This post is for Winnie, who asked recently for an update on the status of our little store that moved home to my farm.
As it turns out, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work we’re doing before we get to the store. The store will eventually have a new roof that includes two cute little carports on each end (farm truck in one, Shasta trailer parked in the other, fully hooked up to power/water/electric) and a rocking-chair front porch. Inside will be a community bathroom, retro kitchen, and washer/dryer for farmstay guests.
But first, what’s that peeking out from behind?
Why, it’s my Airstream! She’s found a permanent home beneath her own carport, complete with concrete pad and water/sewer/electric hookups. When I took these photos, I’d just planted a “dryland pasture grass mix,” and since then, her new yard is green and lush. Winnie, she has a very old homestead apple tree right outside her door, as well as lots of indigenous plum trees in her new yard.
The next few pics show all the work being done to essentially take apart and naturalize what we’ve always called our “upper garden,” which is located beside the little store. We’re taking out the deer fence and removing all the black felt and netting we had throughout for weed control in our large strawberry bed and raspberry patch.
Our strawberry patch has been dramatically downsized to these two new raised beds in our “lower garden.” (The large strawberry patch was destroyed this spring when we had to reroute our sewer, water, and electrical lines.) In the distance, you can see a wall of tomatoes. We’re growing a market-garden patch of heirloom black cherry tomatoes to sell in town, and they’re just starting to come on. This whole patch was grown from seeds I saved from one little tomato I bought two summers ago. The first year, I grew a number of plants from the seeds of that one tomato, then I saved lots of seeds and offered them to my readers. I sent out around 80 envelopes full of seed.
wonderful peaceful hardworking Photo
Can you see me sitting here grinning with tears in my eyes??? “Sweet Dreams” has a new neighbor next door and new landscaping. Look at the little darlin’ all bright and cheerful and awaiting her turn for a new beginning. See those little steps our front her door? Yep, I climbed up them and pulled myself inside for a look around this little abode that dreams are made of. She is a natural beauty inside and charming with a nod to her circa 1880s origins now updated with bold colors and trim. Oh how perfect this little house will be when she is ready to accommodate Farm guests and a porch for them to sit upon and gaze at the wide expanses of the Palouse!
Your new airstream setup is AWESOME!!! How many glampers come complete with an heirloom apple and plum orchard? I am imagining being in the trailer and walking out in late August to pick an apple from the tree to make into apple pancakes for breakfast using our beloved MJF Budget Mix. Then onward to a plum tarte and fresh raspberries for afternoon tea with the all the little Grandchildren over at Sweet Dreams on the porch.
What a ton of work you and crew have been doing this summer, but what a fabulous updated portion of your farm that will soar into the future. I love it !! Love, it all!!!
Sending Farmgirl Hugs to “Sweet Dreams” from your biggest fan here in Florida. In my imagination, I “see” a pail of apples on your front porch in the future that I just picked wearing my Tee shirt from John Bunker with his apple designed graphic on it. We will take those apples and see if we can determine their variety name and then fix them up into a delicious something or another in your little kitchen. Maybe MaryJane will let us put up a little garden flag out front with an apple graphic on it. Hehehe, what a sweet dream it is to reside in the airstream home and use the little house as “MJF Apple Central” for the month or so that the apples are available. I volunteer to do the first year!
Better get my knitting needles busy making apple cozies, and apple pickin’ hats for family and visitors to take home!
Thank-you, thank-you MaryJane for this wonderful update. It has made my day! And you enjoy your little airstream set up when your heart yearns for a spur of the moment glamping night with your little Grandgirls too.
I loved that little store! Robin and I were able to shop there on our road trip in 2011, while it was still in Moscow. When we were there in 2013, we were sad to see that is was no longer there. However, at that time we didn’t know exactly what happened. It was after we got home that we learned she got moved to the farm. So glad she has a new home.
Sounds like plans for her use are just perfect! Hopefully, someday, I/we can come visit your farm again . . see this little store, your trailers, your new gardens, etc., etc. Most of all to see YOU and ALL YOUR FAMILY!
CJ
Hi MJ,
I don’t know what it is about seeing projects midway through that gets me so excited but it does. I’m so happy you shared what’s doin’ for your little farmstore and your cover for Lilly is perfect. I want something similar in my backyard for field to vase workshops in the future. It’s all looking wonderful. One day I’m gonna drive up that dirt road of yours and stay a spell…! Thank you for sharing your farm with all of us farmgirls!
Love,
Deb