Flower Farming

I recently read the book "The 50 Mile Bouquet" by Debra Prinzing. She writes about individuals who grow and sell fresh flowers in the United States. She shares their struggles in competing with foreign countries in selling fresh flowers and their creativity and joy in producing flowers and selling them locally.

There was a lot to learn about the $40 billion worldwide industry of selling flowers that are fill with chemicals, or buying flowers grown in the United States that are fresher, chemical free and longer lasting. The lives and stories of these dedicated farmers were fascinating.

There were many tips throughout the stories such as how to postpone the bud's opening of a peony for up to a month, and keeping daffodils in a separate water-filled plastic bag when part of an arrangement When the stems of daffodils are cut, a sap-like substance seeps out and shortens the life of other flowers in the vase.

Years ago my sister-in-law, Bobbie, put up a green house in her backyard and sold flowers in her front yard. Then she went on to sell at farmer's markets and craft fairs. I not only enjoy photographing her bounteous supply, but also enjoy the flowers I buy from her (when she lets me). Knowing someone labored lovingly over their work and enjoys supplying others with their gift of creations, makes me want to purchase from them. The below snap is one of my favorite from her garden.

The individuals and their stories are heartwarming. They really care about the flowers they grow and want them to be the very best quality possible. And they want their customers to be pleased!

No, I'm not considering becoming a farmer and growing fields and fields of beautiful flowers. My two small gardens are more than enough for me to handle. But I am more discerning about where I purchase flowers, asking if they are locally grown. All it takes is a little research in your area to find where these determined and happy farmers ply their trade. You can find many at your farmer's market.

In March, I pulled up a website from the book that sells gorgeous dahlias only to find they were already sold out for 2013. It was Corralitos Gardens, on the California coast, and they are best known for their mail-order business selling dahlia plants to gardeners and growers. Customers in 42 states gobble up 15,000 plus plants each spring. I'm now on their email list.

I enjoyed reading about folks living their dream of growing and selling fresh, chemical free and beautiful flowers. The next time you need a bouquet of flowers, try avoiding the cellophane wrapped bundles and finding some fresh flowers locally.
Flower farming. Right here in the USA. Unfussy, chemical-free, natural flowers. My eyes have been opened!

Another snap from Bobbies garden that I love!

Worth the Wait!

Last week we were able to visit one of our favorite places: Intercourse, PA. As I mentioned a few weeks ago when we went to Lancaster to the Sight and Sound theatre, we love the Lancaster area, but specifically Intercourse. The small town is brimming with shops, food and scenery to enjoy. It had been several years since we've been there.

Jerry, and his son, Eric, were to go to Brookville, PA last week, but because of health concerns for both of them, they didn't go. I was going to go with Jerry when Eric cancelled, but then Jerry decided, no, he wouldn't be able to do the things he wanted too. That's when God brought Lancaster to mine.

Mom and Sam were already scheduled to go to friend's home's (different ones) so I suggested we get away overnight for a break. We hadn't been away since Mom came to live with us last August. Jerry liked the idea! We were off.

The B&B we stayed at was on a main road into Intercourse. I was up early the next morning to snap the scenery. While sitting on the gazebo (above) I snapped this picture of an early morning horse and buggy going by.

I love this scene, taken from the parking lot of the Kitchen Kettle Village. I spotted it as we were leaving the shopping village. Such a serene and restful picture!

Spotted this field of lambs as we drove around. Do all four belong to her? The other momma appeared to have three (one out of the picture).

It was amazing watching this boy handle the team of horses. Even in the turn the boy held firm and able!

We stopped at the house below to buy some bird houses. A typical front yard with clothes on the line.

Two Amish families were enjoying a picture on the other side of the horse and buggies. It's not often we see buggies and horses resting at a covered bridge.

These blooms at the B&B were a delight to see!



Another lovely view of a farm as we drove roads north of Intercourse.

It was a wonderful two days and one night in a favorite destination. I treated myself to a delicious cupcake, fit for a queen! I won't forget where that bake shop is in Bird-In-Hand!

A Last Will and Testament

The April 14th devotion in The One Year Christian History devotional is titled He Served a Good Master." It shared Andrew Duncan's will, dated April 14, 1626. It certainly is a lot different from the wills we write today! Following are excerpts:

"I, Andrew Duncan, . . . set down the declaration of my latter will, concerning these things, which God has lent me in this world; in manner following, -- First, as touching myself, body and soul I leave to Christ Jesus, who gave it, and when it was lost, redeemed it, that He may send His holy angels to transport it to the bosom of Abraham, there to enjoy all happiness and contentment; and as for this frail body, I commend it to the grave, there to sleep and rest, as in a sweet bed, until the day of refreshment, when it shall be reunited to the soul, and shall be set down at the table with the holy patriarchs, prophets, and apostles; yea, shall be placed on the throne with Christ, and get the crown of glory on my head . . . As concerning my temporal goods, the baggage and blathrie of the  earth, as I have gotten them in the world off God's liveral hand, so I leave them behind me in the world; giving most humble and hearty thanks unto my heavenly Father for so long and comfortable loan of the same."

Duncan was a Presbyterian minister in Scotland in the 1600s. He saw many hardships: being arrested for defying the king; imprisoned multiply times, and banished to France. Duncan saw simple examples of God's care over him and his family such as when a stranger came to his house and gave him a sack of food, after he prayed and told his family that God would provide food for them to eat.

I enjoy reading words such as these and learning how Christians in the past openly and honestly beheld their Savior and spoke it!

The snap above is on the mountain top in Cacapon, WV. One of my excursions while at a ladies retreat last weekend. Below is an early morning doe making her way through the misty field near the lodge.

