Join others and become apart of the 9/11 Memorial Service today,September 11, 2012, at 8:30 a.m EST...
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
In Memory of 9-11-2001
Join others and become apart of the 9/11 Memorial Service today,September 11, 2012, at 8:30 a.m EST...
Monday, August 13, 2012
Saylorville Dam on the Des Moines River
Welcome! If you are following my afternoon wanderings, or jumping in for the first time,thank you for your visit to checkout the remainder of our day below the Saylorville Dam.
My choice to use extra large images is to get you totally immersed in the moment.
The Blue Herons of the Cottonwood Recreation Area
The first blue heron we came across in our adventure of the day was at the pond close to the entrance of the park.
Our ponds and marshes are suffering greatly due to a lack of water...if water remains it is filled with algae.
Driving farther into the park we came to one of the shelters where we decided to get out of the car for a closer look at the river. Our activity disturbed one of the local residents.
We climbed back into the car to move closer to the dam you saw at the top of the post and to another sandbar.
This heron was the one that gave me an abundance of a bird in motion pictures as it flew closer to me.
The heron above came flying from the group of trees across from the fishing pier. I attempted to catch the heron while it perched in the tree, but I have yet to be able to provide an image for which I approve.
Our State Department of Natural Resources provides a weekly report to fisher people. The one below came out a couple of weeks ago when I originally started this post.
This may be of interest to local individuals-
Saylorville Reservoir
My choice to use extra large images is to get you totally immersed in the moment.
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Confluence of the Des Moines River and Saylorville Dam Spillway |
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Saylorville Dam from the Fishing Pier |
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Cottonwood Recreation Area Fishing Pier |
The Blue Herons of the Cottonwood Recreation Area
The first blue heron we came across in our adventure of the day was at the pond close to the entrance of the park.
Our ponds and marshes are suffering greatly due to a lack of water...if water remains it is filled with algae.
Driving farther into the park we came to one of the shelters where we decided to get out of the car for a closer look at the river. Our activity disturbed one of the local residents.
We climbed back into the car to move closer to the dam you saw at the top of the post and to another sandbar.
The heron above came flying from the group of trees across from the fishing pier. I attempted to catch the heron while it perched in the tree, but I have yet to be able to provide an image for which I approve.
Our State Department of Natural Resources provides a weekly report to fisher people. The one below came out a couple of weeks ago when I originally started this post.
This may be of interest to local individuals-
Saylorville Reservoir
Channel
Catfish - Excellent: Good size channel cats are being caught drifting
cut baits. The old river channel north of the mile long bridge is a
good starting point. White Bass - Good: The white bass are active are
can be caught around the Cherry Glen and Sandpiper areas as well as the
west side of the lake. Some of the best action has come by trolling
small lipless crankbaits in shad colors, along with small flashy spoons
and twister tails.
Reservoir
fishing continues to be very good to excellent right now for white
bass, wipers, and channel catfish. Try fishing early in the morning or
late in the evenings when fish are most active. For more information on
central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at
515-432-2823 .
As we hopped back into the car for our exit from the park, and escaping the increasing heat, we saw some young fishermen carrying heavy duty fishing poles down to the river. I speculated to Hubby that they would be going after the channel catfish most likely lying at the bottom of the river close to the edge of the sandbar immediately before us...
My hope is to share a glimpse of the opportunities available for in-state or to out of state visitors,or inspire you to checkout your local wildlife sanctuaries wherever you live...

As we hopped back into the car for our exit from the park, and escaping the increasing heat, we saw some young fishermen carrying heavy duty fishing poles down to the river. I speculated to Hubby that they would be going after the channel catfish most likely lying at the bottom of the river close to the edge of the sandbar immediately before us...
My hope is to share a glimpse of the opportunities available for in-state or to out of state visitors,or inspire you to checkout your local wildlife sanctuaries wherever you live...
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Cottonwood Recreation Area
The Cottonwood Recreation Area was our third and final stop in our few hours spent checking out the lake and the river.
In our years together,Hubby and I have shared this park area the most with other people. However, we haven't been here for years.Passed by many times, but always committed time wise...today was different.
Before the floods,1993,2008, etc...etc.., the banks along the river were covered with big stately trees, wonderful shade for late afternoon picnics.
Today, we saw a lot of exposed sandbars due to low river levels.
Hubby scaled down the rip-rap onto the sandbar to explore, while I headed over to the fishing pier.
