We had a surprise visitor in our tractor tire playground during construction – a little snapping turtle!

Getting there...

I would love to hear what you all think each of these pictures are…my hint – they’re all growing at the orchard!

A. Hostas B. Squash C. Grapes D. Dandelions – lots of Dandelions E. APPLES F. Sunflower Maze G. Peaches (I actually have quite a few peaches this year…well, maybe 20…) H. Pears – the pears are loaded I. Capri J. Broccoli K. Pick Your own RaspberriesL. Cedi M. Blueberries N. Plums (very few…)

PS. We also do have a 'pick your own' pumpkin patch growing - I guess I just forgot to post the pictures so don't worry! We'll still have that!

getting bigger...

I put in tires 11, 12 and 13 all on a hot Saturday - I swear the ground is getting rockier and clayier!

Here's tire number 10 in place!

I have plans to do some more digging today - I'll keep you all posted! It's getting to be LOTS of fun!

The day we got back from our little trip to Virginia I dug in THREE tractor tires!

Six tires are in! Jared went and got another load so I'll have to start digging again soon...

Here's a picture of the fifth tire in!

I must have missed taking a picture with just the 3 tires in so here's a double header - tires 3 & 4. The fourth tire looks small but trust me it isn't - it's massive! I have to admit that Al did help me in digging in the big one but I still got a good arm workout.

  I’m sure you’ve seen the tractor tire playground we’re in the process of digging in – well we’re also changing things up a bit for our pick your own Raspberry Patch.  We have installed 96-foot hoop house and the other weekend we managed to get the plastic on (it went way easier than we thought, crossing our fingers that it’s up properly).  This is going to help prolong the life of the ‘Pick Your Own’ time at the orchard.  As long as the hoop house keeps the bushes from freezing – they will produce raspberries – therefore allowing to pick your own – maybe until Thanksgiving…?

Here are some pictures from our day. Before I even made it out in the morning to help, Jared had gotten one side up – no idea how he does what he does, but hey, I’ll take it…I ecspecially don’t know how he did the one side by himself after helping him with the other side…it was not easy! Laying the plastic out and getting it ready for the big ‘pull’.  We really lucked out that there was no wind that day and that our buddy Al showed up to help. I had a sitter for the girls for the morning and she took some pictures of us pulling the plastic over.    I’m pretty sure I’m asking Al, “Was it really that easy?” A view from inside – it heated up so fast!  A view of the hoop house with the plastic covered. A view of the hoop house all opened up – we’ll close it up if the forecast is for cold weather. 

Here's a picture of the second tire in place...