the best two pics (all the rest turned out a bit blurry no doubt due to the rain) Cass is the one sitting down ;- |
Here's the best two pics (all the rest turned out a bit blurry no doubt due to the rain) Cass is the one sitting down ;- |
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Late Spring rains
It's raining, it's pouring.
The old man is out dragging a box-scraper across the corn field.
Well, actually I'm pretty sure he's sitting in the car staying dry and warm between showers.
I was out gathering stakes and cross-pieces for putting up the tomato wires when this thorough and heavy down-pour chased me in.
Wow! It is really a soaker.
Lovely gray and blue and white drifting wings of clouds and blowing squalls. You can see the storm giants treading along the bottom of my watermelon field, looking for things to hit and blow away. They're actually invisible but you can see the rain being pushed before them as they stride across the hills and fields.
Goin' out to clean-up in barn shortly, if I can.
Have fun, the rain will.
The old man is out dragging a box-scraper across the corn field.
Well, actually I'm pretty sure he's sitting in the car staying dry and warm between showers.
I was out gathering stakes and cross-pieces for putting up the tomato wires when this thorough and heavy down-pour chased me in.
Wow! It is really a soaker.
Lovely gray and blue and white drifting wings of clouds and blowing squalls. You can see the storm giants treading along the bottom of my watermelon field, looking for things to hit and blow away. They're actually invisible but you can see the rain being pushed before them as they stride across the hills and fields.
Goin' out to clean-up in barn shortly, if I can.
Have fun, the rain will.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Shifting gears
Moved our corn planting up a day in order to accommodate last weeks smaller planting and also in preparation for the upcoming Labor Day field plantings. We try to position one of the succession plantings on either side of Labor Day so we have two fields to pick from if we need to. Big business on Labor Day weekend.
Dad spent a good chunk of the day cultivating the first planting of corn, sort of against my wishes. I would've preferred to give the mini-sprayer we built another chance to do the job, which so far was looking like it worked fine. But the evidence of his senses wasn't enough for dad and so he went puttering into the field with the tractor and sweeps. Cultivated corn tends to lodge and have poor root systems but I couldn't dissuade him from his paranoia towards imminent weed problems so we'll see how that turns out.
Farming isn't always smooth soil surfing, sometimes it can get a little rocky.
A wonderful dust-settler blew in this afternoon. Shot down some of my plans but gave me a nice pause to work on one of my small software project, a sound sculpture I am tentatively calling "Shores of Another Planet" it's a live render of sounds, not just a static loop like an mp3. Pretty tricky, challenging and fun. When I get it working right I'll post a link to a demo for y'all.
Hope everyone has a fun, safe night and day.
Dad spent a good chunk of the day cultivating the first planting of corn, sort of against my wishes. I would've preferred to give the mini-sprayer we built another chance to do the job, which so far was looking like it worked fine. But the evidence of his senses wasn't enough for dad and so he went puttering into the field with the tractor and sweeps. Cultivated corn tends to lodge and have poor root systems but I couldn't dissuade him from his paranoia towards imminent weed problems so we'll see how that turns out.
Farming isn't always smooth soil surfing, sometimes it can get a little rocky.
A wonderful dust-settler blew in this afternoon. Shot down some of my plans but gave me a nice pause to work on one of my small software project, a sound sculpture I am tentatively calling "Shores of Another Planet" it's a live render of sounds, not just a static loop like an mp3. Pretty tricky, challenging and fun. When I get it working right I'll post a link to a demo for y'all.
Hope everyone has a fun, safe night and day.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Grapes in flower
The grapes fill the air with a sweet, musky perfume that brings me a sense of peace and contentment.
Saturday mornings we spray pre-emergent weeds on last Tuesday's planting of corn. The very first planting of 65 day sugar-enhanced corn has gotten taller than my ankle so we should be good for a mid-July harvest in that field.
I did some soil surfing on the terracer this afternoon while dad was working the settling pond. Not as fun as the full out cultivator run but still cool.
Mom wasn't feeling so hot today so dad and I vetoed Saturday night pizza and went with microwave tv dinners instead. Not the same as the old aluminum tray dinners of the mid-70s by a long shot but still some pretty good chow. I love the 21st century.
Have a great evening.
Saturday mornings we spray pre-emergent weeds on last Tuesday's planting of corn. The very first planting of 65 day sugar-enhanced corn has gotten taller than my ankle so we should be good for a mid-July harvest in that field.