On my way to the pier I checked out the story board before spending most of my time taking pictures of the birds fishing the shallows.
Stop back soon and I'll share more about our relaxing day by the rolling water just below the Saylorville Dam.
In our years together,Hubby and I have shared this park area the most with other people. However, we haven't been here for years.Passed by many times, but always committed time wise...today was different.
Before the floods,1993,2008, etc...etc.., the banks along the river were covered with big stately trees, wonderful shade for late afternoon picnics.
Today, we saw a lot of exposed sandbars due to low river levels.
Hubby scaled down the rip-rap onto the sandbar to explore, while I headed over to the fishing pier.
On my way to the pier I checked out the story board before spending most of my time taking pictures of the birds fishing the shallows.
Stop back soon and I'll share more about our relaxing day by the rolling water just below the Saylorville Dam.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Oak Grove Recreation Area
After finishing our picnic at Shelter house #1,we left the Cherry Glen Recreation Area and headed up NW Polk City Dr./HWY 415 to our next stop at Oak Grove Recreation Area.
The Ranger station was closed so we headed down the hill towards our objective - the water's edge.
As we left the Ranger Station the Picnic Area was immediately off to our left. Going down the hill further we approached the camping area off to our right, approximately a 1/4 of a mile from the beach at this access point.
We had started seeing sailboats gliding swiftly across the water's surface at the first lake access...the breeze was keeping the sails furled and captains on their toes. Reaching our second access at Oak Grove we were being met by several craft that had come north as we did, following the shoreline.
This picture has two boats far enough away from one another to be comfortable, but a third boat came within feet of the closest to us, headed in the opposite direction. I would say from our vantage point that those two boats had a "close enough" encounter as they passed, one slightly tilted with underside exposed to the camera.
One of the outstanding features of Saylorville Lake happens to be the Mile Long Bridge west of Polk City.
Most of the time the bridge is a pleasant trip, but like all situations that could crop up in a twinkling of an eye; warnings are posted on the bridge to make drivers aware of potential hazards, such as wind gusts, and of course during the winter, icy conditions.
I have lived in the area long enough to have witnessed water up to the road decking on many occasions. When I must pass over it with high winds, and water, I keep my eyes focused on the end, and my hands on the steering wheel. Once in a while I try to get a picture without focusing.Oh,and the results usually end up in the recycle bin to be tossed away in the next delete phase.
Come on along with Hubby and me.Time to be off to the next destination,the Cottonwood Recreation Area.
Check back and see what we found as we head in to another part of the Saylorville Reservoir territory to watch and listen for mother nature's treasures...
The Ranger station was closed so we headed down the hill towards our objective - the water's edge.
As we left the Ranger Station the Picnic Area was immediately off to our left. Going down the hill further we approached the camping area off to our right, approximately a 1/4 of a mile from the beach at this access point.
We had started seeing sailboats gliding swiftly across the water's surface at the first lake access...the breeze was keeping the sails furled and captains on their toes. Reaching our second access at Oak Grove we were being met by several craft that had come north as we did, following the shoreline.
This picture has two boats far enough away from one another to be comfortable, but a third boat came within feet of the closest to us, headed in the opposite direction. I would say from our vantage point that those two boats had a "close enough" encounter as they passed, one slightly tilted with underside exposed to the camera.
One of the outstanding features of Saylorville Lake happens to be the Mile Long Bridge west of Polk City.
Most of the time the bridge is a pleasant trip, but like all situations that could crop up in a twinkling of an eye; warnings are posted on the bridge to make drivers aware of potential hazards, such as wind gusts, and of course during the winter, icy conditions.
I have lived in the area long enough to have witnessed water up to the road decking on many occasions. When I must pass over it with high winds, and water, I keep my eyes focused on the end, and my hands on the steering wheel. Once in a while I try to get a picture without focusing.Oh,and the results usually end up in the recycle bin to be tossed away in the next delete phase.
Come on along with Hubby and me.Time to be off to the next destination,the Cottonwood Recreation Area.
Check back and see what we found as we head in to another part of the Saylorville Reservoir territory to watch and listen for mother nature's treasures...
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Recreation Area Visits Around Saylorville Reservoir
I got the opportunity to do a little bit of leisure driving with Hubby on Friday.We ended up grabbing a couple of sandwiches from Quiznos and headed out to one of the recreation areas located around Saylorville Reservoir here in central Iowa, just north of Des Moines.
