Author Archives: maryjane

photo-of-the-day

farm-romance_8890

Continue reading

park maps

Planning an autumn adventure in a national park? FYI, the National Park Service celebrated its 100th birthday in August.

Zion, anyone?

Photo by Doug Dolde via Wikimedia Commons

Continue reading

photo-of-the-day

farm-romance_8324

Continue reading

Inspirograph

You went wild over the Spirograph post a couple of months ago,

Image Kannanshanmugam,shanmugamstudio,Kollam via Wikimedia Commons

enjoying a spark of inspiration from memory lane.

So, I just had to take a moment to share this with you too …

Continue reading

photo-of-the-day

farm-romance_8310

Continue reading

Hear Ye!

Welcome New Sisters! (click for current roster)

Merit Badge Awardees (click for latest awards)

My featured Merit Badge Awardee of the Week is … CJ Armstrong!!!

CJ Armstrong (ceejay48, #665) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning an Expert Level Rootin’ Tootin’ Merit Badge!

“I decided to try a few new things in my garden this year, and for root crops, chose red potatoes, parsnips, and leeks. I know that some say leeks aren’t a root crop, but my research tells me that they generally are considered to be a root crop. I’ve purchased them at the farmers’ market in the past and really like them, so thought I’d give them a try. My mom always planted parsnips in her garden, but in all my adult years and gardening, I have not. Thought it was worth a try. I always plant beets and carrots, and have my favorite varieties, but do try different ones.

We have researched different ideas for storage for our root crops, but usually leave them in the ground and dig as we need them. In our climate, typically the snow layers insulate from the cold, and if we mark where they are planted, we can usually just go dig up what we need. The leeks will be kept in the refrigerator. I don’t have a large crop, so they probably won’t last long.

I didn’t put any potatoes in the photograph, as I didn’t want to dig any of them up just yet. I did post a pic of the plant with blossoms on it in the Garden Gate section of the forum. I’m always happy with planting a garden and even happier when things grow. This year has been relatively successful, and I hope to try a couple new things next year … just for fun!”

00133

Continue reading

photo-of-the-day

farm-romance-2_8866

Continue reading

photo-of-the-day

farm-romance_8485

Continue reading

Egg Science

Do you know how a hen’s egg is made … exactly?

egg-scaleMJFstudio_01078

Continue reading

photo-of-the-day

farm-romance-8147

Continue reading