Farmers Market Archives - A Country Girl's Heart -Beats that Matter

April 25, 2020April 25, 2020

5 Reasons to Shop Local Farmers Markets

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I recently learned of a story telling how a great uncle hauled cucumbers into a local town about 7 to 10 miles from the homestead. Here sat large wooden barrels where cucumbers soaked to be hauled off on the train as pickles.

A picture of the place my great uncle hauled pickles. I wonder if my Grandpa did too.

It must have taken an entire day to drive with horses pulling a wagon loaded with cucumbers almost 10 miles, unload the cucumbers and drive home. Imagine the time involved in hand picking all those cucumbers before somebody in the family needed to spend an entire day hauling a load to town. Yet, in those days it was worth it? Our American society needs were different during that time.

I heard my great uncle had the following to say about hauling pickles:

“He said his Dad was one best pickle sorter and the pickle factory knew it. They always had him unloaded ahead rest of the wagons they knew he always had the best sorted pickle.”

These ‘days gone by’ marked the beginning of the industrialized and global market we know today. While some changes are good, others sadden me. Why does a farmer today need money from the government to survive when he or she produces one of the most important commodities for human life: food?

In our current crisis why does a farmer find themselves reliant on a global economy for income when neighbors need to eat? These same neighbors purchase food that may or may not have even been produced in our own country.

Why Local Farmer’s Markets Today

CG Heartbeats Farm table at a 2019 Market

Here is where I see a huge value in a local farmers market, not only do you support families in the community where you live, you are also able to gain first hand knowledge of practices used to produce the food you eat.

I am not sure how you think about this, but I hate it when I read ingredients on a package to realize there are several that I do not know what they are or why I want to put that inside of myself.

Does it take longer to cook your own food? Maybe, but not always. It is rather, a mind set shift. I would like to use garlic as an example. Until I began raising my own garlic, I always used the dry stuff that came in a shake out container.

Fresh Garlic vs. Dried Store Garlic Powder

Easy to open the cupboard and dump. But not much more work to use real garlic once you have a process in place. Mine looks like this:

Granted this does involve a few additional steps. Key in this process is a good garlic press. I have tried a few different ones. I highly recommend a quality hand garlic press to help the process go smoothly. The whole process takes me less than 5 minutes.

We just decided that it takes about 5 minuets or less to use real garlic, so what is the motivation behind adding a few more minuets to cooking a meal?

Health Benefits and Flavor

Health benefits first prompted me to start growing my own garlic. I found that it grows well here at CG Heartbeats Farm and most varieties grow rather large.

Order Garlic

Grown with no chemicals at CG Heartbeats Farm

Excited to offer shipped garlic.
Now order and pay for online.
Garlic ships in September and October
Limited to the lower 48 states in the US.

**Click Here** or on **above picture** to order / pre-order garlic. 2020 garlic crop ships in September or October.

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Using fresh food enhances flavor dramatically. This applies anytime a person uses a fresh food, even home processed (frozen, canned, or dried) over some similar product processed in _______ (Who knows? Fill in the blank.)

These days I find it most unfortunate the difficulty of knowing truly where food came from. A label may only read a location in the United States where a package was distributed from. I feel a disappointed at the lack of disclosure on several different factors of many food options today.
~ M. Graber

5 Reasons for Shopping Local Farmers Market

Here are my top reasons for choosing to shop at local farmers market. We can all utilize our local markets as often as possible.

What reasons would you add to what I listed above? Leave a comment sharing why you find local farmers markets important.

Shop Online at Local Farmers Market

Relevant to our current call to social distance, a new way to shop at local farmers markets has emerged. Online shopping with local pick up. One market in Culver, Indiana uses a web company called Local Line. CG Heartbeats Farm now offers online ordering as a part of Culver Farmers Market. Check it out if you are in or near Marshall County Indiana as this site is for local sales ONLY! https://www.localline.ca/cg-heartbeats-farm

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August 23, 2019August 23, 2019

Homestead Diary ~ Week 3

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Week 3 of August proved a challenge in regard to my health. I look back as I prepared this post and I see progress, good memories and much to be grateful for. But to be honest in those moments when I lacked energy, I felt discouraged. Week 1 and Week 2 of August felt considerably more productive.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

I have not felt good today. I have laid low aside from a bit of laundry and working online. I chased away all those nagging thoughts of projects and work I want to complete outside for I know I need to rest today. By rest that means I do as little as possible when it comes to strenuous physical activity. The fact that I need these days at this stage in my life contributed to the fact I started this web site and working online as a part of what I do. I make use of these days to write and work online. Certainly not a wasted day by no means.

I ordered Perfect Fit, a CD by Patrick McAvinue. I am certain to enjoy it. The anticipation of its arrival chased away my blue attitude brought on by my lack of energy today.

Friday, August 16, 2019

I fought a fogy head most of the day. Aside from chores, and a trip to the bank (which was actually 2 trips) I fumbled through the day. A bit of online work seemed to be the best I could do.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

I had after much debate decided to attend one of my annual family reunions. In doing so I missed out attending the Culver Farmer’s Market. To my dismay, I arrived at my destination after 1 and a half hours travel, to learn the event is indeed scheduled for next Saturday. I admit to feeling angry for about 5 or 10 minutes. A question arose with in me, “Did I want to be a person who could not handle a change in the plan of the day?” The answer left me no alternative but to change my thought process. How could I enjoy this day going forward?

I saved seeds from the largest tomato after eating a part of it at my parents on Saturday.

I completely gave my anger away ASAP. Let it go! After eating a portion of one of the heirloom tomatoes I had brought with me, my Dad and I were off to visit one of his cousins. His wife needed input from me for a wall hanging made of my younger sisters 4-H tee shirts. After a friendly visit, at my Dad’s suggestion, I enjoyed a look at a collection of around 100 model John Deere tractors. Impressive!

