Wednesday, August 10, 2011





From Bloom Where You're Planted Farm's blog at www.LocalHarvest.org






Now that August has arrived, we can say "The Pumpkin Festival starts next month!" This is a very exciting but somewhat frightening time at our southeast Nebraska pumpkin patch. While we love fall and can't wait to start seeing our customers' smiling faces at the farm, we still have quite a bit on our "to-do" list! But, for the most part we enjoy the pressure and looming deadline, and knowing our months of hard work will be worth it when the first customers of the season begin arriving on opening day, Sept. 17th!


The pumpkins, squash and gourds are growing by leaps and bounds! They're now all flowering and putting on fruit, and the pumpkins that fruited early have softball to volleyball-sized pumpkins on their vines. A big windstorm came through 7/23 which brought down lots of tree limbs and a few dead trees, but thankfully all the plants and farm animals were fine. We're now working on the new overhang on the south side of the barn. This will be used for our admissions and pumpkin weighing stations, as well as retail space. It's being built with reclaimed lumber from a barn we took down and wood from a friend's corn crib, and is coming together nicely.


The Cass County fair starts next week (Aug. 9) and we'll be represented at the Scenic Weeping Water Valley Association's booth in the commercial building. Stop by to pick up one of our new brochures. We're also planning to take our float through the parade Saturday evening.

I'm feverishly ordering gift shop merchandise and working on lots of marketing these days. Our first field trips of the season are on the books. Now is the time to make your field trip, birthday party, or campfire party reservations. There's just over five weeks to go, and we'll plan on seeing you soon at the farm!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Early Summer News from Bloom Where You're Planted Farm

From the localharvest.org blog of Bloom Where You're Planted Farm and Pumpkin Patch

Early summer greetings from our farm and pumpkin patch in southeastern Nebraska!  We've been receiving lots of rain lately, which has been both a blessing and a curse.  The cornfield I see out my kitchen window grows visibly every day, and all the other field crops, grass and flowers are looking great.  It makes it a little hard to get regular weeding done in the pumpkin patches (and unfortunately weeds love the rain, too!) but we've formulated a game plan and have been trying to keep up as much as we can.

The butterfly garden next to the chicken coop is in full bloom

Luckily, there are plenty of projects to keep us occupied when it's too muddy to work in the dirt.  I've continued painting and sprucing things up, and Terry has the new steps into the gift shop framed and ready for cement.  When the ground dries up in a day or two we'll get the gourd garden planted, and the vines should be lush and vigorous by opening day of our Pumpkin Festival.  We renovated the fire pit that we use for our campfire parties and we think it looks great!  It will also be safer for our little visitors.


 On June 23, "Homer", the mascot for the Lincoln Saltdogs baseball team, visited the farm to film part of a promotional video to be shown at Weeping Water Community Night with the Saltdogs in August.  It was a gorgeous, mild day (which the guy in the giant dog suit was thankful for!) for Homer to take a hayride and lots of photos with our young friends.



June 25 was Limestone Day in Weeping Water, and we took our hayrack through the parade.  We're planning to do the July 4th parade in Murdock, so watch for us if you're there!

We had our first fall field trip inquiry of the season the other day, so it's not too early to start thinking about your own field trip, birthday party, or campfire party plans.  We hope to see you soon at the farm!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Spring Chickens (& Calves & Pumpkins)

From Bloom Where You're Planted Farm's Blog on LocalHarvest.org


This is a great time of year at Bloom Where You're Planted Farm. Rain has been plentiful, the grass and trees look lush and healthy, and the iris and peonies are starting to bloom. In the next week or so we'll start planting some of our longer-season pumpkins and gourds. The full planting assault will happen around Memorial Day, hopefully finishing up the first couple days of June. I can't wait to get out in the dirt! Its so exciting to think about all the pumpkins we'll harvest, plus its great exercise!


On April 29 we brought home five hens, a cross between Rhode Island Reds and New Hampshires (so they're very East Coast but seem to be enjoying the Midwest!) April 30 & May 1 was our second-annual Spring Open House. It was good seeing the familiar faces of some of our loyal customers and friends, and exciting to meet some first-time guests, too. The following weekend we held a "Barn Sale" -- basically a big yard sale heavy on the antiques and primitives. We made room for all the "new" antiques, primitives and gift shop merchandise we'll be bringing in for this fall.


The most fun thing this spring has been the arrival of two baby calves. Fern delivered her first calf on May 1, a bull calf we named Mayday. Ten days later, Molly's calf Rosy arrived. I surprised myself (and really surprised Terry, when I told him the story later) by jumping in to help pull her when I realized she was coming out rump-first and upside down. Molly may have been fine without me, but ideally they should come out head/front feet first, and I got scared. Both calves are perfect and they're SO darn cute!


Rosy


Mayday



Well, I'd better get outside to enjoy this great weather and get something accomplished. Have a great spring, and we hope to see you soon at the farm!


Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Weeping Water Community Garage Sales

May 6 & 7 -- Over 20 sales in or near Weeping Water. Stop by the Express Lane or Stop N Shop for a map. A listing of sales can be found by clicking this link to a Craig's List post:

http://omaha.craigslist.org/gms/2359119974.html

LOFTE THEATRE RECEIVES TWO AWARDS

LOFTE RECEIVES TWO AWARDS at competition -- The Lofte Community Theatre of Manley was one of two Nebraska arts organizations recently selected to represent the state at the AACT Regional play competition held in Kansas.  Players from the Lofte performed a one hour cutting from "Leaving Iowa," a comedy by Tim Clue & Spike Manton that revolves around one man's memories of childhood family vacations.
 In all, there were ten entries from the states of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Missouri.
 The Lofte awards: "Best Costumes" and actor Larry Bauers of Louisville was "Best Supporting Actor."
 The full-length version of "Leaving Iowa," will open the Lofte's 2011 season.  Performances will run May 28-June 12.  Tickets are $17 and can be purchased online at www.Lofte.com or by calling the Lofte box office (402) 234-2553.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Eagle Raceway - America's Home Track

Sanford, Armstrong, Neal, Olsen & Dover win on Media Night
Although Mother Nature held sway over the first scheduled event for Eagle Raceway, the Icebreaker Challenge, she relented a little for Media Night presented by KX 96.9 Saturday. Even though she gave the large crowd sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-sixties, she reminded everyone that she was around with strong winds throughout the day and evening. Both KX9.9 and The Eagle 92.9 were on hand, doing live broadcasts. There were other media outlets were on hand also, with several folks being treated to free rides during the heat races in the 2-seater modified.
A record car count of 180 (surpassing the previous record by 30), combined with the unrelenting winds, led to dry-slick track conditions by the time that the features rolled around.  Read more at www.EagleRaceway.com

See Lincoln's KLKN tv story on Eagle's Opening Night:
http://www.klkntv.com/category/190066/klkn-channel-8-video?clipId=5811072&topVideoCatNo=148324&autoStart=true

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

"Spring Into the Valley" Specials Announced!

"Spring Into the Valley" April 29 through May 1

Check out the great specials and promotions below. Pick up your "Spring Into the Valley" Passport at any business listed, obtain five stamps from participating businesses (no purchase necessary) then turn your Passport in for a free four-pack of annuals from Plantman Nursery!


Friday Only

Lake Ridge Golf Course (Beaver Lake) -
Unlimited Golf Friday, April 29 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a sack lunch for $22.50 or hot lunch for $26.50.


Friday Saturday, Sunday

Cryin' Creek Candles/Farmhouse Lounge (Weeping Water) will have discounts on craft beers and glasses of Nebraska wine all weekend long. Any customer who brings in a newspaper for recycling will receive a FREE Cinnamon Bun-shaped candle (limit one per customer - while supplies last). Specials on new scents, enter for gift certificate drawing, free non-alcoholic refreshments all weekend!

G.A.R. Veterans Museum (Elmwood) will be open 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Fri., Sat., & Sun. for the Spring Into the Valley event.

Plantman Nursery (Nehawka) Fri. 10-7; Sat. 10-5; Sun. 1-4 -- 25% discount on all flowering hanging baskets

Stop N Shop (Weeping Water)- Free 32 oz. fountain or 20 oz. coffee with Passport.

Tammy’s Soap Shack & Soy Glo Candle Co. (Weeping Water) - Hours Fri. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free refreshments, bring in any non-perishable food item (to be donated to the WW food pantry) and get 10% off your purchase. In store specials, drawings held daily for gift certificates.


Friday & Saturday


Grandpa Snazzy's Victorian Emporium and Coffee House- (Weeping Water)
Stop in Friday or Saturday and browse our Victorian gift shop while enjoying a fresh baked slice of pie or homemade cinnamon roll and a cup coffee. Saturday only- 7:30 to Noon, Our special guest “The Whole Dorf” will have a great selection of pre planted floral and herb baskets, as well as organic and heirloom bedding plants for sale.

Slattery Vintage Estates (Nehawka) will have grab-bag specials & free stuff!
Hours, Friday & Saturday 1-6 p.m. Sunday CLOSED for a private event.


Saturday & Sunday

Bloom Where You're Planted Farm (Avoca) -- "Spring in Bloom" Open House
Sat. 4/30 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 5/1 noon-4 p.m. Experience Springtime on the farm for FREE! Visit the horses, cows, goats and chickens, challenge your family members to yard games, hike the nature trail and enjoy the play areas around the farm. The Schoolhouse Cafe will be serving lunch (including smoked pulled pork sandwiches), fresh popcorn, homemade desserts and University of Nebraska Dairy Store ice cream each day.

Bess Streeter Aldrich House (Elmwood) - Open Sat. & Sun., 2:00-5:00 p.m. Show passport for $1.00 off admission (regularly $5.00).


