We had a death in our family. My sister's fiance died very unexpectedly a couple of weeks ago. My parents took him back to Knoxville, Tennessee for a short visit with his family on a Tuesday morning and by Tuesday evening he was dead. While we don't know what really happened, he was pretty beat up. We made a flying trip to Knoxville for the funeral. He was only 38.
As you can imagine, my sister is pretty tore up. I have been spending my time farming, running my little business and helping her. She seems to have gotten over the initial shock stage and is into the mourning stage. But as she has 3 young children at home, she knows she needs to carry on as best she can.
I am asking all to pray for her and the kids. Also for Phillip's family in Knoxville. Losing someone is tragic but losing someone so young and in a violent and unexpected way is unimaginable.
Hope to post updates on the farm and fam soon. Thanks for being patient with me and ...
See ya on the farm,
Charlotte
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Happy 4th of July
The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. It is the only holiday that I do not have to share my kids with other parents, in-laws, etc... I get both kids, their spouses (also known collectively as "the kids") and all 4 grandbabies for as long as they want to stay. All other holidays we have to coordinate with other schedules so that they can all celebrate with everyone they have too. This is pure ME time. And I get to be selfish!!!
They always show up after the kids naps. (If you have met my grandkids, you will know why), we eat picnic style in the yard, house, just wherever you want to sit. We then chat, play games, chase the kids, whatever we want to. This year, the girls were busy helping plan the new kitchen. The walls and rafters are up, so it is easy to see the dimensions and stuff. They do know how to dream big and expensive. I bet the actual kitchen is dialed back a little on the cost.
After dark, the fireworks show begins. You have to be male and at least 9 to be up at the lighting area. Wyatt is the only one so far who qualifies. Tuck likes to make sure everyone knows he only has 5 more years to go and he gets to go with the big boys. The girls and I don't care about being banned from that area, we get to sit and enjoy the show without any responsibility at all. We just keep the other kids on the porch with us and ooh and aah over each display.
About the time the fireworks show is over, each family is usually ready to go home. This year, we had to watch "Jaws" first. Tucker cannot pass up a shark or a dinosaur anything. It was after 11:00 before anyone was even remotely ready to go.
Then the other game of the night begins: (Get your mind out of the gutter, geez) It is who gets to take home the leftovers or how do we split them up. This year we had strawberry pie for dessert. I made 3 whole pies. I didn't even get a piece but I saw some of it leave the house in containers. The kids are always conked out before they get out of our driveway. I love this holiday.
Side note on the 4th of July: We watched a frontier parade on Saturday morning while we were at the Farmers Market. It went right by the market so Sam, Wyatt and I were able to watch while Jenn manned the tent. When a flag went by carried by a man on a horse, I told the kids that they had to stand up and put their hand over their heart as a sign of respect for the flag and all who fight for our freedom. (Sam didn't understand why but she did it anyway). But as the kids and I were standing there while the flag went by, it looked like we started the wave. Everyone else started standing up; Sam told them that was what they were suppose to do as a flag went by. Out of the mouths of babes. She is 3 afterall. I was so proud of her. She may not have known what she did that morning but she boosted a lot of people to remember to show respect for Old Glory and the men and women who fought to keep it flying. Way to go, Sammmie. Nana loves you.
Plus she got a sack full of candy that the parade was throwing. All in all; a very good day.
See ya on the farm
Charlotte
They always show up after the kids naps. (If you have met my grandkids, you will know why), we eat picnic style in the yard, house, just wherever you want to sit. We then chat, play games, chase the kids, whatever we want to. This year, the girls were busy helping plan the new kitchen. The walls and rafters are up, so it is easy to see the dimensions and stuff. They do know how to dream big and expensive. I bet the actual kitchen is dialed back a little on the cost.
After dark, the fireworks show begins. You have to be male and at least 9 to be up at the lighting area. Wyatt is the only one so far who qualifies. Tuck likes to make sure everyone knows he only has 5 more years to go and he gets to go with the big boys. The girls and I don't care about being banned from that area, we get to sit and enjoy the show without any responsibility at all. We just keep the other kids on the porch with us and ooh and aah over each display.
