Hello, July!

Good morning!  It feels like it has been forever since I last posted, and, wow, have I missed you all.  I hope you are all enjoying a lovely start to your summer...hard to believe June is already behind us. All is well at Front Forty Farm; it has just been a super busy place these past few weeks.  When I sat down to write this morning, I was overwhelmed with the thought of where to begin.  There is so much to catch up on.  I decided to simplify the task, and make a list of the goings on here on the farm.

1.  The garden is growing, growing, growing with fresh greens on the table almost every night...chard, kale, lettuce, arugula, and radishes with fresh herb dressing.  I'm looking forward to taking photos and posting a more in depth garden post for July very soon (I can't believe I missed posting the whole month of June).

2.  The apple trees, elderberry bushes, and raspberries that we planted a month ago are thriving. Some of the plants were a bit shocked and took some time settling in, and we were afraid that a few would not survive the transplant, but all is good now.  Every single plant is green and flourishing. One of our established apple trees, however, has taken an unfortunate hit.  It blossomed beautifully this spring (the first time for this apple tree), but shortly after blossoming the leaves stopped growing and started turning brown and dry.  We aren't sure exactly what happened...still trying to investigate and keeping our eyes out for signs of new life.

3.  Work continues on the new addition, and with summer here, the work moves from the inside to the outside.  Siding and trim are in order, and the porch wall is the first to get a fresh layer of cedar shingles...and, oh, it is beginning to look so nice.

4.  Little #6 underwent a cardiac catheterization a few weeks ago, and we are now in the process of making decisions regarding treatment for confirmed for pulmonary hypertension. We are thankful that the procedure went well, as it was quite concerning to all since our little fighter is more fragile than she would ever let on.

5.  Summer soccer and camps have begun.  

6. The school books have been laid aside for the next few months, and we are all enjoying a much needed break (I think Mama is enjoying it as much as the Littles).  A summer reading program has begun, however, and it is such a joy to walk to the porch and see three little boys engrossed in their mysteries, 

7.  Trips to the coast, visits with a childhood friend, sipping iced tea and coffee on the porch, eating watermelon....it has begun!  Summer is here!