We pulled up to a shelter house to take our picnic plans to the next level... as we pulled up, getting ready to park, we saw a Whitetail doe with triplets tagging along behind.
Hubby and I were in awe!
Living in a timber we hadn't seen triplets traipsing around, or at least we didn't correlate they were womb mates. Today's event was evident, no mistaking they shared the same family tie.
Hubby and I were in awe!
Living in a timber we hadn't seen triplets traipsing around, or at least we didn't correlate they were womb mates. Today's event was evident, no mistaking they shared the same family tie.
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The third fawn lagged further behind as the family moved from left to right disappearing once again into thick cover |
On our day out we found shade and a slight breeze around noon , just before the day heated into the upper 80's.
Stop back soon! I will be sharing a couple of other parks we stopped to explore close to the lake and a few accesses to slip into the water...
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Vardaman Sweet Potato Vines

He had some good luck getting loads out of Mississippi bringing back Sweet Potatoes to the Midwest for our holiday celebrations back in 2010.
I thought maybe he might be able to do the same again for the 2011 Season ...I was extremely pleased when I found out he would get that chance.
The fare was very tasty!
We tried a recipe by Paula Deen called
"Sweet Potato Bake".
Our daughter, Tamara, was the Chef and she used her top of the line culinary hobby skills to please all of our palates on Thanksgiving.
The day before Thanksgiving last year my kitchen was transformed into an assembly line. One dish after another found their ingredients mixed and ready to bake Thursday morning, or baked ready to enjoy after the main course.
I have to add another recipe that was was new to us, but definitely one that I made over and over for Hubby and myself...it happens to belong to a blogging friend of mine, out of Mississippi. I thought,"Well goodness! How blessed am I to get sweet potatoes out of Mississippi and then to get the recipe from a Southern Lady Deer Huntress out of Vicksburg, Mississippi?!?" Did you click the link?? Did you find out who I'm talking about??? Please click all three and you will see who shared their recipe with me!
3 large sweet potatoes cooked, drained, and mashed up. Will make approximately 2-1/2 to 3 cups.
Add the following ingredients to potatoes while they are still hot.
1 stick margarine or butter
2 cups sugar
1 cup milk 3 eggs (beaten)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
Place in uncooked pie shells. Will make 3 thin pies or 2 large ones. Bake at 350 degrees for about 50 minutes.
For a crisp pie shell, bake for the first 10 minutes at 425 degrees and then turn back to 350 degrees for remaining 40 minutes
The Start of Something Big
This year I am growing a few of my own Vardaman sweet potatoes - vines started from the sprouts of one of the potatoes you see up at the top. Planting a couple of the potatoes to get shoots, eventually taking the shoots off,I placed them in water to root. Choosing a couple of them, they were stuck in a BIG pot of soil-less mix.

The only problem so far is an animal keeps digging the plants out looking for grubs and some little chewing insects riddling a few of the leaves.
Since the weather has been extremely hot, I have needed to check on keeping the mix hydrated.
I am pleased with vine development, but I always get impatient and find myself scratching at the ground line to see if anything is growing, other than foliage.
Talking to myself ,I work at reminding me of the benefits of Patience!
Should my venture produce at least three large sweet potatoes, I will have the ingredients from Mississippi again for a delight from the south-enough to use the recipe of my blogging friend the Southern Lady Deer Huntress...
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Decorah, IA Eaglet D12 Electrocuted
Sad news, of the loss of Eaglet D12 from the Decorah, IA, Eaglecam hatched on March 27th, he was found dead on July 3rd, not far from the home nest. The evidence at the area indicates he was electrocuted by wires close to the nest. The power company is working to modify pole tops to keep the other raptors safer.
Officials say that siblings D13 and D14 are showing signs of knowing their brother is no longer with them.
The Eaglecam was turned off for the summer on Saturday, June 30th, to give the project time to put up new equipment for 2013 and get it tested. More excitement to come when the parents return to start a new family.
Other cams are being monitored now. Why not give a vulture cam a try? The fledglings should be ready to take flight by August....
Officials say that siblings D13 and D14 are showing signs of knowing their brother is no longer with them.
The Eaglecam was turned off for the summer on Saturday, June 30th, to give the project time to put up new equipment for 2013 and get it tested. More excitement to come when the parents return to start a new family.
Other cams are being monitored now. Why not give a vulture cam a try? The fledglings should be ready to take flight by August....
4th of July Tribute
I would like to extend a Happy 4th of July to my American readers. Let us remember the reason why we celebrate...
