A blog dedicated to informing people about our family farm, farming practices, and our pumpkin patch, Pumpkins and More A-maiz-ing Farm.
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Muddin' and Shootin'
Cousin E and Bubs
What do farm kids do in the winter? Not to sound too redneck, but, of course, they go out muddin' and shootin.' 😀
This Colorado January has had such crazy weather that it goes from three inches of snow to sunshine within two days. A few weekends ago, it peaked at almost 52 degrees, so we decided to head to the farm for some fun. The kids hadn't been out to the farm since harvest ended which meant they were very excited to play.
Near the end of July, we upgraded our bench Gator to a two-row Ranger. While we were shopping, we bought the girls a little four wheeler for all of the hard work they had done over the summer. They were troopers out there every day helping us irrigate, giving up a family vacation to hoe pumpkins, and hardly complaining at all.
Family-sized ride
Since we bought it so late in the summer and then got busy with back to school and the opening of Pumpkins and More A-maiz-ing Farm, they didn't have much time to play with it. But they had a blast muddin' it up all over the farm thanks to the recent snow fall.
E and Aubs
While they were busy riding (with big cousin E), Boots and I had a chance to do some target practice. A few months ago, he bought me my very first gun, a Walther PK380. I never would have imagined I would enjoy shooting, but after taking a tactical skills class and practicing, I really truly enjoy it. Boots likes hunting as well, so it is something that we can do together. There is nothing like the sound of gunfire and nailing your target to get the adrenaline rushing. This winter, Boots has upped his hunting game with a group of friends. They have been out multiple times shooting pheasant and coyotes. So far, he has shot four pheasant and two coyotes. Thankfully, he lets his friends keep them. I am not quite ready to dress a pheasant or skin a coyote, but maybe eventually I will be.
During our January excursion, I focused most of my camera attention on the kids and didn't get any good shooting pictures. Yesterday, though, Boots and I went out with family and had a great time shooting a variety of guns at our new targets. The best part is that thanks to the Holyoke Friends of NRA banquet last week and a Boots and Mike being so lucky, we added some new toys to our collection. So thankful for 60 degree February days and the crack of a gun!
Happy first day of fall everyone! We are celebrating with some work on the farm. Last night, our high school helpers took apart all of the irrigation pipe, and today we will load it up to put away. On our farm, the majority of the fields are watered with sprinkler irrigation that looks like this: Photo credit: Taylor Shea Goldenstein However, in the corner areas, we use irrigation pipe that runs from a well. The water runs down the rows and must be set to alternate every day. This process is done by hand and is one of our favorite summertime activities as you can see: Setting water on soybean field 2016 Checking the rows in a corn field 2015 Playing in the mud 2014 The weather here was cool and misty - this morning - so I planned on eating potato soup for dinner. By day's end though the weather heated up too much for soup, but I am sure I will get the chance to make it soon. Instead, the kids enjoyed some time playing.
So how exactly does one pick the perfect pumpkin? I think most of it is based on personal preference in terms of shape, texture, and color. However, there are some tried and true strategies to picking a good pumpkin. At Pumpkins and More A-maiz-ing Farm, we encourage customers to go out in the field to search for their perfect pumpkin. Part one of this strategy requires wearing jeans and sturdy shoes. If you have never been into a pumpkin patch before, then you may not realize that the ground is uneven and the vines are prickly. Wearing gloves and bringing clippers are a bonus strategy. Once prepared, head out in search of a pumpkin that you find visually appealing. Personally, I am a fan of a big, spherical Lumina pumpkin or a tall, oblong orange pumpkin. Bah loves the perfectly round pie pumpkins, Boo likes the pink pumpkins, and Bubs appreciates all "puh-kins." No matter what your preference is, you want to look for a pumpkin free from bugs, with an intact vine, n...
How many of you out there experience the post-holiday slump? I always feel like the first few weeks of January are depressing. The glow and excitement of the holidays are over. The weather is usually cold and gloomy. My house is in shambles from all-over toys, and I am crabby from trying to cut back on sweets. This year, though, I am working on continuing the joyful spirit and not allowing myself to get down in the dumps. I have found some techniques to help keep me on track that I am excited to share. 1. Make a routine and stick to it. This can be applied in almost every area of life but is especially useful in balancing work and home life. For some people, this may sound like torture, but my type A personality thrives on a schedule and organization. My routine revolves around efficiency. When I wake up, I shower and get the kids' breakfast ready. Then I wake them up so they can get dressed while I do my hair. When they are dressed, I do their hair while they brush th...
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