tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91354916298890667102024-03-05T17:53:54.590-08:00Naturally Norm'sNaturally Norm'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10411275207911766567noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9135491629889066710.post-48780927945122916572013-04-07T08:14:00.001-07:002013-04-07T08:14:28.410-07:00Know the Difference and Support Carlson Farms!<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Take a look at this video and then share it! Do those around you really understand the differences among chicken and egg producers in the United States? Share your knowledge and know the difference!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5exEt-b1bag" target="_blank">Knowing the Difference...</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />Knowing the differences between chicken and egg producers in this country is something that is very important to our livelihood here on Carlson Farms. This kind of knowledge and information will be invaluable to the success of Copper Ridge Inn and Market. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Check out the beautiful progress on Copper Ridge Market! And don't forget to find "Copper Ridge Inn and Market" on Facebook and "Like" us!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMolpji_dfjSjzWPHwOBCKpnzZy2wXIzDK88Uq5KXeKW8-Q7vAeJg7xzhCDslJjlqIQQgUwqQVvzQP56GaKl6qojMNoxzNah8dgKEg-lPv4rTa56qC_00ak-Kpc6D3HNTvt0Y59lI5F5m/s1600/CopperRidgeMarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMolpji_dfjSjzWPHwOBCKpnzZy2wXIzDK88Uq5KXeKW8-Q7vAeJg7xzhCDslJjlqIQQgUwqQVvzQP56GaKl6qojMNoxzNah8dgKEg-lPv4rTa56qC_00ak-Kpc6D3HNTvt0Y59lI5F5m/s320/CopperRidgeMarket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Naturally Norm'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10411275207911766567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9135491629889066710.post-36597243363073466472012-11-17T16:39:00.000-08:002012-11-17T16:39:05.950-08:00Season of ThanksWe're very thankful for the farm this time of year. It's been a busy year, but we are beginning to see the successes of our labor. And for that, we give thanks.<br />
<br />
Here are some pictures of the farm and a few updates you might enjoy! Think of Carlson Farms this Holiday Season, for all your catering needs. Also, swing by Arcadia Ales in Battle Creek, and Food Dance in Kalamazoo to try one of their many dishes featuring Carlson Farms!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQa6i8IDW04/UKgqq3mOJ5I/AAAAAAAAAJs/5KNK9B6v9kM/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQa6i8IDW04/UKgqq3mOJ5I/AAAAAAAAAJs/5KNK9B6v9kM/s320/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great time from this summer! Thanks to Food Dance for all your support and business! Check out Food Dance and their new, fresh, in-house-baked bread!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nfp_j09MQ4vBJjpzEdERfLhj-sSJ7tfzC-EEEqyEa2pIvHPWgLrS8-6JsTRWGINS-yaKmFMnxNpkJP-XyPNmlnLR_VofBH03UmTjUdcSCT-3OnjUzD2vO-2KOxRMmmGt95UgmNRwSjLw/s1600/image10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nfp_j09MQ4vBJjpzEdERfLhj-sSJ7tfzC-EEEqyEa2pIvHPWgLrS8-6JsTRWGINS-yaKmFMnxNpkJP-XyPNmlnLR_VofBH03UmTjUdcSCT-3OnjUzD2vO-2KOxRMmmGt95UgmNRwSjLw/s320/image10.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Copper Ridge Inn on Carlson Farms. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uj5qqZhoX84/UKgrI4tFXMI/AAAAAAAAAK0/RYDgcSg1scE/s1600/image9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uj5qqZhoX84/UKgrI4tFXMI/AAAAAAAAAK0/RYDgcSg1scE/s320/image9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5LWDkEu6xsYQxSTvAuyPnPfrljLds8TCpf2450FGFgMIapBW1nwaSd2P3DOB2GFpEts31JdJiMFSPYwZOjhHTbV1KkUBE1Tr7YOXAIVK99QeoDAbOSh1MTySq4DrWTZTbvj_L5wDeVGb/s1600/image8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5LWDkEu6xsYQxSTvAuyPnPfrljLds8TCpf2450FGFgMIapBW1nwaSd2P3DOB2GFpEts31JdJiMFSPYwZOjhHTbV1KkUBE1Tr7YOXAIVK99QeoDAbOSh1MTySq4DrWTZTbvj_L5wDeVGb/s320/image8.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPyPafHWFPg88OG8rOaaCTfg6BElEgrnZyJJbvq-KUaoJKBrzHWm6Vxe-BkHQzAIagNCQafDcR2clwzx4KOeFPr6pmWSrtov8lEIW5xwwV8Gg-OSXuvbZvfYsKfTw4ORpsO34XYBJjuJr/s1600/image7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPyPafHWFPg88OG8rOaaCTfg6BElEgrnZyJJbvq-KUaoJKBrzHWm6Vxe-BkHQzAIagNCQafDcR2clwzx4KOeFPr6pmWSrtov8lEIW5xwwV8Gg-OSXuvbZvfYsKfTw4ORpsO34XYBJjuJr/s320/image7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FXxgQEUo-4M/UKgqyaLeg8I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/x6S2wYACJwE/s1600/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FXxgQEUo-4M/UKgqyaLeg8I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/x6S2wYACJwE/s320/image2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvmP1VUMVTsK9hnBFaNTNNGODd7B-Um0yYE7WGM1PyXIqQ3BsrSSBtFoBbUEWMaeNkvzLn03BRgFlhxC6QUoj2wLMx9aML0sQgKBARC1ransiURJf-Smpu5g9FQq9yjvwem8sMJeqH6Pd/s1600/image3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvmP1VUMVTsK9hnBFaNTNNGODd7B-Um0yYE7WGM1PyXIqQ3BsrSSBtFoBbUEWMaeNkvzLn03BRgFlhxC6QUoj2wLMx9aML0sQgKBARC1ransiURJf-Smpu5g9FQq9yjvwem8sMJeqH6Pd/s320/image3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRi49txcRoOR4JDAxhgZG0K1JSkZRCO4UZQfgj3Rop4GThPJGf3l-GkYdLKEc9MD24cFk3riOZD9JCe8YIWGhQUqgfmdV4NgYP0qFuyIwRSpqNyVX0ggWsAYtOBdfzEM4l0hG1yqjfHQE/s1600/image5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRi49txcRoOR4JDAxhgZG0K1JSkZRCO4UZQfgj3Rop4GThPJGf3l-GkYdLKEc9MD24cFk3riOZD9JCe8YIWGhQUqgfmdV4NgYP0qFuyIwRSpqNyVX0ggWsAYtOBdfzEM4l0hG1yqjfHQE/s320/image5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRTxkLbLEmvG3-8d1Kj6FEcdYpkPNi7F_UBl5Lsgfd-YUpuz01wCPkppPaYRi2ynQY21M-lePKiRIzfnHoIzddvGxlptyiTxBfHT2ACMzb9BxQFwGkMiuoq5yXHJB0kx5U-HlwqAZqv_y/s1600/image6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRTxkLbLEmvG3-8d1Kj6FEcdYpkPNi7F_UBl5Lsgfd-YUpuz01wCPkppPaYRi2ynQY21M-lePKiRIzfnHoIzddvGxlptyiTxBfHT2ACMzb9BxQFwGkMiuoq5yXHJB0kx5U-HlwqAZqv_y/s320/image6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastured chickens for some tasty holiday dishes. Pick yours up today!