About the time the fireworks show is over, each family is usually ready to go home. This year, we had to watch "Jaws" first. Tucker cannot pass up a shark or a dinosaur anything. It was after 11:00 before anyone was even remotely ready to go.
Then the other game of the night begins: (Get your mind out of the gutter, geez) It is who gets to take home the leftovers or how do we split them up. This year we had strawberry pie for dessert. I made 3 whole pies. I didn't even get a piece but I saw some of it leave the house in containers. The kids are always conked out before they get out of our driveway. I love this holiday.
Side note on the 4th of July: We watched a frontier parade on Saturday morning while we were at the Farmers Market. It went right by the market so Sam, Wyatt and I were able to watch while Jenn manned the tent. When a flag went by carried by a man on a horse, I told the kids that they had to stand up and put their hand over their heart as a sign of respect for the flag and all who fight for our freedom. (Sam didn't understand why but she did it anyway). But as the kids and I were standing there while the flag went by, it looked like we started the wave. Everyone else started standing up; Sam told them that was what they were suppose to do as a flag went by. Out of the mouths of babes. She is 3 afterall. I was so proud of her. She may not have known what she did that morning but she boosted a lot of people to remember to show respect for Old Glory and the men and women who fought to keep it flying. Way to go, Sammmie. Nana loves you.
Plus she got a sack full of candy that the parade was throwing. All in all; a very good day.
See ya on the farm
Charlotte
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Like Nana Like Granddaughter
I hated to sew when I was young. My Mom is not a good teacher. Oh, she can sew anything but to tell you how to do it is more than she can take. I learned to quilt by hand because I couldn't stand not being perfect at sewing on the machine. I learned from my Mom and "taught" Jennifer the same way. She hated it as a child as well. Well, lesson learned.
That is Sam with me at the sewing machine. She is helping me make a quilt for her new room. I'm sure it would go much faster if I just did it myself but it sure wouldn't be as much fun. She just smiles and giggles the whole time we are sewing. I love it!
Sew something fun today or just do something fun today with your grandchildren. They aren't little near long enough. Sam turned 3 on June 23.
See ya on the farm
Charlotte
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Female Farmers Rule!!!
I just read the book "Bucolic Plague". It is a book about 2 life partners (both men) who buy an abandoned mansion that has already been restored and become gentlemen farmers. Great book but big freakin deal.
I have a life partner who happens to be a man. I chucked my business life and become a female farmer. I clean chicken coops, muck stalls, plant and maintain a market garden, have a business (appleseedfarm.com) (they have a goat soap business). They do live in New York and have to travel over 3 hours every weekend to their farm. But I have kids and grandkids that keep me busy. I win that round. I cook, can, preserve, hunt and eat the game meat (mostly deer). I sew, quilt, heck I have even taken a spinning class with a real spinning wheel.
Now to top it all off, they are going to have a reality show, Beekman Boys. (The author says it sounds better that fag farmers, I did laugh at that one) I live a reality show. We probably don't have the drama that they do. After all, my life partner (husband) was not a drag queen before we were married. I've known him my whole life so I would have known if he was.
This book was a great read. I couldn't put it down. And congratulations to them for succeeding. They did have some help from Martha Stewart who one of then worked for before he got canned. He is the actual doctor that gave advice on Martha's show.
So if anyone is listening out there, I am available for a reality show audition, a segment on the Martha, Rachel, Oprah, Ellen, etc.., just a boost is what we need. After all, we did make it in an issue of Country Living Magazine. Call me....
See ya on the farm
Charlotte
I have a life partner who happens to be a man. I chucked my business life and become a female farmer. I clean chicken coops, muck stalls, plant and maintain a market garden, have a business (appleseedfarm.com) (they have a goat soap business). They do live in New York and have to travel over 3 hours every weekend to their farm. But I have kids and grandkids that keep me busy. I win that round. I cook, can, preserve, hunt and eat the game meat (mostly deer). I sew, quilt, heck I have even taken a spinning class with a real spinning wheel.
Now to top it all off, they are going to have a reality show, Beekman Boys. (The author says it sounds better that fag farmers, I did laugh at that one) I live a reality show. We probably don't have the drama that they do. After all, my life partner (husband) was not a drag queen before we were married. I've known him my whole life so I would have known if he was.