I did some soil surfing on the terracer this afternoon while dad was working the settling pond. Not as fun as the full out cultivator run but still cool.
Mom wasn't feeling so hot today so dad and I vetoed Saturday night pizza and went with microwave tv dinners instead. Not the same as the old aluminum tray dinners of the mid-70s by a long shot but still some pretty good chow. I love the 21st century.
Have a great evening.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Difficult Thursday
Started early and rocky after only 5.5 hours of sleep. Then pushed about 65 pounds of sprayer up and down about 4.5 miles of corn row until after 12:30. Weeds should die wonderfully.
After lunch retrieved the big sprayer for some cosmetic repair work and refitting. Should work a lot better now. Needed it at the old farm for weed control around the roads and etc.
Took a two hours break during the hottest part of the day, between 3 and 5. Got to about 94 degrees here today. Scorching, the blazing sun has arrived. A few weeks early at that but the tomatoes seem to be loving it. Supposed to cool down mondayish which will be a good time to get the last of our pepper and cabbage plants in. Tomorrow if all goes well beans and squash will get planted.
This evening I mowed a huge patch of weeds and cover from the northern most, lowest patch of terrain here at the old farm. Chased a couple of yearling deer out of there while I was at it. Lots of people think deer are special animals, but to me they are just a gianormous long-legged rat, desperately in need of eradication. There was alot of traffic on the driveway after I got them out of that region so there's some hope that with the cover gone and them chased several fields over from where they had been that maybe at least for tonight they might stop crashing through my fence. We've got a plan to augment the fence with several hundred feet of polyester fiber mesh called "Deer-X" which should keep them once again constrained.
Very tired. Wish you all the best, peace, happiness and pleasant dreams. Good night.
After lunch retrieved the big sprayer for some cosmetic repair work and refitting. Should work a lot better now. Needed it at the old farm for weed control around the roads and etc.
Took a two hours break during the hottest part of the day, between 3 and 5. Got to about 94 degrees here today. Scorching, the blazing sun has arrived. A few weeks early at that but the tomatoes seem to be loving it. Supposed to cool down mondayish which will be a good time to get the last of our pepper and cabbage plants in. Tomorrow if all goes well beans and squash will get planted.
This evening I mowed a huge patch of weeds and cover from the northern most, lowest patch of terrain here at the old farm. Chased a couple of yearling deer out of there while I was at it. Lots of people think deer are special animals, but to me they are just a gianormous long-legged rat, desperately in need of eradication. There was alot of traffic on the driveway after I got them out of that region so there's some hope that with the cover gone and them chased several fields over from where they had been that maybe at least for tonight they might stop crashing through my fence. We've got a plan to augment the fence with several hundred feet of polyester fiber mesh called "Deer-X" which should keep them once again constrained.
Very tired. Wish you all the best, peace, happiness and pleasant dreams. Good night.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Water Wednesday
Set sprinklers at farm#4 this morning. That's next door to farm#3 which is across the fence from farm#2 which sort of makes it all the same place but let's try to keep things straight here.
Then mom and dad ran errands in town while I moved sprinklers at the old farm(#1) I also replaced the filter on the tomato drip system and ran a few more of my minor experiments. Ran some silicon solar cells through my ball-mill thus reducing them to a fine flake. Will be tinkering with that as part of a coating for some intricate ceramics I will be working on this winter, I hope.
After lunch dad and I put the finishing touches on the sprayer which I have dubbed "Scorpion" due to its appearance during an early stage of its development. Sort of looks like a land-speed record baby carriage now, but who cares as long as it kills weeds.
Lots of damned mexican bean beetles (also called the cucumber beetle) flying around the melon patch this evening. Will have to do something about that as soon as the ground dries out enough to drive on.
Going to bed soon, early to rise and all that. Hope you all have a refreshing and restful night.
Then mom and dad ran errands in town while I moved sprinklers at the old farm(#1) I also replaced the filter on the tomato drip system and ran a few more of my minor experiments. Ran some silicon solar cells through my ball-mill thus reducing them to a fine flake. Will be tinkering with that as part of a coating for some intricate ceramics I will be working on this winter, I hope.
After lunch dad and I put the finishing touches on the sprayer which I have dubbed "Scorpion" due to its appearance during an early stage of its development. Sort of looks like a land-speed record baby carriage now, but who cares as long as it kills weeds.
