We have been slowly starting to enjoy the warmer weather and it is getting me excited about spring and summer. I love those days when you can wear shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt. Apart from allergies, I love seeing things green up and start to bud in an array of colors. Bring it on! Longer days also come with Spring and Summer! You can actually do something outside when you get home from work! One of the biggest reasons I can tell Spring is getting close is because my yard is starting to green up. Meaning, weeds are starting to grow.
Last week when I was on google earth I noticed they had updated the picture of our house to one from over the summer. If you look at our neighbors yards they are plush, green, healthy and full of life. Ours, was dead except for the small section of green weeds by the mailbox! I am afraid I am going to have to bite the bullet and pay for some professional help. I tried to manage it on my own last year and lost. I do not have a green thumb.
Since our last post we have been relatively dull people. Most nights are spent between cleaning, laundry, cooking and other house projects. We have finally become a boring married couple. It really isn't all that bad!
Hams are continuing to come along. I hung them to dry last weekend and they will remain there till June when we smoke them. Arkansas has also released a new law that will enable "further processed" goods to be sold at the local farmers markets, like jams, jellies, baked goods, etc... Also falling into that category is cured meats! I have also checked out with my USDA buddies the requirements that I would need to meet to be a participant in the local market. It appears, given the size of my operation and the potential income to make off my hams that I would qualify for a retail exempt classification and would not have to be inspected! Meaning I could sell at will if my sales stay under 46k/year! No problem! I will start the application process with the Arkansas Farmer's Market Association soon and then go from there. This makes me really excited!
Two weeks ago I managed to gather John Schellehase, Matt Henderson, and Grant Rollins for a mini reunion! John has been out of the country for two years with the peace corp and has finally returned. The four of us exchanged stories and memories that only we could appreciate. It has been a while since I laughed that hard. There are few men who are blessed to have friends like I do. I am grateful for their friendship and look forward to sharing life with them.
Mark
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