Tag: luna dog

All About Benny – Part One

About Benny

I’ll tell you what I can about Benny. When it gets too tough, I’ll stop and start again another day.

It’s been some time since I’ve written, really life got busy. When life calls we have to tend it. That’s a dog’s job, to tend to things. We tend our humans, we tend to our fields, our homes, we keep them safe and happy. I’m writing because this needs to be remembered. Benny and I are cut of the same cloth, we knew from the beginning when things just click and it’s as if there wasn’t a before time, it’s just as it’s always been like he’s always been here.

My friend has been limping, his back leg hurts, although you wouldn’t know it. He runs as fast as ever and jumps into the work vehicles, he and Chris still go on long walks. But all this he’s doing on three legs now.

Benny told me he didn’t like the visit to the vet, they pinched his leg and gave him a needle. He said they were not gentle humans. Chris gives him pills now for something called Lyme disease. All the humans seem a little anxious so my human Paul will take my friend Benny to a doctor in Manhattan and maybe soon he can use all his legs.

it’s odd looking at the fields now in the fall, you can see parts of the plants die back quicker than the others. Some will sleep and come back in the spring rested after a winter’s nap and be ready to bloom and produce great joy. Others won’t return.

My human Paul say’s my friend Ben might have a torn muscle from overdoing it. That means from being a showoff. My other human Markus will take Ben and Chris to see the surgeon next week so they can fix him.

Things will be fine, everyone says ‘Things will be fine” and they usually are, just sometimes a bit different.

Here you can find my first mention of Benny, but we had been friends for 4 years by this time.

*Note from the Jam Maker. Benny was originally diagnosed with Lyme Disease in August of 2016 via a blood test after medication showed no improvement he was taken to additional veterinarians and specialists. On September 5th 2016 Ben was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and his X-Rays showed a great deal of bone loss due to the cancer. Benny stayed active and with the help of medication mostly pain free. Benny died peacefully at home, with assistance from his veterinarian in late February 2017. Luna will tell his story best she can as he is as much LunaGrown as she.

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Into the Autumn

Autumn is Upon Us

At the farm, Autumn means it’s time to start preparing for next spring. Well in a way that’s what it means. During the cold winter months when the ground is frozen very little can be done with the soil, the equipment is too cold to work on, and no planting can be done. So Autumn is a very active time.

We had some relatives visit us this month and assist in the expansion of the grape fields. My humans have found that spring planting is much easier if the support lines and irrigation are set now and ready to go come planting time. I was exhausted after a day of supervising them, but they did a great job! The expansion they worked on means an additional 125 or 150 grapevines. The additional help was greatly appreciated and we had an enjoyable visit as well.

Also, I have been assisting my human Markus as he clears the lower field near the barn. This was an extensive clearing of rocks, brush, and stumps, but we’ve got it pretty well under control. Chris built the biggest cat box I have ever seen in the field there. I’m looking forward to having it filled with sand and cats, lots and lots of ~~rotten~~ pretty cats. I have not quite decided what should happen in this field yet. My human companions and I are still discussing it, but I’ll let you know.

I have kept Paul busy, as this is the best time to put down grass seed and lime. I know some that will disagree and they should know they are wrong, ask any dog. The best time for grass seed if you want it to come up in the spring is after the first frost in the Autumn. We’ve had a few light touches of frost already, thankfully not a good hard frost yet as Chris still needs to wrap the fig trees and raspberries since they are still young.

Paul has also been working extensively on the barn and future kitchen. It seems the lazy hazy days of summer are behind us all for this year.

The only one who really has to work through the winter is Chris, as he is responsible for making jam for everyone to enjoy through the winter season. I can’t wait for vacation days. We still have a lot to accomplish before then though.

Ben has been visiting on weekends and you would think he never gets out, he’s so full of energy. Today I dared him to roll in bear scat and he did it! It was under his collar and behind his ears and down his neck! Who’s the stinker now Benny? He had to get a bath out behind the barn with a hose. No one was very happy about this, and everyone said I was a smart good girl for not getting any on me.

Work hard while you can, it’s good for your mind and your soul. Remember, don’t go home with scat under your collar others will know where you’ve been and what you’ve been up too. Sometimes in life, it’s best, just to let shit lie.

Small Pleasures Bring Great Joy

The Joy of Good Company

Benny finally made it up to the farm this week for a visit. He is my friend and lives with his human companion Chris. With our busy schedules we don’t get to visit as often as we would like so we make the most of it. Which is important in any friendship. I showed Ben what has been accomplished in our kitchen area and he agreed that everything is going along smoothly. He congratulated me on the progress and the ability to keep my humans happy during such an undertaking. We agree it is important that they are walked daily or at least take time to exercise by throwing a ball.

We spent a good deal of time inspecting the fields and discussing the lack of rain. Ben was amazed at how low the water was in the pond and how dry some of the berry plants looked. We have seen this before though and every year is a new experience. Later in the day Markus took us for a ride in the open car that only goes on the farm. It is our favorite thing to do. Sometimes we’ll just sit on the front seat together hoping one of our human companions gets the hint! Usually they do, but they don’t always, like the hint about the crunchy broccoli and asparagus I’ve been mentioning.