Lots of damned mexican bean beetles (also called the cucumber beetle) flying around the melon patch this evening. Will have to do something about that as soon as the ground dries out enough to drive on.
Going to bed soon, early to rise and all that. Hope you all have a refreshing and restful night.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Corn Seed Tuesday
Spent the morning planting corn at farm#2, also put some driptape on the gladiolas there too.
Came home around noon to help my delightful niece, Randi, with her homework for a web-design class she's taking at SOSU. Javascript was giving her a little trouble and did me too for about 5 minutes. It's been about 3 years since I did any sort of serious javascript design and I had to discuss the methods and techniques with her until my brain got on the right track. Then I could show her what need to be done for her current, almost the last, assignment. The funny part was that when I fixed the code she was working on, it still didn't work. I was baffled until I took a moment to stare at the code she had written. There was an "l" where and "I" was supposed to be. Man! those three pixels difference can kill ya!
This afternoon dad and I nearly finished our new "scorpion" sprayer for killing weeds between the rows of corn. This will reduce our need for pesticides and improve the quality of the corn.
Dinner time! Have a great evening.
Came home around noon to help my delightful niece, Randi, with her homework for a web-design class she's taking at SOSU. Javascript was giving her a little trouble and did me too for about 5 minutes. It's been about 3 years since I did any sort of serious javascript design and I had to discuss the methods and techniques with her until my brain got on the right track. Then I could show her what need to be done for her current, almost the last, assignment. The funny part was that when I fixed the code she was working on, it still didn't work. I was baffled until I took a moment to stare at the code she had written. There was an "l" where and "I" was supposed to be. Man! those three pixels difference can kill ya!
This afternoon dad and I nearly finished our new "scorpion" sprayer for killing weeds between the rows of corn. This will reduce our need for pesticides and improve the quality of the corn.
Dinner time! Have a great evening.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Boatnik weekend
For those who haven't had the pleasure, it is Boatnik weekend in the illustrious city of Grants Pass. This is a recreational event which culminates in a jetboat race on the wild Rogue River. I am, as every spring demands, too busy to attend.
Today we were spraying pre-emergent weeds in the most recent corn field when a PVC elbow on the roller pump suddenly blew apart. What a mess! So just about an entire day got used up in repair work instead of the things we had planned. Pretty typical struggle for our farming operation.
Got to see Bro today, he's just back from a 21 day stint of welding at some place called "Wheelerbrator", I think. He has to work again tomorrow and then the company is giving everyone Memorial Day off because they don't want to pay holiday pay. They've already screwed up the entire crews weekend and now they want to be chincy? What a bunch of jerks.
Speaking of jerks, saw some ass in a two-tone blue van with a big American flag wheel cover on Rogue River swerving and weaving, driving 35 miles per hour; obviously drunk as a skunk. Didn't get close enough to get his license and even if I did with no Federal O&C funds there aren't any cops to call anyways. Hope he doesn't kill anyone but his self.
Gotta go water some plants. Y'all have a fine Memorial Day weekend...
Today we were spraying pre-emergent weeds in the most recent corn field when a PVC elbow on the roller pump suddenly blew apart. What a mess! So just about an entire day got used up in repair work instead of the things we had planned. Pretty typical struggle for our farming operation.
Got to see Bro today, he's just back from a 21 day stint of welding at some place called "Wheelerbrator", I think. He has to work again tomorrow and then the company is giving everyone Memorial Day off because they don't want to pay holiday pay. They've already screwed up the entire crews weekend and now they want to be chincy? What a bunch of jerks.
Speaking of jerks, saw some ass in a two-tone blue van with a big American flag wheel cover on Rogue River swerving and weaving, driving 35 miles per hour; obviously drunk as a skunk. Didn't get close enough to get his license and even if I did with no Federal O&C funds there aren't any cops to call anyways. Hope he doesn't kill anyone but his self.
Gotta go water some plants. Y'all have a fine Memorial Day weekend...
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Water in the ditch !!
There's water in the ditch,
there's water in the ditch
a-high-ho-the-dairy-oh!
there's water in the ditch!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Death of a link
For a bit over a year now I have been enjoying the rants and meandering thoughts of a delightful gentleman from egypt. At the right, further down this page you'll see his link "Rantings of a Sandmonkey" I am saddened to announce that "Sam" as many of his readers call him will no longer be blogging with us. He has been so threatened and harassed by agents of conformity within Aegypt that he had to quit for fear of his and his family's safety.
