Figs, Toads, and a Furry Visitor

Figs 

Years ago, I planted two fig bushes.  I wasn't sure our climate was warm enough to sustain them, but, they grew.  For years, each summer, they would leaf out - and for years there were no figs.  

Then, about 6 years ago, we began to get figs... not every year, but on occasion.  This is a good fig year.  And if the weather remains temperate for the next few weeks, we should be able to harvest quite a few figs.

Unfortunately, they don't all ripen at the same time.  And I have found that if they are not picked within a day or two of ripening, they rot very quickly.  Also, they do not have a long shelf life (refrigerated, of course).

Yesterday there were 3 figs ripe - and a fourth that was past its prime. 

 I have decided this year to dry the figs and then use them at a later date - maybe homemade fig newtons will be this year's figgy treat.  In the past I have made fig jam and fig bars.  

Overall, it's been a fantastic fruit year... blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, figs, apples, and pears... all homegrown here on the farm.  The reason for such a good fruit harvest?  Perfect weather conditions.  Because we don't spray our fruit trees (preferring to keep them organic) our fruits are not as pretty as commercial orchards' fruit - but you can't beat the taste of fresh picked (even if ugly) fruit!  And knowing that no pesticides were ever used on them makes them the healthiest possible.

Toad

Yesterday, while out for our woods walk, this little fellow hopped across our path.

I believe he is a Fowlers Toad - very common here in PA.  He was quite small and didn't mind posing for the camera

Then, last evening, in the barn... this lovely one... (I think he is an Eastern American Toad)

And, when we got back to the garage, this little one hopped across our path... a Fowlers Toad.

Toad-ally cool!!

Visitor

Last evening, while closing up the chicken coops for the night, Hubbs happened to spy this furry fellow hanging out in the chicken yard.  We were quite surprised - thinking that our chicken yard was impervious to visitors.

Apparently he snuck in under the fence... which is exactly how he exited.

We'd prefer you didn't return!  You freaked out our young hens - their first sighting of a groundhog.

I've got to admit - farm life is never boring!