Ben and I run so much we usually rest on the cool floor outside the barn in the afternoon, although it was so nice to see him I shared my raised farm bed with him. Ben and I have known each other for more years than I have dupe paws. Time really does not matter though when you have good company to enjoy it with. I am very glad all my humans get along. Of course we can’t get along with everyone, some creatures have butts that just don’t smell right and you can’t trust them.

Ben mentioned how exciting it is for him to see my humans, Paul and Markus, as he does not often get human visitors at his home. He said there are some that walk by and he calls to them to stop and visit. He said they get this scared look and back away. It seems the cats there feel the same way. He commented that a human in a brown truck stops by and leaves packages but won’t visit either. I explained to him those are called UPS humans and they are afraid of our kind so he should stop asking him to play.

Ben and I finished our conversation over a bowl of cool water. We talked of our upcoming plans for the fall. We agreed we need to try to get afternoons together more often. Although we both understand the busy lives of our humans and look forward to days ahead.

Always cherish the moments you have with those that bring you the smallest amount of joy! Remember, it’s better to ride with the wind in your face, than to put your head out the side window and watch the world go by. You can share that wisdom with a friend!

Sunny Days

Sunny Days are Meant for Dogs

Sunny days are meant for me is what I wanted to say. Is there anything more wonderful this time of year? The air is thick and dry, just a little bit of running and you are ready for a nice cold drink of water and a cool piece of ground to lay on. The sun just shining its warmth on your face. Could anything be more perfect? To be honest I do prefer my cold water from a clean container and I have a raised bed on the farm so I don’t have to lay in the dirt. Ben, however, will drink from the pond and lay in the dirt, he seems to enjoy his spot. I enjoy mine. We do agree on sharing the warm sunshine though.

The men came that make the electric go from the tall stick in the ground to the barn and made it work. Everyone is happy, and now the box that blows cold air is working, and our water now comes out of a long snake-like thing called a hose. It’s very cold water. I have watched my human Paul attaching things to it and telling Chris where the sink will go. I am guessing this will be the kitchen where they intend on creating crunchy broccoli and asparagus treats for me. I still have not gotten any this year, but a fan of our jam did send some very nice chews that Chris said help keep my teeth clean. So whoever you are thank you!

I have been helping my human companion Markus clear another area just outside the barn. There are so many rocks I wonder where they all keep coming from. It does look much better already. There was nothing but tall swamp grass and rotten stumps there before. I’m not certain if I will have my companions plant more harvest-able items or maybe just some grass. A driveway might be nice there so on rainy days I can be let out just at the barn and not have to run through it. We’ll see, I have not made my mind up yet.

I heard that Chris is planning to take September off from his regular markets in Goshen and New Hampton. I made arrangements with some of his market associates who will offer our jam in his absence. Of course, I made sure he got the online store open, so there’s that option. I don’t know what date he is planning to take his short leave but I’ll make note of it.

I hope you take some time to enjoy the sunshine, I promise you will love every minute of it warming your face! Just a thought, when meeting a new friend for the first time (whether animal or human) it is wise to properly introduce yourself prior to physical interaction. We all have boundaries that should be respected.

About Rain and Mud Holes

About Rain and Mud Holes

Remember what I mentioned about mud holes? I think maybe I forgot to wish that they were not so abundant. We certainly did get a crop of summer storms last week, and my extraordinary senses tell me we’re in for some more this week. I don’t know if they will be as strong, but yes some more summer pop up rain.

That’s the thing with farming isn’t it, sometimes there’s too much rain and sometimes there isn’t enough. I think we fared pretty well. Certainly the birds were happy. I watched them eat their fill of those crawly little things my human companions smash. They call them bugs. I don’t like them either, so I don’t think I would eat them on purpose. I don’t like the ones that land on my back, you can never catch them fast enough to get a good bite back. I hope the birds eat them all.

My human Markus worked all this past week digging ditches, even with the challenges the rain presented he rose to the occasion. I thought it was for the rain to go in, but I heard them mention electric. I know that means a box in the wall that blows cold air when it’s warm out. I’m glad they are working on that for me. I will hint that it would be nice to have a tall cold box that produces crunchy broccoli. My Favorite!

So this is the thing they put in the ground. I sniffed all around it but can’t tell what it is exactly. Ben might know when he comes to visit next. I know Ben does not like baths too well and likes to get mud in the bed so he has not been to visit this past week or two.

If I had to guess, this thing is what makes the cold air box work. I don’t concern myself with the how and why. But it is an interesting new addition isn’t it. I’m sure it will be fun to leave my scent on once it’s not so muddy.

I am considering asking my humans for some time back in the city lights, just a few days until the ground dries out up here. Even the grass in some areas is too tall to really enjoy unless you are a frog. It will be a nice change

I hope your cold air box is working well and the sun is greeting your mornings!

Summer is Here

Summer Has Arrived

June certainly bloomed into summer, didn’t it? The past few weeks have been hot ones. Perfect for morning romps and afternoon naps though. The evenings have just been beautiful on the farm and in the city. One of the best things about the warmer months is all the incredible things to smell, from street vendors in the city with their exotic foods and wares to flowers and berries, bear poop and new baby pine trees up on the farm.

