 I can't think of a better way to celebrate the first day of summer than with a post office delivery of new chicks! Although you can't tell from the photo, there are 3 turkeys and several baby guineas (keets) in the group. The keets will augment our dwindling guinea flock, and we are hoping that at least one of the turkeys is a female, so Albert can finally have a real girlfriend. Most (all?) of the others are destined to end up in the freezer.
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I am lucky (some might say cursed) to live in an area where wild blackberry brambles flourish. Almost every evening, during the first three weeks of June, I don my “berry picking uniform”. Jeans, heavy sweatpants, a long sleeve turtleneck shirt, topped by another long sleeve cotton button up shirt. Tall rubber boots and a hat complete the ensemble. This outfit is necessary protection against the viciousness of the thorny canes. Carrying a long pole and a bucket, I head out in search of treasure. Picking berries hard but rewarding work. Watching my bucket slowly fill with these precious jewels fills me with happiness, satisfaction, and pride. When I go picking, I am reminded that I am participating in an activity which humans have done for thousands of years; I feel connected to history, linked to the dawn of civilization, and conversely, appreciative of all I have in this most modern of worlds. It is quite an experience from such a small thing.  Albert is back! Albert the Turkey has returned to Weybap Farm. Last winter, as the weather got colder, Albert found it harder and harder to deal with. It became clear that he probably would not make it through the winter unless drastic measures were taken. In steps my sister – the one person I know who is willing to take drastic measures to save any type of poultry (and any other animal for that matter.) She took Albert to her home, set up a swanky pen in her garage, complete with padded floor and a space heater. She doctored him with aspirin and fed him a special low protein diet. I am pleased to say, Albert is doing much better, and once again his turkey calls and gobbles are gracing Weybap Farm. Welcome back Albert, the farm wasn’t the same without you.  After months of what seems like constant rain, we’ve had a few days of beautiful weather here in North East Texas. The first day of spring is showing lots of promise, and putting me in the gardening mood. Yesterday while driving, I had a lot of time to think about my upcoming garden plans, and because of the perfect weather and glorious sunshine, I decided that this year I will attempt another large garden. I intend (hope) to grow enough food this year to share with the Tailored Rides family. So I asked Bruce to turn up the old front garden (which hasn’t been in production for several years) and to fence in the area again. It’s a large space, but I’m feeling very optimistic. That’s one of the things I love best about farming – the act of faith, the absolute belief that putting this seed in this ground is going to result in something wonderful in a relatively short time. As they say, Hope springs eternal. Happy first day of spring!
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AuthorI am an avid vegetable gardener and animal lover. I use sustainable farming practices to grow food for my myself, my family and my community. ArchivesCategories |
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