DISCLAIMER: The content of this Blog could be considered offensive by some..especially if you are a weenie, buy all your groceries in a grocery store, or are just plain boring.....If that is the case....do not read any further....and have a nice day. (It's my blog, I can be silly if I want to.....)
So, it is officially the start of cold, shorter and darker days and evenings.....the clocks have been turned back and by the time I get home from work now it is for pretty much dark. The gardens have all been cleaned off and ready for their much deserved rest over the winter. I picked the last of my carrots this weekend and think they will be the perfect ingredient for a nice pot beef stew or old fashioned potatoe soup.
Kurtis and I have been busy little bees (more like squirrels) packing things away for the winter. I am so proud of my newly founded fruit cellar we made in the basement. This was a room that we really had not used in years..so we started in cleaning it out and believe it or not..finished the project. Now, I have my freezers in there, all new shelving containing all my canned goods and all the onions and potatoes. I have a full refrigerator of the falls crop of apples. They will be so good all winter long. We have also managed to hook up a nice wood cook stove to play around with. I will have to get a nice picture of her in action...its not only a nice heat source, but does a nice job of cooking a big pot of chili too....yes, there is a good chance I am getting just plain silly, but we do have fun with it. So, I have loaded a few pictures for your enjoyment, or to gross you out....but just remember, if you run out of good food this winter...come see me....I am indeed a generous gardener and love to share!!! Until next time....MOM



This is some of the apple varities I stashed away down in the refrigerator in the basement, they were so absolutely beautiful this fall.....













I think this guy is thinking "Hmmmmm, something just isn't right here". This is a really nice crate, has a great view of the countryside...but something is just not comfortable.....and what is the guy with the sickening grin on his face doing???














I know, this is a terrible picture....but I couldn't help it...he seemed to be enjoying himself so much....which by the way..does worry me just a bit.

Now, folks here is a good looking couple of boys.....with a mornings worth of bounty! I think Aaron said he and Ryan had about 21 coons there in the bed of the truck and one nice Fox. Now, tell me, if you ran into these boys in a dark alley in Chicago.....would they concern you in the least bit???? Well, maybe if you were a coon....and I mean that in a politically correct way!!!!

There is a sure sign of Fall in the air.....
Kurtis and I have started this nice little habit of taking rides on the mule in the evening around the farm...the weather has been so incredible beautiful, it seems like a shame to not get out and enjoy it...So we snuggle ourselves in the mule, with the dog of course...and we head out to bounce around the fields...tonite I couldn't help but to notice all the obvious signs of fall in the air...you can just feel the change in the season, especially when you pay attention...so I took my camera and tooks some pictures of what nature is doing to get ready for the impending change.......
This is a little wildflower that grows down by the creek...I looked it up in my Native Iowa Wildflower book..it is called a "Touch me not" and is related to the impatient. It is so delicate and pretty..I had never noticed it before. It grows down by the creek where its shady and damp...


One of my favorite signs of fall....the bountiful apple crop. Looks like this year is going to be another good one. This is the snow apples. I have already made a nice batch of apple crisp and it was wonderful! We will have to get out the newly patented "Sharon apple picking box" and Kurtis will enjoy hoisting me up in the Bobcat again...Hey, it works!






Well, I warned you. I knew when we planted the potatoes this spring...it was going to be bad! So, this is one row. There are three...you do the math!
They are beauties...and taste great!! Kennebec's of course. Just place your order, I'll deliver.










Another nice harbor of Fall...the nice white oyster mushroom...I just didnt have the heart to pick it..It was nice and fresh and no doubt would of made a great mushroom gravy, but think I will wait for the prized Rosie Beretta (what the Czech's call the hen's nest) or at least that is what Richard used to say...







Attention: Allergy sufferers...goldenrod. When you see Goldenrod, you know Fall is close. I sat for awhile while photographing this and just watched the bees ...it was so pretty, they were just encased in yellow pollen...making up some wonderful honey somewhere imagine.

