Happy Birthday Timmie!! I hope you have the most fantastic birthday, you totally deserve it!!
It's Tim's Birthday!!
Hands down, I have the best hubby around! He's the most supportive, loving, caring, generous and thoughtful person I know! I'm pretty lucky to have snagged this guy! I truly can't imagine my life without him. We've been together 14 years, but it really does "seem just like yesterday" that we first started dating.
I Heart EarthDance!
The mission of EarthDance is to inspire local FARMS - Food, Art, Relationships & Music, Sustainably!
It's hard to believe that it was ten months ago when Tim and I received our acceptance letters for the 2011 EarthDance Organic Apprenticeship program. As the blog title says, "seems just like yesterday". Seriously, where has the time gone?
It truly seems like it was just yesterday that we had our first meet and greet pot luck. I can remember at that first pot luck, thinking “Wow, this is a great group of people, we're in for a good time.” From the moment Tim and I received our letters, I had a feeling something great was in store, but I couldn’t have predicted just how wonderful this year would be. I had high hopes for this program but really didn’t know what to expect. I can honestly say my experience far exceeded my expectations. Yes, there was bitter cold, extreme heat, serious injury, tractor let down, crop loss…but somehow, looking back that all made it worth it in the end.
Earlier this year I tore a core abdominal muscle while working on the hop garden in our back yard. (check back for a post on our hops). This injury put me out of commission for awhile and at times I feel like I'm still healing from it 5 months later. But even though I wasn’t able to farm to my full potential for the last 5 months I still took away a great sense of accomplishment. The knowledge that I’ve gained, along with the new friends I’ve made is priceless.
This year came with lots of change and loss but because of EarthDance and being a part of this program, I feel like a much stronger person. I think I really “found myself” this year. Who knew that organic farming would change my life?! And best of all, after searching my whole life for a hobby, I think I may have finally found it. =) I am so excited to continue on with the program next year where I’ll be focusing on herbs as medicine. Not sure where this will lead me but I’m anxious to begin the journey.
For more information about EarthDance or becoming an Apprentice, visit them at http://www.earthdancefarms.org/
It's hard to believe that it was ten months ago when Tim and I received our acceptance letters for the 2011 EarthDance Organic Apprenticeship program. As the blog title says, "seems just like yesterday". Seriously, where has the time gone?
It truly seems like it was just yesterday that we had our first meet and greet pot luck. I can remember at that first pot luck, thinking “Wow, this is a great group of people, we're in for a good time.” From the moment Tim and I received our letters, I had a feeling something great was in store, but I couldn’t have predicted just how wonderful this year would be. I had high hopes for this program but really didn’t know what to expect. I can honestly say my experience far exceeded my expectations. Yes, there was bitter cold, extreme heat, serious injury, tractor let down, crop loss…but somehow, looking back that all made it worth it in the end.
Earlier this year I tore a core abdominal muscle while working on the hop garden in our back yard. (check back for a post on our hops). This injury put me out of commission for awhile and at times I feel like I'm still healing from it 5 months later. But even though I wasn’t able to farm to my full potential for the last 5 months I still took away a great sense of accomplishment. The knowledge that I’ve gained, along with the new friends I’ve made is priceless.
This year came with lots of change and loss but because of EarthDance and being a part of this program, I feel like a much stronger person. I think I really “found myself” this year. Who knew that organic farming would change my life?! And best of all, after searching my whole life for a hobby, I think I may have finally found it. =) I am so excited to continue on with the program next year where I’ll be focusing on herbs as medicine. Not sure where this will lead me but I’m anxious to begin the journey.
If any of you have the slightest interest in organic
farming, seriously consider this program. It really is like farm school. You
will learn so much more than how to properly use a stirrup hoe or when to
direct seed. Between the classroom style
training, the hands on field work, the field trips to visit local farms and
speaking to the farmers who run them, to selling at the market and so much more. These are
things you cannot find in books. Not to mention the people who are a part of
the program. It’s so refreshing to be around such an eclectic group who share a
love for fresh veggies and growing and living more sustainably.
Needless to say, I love EarthDance and I’m so grateful I
became a “Farmie” this year. Even through the sad times and change in my
personal life, this was one of the best years. In a lot of ways, I
have EarthDance (and my husband of course) to thank! For more information about EarthDance or becoming an Apprentice, visit them at http://www.earthdancefarms.org/
It's been awhile!
