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| Cocoa enjoying the shade in the pepper patch |
In the mornings its not so bad here. The dew is quick to burn off (if we even get it) and the weather is cool and not as oppressive as the rest of the day. It’s the perfect time to get some yard work done– weeding and pest patrol (I hate those green worms that eat the tomatoes! And squash beetles! And gophers…lets not get started on the gophers!)
All the animals have to be fed first thing or they might have a nervous breakdown…but after that they are happy to just follow along. Cocoa has been finding new and interesting ways to find shade. One morning he hopped up into the bunny hutch while they were eating their breakfast, and quickly hopped out! You don’t get between a bunny and her salad.
We also picked our first ripe tomatoes of the summer, which is quite a feat when you realize that last summer it was so hot the tomatoes didn’t even bare fruit. They just flat gave up before they even got started. Now we’ve got some nice plump ones on the vine, and peppers too. The cucumbers are also itty bitty right now, but they’re coming along. Everything is surviving the heat, so far. Although I’m still hoping for some rain. I miss 75 degrees.
The hot is keeping us indoors during the bulk of the day, but last week we did venture out to Shepherd’s Cross to visit the farm, check in with the gift shop (where I have some of my art for sale!) and see their garden. They have the most beautiful white farm house and loveliest big garden….
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| Audrey chasing baby ducks through the vegetable garden at Shepherd’s Cross |
We pet some baby sheep. We walked through the beautiful garden. Audrey gleefully lost herself in the rows of corn, and they sent us home with a bagful of fresh produce. What I always love seeing though, is the yarn and the wool. How could I not?!
I am always so impressed with their fiber making ventures at Shepherd’s Cross. They literally raise the yarn— they raise the sheep, sheer the sheep, clean and process the wool, spin the yarn, dye the yarn, sell the yarn. And you can also buy some already knitted items there in the gift shop! It makes my little knitter’s heart go pitter-pat.
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| Some of the yarn and fibers available at Shepherd’s Cross |
I bought three nice skeins of yarn and I’m eager to get to making something. I dont know why this hot weather makes me want to knit— wishful thinking perhaps? I long for sweater weather! They also do a pumpkin patch there at the farm in the fall, which is nice. It’s just an all-round beautiful place, so restful and calming. And all those little sheepies….and yarn…oh my!
Well, I am still working away on my little Jane Austen project! And eager to enjoy the holiday tomorrow. We bought an ice cream maker and I’m excited about all the ice cream possibilities! I’m sure it will involve chocolate!
Til next time,
~H
Sleightholm Folk Art 
Oh that yarn looks so beautiful! It just inspires one to take up a new project. I love that dark purple/wine color. Is the wool soft or scratchy? It is so interesting how the owner does the entire process from beginning to end too. Your tomatoes are big and perfect looking . Enjoy ! Sitting here in Orlando before we board and take off over the big pond. Adventures await!
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Hooray for tomatoes! We have small green ones – can't wait til they get as big as yours. There is truly nothing better than fresh tomatoes from the garden. Looks like little Cocoa enjoys the garden – what a sweetie! Shepherd's Cross looks like such fun…I'd definitely enjoy a visit there. The yarn is really lovely. 🙂 Have fun making ice cream!
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I, too, miss 75-degree temps. We don't get enough days like that! How cool about the Shepherd's Cross yarn. I miss being able to knit. Stupid wrist!
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Cocoa is so cute! Those darn squash bugs, I had to pull my Zuchinni plant because they covered it overnight and I knew it would be destroyed. I picked the first of my cherry tomatoes and can't wait for larger ones to ripen. Your tomatoes look like they are doing fantastic!
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The tomatoes look huge and juicy! Also love the sounds of your day at the farm. Very idyllic
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Yay for a garden that hasn't burnt to a crisp yet! 🙂 Thanks again for the okra plants. They transplanted wonderfully to their new Lowe's paint buckets ;), and they are getting huge already. We have one big okra on there and lots more little ones catching up quickly.
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