Toad Drowner

I must give credit to Ivan Doig for that description of a rainy spell, but it was too perfect to pass up as the summary of our last few weeks. I think we've topped 6 inches of rain in the last 2 weeks. We're getting a bit water-weary, and each time it starts to rain again, Abrahm asks, "Why is it raining again?....Eventually, it will stop raining!" And we think, again and again, "I don't know why it's still raining, and I'm glad you continue to be optimistic that it will stop." Perhaps our next building project should be an ark, rather than garden shed, pig house, greenhouse, or any of the other of the current short-list of projects we're contemplating.

Vegetable shares have been beautiful and bountiful, despite the rain. All the leafy greens are enjoying this cool wet weather, and we have collard greens big enough to use as umbrellas. If only there were a way to weed without actually having to set foot in the garden. We're hoping that it dries soon enough that the roots and fruits aren't stunted or rotted.

In non-vegetable news, Samuel weighed in at 11lb, 9 oz today, and has gained more than 1 lb/week these last few weeks. He's quickly losing the brand-new newborn look. Abrahm continues to thrive as big brother. He is starting to take on the big-brother-as-entertainer role. He helps with harvest days, albeit with decidedly Abrahm-devised methods (eg harvesting the radishes with his backhoe). He went strawberry picking with Grandma and Paka today, and managed to get at least a few berries into the boxes instead of his belly.

That's it for now, as I should go take a walk (or mudslide) through the garden to see how things are faring.

Leslie

Back home

Back from where, you might be asking? The hospital, again. One week after we came home after Samuel's birth, I ended up back in the hospital for three days with a nasty bout of mastitis. Once again, we were thankful that Arlene willingly and capably held home and farm together in our absence. We are happy to be home together again. I am slowly regaining my strength, and trying to find ways to be useful without exerting myself too much.

This week is our first week of vegetable shares for our CSA shareholders. Ben, Arlene, and Abrahm harvested and packed shares this morning despite more than 2.5 inches of rain in the last couple days. We're ready for some warm dry weather. It doesn't seem quite right to be using the woodstove in mid-June!

brothers

Hello,

We started this post a few days back, and the photos disappeared. Somehow between Samuel feedings, a planting marathon in the garden, and a somewhat needier big brother, we've not gotten back to it until now. The photo of Abrahm on the loader is documentation of the very real need for special time dedicated to big brother. Ben had a skid steer part to pick up at the dealer, and he and Abrahm checked out (and climbed on) every piece of equipment possible!

The summary of life right now, as quoted to me by my Aunt Tini: "The days are long and the years are short." I might amend that to include, "the nights are even longer", as Samuel sleeps better during the day than at night. Nonetheless, we're doing okay, and are continually thankful for Ben's mom being here for help with children, cooking, and garden. Thank you Arlene!

That's it for now...
Leslie