Variety Test Plot

Last week we toured the Washington State University wheat variety trial that is nearest to us.  WSU has several test plots set around the area, testing new wheat strains developed by their research lab as well as other wheat breeders.  We use the data collected from these test plots to inform our planting decision for the coming year.

It's always kind of hard to stop the tractor to attend this event, but we usually do.  It's actually more of a social event that an educational event!

This is a variety that we included in a three way blend last fall.  It's a good producing wheat and we especially love it because we consider it to be named after our friend Jasper Womach!

My two favorite farmers!

Father's Day

We can't quite call it an annual tour, but quite often, on Father's Day, we take a wheat tour and scout our fields.  It's a fun tradition. 

Here are a few photos from one of our stops.

And then the sun set on a wonderful day.

Farm Girl Fit

Over a month ago Alicia and I finished spraying the summer fallow fields with an aid to tillage rate of Roundup.  This is a low rate, which kills the weeds that are growing in the fields, to give us a little wiggle room before we have to get out and cultivate.

She runs the big sprayer that she has named Spencer and I haul water to her.  She is so strong and easily manages the big 4" fill nozzle for hook up to Spencer and then back in to the carrier cradle on the truck.  She calls this her Farm Girl Fit workout program!

Cruzin' Harrington

May 18th was a fun day in Harrington!  It was the date of our annual spring community celebration.  It's a car show, a quilt show, a tour show of the historic buildings in Harrington.  A time to visit with friends and neighbors as well as a chance to meet new folks that come to town!

The weather cooperated with a spectacular blue sky, giant puffy clouds and moderate temperatures.  A perfect backdrop to a wonderful day.

Here are a few photos....credit to Timothy Tipton.

The Hotel was open for tours.  Jerry and Karen also invited several artists to participate in a pop up shop which was well received by all.  

The Hawk Creek Duo performed in the lobby of the Hotel.

A shot of main street full of cars, car owners, and car appreciators!

A few offerings at the quilt show which took place in the historic Opera House.

More quilts!

The Harrington Area Chamber of commerce is raising funds to turn this empty lot in to a community gathering space.  More information can be found at the Harrington Area Chamber of Commerce website.

A couple Harrington residents enjoying the BBQ and extensive collection of antiques at the Studebaker garage.  

A couple kiddos enjoying some cotton candy!  

This restored gas pump was outside the Post and Office for the day, but has found a new, temporary home inside for the summer!  A couple ways to refuel!!

Yard Tour

I finally have a few moments to take a deep breath and catch up around the house and yard.  Does one ever really catch up though?  I've had a few uninterrupted days and some half days, to spend in the yard and garden.  Yesterday I took some time to take a few photos of the plants that are blooming right now.  Each day more roses come in to bloom and more peonies go out of bloom!  The bee garden is almost ready to burst, which will make the girls very happy!

And then this happened at the end of the day.