SEPTEMBER 2022

SEPTEMBER warmed up nicely and when the kids arrived for a fun summer swim, we were all ready, floats in the pool, house clean, and Tim poised and ready to "show" Nat what he was doing lately, like shed wiring.

Nat, naturally asked, Is there anything I can help with?" WELL SURE!! Together Tim and Nat pulled the wire across the basement, fed it through the tube to the outside and pulled it to the shed, where a new power panel was waiting to be hooked up. BIG thanks to Nat for the assistance.

And yes, there was plenty of pool time, complete with splashing dogs.

August had been hot. Tim and I provided shade for the chickens by positioning the coop to block the hot afternoon sun, Still more shade was needed.

In the mean time, was monitoring my apples and started seeing some larger ones fall to the ground. However, they were all covered with some black stuff. I took them inside and washed them off with a scrub brush only to find a perfectly good apple that had great flavor.

I picked 40 lbs of apples this year, making applesauce and apple butter, as well as several apple crisps. We did lose 2 additional trees, which I expected. I feel I can keep the original 5 living and nurture them all back to health. In the meantime, the 6 trees I grafted, made it through the summer and are now planted in the orchard. I discovered the black stuff on the apples was a fungus called sooty blotch, which does not affect the usability or taste of the apple. I am working to better understand how I can prevent that from happening next year.

As a part of the Master Gardener Program, I volunteer for the extension service. My first project was to help set-up and judge at the Henry County Fair. They were needing entries, so I sent in some items.- and NO, I did not judge my own entries.

Again, we took time to enjoy Smith Mountain Lake, from on the water. It was a cruise tour around the lake and to the dam. that day was overcast and drissly, but we still had fun

that had been a nice break in the action, but when the rain stopped, the projects revved back in full motion - we had big plans to have everything under roof for the winter, that meant the barn had to be finished.

The barn raising was spectacular. Once the concrete had cured, the crew of 4 arrived. It seemed like one day there was field and suddenly, in a few days we had a barn. Finally the trailers and tractor were under roof - and Tim had space for projects. Next he wanted to seal the concrete floor, to help keep it clean and enable him to manage any oil spills. Now he was ready to do some projects.

The chickens began laying beautiful brown eggs – peewee sized. We were so excited. Then one day we got a larger, darker brown egg (med or large) and soon afterward a huge Jumbo, double yoke, enough for two. Since then, they have been averaging 8-10 eggs of various sizes per day. Pretty good for young hens. We expect a lot more come spring. We have been selling 3 – 4 cartons per week

It was time for CHICKEN TRACTOR - Phase 2. For this, Tim purchased a trailer bed kit. Fortunately, his brother Danny came to visit. He asked, “Can I help you with anything while I am here?” WELL SURE! Together, they assembled the trailer in record time. Another blessing! BIG THAKNS TO DANNY!

Soon Tim had rigged everything necessary to lift the heavy coop onto the trailer, and voila! A DELUXE CHICKEN TRACTOR, complete with ramp and shade. And there’s more! Through Tim’s experience at Purina Farms, he learned about chicken automation, including watering, egg collecting and access. The coop door automatically opens at dawn and closes just after dark as well. Pretty neat!