I'm thinking of specializing in berries, since our market is only during the summer. Planted some strawberries this year so have a June crop but most years they aren't ripe June 1. Also planted 3 different types of raspberries and 1 thornless blackberry (our wild blackberries are the extra-thorny type), plus 3 different types (2 plants each) cultivated blueberries to complement our wild blueberries (which haven't produced much in the past 3 years but now look like a bumper crop this year!). So, you have to think about your market season, and make sure you have something *every week*. I might be able to pad out the end of the season with jams and jellies, but beginning of the season the jars are almost a year old - unless I freeze fruit and make jam in May. I am growing the typical high-season veggies to try to fill in while my berries get established, and b/c I never know how the wild berries are going to do each year. Plus I can a lot so if they don't sell, I can always use tomatoes, peppers and cukes. Going to go easy on the squash - everybody has it. I'm also trying to do a few different varieties of hot peppers (though last year no one wanted to buy anything hotter than a serrano so next year might just plant enough for us) and the heirloom tomatoes just to try to make my stuff stand out a bit more (plus we like them). Also planted some snow peas and edamame. Trying potatoes and onions too this year - even if I don't get a harvest before market ends, I figure I can sell green onions and new potatoes, and let people know they can always come directly to me in October for the mature crop (plus I had ripe peppers still being harvested last Oct), that might also draw them in for the apples (trying to renovate the old orchard) and pumpkins, winter squash if I have room to plant any this year. That sounds like a lot (and it is), but once I have enough berry plants ripening in different months to assure a continuous summer harvest for market, I may just plant enough high-season stuff for our own use (which is still a lot if I want to preserve it), and maybe some asparagus for early market (the chard, kale and peas are still puny - I planted late b/c of weather, but we'll see how they sell this year). I'd like to get all my cash crops in perennials if possible. I don't think you can specialize in just *one* thing b/c the seasons are just too short.

i sincerely appreciate all your kind words but my sister is the one who really deserves them. she is the one who's been there for the last couple of years, providing whatever help he needed and getting him moved into a good, assisted living facility so we didn't need to wonder and worry... and i am SURE you are right, annie. dad had an opinion on just about everything (unlike his eldest daughter, of course) but was remarkably close-mouthed about all of his children's spouses and i just don't recall him making any personal comments about them, good bad or otherwise. the last thing he said to me when they were getting ready to transport him from the hospital to the rehab facility when we were in ny a couple weeks ago, was to take good care of ted. and the VERY last thing he said to me in our last conversation this past sunday, was that ted was a jewel. he was right of course but still, it was such a surprise. last night, we had a dinner in his honor. those "stubby glasses" were there katie--i think they can be seen in the 2nd pic. and of course there was champagne as well as a sam adams, which was something that dad enjoyed sharing with syl's son michael. i made chicken fricassee as he really liked Mom's, as well as some roasted green beans and onions with walnuts and mustard-roasted potatoes. i know he would have enjoyed that. the other picture was one i took of him at michael's wedding this past summer. it was a beautiful wedding and dad was very happy to chat with the other guests, right up until about 11 that night. i'm very glad he didn't miss that! thanx again, guys--and best wishes to all of you, especially lee, laurie, brenda, david and annie (hoping i haven't missed anyone who has been faced with their own challenges recently!). Here is a link that might be useful: dad

I have a little box for you too. Been having car issues so not been to post office yet. Hugs to all of you! Trish

I am thinking, it is all over now. The long road of recovery is ahead. I am sending you the BEST wishes for a speedy one, recovery that is. Moni