Category Archives: the Farm

Art in the House

One of the things that was important to me right away after the diagnosis was to get art in the house. There was one print, particularly, that I wanted to get framed. Then a friend who is a letterpress artist … Continue reading

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Stickwork Burn

To call Patrick Dougherty’s Stickwork at Saint John’s University Arboretum “ephemeral” just doesn’t seem right. The large structure at the entrance to campus has stood for more than three years, sagging, yes, aging until the title “Lean on Me” fit it … Continue reading

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Christmas, meh

I made my first batch of Christmas cookie dough this morning. Here it is, December 12, and I’m just getting started! The truth is, we’re going low key on Christmas this year. It might be the weather– the El Nino … Continue reading

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Gun Store

Yesterday, among my errands, I stopped at Mills Fleet Farm for more chicken feed. I love Mills Fleet Farm and I’m there pretty regularly. It’s close to my house, on the rural edge of Waite Park/St. Cloud. It is my … Continue reading

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Chicken Apartments

A few people have asked how the chicken transition is going, so I thought I’d give you all a brief update. You’ll remember from the last post that the introduction of my chickens to the winter quarters in the pig … Continue reading

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Winter Home

The chickens have had a rough week. It rained pretty much solidly for three days, and then last night gale force winds came blowing in. It was the kind of night when it is good to stay in and have some … Continue reading

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El Nino

Steve’s business is so busy now that he could work right up until the ground freezes. So for several months the talisman word has been “El Nino.” “It’s going to be an El Nino year.” “It’s going to be a … Continue reading

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CSA Experiment

Today is the last major harvest for my little CSA experiment. Last night we had our first light frost, and today was a day to dig roots, break off Brussels sprouts and cut delicate lettuces in the cold frame (whose … Continue reading

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Grasshopper Hunt

OK. So I went out and paid $30 (that’s 10 dozen eggs if you’re keeping track) for this. No, I did not get a cat (though I’ve been lobbying). But I am desperate to get these chickens to all lay … Continue reading

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The Warden

One day last week I opened both the chicken coop door and the pen door first thing in the morning. I was thinking they’d go about their usual business: taking turns going in the coop to lay their eggs, eating … Continue reading

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