December 2008

Isabelle, a 3-month old Jersey calf, arrived this month. I built a small pen and metal-clad shed for her on the eastern side of the property, with plans to fence a larger western pasture soon. It will be some time before she's ready to be bred and produce milk, but that gives me time to learn about dairy cows.

It will also provide more time to learn the art of cheese-making. I took NCSU's 3-day Farmstead Cheesemaking short course this month and came away with a couple pounds of cheese—and a couple pounds heavier from daily cheese-tastings.

Apple and pear trees went into the new orchard and nearly 5-pounds of garlic was planted in the garden. Cold and wet weather continue to make for a lot of indoor days.

September 2008

I finally have water in the new pond after Hurricane Faye's remnants brought more than 5-inches of rain in one day, closing out a dry August. Hurricane Gustav topped off the remainder with another 5-plus inches. Hopefully I'll be able irrigate the new apple and pear trees I've ordered by pumping water to the orchard. The trees will arrive in November from Century Farm Orchards, which specializes in the preservation of old Southern varieties. Just as I prefer to grow only heirloom vegetables, I think it's important to preserve heritage fruit and nut trees. I'll grow Kieffer and Seckel pears, and apple varieties include William's Favorite, Bevan's Favorite, Aunt Rachel, Grimes Golden, Blacktwig and Old Fashioned Winesap.

Organic garlic is also on the way from Hood River Garlic, with delivery scheduled this month. Varieties include Early Italian Red, Red Toch, Shantang Purple and Susanville.

The eggplant crop is finally coming in—at least the few plants the Colorado Potato Beetles left me. Covered in homemade tomato sauce, the eggplant makes a fabulous parmiagiana.