Fresh News,  straight from the strawberry patch....

Thursday May 15, 2008 ---- looks like yet another great weekend comin' - There are a lot of Strawberries and Blackberries to pick.  The Strawberry aisles are sure to be a little wet, muddy in spots but the berries will be worth it. 
    The storms rolled through Wednesday night and left us with about three inches of rain, just enough to give the berries a good bath. 
    Those Blackberries are ripening in a hurry.  The picking this weekend should be wonderful. 

Thursday May 8, 2008 ------ looks like another great weekend comin'! The strawberry pickin' should be good this weekend. It's almost time for blackberries! They should be ready next weekend.

Thursday May 1, 2008 ------ What do you know ----- I think we are finally going to have a wonderful picking weekend in Lexington this coming Friday, Saturday and even Sunday.  The aisles between the berries have dried up and there will be an ample supply of juicy red ripe Strawberries to pick.  This will be a great weekend to load up on berries in Lexington.

Sunday morning April 27, 2008 ---- more rain = more mud.  It is sure to be very wet here, it will be a struggle getting into the Strawberry patch.

Saturday April 26, 2008 ---- Well......... we have lots of nice berries to pick BUT it is going to be a mess getting to them.  Another 1.5 inches last night = a wet field and very clean berries.  So bring your waders and get ready for some fine picking here in Lexington.  Don't worry if you get a little muddy we have plenty of clean water to wash off with and besides, it makes the story much more interesting when you tell it later.

Saturday morning April 19, 2008 ---- The field has mostly dried out, still one or two muddy spots for the kids to get into.  And we do have berries to pick this morning.  We can't ever tell just how long ripe berries will last because we never know what to expect in the way of a crowd.  Your best bet is to try to come in the mornings to make sure you get berries.

Friday April 18, 2008 ----- 1.5 inches of rain early this morning = a muddy mess today.  There are some berries to pick today but it is not going to be easy getting to them.  The wind is picking up and the sun is coming out so the field might be in good shape for tomorrow.

Wednesday April 16, 2008 ---- There were a lot of berries to pick this morning but after 275 kids and parents from Taylor ISD finished there was not near as much red showing.  The berries will recoup some tomorrow and Friday morning should be good picking assuming we don't get much rain Thursday.  I do not like going to Lexington when the field is wet.  The mud there is very heavy and sticks to your shoes.  By the time you walk from one end of the field to the other you will be 3 inches taller and feel like you have ankle weights on (hey, excercise marketing strategy).  We will try to get a post here Friday morning to let you know about field conditions.


Saturday evening April 12, 2008 ----- We had a great turnout today that picked the patch pretty clean.  With the cooler weather, we are not sure how many will ripen by tomorrow afternoon so please be aware that ripe berries will be scarce.  If you are driving far just to get berries, don't chance it - there is a good chance we won't have many ready to pick. 

Thursday evening April 10, 2008 ----- Just came back from Lexington and am happy to report that the field looks good.  We did get some rain this morning but by Friday the patch should be in great shape.  Berry supply looks good, tomorrow and most of Saturday will be wonderful picking. 

Wednesday April 9, 2008 ---- things are picking up at the Lexington farm.  We finally have a decent Strawberry crop after several years of disasters.  We still have much room for improvement but we are on the right track.  The crowd last weekend picked the ripe berries but the beauty of not being open M, T, W, Th is that we will have a good supply again by Friday morning.  We have a chance of storms today, hopefully we will only get a little rain if we get some at all.  Even though the field is dry at the moment, more than half an inch of rain will make it slick for a day or two.  We will try to make a post before the weekend to let you know about field conditions.

Saturday Evening, April 5, 2008 ---  It was a little muddier than we like today but lots of folks were undeterred in their flavorful quest for good, ripe Strawberries.  The weather was great and so was the turnout.  The field started the day covered with red ripe berries and ended the day with only orange berries showing.  We will have ripe berries tomorrow in the beginning but not enough to sustain a big crowd. The entire month of April looks like it will be good picking in the patch.

