Fruit has set on the peach tree just in time for the evening temps to hit 20 degrees a couple of weeks ago, which in orchard talk is a 100% crop failure (25 degrees F is about a 90% crop failure). G and I ran outside after work, wrapping our still small trees with blankets in the hopes of saving our fruit. The blossoms on the apple trees had just fallen as well, so they were snugly contained.
We shall see later this summer if anything survived.
Due to my work schedule and the awful winter-like conditions, I didn’t really get my seeds started this year.
Other news: Eldest daughter (Liz) moved out, middle daughter (Kai) graduates tonight, and youngest daughter (Em) is SO looking forward to her last day of school today!
G and I are still looking for our retirement house. We did find one that we actually wanted to look at, but when we drove by we found that the photos cleverly disguised the collapsing roof and solidly dead pine trees out front. It’ll take one strong windstorm to bring that structure down, despite the gorgeous original wood floors and trim. I’ll admit I was a little heartbroken to find it in such disrepair.
One of our favorite farm stands opened back up and we were able to get some of last year’s honey and eggs for Liz. I can’t wait until their organic strawberries are back. Last year I made strawberry rose petal jam and we’re nearly out.
Speaking of jam, I’m going to try to make peony jelly this year. I found a recipe last year just after my peonies dropped all of their petals.
Foraging for morels went quite well this spring. We found a new spot with our friends John and Kim. We freeze dried the entire lot, and then our friend Shane sold us 2 pounds that he procured.
I’m going to whip up a morel tart for dinner tonight before we have to dress up for tonight’s festivities.
bigmuddyorchard.com 