Been A Long Time

So sorry everyone for the lapse in posting. Between the usual hectic summer of a nursery business and family vacations, my father-in-law's health rapidly declined and after several weeks in the hospital, he passed away. And afterwards the ongoing job of cleaning up the estate,etc. I have 4 more weekends at the farmers market, plus I am doing the Harvest Festival at Greenbluff for the first time, so quite an adventure. That runs every weekend throughout October, so you can imagine the preparation to get enough jams and baked goods to carry me thru. Anyone want to help? We were blessed with an awesome summer as far as weather goes; in fact we are expecting our first frost this week. Others in the area have not been quite so lucky, but we are still getting cukes, tomatoes, and a bumper crop of peppers. Also a good year for potatoes, hops, grapes, plums, raspberries, basil, and garlic. The air quality was a bit bad at times because of the wild fires around us and the lack of breezes, but has cleared up considerably in the last couple of days. I promise to be more diligent with the writing, and hope to bring some new ideas for plantings and crafts in the coming months. How about a sneak peek into what some of the hot plants for next year will be? We miss you Dad. 04/25/1925 - 08/23/2012 For now,Patti

Curtis Franklin Peterson passed on 08/23/2012, to finally join his wife Elizabeth. Born to Walter and Viola Peterson on 04/25/25, he was the 4th of 5 children. Curt served in WWII, and spent his 21st birthday preparing for D-Day. A man of strong morals and convictions, he served as the army's photographic developer and as a Medic due to his Conscientious Objector status. Upon his return to the States he attended WA State University, where he received a Bachelor of Pharmacology degree. While working his first job as a pharmacist in Sprague Washington he met Elizabeth Dirkes, then working her first job as a high school Music, English, and Home Economics teacher. They married in July 1951, and had three children, Claudia Peterson Spencer, Daniel (wife Patricia), and Timothy. In addition to his three children, Curt leaves behind a large living family; two sisters, 4 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and countless extended family members; all of whom remember him fondly. He was known to put the needs of others well before his own, whether family, friend, or stranger. A very generous and compassionate man, his house was often open to those in need. He was known and loved for many reasons; from his time at his own store "Curt's Y Drugs", to decorating a 40 foot Christmas tree complete with giant wrapped boxes and hobby horse. He lived his life as a good man, and he will always stand in our memory as the type of person we can aspire to be.

Has it Been That Long?

Gosh! I can't imagine my last blog was in July. Where has the time gone? I know it's been a busy summer with everything going on, but really? I'm in my last week at Farmers Market

. I made alot of jams and preserves this year. The garden was a little disappointing this year, although the tomatoes and peppers are still producing. A heavy frost is coming this week so that will put an end to them. I'll let the chickens out to that side of the garden to clean up and fertilize.

 We managed a couple of quick vacations. Took the granddaughters to Glacier National Park in Montana, and Dan and I managed to get some time to ourselves on the Washington and Oregon coast.

Did some re-vamping of the front flower beds. As in digging them all out and re-doing. Still have more to add to them, but all in good time. Took a few trees on the property out. Added a few more. Tucked some shrubs in and around.

We took a train ride with some friends this weekend. The trees are just starting to turn and it was beautiful. It turned rainy and cold but it was great to be with old friends.

Our praying mantis that we hatched this spring returned, mated and laid more egg cases in the greenhouse. They pop up when we are watering and it's fun to go in there and see if we can spot them. Speaking of the greenhouse. We brought in all the plants from around the yard including alot of the houseplants that didn't fit back into the sunroom. Now the greenhouse is full. Won't leave us much room for the tomatoes and other plants we start here in the following months. Guess we will cross that bridge when we get to it. Anyone have an extra greenhouse? Or more land? It really has come to the point if we are going to continue on with the business we will have to expand and obtain more land and hire people to help out. So the question is do we stay a small hobby farm or go for it? The Christmas shows will be starting in November so gearing up for them. Betsy and I have been brainstorming ideas for new things we want to create. Trying to get a project done every evening after work. I haven't even read my favorite blogs lately. Hope everyone out there in blogland is still active.