TALKING ABOUT A HEAT WAVE

There's a heatwave in almost every part of the country. Is there any relief in sight? Will the weather cool off, and if so, how quickly? The Farmers' Almanac summer forecast was for an "unusually hot and humid one!" But what about the rest of the summer? Will there be any good beach days? And what about the beginning of school and Labor Day? Find the amazingly accurate Farmers' Almanac weather predictions for August and September here.

If you think this summer weather is extreme, wait until you find
out what the Farmers' Almanac is predicating for this winter!
Pre-ordering on the 2006 Farmers' Almanac is now available (copies start shipping August 22).

When temperatures soar to these heights one must be very careful and take precautions. Everyone stay hydrated! Remember your pets and animals too. Read about staying cool the natural way.

It's a great time of year for watermelon which is such a sweet summer treat. Check out this recipe for a refreshing and different take on lemonade. I also love the idea of freezing different juices in ice cube trays and serving with a complimentary beverage such as ginger ale or club soda and a sprig of fresh mint from the garden.

My garden is not looking as fresh and vibrant as it did just a few weeks ago. I get home from work and have to get the hose out immediately to remedy that sad droopy thing my plants do. I also seem to be having some pest problems. Read what Progressive Farmer has to say about pests.

The flowers are doing well though and I found this great article about floral arrangements in an old Progressive Farmer

Down here the gnats are gone but the flies are out. This is a cute little dispatch on flies from an almanac dated 1947.

Recently we were out in Lind, Washington where we filmed our new friends Josh and Matt at the Combine Derby. Check out the Combine Demolition Derby.

Some of you may be familiar with our friend, Mary Jane Butters, the farm woman extraordinaire. I love this article she wrote about cultivating farmgirl life in the city. We are also pleased to have Deborah Tukua contributing to our Farm Feed blog. Deborah has fantastic ideas and tips. Take a look and get involved! We want to hear your stories, recipes and advice.

Stay cool!

Jane Scarlett
Guest Editor

P.S. I love our new t-shirt, Dirt Rocks! Look for it soon in our Village Shoppes.

P.P.S. And don't forget to pre-order your 2006 Farmers' Almanac.