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Naturally Norm'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10411275207911766567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9135491629889066710.post-83393047332071490292012-04-21T15:34:00.003-07:002012-04-21T15:34:33.265-07:00Hope Springs Eternal<dl style="text-align: center;"><dd><i>Hope springs eternal in the human breast;</i></dd><dd><i>Man never Is, but always To be blest:</i></dd><dd><i>The soul, uneasy and confin'd from home,</i></dd><dd><i>Rests and expatiates in a life to come.</i></dd><dd><i> </i></dd><dd style="text-align: left;"><i> </i>In the midst of blizzards and ice, wind and frigid temperatures, barren land and dark skies, what is it that keeps us going? How is it that we sit down at night and say to our tired bodies and minds, "It gets better." "We have something to look forward to." "The glass is half-full."</dd><dd style="text-align: left;"><br /></dd><dd style="text-align: left;">Hope springs eternal. </dd><dd style="text-align: left;"><br /></dd><dd style="text-align: left;">We've heard this many times and as we look around us during this lovely spring, we see our mid-winter thoughts of hopefulness and optimism blossoming in the fields. We hear the peeps and chirps of the newly hatched chicks. And we see the light in the eyes of our animal friends; the pasture is ready and it is time to roam and play and breathe in the clean, crisp air of spring in Southwest Michigan. </dd><dd style="text-align: left;"><br /></dd><dd style="text-align: left;">Our chickens are out to pasture. Our lambs, born during the cold winter, are happily frolicking in alfalfa and tall grass. Our hogs and cattle are most pleased to see that we are no longer bringing them the same-old, boring, day-after-day-after-day bales of hay and feed that they have grown tiresome of in the winter months. Instead, the pastures are open. Everyone can breathe. </dd><dd style="text-align: left;"><br /></dd><dd style="text-align: left;">Well, almost everyone. </dd><dd style="text-align: left;"><br /></dd><dd style="text-align: left;">For us, though we aren't complaining about the warmer days, spring is the beginning to our year. Spring is filled with days of long hours and busy schedules. It's our time to prepare the beginnings of what will become a harvest for you. It is no secret that if you look out into the pastures and see all the happy animals, it is truly a sign of a dedicated, hard-working, and loving farmer. </dd><dd style="text-align: left;"><br /></dd><dd style="text-align: left;">We hope that you support those farmers. We hope that you support us. </dd><dd style="text-align: left;"><br /></dd><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNlP5qnbYQk/T5M1hWPFeVI/AAAAAAAAAIs/rq4d9tu3USo/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNlP5qnbYQk/T5M1hWPFeVI/AAAAAAAAAIs/rq4d9tu3USo/s320/photo+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huNzMgPcUqo/T5M1kNb3bUI/AAAAAAAAAI8/LOaIarqhJDA/s1600/photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huNzMgPcUqo/T5M1kNb3bUI/AAAAAAAAAI8/LOaIarqhJDA/s320/photo+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3JQJLEUDVy-noPD4zFhgpPwoxHW_ygs4EAlr_Rl3sBnoAiOBIDQry4XLmZwEXtH5YvEH3FyX8S0czR-S3bTVVrVsFvcVkiK9MWY58aYLPqLjXj6MVI-ctuOhnlUdahhwPqiTyz-feTAG/s1600/photo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3JQJLEUDVy-noPD4zFhgpPwoxHW_ygs4EAlr_Rl3sBnoAiOBIDQry4XLmZwEXtH5YvEH3FyX8S0czR-S3bTVVrVsFvcVkiK9MWY58aYLPqLjXj6MVI-ctuOhnlUdahhwPqiTyz-feTAG/s320/photo+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinp65ahOo2d5ZOSqFzwxa6pCFI3h6lJeIFjH7yq2_piZqzPHeHDBUl9ENX1HOrBUznqrfCoSSgZ9gSxmPruaSm9M_9ndI_cICXApCDpMX5bWHP9y8ImKE_LbTwpH18tuBsS_AREMhy6zkl/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinp65ahOo2d5ZOSqFzwxa6pCFI3h6lJeIFjH7yq2_piZqzPHeHDBUl9ENX1HOrBUznqrfCoSSgZ9gSxmPruaSm9M_9ndI_cICXApCDpMX5bWHP9y8ImKE_LbTwpH18tuBsS_AREMhy6zkl/s320/photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<dd style="text-align: left;"><br /></dd><dd style="text-align: left;">We also want you to remember this spring, that the beauty you see surrounding you comes at a price. Respect the beauty and respect the earth. She will thank you in the end. </dd><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBHw9lzAqMY8-JBaM3XZhG9x4-cNnFD4JjiulPd7NtYVcsUmrfavjamIkD4jBfzFkN-Xkhl8_8o6TKUGuvdfRGABchBwMFlxltebDlH3VW_DOHxFsmfdh9CoG0OHHvF7g5AX7z_nK3s6c/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBHw9lzAqMY8-JBaM3XZhG9x4-cNnFD4JjiulPd7NtYVcsUmrfavjamIkD4jBfzFkN-Xkhl8_8o6TKUGuvdfRGABchBwMFlxltebDlH3VW_DOHxFsmfdh9CoG0OHHvF7g5AX7z_nK3s6c/s320/photo+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<dd style="text-align: left;"><br /></dd><dd style="text-align: left;"><br /></dd></dl>Naturally Norm'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10411275207911766567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9135491629889066710.post-84732020932877116702012-02-22T08:36:00.000-08:002012-02-22T08:36:46.795-08:00Livin' In Michigan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyhjGFf5nripjzmb8pA45cNkAPtn7bSkax9ZLTDUyYCkkHlvF93UeI50zbFRsb_OVfQWQE_HGcoI4BQ3LBtpA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our hens are all pastured. So, on beautiful, sunny days (especially during this mild winter), our ladies like to venture out of their "pen" and visit us. You know, to catch up on all the good farm gossip. There's lots to talk about on the farm these days - all our new projects, the new members of the family (besides Ellyaire Sue - Blake and Jenny's daughter), and of course, what would "farm talk" be if you didn't chat about the weather. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have certainly had some lovely lake-effect snow. The powdery, soft-lookin' kind. But after only a few of these snows, we started to feel some of what this spring may have to offer. Now, we suggest you 'knock on wood' if you are thinking about how nice it would be for no more bitter cold nights, because although we would like to be sippin' on tropical drinks and enjoying warmer days too, let's be realistic: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We. Live. In. Michigan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2oUiR1YWDIP0ipzG1qe6QzDO_WcrMuseWZzJed1WG8MpAPB9SZ5kaT6QqIWl141kuthYsRhjWGR9TZyC0n1aPR6vkWRhiEgp6DSg_pDZ9U8M2yNUYWZlIU85RTaLOT0obAfOA_cNWnA/s1600/Winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2oUiR1YWDIP0ipzG1qe6QzDO_WcrMuseWZzJed1WG8MpAPB9SZ5kaT6QqIWl141kuthYsRhjWGR9TZyC0n1aPR6vkWRhiEgp6DSg_pDZ9U8M2yNUYWZlIU85RTaLOT0obAfOA_cNWnA/s320/Winter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wishing you happy and healthy days! Come visit us soon and take a look at all our new projects! Perhaps you could catch up on all the gossip with the girls, too. </div>Naturally Norm'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10411275207911766567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9135491629889066710.post-83224623379864061692011-12-12T10:08:00.000-08:002011-12-12T18:06:42.336-08:00Happy Holidays - From Our Farm to Your ForkWith Christmas and New Year's just around the corner, let us help you plan your holiday meals! The holidays can certainly be busy and chaotic, but we would like to encourage you to plan a thoughtful meal this year and not be fooled by advertisements for chicken, pork, and eggs in grocery stores. Most, if not all, of the typical grocery stores' supply is packed full of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). And don't forget about the environment where the animals are raised. <br />
<br />
This holiday, don't just make something delicious from our farm to your fork, make a difference by supporting a local farm with impeccable standards set for what we feed our animals and how we raise them. <br />
<ul><li><div align="center">NON-GMO, Organic Grain</div></li>
<li><div align="center">Free-Range (Outdoors), Pastured</div></li>
<li><div align="center">Cage-Free</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">In other words, at Naturally Norm's on Carlson Farms, we respect our animals and treat them like family, raising them the right way and putting a product on your plate you can feel good about. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Try our cornish hens for an exciting and beautiful holiday dish! We also have large broilers (whole chickens) that roast to perfection and would make an impressive centerpiece on your table this Christmas. Feeling ambitious? Then use our eggs to make some delicious egg nog for your holiday guests. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Click on these links to try some recipes (with our pork, chicken, and eggs, of course!):</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cornishhenrecipes.net/" target="_blank">Cornish Hen Recipes</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/christmas-creamy-egg-nog/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Egg Nog? Yes, please!</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://southernfood.about.com/od/christmasfood/r/blxm115.htm" target="_blank">Bacon and Egg Christmas Casserole!</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">From Our Farm To Your Fork - </div><div style="text-align: center;">We Wish You</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Happy Holidays!</span></em></div>Naturally Norm'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10411275207911766567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9135491629889066710.post-87375665955044516392011-11-14T19:10:00.000-08:002011-11-14T19:10:56.673-08:00Visit Us @ The Market!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAsuOpd1uoNT7lkQLxnKKYnrEMXnVHlSxym6HqwVeRYRdAc4BAtS04yvOQE7MVh9YIr9aadS9PdDOMnipsl4WLiIkL5nHVpN-GJhIdMOJki8QLqZ-poGNFP1uA10MEw-ItoLIbpvq29VE/s1600/Market+Flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAsuOpd1uoNT7lkQLxnKKYnrEMXnVHlSxym6HqwVeRYRdAc4BAtS04yvOQE7MVh9YIr9aadS9PdDOMnipsl4WLiIkL5nHVpN-GJhIdMOJki8QLqZ-poGNFP1uA10MEw-ItoLIbpvq29VE/s640/Market+Flyer.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Come Visit Us!</span></u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bronson Athletic Club</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address" dir="ltr"><span>6789 Elm Valley Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009-7476</span></span> </div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-phone"><span class="telephone" dir="ltr"><nobr>(269) 544-3200</nobr></span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&gs_upl=1953l8675l0l9716l31l17l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1024&bih=578&wrapid=tlif132132645021310&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=Bronson+Athletic+Club&fb=1&gl=us&hq=Bronson+Athletic+Club&cid=8845048386456835630&ei=gNfBTofEGeXo2gWFp9j_BA&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=placepage-link&resnum=4&ved=0CEgQ4gkwAw" target="_blank">Click HERE For Directions!