I used to think Egypt was just a lot of sand and bloody, murderous barbaric muslims. Then Sam enchanted me with stories of his friends, family and current affairs of Egypt. I was particularly amused by the story of his father telling him to smoke some hash before he went to a wedding he was dreading. His mother said "You better not!!" I just had to laugh. It was so, human.
But now, I'm forced to return to my original view of Egypt: Bloody, barbaric muslims.
No greater disservice could have been done to the spirit of Egypt than depriving the world of the voice and views of this one smart, kind, caring and wholesome individual. Good luck, Sandmonkey.
I used to think Egypt was just a lot of sand and bloody, murderous barbaric muslims. Then Sam enchanted me with stories of his friends, family and current affairs of Egypt. I was particularly amused by the story of his father telling him to smoke some hash before he went to a wedding he was dreading. His mother said "You better not!!" I just had to laugh. It was so, human.
But now, I'm forced to return to my original view of Egypt: Bloody, barbaric muslims.
No greater disservice could have been done to the spirit of Egypt than depriving the world of the voice and views of this one smart, kind, caring and wholesome individual. Good luck, Sandmonkey.
Corn Tuesday
For another couple of weeks our Tuesdays will continue to be dominated by corn planting and then in early-mid June we will split our plantings into 2 smaller fields twice a week. This allows better accommodation to the warm days of August and to the added demand showing up around Labor Day.
Earlier today we also planted 2 more rows of tomatoes, bring the total in rows up to about 650 or so. Here's the pics of the rows I promised earlier (will show with tomatoes when they're all in...) :
Earlier today we also planted 2 more rows of tomatoes, bring the total in rows up to about 650 or so. Here's the pics of the rows I promised earlier (will show with tomatoes when they're all in...) :
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Sunday sprinkles
A lovely little shower is settling the dust outside, giving the air that sweet-spicy perfume.
Dad and I will be planting tomatoes as soon as this shower passes. Still no water in the ditch but we'll risk the extra labor of having to hand water for a while to get the plants in before they get too lanky. This morning we were up shoveling on the settling pond we are putting in for the drip system and it was so quiet I could hardly believe it. Just a few crickets and once in a rare while a car on the freeway.
This afternoon we'll be heading up to Glendale to my sister's for a little celebration of mom and dad's 50th anniversary. Their anniversary is actually Wednesday but this is the only window of opportunity we could all get together and my brother will still have to miss it because he's out of town on a welding job. Cole's is a great place for him to work and I'm sure they'd have given him the time off but he just couldn't afford to miss the hours.
Hope you all have a lovely, peaceful day.
Dad and I will be planting tomatoes as soon as this shower passes. Still no water in the ditch but we'll risk the extra labor of having to hand water for a while to get the plants in before they get too lanky. This morning we were up shoveling on the settling pond we are putting in for the drip system and it was so quiet I could hardly believe it. Just a few crickets and once in a rare while a car on the freeway.
This afternoon we'll be heading up to Glendale to my sister's for a little celebration of mom and dad's 50th anniversary. Their anniversary is actually Wednesday but this is the only window of opportunity we could all get together and my brother will still have to miss it because he's out of town on a welding job. Cole's is a great place for him to work and I'm sure they'd have given him the time off but he just couldn't afford to miss the hours.
Hope you all have a lovely, peaceful day.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Corn status: Good
The corn shoots are popping up all over the place and not a single sign of burning so far. So groovy.
Dad and I finished pulling the agmulch and driptape for our tomatoes this morning. 10 rows about 240 feet long should accommodate about a thousand tomato plants or more. Will seriously try to get a pic to show you by tomorrow morning.
Other good news: The water is running at Charley's place (farm#2) so today we had sprinklers going. What a delight that is, seeing rainbows and water in the air. We are supposed to have water in the irrigation ditch already but so far the Grants Pass Irrigation District is doing its usual poor job and slacking on us. Those idiots think everyone in the district just raises hay and apples and that nobody needs the water yet except for their lawns which can wait. I wish I could apply the sort of angst I am experiencing to the people who are the cause of our water woes. The Oregon Water Resources Commission, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Patagonia, Sierra Club and assorted land developers would all be writhing in agony while I clapped and laughed like a young boy seeing his first clown.
Ooops waxed a bit vicious there. Sorry about that to my gentle readership. I'm sure you can relate though.
