Living in the northeast certainly has rewards. One being, we are able to enjoy the four seasons. In winter a snowfall can display a winter wonderland, children experiencing the childhood joys of throwing snowballs, making snow angels, finding the perfect incline to let gravity take you down hill with the cold wind blowing, turning your cheeks a rosy red. I had the pleasure of visiting Hawaii several times during the Christmas holiday, and although it was absolutely beautiful something seemed out of place. A huge blow-up Santa on a shopping mall roof, decorated yards, and Christmas trees, needed something special--a touch of winter. Some individuals favorite season is spring when green leaves, and gardens show signs of new beginnings. There are those who enjoy warm sometimes hot summer days. Vacations, barbecues, beaches, all are typical of the best of summer. My favorite season is autumn. I enjoy the colors, Halloween, festivals, cooler days, and huge pumpkins growing in a field.
The leaves are falling,
They're falling fast,
How much longer
Can autumn last?
The reds, yellows, and golds,
Are sadly losing their magical hold.
Soon the trees will be bare,
The brilliance gone but do not dispair.
Nature has a miraculous surprise,
She has a plan that will open our eyes,
Months from now through rain, wind and snow,
Spring will come offering a lush green show.
Seasons will come,
And seasons will go.
But only nature,
Can put on this spectacular show.
Whatever the season, whatever the fruit or vegetable crop, the farmer always must move forward to assure his precious land will produce the best of nature's bounty. Some local farms have been in a family for generations, handed down always hoping the heirs will continue the love of the land, and the pride of utilizing their farms to produce life saving food. It's cranberry harvest time in New Jersey, and the crop looks relatively good after excessive rain, heat, and dryness and whatever weather conditions can make your day. Most of the farms are Ocean Spray grower-owned, and Ocean Spray only uses quality fruit to produce their increasing line of tasty products.
SPRING
Spring can be a difficult time, since the temperature fluctuates and a natural frost can be devastating to the buds or blooms.
The vines are protected with a coating of ice. The sprinklers are activated when the temperature is close to 32 degrees. When the sun warms the vines and the ice melts the sprinklers are turned off.
Spraying the bogs with fertilizers and chemicals can be made easier with the use of hired crop planes. These pilots do a great job since many bogs are surrounded by tall trees.
The bee hives are brought to the farm in May. The honey bee is vital to the pollination of the cranberries. The beekeeper will use the honey to make cranberry honey.
The bloom is small and delicate, in time each bloom will turn into a green then red berry.
SUMMER
The vines are now lush and green. Can you find the green berries?
There's always work to be done to keep the bog, dams, and farm in A-1 condition. This bog has been harvested and a reddish tint has already begun to show it's fall colors.
An end of summer comes to mind when a soon to be fall is approaching.
FALL
The water picking machines, operated by the young men go around and around, knocking the berries off the vines. The berries will float to the top where another group of workers will begin gathering them.
This young man is getting the machine ready that will suck the berries out of the bog to the waiting truck.
This is what the farmer hopes for, a bog of berries. It was a beautiful day, but the workers will work rain or shine.
Every year this gentleman makes an appearance. He lives in the area, but watching the harvest is something he enjoys each year.
The berries are being contained and the bog is just about completed.
The trucks are loaded and ready to roll to the receiving station.
After reaching the receiving station, the berries are dumped into a pool where they are thoroughly washed.
A conveyor now takes the fruit to the operation that helps clean the berries for shipment to the processing plant.
The process is almost complete. The berries will be taken to the the processing plant where they will be made into juice, sauce, craisins and many other healthy choices. Now we go back to the farm.
All appears to be quiet, another fall season has come and gone, and the harvest is now over.
The egrets are having a feast on crickets which are quite plentiful.
WINTER
The winter will come and the snow will blow, but the vines will be protected under water. Quite often the water will freeze and several inches of ice will cover the bog. There is one thing to do and that is wait for spring where the process begins again. Enjoy cranberries, muffins, cookies, and cranberry bread. Serve sauce more times than Thanksgiving. Happy Cranberry Holidays!
Unfortunately we often hear of the devastation and often loss of life flooding can cause. On September 5, 2012 the local TV stations meteorologists forcasted rain that could be heavy at times. Well, the rain came along with steady strikes of lightening. Apparently, we had a very slow moving storm cell directly overhead. In the awakening hours the rain finally subsided. The rain gauge indicated we had fifteen inches and that much rain in such a short period of time caused considerable concern especially with the cranberry farmers who are getting ready for harvest. The following photos depict some of the havoc the storm caused.
This particular bridge takes you into Wharton State Forest, where canoeists, hikers, and campers are invited to enjoy nature at its best.
The bridge was closed for several days, since the State of New Jersey required an evaluation as to its safety. The water was approximately ten feet above normal level.
The rushing water over powered the river where you see the orange cones. There was no alternative but to close the road until the water subsided.
This scene shows the rushing water going over the Harrisville Dam. Generally it's a tranquil river, used for canoeing and kayaking. The threatening clouds were dark and uninvited.
These two Ocean Spray grower-owners were researching what impact the storm had on their farms, and that of their friends and neighbors. Thankfully, they had smiles on their faces indicating things for them could have been worse.
The water from a local lake pours into gates, then it follows the stream to Harrisville Lake. The water appeared angry and gave one that stay away feeling.
Here we see cranberries on a cranberry bog gate. These berries are supposed to be in the bog, but the high water over took the bog, raised the water level and flooded the bog.
This photograph shows the loss of one of the grower's dams. It caused all stored water to be released, flooding areas and causing necessary reservoirs to empty.
The emptied reservoir showed a very unusual sight. It takes a lot of work to restore the dams and acquire new water for the harvest season.
This young couple were on fish patrol. They were rescuing small sunfish that had been deposited in a driveway from a high level reservoir. They did an excellent job and for the little fish they saved the day.
It appears everyone loves a bargain. Columbus Farmer's Market on a beautiful Sunday morning is the place you might find that something special for yourself or that someone special. Whether it be old or new, Columbus Market is the place to look. There are a few secrets though, get there early and if you see something you like buy it, because it might not be there when you get back.
Many venders are regular dealers, and then there are the one day yard sales. There are rows and rows of venders hoping they might have that something special you are looking for.
This adventureous lady appears to be thrilled she found a truely treasured item. Perhaps she has had one just like it in the past or needs to have one now.
Today I wasn't interested in doorknobs or crystals. The items were neatly displayed and the sun added brightness to their charm. VERY TEMPTING!
The cookie jars were absolutely beautiful. Since, I don't have any counter spece left in my kitchen I had to pass on to other fabulous deals. My purchases for the day included the following: bedspread $8.00, old four piece ceramic train, $0.50, peanut butter $2.00 and a hotdog, $1.00. All in all it was all worth the trip.
5.jpg)