A meal out with my Mom in the town I went to High School in, found me thinking about the changes in my life in the last 27 years. Good changes for the most part. A bit more chatting at my parents, an hour + drive home, chores, and I sat down to listen to music via my phone.

Oh, I almost forgot, my cousin gifted me with 8 books (I really like books) and had left them at my parents for me to pick up. I checked the mail when I arrived home and found 2 books that were gifts, as well. Speaking of arriving home, I noticed my purse was no where to be found.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

I rested and started a new book from my cousin titled Wild Grows the Heather in Devon. I expected it to be a fast read, but in fact it is not. The subjects and questions the characters discuss give the feel of a theology book rather than a feel-good story. A bit of mystery surrounds the characters of a turn of the 19 century English family and the old great house.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Ah Mondays tend to be my day of the week I get the most done. Not today! I splurged on a trip into town for coffee and a sandwich. My head felt foggy. I hate feeling this way!!!! I decided not to dwell on that fact. After feeding the animals and working on small online projects I connected with my mom to plan the best way to get my purse back. We decided to meet in Goshen and included a visit with one of my aunts. We met for coffee and laughs at Burger King. Did you know they give seniors FREE coffee?

Before I left, I checked the mail and to my surprise I found a package containing the Patrick McAvinue CD I had ordered last Thursday. That arrived quickly! Want your own copy? Click here. Track # 11 made me want to get up and dance, thus it is my favorite of the 12. Along with the credits for each song you will find the inspiration behind its creation and/or why it made the cut. I thought that added a personal touch unseen in my experience.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Awaking, I determined to make this a productive day. I went through my morning routine, checking and picking tomatoes before feeding chickens. The hot humid air found me grumbling to myself concerning the conditions. After lunch I washed eggs, and prepped for the market in Culver. Everything pointed to rainy evening and with a broken canopy I choose to stay home.

Checking the rain gage, I seen only 1 and ½ inches. I expected a higher amount based my perception of rainfall since last Wednesday. Truly that translated into 1 inch since I left the ½ inch in the gage.

Reading in the book I started Sunday, I realized I did not have a clue what ‘Heather’ looks like. I did a quick google search and learned it has potential health benefits, it is a flowering shrub, and I find it pretty. I hope to add it to CG Heartbeats Farm in the future.

To be honest, I chased off thoughts of frustration for not showing up at the market realizing the rain had dissapaited by 5 pm there was not rain in Culver. I went to work on my computer determined not to waste my time.

I recently set up an account one Me We, a newer social media platform said to be friendly to animal sales. Tonight, I created groups for the 3 breeds of chickens I raise here: Swedish Flower Hens, Silver Gray Dorking, (Dorking Chickens) and Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner. Are you on Me We? If so, be sure to look me up. (Maria Graber)

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

All of my activities prepared me to be on time to the Bremen Farmer’s Market and not be too exhausted when I arrived. As much as I love the markets, I often find myself tired when they are over. I have been writing out a list with times on it to help me stay focused and plan my day. I was inspired by the quick glance I was given at the mastermind meet up at Crystal Paine’s houses. While not utilizing every single day, I sure find the practice a benefit. I look back at the last 3 and ½ weeks since returning. I see how much I accomplished compared to July. I am thankful to be a part of Your Blogging University and the mastermind.

I am writing this diary post on Thursday, remembering yesterdays events. I drove to Midwest to pick up Non-GMO chicken feed and Safe Guard for Rosie. Rosie, a 24 year old mare, could tell countless stories on me of all the fun memories. Perhaps another day and blog post(s). Working to Keep a healthy weight on her includes a pelleted feed and extra hay, teeth maintenance and time out to eat grass. Despite these efforts, she continues to struggle. She likes to trot and be pushy. I take that to mean she likes living.

With the feed unloaded, and Rosie dewormed, I set to cleaning up garlic for the Bremen Farmer’s Market. I cut a few flowers for decorating the table. Cisco and Clinch, in the yard near my car, decided the flowers were food. ‘Not my bouquets, boys!!!’

The small market crowd provided a few customers. The heirloom tomatoes were a hit. I am partial to them, myself, this year.

Arriving home, I found myself busy moving the SFH broody to a tank. I hoped for the best. I was trying a new time of day to move a broody hen. Last event of the chores before going in. Check back next week to see if she stayed on the only 2 of 10 eggs that had a viable chick in them.

Once inside, I went through lockdown procedures for the 7 Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner/Swedish Flower Hen cross eggs. A bit of disappointment shot thru me. A couple of the eggs looked like the air cell was too big, indicating I needed to start the lockdown earlier. Nothing to be changed on this hatch, but a note to self for next time. Again, I decided to hope for the best. Look for updates on Facebook and Instagram or look for next week’s diary post.

This post contains affiliate links. What does that mean to you?  Certain links when clicked on and a purchase is made will pay me a portion of the price with out any additional cost to you.

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August 15, 2019August 16, 2019

Homestead Diary ~ Week 2

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Picking up from where I left off last week. If you recall, I had been up late to catch Prince Charming. He is a sweetheart, but such a sneaky boy!

Thursday, August 8, 2019

I woke up at 3:30 am. I felt horrible and knew a low sugar level was the cause. I grabbed candy I keep near the bed and ate 4 to 5 pieces several times until I felt my body begin to no longer feel like I was going to pass out. Next time I was coherently awake was 10 am. My head hurt. But nothing like when I had a Traumatic Brain Injury. That headache hurt on a whole different level. Now I have to stop and pay attention to notice a head ache. I ached. A combination of a short night and bad sugar low told me I would have a slow day today. After caring for animals, I headed into town to work online. I noticed Sage had stayed in her dog house each time I had looked her way and when I checked on her she lifted her head. Sage, a blue healer and terrier mix, at 18 years old would not be with me much longer. I prepared for taking her in the following day to end her suffering.

