New Toy!!!

It's been raining so much that I've had time to play on the computer. Found myself spending way too much time on ebay. I've been buying different things here and there, but yesterday....just had ta have this!!!

1962 International Harvester Hi Lift Tractor Fork Lift










Gene

July 22....Doesn't Seem Like It

Many tips that have been passed on to you for your home gardens have come from one of two sources. The Farmers Almanac, which is still a wonderful source of history, weather, folklore and gardening tips. (www.almanac.com) The other comes from Jerry Baker, master gardener and his blog is full of excellent hints and tips for the backyard gardener as well as green lawn enthusiasts. (http://jerrybaker-amg.blogspot.com/) You may remember watching him on PBS with garden, lawn and inside plants tips and pest removal information. I particularly liked his series on companion gardening and which vegetables do best next to each other.

The weather is still a challenge but we keep hoping that there will be at least one full week of sun just so we feel like we have a true summer. The cows, the dog “Diesel” and the rest of us are just pushing through what needs to be done. We need some SUN! We all seem like we need to hibernate! Sun before the first snowfall would really be appreciated and enjoyed!


Chris

Blog July 20, 2009

Well, as you are finding out, Rothe Homestead Farm has a myriad of activities going on at all times. One never knows what the next operation to take place is until that day. Making plans with friends is hard because of the farm needs (taking in hay, hoeing tobacco or topping, and picking of vegetables). None of these can wait until you are ready. The farm has its own timeframe. Each member knows what their basic job is but that can change; say when a wheel falls off the hay wagon, or two days in a row with constant rain, or someone is sick and others have to fill in. They are long days too. From early morning to eight or nine o’clock is not unusual. Yet the next morning, you look out over the fields and know this is where you were meant to be!

Chris

Gene Smokes a Rib Roast

I managed to sneak in smoking a rib roast yesterday.

The roast, fresh from one of the cows we just got back from the butcher.


Seasoned with just salt and pepper



Into my smaller smoker @ 225 degrees with some hickory wood.


after 2 hours in the smoker


after 4 hours


Done at a meat temp of 135 degrees and 6 hours


Mmmmm, mmmmm! Tasted even better than it looks!!!

I really need to take more time for cooking!!

Gene

Ed Jr. Topping the Tobacco

Just a few more pics

Oops!

Well, something was bound to happen.
Things have been running pretty smooth the last couple of days...until today.
Ed Jr. and I went to deliver a load of hay when our luck ran out! We were towing a hay wagon behind the truck about 15 miles from home when BANG! I get out, walk up to the wagon, and yell out to Ed..."Where's the wheel?!!"
I found it. About 30 feet back...in the road.

How does this happen???


So much for a quick hay delivery!!


Gene

Busy, Busy, Busy!

We're still trying to get the rest of the hay in, along with taking care of the garden, picking veggies and working in the tobacco.
The tobacco is starting to get big.



We have started the process of "topping".






Topping is breaking off the top of the plant so that the leaves will broaden out and thicken up...hence the name of this type of tobacco, Broadleaf.



The tobacco harvest will start on Aug 10 and will continue til.... well, it's all hanging in the sheds ;)


Gene