Ruby Entered in State Fair - Does Not Win

We entered Ruby in the State Fair Vegetables and Melons division. We contemplated entering her in the fruits and nuts section, but frankly... that division is very competitive and Ruby has very little time to practice with all the pooping and peeing she is involved in. So we opted for the less popular pepper section; specifically the bell peppers division. In short, she did not win but we are very proud of her none the less and have high hopes for next year when we may enter her as a watermelon.

I just re-read the rules and believe we fell down a bit on Rule #9 in the Vegetables and Melons division. Rule #9 reads: " 9. All vegetables must be fresh and clean. Exhibits must be displayed on white paper plates or similar trays furnished by the Fair."

This, of course, is any fathers nightmare. She didn't win because I didn't put her on a white paper plate or similar tray furnished by the Fair. My little girl lost because of me. And this was her first State Fair experience. Ruined by me. I will make it up to her and hope this doesn't set the tone for our entire relationship.

Note to Ruby: One day you will read this and know that I was the one that prevented you from having a perfect career as a winning State Fair vegetable. Please know how much I love you and forgive me my shortfalls.

Patiently Waiting for Ruby

Sour Cherries for Eggs

Our neighbors had sour cherries. We had eggs. Now they have omlets and we have pie. It's all still in the hood though. Bartering am good.

Brood XIV of the 17 Year Locust

Meet an insect that is seventeen years old and about to die. This is another big brood year for these creatures. This is a story of pretty incredible biology when you think about it.

Eighty-Eight

Eighty eight aint no Tyewhoppity.
But Tyewhoppity aint no Black Gnat.

If you ask me that is.

Splash Pad

Whiskey barrels loosen up if they dry out. I had this one inside as a table while it was waiting for it's day in the rain. I had to fill it up to let it soak and I had to pound the rings back toward the middle with a wood block and a mallet. It leaked like a sieve at first but it didn't take long for it to swell tight again. Don't give up on it quick. In a day or two a barrel should hold tight again.

Didn't want a mud hole under the tap (which isn't in yet in this picture) and needed a flat place to put a watering can while it filled. I made these concrete stepping stones years ago when I lived in Florida. They're easy. Just place a bunch of bricks on an old piece of plywood to make a form and fill it with concrete mixed a little too wet. Drift in the junk and let it sit. That's pretty much it.

Addicted to Rain

After seeing how much rain I could gather off the chicken coop roof I got to thinking how much roof I own. And, defacto, how much water I might be able to gather. I admit to feeling a bit greedy. Now I'm addicted to rain barrels and have an idea for an above ground concrete cistern.

While that idea kicks around like Ruby in the womb here's a picture of our latest water gathering station. I like the way the whiskey barrel looks with the house. Better, visually, than the plastic variety. With this is old Four Roses barrel I now have just more than 100 gallon storage capacity.

The vine by the barrel tank is hops, a relative of both the mulberry tree and pot. I love the foliage of hops and you can train the vines to go where you would like. In this case, an arch of green from the post to the back door. I heard that pillows filled with dried hop buds promotes deeper sleep.

Next post I'll let you know how I hook into the gutter supply. I just went up on the roof and found out my gutter is full of detritus. Gotta go deal with that.