Friday April 4, 2008 ---- Rain here this morning but not enough to keep folks from loading up on Strawberries.  We just had some people leave with three boxes of gorgeous berries.  The bushes are loaded and you don't have to walk far to pick a box.  Hopefully the rain will stop soon, if so the field will still be a little wet tomorrow so wear old shoes.

Wednesday April 2, 2008 ----- Look'in good!  very, very good!  This weekend will be marvelous picking.  The Strawberries are big, juicy and plentiful.  In fact, your problem is going to be picking them too fast.  Before you know it your box is going to be full, and just when you got to the good spot!  Being closed M, T, W, Th here in Lexington gives the berries ample time to ripen up from the previous weekend.  A little too much time in mid 80 degree weather.  Our idea is to try to pick some of the processing berries we need early each week - well, we did not get to it this week so there is even more berries to pick from.  Undoubtedly a few of the berries are going to be very ripe.  You need to eat the maroon ones immediately and pick the red ones to take home with you.  Fully ripe berries do not last long after being picked.  Regardless of which ones you pick, the sooner you can get them cooled down the better.  We have plenty of berries available to be picked so be choosy, walk down a few rows and get just the ones you are looking for.
    Some of the Blackberries are in full bloom now and more are right behind.  The Brazos and Kiowa are doing good but the Thornless varieties we have did not receive enough cold weather over the winter.  The easiest way to tell this is by the amount of 'blind wood' they have on them.  In the Spring, a Blackberry cane will sprout from the buds up and down its' length.  Not every single bud will sprout leaves but the majority on the last 16 inches of the branch will.  A cane needs a certain amount of 'chilling units' to break bud dormancy.  Most varieties differ in the amount of chilling units needed.  We seem to be right on the line for the Thornless Varieties bred at the University of Arkansas.  In cold years we are fine but it is easy to tell when we have had a mild one.  I am not crazy about these varieties anyway so don't be surprised if they end up missing 

Saturday Evening March 29, 2008 ---- What a great day pickin in the patch.  We had a good crowd out today and they all got lots of wonderful Strawberries but there is still many more to pick.  Sunday afternoon will be another day of fantastic picking.  If you are looking for a place to relax and unwind, the Lexington farm is it.  Come on out, take a deep breath and enjoy yourself - this is a good place to take pleasure in the simple things of life (maybe this is where the saying "life is sweet" came from).

Friday Evening, March 28, 2008 ---- Wow! the Strawberry plants are producing like crazy!    This one was picked today and its' owner dubbed it the Butterfly Berry.  I bet it tasted good too.



Believe me, there is plenty more where this one came from.  If you were wanting to come at a great time - now is it!  I am quite sure we will have plenty of berries to pick through the weekend, no need to worry about supply. 

Monday March 24, 2008 -----  It happens so rarely that I have to relish the moment when it does.  Not often do I make the right decision but I believe putting the covers out on the plants for the month of February looks like it was a good one.  Not only are the plants not eaten by Deer, they are growing and producing well!  The berries picked over last weekend were outstanding and even today the wife and I were able to pick a few boxes for popsicles and ice cream.  We will see how this thing of only being open in Lexington on Fri, Sat and Sun works but I know for sure that the picking on Fridays and Saturdays will be outstanding.  We are very pleased with the way the plants are producing and particularly the great taste of the berries.
    I am not sure why, maybe because it is quieter, but the Lexington farm seems more peaceful and relaxing to me.  We were there today and all I wanted to do was lay down and take a nap.

Friday Evening March 21, 2008 -----  We still have good ripe Strawberries to pick in Lexington!  When picking at this farm be sure to head to the corner of the field farthest away from the store area for the most plentiful berries.  I think you will agree with me that berry taste is wonderful right now.  Picking pressure determines just how long in the day we will have ripe berries, the earlier you can arrive the better. 