We are continuing to work on our building and cannot wait to begin the interior. For the most part, everything is moving as planned with only a few bumps. As you can see the patio is a wonderfully cool spot to rest on.

The new grapes are looking very healthy and we are all working diligently to make sure they are off to a good start. I have my human companions on a strict inspection schedule this year for all the plants. With a little effort and forethought on my part, I’m sure they can manage an abundant harvest.

It seems that I have done a pretty good job at keeping the deer and groundhogs at bay. My human companion, Paul did hang these things in the field that smell like wash bars. The things humans use to clean themselves with rather than their tongues. I think they are called soaps. Anyway, they seem to help. I don’t know how maybe the deer don’t like human baths. I think they are fun on occasion.

So this is the holiday humans shoot sparkly things into the air and make a bunch of noise. Not one of my favorite times as all that noise does not create rain like nature intended, and it just scares the birds and my fellow dog brethren. The only saving grace is there are always people dropping ice cream, and other goodies that sometimes go unnoticed. Although my companions keep a pretty sharp eye on me.

As I mentioned this will be a vacation week for all of us. Chris’s last market for the week will be Tuesday, July 1st at Bialas Farms and I told him to take the rest of the week to himself and mow his yard or something. My companions and I are off to the Berkshires to see James Taylor. As a service girl, I am honored to be attending. I know that things just would not go smoothly without me there. I like James Taylor too so it should be an enjoyable experience.

Be kind to my brothers and sisters when you shoot those sparkly things into the air this holiday, some of us don’t handle it as well as others.

Treat each other well and may your mud holes be cool and free from wasps!

Luna Reports Spring On The Farm

Luna Girl’s Thoughts on Spring at the Farm

I should begin by saying it’s been a wonderful spring into summer this year. We’ve really had some wonderfully pleasant days. Even the deer and the gopher must be pleased as they haven’t done their usual damage and have found other nice things to eat.

We are loaded with both snapping turtles and painted turtles this year. The pond is just brimming with life as the bullfrogs are back and many small tadpoles that will become grass frogs are numerous. Sometimes early in the morning, you can see a fish or two jump. Like I said it’s been an amazing spring into summer. We hope this continues.

Sadly we lost a few grapevines this year due to the extreme cold. However, they have been replaced and look to have a strong and healthy beginning. Mother Nature can sure be tricky sometimes. Our currants, both red and black seem to be fairing well and our gooseberries are abundant! They have a lot of prickers though, so I can’t get my nose in them to find out if they are good to eat or not.

Construction continues on the barn and kitchen. With all the new people showing up I get extra attention and sometimes a few biscuits. Of course, greeting all these new people sometimes just wears me out and I have to rest in the shade. But a girl’s gotta make sure the guys hanging around are there to get the job done.

July will be busy for all of us with the harvest of the fruit and keeping up on the fields. I will make sure the deer and gopher stay their distance. There isn’t a lot of downtime now for romping but I’m doing my best to fit that into the schedule as well.

We will be taking the Independence Holiday for enjoyment and I’ve told Chris that he should do the same as July is shaping up to be a busy month.

As always
May your tummy be full and your flea collar working!

Who is Luna

Who Is Luna of LunaGrown

There are times when people amaze me. Sometimes in a good way and sometimes in a not-so-good way. I have been asked more times than not; “Does LunaGrown grow their fruit only under the light of the moon?.” You can go ahead and re-read that sentence.

I used to answer the question with a clear “No” and a long explanation. Then I offered up the answer of “Indeed we do and we let the magic fairies sprinkle them with sweetness”. These days I just say yes, that’s exactly what we do, we keep all the fruit covered until the moon is out.

Truth be known. Luna is a pup. The company was named after her. Luna was the first to discover the acres of wild blueberries on the farmland, which started us on this journey. Hence the name LunaGrown.

Luna girl is a rescue pup from a shelter in the Bronx, NY. Very little is known of her living situation prior to adoption, other than some children were not very nice to her and like most rescue pups she was dehydrated, to say the least. Luna is a very social girl and has her favorite Manhattan restaurants where she sits outside with her human companions and watches people. She gets to travel quite a bit, enjoying the country, the city, and the beach.

On the farm Luna has a special playmate, his name is Benny. Ben is also a rescue pup. Adopted from the Chelsea Vet Clinic in Manhattan. Again not much is known of Benny’s life before adoption other than his extensive medical records. Ben is a country dog and spends his time either at the farm with his girl Luna or at home with the jam maker. Ben loves chasing squirrels, and birds when at home. He also has a sweet tooth!

Luna and Ben often will wait for one another’s arrival at the farm by sitting on the pond berm overlooking the road. They run the fields, jump the irrigation lines, swim, and play without much care. They wrestle as if they were brother and sister, and share what seems to be deep-rooted respect for one another.

We are very proud to have Luna Girl as our company’s namesake. Just like LunaGrown, she brings a smile, even on the gloomiest days.