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Is It That Time Already?

15 Aug

Last evening, the first of our highway billboards made it to the highway with a little help from the tractor. This year, we mounted the sign on one of the “retired” trucks. Papa and Justin enjoyed tinkering with it in valiant attempt to have it run. I think this entailed pouring fuel in the various parts of the engine; I know for sure that it made for a LOT of smoke and engine revving. In the end, the truck/sign was towed out to the hay meadow that overlooks the highway in between McPherson and Johnstown Farm.  It is crazy to think that the season kicks off in about 5 weeks!

   As you can see, Ben had a great time helping the men tow the sign through the fields.

 

 

Grammy’s Pumpkin Patch 2012, McPherson, KS

 
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Posted by on August 15, 2012 in Grammy's Pumpkin Patch

 

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All Aboard!

12 Aug

We had a fun time yesterday as part of the Kansas Kid’s Museum’s annual “Parking Lot Event” in Hutchinson, Kansas. First of all, the weather was great-mostly cloudy and only up to 92 degrees or so! That felt so much better than the 100+ degrees that usually accompanies this event. It was a fun day of kids activities.  There were booths with activities for children from area community groups and businesses-crafts, games, a car show, and of course, Grammy’s Barrel Train!

Here’s Papa and Val ready to man the booth, oh yes- and Sven the Scarecrow.

Everyone loves a train ride!

  Justin and Papa gave rides to about 250 kids and parents.

Tubs of different grains were fun to dig in too.

If you are in the area and have young kids, you should definitely check out the museum (http://kansaskidsmuseum.com). My kids would be happy to spend all day there! Thanks for having us, Kansas Kids Museum!

Grammy’s Pumpkin Patch 2012 in McPherson, KS
 
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Posted by on August 12, 2012 in Grammy's Pumpkin Patch

 

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Mini Pumpkin Patch

07 Aug

I visited the patch today for the first time since the cows visited it yesterday. Man, I am so disappointed. This was a patch where we planted our giants and minis. Before the cows frolicked in it, it was our best looking patch as we had babied it along during the tough conditions this summer. Some plants survived and are looking great. I guess I need to concentrate on them!

The first plant was a Dill’s Atlantic Giant that the cows topped off. These are supposed to be grass-fed cattle, not pumpkin-fed! The second picture is some of the “carnage”. Number three are some survivors, and the last picture is of a Jack-Be-Little that Flicka, the cow, picked. Sigh!

Grammy’s Pumpkin Patch 2012 in McPherson, KS
 
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Posted by on August 7, 2012 in Grammy's Pumpkin Patch

 

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Frustration!

06 Aug

“Little Boy Blue, come blow your horn. The sheep are in the meadow. The cows are in the . . . PUMPKINS!!!!!”

Those big brutes decided to tromp through one of our pumpkin patches today! My dad, Papa, loaded up a steer early this afternoon, but when he returned with a bull early evening, he found some cattle contentedly chewing their cud (which apparently was comprised of plants from the patch). Papa said they pushed through a fence to the patch, apparently unable to resist the urge of an area filled to overflowing with green plants. Surprisingly, they seemed not to eat on the pumpkin plants themselves, but the weeds that were on the outside edge.  Too bad they didn’t walk neatly around the edge of the patch, but instead, they chose to tromp from one side to the other. Sheesh!

Papa always takes things like this in stride. He is a great farmer in that sense. Grammy is ready to sell off all of the cattle. I vote with Grammy. Angie reminds us all, “God is faithful.”  True, true. I haven’t seen the mess myself, but I’ll head out tomorrow to take some pictures to post.

Grammy’s Pumpkin Patch 2012, McPherson, KS
 
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Posted by on August 6, 2012 in Grammy's Pumpkin Patch

 

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A Gift

04 Aug

Today’s weather was a surprise gift for us on the farm.  In the midst of a drought partnered with scorching heat, God gifted us with an amazing day!  When we left our home in McPherson to head to the farm, it was already a very humid 85 degrees.  By the time we drove the 10 miles north to Johnstown, it was 74 degrees with a fabulous cool breeze!  During the mostly cloudy day, we had light rains on and off.  It was such a refreshing time.

We are beginning to truly gear up for the pumpkin patch season–trimming the tunnel, painting signs, etc. We also hauled off a tree that had fallen. There is still a good 9 feet of trunk standing.  We are excited to see what Mark Childs, our chainsaw woodcarver, will do with it! Charis and Ben took their job very seriously.  They are supposed to be taming the kittens, so that they will be friendly by October. The kids had a great time playing with the kittens on the hill.

We were so thankful for a reprieve from the heat!  It was a joy to work around the farm, and it was a reminder that autumn really is just around the corner!!

Grammy’s Pumpkin Patch at Johnstown Farm 2012
 
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Posted by on August 4, 2012 in Grammy's Pumpkin Patch

 

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