Monday Evening March 17, 2008 ---- The Strawberry plants are trying to keep up but it is just a little too early in the season.  In a normal year this production amount would be just right but with some Spring Breaks last week, some this week and Easter rounding out the week we just don't have enough ripe berries to go around.  So far most of our customers have been able to get want they wanted but we are concerned about this coming weekend.  Typically, Easter weekend is very busy for us and we will not have anywhere close to the amount of ripe berries we have had in the past for this event.  Sooooo, I would suggest Friday morning will be the only time we have a decent supply of ripe berries to pick.  
 
But not to worry!!! the berries are coming and the harvest looks like it will be great ------ but not until the month of April.

Remember, the Lexington farm is only open Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons.

Friday, March 14, 2008 ---- We are opening today!!! and there is a very good supply of berries to pick from.  The plants have been covered for over a month to keep the deer from eating them,  we were a bit worried about pollination under the covers and the plants getting a little too warm on those hot days ----- but for now they are looking good!

Tuesday, March 04, 2008 ---- Wow, the plants are turning on the gas.  Last week we uncovered all the plants and gave them a good looking over.  We have a few ripe berries but not enough to open with yet.  It looks like late next week we will try to open up for picking.  We are going to try to pull the covers off this Friday so we will be able to give you a more precise update soon.

Tuesday February 05, 2008 ---- Not much happening here.   The Strawberry plants are snuggled up under the Frost Covers,  the heat generated under there is really going to get them going.  I would rather have them uncovered right now but at least they are not getting ate while under the covers.   Once we get the fence reinforced we will pull those covers off.

Tuesday January 29, 2008 ---- Those stinking deer!!!  I fixed some holes in the fence several weeks ago only to have the deer make news ones to the side of the old ones.   We now have a little deer damage but not to worry - we just covered all the Strawberry plants up with the Frost Covers.  The plants will be nice and warm under those covers and be safe from varmits.  Considering everything, the place is in pretty good shape. 

Monday January 14, 2008 ----- Look everyone!  we are actually making a timely entry here!  Can you tell what our New Years resolution was?  Now to make it last more than three weeks.  I dare say that 2007 was a dismal year for the Lexington farm.  We are approaching this year with fresh eyes and are looking forward to a vast improvement.
We are pleased to report the Strawberry plants are looking pretty good!  I had worked the fence over late last year so I thought we had the deer situation under control.  Unfortunately I found some deer damage today so off to the back fence I went.  What do you think I found?  Yes, I was mumbling under my breath the entire time I was fixing it! AARRGGGHHH!  Although there is some deer damage, it is nothing like last year and I expect to make a good crop in Lexington this year.  Today we fertilized those plants and removed the sprinklers in preparation for frost covers.  I think we might go ahead and put the covers out in Lexington and just leave them on for a month or so.  We only have 25,000 plants here, that along with a little Deer damage and a little late in planting = we will start out the season only opening on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday afternoon (here at the Lexington farm),  This should mean that the picking on Thursdays will be out of this world.  Since the Lexington farm is a little warmer than the Marble Falls farm, I think we will open the season up a little sooner here.  It all depends on the weather but we are shooting for the second week in March.  That is a very tentative date which is subject to a great deal of change (I feel like a weather man).  The Blackberry canes look pretty good but are in dire need of a little attention --- that should come soon I hope.

Wednesday August 08, 2007 ---- well,  it is good to get the Spring 2007 season behind us.  Let's hope we don't have another like it!  The past season has caused us to reevaluate how we are going to operate the Lexington farm.  We will not be open in Lexington this Fall, instead we will concentrate on the Marble Falls Farm which is larger and more established.  The Lexington farm will be open next Spring with hopefully a much better crop of Strawberries and Blackberries.  Now, to keep those bloomin deer out of the Strawberries ......