Friday, August 9, 2019

The dreaded chore awaited me the following morning. I took her water and she drank. As the day progressed, I processed if this was the best thing to do. I struggle with these decisions. Once done they cannot be undone. I value human life and that of animals as well. I took care to spend time praying for others, my decision and praising God throughout the morning. I have been nose to the grindstone, but this morning I sat and watched inspirational messages and teachings from the Bible. I gathered emotional strength. Making sure all the chickens had water I had 2 tasks at hand: picking up chicken and horse feed, which for some reason I do not enjoy, and the final decision about Sage. I noticed it looked like she had vomited. To give you her history, she has had a mass under her belly for 4 years and up until 2 days ago has had normal body functions, eating and drinking. When I seen she had vomited I knew it was time. Making the appointment I teared up a little. In less than an hour she was no longer suffering. I drove her home and I took off to pick up chicken feed.

I write this and still will be unloading chicken feed and doing PM chores. I know Brian will be helping me say the final good byes to Sage this evening. I want to share a bit about her as she brought much joy and laughter to my life. The first time I met her she barked at me when I left as if to tell me, don’t leave me here. I suppose the telling of Sage will be another blog post in the future cause as I think about my memories of her, I see 1000 words in my mind. She was about as bossy as a dog could be, and had a mind of her own. I was right there by her petting her head and talking to her. It was about as peaceful as it could be.

I believe the Lord has shown me that I have created a habit of avoiding or ignoring painful or uncomfortable situations. Today I faced it head on, even if I took 6 hours to prepare.

It wouldn’t hurt as bad if I did not love as deeply.

Saturday, August 10, 2019

Off to Culver Farmer’s Market where I sold eggs and garlic. Here I had several wonderful conversations with friends and market patrons. At the close of market, I hurried on to have a late lunch with family. I felt wore out emotionally. I grieved noticing how Sage did not bark at me. I heard her bossy bark in my head. Prince Charming escaped Saturday evening again as I headed out to do late chores. I had been resting reading, Betty Zane, a good part of the evening. I decided to sit out on the porch and read waiting for Prince Charming to show himself and be caught. At first, I felt frustrated and angry, a product of my grieving process, but as I sat out in the night air, my heart began to feel peaceful. I enjoyed the story about Betty a frontier girl living along the Ohio river. Her settlement was the first in the area. The story, written in the 1920’s and based on diary entries from the 1700’s of her brothers. Zane Grey, a descendant of the Zane family authored the story surrounding her historic act. As I understand in the town of Wheeling, West Virginia there stands a monument commemorating the siege of Fort Henry September 1782. This book was one of several that I picked up at the Culver Farmer’s Market. Reading stories of heroes who settled our country revives the pioneer/homestead spirit in me.

Sunday, August 11, 2019

A longed-for day of rest, which is what I did, while caring for the animals of course. A late evening visit at friends, where I took a quick picture of a couple of the pullets, she has from CG Heartbeats Farm stock. After catching up I watched her husband ride one of her horses tracking the hot heels. Hot heels are a training/practice tool for rope horses. They are usually pulled by a 4-wheeler and imitate a roping steer. Monday morning as I write this, I again feel a longing to ride. My work awaits to be completed first.

Monday, August 12, 2019

A hot, humid day with rain in the forecast, but it was after noon, evening and overnight until we happily received 3/4ths of an inch of rain. I feel deeply thankful for the rain. I felt super excited to find a Silver-Gray Dorking hen (with a red tag) sitting on the eggs this morning. To this point, I am always excited for a broody hen. They make my life easier as I have shared.

I moved chicks and grow-outs that are living in tanks outside in cages and began the process of cleaning the tanks. I first drag to the manure pile and dump, next drag to the side of the chicken barn where I spray out with the hose. This part of the process looks different each time. It varies how long I soak the tanks, if I use apple cider vinegar to clean, or if I scrub them with a brush. When they are clean, I drag them near-by, tip on their side, leaving them until they dry. If I don’t want to use them right away, I store them tipped upside down. I drag them back into the barn when I use them. On occasion I will have someone help me carry them which is much easier. Usually as I am solo, I drag them. These are plastic 100-gallon stock tanks and not terribly heavy. My cell phone was on the verge of complete shutdown due is age of 6 to 8 years. At times the screen would go white and I could see nothing. The evening was spent shopping for a new phone. I did finally against by wishes, end up with a smart phone. This is my first. I suppose it will have its benefits, but I like a phone to be a phone…

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Caring for animals, prepping for the evening market, and working on a blog post took up most of my day.

I thoroughly enjoyed Culver Market chatting with other vendors and friends. I gathered the remaining information I needed to complete the upcoming blog post on this market. Look for it to post on the coming Monday.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

This day has been an almost repeat of yesterday in the fact that I cared for animals, worked on a blog post and prepared for market. Feeling tired, I tried to stay focused on only what I needed to do. Do you have days like that? As drove into Bremen, I was watching the sky (and the radar). It sure looked like we were going to get hit with rain. I opted to wait to set until it past. The rain took its sweet time and it was almost 5 pm before I set up my table. People started trickling in. Tonight was FREE cupcake night for school students. I am certain all were given away. A cooler air settled in for the night. Upon arriving home, I seen we had been given ½ inch of rain. I feel blessed to have 1 ¼ inch of rain this week. The ground has been getting pretty dry and now I will be relieved of the duty of watering garden and pots. I had just settled into bed when I heard the chickens carrying on. NOW WHAT?!? I felt tired!!!! Dressed and armed out I went to see what was going on…. OH, the pen that has been eating their eggs, had laid an egg and had started to eat it. To tell the truth, I felt relieved, a bit happy and my rather irritated attitude left. I felt like laughing. I could to back to bed and sleep with no worries of a predator tonight.