Saturday Evening Events

Grandpa Snazzy's Victorian Emporium and Coffee House (Weeping Water)

6:30pm-10:30pm join us for "Pickin', Pluckin' & Pie." Bring an instrument or just come and enjoy great music and Pie. This family-friendly evening of old fashioned fun has become a tradition with many! Come and see what it’s all about.

Eagle Raceway...America's Home Track in Eagle, NE! Media Night April 30th, 2011-Featuring Budweiser Sprints, RevHoney IMCA Modifieds, NAPA IMCA Sport Modifieds, Valentino's IMCA Hobby Stocks and Exhaust Pro's Sport Compacts. Gates open at 5:30.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Spring Into the Valley!

Make plans to Visit the Valley during our upcoming "Spring Into the Valley" promotion, Friday April 29 through Sunday May 1. Many of our 19 member businesses and attractions will be hosting special events, offering discounts, holding drawings or giving out free goodies. Pick up a passport from any participating member, obtain five or more stamps by visiting other businesss throughout the weekend, then turn your passport in at Plantman Nursery for a FREE four-pack of annuals. Watch the website for a complete listing of locations and specials coming soon!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Art Show at Lake Ridge - April 7th

Lake Ridge Golf Course is hosting an Art Show and Wine Tasting at the clubhouse in Beaver Lake on April 7th. The event starts at 7:00 pm and features jewelry and yard art by Anita Carmichael and acrylic paintings by E. Spencer and wine tasting hosted by Farmhouse Lounge/Cryin' Creek Candles. Appetizers will be served.

Lake Ridge Golf Course and Fairways Restaurant is just 20 minutes south of downtown Omaha along the Kennedy Freeway (Hwy 75). Take a left at the Hwy 75 and Hwy 1 interchange and go East 1 mile.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Lofte Community Theatre Dedicates Box Office to Dedicated Box Office Manager

The Lofte Community Theatre Board of Directors honored Jean Colbert, pictured center with Board Chairman Anne Pope and Artistic Director Kevin Colbert, by dedicating the Box Office in her name.  The presentation took place at the Lofte Volunteer Recognition Dinner and Annual Meeting on Saturday, February 28 at the theatre, located in Manely.  Jean has served the Lofte in many capacities for 35 years.http://www.lofte.com/

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Plantman is planting...

Visit Tammy's Soap Shack's New Website!


Visit Site
At SoyGlo Candle Company, we specialize in highly scented, hand-poured soy candles. Our soybean candles are soot-free and contain no paraffin, petroleum or chemical additives. We also use cotton wicks which are lead and metal-free. Candles are available in over 40 scents.

Our sister company, Tammy's Soap Shack, proudly features all-natural soap, lotions and bath essentials. All products are handmade from scratch in small batches. And when we say ‘from scratch’, we mean it. We do not use any factory-produced base mixes to produce our skin and hair care products.

In addition to our standard line of products, we also do custom-created products, wedding and corporate gifts, and one of a kind scents. Also ask us about our wholesale and private label options as well.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Bess Streeter Aldrich House & Museum


We hope you'll make plans to join us Feb. 20 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. for a celebration of Bess Streeter Aldrich's 130th birthday. We'll be serving birthday cupcakes and punch following your guided tour. Mrs. Aldrich was born Feb. 17, 1881 in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Also, don't forget -- one week to go until the deadline for our short story contest! Postmark deadline is Feb. 17.
Visit our website for details!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Avoca Quack-Off

Come out to the 31st Annual Avoca Quack-Off this Saturday, January 29th!  The Quack-Off was founded in 1980 by four guys looking for a fun time on a cold Saturday afternoon on a frozen local lake. It has now turned into one of the most infamous events in southeastern Nebraska. The event is held every year as a fundraiser for the Avoca Fire Department. The Farmhouse Lounge will be hosting a beer tent.  
Registration from 10:00 AM till Noon
Races Start at 1:00 PM in Tefft Park

Lofte Community Theatre - Auditions

Lofte Community Theatre:
AUDITIONS - January 31 & Feb 1 at 7pm. "Leaving Iowa" will be the Lofte's entry in the Nebraska's Assoc. of Community Theatres contest this year. It will also be the 2011 season opener at the Lofte. Good drama and lots of comedy. Mark your calendars!
 

Monday, January 24, 2011

Bess Streeter Aldrich House & Museum

Check out the new Facebook page for the Bess Streeter Aldrich House & Museum. Aldrich was a world-famous author who lived and wrote in Elmwood, NE from 1909-1946. Her home is open for guided tours.

 Bess Streeter Aldrich House and Museum on Facebook

Visit the home where one of Nebraska’s best-loved and best-selling authors lived, worked, and raised a family.

Hours for Guided Tours:

May-October: Weds., Thurs., Sat. & Sun. 2:00-5:00 p.m.
November-April: Sat. & Sun. 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Group tours available at other times by appointment.