Friday May 25, 2007 ---- after a dismal Strawberry season we were so excited to have a bumper Blackberry crop - now it has started to rain!  I tell you, seldom have I seen the incredible berries I saw today out on the vines.  I picked one berry that I had to struggle to get in my mouth in one piece.  Then I couldn't get my lips closed so when I squished the berry I got Blackberry juice everywhere.  I promise you, you won't find any better Blackberry picking than what awaits you on the far end of the Kiowa rows.

Thursday May 17, 2005 ---- Yikes!!  the Blackberries turned on the juice and are ripening way faster than I expected.  We wont be open today or tomorrow so Saturdays picking should be phenomenal!  Not to mention we have potatoes and a few remaining Strawberries.  This weekend the Blackberry picking will be much better in Lexington than at the Marble Falls Farm.  What a relief this is, after the worst ever Strawberry crop in Lexington, finally a crop that we can feel good about is ripening.  There is nothing worse than the gut wrenching feeling of seeing someone drive up and you know we don't have the fruit to pick.  Thank Goodness we won't have to worry about that in Blackberry season.  Actually, of the two farms, the Lexington farm produces sweeter and bigger Blackberries (must be that clay soil that drives me crazy).

Saturday morn May 5, 2007 --- We had some big school groups cancel this past week because of the rain so we have decided to open up today for a couple of hours (9am to 2pm).  There are some nice Strawberries to pick so if you are in the area stop by and get some.

Monday April 23, 2007 --- Well,  the Strawberry plants are making a valiant effort in trying to recover from winter Deer damage.  Unfortunately, they are not producing enough for us to be comfortable in inviting folks out to pick.  Instead of having people drive out with little to pick we have decided to close the Strawberry patch.  We will still allow scheduled groups to pick.  As soon as those Blackberries get ready will will open up for one and all.  

Tuesday April 03, 2007 ---- We have decided to open Good Friday in addition to Saturday this week.  The berries are really doing well.  Everyone that has come out has been overjoyed by the plentiful supply of berries.  This weekend the berries should be outstanding, so if you want some great picking - head on out here Friday or Saturday morning.

Thursday March 29, 2007 ---- we are opening the season in Lexington this Saturday and the picking should be fantastic ............ on each Saturday.  Until overall production picks up, the Lexington farm is going to be open on Saturdays ONLY (the Marble Falls farm is open normal hours).  This means that each Saturday the picking should be wonderful because no one picked them all week.  Why Saturday only?  Last November we had a fence down and before we realized it, a bunch of Deer got in the patch and had a field day eating our plants.  They did a significant amount of damage, not killing the plants but setting them way back.  The plants have recovered nicely but they will always be behind and each plant will produce much less than we shoot for.  To make sure that we have plenty of nice ripe berries for everyone to pick we have decided to be open (at the Lexington Farm) on Saturdays only for a little while.   

Monday March 19, 2007 --- The Marble Falls farm is set to open tomorrow but we are not ready here in Lexington yet.  The plants are coming along nicely and are blooming but they are just a little behind.  We should be ready to open here in Lexington in just a week or two.

Tuesday February 20, 2007 ---  Yep, we are still here.  My how time does fly!  We had a little problem with the PC and poof - it is 3 months since our last update.  It has been an eventful winter here, lots of goings on. 
    One thing keeping us busy, chasing Deer!  We had a flood back in November that knocked down a portion of the back fence and you guessed it --- the deer found the gap way before we did.  Which one do you think the deer chose to eat: the lush, green grass between the rows or the little fledgling Strawberry plant?  Those deer worked over half the plants before we knew what hit us. 
    We now have that fence fixed and think we are keeping most of the Deer out.  We'll watch the plants closely and see how they respond to this warmer weather.  Be on the lookout, those berries are just around the corner.            