A quick word to chickens eating eggs: based on my observations, this act lasts for a season and then seems to resolve itself. I am not fond of it, but I have yet to have a hen that does not stop such behavior on her own over time.

Wow, this ends the 2^nd week of August. Did you read the first week? Thank you for sharing in this journey via my diary entries.

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June 3, 2019June 3, 2019

Down Home Discount

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Past blog posts have taken a look at different farmer’s markets I have attended. In this post I am excited to share a story about a little different place to find farmer market items. When I am in the Cody and Powell, Wyoming area, I always stop by to shop for great deals on foods and other items from Down Home Discount.

Down Home Discount in Powell, Wyoming offers a unique service to both local farmers and area consumers. Staying within the local and state laws they provide a venue for goods to be available from producers in the surrounding area. Keep reading to learn exactly what locally produced food you will find.

What: Down Home Discount
Where: 410 South Clarke Street
       Powell, Wyoming
When: Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm
      Saturday 8 am – 4:30 pm

This store opened in August of 2017 as a place to purchase name brand products at a reduced price. While some products are out dated or dented, most of their merchandise is with in a use by date and with no damage at all. Use this link to read about purchasing items that are damaged or past the date. Since their purchase price is a fraction of what other stores in the area pay, they are able to pass these savings on to their customers. Owned by a local family with 4 children, they understand the struggles of making ends meet and are excited to offer a lower priced option to the public. A fun part of shopping here is the excitement of discovering what great deals are available each week. Along with groceries DHD also offers a variety of household wares, clothing, and personal hygiene items at a fraction of prices at other locations.

I enjoyed sharing in the opening of Down Home Discount located at 410 South Clark St. This store owned by the Ruckerts was about 3 to 4 years in the making. After many conversations, meetings and plans it felt like a dream come true to finally have their store open. As with most new business ventures, there were and are details to be figured out.

Meet the Owners

Both Brad and April grew up in the Midwest on a dirt road, but not the same one. Brad on a dairy and crop farm and April in a 5-acre woods that included many different animals including horses and goats. Now longtime residents of the Cody/Powell area, they have settled here to raise their own family of 4. Often, on the trips back home they found enjoyment and value in the many discounted stores thriving in their hometown and surrounding area. It was here the dream began to bring this shopping option to their neck of the woods in Wyoming. I admire the fact that it was at least 4 years in the making. The many steps and meetings as the researched this dream. Tenacity is a character trait they both carry, although they may or may not realize its presence.

I was scheduled to be on hand for the grand opening. However, a death in the family, left me with a decision to make and I choose to stay home for the funeral. I enjoyed helping in the store when I did arrive in the first few weeks it opened

Local Farmer’s Contributions

The Ruckert’s understand the importance of supporting local business and the health value of local produce and other foods. Happily, Down Home Discount has made space in the store for local vendors to display their wares. Along with finding great deals on groceries and other products you will find some of the same buying options as if you were attending a local farmer’s market. Keep in mind these items are going to support local families and may not be discounted, but their value comes in the form of health and homemade/produced goods.

Local Baked goods

Local Dairy Products

Farm Fresh ice cream is one of the items available at the Powell store.

Mexican Cuisine

Local crafted Tamale after being purchased and then cooked at home.

Eggs are available. Look for other locally produced foods to be available when you visit Down Home Discount.

A New Location

New in 2019, Down Home Discount and it’s owners opened a new location in Cody, Wyoming about a 30 minute drive from Powell. This location is also a little less than an hour from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park making it a great place to stock up on supplies for your trip into the park.

What: Down Home Discount
Where: 2621 Big Horn Avenue
       Cody, Wyoming
When: Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm 
      Saturday 9 am – 5 pm

This new location offers a different buying option. A percentage of merchandise can be purchased in bulk at an additional discount, on top of already low prices. For example, 12 cans of baked beans for the price of 11 when prices are already lower. Get together with your friends when shopping Down Home Discount in Cody and save even more. This new location brings a larger selection in clothing, shoes, health and beauty, and

Facts to remember:

Both stores do not always carry the same merchandise from week to week. It can be like opening a present and you find your self surprised with new items on a regular basis when shopping at Down Home Discount. Stay informed of the weekly deals and new products on Facebook: Down Home Discount on FB.

Attentions local farmers and producers:

Are you a local farmer and produce local food in the Cody, Wyoming or Powell area? Be sure to contact Down Home Discount to speak with them about offering your local produce in their store.

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April 4, 2019April 4, 2019

Kosciusko County Farmer’s and Artisan’s Market

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If you have been following this blog over the past few months, I shared that I had attended 2 different indoor farmer’s markets local to my area. I wrote about the Culver Farmer’s Market and the Indoor Holiday Market in Bremen, Indiana. On March 30, 2019, I attended a third, new to me, indoor farmer’s market, the Kosciusko County Farmer’s and Artisan’s Market. I had wanted to attend in February, but I did not make it happen. This market has existed for 40 years.

The morning dawned crisp with a colorful sunrise. The air was sharp, but fresh. I arrived and found a friend Julie, who was there with her succulent and fresh flower business, Blooms on 800. She, not only, showed me where to get the provided table, but helped me set it up. The room was large. After setting out the wreaths, birdhouses, and signs, I took a look around at some of the other offerings.

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Take a closer look for your self by viewing this short video showing many of the options to purchase that day.

I chatted with a woman who, along with her husband sells pasteurized goat milk. It was most interesting conversation as I grew up drinking raw goat milk until I was around 11 years old. It is good to hear others stories. I made it back to my table and began painting.

Two of the ‘new’ wren houses I will be painting. They will be covered with protective coating so they can actually be used outside!

I had brought a couple of the new actual bird houses that are for real wrens to use. They are super cute and as I write I am feeling excited for the ways I can paint on them. I will then coat them with a clear protectant to allow them to stay ‘pretty’ when used outside and exposed to the weather.