</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Naturally Norm'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10411275207911766567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9135491629889066710.post-36190079096873710822011-11-14T18:51:00.000-08:002011-11-14T18:58:38.984-08:00Heart and Soul<span lang="EN"></span><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-AIvbVtGqXuDsxF7LIlxOdq6iQOSsb1W64C2K0WQY401w-ajo7LqJtwMnY8t2xQY49Yb39hu8AIeF_rs2UBC2VaC4P0XHOiMQmzylTDYtKv__rh2FTA5k3c1Zn7jwY9Tlw-_ldN61x93/s1600/Pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 219px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 329px;"><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-AIvbVtGqXuDsxF7LIlxOdq6iQOSsb1W64C2K0WQY401w-ajo7LqJtwMnY8t2xQY49Yb39hu8AIeF_rs2UBC2VaC4P0XHOiMQmzylTDYtKv__rh2FTA5k3c1Zn7jwY9Tlw-_ldN61x93/s200/Pumpkin.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Autumn is a season full of colors, bountiful harvest, and gatherings with friends and family. Nothing celebrates this exciting season more than a kitchen bursting with laughter, joy, and all the aromas of a meal prepared with heart and soul. </span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Naturally Norm’s at Carlson Farms starts your home-cooked meal with just that…</span></div></div><div align="center"></div><span style="font-family: Blackadder ITC; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Blackadder ITC; font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Heart and Soul. </strong></span></div></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><span lang="EN"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">You may see other advertisements for “all natural” and “organic,” but don’t be fooled by these loosely defined terms. We always like to ask ourselves, “Do you REALLY know what you’re making for dinner?” Be sure to check if what you are preparing has met the following benchmarks:</span></div><ul><span style="font-family: Tempus Sans ITC; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Tempus Sans ITC; font-size: small;"><span lang="EN">
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Free-Range and Pastured</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;">Fed NON-GMO, Organic Grain</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;">Antibiotic and Hormone Free</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: center;">Raised Locally by Farmers Who Care</div></li>
</span></span></span></ul><span lang="EN"><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Naturally Norm’s at Carlson Farms meets these benchmarks and continues to excel beyond the typical market. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">“Why?”, you ask. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">If you want to prepare something for your loved ones that is healthy, safe, delicious, and honest, then we ask, “Why not?”</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BtllfB54d3ZtAA7roD0pcNJt-aJuZnONAMQIJiN9knIWAVSMaRLUpYQQscU5uPlPjBhhbE7TmPUHaXQJgUrsyf70yMsQj8kuXyczXpf2iKpoLvEmSpfn5Ol_c7IVKPh-TBSm5FUOUiqq/s1600/FallChick2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BtllfB54d3ZtAA7roD0pcNJt-aJuZnONAMQIJiN9knIWAVSMaRLUpYQQscU5uPlPjBhhbE7TmPUHaXQJgUrsyf70yMsQj8kuXyczXpf2iKpoLvEmSpfn5Ol_c7IVKPh-TBSm5FUOUiqq/s320/FallChick2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j2YkxJ2KjW14nqO7XoT-AqmNkLVbAk5uOhHrYwnca5l6XWF7yz6az03O0sEy3N0OkS8DJu7RcRyMlyb_S6TF0AutdDacLKnBZY3PCj2zennLJHzbKn209Vs43I8VjFgi2NFXyRM83rz6/s1600/FallChick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j2YkxJ2KjW14nqO7XoT-AqmNkLVbAk5uOhHrYwnca5l6XWF7yz6az03O0sEy3N0OkS8DJu7RcRyMlyb_S6TF0AutdDacLKnBZY3PCj2zennLJHzbKn209Vs43I8VjFgi2NFXyRM83rz6/s320/FallChick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times;">___________________________________________________</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span lang="EN"><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Try Our:</strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Tempus Sans ITC;"><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Whole Broilers (3-5 lb. avg.) </strong>- <span style="font-size: small;">Great for your main dish!</span></li>
</ul><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><ul><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusi4m42bFgoninanrPRkhCiqG85zETMRwXnV3RGGsdwB5WDOtU0I06BgiGpiApnzglb0yPAGsAttRjdXfxlq5O-t99jxGgHcAim5OU89VBCGpv8Vkw9efmBYxOdtEsT95vUvuwguJ0zuu/s1600/CornishBroiler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" height="200" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusi4m42bFgoninanrPRkhCiqG85zETMRwXnV3RGGsdwB5WDOtU0I06BgiGpiApnzglb0yPAGsAttRjdXfxlq5O-t99jxGgHcAim5OU89VBCGpv8Vkw9efmBYxOdtEsT95vUvuwguJ0zuu/s200/CornishBroiler.jpg" width="200" /></strong></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><li><strong>Cornish Hens (NOW IN SEASON)-</strong> <span style="font-size: small;">Try something different this year, and personalize each plate with a Cornish Hen!<strong> </strong></span></li>
<li><strong>Boneless Smoked Netted Ham -</strong> <span style="font-size: small;">Slow roast in the morning and by dinner, you’ll have a fabulous, juicy centerpiece. Nothing says “Holidays!” like our smoked ham! </span></li>
</ul></span></span></span>Naturally Norm'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10411275207911766567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9135491629889066710.post-33066832734284770132011-10-10T12:00:00.000-07:002011-10-10T12:00:06.367-07:00October's Palette<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqHAxXv75kgo2JWMOOu_oHgp5RaKGk6xsEoA2mHVpWEX1bLD3AB_LkKKG9AZWSsFaCpJJXgT9m8-8Rr84s-X6geKZbB0tqu2qxCB-J7n4Gz__e0-bvEQDXv-rqnc0hCDubxPUZ6xIXNyS/s1600/Chkn%255E_%255E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqHAxXv75kgo2JWMOOu_oHgp5RaKGk6xsEoA2mHVpWEX1bLD3AB_LkKKG9AZWSsFaCpJJXgT9m8-8Rr84s-X6geKZbB0tqu2qxCB-J7n4Gz__e0-bvEQDXv-rqnc0hCDubxPUZ6xIXNyS/s320/Chkn%255E_%255E.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hellur, Octoburr. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">September has come and gone, just as summer, but the warm sun has been lingering a bit longer, and we are not complaining. This warm weather sure does make the animals happy. Not too hot. Not too cold. There aren't many nagging flies left to bother them in the fields (not that the chickens would mind, anyway) and the crispness of autumn has seemed to give off a bit of extra "kick" in their spirits. It always is a joy to see the cows playing in the fields and the hogs twirl their tails in excitement. We sometimes joke that the hogs are little "gremlins" when they 'woof' and 'oink' running around the pasture. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTNmU9yd8vw/TpM_--9Q0CI/AAAAAAAAAHA/agkAbYTpiUI/s1600/InFullSwing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTNmU9yd8vw/TpM_--9Q0CI/AAAAAAAAAHA/agkAbYTpiUI/s320/InFullSwing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We hope that you are able to get outside and enjoy the October's spectacular palette. It sure is a beautiful painting out there. And the beauty translates into what we mean when we say "natural." This, the crimson, gold, and yellow, the scent of summer's departure in falling leaves, the softness in the clear night sky, and the crisp edge in the morning sun's wake. This is "natural." This is not only what we experience, but it is what our farm experiences. Together, we share in them and contribute to the multidimensional painting that is October. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YcTgpuAwSx9Cvuvow9B60-6tQQRCI77Uk_1A-vJHfzBdh6JpAcX5U3RdBZ-YxIlxhidgsXatz4uTc6o0e4PprLvIkt94yA_YMQhWo-mr_f7TtaOAGxZAYJRZavvUimzAmrJROuSWIiI9/s1600/Mums.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YcTgpuAwSx9Cvuvow9B60-6tQQRCI77Uk_1A-vJHfzBdh6JpAcX5U3RdBZ-YxIlxhidgsXatz4uTc6o0e4PprLvIkt94yA_YMQhWo-mr_f7TtaOAGxZAYJRZavvUimzAmrJROuSWIiI9/s320/Mums.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUv4nA-oDT2G2sET70t6lNqgdxzKXd_IX51bOAC7Ecbl3pF9VLxla2BVJYxKBPgZLMVEcHBZe7ff20N1vzbt4hnSLeiF-13VZZNrJ1tao4fpmhBR0hdkf8rxE_Q9RT3XhgiXGeyfbwuMJX/s1600/Chicky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUv4nA-oDT2G2sET70t6lNqgdxzKXd_IX51bOAC7Ecbl3pF9VLxla2BVJYxKBPgZLMVEcHBZe7ff20N1vzbt4hnSLeiF-13VZZNrJ1tao4fpmhBR0hdkf8rxE_Q9RT3XhgiXGeyfbwuMJX/s320/Chicky.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div>Naturally Norm'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10411275207911766567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9135491629889066710.post-87076911457755456302011-09-19T10:12:00.000-07:002011-09-19T10:12:08.359-07:00The Way It Should Be<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-erO8qeqiOII/Tndyw40x1rI/AAAAAAAAAGI/BCNOVl9T6qI/s1600/HappyHogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-erO8qeqiOII/Tndyw40x1rI/AAAAAAAAAGI/BCNOVl9T6qI/s320/HappyHogs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirty, happy hogs. The way it should be. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Injecting hogs with growth horomones and chemicals. Raising them on metal crates, never allowing them to see the light of day or the earth they so love to roll around in. Shocking them. Crippling them in tight, overpopulated confinement barns. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Is this the way to raise a hog? The humane, healthy way?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We think you already know the answer to that. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then why buy that drive-thru bacon sandwich? Why buy packaged bacon and sausage packed with chemicals and GMO's? Why support an industry that does not support your health or your views on "the way it should be"?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Naturally Norms on Carlson Farms raises its animals with care and integrity. We care about what we put into our bodies and want to raise happy animals at the same time. We get rid of GMO's in the corn we feed to our hogs and hens. We allow them to pasture and be natural in their environment. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">No crates. No cages. No GMO's. No growth horomones. No inhumanely treated animals. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That is the way it should be. We encourage you to participate in the following this harvest season:</div><ol><li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Harvest from your own garden.</div></li>
<li><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Support local, "beyond-organic" farmers.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Cut down/cut out trips through the drive-thru. Don't support inhumane farmers!</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">When preparing your Harvest Family Dinners, think about what you are going to prepare and how it was raised. </div></li>
</ol><div style="text-align: left;">If you don't have your own garden to harvest from, or local, humane farmers near you, then give us a call! We'd be glad to give you some more information and fill an order for you!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy this last partial-week of summer! Take care and we hope to see you soon!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kSrQtSAD3G8/Tndy2e3YOeI/AAAAAAAAAGM/fgCwUvCfdfU/s1600/HarvestDriveway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kSrQtSAD3G8/Tndy2e3YOeI/AAAAAAAAAGM/fgCwUvCfdfU/s320/HarvestDriveway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Naturally Norm'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10411275207911766567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9135491629889066710.post-68065065344774532852011-09-12T11:50:00.000-07:002011-09-12T16:16:44.928-07:00Shifts in Seasons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XKKYOzrcGliLrSihfUytD_UHMfPM6IF-anGj_kujP_GJWo-5rHluTV4QDaTvlsG_Ol0LNF4uB3Ffa_qLKbfDib7zy8-kk4JvqnoIFsb1pc255YlXBvAZpVd6uBlTeRibDEfIFP4c0Ic2/s1600/Grapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XKKYOzrcGliLrSihfUytD_UHMfPM6IF-anGj_kujP_GJWo-5rHluTV4QDaTvlsG_Ol0LNF4uB3Ffa_qLKbfDib7zy8-kk4JvqnoIFsb1pc255YlXBvAZpVd6uBlTeRibDEfIFP4c0Ic2/s400/Grapes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We hope this post finds you well and that you are enjoying this beautful weather. Though Autumn has a few more days until its official arrival, we can smell the grapes from the vineyard across the street, a sure sign that the seasons are shifting. