Our big black bear!

at this time of year its normal that the black bears in our community are foraging for food as much as they to stock up for their winter hibernation. This year was probably the best display and closest viewing we've ever had, right outside the dining room window.  the same big black bear coming back - often 3 times a day to finish the crabapples off the tree. each year we try and trim the tree and make as much crabapple jam as we can - but there's sooo many crabapples, these gorgeous bears love them too!

we were a safe 10 foot behind the glass window, but the bear was never discouraged or worried by us. he just kept munching away... day after day after day.

 

and he's off....

Harvest time

its harvest time at the farm at cedar view

with help from my two young farmers in training ages 8 and 6-

there's lots to do at this time of the year. Not bad for one day....

 

crabapples - they say 1 crabapple tree is one too many - despite how much we love crabapple jelly - it only took 20 minutes to pick 20llbs of crabapples - and we didn't even make a dent in the trees!

 

 

potatoes - like a treasure hunt for the kids each time you pull up a plant they unearth the golden treasures under the soil - and they managed to stay focused for the whole row - amazing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

garlic - hundreds of them - just a fantastic crop this year - smells sooo good!

 

 

 

and 3 hours and 41 jars later - et voila! crabapple jelly - delicious for sandwiches , cheese and crackers or as a side on roast pork. yummy!

 

still lots and lots of flowers on the farm....

so many - my living room looks like a florist store

I feel compelled to pick them every day, knowing that any day it could be their last.

as soon enough we will get our first frost and snap! they'll all be gone....