Have a fun day of red and white checkered table cloth, barbecue and watermelon.
Dad and I finished pulling the agmulch and driptape for our tomatoes this morning. 10 rows about 240 feet long should accommodate about a thousand tomato plants or more. Will seriously try to get a pic to show you by tomorrow morning.
Other good news: The water is running at Charley's place (farm#2) so today we had sprinklers going. What a delight that is, seeing rainbows and water in the air. We are supposed to have water in the irrigation ditch already but so far the Grants Pass Irrigation District is doing its usual poor job and slacking on us. Those idiots think everyone in the district just raises hay and apples and that nobody needs the water yet except for their lawns which can wait. I wish I could apply the sort of angst I am experiencing to the people who are the cause of our water woes. The Oregon Water Resources Commission, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Patagonia, Sierra Club and assorted land developers would all be writhing in agony while I clapped and laughed like a young boy seeing his first clown.
Ooops waxed a bit vicious there. Sorry about that to my gentle readership. I'm sure you can relate though.
Have a fun day of red and white checkered table cloth, barbecue and watermelon.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Corn and partially tomatoes
Did a bunch of grunt and shovel work early this morning then ran into Grange Co-op to get fertilizer. Got there a little too early so we (dad and I) went exploring up Dowell Road. Lovely little area back there.
Got back and moved the tractor over to farm#2 where we planted corn seed. This time with the few modifications we had made the seeder and fertilizer drops worked super. 16 rows of corn planted and the first field showed its first sprouts today. So far everything looks healthy, keeping fingers crossed for when the corn gets into the subsoiled fertilizer. If no burning is apparent all will be ultra-super.
This evening we have been re-ripping the tomato rows. Were going to put down plastic but the soil was still too hard. The duckfoot rippers are doing a wonderful job of pulverizing and loosening the ground. Probably wont get anymore tractor work done tonight, too tired and supper is weighing me down.
A lovely little bird a little smaller than a bluejay has been serenading the neighborhood for several days now. A cheerful warbling call that is melodious and fluid. I've spotted it a few times and I'm almost certain it is an evening grosbeak.
Whew! it was hot today. Going from lower 70s to 86 in a few short days makes the body a little susceptible especially beneath the stern and staring sun. Not yet a blazing sun but giving us a little taste of the whip to forewarn.
Early tomorrow morning I will be spraying fruit trees. Think fond thoughts for me while I suffer the discomforts of protective gear.
Wishing you all cool water and deep shade.
Got back and moved the tractor over to farm#2 where we planted corn seed. This time with the few modifications we had made the seeder and fertilizer drops worked super. 16 rows of corn planted and the first field showed its first sprouts today. So far everything looks healthy, keeping fingers crossed for when the corn gets into the subsoiled fertilizer. If no burning is apparent all will be ultra-super.
This evening we have been re-ripping the tomato rows. Were going to put down plastic but the soil was still too hard. The duckfoot rippers are doing a wonderful job of pulverizing and loosening the ground. Probably wont get anymore tractor work done tonight, too tired and supper is weighing me down.
A lovely little bird a little smaller than a bluejay has been serenading the neighborhood for several days now. A cheerful warbling call that is melodious and fluid. I've spotted it a few times and I'm almost certain it is an evening grosbeak.
Whew! it was hot today. Going from lower 70s to 86 in a few short days makes the body a little susceptible especially beneath the stern and staring sun. Not yet a blazing sun but giving us a little taste of the whip to forewarn.
Early tomorrow morning I will be spraying fruit trees. Think fond thoughts for me while I suffer the discomforts of protective gear.
Wishing you all cool water and deep shade.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Happy Mother's Day
The most ubiquitous title in the blogosphere today.
Started the day out spraying for pre-emergent weeds in our first corn field. Got a pretty good start on the day even though we usually resist work on Sundays. Just couldn't take the risk of not getting that job done. While we were at it one of the local osprey put on a short acrobatics show for us, hunting mice or small birds in our field no doubt.
Wrapped everything up at farm#2 by about 10:30 and hoofed it for home to take mom out for dinner. Did some shopping first, getting the last of our equipment (I hope) for the season. Then we went over to the Tin-Tin buffet in Medford. Our first visit and despite the one bad review I had from a customer at the fruit stand they had some really good food. All of it was freshly produced and kept quite hot. They could've had more spices for my taste but mom and dad loved it and I was not disappointed by any of the numerous dishes I tried, sesame chicken, General Tso's chicken, coconut shrimp, egg rolls, chicken and broccoli, barbecue boneless spareribs, vegetable lomein, the list goes on and on. I only managed to try a small percentage of all their dishes.