Monday, July 2, 2012
A Mystery to Solve...
As of late my homestead has been having another elusive visitor in the late night, and early morning hours.
I have associated some of the activities with a raccoon constantly rummaging through the yard, but things have become a little more destructive. My potted plants are getting tipped over,the soil-less mix has been totally dug-out from around the roots of a large pot of Elephant Ear bulbs, newly planted strawberry leaves chewed, freshly set flowers in the garden uprooted.
Mental Exasperation has begun!
My cat, Miss Kitty, has a snack shack on the deck, a recycled dog kennel, where she goes to eat her food to protect her from the elements. If I don't remove the food at night I can be assured to have a raccoon(s), possibly an opossum, and others come to feast. My thoughts run to Coyote...even Bobcat.
This past Monday in the wee hours of the morning, around 2:00, Sadie started barking at the front door. I got up to check to see what had gotten her attention. Looking out the window of the door, the deck was absent the snack shack, from the closed door I wasn't able to see where the kennel had gone.
I opened the door to get a better idea what was happening,Sadie didn't hesitate to dash out to check her territory. The snack shack had somehow made it's way to the bottom of the 4th step of the deck, turned askew on it's side. I can only assume whatever came to visit got stuck inside the kennel, because it would have taken force to move it across the deck, down the steps, and turned, from where it was originally sitting.
Following a scent, Sadie started on the run in an attempt to locate the interloper. It wasn't more than 30 seconds when I heard a clang - the propane tank had become a momentary barrier to the escaping animal. I had a mental chuckle as my mind was imagining a dazed creature trying to make sense of the surroundings to find an escape route.
The animal that made the early morning wake up call remains a mystery, but I do know now for sure one mischievous creature that reincarnates it's behavior from one generation to another.
Thursday, another clue was provided on our temporary ramp to our new house construction.
Scat that could belong to either a raccoon, or groundhog, was left as evidence of an early morning visit. Both animals share common characteristics at this time of year here at the Timber since they both harvest the berries.
Working in the house on Friday morning before lunch, I passed the sliding glass door, and out of the corner of my eye I saw this creature standing on it's back legs not far from our Miss Kitty by the tree trunk.
I'm wondering if this groundhog is related to the one that kept us entertained back in September of 2007 ?
When it became aware of my attention...it would drop to all four feet and jump sideways. Then it became inquisitive again, checking to see if by chance I had been scared away by the aggressive maneuvers ,standing up it kept repeating it's actions until I moved on.
Last night we heard some bumps and bangs going on just outside our front door. We, Hubby, Sadie and I, headed to see what the ruckus was all about. A family of masked bandits stopped to take advantage of Miss Kitty's snack shack .
These three babies got separated from the others and waited until a little less attention was being showered on them before making the great escape.
Another sample of what keeps us smiling in our daily lives here at Timber Life....
I have associated some of the activities with a raccoon constantly rummaging through the yard, but things have become a little more destructive. My potted plants are getting tipped over,the soil-less mix has been totally dug-out from around the roots of a large pot of Elephant Ear bulbs, newly planted strawberry leaves chewed, freshly set flowers in the garden uprooted.
Mental Exasperation has begun!
My cat, Miss Kitty, has a snack shack on the deck, a recycled dog kennel, where she goes to eat her food to protect her from the elements. If I don't remove the food at night I can be assured to have a raccoon(s), possibly an opossum, and others come to feast. My thoughts run to Coyote...even Bobcat.
This past Monday in the wee hours of the morning, around 2:00, Sadie started barking at the front door. I got up to check to see what had gotten her attention. Looking out the window of the door, the deck was absent the snack shack, from the closed door I wasn't able to see where the kennel had gone.
I opened the door to get a better idea what was happening,Sadie didn't hesitate to dash out to check her territory. The snack shack had somehow made it's way to the bottom of the 4th step of the deck, turned askew on it's side. I can only assume whatever came to visit got stuck inside the kennel, because it would have taken force to move it across the deck, down the steps, and turned, from where it was originally sitting.
Following a scent, Sadie started on the run in an attempt to locate the interloper. It wasn't more than 30 seconds when I heard a clang - the propane tank had become a momentary barrier to the escaping animal. I had a mental chuckle as my mind was imagining a dazed creature trying to make sense of the surroundings to find an escape route.
The animal that made the early morning wake up call remains a mystery, but I do know now for sure one mischievous creature that reincarnates it's behavior from one generation to another.
