Officially Spring

Now that it's officially spring, there's been a LOT going on at the farm. Probably the most important thing is that the keg is tapped! This is an important piece of farming equipment.

The basil was up by the 16th.

The peppers were this big last week. They're twice that size now! I need to transplant.

I've already transplanted some of the tomatoes. They're huge! They went in 4 inch cups.

And have been moved into the larger box.

I've been taking them out each day to get watered and have some fresh air.

Over at the North 40, the favas are just starting to set beans.

And for the continuing sunlight documentation, we can see a bit of shade on the west side where the favas are. These pics were all taken on 3-22 at 1:40 pm.

But there's plenty of direct sunlight in the middle...

And east end.

This bush is gorgeous! I need to figure out what it is.

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Weather Note
Well, as you can see, it's been cold, but it's also been warm and sunny. We had about a half inch of rain last week, and more is forecast later this week. Nighttime temperatures had been still in the high 30s up until this week, where they've climbed steadily into the 40s. We're still 3 weeks from last frost date.

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Back at the farm, we've been going to town on improvements. Rick fixed the shed door.

And the girl privy door.

He had a little help. How many guys does it take...

Meanwhile, I painted these cool cast iron legs.

Fed all the fruit and citrus trees (3-23).

And cleaned out the side yard by the shed. Notice that the door is all trimmed and painted.

I also cleaned out the tub area. We're going to need it soon!

The clouds rolling in made for some nice sunsets.

The lilacs are in full bloom now.

As are the purple iris.

And the ceanothus.

The apple is blooming at our house, aka the West 40.

Walking in the park, we saw these lovely butterflies. They were landing on the sand by the creek to drink.

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What We're Eating
I know this has become a popular refrain but... I think this is really, finally, truely the last of the broccoli. It's all pretty much gone to seed, and become the host plants for bees and ladybugs. What else we're eating is eggs... lots and lots of eggs!

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It was a fun surprise anniversary party for Titus and Jane last weekend. All my other party pictures came out crappy, but the food posed beautifully.

Ed traded us this beer for a Blonde on tap. This was surprisingly delicious!

And, it had a very funny label.

Mid March

 We continue to move forward with making our new room more useful. We got a better timer with a grounded circuit. Both lights are now on the same timer.

 I was pleased to see that all three clematises survived the winter and are putting out new growth.

 I re-infected the garden with borage, although I've also seen some volunteer sprouts. I planted the "Moonlight" climbing nasturtiums under the forsythia in the glen, and I planted the multicolored version "Amazon Jewel" around the pea poles.

 By 3-5, the apricot branch was showing some first leaves, and the bloom was almost over.

 And by 3-12, we're seeing baby fruit. Lots and lots of baby fruit! We've already started thinning, which we can actually accomplish because the branches are low enough.

 This branch on the plum side is especially vigorous.

 And the peach was in full bloom by 3-5.

 We got the last of the peas in on row 3b. These are climbing garden peas. There are also nasturtiums planted around these pea poles.

 The rose is leafing out well.

 Last weekend we had a couple of big work days at 9th. Rick took Friday off, and Batch came over to help.

 Batch paints over the carport front so we don't have any more stupid sloppy giant house numbers there.

Then they primered the whole west wall.

Meanwhile, I got more chips laid.

The last rainfall had softened the ground enough that it was a lot easier to hoe. So yeah, I was a hoe-er.

 Since this picture was taken, I've filled in the spot by the pavers and progressed further around the back.

 Batch brought way more ladders! His ladders were a huge help.

 Driving back from 9th, we noticed this amazing daffodil verge on Mill Street.

 I pulled all my starts out for watering on 3-10. I planted basil, chives, dill, lavender, and cypress vine in flat E. Then on 3-12, I planted two more sixpacks of cherry tomatoes, because I'm sure to want to give some of them away. I *might* be finished planting. Oh who am I kidding... I haven't yet begun!

 By 3-12 the lilac was just about to bloom, with one or two flowers open so we get the first hint of that lovely scent.

 It's been warm and dry, perfect weather for farming.

 Then we got the piece de resistance! A kegerator for the farm! Yay! We still have to set it up and get it filled, but we have it, and we have a plan for it, so we don't end up with problems. On the wall behind the keg is part of my plant lists.

 We had a lunch for my birthday and later we hung out at the farm. Not pictured, but participating, were Delina and Laura.

 Jane brought me a fun little game. You roll the dice, and make a story from the pictures on the surface. Even Rick C. got in the action.