I've taken the rest of Sunday off to recover and meditate a bit. Had a sort of falling out with an old friend over some of George Carlin's acerbic wit. A matter of illegal immigrants and gasoline prices. There was a time when this sort of thing would've shook me up, but I just am too old and don't have the energy to get offended or excited anymore. I figure 30 years is an unusually long time for a friendship and we had a really fun run of it, no reason to expect something like that to go on forever.
Wishing you all, and your mothers, a fine and mellow evening.
Started the day out spraying for pre-emergent weeds in our first corn field. Got a pretty good start on the day even though we usually resist work on Sundays. Just couldn't take the risk of not getting that job done. While we were at it one of the local osprey put on a short acrobatics show for us, hunting mice or small birds in our field no doubt.
Wrapped everything up at farm#2 by about 10:30 and hoofed it for home to take mom out for dinner. Did some shopping first, getting the last of our equipment (I hope) for the season. Then we went over to the Tin-Tin buffet in Medford. Our first visit and despite the one bad review I had from a customer at the fruit stand they had some really good food. All of it was freshly produced and kept quite hot. They could've had more spices for my taste but mom and dad loved it and I was not disappointed by any of the numerous dishes I tried, sesame chicken, General Tso's chicken, coconut shrimp, egg rolls, chicken and broccoli, barbecue boneless spareribs, vegetable lomein, the list goes on and on. I only managed to try a small percentage of all their dishes.
I've taken the rest of Sunday off to recover and meditate a bit. Had a sort of falling out with an old friend over some of George Carlin's acerbic wit. A matter of illegal immigrants and gasoline prices. There was a time when this sort of thing would've shook me up, but I just am too old and don't have the energy to get offended or excited anymore. I figure 30 years is an unusually long time for a friendship and we had a really fun run of it, no reason to expect something like that to go on forever.
Wishing you all, and your mothers, a fine and mellow evening.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Cantaloupe Friday, cucumber Saturday
Yesterday we planted hills of cantaloupe pretty much all day. Dad and I were thoroughly tired by the end of the day and we still had to go out and take some measurement with the laser after supper. Doing a land moving project at the old farm and have to get those elevations just right. Man! were there ever the mosquitoes last night and that skintastic OFF product with picaridin didn't hardly protect at all. I hate DEET, it irritates my bronchitis but at least it keeps the damned little buggers away.
Today we'll finish planting the cantaloupe and get started on cucumbers.
Yay! Saturday is pizza night.
Wishing you all wellness and happy surprises.
Today we'll finish planting the cantaloupe and get started on cucumbers.
Yay! Saturday is pizza night.
Wishing you all wellness and happy surprises.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Watermelon Thursday
Woke up with a crook in my neck and a crimp in my shoulder and pectoral muscles. Probably from spraying yesterday, an unusual posture and lengthy exertion can lead to such affects. Naproxen didn't do the job so after a while I took an acetaminophen and that finally seemed to loosen up some tissue. Was really quite painful until then.
Today was another day of unnecessary struggle. But we finally got the first watermelon in the ground. Four 360 foot rows. Had to dig mounds and put water in them before planting because the field has gotten too dry. Of course we were supposed to have water in the ditch several days ago but thanks to the bunglers who run things we're probably still weeks away.
The day itself was quite lovely, the shadows cast in bright spring sunlight were sharp and clear. Dark green trees and lush grasses decorate the landscape. Soil is warm to the touch. But despite this natural grandeur I was reminded again today that our farming days are numbered in a somewhat more countable region. Dad will be turning 70 this summer and I'm no spring chicken anymore myself. Spring is a time for hope, optimism and enthusiasm but the bright sun hides few truths.
Wishing you all a spiritually uplifting day.
Today was another day of unnecessary struggle. But we finally got the first watermelon in the ground. Four 360 foot rows. Had to dig mounds and put water in them before planting because the field has gotten too dry. Of course we were supposed to have water in the ditch several days ago but thanks to the bunglers who run things we're probably still weeks away.