Not sure why, but I just haven't been in the blogging mood lately. But, I have some things to share so I'll be back soon with updates about the hops, trips, work, farmin' and more...
Happy Birthday!!
This week my niece and nephew celebrate their birthday's and I want them to know just how special they are to me. You guys are amazing and I love you so much! Happy Birthday Kora and Ethan! You guys ROCK! =)
Life on the farm...
It's been two months since Tim and I started our EarthDance adventure and I couldn't be happier. Every week I look forward to getting dirty! There are so many things I'm loving about this apprenticeship. I am trying new things and loving them. Kale and mustard greens for instance, DELISH!I get so excited when I talk about the program or the farm to my friends and co-workers. There is just something about watching your food grow from a seed. Something so rewarding and precious. Plus, I'm going to have the best farmer's tan ever!
We have met some of the most amazing people. Man, what a melting pot of diverse talent and knowledge. It's so refreshing to work with such genuinely nice people and know that we all have this one thing in common. Everyone is so eager to learn and help as much as they can.
Monday is our first field trip. We are visiting a goat farmer and cheese maker in Webster Groves. I'm so excited! I love goats and I love cheese!! This should be a fun trip.
We have met some of the most amazing people. Man, what a melting pot of diverse talent and knowledge. It's so refreshing to work with such genuinely nice people and know that we all have this one thing in common. Everyone is so eager to learn and help as much as they can.
Monday is our first field trip. We are visiting a goat farmer and cheese maker in Webster Groves. I'm so excited! I love goats and I love cheese!! This should be a fun trip.
Happy Easter
The Easter bunny (aka my Pop and his sidekick Brenda) has stuck again! Seems like every chance these two get they are always surprising us with cute gifts. I love that I'm in my 30's and I still get visited by the Easter bunny, Birthday fairy, Valentine fairy, Santa Claus...you name it! I really do have the best dad ever! Not just because he brings me gifts, but because he's just so thoughtful and caring. I'm so very proud to be his daughter! =)
It's your Birthday hot dog!
Today is Mr. Barley Doo's 9th Birthday!
For those that know me, Barley is so much more than just our dog. He's a huge part of our family and life just wouldn't be the same without him. Even when he's done something bad (which doesn't happen very often), he always finds away to make us smile. When we're sick, he's always right by our side until we're well. He senses when we're sad and he's there at just the right moment when a soft cuddle is needed. We couldn't ask for a more loving pup.
Have a great Birthday bud! You're such a good boy! =)
Greenhouse
We had some pretty strange weather in St. Louis this past weekend but that didn't keep us from our responsibilities to the EarthDance farm. EarthDance has work space at the North County Tech greenhouse, and that is where we were Saturday. It was nice working in the warm greenhouse as the temps outside were in the 30's and it snowed later that afternoon. We planted about 13 different varieties of tomatoes, three varieties of eggplant along with husk cherries and tomatillos. Very productive day! 
I love walking around the greenhouse. There is so much to look at, including chickens!
I love walking around the greenhouse. There is so much to look at, including chickens! 
Welcome To The Farm
Field work started on the farm last week. We have already learned a lot and we're having a blast! Our fellow farmies are super nice and wonderful people. I'm so glad we decided to sign up for this. It's certainly a lot of hard work but everyone (including us) is anxious to do it. Yes there has been a few aches and sore muscles but it's sooo worth it!
Here is a list of what has been accomplished on the farm as of Monday (lots has happened since then:
- cleared almost 2 acres of debris
- cleaned and prepared 16 beds for planting, without a tiller I might add
- direct seeded 1600' (4 rows x 4, 100' beds = 1600!) of peas
- direct seeded 200' of kale
- direct seeded 1000' of broccoli raab
- direct seeded arugula
- covered 600' of rows with row cover for insect protection
- pruned blackberries
- trellised 400' of peas
- painted EarthDance tools
- general stake and flag clean up on 2 acres
- laid coffee sacks in the garlic rows to hold weeds down
- transplanted some kale and sorrel
- moved some flowers and cut back and cleaned up the herb garden
Like I said, lots of work going on on the farm and lots left to do. I can't wait to get back out there Saturday!
Here are a few pictures of our new home away from home!
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