So, hope you enjoyed my little diversion....and "Happy Fall!!" Oh, and by the way...Kurtis and I celebrated our 9th anniversary yesterday...Happy Anniversary big guy!!
Until next time.....MOM

It's so hard to believe it has been two months since I updated this blog last....but it actually has. We have been absolutely snowed under with gardening, canning and just keeping up with day to day activities. As usual this summer has blown by way to fast, and I'm not sure I have alot to show for it. Lately I have been canning like mad and have put up green beans, pickles, tomatoes and spaghetti sauce. Still planning to do more....yes, its probably more than we can eat...but its fun to give to the kids too.
Despite the un-believable amount of rain we have had this summer...our gardens have done very well!! As usual we have way overe produced, but I'm managing to give alot away too. We have a rule that you cant come and visit this farm without taking home some tomatoes, potatoes or onions.....so far it seems to be working.
Kurt and I just got back from our fall vacation to Mt. Pleasant Old Threshers Reunion. We had a fabulous time...we camped for 8 days and it was wonderful. We had such nice people camped all around us and its really interesting to meet the people from all over the US. One evening we BBQ'd with our neighbor from Washington state. We brought steaks and they provided fresh caught Halibut from Alaska...it was some of the best fish I have had in a long time. As usual the time went fast..but we will look forward to going back next year....god willing.
Jessica, Rob and Ellie came down Saturday and stayed overnite....Ellie took in all the kids attractions and had a great time....Grandma and Grandpa rested Sunday...haha!! I had forgotten how much energy a 3 year old has....but she is a joy to have around!! I think we got her one step closer to having a pony.....well at least until she saw the sand pile and took off to go over and play with a dump truck....tell me..what am I doing wrong??? Grandma will get her to come around...just a matter of time...ha!
So, until next time.......MOM

MORE FUN AT THE REUNION......

Ellie giving a big wave to Grandma, Grandpa and Daddy!! The horses name was "Jack"

"Can you tell me the shortest direction to the dog-pottie? Millie was a big hit with the parade crowd!! She was a very good little campin' dog...

Just too much energy exerted at the log village, Grandpa had to lie down on the log for a little break!

Well, Miss Ellie....now, can you say "Grandpa....I want a PONY!! Looks darn good sitting in the saddle doesn't she....This is "Dolly"

Heading through the parade in downtown Mt. Pleasant.

Pretty Quiet on the Farm....
Things are pretty quiet on the farm these days, just lots of "yard and flowerbed grooming" going on. This time of year I am quite satisfied to spend long evenings with my rear end in the air pulling weeds and "arranging" things. I know, not a nice picture, huh.
Last weekend was the Tipton airport open house, so Kurtis and I decided to take advantage of some Lynch's Plumbing sponsorship tickets and take a ride with Larry in his plane. The good news is that is was really fun, and the view of course is spectacular! The bad news, is I forgot about my nemesis the motion sickness problem...and yes, it happen. Luckily Larry was prepared with the proper on flight equipment...and I descretely got rid of it upon landing. Talk about embarassing.....
So, for a lack of exciting news...enjoy the pictures...
Until next time....MOM

Our garden in the field is looking great!! Remember everyone....potatoes, green beans, onions and tomatoes for everyone!!!

One of Kurtis creations overlooking the "Black Knight" delphinium.

My round garden in the lane

82 210th Street......

Larry taxiing down the run way with the next group of riders....

I Don't Know if I will ever figure out .....
how to load these stupid pictures in the order that I want them. Seems like everytime I do this they load differently..and that seems to be backwards from what I want. Oh well, just bear with me!
So, this past weekend was spent with the cute little grandchild...Miss Ellie. We had all kinds of great fun..and yes, bt Sunday evening, Grandma and Grandpa decided to turn into bed for the evening a bit earlier than normal....How come little kids get all the energy...and us older and wiser folks just get lazier! Seems a bit un-fair.
But, we had a fantastic time with Ellie and Jessica. Saturday evening we grilled fajitas out on the grill and had a great supper, Ellie rode that fine bike up and down the sidewalks and took big mule rides with Grandpa. Ellie didnt take long to figure out how to sit on the lap with Grandpa and drive the mule....couple more months and she wont need Grandpa...haha!!! Sunday morning, Jess and I had to take poor Miss Ellie into the Urgent Care clinic in Iowa City. She had waken up several times in the night complaining of ear aches...and as it turns out she had a double ear infection...poor little stinker. But, some anti-biotics and the power of a three year old, she was back off and running. We gathered up Kurtis and headed into West Branch to Champagnes for Brunch, it was very nice...then off to the farm to see Marsha and Great Grandma Doris. It was a great weekend, and the house seemed awfully quiet when they left...
On the gardening side...things are growing like crazy!!! Our garden out in the field is doing amazing.,,and guess what I seen yesterday..."Like Georgie once said "Potatoe Blossoms!!!" (inside joke) The peas and beans are growing great too. Kurtis is eating Kohlarabi, turnips and onions. I pulled all my spinach and lettuce and planted Dill and Cilantro getting ready for the pickle and salsa season.
So, here are some pictures for you to enjoy.....Until next time....Sharon

Are these beautiful or what!! These are the poppies over on the highway that Cindy Worrell plants each year!!! Just stunning, well worth the drive if you haven't seen them yet.