The day itself was quite lovely, the shadows cast in bright spring sunlight were sharp and clear. Dark green trees and lush grasses decorate the landscape. Soil is warm to the touch. But despite this natural grandeur I was reminded again today that our farming days are numbered in a somewhat more countable region. Dad will be turning 70 this summer and I'm no spring chicken anymore myself. Spring is a time for hope, optimism and enthusiasm but the bright sun hides few truths.
Wishing you all a spiritually uplifting day.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Blasted
Sorry I haven't posted lately, I know how lonely the blogosphere can become without me ;-)
My modem apparently died, unbeknownst to me. So I've had no internet service for about 4-5 days now. Since work has been raging like crazy I didn't have time to look into it. Today mom ran an errand for me and stopped at Charter and they came through with a new, smaller modem (for a price of course) a little tinkerin' on the phone with technical services and the thing is up and running fine.
On the subject of work: Corn is in the ground! 44 new rows of 4 kinds of corn are already swelling with incipient moisture. We put it in yesterday beneath the blazing sun. Wind blew grit, fertilizer and dust over me all day long as I followed the seeder checking for jams or skips in the assorted menagerie of devices on our seeder. Walked over a mile and a half trailing that balky apparatus. But we got a bunch of more bugs hammered out and with just a few more tweaks the rest of the corn season should be a blast to plant.
I dropped dad off this morning to do some more land work at farm#2. While I was there I quick stuck in assorted sunflower seeds at the end of each corn row. This seed is third generation restarts from a field of mixed types we planted about 4 years ago so there is great variety in the flowers that are produced.
Gotta get back to work soon. Hope you are all doing well and happy.
My modem apparently died, unbeknownst to me. So I've had no internet service for about 4-5 days now. Since work has been raging like crazy I didn't have time to look into it. Today mom ran an errand for me and stopped at Charter and they came through with a new, smaller modem (for a price of course) a little tinkerin' on the phone with technical services and the thing is up and running fine.
On the subject of work: Corn is in the ground! 44 new rows of 4 kinds of corn are already swelling with incipient moisture. We put it in yesterday beneath the blazing sun. Wind blew grit, fertilizer and dust over me all day long as I followed the seeder checking for jams or skips in the assorted menagerie of devices on our seeder. Walked over a mile and a half trailing that balky apparatus. But we got a bunch of more bugs hammered out and with just a few more tweaks the rest of the corn season should be a blast to plant.
I dropped dad off this morning to do some more land work at farm#2. While I was there I quick stuck in assorted sunflower seeds at the end of each corn row. This seed is third generation restarts from a field of mixed types we planted about 4 years ago so there is great variety in the flowers that are produced.
Gotta get back to work soon. Hope you are all doing well and happy.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
The last two leisurely days
Going over to bro's shop this morning to put the finishing touches on our pre-emerg sprayer. Slight overcast makes it seem another cool spring day with no pressure or deep concerns. But the waters can be deceiving....
Monday the whole mess will come unraveled as the temps approach the high 80s. All our major crops must go in this week!
On a somber note, my best wishes and prayers go out to the folk in Kansas who have suffered devastation this morning. I have relatives scattered all over the mid-West and my family has a long history in Kansas, especially the city of Montezuma, Garden city and Dodge city areas. Greensburg is just around the corner from them. So this disaster is making me very apprehensive.
Like my dad says, "Take care of your work and the rest of your life will take care of itself"
A lovely and beneficial day to everyone.
Monday the whole mess will come unraveled as the temps approach the high 80s. All our major crops must go in this week!
On a somber note, my best wishes and prayers go out to the folk in Kansas who have suffered devastation this morning. I have relatives scattered all over the mid-West and my family has a long history in Kansas, especially the city of Montezuma, Garden city and Dodge city areas. Greensburg is just around the corner from them. So this disaster is making me very apprehensive.
Like my dad says, "Take care of your work and the rest of your life will take care of itself"
A lovely and beneficial day to everyone.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Dreadful anticipations
Oh no, the weather is getting good again. That means less blogging and more back aching work. Was too tired to type last night after working on a bunch of more welding. But here's at least one of the pictures I promised the other day. This is the 14 gallon spray rig I'll be using on the fruit trees shortly:
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
A day of vicissitudes
The assorted changes and alternate courses that one's experiences might suddenly take.
Started the morning with am entertaining breakfast with Del. Proceeded directly to a hair cut next door to the diner. Rain was profuse by the time I left there.
Got home in time to turn around and go back to get plants with mom. Brought home about 400+ assorted pepper and tomato plants.