An Overcast Morning

The other day I left home at 8 a.m. for a photo shoot. It was an overcast morning, lightly raining. Several years ago I snapped pictures in my sister-in-law's garden on an overcast morning and they came out great.

I was looking for blooming trees and I wasn't disappointed. I like the one above and below.

After an hour and a half, my mind brought up the horse farm we drove by a few days before. There were several foals in the field. I decided to stop by there and see if I could get permission to take some snaps.

What a time I had! I focused on two mares and their foals in a field to themselves. They really gave me a show! Following are some of the snaps I took.

I created two matted prints and four note cards a few days later and took them over to the farm to thank them for letting me take pictures. Later that day I received a nice email thanking me and telling me how much they liked them. But the thing that gave me the biggest smile was how she signed the email . . . sisters in Christ.

I'm sure glad I didn't let a rainy, overcast morning keep me away. What a thrill!



A Day in Lancaster

Last week Jerry and I made a trip to Lancaster to the Sight and Sound theatre to see Noah. We bought tickets last fall but had to reschedule because of Mom's health. We hadn't seen the performance that was playing last fall, although I don't remember if it was Daniel or Joseph, but it ended in December. We'd seen Noah before but it is certainly worth seeing again.

Of course, I had my camera along and asked Jerry to stop at two Magnolia trees. I've been trying several years to get some good snaps of magnolia blossoms, but hadn't been successful. A number of years ago, my friend, Donna Shiflett, gave me permission to use one of her snaps of magnolia blossoms on my note cards, and it is indeed lovely. Thank so much, Donna. I love the snap!

I'm thrilled to say that I was finally able to get the snaps I've wanted! The tree was outside of York, PA and was beautiful! It was in full bloom and very healthy looking. Magnolia blossoms are just lovely, and I enjoy looking at them. Below are two that I took.

Of course, we ate at Hershey Farms where Jerry always gets liver and onions. I chose BBQ for my lunch. And then on to Sight and Sound for Noah. It truly is an awesome experience to watch their shows.

One of the things I remember from when we took the Back Stage Tour a number of years ago is a comment made concerning the animals used in the show. The gentleman told us that when the animals hear the music leading up to when they go on stage they start getting excited, and anxiously await their time. It is so much fun to see the animals come out and head right to where they're suppose to be.

After the show we had time to stop in Intercourse, just a few miles north of Lancaster. That's one of the places we stayed during our honeymoon. For many years we went up every December to enjoy a little celebration.

The friendly town of Intercourse, tucked into Amish countryside at the junction of Routes 340 and 772, was historically known as a destination where locals, Amish farmers and craftsmen conducted business and socialized. Founded in 1754, the town was originally named after an old tavern, the Cross Keys, and did not become known as Intercourse until 1814.

Much speculation went into the origin of the town's name, but none of the claims have been validated. It's possible the town was named after an old race track on Old Philadelphia Pike called Entercourse, which later evolved into Intercourse. Another theory pertains of the use of language in the early days of the village, in which the term "intercourse" was commonly used to describe fellowship, social interaction and support - the same values on which the town is still based today.

It's been several years since we've visited Lancaster or Intercourse, but everything felt just like we'd never left. I picked up a two small wheel barrows, one rustic and worn and one solid wood, for my gardens and also found some pies to bring home. I bought that lovely picture at the beginning of the post. It's such a comforting scene.

My friend, Brenda, came by the house twice to check on Mom and give her lunch and dinner. I'm thankful for her, and my friend, Jackie, who have come to check on Mom when we went somewhere.

It was a good day out and a great day to snap pictures! I must return to Intercourse again soon to snap pictures of their countryside!

The picture below is the first bloom from the viburnum shrub we planted last spring. It lived!

Preach!

"When was the last time you heard a good, loud "amen" in church? I can't think of a time when anyone has shouted me down in holy agreement with the Word. We clap at the end of our songs and when someone shares a testimony, but when's the last time you heard someone clap after the reading of the Scripture or during the offering"  Michael Catt, The Power of Surrender

A couple of months ago a couple visited are church and we were in for a pleasant surprise. He "amened ... that's right ... preach ... and, uh ohed" us through the sermon. Pastor Larry and his wife, Felecia, joined with our fellowship a few weeks ago and my heart has been lifted with his boisterous agreement during the sermon.

At my home church, 30 years ago, there would occasionally be amens, but none of the other churches we've attended added this affirmation during the sermon. Southern Baptist Convention president, Fred Luter, was invited to a conference at my home church many years ago and WOW did I hear the excitement from the audience. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Pastor Luter thrilled my soul with his energetic words of Scripture!

Now, once again, a fellow worshipper holds nothing back as he agrees with God's message on Sunday mornings. Last week I even heard a few others verbally affirm words spoken by our pastor. You know, I think our pastor has even found new excitement as he preaches because of voiceful agreement in the congregation!

Michael Catt, in the MasterWord Sunday School literature on "The Power of Surrender" says,

"God is looking for a remnant, for kindling wood to start the fires of revival. And it all begins with surrender. We must surrender ourselves to God in total abandonment. There is power in surrender."

Might I say there is great power in voicing our agreement in the preached Word! Will this quiet listener rise to the occasion. I don't know, but my heart sure does! The next time Pastor Larry stands up and claps I may just shout Amen!

The snap above is of my first greenhouse! Jerry picked up the stand at a flea market and we put it in the enclosed area at the back door. Every night I bring in the plants we've bought and what a joy to see them there. Jerry said I must keep flowers there because the fragrance is so wonderful when we go in and out. I agree! The trash can in the left corner holds Sams food so we don't have to worry about any other smell competing with the flowers.