Around the farm

 It's been very busy here lately, not just with work on the farm, but with appointments off the farm which have taken us away from the farm every day for a week and half... it's exhausting having to leave everyday, and drive several hours to our destination and back again. 

The deer flies are at their peak, it's pretty miserable to be outside when the bugs are at their peak, I look forward to early August when they start to decline and then eventually just leave us alone so I can get out hiking more and hopefully we'll be able to do more enjoyable work outside. Our pond in front of the house has been lower this year, which is attracting more wildlife. Deer come to drink in the morning and evening, and although the Heron comes in summers when the pond is high too, she enjoys fishing a lot better when the water is lower.

The garden is growing well.... 

Jalapenos  

Okra

Bell peppers

 

pumpkins

beans

Corn

The horseradish is growing like crazy!

 

My strawberries are doing great, and they are sooo good.... I made three 500ml jars of  strawberry jam and seven 250 ml jars last week. 

The critters have been staying cool and laying back relaxing most of the time.

Norman doesn't care how big the bone is, he'll get it!

 

Sammy relaxing 

Flavious

  Horace and Izzie in the barnyard

  Bandit has been growing!

I had some leftover watermelon from the other day when I made up some watermelon margaritas, so I decided to share it with the biggest watermelon fans there are, the goaties. 

pink lip Beatrice

 Hilda pigging out

 Biscuit

Bucket loves watermelon more than anyone

ohhh this is a big chunk!

Bucket and Hilda fighting over the same piece

Basswood

 

Buckwheat and Basswood... Buckwheat has really filled out this summer. 

 Today no one is really feeling good in the house, so we are taking it easy. In between breaks I'm trying to get some chores taken care of. I'm hoping to try making beef jerky later today, it has to marinate for 24 hours to a few days so hopefully I'll get it started in the fridge so we can see how it turns out.