I played around with black and white to come up with this roof color. I have really enjoyed mixing colors for the unique individual results I end up with.

On that day I choose to paint a decorative bird house with a similar picture I had done at the last Culver Market (Culver, Indiana). The final product pictured below.

Another vendor approached me with a request for a custom order. A painted bird house that would have the ability to hold business cards on their vendor table. The conversation provided interesting information about producing corn and other non-GMO vegetables while not cross pollinating with area crops. I look forward to working with that family to fill their request. One of my favorite parts of the market was the young ladies who hung out with me to watch me paint. I believe in the importance of investing in future generations. I want to plant seeds of inspiration even when I may never see the full development and effect.

As the market wrapped up for the day, I took a spin of the wheel at the Kosciusko County Master Gardeners Association. It landed on the question: What is the state tree of Indiana? I was happy to see a multiple-choice answer. White Ash, Tulip Tree or White Oak were my choices. I choose Tulip Tree and won a pack of carrot seeds. Yeah!!!! I like seeds! You never know what fun you will find at a farmer’s market.

This indoor winter market was held in Warsaw, Indiana every third Saturday of the month. I happened to attend the last one, but they have a great (so I have been told) summer market that is held on an actual street. I like that. It has an old world feel to it. Do you agree? Check out the summer market details below.

Location: Downtown Warsaw, Indiana between Buffalo and Lake Streets
Date: Every Saturday beginning May 4, 2019 through October 26, 2019 rain or shine
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Cost: $0 to attend

Farmer’s Markets provide a place to connect with those who produce your food in a local area. Some even provide live music which is my icing on the cake. May I challenge you to look for markets local to your area and support the local economy? Who knows? You make new friends, find a healthier way to eat, enjoy good music and teach the younger generation by example.

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January 7, 2019January 7, 2019

Winter 2019

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A new year has begun. I for one am excited for the blank slate a new year appears to provide. I have many ideas that have been floating around in my head for the last few years. Projects I have started, that I will build upon and a few new ideas for later in the year. I to take time to look back at what I did accomplish in 2018. I also took a not so pleasant look at the challenges and problems that arose, some still in need of resolution and answers. These are common approaches to a venture such as homesteading and many other walks of life. One benefits from taking time to reflect and evaluate progress and problems.

Now officially winter, the weather has stayed pleasant. By pleasant I mean often temps are above 32 during the day. A warm winter by northern Indiana standards. I plan to use this time of slow down to work on this website, plant seeds indoors, work in my house, hatch chicks and plan for the coming growing season outdoors.

Evaluating and planning chicken breeding pens for all breeds

Swedish Flower Hens currently are by far the most prolific of the three breeds. I am seeing excellent fertility in the eggs I am hatching. I have 2 breeding pairs, 5 breeding pens, and a trio of this breed. My breeding goals continue to be the same as posted. I have plans to add an additional line to include crested Swedish Flower Hen.

The Silver Gray Dorkings are fertile, but it does seem to drop off this time of year. I will continue to hatch as many as I can. I intend to add a line from another farm this year.

The Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiners have proved to be the breed I am struggling with the most. I really like them, but need to figure out why the fertility has been low. I intend to add a line from another farm for this breed as well. I like the eggs they lay and the size of the roosters and hens.

Deciding on locations for garlic, garden space, and fruit bearing plants.

I am super excited to have connected with a neighbor who will be able to plow up ground, increasing garden space and breaking up sod in areas where fruit and garlic will be planted. I am going to be in need of a roto-tiller now with all of the added garden space. I planted around 150 bulbs of garlic this year. This all fit in approximately 100 sq. feet. I would like to plant 1/8^th of an acre this year if not more. I intend to plant all the Concord grape plants I can start indoors over the winter. Right now, I have around 25.

A few of the potted grape starts to be planted outdoors in the spring.

One of my goals includes growing blue berries, at least for my own enjoyment. I know the perfect location on this homestead for them to thrive, but right now that ground is a part of a pasture. Fencing changes need to happen in order to proceed. There are existing apple trees and a pear tree that I need to learn how to manage. The raspberry plants will need to be pruned in the spring. I am giving thought how to manage the raspberries in order to make picking a bit easier, without completely moving them. They do well where they are located. I would like to plant strawberry plants this year. I will be researching both what variety and best growing habitat before moving forward.

I intend to plant sweet potatoes in buckets again. I have a small container garden that will provide a place to plant some type of vegetable. I am working on the details of where the main vegetable garden will be located and how large (or small) it will be. I do not have a final list of vegetable to be planted. These decisions will be made in the coming weeks.

Adding additional farmers markets to this year’s schedule.

Last summer I got my feet wet when it comes to attending a farmer’s market. I am excited to build on that in 2019. I would like to include a display on a regular basis to share where the eggs are coming from. This will also raise awareness at a local level that I breed, raise, and sell 3 rare breeds of chickens, hatching eggs and chicks.

I plan to take many of the same items this year to the market I took last year. I want to plant specific items that may not have been in regular supply at the market last year. The list of what the farm will produce this year is a work in process. I immensely enjoy attending the farmer’s markets.

Planning this year’s web site goals.

I am super excited to be working on updating the pages that share info about the chickens I am raising. I am also excited to be finishing the course on hatching eggs in an incubator. My goal for a release date is the end of Jan or beginning of February. Yes, I am giving myself a bit of wiggle room. Beyond that I intend to continue to bring you a weekly blog post and perhaps two.

If you would like to join a wait list for this course please click on the following: Hatching Course.

I would love to hear what topics you would like to hear about. Leave a comment or send an email to share your ideas.

