First week of July

A warm and busy week on the farm.  Several heavy thundershowers moved through bringing much-needed rain.  Enjoyed a quick visit from Becca.  Celebrated the Fourth of July in a quiet way.  Most evenings bring spectacular sunsets.  Fireflies sparkle in the yard and light up the fields at night.  Picked the first beans and kale from the garden.  Fresh eggs from the hens for breakfast.  Vigorous workouts with Kenji three mornings a week.  Bike rides on the country roads on sunny mornings.  Times of fellowship with friends.  Studying Philippians with Anne and Kenji.  We're very thankful to God for this good season of life.

Herr und Frau Summselbrummsel

Sunset reflected in the eastern sky

The hives are thriving

No longer ducklings - all feathered out

Red-winged blackbird nest in the prairie grasses, woven around three thistle stems.

Peter Piper will soon be picking purple peppers

Bean season has begun - from now until frost I'll be picking beans by the basketful!

Rain barrels in place and filled with water from this week's storms

Second pair of rain barrels.

We robbed the bees of some bee balm from the prairie grasses.

Burr comb from one of the hives - beautiful white beeswax.

Ripe spelt, ready for harvest (in Big Rock, IL)

At Big Rock Library - I wish they were at the farm!