They're popping...FAST!

The sunflowers are defying all expectations.  They were scheduled to bloom mid August.

Instead, they are starting to pop open now.

They have also bolted up another foot (or more) in the last week and for some reason are over 6 feet tall this year.  Go figure!  Based on their growth rate this year, I'm sure that THIS WEEKEND will be optimum field viewing.  I'm just positive that this will be it.  (Unless they surprise me again...)

https://www.facebook.com/GrinterFarms

Buds? Yes, Buds!

Buds are already developing on the sunflowers!

Wow!  This is really early! 

It might be next weekend (the 21st) when some of them start to pop open.

Sorry, I couldn't resist sticking in a picture of Gracie.  My how she's grown! 

Almost as fast as the sunflowers!

Finally some rain!

The sunflowers, which were planted on May 30th, have not had one drop of rain...until yesterday.  Almost two inches of rain fell on the field!

Despite the fact that the sunflowers have had no rain (up until yesterday) and many days of over 100 degree weather, they have sprung up to about three feet tall.

Sunflowers really do grow despite terrible conditions.  Right now, our corn crop is looking like it could be a total loss.  Hopefully the rain and some predicted lower temps (90's instead of 100's) will help the soybean crop.  As for the sunflowers, they should bloom in August sometime.  I do seem to keep up with posting more on Face Book so if you want to check in there, just search "Grinter Farms" and "like" us.   

Sunflowers Planted!!

Ted got the sunflowers planted on Wednesday.  That was May 30th.  I think this is the earliest he has ever planted sunflowers.

We've gotten a couple of nice rain showers since he planted them so the timing (so far) has been good.  

I'll keep the field updates coming, as I know many of you are interested as to when they will bloom.  At this point in time, they should bloom in August.

I also wanted to let you "Face Bookers" out there know that I've started a page for the farm.  

Just *like* Grinter Farms and I'll post updates there as well...actually, probably more since it's just much easier to access.

https://www.facebook.com/GrinterFarms

Have a fabulous weekend everybody!

Gracie Mae

We had forgotten what it was like to have a puppy in the house...

Sleep deprivation from being up several times a night for potty breaks.

Constantly telling the puppy "No!"

Having to have the house "puppy-proofed."

Scheduling our day around the puppy's schedule.

We had also forgotten how much fun it is to watch them play.

Watching their joy when they find the perfect leaf to bring you...or to keep away from you.

Watching their tiny legs stumble about.

And cuddle time!  Oh, we had forgotten all about cuddle time!

Welcome Gracie!

Yesterday, we welcomed a new family member into our home.

 Meet Gracie!  She is a 7 week old Golden Retriever.

We are very much looking forward to her sleeping through the night!

(p.s.  We are smitten!)

Reflection

Its been 8 months since we had to say goodbye to our beloved Buddy.

 He brought all of us so much joy...including Bruno, our crazy Chihuahua.  

The two of them liked to play tag.

 *roar!*  (more like: *yawn!*)

 Callie and Buddy in younger years.

 Buddy guarding the porch from...nothing.  It was his style, man!

 Buddy not missing his chance to be included in a TV interview.  

 "Did I hear a squirrel?"

 Belly up! (His favorite pose.)

 Sidney finally giving him what he wants!

 Ted and Buddy playing in more youthful days.

 Sid and Buddy exploring a creek. 

Callie saying goodbye in Buddy's final days.

I still can't get over how some days I think of Buddy and I'm moved to tears.  The loss of a pet is never easy, but Buddy was something special.  I really doubt that there was a person who met him that didn't instantly love him.  (I used to catch the meter reader giving Buddy treats.  Granted, she probably gave lots of treats to dogs on her route...but I bet they didn't all get belly rubs like Buddy did.)  We didn't know it at the time, but "Buddy" was the perfect name.  He was a true friend.

I chose to post a reflection on Buddy today because tomorrow we begin a new phase in our lives.  Tomorrow we bring home Gracie.  If we love her half as much as we loved Buddy, she will be well loved, indeed.