Well, her it is,,,my first crop from our new orchard!!!! Yep, two cherries... two whole cherries...well, you have to start somewhere!!! There is even more to come...I have one plum!!!

Here it is, the strawberry kid!! Grandpa showed Ellie what was in this patch and how to pick them...we finally had to stop here after she had popped about a dozen or more in her mouth. It was soo darn cute to watch her pick them, pull the stem off and eat them. They went over much better than the darn radish's Kurtis tried to convince her to eat!!


Here she is....fearless Ellie....By the look on Millie's face, she isnt impressed!!

Here is the little girl all dressed up to take pretty pictures for her Daddy for Fathers Day...to say the least, it didnt work!! She would much rather ride her bike than do that sissy picture stuff!!

Spring is in full tilt at the Voparils...................

I just don't even know where to start, since my last blog...We are in full swing into the spring season and gardening at the farm. As usual, I am almost bewildered at the amount of work I need to get done...and it seems to take me longer and longer to do what used to take no effort. Well, who cares....its not meant to be a marathon anyway. So, decided to just post some pictures of the projects we are pursueing and besides...need to get off this computer and back outside to being productive!!

Out goes the first batch of plantings....Just another 15-20 more loads and I should have a good start!!

Now, sometimes gardening brings a bit of a surprise...When sorting through my dahlias I came on to this little fella.....not exactly what I had in mind! You cant see in this picture, but another 2 feet of his tail is hanging down off the shelf. I took my hoe and took him outside to the yard....In about 10 minutes he has returned and was crawling back up on the shelf again!! He didnt come back a third time....I let it know it would get the spade treatment if it did!

This is little Miss Ellie on Tuesday when Kurt and I ventured to Des Moines for the big Bam Bam ball game. Grandpa brought her this fine pink Miss Kitty chair from Scheels. Ellie was enjoying a fine "sit down" with her drink, baby doll and her favorite floppy hat!

And yes, Kurtis is up to his nose in designing new garden art. He has made about 6 sculpture so far, this is just one of them. I think we are discovering a unknown artist inside this farmer....he will be so glad I said that!!

Some of the first bounty from the garden!

AXE-MEN - VOPARIL FARM - SEASON ONE!

BJ Leonard 32
J. Krall 40
Voparils 21
Aqua log 1

I couldn't help it!! I had to do this blog for Steve. Since you are such a fan of the Axe-Men show...figured I would do this blog to show you, we were having our own little version of Axe-men right here in Cedar County! I guess the pictures show it all....just a shame we don't have a fancy rig to go down on the Cedar River with, then we could really get some good pictures!!!!

This is the logger (Brad I believe was his name) with his Dad who helps out...and of course Millie. Nice log they are sitting on, probably is a end table by now.

Skidding logs up out of the timber..

The main unit.....not sure what this is called....a skidder I believe. I was at work when all this action was going on.

MAY THE LUCK OF THE IRISH BE WITH YA!!

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY!!

I think this is the best St. Patrick's day that I can ever remember....weather wise. It got to about 74 degrees here today, and it was just plain spendid!! I hurried home from work and immediately headed outside to enjoy the weather! I spent the first hour or so in the greenhouse cracking hickory nuts....yes, I still have about a 5 gallon bucket size container of hickory nuts! I guess you could say I was a bit greedy at the tree last fall....kept them over the winter in the basement and am now trying to finish cracking them. One thing I have noticed is that they are even easier to crack now because they have dried all winter and the shells just almost fall off the nuts....if you know what I mean. It was just beautiful in there, birds singing, a nice breeze coming through the door and the sounds of a hammer smashing shell after shell. Every once in awhile a wild rogue shell would fly from under the hammer on to the floor at which point Maggie was immediately on it salvaging the nut from within. I think she is happy to have me back outside again with my silly hobbies...providing a treat and entertainment.

The big news tonite..is that my wonderful husband has completed the first "Mason Bee House" for me. I did alot of reading and studying (what else do you think the long winter nites sitting on the couch are for?? watching worthless TV? NO Sir!) on the habits of Mason Bees this winter and supplied some plans for Kurtis to work from. I had to remind him that he was lucky to have a wife that is always looking out for him with new and crreative ways to make use of his shop and tools...I really do believe he is thankful (haha). We have 4 more houses in various stages of completion....just in time before the beautiful buds of the fruit trees begin to burst open! Hopefully the bees will find the new accomodations built specifically for their nesting habits...and we will have pollination galore!! If not....well....we just can't think that way....