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November 28, 2018December 4, 2018

A Holiday Farmer’s Market

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With the garlic planted, I was ready to turn my attention to the upcoming Indoor Farmer’s Market and cweek to prepare for the first Indoor Market in Bremen. Knowing that the hens were molting I wanted to have more to take than eggs, if I would have any. Egg production drops off when the hens molt. I contacted my Mom and she was trilled with the idea of making crafts for the sale. Earlier in the fall I had looked over boxes of craft items my Mom had stored for future creations. The only item I was sure she had was A LOT of fake evergreen.

She had many birds, little wooden bird houses, other wooden pieces, ribbon, beads, fake snow, bows, and other pieces to create to our hearts content. I picked up some paint and found more in my own craft supplies. I probably have not even looked into my craft boxes for over 5 years.

Day 1:
Armed with my hot glue gun, a few bottles of paint, along with purchases I had recently made, I set out on an almost 2-hour drive to spend an afternoon painting little decorative bird houses. My Mom had come up with the idea to make the bird houses as if they were gingerbread houses, but first they would need a base paint. These cute things were no taller than 4 inches. I had purchased brown paint to hopefully resemble a gingerbread house.

After painting a few brown ones, I wanted to play with the red, green and white I had brought along. Time flew by that first afternoon. My mom and I had planned to take a break and make a short trip for coffee and donuts (for Mom) and food with more substance for me. A special way to spend time with family hanging out and expressing our creative side.

Day 2:
I looked out my window to see a whole bunch of white covering the landscape in the beautiful way only fresh fallen snow can. The drive took longer, but the pretty view along the way left me feeling like I arrived in no time. I sat down and went right to work with a paint brush. I seemed to move from one to the other thinking on ideas of what I wanted to create on a previous house as I worked. I switched from painting to work on a wreath. I needed to take a break from the brush. As I worked my thoughts went from gingerbread houses to a winter scene with snow covered pine trees. Humm I wonder…. if I could paint a pine tree….?

I recalled a time in fourth grade, that I had sat down with a blank piece of card board and various colors of chalk. I had messed around a bit with drawing, as a child might, but not with any flow or success. Drawing usually felt like a struggle, something that I had to think hard about. This day I was recalling, the picture began to appear beneath the splashes of chalk. I was looking a painting of 3 collie dogs, but drawing in chalk. I sat alone in our living room, mentally tuning into a creative, artistic zone. I heard the voices of people working in our house trailer that day as if they were a TV playing in the background. In reality, there was many who had come over to clean up a big mess, made when I had unleased an entire fire extinguisher on a single electrical outlet. The act alone, I was told, is why there was a heavy covering of dust like material in the entire house trailer. Had I not acted quickly, there would have been NO house to clean. I felt terrified when I saw flames coming from the outlet. Looking back, I now believe the drawing of the collie dog provided an outlet for emotion overwhelm. That day, the face of a collie seemed to me to simply appear from the strokes of chalk, there was a flow I had never felt before. I struggled many times after that as I attempted to draw pictures, but rarely, if ever, felt the synchronicity of seeing with my mind and creating with my hands. On the day in my memory…I wondered, ‘Could I draw the face of a collie with those pieces of chalk.’ I had found them when working to clean up the mess.

Back to the current day, sitting with a paint brush in hand I again felt the flow from my mind to the picture that appeared as I painted. The fact I was feeling a similar connection between my hand creating and the picture I was seeing in my mind had reminded me of the day of the fire.

Market Day

The day of the market arrived. I made use of the option to take items in the day before, so set up was fast on Saturday morning.

Having been a vendor at Bremen’s summer Farmer’s Market, I enjoyed seeing familiar faces of both vendors and customers alike. This time I sat painting, while chatting with people new and old. I enjoyed this version of a market. There were new to me vendors attending the indoor market, such as Millers Goat and Garden.

This of course caught my attention since I grew up around goats. A bit more about my child hood in the blog post titled: Roots and Wings: New Life ~ Goats. Word has it, a Valentine’s Day Market is in consideration for February. Be sure to visit and like the Facebook page for Bremen Farmer’s Market for updates using the link posted below.

www.facebook.com/BremenFarmersMarket

And stop by the CG Heartbeats Farm Facebook page for farm news, local market updates, new blog posts and other interesting bits of info.

In summary, Bremen’s event, A Holiday Farmers Market, was a success for me. I sold a few things, and conversed with people in the community I had not met before. I also had reason to spend 2 days with my Mom as we prepared. Simply put: A Holiday Farmer’s Market equaled a fun time! This years indoor market was a first time event for Bremen, Indiana. A first of many, I hope!!

A big thank you to Yoder’s Bremen Hardware in downtown Bremen, Indiana for providing the venue along with chairs and tables for the event.

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September 26, 2018January 1, 2019

Farmer Markets – Nappanee Farm and Flea Market

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In July, I began attending a second weekly farm market and what follows tells a bit of my experience.

As I have shared in my previous post about the Bremen Farmer’s Market, one of the fun rewards of attending included making new friends. Julie attended the Bremen Market bringing beautiful fresh cut flowers and displayed them in a unique way. Setting up next to her one Wednesday evening I believe the first words out of my mouth were, “I love your cart. It is so cute!” I adored her the way she presented her flowers. I learned it was an old, repurposed fire hose cart with wooden boxes added to sell from.

We chatted throughout the evening and she gave me information about a market in a near by town where she also sold flowers. I had not sold all my eggs that week and was of course gaining more by the day. The hens were busy laying at that point in the summer. I decided to give the Nappanee Farm and Flea Market a try.

At this point I still had no canopy and the sun was hot a few of those summer mornings. I recall the good feeling of adding a second market to my week. It was a few weeks later I found myself blessed with a canopy. I enjoyed the cover from the hot sun.

I met a few people that were visiting from other states. Texas and California are two places that immediately come to mind. These conversations interest me as I learn about what others are doing around the country. Hearing their food and other lifestyle goals provide insight to what people value. Taking few minutes for true human connection seems to be a rarity in today’s social media society. This is what makes farmer’s markets enjoyable to me.