This book was a great read. I couldn't put it down. And congratulations to them for succeeding. They did have some help from Martha Stewart who one of then worked for before he got canned. He is the actual doctor that gave advice on Martha's show.
So if anyone is listening out there, I am available for a reality show audition, a segment on the Martha, Rachel, Oprah, Ellen, etc.., just a boost is what we need. After all, we did make it in an issue of Country Living Magazine. Call me....
See ya on the farm
Charlotte
Friday, June 4, 2010
Back from a spontaneous vacation
Yep, vacation, I know, I know, this is the craziest time in the world for a market farmer to go on vacation but it just came up, so we went. We worked like a demon before we left to get everything as ready as possible and then took off for 10 days. My husband just said "come on, let's go" so we did.
OK OK Where did we go...well, it was very impromptu. We had tickets to the Biltmore (the huge mansion in Asheville, NC) for Wed. but no plan before that. We just left Sunday morning and didn't look back. Ok, in my mind's eye, I looked back and asked the weeds to please not grow while we were gone. They didn't listen.
First stop: Pigeon Forge, TN. We like this little community, haven't been there in about 10 years. WOW, did it grow. We did several of the touristy things: stayed in a Christmas hotel (kind of cool but hard to imagine Christmas in May), went to the Titanic museum, a dinosaur museum, a magic house and finally Dollywood. I was very disappointed in Dollywood. Very expensive about $120.00 for 2 people to get in and then everything was costly. We had a small slushy (kool aid) that cost 14.35 for 2. Not much to see or do there. I highly suggest that you visit Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana instead. Cheaper to get in, clean environment, 2 parks (water and rides for the price of 1 ticket), free soft drinks, sun screen. Just a really nice place.
Second Stop: Asheville NC. I need to start this one with I DO NOT SHOP. Hard to believe I know, being a woman and all but shopping is not a favorite past time of mine. That is all there is to do there besides the Biltmore. We took a side trip to an Indian reservation and gambled at the casino. Lost our pants but hey it was cool in there and fun to boot.
Third Stop: Biltmore: Ultracool. That has to be the biggest darn house I have ever seen. Wonderful craftsmanship, beautiful furnishings. If you go definitely spring for the audio tour. It is well worth the extra $10.00. Less impressed with the gardens. It probably was just not what I was expecting. They were pretty, don't get me wrong. But I thought I would take one look and be speechless. Yes, it does happen. But no. Mine are not as elaborate but would rate right up there with theirs. The newest addition is Antler Hill Farm. A definite touist trap. Got money - go there. It is on the Biltmore estate and is supposed to be a "look back in time" kind of thing. Again less than impressive. But I did hear some comments from "city" kids who had never seen some of this stuff before, so well worth the effort by the Biltmore people.
It is hard to believe that this is a private owned home. It has been in the same family for generations. There is a small video there showing the generations and what they have contributed to the estate. It is worth the time to watch.
Fourth Stop: Friends house in Pearisburg, VA. How many people do you know that you can just knock on their door and say we spending the night and not have them freak out? Brad and Ellen are just those kind of friends. We spent a nice quiet evening chatting, got up and left for Colonial Williamsburg in VA.
I took lots of pictures but as this is a super long post already. I'll stop the recap now and pick up later. I will also post pics as soon as I get them on a disk.
Thanks for waiting on me to get back. Farmers markets starts tomorrow. We will have goodies from the bakery and raspberries from the farm. Nothing else is ready to go as of yet but I'm suspecting tomatoes by next week. Fingers crossed.
See ya on the farm
Charlotte
OK OK Where did we go...well, it was very impromptu. We had tickets to the Biltmore (the huge mansion in Asheville, NC) for Wed. but no plan before that. We just left Sunday morning and didn't look back. Ok, in my mind's eye, I looked back and asked the weeds to please not grow while we were gone. They didn't listen.