Had lunch and went directly to Bro's welding shop to work on a trailer for one of the new spray rigs (pics tomorrow) we were using some scrap steal which had paint on it so by the time I was done welding, burning paint fumes had made me nauseas and given me a headache.
Got home and had dinner. Lovely, lovely, lovely post rainstorm landscapes greeted me on an evening walk after super. The verdant hills made vivid and glorious by a shining golden spring's sunset light. Got many pictures some of which I'll share tomorrow too. Saw a dang stellar blue jay steal some poor birds baby from the nest. It is difficult to dispassionately watch nature play out her some times cruel designs perhaps because I delude myself into often thinking I am not caught up in the same design, subject to the same vicious forces.
Despite that unsubtle truth, let me wish you a fine and fortuitous evening.
Started the morning with am entertaining breakfast with Del. Proceeded directly to a hair cut next door to the diner. Rain was profuse by the time I left there.
Got home in time to turn around and go back to get plants with mom. Brought home about 400+ assorted pepper and tomato plants.
Had lunch and went directly to Bro's welding shop to work on a trailer for one of the new spray rigs (pics tomorrow) we were using some scrap steal which had paint on it so by the time I was done welding, burning paint fumes had made me nauseas and given me a headache.
Got home and had dinner. Lovely, lovely, lovely post rainstorm landscapes greeted me on an evening walk after super. The verdant hills made vivid and glorious by a shining golden spring's sunset light. Got many pictures some of which I'll share tomorrow too. Saw a dang stellar blue jay steal some poor birds baby from the nest. It is difficult to dispassionately watch nature play out her some times cruel designs perhaps because I delude myself into often thinking I am not caught up in the same design, subject to the same vicious forces.
Despite that unsubtle truth, let me wish you a fine and fortuitous evening.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Tomato fertilizer Tuesday
Put down a new blend of fertilizer for our tomatos. We used to run out lime, triple 16 and calcium nitrate but this year we went with lime, 11-52-0, muriate of potassium and calcium nitrate. This allowed us to lower the amount of nitrogens relative to the amount of calcium and potash while still providing plenty of nitrogen and nitrates in particular which are a better source than ammonium. We ran a couple of control rows using the old formula to see if the incident of blossom end rot goes down with this new combo.
Dad picked up 720 tomato plants this morning from his friend David James at Greenleaf industries. Great place to pick up some garden plants if you happen to live in southern Oregon.
Now enjoying some chicken soup while the rains gently sweep the countryside clean of dust. I love the smell of a spring rain, don't you?
Delightful night-full.
Dad picked up 720 tomato plants this morning from his friend David James at Greenleaf industries. Great place to pick up some garden plants if you happen to live in southern Oregon.
Now enjoying some chicken soup while the rains gently sweep the countryside clean of dust. I love the smell of a spring rain, don't you?
Delightful night-full.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Monday, monday
Spent the morning in Medford picking up fertilizers and other chemicals, drip tape, groceries etc.
Got home around noon, after lunch helped dad put down lime for the watermelon field. Watered the remaining lettuce plants and mowed until supper time. Lovely alternating balmy and cool evening breezes. Dad ran the cultivator and drag through the field we had just limed.
Grapes are just starting to bud up their flowers. Should be open in a couple weeks, probably not long after this next rainy spell clears out. Gonna have to spray the apples for scab and coddling moth around then too. Doesn't matter what any one says, when push comes to shove people will buy ten times as many sprayed apples as they will unsprayed. I dare any organics-only person to contradict me.
Will be putting in tomato rows tomorrow and that is an involved process! Hopefully I'll remember to bring my camera along so I can show y'all a pic of our equipment and methods.
Wishing you a playful spring night.
Got home around noon, after lunch helped dad put down lime for the watermelon field. Watered the remaining lettuce plants and mowed until supper time. Lovely alternating balmy and cool evening breezes. Dad ran the cultivator and drag through the field we had just limed.
Grapes are just starting to bud up their flowers. Should be open in a couple weeks, probably not long after this next rainy spell clears out. Gonna have to spray the apples for scab and coddling moth around then too. Doesn't matter what any one says, when push comes to shove people will buy ten times as many sprayed apples as they will unsprayed. I dare any organics-only person to contradict me.
Will be putting in tomato rows tomorrow and that is an involved process! Hopefully I'll remember to bring my camera along so I can show y'all a pic of our equipment and methods.
Wishing you a playful spring night.
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