Thursday, another clue was provided on our temporary ramp to our new house construction.
Scat that could belong to either a raccoon, or groundhog, was left as evidence of an early morning visit. Both animals share common characteristics at this time of year here at the Timber since they both harvest the berries.
Working in the house on Friday morning before lunch, I passed the sliding glass door, and out of the corner of my eye I saw this creature standing on it's back legs not far from our Miss Kitty by the tree trunk.
I'm wondering if this groundhog is related to the one that kept us entertained back in September of 2007 ?
When it became aware of my attention...it would drop to all four feet and jump sideways. Then it became inquisitive again, checking to see if by chance I had been scared away by the aggressive maneuvers ,standing up it kept repeating it's actions until I moved on.
Last night we heard some bumps and bangs going on just outside our front door. We, Hubby, Sadie and I, headed to see what the ruckus was all about. A family of masked bandits stopped to take advantage of Miss Kitty's snack shack .
These three babies got separated from the others and waited until a little less attention was being showered on them before making the great escape.
Another sample of what keeps us smiling in our daily lives here at Timber Life....
Friday, June 15, 2012
Black Bear in Bremer County Iowa
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Picture owned by Jade Bergmann |
June 11th, 2012, brought more citizen reports from the Bremer County town of Frederika, of a Black Bear wandering the area.
The latest photographer documenting the bear's location is Jade Bergmann.
Ridgeway to Fredericksburg - May 15th - 21st |
Fredericksburg to Frederika - May 21st - June 11th |
It is speculation as to the next destination of the young bear, but officials feel it is moving in large circles heading east and will return to it's home range.
I have a feeling the Saga of the Black Bear will continue for a while this year...More updates likely later.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Off to the Timber the Berries are Ready
The Wild Raspberries and Gooseberries are ready. This week I am working to gather what I can before the weather heats up again later today, thru the weekend.
Our lack of rain and the heat could take away the ability of the small unripe berries to mature...
Sadie and I were out early this morning, minding our own picking, when we heard an unfamiliar animal sound emanating just to the east of our patch. My first reaction was, "Oh, that's nice." Apparently, I wasn't hearing things, because Sadie, sat at attention listening attentively.
A repeat of the first agitated whatever it was brought a couple of barks out of Sadie to let the animal(s) know, it had company of a different species in the vicinity.
That must have done the trick - no other vocalizations or activities were heard, and a slight disappointment arose when I didn't get to see what it was that had garnered those few fleeting seconds of the unknown...
It's time to be off to the timber!
See you later.
Our lack of rain and the heat could take away the ability of the small unripe berries to mature...
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Faithful Accomplice |
A repeat of the first agitated whatever it was brought a couple of barks out of Sadie to let the animal(s) know, it had company of a different species in the vicinity.
That must have done the trick - no other vocalizations or activities were heard, and a slight disappointment arose when I didn't get to see what it was that had garnered those few fleeting seconds of the unknown...
It's time to be off to the timber!
See you later.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Trip to the Berry Patch Farm
The last few years I kept making idle threats that I would go to the local "pick-your-own" strawberry patch about 16 miles from home to get some sweet June berries. However, other things always seemed to get in the way. Well, this year I wasn't going to be satisfied with my excuses of one reason, or another.
Earlier this Spring,just as the berries were blooming, central Iowa experienced a hard freeze. The farm owners used a method frequently used in Florida when frosts drop in to steal away the orange blooms. They implemented a water spray to create a layer of ice that would insulate the plants, and create heat when it melted off after sunrise.
Picking at the farm started the last week of May, unseasonably warm temperatures have matured the crop, and according to Judy the strawberries may be done for them by this coming Saturday, June 5th.
Rain dotted the radar in the vicinity of the farm as I gauged what my schedule would become. Arriving at the farm you could tell there had been a shower,but nothing excessive to detour the seekers of seasonal delights.
The Berry Patch Farm, owned by Dean, and Judy Henry, has been around since the early 1970's.
Dean, a retired horticulture teacher, found his next endeavor to explore,experiment / implement new food cropping methods to increase production. The Henrys may not be totally organic producers... However, they do use practices that reduce the need for excessive spraying of pesticides and herbicides.
They allowed parking out by the field to be harvested. There is a young lady,an employee, up by the open tailgate of the white pick-up motioning for drivers to come park right across from them. She had moved there after I came to indicate to others where the starting place would be for the new arrivals.
I had just gone back to the car ready to go back to checkout when I got these pictures.
