The mundane aspects of farm life

We've been through a warm, dry spell, which means the vines are growing well. And so are the weeds. Today, I'm torn between weeding and watering -- two activities of equal importance to the success of the vineyard. Alas, there's only one of me so I must choose. I will start with the weeding and make the switch to watering later, as the temperature rises.

Last evening, Marc and I battled swarms of mosquitos in an attempt to finish another project here on the farm. The mosquitos won, Marc became badly bloodied, and we gave up and went inside about 6 p.m. That just means we have our work cut out for us preparing for our summertime guests, who arrive on Thursday. Curious? Stay tuned!

A little 'free press'

I consider the pitches I make to the Mankato press on behalf of the farmers' market, akin to picking red apples right there at the bottom of the tree. You know, going after that low hanging fruit! I mean seriously. It's Mankato.

Nonetheless, it's still gratifying to have young reporters take the bait and it's even more gratifying to this "seasoned" hack when they lift my "pitch" word for word as they develop their stories. It could only be better for them if I'd added gift wrapping.

On opening day in May, my pitch garnered the market coverage on the front page of the Sunday A section, above the fold, with four color photos. This past weekend, newspaper reporters were back and joined by the lovely Kira Klapper from the local CBS affiliate, KEYC television. I steered the TV reporter to one of my favorite vendors in an effort to stay off screen. (They say the camera adds 20 pounds!) I wasn't lucky enough to avoid the paper photographer though. At least the angle was good.

Find the newspaper story here.

Find the TV piece here.

It's says a lot about this south central Minnesota community that when children of color come to town, it's news.

Just being neighborly...

You've got to feel for these guys working on our county roads. I mean, when the work day comes to a close (at 4 p.m., no less) what's a guy supposed to do with his equipment? Driving it back into town might result in something like -- I dunno -- overtime?

Here's a thought, let's pull into the nearest farmstead and see if they wouldn't mind if we parked here overnight!
We were kind of disappointed they didn't leave us the keys. Then again, when you're young and agile like Marc here, you still can have a bit of fun with the larger-than-life toy.

Just another Tuesday at Four Cedars Farms!

History Matters...

I spent two hours in my favorite south central Minnesota town tonight listening to a conservator from the Minnesota Historical Society talk about some of the simple things we can do to slow the impact of aging for those precious family keepsakes, including photos. Allow me to pass along a few notable ideas:

• First, when you're shopping and see the term "archival" on a scrapbook or frame or album, beware. Archival is a generic, even meaningless term tossed on products for the purpose of sales, much like the label "no added sugar" on food products.
  
• Public Enemy No. 1 of organic products, meaning paper or textiles (including photos) is ultra-violet light. If you have something you wish to preserve for decades, you need to limit its exposure to light. You can do this by displaying the item in a windowless room, framing it using glass that has a UV filter, or simply storing it in darkness.
  
• If you have cardboard backing up any precious framed photos, get rid of it right away and replace it with acid-free paper.
  
• Never use adhesives to mount photos, prints, or anything in a frame. Use photo corners, adhesive mounts (where the adhesive doesn't touch the art) or even corners clipped from an acid-free envelope.
  
• Always make sure framed artifacts, including photos, don't touch the glass of the frame. Use a window mat or spacers to get a slim cushion of air into the frame. Once an old photo gels up (possible on humid days) and sticks to glass, it's there for good.
  
• Never laminate photos or documents, but do place brittle papers in polyester film to protect them from further deterioration.
  
• If you plan to use plastic to protect anything, including photos and slides, look for plastic that is labeled as having NO PVC. If the label isn't clear, put the plastic to your nose. If it has that "plastic" smell, don't use it.
  
• If, like me, you're fond of storing family treasures in a cedar chest, either line the chest with a acid-free paper, or wrap treasures in a cotton sheet. Don't let the cedar (or any wood product) come into contact with something you wish to preserve.
  
• If you are a gun collector, keep the old guns and lead bullets out of an oak cabinet. That goes for silver too.
  
• Last but not least, label the backs of photographs with identification using a dull, No. 2 pencil. Remember, a photo without a name has no value at all!