Ode to Rain

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Finally.

I did not believe the thunderstorm cloud on the forecast at 5:30am. Rain does not happen here, in the land of drought, the region of a 13 inch rain deficit, of no second hay cut, of short-lived stunted crops and livestock sold too early, of 20% chance of rain.

But dawn snuck up in a twilight kinda way and stayed like that while we made tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for school lunches. As we put together backpacks and lunchboxes, the raindrops arrived. First, a rumble of thunder in sync with footsteps across the kitchen floor. Then, a flash of lightening illuminated everything. So bright, it left a violet-red after-image of the back yard behind.

The downpour was torrential as we went to one school and the other, sending out car-high sprays of water. We were a silver grey coach enroute to the event of the season on wings of shining spray.

As I return home, the rain is lighter, the hills are clearer but this place is now misty, mysterious, haunting and familiar. It strikes me that one of my very favorite things about being here is how the mist rises up from the hills and hollows. The rising water vapors create a feeling of home, of protection and shelter. Of specialness, of living in the very first place ever created. And that is of course just how you want your corner of the universe to be.

Welcome Back, Rain.

What's it Like in Your Neck of the Woods?

Every yard, garden and farm has a unique micro climate.

Here at Mule Shoe Farm our micro climate is influenced mostly by the natural topography - the Cumberland River and steep limestone hills. I can also take advantage of man-made disturbances, such as my house to can maximum usage from my micro climate.

Since the river water changes temperature slowly, our micro climate also changes more slowly than surrounding areas. This means our last frost can be a bit later than tax day. Generally I wait until at least May 15 to start summer crops from seed or plants. On the back side, in autumn, my last frost date isn't until mid-November and the weather stays relatively mild until January.

The limestone hills not only make sure I have plenty of small rocks to fill the holes in my driveway, but the hills also mean that the water rushes toward the bottom of the hollow where I plant. To work with this fast flowing water (esp. in March) there are several tactics we employ here at the farm. I plow in a specific direction designed to minimize wash if it rains after plowing and before plants come up. I can create water breaks, catchment areas and enhance natural drains. I can also practice no-till agriculture and use raised beds to allow the water to slow down and stay closer to the vegetables.

Man-made disturbances in the area are mostly confined to my house. The placement of the house creates a natural cool and shady zone on the sides and a very warm spot in the back. I can use the sides to grow Shitake mushrooms and ferns, while tomatoes and peppers are grown in a hot space created by a concrete patio, afternoon sun and the white paint on the house.

Take some time this year to get familiar with your microclimate. When is your last frost - really? How does the sun cast shadows during the day? What kind of wind(s) can you expect? Do you need to manage runoff? Which side of the house is warmer? etc. Then place your plants accordingly. Not everyone can have tomatoes until mid-November but chances are you can plant something that will grow before or after the regular season or something unique to your area.

Send that Kid to School!

He has the perfect bored teen look down, doesn't he?

My son is modeling his bandana and sunglasses which he cannot wear at his school. I promised I would record every single potentially embarassing moment of his tweens and teens. This was not one of them but he was sooo cute this morning I couldn't resist.

Today was a picking day - a vegetable picking day. I pick vegetables down the road about a mile and half at our friends' place twice a week. I sell theirs and mine on Saturdays at the local Open Air Market. I have always been partial to okra blooms. Here's a good one.
Also picked squash blossoms for supper. Yes - fried and stuffed please.

I thought they were for a late breakfast. But my sweetie convinced me to get dressed up to take the garbage to the dump with him. Since we were all dressed up with no place to go, we decided to eat lunch in town at the Chinese buffet which has excellent sushi. Good day all around.