Tuesday's Note

The mountains are alive this morning. As I drove to campus, the light was brighter, the sky bluer than it was just last week. There is a light breeze and, while the weather is crisp (43-degrees), the day will heat up to a sultry 72-degrees by dinner time. Jonquils nod and tulips sway as the breeze whisks them into its arms and spins them in a heady dance. The birds challenge the day with a cheerful song, almost as if they are inviting one to join in -- even if one doesn't know the words, they surely know the tune, the song, of spring.

These are the kinds of days I want to be at the farm playing in the dirt. But, I have class today and office hours. After that, I have a run to the bee supplier for honey jars and creamed honey supplies. The creamed honey is something new for me, but, after attending the beekeeping class last month, I am willing to give it a go. I may even try some flavored honey -- the jury is still out on that one.

Yesterday was spent in class, Farmer's Market board meeting, and then home to stir two batches of castile soap before I collapsed in bed. The best news of the day was that I am now a vendor at Grayson Highlands Park. I have hoped for this opportunity and am so thrilled to be doing it! I love the park and vending there is one more Good Thing!

Here's wishing you a sunshiney and happy day!

Blue

Picked 57 pints of blueberries for market tomorrow. Yummers... They are perfect. Sweet. Large. Juicy. Makes my mouth water just to look at 'em.

Also got the eggs, soap, cucumbers, and lemon-poppy seed scones ready.

Can't wait to get back! See you there??

To Market, to market

The Wytheville farmer's market opens in less than 90 days! Seeds are inventoried and plans are made. Lists are created and ideas bounced around between me and the Mister about what we should have in our stall for this growing season. We have reviewed what other vendors sell. Frankly, we have such a wonderful group of vendors that one may come to the market and leave with nearly everything one would need for the week -- veggies, eggs, lamb or beef, sometimes milk, bread, and dessert. It is a perfect collaboration.

This weekend begins the rush to prepare some goodies for the market. Making soap and canning pumpkin butter are two things on the agenda.

We had a bumper crop of pumpkins last year and those that weren't sold were baked and put in the freezer for later use. One thing I sell out of quickly are pumpkin scones. I had requests for pumpkin butter, but didn't have a receipt. So, after diligent searching, I found one and gave it a try this week. Yummers...

I used a crock pot so I wouldn't have to baby sit it as it simmered. This is quite simple and, if you have a little left over pumpkin in your freezer, it will work beautifully.

Pumpkin Butter

4-5 qts. pumpkin puree (my crock pot holds four -- you want to leave about 1-2" of space between the pumpkin and the top or you'll have the same mess I did!)

2 T. ground cinnamon

1 t. ground cloves

1/2 t. allspice (I used more cause I like this spice -- 3/4 t.)

4 c. sugar (or you could use honey, just 50% less volume  -- 2 c.)

That's it. Turn your pot on low and leave the lid open a skoosh so that the steam can escape and your mixture will thicken.

After your pumpkin has reached the consistency you want, you have the option of using a blender or mixer to puree it more or leave it as it is. I like butters a little chunky, so I didn't puree mine more.

This has to be kept in the refrigerator or you may can it thusly:

Using a pressure canner and a 10-lb. weight, process for 65 minutes for pints and 75 minutes for quarts.

Bake bread while it is processing and cooling. Grab some butter, toss on some pumpkin butter and enjoy!

Join the fun at Verde Farm!

Farmer's Market

Today we split to cover two farmer's markets. The Mister went to our regular one and I went to the one that Shelly and I started with in the spring. Shelly had a conflict and asked if I would like to set up there to help maintain a presence in her booth. I was delighted because I had really enjoyed my four weeks as a new vendor at this market.

I loved the first market I went to with Shelly. Maybe it was being with her; I don't know, but it was fun and I did fairly well. So, I wasn't too concerned about going today. Until I got there.

This sort of sums up how I feel about the morning:

Why are we Masters of our Fate, the captains of our souls? Because we have the power to control our thoughts, our attitudes. That is why many people live in the withering negative world. That is why many people live in the Positive Faith world. -- Alfred A. Montapert

Now, granted it was raining. And, granted there are some issues with folks buying produce at teh grocery store (for crying out loud!) and reselling it. And, there are some management problems. But here is what really struck me. No energy. No one seemed really happy to be there. No one spoke to another vendor willingly. No one laughed, except when talking to a customer or two. It was stifling!

This contrasted so strongly with my previous experience that I was astounded! How did this happen? When? Why? Then I realized. It is just like a class. One toxic person can infect a whole class if the instructor isn't careful. So it was at this market. Daggers shot back and forth between two of the vendors in a struggle over local grown and resale. The aisle was icy. I shivered and wished for noon.

I was so relieved when the Mister and I chatted at 10 a.m. and he was sold out and needed reinforcements. I wasn't selling much of anything, so I packed up, said my good-byes and fairly flew to the other market. We were sold out, except for four potatoes and one squash before noon.

All afternoon I have pondered the attitude and energy questions. How often do we allow one person to set the tone for a whole group? How do we combat that kind of stress, that kind of negativity? What kind of power are we giving up when we allow one ill hornet set our feeling for the day?

The first market I attended today has a lot going for it, but it is apparent that unless there are some changes that the market will be plagued with tension and slow growth. As for me, I am grateful to share my Saturday mornings with a group of like-minded, hard-working folks. We like and help each other. And our friendships show in the growth and success in the market.

Life Resumes, Sort Of

Gee. I haven't written in so long, I feel I must reintroduce myself.

Hi. My name is Matty. I am your tour guide for the Lazy Bee Farm or, as it is lovingly called, Pandamonium Palace.

Daddy responded well from his surgery, but has challenges with adjusting to the "device" and new meds. So, he is still a visitor with our friends in Winston-Salem. They are a fine staff, these folks, and are not loved and appreciated nearly enough. Each level of care has the most professional folks and we are grateful beyond words. Hopefully, Daddy will be home in another 72-hours. Cross your fingers.

Now. For other news. Pictures to follow. Promise!

We have a new little gal on the place. Lacie kid on June 4, presenting us with a darling DOE (thank goodness!), who delights us with her skipping and neighing to her momma. As it was my nephew's birthday he had the honor of naming her. He choose Lanie, a combination of Lacie and Louie (her dad), he explained. Lucy is still waddling, so we hope she will kid this week. I don't know how much longer she can drag that bag! If you have ever spent a summer carrying a passenger, you know how hot June can be! Pictures to come!

Potatoes are blooming! So lovely! We have been blessed by not having bugs, as yet, but my lime is ready to dust should they show up. Let's hope they don't! Shelly came and we hoed one night. Let me add here that hoeing is not for the faint of heart. I thought I would throw up. Never eat dinner and then hoe in this heat!

Soap making is full force. Shelly and I have been so fortunate to have great soap sales this summer. I hope we are getting quite a little following at the farmer's markets. We have split our markets to catch two; she is at the Marion market and I am at Wytheville. Should you come through our area on a Saturday morning, stop and say "Hi!" Both markets are young, but there are fine local products available every week. Plus, you'd get to see us. What more could you want? If you'd like to see our markets, look here. Scroll down to see the Marion market.

Weaving was slow starting, but is now full speed in the evenings when I haven't a brain to read or think. The first towel is nearly done and is such a lovely piece. I am thinking of taking some to the market or reviving the etsy shop. What do you think?

There are lots of happening on the farm, but I'll save some for tomorrow. Gee, I missed you guys!