Learning Lessons

glean (verb) -
     a. to pick up after a reaper
     b. to gather bit by bit
     c. to pick over in search of relevant material

We recently had an amazing opportunity: to glean potatoes from the Church's Farm in our area.  I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, but we were pleasantly surprised despite the drizzling rain and cold fingers.

We picked up the potatoes that were too small, or oddly shaped to be picked up by the diggers.  They were the size of Tanner's fist, one even resembling a "thumbs up".

Tanner and Taylor were fantastic help!  We were ironically blessed that Ryan had a bad enough headache to stay home from work (the man has NEVER, in 7 years, called in sick!), and left Baby Kortlen at home with him.  Thank goodness!  The stroller and Kortlen wouldn't have fared well in the mud that covered us from head to toe.

After filling our own sacks, I put away the camera as it started to rain more heavily.  We helped friends and neighbors fill box after box after box to be distributed to those who couldn't make it or are less fortunate.  My boys made me proud, gleaning for over two hours! Thankfully the individuals who put together this gathering had cache cookers and pots for us to add a can or two of beans or veggies for chilli...that warmed us right up in the middle of it all!  What a fun activity to teach my children about service!

We also made a quick trip to our garden, a bordering patch to the potato fields, and picked our pumpkins, squash and as many tomatoes we could gather before leaving town for the weekend.

One of 14 pumpkins!  I need to remember
to plant them near the FRONT of the garden,
not the back!  LOL!

Needless to say, we had to hose down at home, and warmed up with hot baths and hot chocolate before resting our exhausted heads for the night.

Tonight we learned about agriculture, service, and gratitude.  Our hearts are full and our tummies will be for the winter as well.

our {growing garden}

In our area, the LDS Church has a farm.  They grow potatoes and wheat and corn and that good stuff.  Well, in the corners of the center pivots, they have big triangular plots of land where 'nothing' grows, but is organized by an area gardener of sorts to divide up the plots into smaller plots that members in our area can come and plant gardens.

The church waters it via the large sprinkler pipe pictured, free of charge (as is the plot), but we are responsible for planting, maintaining, and harvesting our own garden.  Pretty cost effective for us, if you don't consider we have to drive 14 miles round trip to tend it.

We were VERY fortunate to get a plot this year, as last year we skipped (big and pregnant, then big and nursing. ha!) last year and I was a tad late in reserving a spot this year.  Even though we're a half mile away from the 'farm house' where the rototiller is stored (we're allowed to use, provided we fill the tank back up with fuel), we're determined to make this work!!!  As you can see, where we've planted, our 'neighbors' haven't...I kinda hope they forget, because when the weeds get waist high (no, really, they do!), the height protects our garden from frost and the wind tearing through my taller plants.  :)  Sad, but true.  It also will provide a place for Tanner and Taylor to play when they're done weeding...because their 'designated' play area at the front of the garden are sure to be filled with the extra tomato and pepper plants (give or take a dozen each) from my parent's greenhouse, to plant on Saturday!!!

This year we spent $30 in seeds and starter boxes and planted (in half a plot):
3 30' rows of green beans
1 20' row spinach (ran out of seeds)
1 30' row half carrots, half radishes
2 20' row peas (two rows in same hill 6" apart)
1 30' row big yellow onions in half, and green onions the last half

2 hills (4 plants per hill) green summer squash
2 hills ("    ") yellow summer squash
2 hills ("    ") winter squash (spaghetti squash!)
3 hills ("    ") cucumbers
2 hills ("    ") pumpkins
2 hills ("    ") watermelons
2 hills ("    ") cantaloupe

We're going to be VERY busy this summer...And I'm not referring just to me, myself, and I though it might result in a 'me, myself, and I' effort.  Tanner, Taylor, Ryan, and even Kortlen are not going to be one bit bored!!!

And come harvest, we're going to have trunk-loads (not to be confused with truck-loads, though my bike, trailer, and child seat DO fit in my trunk, to give you an idea of how big it is!) of produce to put up for food storage!!!  and fresh salads!!!  and delicious sauteed squash smothered in butter and cheese!!!  And jack-o-lanterns and tan arms and legs!!!

I hope this labor of love will prove to be worth all the effort it will take to weed it.  :)

We'll eat what we can, 

and what we can't, 

we'll can!!!