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVvKwrQNhjNhbWizFYp_QFTcJWit6ilznqpaDl1mp-Tr_DhH-UZC6Nzo_bIuHuNqtufa442P5GMVjQm-bG0C_qNTFL7nLYcAdCRNyFBT6SPlB7XIQvgQCYLTTfbJYMOBnli3w3-WMktDv/s1600/BrooderChicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVvKwrQNhjNhbWizFYp_QFTcJWit6ilznqpaDl1mp-Tr_DhH-UZC6Nzo_bIuHuNqtufa442P5GMVjQm-bG0C_qNTFL7nLYcAdCRNyFBT6SPlB7XIQvgQCYLTTfbJYMOBnli3w3-WMktDv/s320/BrooderChicks.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Some chicks just arrived the other day. Their *peeps* are almost deafening when we feed and water them. And even though their chirps sound lively and healthy, these little chicks are extremely delicate and temperamental. They require constant care and attention, as does the rest of the farm, and add to the list of reminders that we, as farmers and human beings, have creatures that rely on us. No matter what season we shift into, we have duties and responsibilities. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Enjoy the close-to-autumn weather, and stop out to see us sometime! You'll have plenty of company and lots to gossip about with all of our hens. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WnBReLCUoZzOc2esC_zV9817AqrhnMldXMCli2vVdPvBMFSMsQ2I_p7uejNM95F55AT92WVqxG5Rg6rIAPu4UqgeGSFNkNOaU0ycpy52PvJGqJm5da6aRHsRH9u4GQaQBwMjuQgfQOfx/s1600/JohnHen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WnBReLCUoZzOc2esC_zV9817AqrhnMldXMCli2vVdPvBMFSMsQ2I_p7uejNM95F55AT92WVqxG5Rg6rIAPu4UqgeGSFNkNOaU0ycpy52PvJGqJm5da6aRHsRH9u4GQaQBwMjuQgfQOfx/s320/JohnHen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Naturally Norm'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10411275207911766567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9135491629889066710.post-85809562958761024082011-09-03T09:24:00.000-07:002011-09-03T11:48:47.359-07:00Autumn's ApproachSo often, when we hear the word "Autumn," we think, "Oh, no, that means winter is almost here!" We tend to overlook one of the most beautiful seasons in Michigan, all because of the dreadful, long months of Old Man Winter. <br />
<br />
But we would like to encourage everyone to take some time (go ahead, sit back and relax for just a second) and think of all the wonderful things Autumn has to offer. <br />
<br />
First off, let's take a look at that name - "Autumn." Isn't that beautiful? Ethereal, almost. It's in that beautiful name that we find blossoming mums, pie pumpkins ripening in the warm sun, cinnamon, nutmeg, and coriander drifting from the kitchen window, and, of course, the radiant colors from Maple trees scattered across the landscape. "Autumn" is your favorite family meal, perhaps a roasted chicken, seasoned with fresh rosemary from your garden, or sweet corn, smothered in savory butter. "Autumn" is also a time for communion; a time for family, friends, and, dare I say, football. <br />
<br />
Football punted aside (no pun(t) intended), the fellowship of autumn is of the utmost significance, especially entering into long, hard, cold months. It lets us know that we are not alone and that we have something to share with one another; this sharing is, more often than not, a meal. <br />
<br />
Isn't funny how we always come together for food. We've noticed this in the past month when we celebrated in a fundraiser to battle breast cancer at Arcadia Ales in Battle Creek and a benefit Harvest Dinner for Fair Food Matters at Food Dance in Kalamazoo. (Be sure to check out our "Links" page to learn more about these two FANTASTIC restaurants!) Here are some photos from each dinner:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9DOJ64MAu6Quqh7GXyr_6i61q1z1U3ZSCytfyeKpCztx0A4hRoxdNootyeAILvZLFaqdR4qnvklb-p4KMrPer9cPfhwOCvT0jjeG0Ntx5R-TUI2478pM-5PKsb7F3XtfK8-ZGSNXiscT/s1600/CF+Eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9DOJ64MAu6Quqh7GXyr_6i61q1z1U3ZSCytfyeKpCztx0A4hRoxdNootyeAILvZLFaqdR4qnvklb-p4KMrPer9cPfhwOCvT0jjeG0Ntx5R-TUI2478pM-5PKsb7F3XtfK8-ZGSNXiscT/s320/CF+Eggs.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Food Dance Harvest Benefit Dinner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSzC6S23WuIvfxpaSHfQGktideAS-h7tOpIm2IiW04Lvqf6oaP-Nxui3BhgEsnYmQ-BpzbtCuj4okv2BU7uxouw3IuQ_EYJHVPVh9smspy_DPed0H-ZvDDAC7SHbYi7msAXZDVDOYfFYY/s1600/CF+Eggs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSzC6S23WuIvfxpaSHfQGktideAS-h7tOpIm2IiW04Lvqf6oaP-Nxui3BhgEsnYmQ-BpzbtCuj4okv2BU7uxouw3IuQ_EYJHVPVh9smspy_DPed0H-ZvDDAC7SHbYi7msAXZDVDOYfFYY/s200/CF+Eggs2.jpg" width="200" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TIPZnOHW0B8/TmJQ3xTiUGI/AAAAAAAAAFA/mrPfhYqT2T8/s1600/Menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TIPZnOHW0B8/TmJQ3xTiUGI/AAAAAAAAAFA/mrPfhYqT2T8/s320/Menu.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oRmVSYN_siF0foDfnOK0Qeq-kS7-6vazMh0s385C4PB405S0MzvYGi4wrykMYVW2iO58LBFKdNouV4QXI7XLv-eGdpe8jl5TZO6iudhn6aj2BjHJtJPQ9q_rOBManGtp-DrkGWbmz2OU/s1600/Menu2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oRmVSYN_siF0foDfnOK0Qeq-kS7-6vazMh0s385C4PB405S0MzvYGi4wrykMYVW2iO58LBFKdNouV4QXI7XLv-eGdpe8jl5TZO6iudhn6aj2BjHJtJPQ9q_rOBManGtp-DrkGWbmz2OU/s200/Menu2.jpg" width="200" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIPlVtYvVigwyY8uEQ7o0WcNcbCyKdAfnbsH9kJmVJqJf9rqjfTVOVOLNkFfPyjBxZVs6uhcHDGwxjwp5hEl5a9GCFn0sz_AasM32RQqMAbi7htYpg81_DBgOfey8JuFZsKzRGOaATrxg/s1600/Norm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIPlVtYvVigwyY8uEQ7o0WcNcbCyKdAfnbsH9kJmVJqJf9rqjfTVOVOLNkFfPyjBxZVs6uhcHDGwxjwp5hEl5a9GCFn0sz_AasM32RQqMAbi7htYpg81_DBgOfey8JuFZsKzRGOaATrxg/s320/Norm.