The field was becoming busier around 11:30 when the threat of rain had diminished to nothing. A pleasant day to be picking...
The Country Store has a porch where you can stop and sit a spell. You can even find a few extra plants they have for sale lining the walkways ..
A collector's piece used in a by-gone era. Certainly a conversation starter for an older farmer from back in the day...
Judy the co-owner,behind the counter in the yellow blouse, was getting ready to count out some strawberry plants I purchased for my own garden.
After ordering strawberry plants a couple of years in a row from a catalog, and having them arrive too early, not being able to keep them alive until the weather cooperated - led me to another solution. Buying the starts locally became my logical alternative; ready when the weather was just right for the planting.
Strawberries weren't the only plants available; I found some blueberry plants too. Two of the three blueberry bushes had bloomed and carry some little blueberries. Now, if I can only get them to maintain through the heat that is forecast for this weekend. Time will tell.
Hubby tasted a strawberry as I processed them and commented "now that's a strawberry."
Other crops that the Henrys grow -Apples, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Blackberries,Blueberries, Currants, Gooseberries,Pumpkins, Raspberries, Rhubarb and Strawberries. They definitely offer an abundance of fruits and other foods that most of us don't have the room, or time to grow.
I had the honor of sharing conjoining market space at a local Farmer's Market with Judy, and Mike, the Henry's son, when I attempted a start at growing vegetables for others back in 2001. I still start plants, and grow vegetables; other things have influenced the time I spend pursuing those interests.
Thanks to the Strawberry Patch Farm for the extra effort this Spring to provide the opportunity to get some very good Strawberries!
Earlier this Spring,just as the berries were blooming, central Iowa experienced a hard freeze. The farm owners used a method frequently used in Florida when frosts drop in to steal away the orange blooms. They implemented a water spray to create a layer of ice that would insulate the plants, and create heat when it melted off after sunrise.
Picking at the farm started the last week of May, unseasonably warm temperatures have matured the crop, and according to Judy the strawberries may be done for them by this coming Saturday, June 5th.
Rain dotted the radar in the vicinity of the farm as I gauged what my schedule would become. Arriving at the farm you could tell there had been a shower,but nothing excessive to detour the seekers of seasonal delights.
The Berry Patch Farm, owned by Dean, and Judy Henry, has been around since the early 1970's.
Dean, a retired horticulture teacher, found his next endeavor to explore,experiment / implement new food cropping methods to increase production. The Henrys may not be totally organic producers... However, they do use practices that reduce the need for excessive spraying of pesticides and herbicides.
They allowed parking out by the field to be harvested. There is a young lady,an employee, up by the open tailgate of the white pick-up motioning for drivers to come park right across from them. She had moved there after I came to indicate to others where the starting place would be for the new arrivals.
I had just gone back to the car ready to go back to checkout when I got these pictures.
The field was becoming busier around 11:30 when the threat of rain had diminished to nothing. A pleasant day to be picking...
The Country Store has a porch where you can stop and sit a spell. You can even find a few extra plants they have for sale lining the walkways ..
A collector's piece used in a by-gone era. Certainly a conversation starter for an older farmer from back in the day...
Judy the co-owner,behind the counter in the yellow blouse, was getting ready to count out some strawberry plants I purchased for my own garden.
After ordering strawberry plants a couple of years in a row from a catalog, and having them arrive too early, not being able to keep them alive until the weather cooperated - led me to another solution. Buying the starts locally became my logical alternative; ready when the weather was just right for the planting.
Strawberries weren't the only plants available; I found some blueberry plants too. Two of the three blueberry bushes had bloomed and carry some little blueberries. Now, if I can only get them to maintain through the heat that is forecast for this weekend. Time will tell.
Hubby tasted a strawberry as I processed them and commented "now that's a strawberry."
Other crops that the Henrys grow -Apples, Asparagus, Rhubarb, Blackberries,Blueberries, Currants, Gooseberries,Pumpkins, Raspberries, Rhubarb and Strawberries. They definitely offer an abundance of fruits and other foods that most of us don't have the room, or time to grow.
I had the honor of sharing conjoining market space at a local Farmer's Market with Judy, and Mike, the Henry's son, when I attempted a start at growing vegetables for others back in 2001. I still start plants, and grow vegetables; other things have influenced the time I spend pursuing those interests.
Thanks to the Strawberry Patch Farm for the extra effort this Spring to provide the opportunity to get some very good Strawberries!
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