Of course the most important part of any farm is the farm family so excuse me while I show off the fam! ! For those who may not know everyone I'll do the introductions. From the left is my wonderful daughter-in-law, Tara, who is holding our first grandchild, Henderson. (If it wasn't for Tara I probably would have never started this blog. She got me "up and running". I'm to technologically impaired to figure it out myself). Next is Tara's husband and our oldest son Ryan (sometimes referred to as "the Big Dawg" on this blog). Of course the guy with no hair is yours truly (the lil bitty farmer). Beside me (here and for the past 34 years) is the lovely Mrs. Frey. Next to her is a young lady by the name of Lauren. (For some inexplicable reason she seems to show up on my doorstep whenever the Marine is home. But, I'm fine with that because she is the daughter of a real, honest-to-goodness farmer). And next to the farmer's daughter is our youngest son, Kyle (the Marine).
My Dad was always fond of saying "he got the best thing his father-in-law ever raised on that farm" (meaning his wife and my Mom). And that's how I feel about the one's pictured above - they are the best part of Lil Bitty Farm! !
I know Spring has been here for a few weeks now but it hasn't really felt like Spring until today. It was nice and sunny and in the upper 50's today so I started in on the Spring work in earnest. The first order of business was to service the garden tractor. I'm not much of a mechanic but I can do the basics. I changed the oil, oil filter, spark plugs, fuel filter, greased the fittings and sharpened the blades. I still need to clean out the mouse nest that the mice built inside the engine (not in the inside of the engine but behind some of the engine components). That needs to happen SOON - before I start cutting grass.
After that I started in on the raised beds. Again I hand dig in the straw and manure placed on it last fall. After forking and raking I begin that most wonderful, hopeful act - that of sowing the first seeds of the new growing season. Lettuce (Buttercrunch and Romaine), radishes, onions, spinach, and garlic were the order of the day. (I know you're really suppose to plant garlic in the fall but my sister, Jana, stopped by and had more garlic bulbs than she could use so she gave me some. This will be an experiment - I've never tried garlic before. Will see what happens.
One of the reasons this blog is a little late is that I have been preoccupied of late. After 2 1/2 years away from my woodworking business I have decided to jump back in to being self-employed. For those who do not know - my business is called CLASSIC LINES WOODWORKING. I do all kinds of custom woodworking - kitchens, entertainment centers, home offices, built-ins, wainscoting, fire place surrounds etc. I feel very blessed to be able to get back in. Prayers would be appreciated for this new (again) venture. Thank you! !
CLOSING THOUGHTS
While I was in the garden this afternoon I was thinking about this verse - James 5:7 Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains.
Would you like to develop more patience in your life? Here is a good way to do so - take up some agrarian endeavors (plant a garden, raise some animals etc.) The agrarian way is a life of patience. Neither plants nor animals grow very fast. Plus they need to be tended and cared for every day, like little children. The agrarian way is a life of working and waiting. But it's worth the work and the wait when you reap a bountiful, life sustaining harvest.
All the best to you my friends. Now go get your hands dirty! !
Todd