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_eLbbJ8gAta1q7LJIn4hdRKPQdfsOpqZwC1ATX1yo9OwabStCuDcnRx2bdWbsUu4FQ-CooInPQ03T9D0JEA1TrCwVxD1U5hSKdrRpVN3idv7AUli4vev74UgXr9MZydvhWK-dp5JAASm/s1600/Sunflower+Tables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_eLbbJ8gAta1q7LJIn4hdRKPQdfsOpqZwC1ATX1yo9OwabStCuDcnRx2bdWbsUu4FQ-CooInPQ03T9D0JEA1TrCwVxD1U5hSKdrRpVN3idv7AUli4vev74UgXr9MZydvhWK-dp5JAASm/s200/Sunflower+Tables.jpg" width="200" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmoUpkJApd9Q55COQY1n07AirT_P28V8RMvaLU6WPKOjsp6shAKv4oyFl1la-2wwHJUhAG9Nl45wK5MmhXu9AdrJJyEVT8DXiMUf_it6VLPUWJB2fFtMJs0xapoiBezCk2JJf5ia1kNda/s1600/Sunflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmoUpkJApd9Q55COQY1n07AirT_P28V8RMvaLU6WPKOjsp6shAKv4oyFl1la-2wwHJUhAG9Nl45wK5MmhXu9AdrJJyEVT8DXiMUf_it6VLPUWJB2fFtMJs0xapoiBezCk2JJf5ia1kNda/s320/Sunflowers.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gNZqX9LO2X0/TmJRTPWKTJI/AAAAAAAAAFU/pK01NgPqPfA/s1600/Sunflowers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gNZqX9LO2X0/TmJRTPWKTJI/AAAAAAAAAFU/pK01NgPqPfA/s200/Sunflowers2.jpg" width="200" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVD0ThZD0mnctfAtBxyX6VpJ0xCY_0_qzD6Bbbosk91B2CdJ_eA7vMf7fPZ4MbH28N9iHNsM86TbWVfFJciC6slVkmXyIONBS4DhMUAmDNoxu4R2ZIne2excDWzb9iD9hxQPBTlrv787qV/s1600/100_3524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVD0ThZD0mnctfAtBxyX6VpJ0xCY_0_qzD6Bbbosk91B2CdJ_eA7vMf7fPZ4MbH28N9iHNsM86TbWVfFJciC6slVkmXyIONBS4DhMUAmDNoxu4R2ZIne2excDWzb9iD9hxQPBTlrv787qV/s320/100_3524.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen and Arcadia's amazing Chef Sean at Breast Cancer Benefit Dinner. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyh9oo7HelgWFyxsf1VEiq8Hw7_2DHwILLUj5y3yuvyjUmLAY1IqC6VIYKN6gEqHu_AmRnp8kGXOfe5T2NZq8SKZuQMsn2b6Wd73lT6ww3dsAiOIH9U7OVSgvaywSTqCwQ2S7I0rKLHJA/s1600/100_3525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyh9oo7HelgWFyxsf1VEiq8Hw7_2DHwILLUj5y3yuvyjUmLAY1IqC6VIYKN6gEqHu_AmRnp8kGXOfe5T2NZq8SKZuQMsn2b6Wd73lT6ww3dsAiOIH9U7OVSgvaywSTqCwQ2S7I0rKLHJA/s200/100_3525.JPG" width="200" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AN5x9-rhOGE/TmJSIx_RMfI/AAAAAAAAAFg/DFFhSMoxWCs/s1600/100_3530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AN5x9-rhOGE/TmJSIx_RMfI/AAAAAAAAAFg/DFFhSMoxWCs/s320/100_3530.JPG" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tuCpnn9fFAs/TmJScKeZojI/AAAAAAAAAFk/Hp4ILzFOPcU/s1600/100_3538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tuCpnn9fFAs/TmJScKeZojI/AAAAAAAAAFk/Hp4ILzFOPcU/s200/100_3538.JPG" width="200" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arcadia Ales' Finest!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whatever brings you to the table to celebrate Autumn and all that it brings, we hope that you have some of our all-natural pork and poultry on your table. Keep it local, seasonal, and all natural.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enjoy these days. Enjoy your friends. Enjoy your family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We hope to see you soon!</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Naturally Norm'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10411275207911766567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9135491629889066710.post-68178215444465053802011-08-28T12:34:00.000-07:002011-08-28T12:34:39.278-07:00Thinking Globally, Acting LocallyTo some, it may be just an egg. But to us, it is so much more. Our free-range, pastured laying hens' eggs represent not just a source of livelihood, but serve as a symbol of all-natural, humanely raised, local produce. Our world is so corrupt with "big business" running what is served on our dinner tables. This not only hurts our health with horomones, antibiotics, and other "junk" being injected into our food, but it hurts local economies, the environment, and the animals we work alongside of every day. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0USZHh8Rdsg/TlqSjSZryiI/AAAAAAAAAEw/mhkYbBEDTPA/s1600/EggBad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0USZHh8Rdsg/TlqSjSZryiI/AAAAAAAAAEw/mhkYbBEDTPA/s320/EggBad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many egg production facilities that cages hens; hens who will never see daylight or pasture. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
Our family farm may be small, but we pride ourselves on being able to serve our community with all-natural produce. Taking care of our bodies, our animals, and the environment are important to us. They should be to you, too! Here are a few simple things you can implement into your life, starting today!<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMPYyX5U4K8/TknBjrFLoqI/AAAAAAAAAEc/bA0P-MZpGdk/s1600/Chickens+Field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMPYyX5U4K8/TknBjrFLoqI/AAAAAAAAAEc/bA0P-MZpGdk/s320/Chickens+Field.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last week's photo showing the Carlson Hens. Happy. Healthy. Cage Free. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><li><strong>Find local produce! </strong>Go to a local farmer's market and pick up your week's supply of seasonal fruits and veggies! If you haven't heard of a farmer's market in your area, check out <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/">http://www.localharvest.org/</a> or your local newspaper! Don't forget to call us @ (269) 423-8131 for poultry and pork cuts!</li>
<li><strong>Research your food! </strong>Don't be afraid to ask questions! Look up company information online or give a company representative a call. Once you have, you'll feel so much better about what you are buying for your family.</li>
