The First Trees of the Orchard

This is our dream, an apple orchard. We planted the first trees. Turned the first bit of wonderful soil and planted hopes firmly in the ground. It was quite the family affair. 

In the ground now are two apple, two peach, and two hazelnut. Next up for fall planting are two more apple, two pear, and two cherry. My thought is to plant 6 every Spring, 6 every fall- every year. That way if there is a weather event that wipes the saplings out, we only lose (knock on wood) 6 and not 100. We build the orchard slowly and will replace slowly as needed. We will grow slowly and as big as we should. Hopefully. It makes sense on paper, we will see if it does in practice. 

Things and Stuff

I wrecked the brakes on our truck, something about leaving the emergency brake on and crystallizing the metal....la la la=$600. Crap. So I am vehicle-less this week while it is repaired and I somehow figure out what bills to delay so we can pay the bill. I thank God that all it will take is a little creative accounting and a mere week in delay for some utilities. 

I am also thanking God for wonderful friends. Today SugarCreek Mama Abby is coming to my rescue and taking me to Lacona to pay a bill that cannot be put off (propane). It's quite a road trip for her. Also, in our grief over sweet Mallory, we have also counted our blessings in friendships, family, and life. 

Today we planted carrots, radishes, spinach, eggplant, zucchini, chard, lettuce, three kinds of beets, and cilantro. Awesome. The peas have sprouted. 

Tomorrow I am skipping park day and will start raking out horse manure in the pumpkin field. Then we will plant pumpkins. I know it seems early, but we are a zone warmer than most of Iowa and the manure creates heat too. Mostly it is an experiment.

Over the weekend we planted two apple trees, two peaches, and two hazelnuts. Yesterday a catalogue arrived from Stark Bro's that listed a whole bunch of trees on my wish list at 1/2 price. I think we may be ordering another round. 

This week the bees will come out too. I am a little worried about them though, no activity and quite a few dead bees falling out of the base. I am praying for their health and well being. 

Baby ducks will arrive tonight. 4 sweet fuzzy baby ducks. 

Pictures to come later in the day when I find my connector cord for the camera.

Good Dog

Our new puppy Mallory was killed this afternoon on the road in front of our home. Just after our first apple trees went in the ground and just before dinner. 

Our hearts are broken.

Lamb Chops

Lamb chops, asperagus, feta cheese, warm sour dough rolls, and new potatoes in salt and butter.
Lamp chops are ity bity, but easy to cook. Basically season, brown in a skillet, finish in the oven at 350 degrees. I overcooked these but they were still pretty good. 

Easy enough for week night fare.