Take a look around the market on July 28, 2018

Ashley and her family joined us in Nappanee a few times with their local raised grass-fed pork. For the months of July and August various vendors attended.
This past summer I have learned much plan to share more about that in a future post. Hoping to gain repeat egg customers I believed in my commitment of showing up consistently. As it turned out on several days I was unable to attend. I was gone on vacation in August and as September rolled around I found many of the hens were going into molt leaving me with less eggs. I regrettably had little to take to the Nappanee Market as most of what I had to sell, I sold at the Bremen Farmer’s Market on Wednesday’s. This will need to be resolved for markets next year as I look at what other items I plan to raise for my own consumption and to take to markets.

Click on the picture to connect and order your own local raised heritage breed pork

I feel thankful for a place to sell eggs for human consumption and happy to provide local food as an option for purchase. I have enjoyed meeting new people at Nappanee’s Farm and Flea Market just like I did at the Bremen Farmer’s Market. As the season closes and I look forward to next year’s plans, I see that I need to add additional items if I am to grow my income.

This coming Saturday is the official last market of the 2018 season in Nappanee.

Nappanee Farm and Flea Market

Where: the north east parking lot at Coppes Commons in Nappanee, Indiana

When: Saturdays 9am to 1pm

Who: For all who find value in locally sourced food, enjoy items from the past, and crafts of today, pretty flowers, and potted plants. You will find something for your table and perhaps other places in the house as well. These events are free and open to the public. Take the family out for fresh air, and face to face interactions while shopping for local produce and eggs. Check out all Coppes Commons has to offer inside while you are there.

What: A place to connect with vendors who provide fresh vegetables, crafts, eggs, antiques and flea market items, seedling trees fresh cut flowers, home sewn clothes, and locally raised grass fed pork.

What are your favorite items to shop for at a Farmer’s Market? Leave a comment below to share or send an email.

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September 19, 2018February 9, 2022

Farmer’s Market ~ Bremen, Indiana

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As I mentioned in a previous post (Local Farmer Markets), earlier this year I needed to find an additional outlet for eggs that I was not selling as hatching eggs or hatching myself. As I looked at options, I decided to try a local farmer market located in Bremen, Indiana.

Opening night of the 2018 season stands out as the favorite of the entire summer. Having 11 doz. eggs to part with I set a sale price in order to move them. I did indeed part with all 11 dozen. Happy as I was with that fact, the best part was the enjoyment that occurred on my part. A guest musician played old country and gospel favorites, music filled the air, but not in an overbearing manner. I learned at 6 pm each evening a church tower in town rang out familiar tunes. Again, music filled the air, at this point I breathed a sigh of contentment for a cool breeze flowed on the night air and all felt peaceful and right in my world. Here I am getting ahead of myself in the telling of the evening.

I was not as early as I had hoped to be and felt a rush of anxious thoughts coming on as I droved as rapidly as the speed limit allowed. The afternoon had sped by rapidly as I hunted out items make this first farmer market a success. What did I have to use as table and chair? What about signs? What could I sell besides eggs? How to price for sales? All to soon the time indicated I needed to leave and make the best of the first night. I had wanted to wait until the next week to attend. I had been encouraged to attend that week so I decided to do my best and go with what I had.

I chased away nervous thoughts of self-doubt. I was going to at least be present and consistent. An important part of starting business and getting one’s name out to the public, I continued to hear from those more experienced than myself in start up operations.

Finding Gayle, the coordinator, I chased away self-defeating thoughts. She was warm and generous finding me a bit of assistance in unpacking my car and setting up. As I sat down in a chair I had won several years back barrel racing Roses Casino, I resolved to enjoy my evening despite no canopy or cover, a small table and simple signs. I say simple as they were made of index cards printed on with markers pinned to a small bulletin board I had in the house. I did not have much more than that for my first event. I used the backs of previously printed Eagle Equine business cards to share this website and reach new readers.

For me, the evening was almost perfect. I enjoyed meeting new people of my nearby town and hoped to see familiar faces throughout the summer. I felt pleased meeting many of the vendors. Some would not stay the entire summer, others would become friends. That first night I started thinking of ways I could improve my sales, other produce I might have available through out the summer, and items that would be nice and some necessary to add to my simple display. This first event began my learning process.

Click on the photo above to order soap or contact Sue via a FB group.

As the summer went on I sold black raspberries, garlic, garlic scapes, fresh cut flowers, small tomatoes of 2 different varieties, early summer squash, seedling trees and perhaps I will yet sell sweet potatoes depending on the harvest yield. I wrote down produce I was ask for and multiple ideas I had as they came to me throughout the summer. I started giving thought to what preparations I wanted to make for next year.

I added new items. Some purchased out of my earnings and others contributed by the support of my spouse. A canopy was the most expensive investment, perhaps the most appreciated when the rain fell or the sun beat down with added almost unbearable humidity. I retired the small wooden table for a card table that served different a purpose in my house. It was easier to transport and larger. I have given thoughts to a display involving both in the future as I add more items. Attractive Longaberger baskets I had on hand, a small chalk board, a small wooden box, chalk signs and a toy easel with white board on one side and chalk on the other all became new tools for displaying various items.

One of the best parts of being a vendor has been making new friends and seeing familiar friendly faces of returning customers. I have gained new friends and acquaintances as I learned to know different vendors who have also attended through out the summer. I am grateful to the many people in the community who visit and purchase from various vendors. There are some who seem to find a way to show up every week and shop the market.

There are only two more weeks left for the Bremen’s Market in 2018: tonight and next week. The last week promises to be special too. Bremen carries the nickname “Mint City” due to a history of producing mint. The theme for the last market of 2018 will be mint.

Bremen Farmers Market

Where: Located on the corner of Jackson and Main Street downtown Bremen, Indiana near the historic water tower.