<li><strong>Reuse and Recylce!</strong> For farmers like us, we'll take egg cartons whenever we can get them! Take your egg cartons to a local farmer, use them for arts and crafts with the kids, or take them to the farmer's market and just reuse them instead of taking another one!</li>
</ol>Three simple things to check out! We hope you enjoy and share your findings with us and all your friends!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YsnsTAtXiqc/TlqPgoEH5EI/AAAAAAAAAEo/C6gAhZBvlR4/s1600/EggWorld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qaa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YsnsTAtXiqc/TlqPgoEH5EI/AAAAAAAAAEo/C6gAhZBvlR4/s1600/EggWorld.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Props to ThinkEgg.com. Thanks for the image!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
Naturally Norm'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10411275207911766567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9135491629889066710.post-82124353238360701342011-08-15T18:05:00.000-07:002011-08-15T18:05:44.779-07:00The Busy Season"Guys, we have to keep on going."<br />
<br />
As a farmer, this is a phrase that you are familiar with. But, there is a part of you, perhaps the "normal human being" part of you, that wants to kick something every time you hear the words uttered. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AC58_TSU-Y5I7qH7OtDc-E5mVIDDYjfDrrn1TqAZ0tdSmew3GK3ggORRgqJ0MTKwGhjnr5I0OOwANjIS1yiqEPokjTTH-Uba4zlnUbdjln0QOjv4gMG3UwGjC9WXyJnEacQCNtPy6SAy/s1600/Square+Baling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AC58_TSU-Y5I7qH7OtDc-E5mVIDDYjfDrrn1TqAZ0tdSmew3GK3ggORRgqJ0MTKwGhjnr5I0OOwANjIS1yiqEPokjTTH-Uba4zlnUbdjln0QOjv4gMG3UwGjC9WXyJnEacQCNtPy6SAy/s320/Square+Baling.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>That is what this season is all about. A constant mix of emotions; some good, some bad, all tiring. Every day is a race against the setting sun. The problem is, the hands on a clock keep on ticking at a continuous pace, but our hands slow with every bale lifted, every bucket carried, and every egg washed. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMPYyX5U4K8/TknBjrFLoqI/AAAAAAAAAEc/bA0P-MZpGdk/s1600/Chickens+Field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BMPYyX5U4K8/TknBjrFLoqI/AAAAAAAAAEc/bA0P-MZpGdk/s320/Chickens+Field.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>But we keep moving. And we keep smiling because it is what we love.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL97_P1IFjjR9zhTX7GVm0D9UdWw1-1RslT6Dna2Txy5UxhDFI6VDWvHNfj7v-QITWH3KlI1mdmyu6zu66fDq7Uv9Dazw1q6ulw1twyE4XVDPZ1Bm0dNdEc1qWkY1XGLKZM82K41wHzSUA/s1600/Sunset+on+Field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL97_P1IFjjR9zhTX7GVm0D9UdWw1-1RslT6Dna2Txy5UxhDFI6VDWvHNfj7v-QITWH3KlI1mdmyu6zu66fDq7Uv9Dazw1q6ulw1twyE4XVDPZ1Bm0dNdEc1qWkY1XGLKZM82K41wHzSUA/s320/Sunset+on+Field.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><br />
<div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;">Don't forget to visit us at the Bronson Athletic Club Farmer's Market, from 9 am to 1 pm! </div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3HmneVMUMKhzfDHsJoYxVUl4TQvDUI36sIvrLcelMcfvLAa7YvG_AYqrdCQD-7LQz9znbt4dtjUPyGkRlultrkfBkBmjcrU_eGE4puLkMH9NMHh_0MtUHR70BOSVwK90okmO18Z32Xw0/s1600/Farmer%2527s+Market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3HmneVMUMKhzfDHsJoYxVUl4TQvDUI36sIvrLcelMcfvLAa7YvG_AYqrdCQD-7LQz9znbt4dtjUPyGkRlultrkfBkBmjcrU_eGE4puLkMH9NMHh_0MtUHR70BOSVwK90okmO18Z32Xw0/s320/Farmer%2527s+Market.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
Naturally Norm'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10411275207911766567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9135491629889066710.post-74490394940130441442011-08-05T11:21:00.000-07:002011-08-05T11:21:32.920-07:00The First of ManyThe weather has been treating us a little better this week. The temperature is down and there is a steady breeze in the field. Mowing hay has been much more enjoyable. <br />
<br />
The farm is always busy. Norm is running in and out of the driveway, delivering eggs and meats to customers and businesses, and everyone else is busy keeping the farm running: feed and water all the animals, check the fences, check the livetraps set last night, collect eggs, wash and package eggs, mow hay, rake hay, bale hay, store hay, deliver hay, collect eggs, wash and package eggs...<br />
<br />
The list of daily chores go on and on. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE7tDqillExhFd9sv8kQbVqog1W7bCSc2hQCAFREi6CZQgDIhvhL2zV7vD5NZn1Xd9sl7SzgJ945frSkr-Zo1skdnjVDMGZ9laKu5opNIMv96QWFv7sx5u2wXWJgGA4rt9yqwCgfZhqzf/s1600/TriFarm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE7tDqillExhFd9sv8kQbVqog1W7bCSc2hQCAFREi6CZQgDIhvhL2zV7vD5NZn1Xd9sl7SzgJ945frSkr-Zo1skdnjVDMGZ9laKu5opNIMv96QWFv7sx5u2wXWJgGA4rt9yqwCgfZhqzf/s320/TriFarm.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><br />
But the breeze in the field, the butterflies and bumblebees landing on clover and alfalfa blossoms, the swallows swooping in and out of the barnyard, make it all worthwhile. It is a difficult life to live, often misunderstood and mischaracterized by society as "simple" and "just farming." <br />
<br />
But our calloused hands and tired minds tell another story.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfBjTmsQhEk/Tjw0cqIf2JI/AAAAAAAAAEE/9J0XoTDl-jY/s1600/Mower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfBjTmsQhEk/Tjw0cqIf2JI/AAAAAAAAAEE/9J0XoTDl-jY/s320/Mower.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>Naturally Norm'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10411275207911766567noreply@blogger.com0