So, here are a couple pictures to enjoy...

Until next time.....MOM

So, here is the first Mason Bee House...the female Bee lays her eggs in the little holes, then she plugs the hole with mud. The larva hatch, eat the nector she has put in there and grow into a adult bee. Then it hangs out in there till next spring when it hatch's out and starts the cycle all over again....Pollinating and pollinating and pollinating.....cool huh?

Here is the set up in the greenhouse just waiting for the first seeding to begin....It is going to stay nice isn't it? I just can't wait much longer......

Here they are...the first signs of spring...Tulips peeking out from under the dead grass...Oh, with the temps today in the 70's and the sunshine, wont be long before they are blooming!!

Spring is in the air.....According to Miss Ellie Young!!!!

There is no time like spring to sport a new look...and that look just may as well be a fine looking hat!! I wasn't aware of it, but apparently Ellie just loves to wear hats! This weekend Grandma and Grandpa went to Des Moines to spend the day with the kids.....and as usual Ellie was up for providing the entertainment.
We started out by heading to the Machine Shed restaurant out at Living History Farms for a delightful "Brunch" and lunch...the food was great and needless to say everyone had their fill. Ellie was such a good little girl and ate like a "Lynch". She seemed to enjoy the good "farm" style food very much....which should get her all primed to come to Grandma's house in the summer and eat some goodies from the garden...she especially likes strawberries, so June should be good.
Then we headed out to the mall for awhile....Grandma had to spend a few dollars getting Ellie some "spring" clothes...and it was great fun. I believe even Aunt Jennie got in on the fun!!
Back home where the idea was for a afternoon nap...I think Grandma and Grandpa could of taken one, but Ellie wanted no part of it!! So, we had more fun seeing the nice array of hats on display....We had great fun!! Here are some of the highlights!!
Until next time....MOM

Not the most flattering expression....could it be she was about fed up with Grandma and the flashing camera???

Isn't Tom striking here?? I really do believe the chic look of purple and pink are his colors!! Go Big Boy!!!

And.....we wonder where Ellie gets this obsession!!! Genetic no doubt!
(What a good Daddie....)

My paticular favorite....just perfect for gardening, don't you think???

GLORY BE TO GOD!!!!
You know, I wasn't so sure I was going to make it to spring!!!! But, today I feel like I just might pull it off.....It was 72 degrees today, lots of sunshine...and even though it was windy, it felt magnificent!!!!
When I got off work this afternoon, I hurried home....changed my clothes...and headed right outside to enjoy the weather!! It was such fun to fill my bird feeders without gloves on...to pour the bucket of sunflowers in without the biting wind blowing them all down the front of my coat....to walk to the feeders without the big boots and slipping half way down the hill by the garden. Life is truly looking up again! Then it was a walk to the orchard..time to check on the mortality of the 36 or so baby fruit trees we put in last spring. It appears that most of the trees have survived wintere...now the challenge will be making it through spring, while setting buds and blooms and to not get frozen in the process.
I noticed several things while walking about the trees. First of all....al wonderful population of Robins have returned! They were so busy bouncing around acting as if spring has actually arrived. Wont they be sickened in a couple of more days when March returns right back to winter again...and it will, it always does. I also noticed the cows in the lot....they are very heavy with the soon to arrive crop of calves...I think they are due in about 2 weeks.
In the stock tank, I see my collection of gold fish have survived...I counted about 8 black and gold fish.....and they are at least three times the size they were when I put them in there last summer.
I just love Spring....everyday something else changes...this weekend we set the clocks back so, we gain another hour of sunlite in the evening....it wont be long and I will be starting seed in the greenhouse...which by the way, was at a nice balmy 85 degrees this afternoon..all the windows had opened in response to the warmth...it was all I could do to not crack out the dirt and start in.
My pictures this time are of the fine Indian Meal I made Sunday nite...On the menu this time was Chicken Tandoori, Alooh Gobhi (cauliflower and potatoes) and Naan bread....I have to admit it was really fantastic!!
Until next time....MOM

With my new found interest in Indian cooking, I have added a "Masala Dabba" or spice tin to my cooking collection....inside are the standard spices used in Indian recipes.

Chicken Tandoori - Alooh Gobhi and Naan bread.

