Our Fall Garden

A couple of months ago the boys and I got busy getting the ground ready for our fall/winter garden. Our summer garden didn't produce very much so I had our soil tested and found that the ph level was too high so sulphur was recommended to be added to the garden area. After applying the sulphur, we patiently waited 2 weeks, as the directions said, before planting. Next, we got the tiller out. This is the part the boys love!

They are such good helpers!

Next we planted mustard greens, collard greens, cabbage, rutabaga, beets, turnip greens, carrots, kale, spinach and a variety of lettuces.

Here Bryce has come up with his own technique of covering seed. Oh well, whatever works! It seems like the hard way to me. I don't think I could get up after going down the whole row like that!!

Here is another shot of the garden. I will be planting potatoes and strawberries on the outer edges of the garden in a few months when the planting time is right. You can see where that area is not tilled up. Also, I saved some room for planting more cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower later on. This way we have those veggies as long as possible, hopefully into spring. Does anyone know if it is possible to freeze broccoli or cauliflower?

Now there is a tired little boy in need of a well deserved break! My boys always chip in to help us and with a good attitude. I am very grateful for them and I am sure to let them know how important they are to me and their Dad. Since we have moved onto this property they have learned the satisfaction that comes with hard work. They enjoy the bounty of the garden and learn that they are very beneficial to our family. We have memorized Philippians 2:14-15..."Do everything without complaining, do everything without arguing. So that you may become blameless and pure children of God." I must say, they have applied that verse in a very "hands on" way!

Have a great weekend!

Pam

Squirrel Farm?

I am not quite sure squirrels count as a farm animal but our family has rescued two of the cutest baby squirrels ever! One day Dad brought them home. Apparently they had fallen out of their nest somehow and they were in the road. The boys were so excited! They love pet squirrels. Can you see Brandon's? She is on his left shoulder. We rescued about 8 baby squirrels a few years ago when central FL was hit with 3 major hurricanes. At that time, Brandon was too young to have one of the squirrels for his very own. This time he is older so we gave him one of the squirrels. Her name is Sandy and she didn't even have her eyes opened when we got her. He had to bottle feed her for a few weeks. I must say he has been very responsible and has taken such good care of his new pet. Bradley's squirrel, Maurice (don't ask me why he chose that name!) came a few days later. She was found in the same area. She is a little older. Thankfully, they are both girls!! In Brandon's own words, "Squirrels are more fun than a pet hamster, as affectionate as a dog, and very smart too!" Mom says, "At least it's not a pet snake!!"

Have a great day,
Pam

Fall Festival Fun!!

Wow, what a fun day we had Saturday at our church! This annual event is one of the largest activities we sponsor for our children and the community. We have food, games, inflatables, hayrides and of course CANDY!

Here we have Josh, Brandon's friend,

sliding down the inflatable in a normal fashion....

Then we have Brandon's version of "sliding"!!

Food...Friends....Fun...

And this day was worth all the hard work, if for no other reason but to reach out to this prospective new church member. Yes, "even unto the least of these".

We did see this dear man in Worship Service today! We are looking forward to seeing him every Sunday.