When: Every Wednesday from 4 PM to 7 PM May through September

Who: Anyone who finds value in home grown food, locally crafted wares, delicious baked goods, potted flowers and plants. These events are free and open to the public. Take the family out for an evening of fresh air, delicious eats, treats and while shopping for local produce and eggs.

What: Vendors have varied throughout the summer. Leather crafts, home knitted mittens and hats, honey, maple syrup, produce, eggs, baked goods, fresh cut flowers, plants, mums, tree seedlings, homemade soaps, local raised grass fed pork, breads, fruit, and herbal tinctures make up most of what has been offered at the Bremen Farmer’s Market. Tonight, a new vendor, Poppin off Popcorn will be attending with specialty popcorn flavors.

Stay connected online with the Bremen Farmer’s Market on FB: Click on Bremen Farmer’s Market

History

Bremen’s Farmers Market started in 2015 to provide a place for local producers to present their wares to the general public.

Have you ever attended a Farmers Market? Leave a comment with your experience.

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September 11, 2018September 11, 2018

Granary Road

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This past summer I enjoyed the privilege of visiting an upscale farmers market in Alberta, Canada. I continue the series of blog posts on Farmers Markets to share my experience at a market with a different twist. Please, (if you have not already) check out my first post in this series titled Local Farmers Markets. Look for future posts sharing my experience as a vendor at farmers market in northern Indiana.

Our party visiting Granary Road consisted of 9 children (age 2 -13) and 4 adults. It might seem a bit crazy to plan a day trip to an upscale market with many kids in tow. This venue is special as a child finds themselves catered to with a section all for their own special experience.

I was excited to check out what this market offered, being that we were visiting Canada. All visits to farmer markets up until this point had been local markets in the United States. The younger group looked forward to playing in the ‘large’ playground, if you will. There is a charge to ‘play’ outside at the many activity areas, priced lower for kids and a few dollars more for adults. I choose to spend my time checking out the indoor market and hanging out with my Mom.

Two outdoor patio areas in the back provide many table with chairs and wonderful fresh air. The day we attended, Alberta experienced the haze of smoke from the British Columbia fires. The air was not so fresh. The picture above shows the back of the indoor market. A young lady graced the atmosphere with lovey violin music.

After checking out the gift shop while the others purchased tickets, I found my Mom a place to sit. Now, I began my exploration of the market. A deep breathe slowly expelled, I felt as if I was on an adventure as grand as if checking out a new hiking trail, trying new foods and reading about the early settlers of the exact ground we were on.

Poster sized displays framed in what appeared to be old barn wood hung on the walls. They provided an education on topics from bees to gardening and a bit of the history of the man who originally homesteaded the property. A few of these I have posted pictures of through out this blog post.

My attention became captivated first by the story of a man who owned Thoroughbreds in Canada. He turned out to be the homesteader of the property Granary Road sits on. An overview of his life can be read in the following photos. I found I felt a new connection with this place as I too enjoy horses. Thoroughbreds being one of the breeds that have greatly impacted my life in their own way.

Vendors offered clothing, food, wine, specialty meats in the form of jerky and sausage, coffee, smoothies, and a new sports cream.

Check out Brenda’s web site by clicking on this picture.

Oh, speaking of the sports cream. I received a complementary massage with Muscle Check. I could still feel the benefits the next morning. I had spent the afternoon prior relaxing in a hammock under popular trees. The hammock material and position I was in left me with a sore upper back for the current delving into Granary Road. I felt blessed and full of gratitude for the massage. My painful upper back disappeared and creating greater enjoyment in the rest of my day.

I seen a green house located separately from the main building. I was looking to learn any bit of info that I might be able to use in my future gardening ventures. Initially, I found myself disappointed, observing an area where a business had or would be, but not currently operating and the back part of the large green house served as a maintenance building for Granary Road.

A kind gentleman stopped me as I completed my exploration and ask me if he could help me. I learned Granary Road was owned by his son. He offered to send me info to increase my gardening knowledge. I learned where the original homestead building used to stand on the side of a hill near by. The spot overlooked the valley where Granary Road is nestled. I say nestled for as I mentioned Alberta was experiencing a large amount of smoke from British Columbia that day producing approximately 1 mile visibility. I might have felt a tiny bit of disappointment that the current owner of the beautiful property and facility had no blood connection to the original homesteader. My romantic side always likes to see land stay in a family. He did share a few of the intended additions to the property: A terraced garden to create a beautiful venue for weddings, and other events, and acreage devoted to producing local grains and vegetables.

While various vendors provide delicious menus from which to savor special flavors, our group opted to pack in a lunch. A wonderful option for those like us operating on a smaller budget. We enjoyed the outdoor air while we ate. I especially found pleasure in listening and watching my 9 nieces and nephews interactions. These two cousins found the flowers. Innocent little girls, acting out their attraction to beauty, found pretty flowers to pick and carry. Oh the simple, sweet, delight of children untainted by expectations! I felt a bit of remorse informing them they needed to stop picking flowers in order for others to enjoy them in the future. I admit I gathered a bit myself, in picture form: 2 cousins with their collections sharing a connection with each other and beauty. I will share only one of the many I have stored for future recollection.

One added experience to our day was fording a creek. Yes that is correct. I did not get a picture, so it is with words I will attempt to share the process. The road we were on at one point drove down to a river bed and crossed a small river whose current low level allowed for safe crossing. Instead of building a bridge over the river, a cement pad had been laid in the river bed providing a solid surface for crossing. Of course when the river depths increased the river ford would have been unsafe to cross. I felt a bit like a modern day pioneer, fording a river bed to and from a farmers market. My soul was delighted!

While I have given a look through my eyes, if you find yourself in Alberta, Canada be sure to make Granary Road a stop in your travels. The delights abound for those looking to broaden personal experience, both the young and the young at heart!

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