Cheese Press

Well, the curds have all drip dried now they sit with 50 lbs. Of pressure for 12 hours..... See you in 12 hours for the next step to making. Farmhouse Cheddar.

Homemade cheddar

It's a cheese making kind of a day. The curd is draining off the excess whey.final result pictures later.

Treasure Vally Seed Savers.

I have never lived in a community where people arrange a seed swap. I do now, and let me tell you what a amazing feeling it was to go to this event. People that came together with a common interest....growing flowers,herbs and vegetables.Besides sharing seeds, Everyone shared tips,techniques,ideas...and friendships were made at this seedy Saturday event. People shared simply for the idea of sharing.  There was a man from Portugal...where my Great Grandparents came from...on both of my parents side... He shared Portugese Fennel,Fava Beans... And Buttercup pumpkins. I'm excited about those seeds,as I feel like I'm honoring my farming ancestors by planting these seeds from the old country into my Garden. I'm blessed to have this plot of land in which I can plant,grow and feed people with. When I arrived with the seeds I had to share, I was surprised to leave with as many seeds as I did. Lucipus vegetables,herbs and some fruit tree seeds too. Going to be a great garden this year!. Thank you Treasure Valley Seed Savers!

Gourd Harvesting,creating birdhouses.

Our first garden here at our hobby farm was last year. 2012 produced wonderful vegetables, melons, ... And gourds. I always wanted to grow birdhouse gourds... To make ,well yes, birdhouses. So,one plant grew,and grew ans grew as it climbled and produced a bounty of gourds. I thought maybe I would get 3 or 4 gourds. My beautiful gourd vine gave me well over 20 . They stayed on the vine curing well into winter, through the frost, snow, frozen fog. Yesterday I decided that they just had to be ready. I harvested them,and began the process of cleaning them. The gourds all had a nice shape... But were quite ugly, with mildew, spots and ugly skin. I scrubbed, scraped soaked in bleach water and prayed that all this hard work would pay off. It did!. Once the gourds imperfections were removed I held beautiful pieces of nature. Next I need to decide on designs, cut,clean and paint.. I'm feeling like I have found yet another hobby. Thus is going to be fun!

Valentine banner workshop.

The ladies in the farmgirl henhouse asked me to teach them how to make banners for the upcoming valentines holiday. We had a great time, chatting and creating.

Growers Own Conference

Today I volunteered at the regristration desk as a volunteer for The Growers Own conference. In exchange for helping out, I was able to stay and soak up all the knowledge for us to use at our own discretion. I came from this conference with the knowledge and confidence I needed . With the small acerage that we have... And my love for growing food and flowers... I've committed myself to starting my CSA.  Fresh organic veges.. all grown from my land... My goal is go serve 10 families this year. then expand yearly as money comes in to plant fruit trees. Berries etc.I was born for this... My grandparents taught me well.