It’s been a rainy week or two which frustrates planting and weeding efforts, but makes the fields lush and green – so we can’t complain! Already, we have 5 plantings of lettuce done, plus spinach, mustards, peas, radishes, green onions and more. I feel like we’re ahead of the game, except that the lettuce is still very small. Hopefully we’ll make it to the next market – May 30. Here’s hoping we get some warm rain…
In other news, we took advantage of last weekend to drive to the Annapolis Valley for a new farmer gathering. We planted like mad for a few hours in the morning, then managed to arrive after lunch at the site. It was an interesting event – somewhat foiled by the weather – but we saw a few friends and met some new people. Lots of homesteaders/community gardeners, and a few new farmers too. Caught the introduction, a pig roast and a salad mix presentation. But the rain and cold weather made me glad we weren’t camping that night and staying for day 2, and hot chocolate at the Just Us Cafe was especially welcome on the drive home. Jamey’s folks came down the next day and helped us paint/finish greenhouse construction.
Re: baby, I’m still in the second trimester and feel fairly energetic… except bigger. Really big, and I’ve got three months to go. I know I have to pace myself, and Jamey’s been great at picking up the garden-related slack. I’m hoping I can keep growing and harvesting for market until August, at least. We’ve also been going to lamaze classes and reading, and starting to gather baby clothes and gear. It still seems a little surreal, but then I feel a few kicks and it hits home that we will soon have a baby in our lives – 110 days to go.
I’ve been savouring our first asparagus and rhubarb. We have this incredible planting of 3 foot long rhubarb, with huge stalks – monster plants. It’s part of a legacy of fruit left behind by Dr. Warman, a prof who owned our property for 13 years, and planted grapes, apples, pears, currants and much more. The Kittlesons will have our rhubarb at market this week for us – look for Benjamin!
-R
