Weez gots hops!

And boy are they are stinky!  I love that smell....hops and Concord grapes is the scent of autumn in the Yakima Valley. 

Andy's Hops

We hadn't seen much change from last year until Andy noticed these flowers! Now, we are noticing them all over the vines. It's a big difference from our first growing season in which we yielded a total of four flowers. 

Four days worth and I'm all caught up!

We have been out of town for a few days. We headed south and roughed it as a family for a bit. The girls had a blast, but our trip was hindered by a stomach bug that took out half the Smith population. We're better now, and we did end up enjoying our time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

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Here is dinner!  We each caught a fish...errr...the girls and I each caught a fish. Well....Evan caught two, but one was on Tilly's pole, so according to Grandma R's logic Tilly said, "my pole, my fish!" 

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When we got home we noticed the hops were really taking off!  Nice big flowers are such a treat to look at!  Sorry the picture is so dark.  I'll attempt a better one soon.  

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I thought I'd be nice and start a basket of fresh veggies and eggs for the new neighbors next door. Andy reminded me that they are kind and I should also be kind. So here is a start. I plan to add more once the onions are done drying. Should only take a day or so. 

The hops are what's hoppening!

Hahaha I couldn't resist! 

So, we had a tour visitor who was absolutely certain that hops ONLY grew straight up and were IMPOSSIBLE plants to train.  I smiled and said we were new to farming and new to growing hops, but thought we'd try it anyway. Trial and error. But now, I look outside and see this plant growing up and hanging a right on the line!  Booya! 

A bit ambitious...

Andy purchased this hop plant at the local nursery the other day.  Our ultimate plan for these is home brew and a welcoming arbor. With a growth of up to 16ft, I think and arbor is our only choice!  I hope the neighbors don't mind the pungent scent of fresh hops!  Being from the Yakima valley we are use to the strong scent, but it is an acquired smell.