This past trip around the sun was a strange one. The one little bit of snow that fell, actually happened when we were out of town. Thus it really was a winter-less year for us. It didn't really even get that cold, at least that I noticed much. I remarked to a farmer-colleague the other day that we may be evolving to a Sonoma-plus humidity climate. Our growing season is already fairly long and this winter was even shorter. That being said, however, there is a freeze warning for the next couple of days. I bet the fruit growers are a bit nervous right now because I think most have already pruned, despite the calendar.
I finally broke down and purchased a 3-point rotary tiller. Those of you following the blog may remember that I debated at long length on the question of tillage implements. I am actually glad to have the turning plow for sod areas, but the tiller really does a nice job. I used it to put the barley in and I will report on that operation later.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Progress
It was kind of sad in a way. The very last nail held on tight. It is really too bad the barn wasn't built better in the beginning. Most of the wood is white oak that was probably cut and milled on-site. We don't know for sure, but it was probably build in the early 20's. There is a date in the mortar on the silo next to the bard that says 1923. We did discover when clearing the behind the barn that there is the shell of another silo that was knocked down to ground level and filled with dirt. Perhaps that one is older still. I would like to know more about the history of this land. Fortunately, the sheep farmer across the highway was born in our house. I would like to somehow document his memory and knowledge of how it used to be. If he is willing, it would be neat to get him on video talking about the "old place".
I find it more than ironic that the strangely shaped tree in the front of the house died the same year we completed the deconstruction of the old barn. How long have they known each other?
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