First stop: Pigeon Forge, TN. We like this little community, haven't been there in about 10 years. WOW, did it grow. We did several of the touristy things: stayed in a Christmas hotel (kind of cool but hard to imagine Christmas in May), went to the Titanic museum, a dinosaur museum, a magic house and finally Dollywood. I was very disappointed in Dollywood. Very expensive about $120.00 for 2 people to get in and then everything was costly. We had a small slushy (kool aid) that cost 14.35 for 2. Not much to see or do there. I highly suggest that you visit Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana instead. Cheaper to get in, clean environment, 2 parks (water and rides for the price of 1 ticket), free soft drinks, sun screen. Just a really nice place.
Second Stop: Asheville NC. I need to start this one with I DO NOT SHOP. Hard to believe I know, being a woman and all but shopping is not a favorite past time of mine. That is all there is to do there besides the Biltmore. We took a side trip to an Indian reservation and gambled at the casino. Lost our pants but hey it was cool in there and fun to boot.
Third Stop: Biltmore: Ultracool. That has to be the biggest darn house I have ever seen. Wonderful craftsmanship, beautiful furnishings. If you go definitely spring for the audio tour. It is well worth the extra $10.00. Less impressed with the gardens. It probably was just not what I was expecting. They were pretty, don't get me wrong. But I thought I would take one look and be speechless. Yes, it does happen. But no. Mine are not as elaborate but would rate right up there with theirs. The newest addition is Antler Hill Farm. A definite touist trap. Got money - go there. It is on the Biltmore estate and is supposed to be a "look back in time" kind of thing. Again less than impressive. But I did hear some comments from "city" kids who had never seen some of this stuff before, so well worth the effort by the Biltmore people.
It is hard to believe that this is a private owned home. It has been in the same family for generations. There is a small video there showing the generations and what they have contributed to the estate. It is worth the time to watch.
Fourth Stop: Friends house in Pearisburg, VA. How many people do you know that you can just knock on their door and say we spending the night and not have them freak out? Brad and Ellen are just those kind of friends. We spent a nice quiet evening chatting, got up and left for Colonial Williamsburg in VA.
I took lots of pictures but as this is a super long post already. I'll stop the recap now and pick up later. I will also post pics as soon as I get them on a disk.
Thanks for waiting on me to get back. Farmers markets starts tomorrow. We will have goodies from the bakery and raspberries from the farm. Nothing else is ready to go as of yet but I'm suspecting tomatoes by next week. Fingers crossed.
See ya on the farm
Charlotte
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
My sister - my friend
I have one sister. Her name is Helen. (Mom sure liked the old fashioned names, didn't she?) We are 13 months apart. Most people thought we were twins. We have never had what I would call a close relationship. If she needed something, she'd call and visa versa, but never a buddy one. Today she stopped by the shop where I make our goodies and we had a nice long talk.
We are as different as night and day. I had one child of my own and a step son (whom I adore) and she has 7, yes that's right 7 kids. They range in age from 28 to 5. I would just shoot myself. We both married young. She was 16, I was 17. She got a divorce after 12 years, I think. Good thing, the jerk was bad for her. She then met a man who was 10 years younger and they married and had the last 3 kids. She already had a grandson by then. I would just shoot myself.
She didn't work outside the home during her first marriage but took a job after she separated from her husband and hasn't looked back since. Her second husband died when the youngest was 5 weeks old. He was 29 years old. A great big teddy bear. We all loved him. She has been raising this part of her family by herself since then.
She found internet dating. I would just shoot myself. Some of the men she has brought around for us to meet makes me wonder just how lonely she is. But she has someone now, he is a little younger. I think she likes to train them. (smile) But he is good with her and her kids. He is lessening the load. He isn't the perfect guy but then where is the perfect guy.
I wish her much love and happiness. As I grow older, family ties grow more important. So, Helen, here's to you. I love you and am proud of you. Happiness to your future.
See ya on the farm
Charlotte
We are as different as night and day. I had one child of my own and a step son (whom I adore) and she has 7, yes that's right 7 kids. They range in age from 28 to 5. I would just shoot myself. We both married young. She was 16, I was 17. She got a divorce after 12 years, I think. Good thing, the jerk was bad for her. She then met a man who was 10 years younger and they married and had the last 3 kids. She already had a grandson by then. I would just shoot myself.
