I don't have the heart....

...to remove this "fire hazard". It's on a pole away from the house or any other structure. Plus, I cleaned out this nest twice, but she just kept building it. Two fuzzy peeps. Haven't identified the birds yet.

Latest Happenings

Too much going on. Not enough time. Lots of rain. Everything growing.
Hops vines reaching for the sky with flowers just starting.

Peapods all over the place. Had them with Red Curry Beef in Coconut & Cilantro over Thai Rice Noodles for dinner.

Chicks out of the brooder and on grass. I gave them an egg box to hide in so Megs can't reach through the wire, grab them while they are sleeping and chew off their heads.

Juvenile cockerels inspecting their new digs.

The chicken tractor back at work for another season.

We're Back!

When the Carlisle Central Farmers Market had the rug pulled out from under its feet back in January, the farmers promised they would return in the spring with a producer-only, seasonal outdoor market to meet the needs of an increasing community who wanted to support local agriculture and feed themselves in a healthy, sustainable way. Yesterday, we fulfilled that promise with the opening bell of Farmers on the Square.

John Penn, son of William Penn and the founder of Pennsylvania, in the 1700's designed the square in Carlisle to have a court house, two churches and a marketplace. Unfortunately, the original marketplace was torn down in the 1950's to make way for a second court house. When CCFM closed, the farmers didn't waste any time organizing a real farmers market for downtown Carlisle. A BIG THANKS goes out to Pastor John and the First Presbyterian Church for providing a wonderful place to have the market on Wednesday afternoons from 3-7 pm. Located on the square, Farmers on the Square returns in the spirit of John Penn's vision.

In addition to the farmers, Farmers on the Square is hosted through the generosity of many community volunteers.

On opening day, there was plenty of fresh fruits & vegetables--snap peas and strawberries being a big hit.

Another popular item that sold out quickly were Paul Fisher's chicken halves roasted over charcoal. Unlike many other markets that offer cooked food, these chickens were actually raised by the farmer who also cooked them. Nothing beats a fresh chicken from Otterbein Acres whether you or Paul cooks it.

In addition to our veal and goat, Otterbein's chicken, pork and lamb, JuJo Acres had their wonderful Certified Organic grass-fed Limosine beef.

Swamp Fox brought a variety of fruits, veggies and plants.

Customers had to get their cheese, yogurt & chocolate pudding fix from Keswick Creamery.

Alex and Susan are ready for the customers.

Dickinson College Farm was there with lots of fabulous vegetables and all the positive energy from their students.

Not only was Elaine there selling fresh produce, her CSA customers could also pick up their weekly shares.

Michele was back with her lovely bouquets and wreaths.
For anyone looking for plants for their gardens, shitake mushrooms or hand-made soaps, Three Sisters is the stand to visit.

And some farmers doubled as musicians!

Pasture Walk

Ed Shank talks about his grass-based farm.
Today, I finally went on a Pasture Walk for the Franklin County Graziers. They are a group of farmers dedicated to grazing animals, be it for milk or meat. Today, we went to Ed Shank's farm--the Shankstead EcoFarm, located at 3854 Old Scotland Road in Chambersburg, PA. The Shanks operate a Certified Organic farm and sell legal raw milk along with grass-fed beef, eggs and chickens.

Shanks have a diversified operation that includes a herd of mostly Jerseys cows for their fluid milk.

Along with a healthy flock of sex-link layers for eggs. Nothing beats an egg from a hen who has been scratching up cow patties!

An idyllic view of South Mountain.

The family's Black Laborador cools off in a stock tank. It was hot & humid today.