What's Up

To follow up on the last post, the kids and I didn't make it to the Daniel Brantley Foundation event. One daughter wasn't feeling that great (we've all been a bit run down--just worn out, not getting enough sleep, etc., though generally, most-of-the-time healthy), and we'd received some rather disturbing news about some bad (okay, really stupid and maddening) decisions some friends had made that put us in a not-too-happy mindset. So we decided it was better to stay home and get to bed early. We heard that the Primitive Quartet was very good, but sadly, the donations didn't go far--pretty much just enough to cover the costs of the event.

This weekend we tilled up a spot for a few veggies and flowers for this family (Hope you're feeling better, TJ!), then went on our way, eventually making it to the Wests' place, where we stopped in for a short visit--that turned into about a four-hour visit and a good bit of bluegrass. Their harmonies are incredible, and yes, I'm extremely envious. (The music on their website does not do them justice, by the way; not sure if it's the CD or the computer, but the sound doesn't compare to their true abilities.)

Our seedlings are coming along, and the garden's ready for planting. I'd meant to get some peas, spinach, lettuce, etc., out already, but we've not done so. However, we'll get that done this week--maybe even today!

The lower (non-organic) garden that my parents are in charge of (but we're going to attempt to do most of the work) has cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, and onions out, now. There are a few spears of asparagus ready!! And the strawberries are looking good. Now if the weather will just cooperate--last year, we had only a few strawberries because of a heavy, late frost just when the strawberries were in full blossom.

Mary Susan

This Weekend, and a Not-So-Shameless Plug

Having crammed in hours this week, Keith leaves work early tomorrow to come home, pick up 12yo son and tools, and go to the new home of a family in our church to do some work, along with a number of others from our church. They (Keith and son) will be gone all weekend.

In the meantime, until we meet Keith and 12yo son at church Sunday morning, the girls, 5yo, and I have a number of things to do around here, including all the farm chores that 12yo normally takes care of.

On Saturday evening, we may attend this event. We've not seen the Primitive Quartet, but hear from good sources that they are great. And the cause is a wonderful one. Tom and Connie Brantley are friends of ours and are dear folks. Tom's our music teacher (15yo takes fiddle lessons; 12yo took guitar lessons; 17yo took mandolin lessons) and mentor. We've only known the Brantleys a couple of years, but respect and admire them greatly. I wish we could have known their son, Daniel.

As the website says, the Daniel Brantley Foundation helps children with chronic health problems related to childhood cancer. If anyone is looking for a good, legitimate charitable organization to help out--and one that uses its funds as it claims to--then please consider the Daniel Brantley Foundation. And if you know of anyone who needs some assistance and who fits the profile, contact the Brantleys (the address is on the website).

Mary Susan

By the way, I really enjoy hammered dulcimer music. If you like it, too, you might want to order one or both of the CD's on the Foundation's website.

Inspiration for Chesley

Part 2 is your main inspiration.

Part 1


Part 2


Mary Susan

Gold

I've heard that for a garden, manure is worth its weight in gold, but is it really worth this??

Mary Susan

New Man on the Job

We have a new milker to add to our workforce!!

Yes, this week, at his request, 5yo son started helping--genuinely helping--with the milking. Just look at those hands go!

Normally, two of us go out to milk sometime mid-morning. (The Jersey calf is separated from his mother at night, but is released after the mama is milked in the morning. So at this point, we only milk once a day: a VERY nice arrangement, although the calf is getting quite big. I'm not sure how much longer we'll be able to keep it up!)

Usually, 15yo daughter and 12yo son do the milking. Occasionally, I go instead of one of them. So they are the primary milkers; I'm back-up, when needed. 5yo son occasionally went out with us, and occasionally milked a little, but only for fun--until this week, when he asked to help out, and 15yo thought he (and she) could handle it. And he has helped a few times now! He's gone out with her or with 12yo and pulled his weight in the milking department--generally with no problems or thoughts of complaining (although I understand he was quite easily distracted today).

Mary Susan