Farming in the shade

I took my camera along, fully intending to use it liberally. I guess I was busy, because these two are exactly half of the photos I took during the festival. Our booth... We did alright, though it's always nice to dream of selling it all. But we had fun and are slowly getting our feet back under us after our busy weekend...

I don't have time this morning to go into the advanced math (and science) that goes into composting. But it really can be as simple as the formula above. And, if you don't have manure and sawdust, you can substitute other things. Nitrogen (green stuff) + Carbon (brown stuff) + Time = Compost. You might have to fiddle with the C:N ratio, and add air (turning) and/or moisture, but you'll get there from here. Here's a load of carbon being brought to the farm. For years we've used the sawdust from a local furniture manufacturer as our carbon source. It's been (essentially) free, and a great option for us AND them. Companies like to talk about zero level waste streams and the fact that they're involved in green initiatives. But with economic hardship comes necessary cost cutting. One of the direct results of this cost cutting is bits of white plastic throughout the sawdust. Now tell me--who would want to use compost with plastic in it? After lots of discussion, w...

This post needs a warning. Some of these photos might be visually disturbing, especially if you have an aversion to weeds. The truth is, we didn't hoe at all in this field, and I guess cultivating wasn't enough. See the bean pods (in there among the weeds)? Here's a shot of the combine bean/grain head up close and from a different angle, so you can get an idea of what's all going on to harvest the beans. I *think* that it's magic, and I can't explain how it works to you. Here the beans are falling into the hopper in the combine. They actually look really great, despite the weeds in the field. And here's a shot to show you that sometimes harvesting is a group endeavor.

Saturday I spent nearly the whole day (other than taxi and maid duty) in the workshop weaving. My mother-in-law joined me to help with sewing strips together. She loves to sew, and is very fast. Here's a bit of her handiwork: Eventually this pile will become blue jean rugs, like this one. I had six rugs on the loom before I cut off and retied. Lots of color this time. Here they are, stacked on my table, waiting for me to sew the ends. They'll go along with me to the Northern Michigan Lamb and Wool Festival . I had such a wonderful day. Need to do this more often...

It's coming! It's almost here... The long-awaited day! Thursday will be our inspection day--the last step (hopefully!) in becoming certified organic. Patience... just wait. Thursday will be here before you know it!