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Tag Archives: McPherson

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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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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Johnstown Giant

24 Jul

If you are on our mailing list, or if you live in the Johnstown area, you are aware of the 2nd annual Johnstown Giant Pumpkin contest.  Last year we hosted the event for the first time. We invited neighbors from the Johnstown area to try their hand at growing a giant pumpkin. On the evening of the contest, we weighed and measured all the entries. There were prizes for everyone (thanks to Kola Johnson). My favorite part came over supper when stories were shared of relatives and friends “back in the day” Johnstown.  Leland brought his guitar and closed out our night with some singing. What a great time to enjoy neighbors and reflect on my heritage and the work, tears, and yes, laughter that went into building up a homestead and small country community.

Well, as a sneak peek, here is our plant that is growing this year’s Johnstown Giant. I admit with this year’s season, our giant could have been planted earlier, but we are still holding out hope for a GREAT BIG entry!

This year’s Johnstown Giant hopeful!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grammy’s Pumpkin Patch 2012, McPherson, KS
 
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Posted by on July 24, 2012 in Grammy's Pumpkin Patch

 

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In the Class and On the Farm

15 Nov

We are proud to have successfully completed a pilot Agriculture Education program called “In the Class and On the Farm”!  This year Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Cooke’s 2nd grade classes from Washington Elementary in McPherson, KS participated.  Agreeing with the need for Ag Education in our youth, Farm Bureau of McPherson, Krehbiel’s Specialty Meats, 1st Bank of Kansas, and PrairieLand Partners John Deere provided scholarships for this year’s classes.  The program included an “in class” lesson provided by Grammy’s teachers and a day “on the farm”.  All the lessons aligned with the state standards and focused on what Agriculture is and how it affects our everyday, along with lessons in the core content areas!

For myself, as one of the teachers at Grammy’s, I can say the program was  challenging to plan and setup, but incredibly fun!!!  Here are a few pictures.  I wish I could share all of them!  The 2nd graders were eager learners – it was certainly a joy to teach them!

  

 
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Posted by on November 15, 2011 in Grammy's Pumpkin Patch

 

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Grammy’s Pumpkin Patch – Busy Day!

04 Oct

I never thought that 94 degrees would feel hot after this summer, but today it felt like summer again as we hosted some “little farmers” from Miss Mauzey’s class in McPherson.  We did some vine pulling, hay sliding, and chicken petting!

     

 
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Posted by on October 4, 2011 in Grammy's Pumpkin Patch

 

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