She didn't work outside the home during her first marriage but took a job after she separated from her husband and hasn't looked back since. Her second husband died when the youngest was 5 weeks old. He was 29 years old. A great big teddy bear. We all loved him. She has been raising this part of her family by herself since then.
She found internet dating. I would just shoot myself. Some of the men she has brought around for us to meet makes me wonder just how lonely she is. But she has someone now, he is a little younger. I think she likes to train them. (smile) But he is good with her and her kids. He is lessening the load. He isn't the perfect guy but then where is the perfect guy.
I wish her much love and happiness. As I grow older, family ties grow more important. So, Helen, here's to you. I love you and am proud of you. Happiness to your future.
See ya on the farm
Charlotte
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Squishy week on the farm
It has rained and rained and rained here this month. I thought April was the shower month!?!
I got part of the garden planted. The early garden is in. The middle garden should be going in now through the end of the month. About the time the ground gets just dry enough to run the tiller the rain starts again. I WILL GET THIS MIDDLE GARDEN IN, no matter what.
The greenhouse green beans have baby beans on them. They are so cute. I should have some available for the mid part of June at the Farmers Market. Tomatoes have beautiful blooms for the past week or so but so far no tomatoes have formed. I have seen the bees so I know they have been polinated. The zucchini and eggplant are doing great as well. I think the rabbits have found one of the raised beds, the black beauty eggplant and some of the green peppers look a little (a lot) nibbled on.
We just got another order from Whole Foods for PourAPie. We are excited to say the least. I sent a confirmation invoice yesterday. If all is accepted, we will begin the production of that order this week. Maybe rain is a good thing. Don't know what I would do if I could be in the garden but needed to be in the kitchen at the same time. Probably garden during the day and process orders at night. Who needs sleep anyway?
My son, Steve just bought a tractor. He is the most city boy you have ever seen. If fact, his wife Erin calls him Clark Griswald after Chevy Chase is the vacation movies. He will be the farmer who shows up at the farm in his camaro with his designer boots on. Farmer Casanova is he. They just purchased 11 acres on which to build a house and start a small farmette. They don't want to farm as a job but as a hobby. I think their oldest, Tucker (almost 4) will be the farmer. He is always wanting to ride on the tractor at Nana's. Lauren (almost 3) is another story, she will be the city girl. She is definitely our diva.
As I have found my camera. It was in my coat pocket from Thanksgiving. I will be able to give you visual updates on the farm. Until then, don't worry about the dirt under your nails. It'll come out by November!
See ya on the farm
Charlotte
I got part of the garden planted. The early garden is in. The middle garden should be going in now through the end of the month. About the time the ground gets just dry enough to run the tiller the rain starts again. I WILL GET THIS MIDDLE GARDEN IN, no matter what.
The greenhouse green beans have baby beans on them. They are so cute. I should have some available for the mid part of June at the Farmers Market. Tomatoes have beautiful blooms for the past week or so but so far no tomatoes have formed. I have seen the bees so I know they have been polinated. The zucchini and eggplant are doing great as well. I think the rabbits have found one of the raised beds, the black beauty eggplant and some of the green peppers look a little (a lot) nibbled on.
We just got another order from Whole Foods for PourAPie. We are excited to say the least. I sent a confirmation invoice yesterday. If all is accepted, we will begin the production of that order this week. Maybe rain is a good thing. Don't know what I would do if I could be in the garden but needed to be in the kitchen at the same time. Probably garden during the day and process orders at night. Who needs sleep anyway?
My son, Steve just bought a tractor. He is the most city boy you have ever seen. If fact, his wife Erin calls him Clark Griswald after Chevy Chase is the vacation movies. He will be the farmer who shows up at the farm in his camaro with his designer boots on. Farmer Casanova is he. They just purchased 11 acres on which to build a house and start a small farmette. They don't want to farm as a job but as a hobby. I think their oldest, Tucker (almost 4) will be the farmer. He is always wanting to ride on the tractor at Nana's. Lauren (almost 3) is another story, she will be the city girl. She is definitely our diva.
As I have found my camera. It was in my coat pocket from Thanksgiving. I will be able to give you visual updates on the farm. Until then, don't worry about the dirt under your nails. It'll come out by November!
See ya on the farm
Charlotte
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