Something To Ruminate

This link is fixed. Here is a short little film that explains the real food chain of stuff.
http://www.storyofstuff.com/

High Tensile Derailment

What? You think I have some magnetic attraction to trouble? True, my track record shows a distinct propensity for driving wheeled equipment (and vehicles) over unseen hazards. This coil of high tensile wire was nestled so snug under the weeds it went undetected. I poked and scraped those weeds to check for hidden obstacles. Earlier in the season some leftover wire from a trellising job was set aside in this section of the field. So I had an idea that it might still be there. Despite my checking, I did not find the wire..............................BUT the flail mower did!

October Jobs

All the trellises in the garden must be cleaned up. These 2x4s will be left in the ground, 1x1s will be pulled and stored inside.
This odd looking African Lion's Tail is from Seeds of Change.
Hearty Pink Lettucy Mustard isn't bothered by cold weather, in fact it grows better!
Old crops are removed and the ground prepped for cover crops.
Garlic arrived today. It was a cold, rainy afternoon, perfect for popping cloves inside and drinking hot peppermint tea. Only 40 more pounds to pop. Breaking apart the bulbs creates sore thumbs, a small price for such a deeply satisfying October ritual.

Biodynamic Sewing

Yes, sewing as in needle and thread. I was very fortunate to be present for a morning session of Biodynamic prep making at a local farm. Each Fall specific herbal "preparations" are made and then fermented in the earth until Spring. Chamomile sausages and Dandelion pouches were created on this particular day with several people helping. Cow intestines are rinsed and stuffed with dried chamomile flowers, which have been moistened in very hot water. Cow mesentery or peritoneal sac was cut into aproximately 10"x 10" squares and sewn to form a pouch, stuffed tightly with dried dandelion flowers moistened with water, then closed with more stitches. Since I enjoy any type of needlework this task was a tactile pleasure engaging all the senses except taste.

The farm was truly gorgeous. Exquisite beds, composed of meticulously sown greens, were an inspiration for my own plot. And.........nary a weed to be found, although I was assured that "Oh, we have plenty of weeds". It was a lovely day.

Chilly And Sweatshirts

I've been donning my sweatshirt to stay warm. Yes, folks in Minnesota will laugh at me for thinking 41 degrees requires outerwear. Other signs of Autumn are increasing. A brown carpet of acorns under the Oak trees has made walking downright dangerous. I should collect a bushel for craft projects, but will I really use them, or will they contribute to CRAFT CLUTTER???? I confess I do have a significant stash.

The last two weeks I have been sick. Perhaps it is the sudden changes in temperature that has made me vulnerable. Whatever the reason, being out of commission does not get the field work done! Very aggravating. An intern for next season is a priority, no missed markets or deliveries.

Tomorrow is harvest day. Maybe the spinach will be ready, although cooler temps mean slower growth. The tunnel is undergoing preparation for planting mixed greens. I'll try and get some pictures.