We have the most lovable neighbors! They love to sit on our back stoop and wait for our crew to come out to play, and when they do, all heck breaks loose. It's a mad, joyful, fun time of chaos, barks, howls and dog tag; just an all around yappy fun time. You cannot be around this crew and not laugh at their antics. Let me introduce you to them:

Pop, on the left, is the old soul. He seems to be the one that is the level headed one of the two brothers. Skip, on the right, is the goofy kid brother that is always looking for a way to irritate Pop, and he is the lazier one of the two. On our afternoon walks, he usually peeks his head out of the shop to check us out, then turns around and hops back on the couch and takes a snooze with the farm equipment. Silly Pup.

They meet at the post first thing in the morning; business always comes first, then it's off to the races. It's tag, sniff, run, or chase: whatever the mood strikes.

Yes, Ace, we see you. He always makes sure that I am close by.

As the corn grows, they will continue their play in and out of the stalks. The height of the corn does not stop them from their games of chase...it just becomes much more fun!

And then we have Miss McKenzie who isn't impressed with the guys. She would rather sniff out the smells of the night. She tries to guess what animals passed by last evening...she will spend all morning in this position if we let her.

She and I are currently in a despute: she ate all my strawberries in my little strawberry patch last evening. When I caught her, she looked at me and licked her lips...what's a Basset Mom to do?

There is never a dull moment on the Farm! We count our blessings each and every day.

Just a quick update on the Tower Garden. Amazingly, the Lettuce was ready for transfer to its new home within 7 days! But, from reading the Blogs, that was the norm since 3 cuttings are what is expected, then they encourage us to replant to keep the crop going for fresh salad.

The Pump that feeds the nutrients, hums on a cycle of 15 minutes on then 15 minutes off. While on, it sounds like running water that reminds me of a water fall. It is such a wonderful sound that I had not expected!!

I have 2 tomato sprouts, so they have been moved to full sun. The remainder of the crops (Basil, 8 Tomato Plants, and the 10 Pumpkin seeds) continue to work their magic below what the eye can see (I hope).

Now, enough of the blah, blah, blah...I know you want pictures. Here they are:

As I have previously explained, I lack a green thumb. However, this year, the Pumpkin seeds that I purchased last Fall, are burning a hole in my gardening gloves since my husband challenged me to find a space for them.

Forget the fact we live on a multi acre Farm and our yard takes 3 hrs to mow on a riding mower, he believes there is no suitable location! (ie he doesn't want to till, plant, water, weed, or harvest...been married to him well over 30 years so I know his way of thinking!)

Little did he know his Pumpkin Location Challenge was accepted! This is what I came up with:

The Garden Tower is a vertical hydroponic gardening system. No soil needed, no watering, no back breaking planting! No fuss, no muss. Yea me!! But boy did his jaw drop! I don't think he saw this one coming (keep em guessing folks!).

  I started the pumpkin seeds this morning, along with some tomatoes, lettuce, and basil. Once it sprouts, the plants will be transferred to their pots on the tower and the water (mixed with a special food tonic) will begin to feed the root system the nourishment needed to grow the plants. According to the information, vegetables should be ready several weeks before traditional planting methods.

  This is so exciting! An adventure in a different type of farming: my Granddad and Dad would be SO on board with this! I plan to document the growing process (or the death and destruction of my Gardening Dream...but I am hopeful the plants will be lush and beautiful as the pictures promote).

  Stay tuned for further developments...

This first step to Becky's Dream Garden: planting the seeds, covering with the vermulite, keeping it moist, and placing outside in semi shade to germinate. Once the seedlings sprout and grow to about 3 inches, they will be transferred to the tower.

OH LITTLE SEEDS, COME OUT, COME OUT WHERE EVER YOU ARE!!!...