Another creative weekend......well, kinda!
I don't know if it is actually creative.....maybe the term "experimental" would be more in line... but whatever the case, I have fun, and that's important too.
Big news!! I am pleased to announce I have seen three times now, Robins in the back yard!! I have no idea why they would be back here this soon...but it must have something to do with the "Bird Brains". I noticed the one sitting on the back fence post yesterday during the snow storm and wind had an incredibly disqusted look about it...I bet whoever was in charge of making those traveling plans is in hot water right now! I hope for their sake the weather starts to turn nicer soon.....
So, the agenda for this weekend was to 1.) Finish planning and ordering my garden seeds for this spring. I think I have most of what I want at this point..and maybe have one more small order to send in..which I will finish this evening. It just wouldnt be spring without the excitement of watching the mailbox for a nice brown package with rattling seeds inside. It is just part of the process. Kurtis and I did go to Theisens in Cedar Rapids Sunday and I spent most of the time standing in front of the Seed racks justifying just a "few more packages" of seeds.
The second thing I wanted to do this weekend was give a go at a process for baking bread which doesnt involve any kneading of the dough. For some reason my bread making this winter has taken a bad turn.....as in "not rising". I have tried everything to no avail...including buying about 3 brands of yeast thinking one must of been bad....but still a problem. So, decided to give this no kneading thing a try...and I must say..I think I baked the best bread I have ever made. I'm so thrilled. So, will definately try again and see if my luck holds up.
Well, back downstairs....about time for supper. Tonites menu is going to be toasted ham and provolone sandwiches on my fine warm bread....with some wild rice soup. Now, doesn't get much better than that!
Until next time.....MOM

This is the Sundried Tomatoe and Asiago bread with the first slice removed. Nice and crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside.

Here is my official taster....Kurtis is really ticked that I put this picture on here....hahaha

Warm from the oven and cooling.

This was my Valentines Day gift from my honey....Notice the fine Aqua Globe on the right side.

THE EDUCATION PAYS OFF............Well, maybe......
It's winter in Iowa and one has to find alternative methods of entertainment to pass away the months, right? There is nothing I like better than eating, right? So, just seems natural we put them together and learn something new. Marsha and I attended a Southern Indian cooking class Thursday nite, and it was just great. So, I primed Kurtis and told him when he returned home Sunday evening from work....to expect something a little "different" for supper. He is such a good sport.
So, starting in about 2:00 p.m. Sunday I began preparing the nice Indian meal we had learned about in class...and I am really pleased with the final product. Kurtis went back for seconds,,,and I have plenty for lunch tomorrow. So, now Im almost feeling brave enough for another class.....doing the breads.....Kurtis, are you ready for another round??
Until next time....MOM

This is the Naan bread fresh out from under the broiler...

Um.....Cauliflower Curry. Contains lots of nice spices and coconut milk.

Lemon Rice...contains Basmati Rice, onions, peanuts, peppers...Is just delicious!

All in all it was a very Good Year....2008

I know it has been since Dec that I have updated this blog...I don't know how time slips by me so fast but it certainly does! So, I am actually going to spend some significant time updating this time. I thought I would review the past year...just remember some of the events that made 2008 one for the record books. So far 2009 is starting out to be another good year...I could wine about the weather, wine about the fact that Kurtis and I aren't taking a vacation this winter, or wine that I'm sick of the snow already....but what the heck good would that do. Instead I will try to concentrate on the positive aspects (which you all know I do so well....ha!) and maybe it will help to get the year off to a good start. So, enjoy the photo's below and the look back at good ole' 2008!

Here is a couple large bowls of open pollinated dent corn from Marsha's garden. It then is ground into flour (see the sack) then baked into a beautiful cornbread!! It was very tasty..I had mine with Strawberry jelly!! Now, this is self sustainability! Or mental illness..

Well, as you can see January 2009 is starting off with another famous Sharon and Marsha project. Here Marsha is milling up a batch of 6 grain flour for a big batch of bread. We have gone together on a Blend-Tek flour mill....and from the testing we did Saturday...its a truly proven machine!!!

Dec 14th our dear friend Boyd Castro came from Hilo Hawaii and spent a week hunting the great Iowa white tail deer. As you can see, he did a great job and has a trophy to ship back to Hilo. Way to go Boyd!!!

August was the annual trip to Steve's house for the Hoover Days fireworks. As usual there was great food, conversation and "explosives!"

2008 was a great gardening year, my hollyhocks here look so prime for the hummingbirds to come by..