This week has been a little odd as far as weather goes. Monday it was quite chilly and cold. Snow showers were predicted at some point but nothing like that developed. We were out in the fields planting the onions that were seeded in the greenhouse. There was a chill wind, but we still planted. Our fingers got cold, but we still planted. It began to drizzle, yet we still planted. That is, we planted until we had muddy claws for hands and a few numb toes. We decided to pack it up and head for the greenhouse. Once we thawed out we worked in the greenhouse for the rest of the day. That's one thing I love about farming; there's so much variety, so many different things to do.
A woman I live with (who isn't a farmer) remarked on Monday, "What an awful day to be a farmer!" I didn't say much in reply, but I disagreed. It's not that I thought Monday was a perfect day for farming. It's just that I didn't think about whether I wanted to be a farmer that day or not. There were jobs that had to be done, so we did them the best we could. I can't choose when I want to be a farmer and when I don't. It's a commitment. It's definitely trying at times, but it's also hugely rewarding.
Later this week it warmed up and was beautiful right up through most of today. Then it got cold again. I think we'll have some rain pretty soon. Ah, but this morning was wonderful. We planted rhubarb! It's one of my favorite things. Unfortunately, we won't enjoy any of it this year. It's a perennial crop and you need to wait at least one season before you harvest any of it. Strawberry-Rhubarb pie is my absolute favorite pie, followed closely by Rhubarb pie. The first time I realized what an amazing dessert is Strawberry-Rhubarb pie was back when I was in high school. My sister was living with my grandma down on the family farm and she made the pie. My cousin made homemade vanilla ice cream. It was summer and we ate in the kitchen. It was the best dessert I've had, hands down.
This afternoon we planted popping corn in the field. That's right, we're growing popcorn! I was very excited to hear that we were growing popcorn. It'll take until October to be ready. Ah, the anticipation. . .