Thursday November 2, 2006 --- This nice fall weather is just fabulous!!!  Thanks for a wonderful fall season.  The Lexington Farm is now closed until we re-open for the spring pick-ur-own strawberries.  The plants are looking very nice, and I am already looking forward to those big juicy strawberries.   HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday October 24, 2006 --- It took us all day, but the strawberries have been planted in Lexington.  We've had to wait on the rain(if you can believe that!).  We have gotten over 15 inches in the last two weeks, and with the clay we have, it has taken awhile to dry out the fields so we could get in and plant.  The plants look great and will be looking RED in only 5 months.  Have you ever said to yourself...."self, we just have too many dogs".....  Well, we have come to that realization.  5-6 dogs is way too many, especially when you have others in the neighborhood over visiting all the time!  Upon this realization, we have made the extremely tough decision to give away two of them.  Many of you know and love Lexi, and her puppy GusGus.  Lexi is our two year old lab/red heeler mix.  She is house broke and spayed and has her shots.  She is wonderful with kids, and loves to run and needs room to run.  GusGus is one of her puppies that was born on Easter Sunday.  He is 6 months old and has never been in a house.  He is blonde/yellow color with short hair.  He is sweet and good with kids.  He also needs some room to run.  If you or anyone you know is interested please email me at sweetberry@bluebon.net.  Have a great week!

Monday, October 9, 2006 --- The strawberry plants have arrived!!!   We will hopefully (weather permitting) be planting this Friday, October 13..........mmmmm Friday the 13th, good thing I'm not superstitious.  We had a little tragedy here this week as our two goats, Noni and Smoke were killed by some critter.   Not sure if it was coyoties or some speculate a mountain lion/panther!!!   Needless to say, we are not going to replace them until futher notice......The fall is off to a great start, and hope to see y'all soon!!!!

Thursday, September 28, 2006 --- Are you ready for some FALL FUN!!!!!?????  I think we are....the pumpkins have arrived, and are in the process of being displayed, the tractor is full of diesel....ooooops, I need to get some bales of hay for the hayride!  The "kid maze"' is neatly cut and ready for pedestrians, the animals are ready for some visitors, the scarecrow clothing is ready to be stuffed, the grass is mowed, picnic tables are stained, the porta potties have arrived, the pumpkin pie flavored ice cream is ready to be scooped........all we need is YOU!  The Lexington Farm will open this Saturday, September 30.  The fall hours at Lexington will be Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 8:30-5:30 and Sundays from 1-5pm.  We look forward to seeing everyone again, and will soon be planting the strawberries for next spring's harvest.  The beds are made(a little crooked, I'd say) and we are ready for the plants to arrive.  It will be a busy fall season.

Monday, August 28, 2006 --- Well, things are coming along pretty good here.  We finally got all of the blackberry plants pruned and cleaned out.  What a job that is!!!  Now we just have to keep up with pinning up the new growth as it is needed.  The kid maze is HUGE!  It is already way over my head, and is the only green thing for miles around here.  Unfortunately we've had to irrigate often....it hasn't seen a drop of rain since we planted it.  I can't believe we open in a month.   We'll be busy the next few weeks getting the place all spruced up and ready for you.  Hopefully the heat will come to an end soon.  It's hard to get anything done when it's sooooo hot.   Keep praying for rain, the ground is cracking all around us.  I'd hate for it to swallow up any kids in October.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006 --- Where does the time go???  I can't believe my last update was WAY back on the 2nd.  It has been a busy summer.  My daughter and I had a very successful mission trip to the Dominican Republic.....we are both ready to go back.  Thanks to all of you for making our Spring '06 fruit season a success!  Pumpkins are right around the corner.  We will be opening Sept. 30 and go through the end of October.  I am so disgusted with the weather forecasters of late.  We didn't get one drop over the last few days.......from a 70% chance, and we got NIL, NADA, ZIP, ZERO....needless to say, I had to turn the water back on the maze.   It is so dry here, I think the cracks in the soil are going to get big enough pretty soon to devour poor little Gus Gus.  I actually twisted my ankle in one the other day.  Well, stay cool, and I'll try to update y'all more often!

Sunday July 2, 2006 --- Final call for all you blackberry lovers out there!!!  The Lexington Farm will be open for our final three days of blackberry picking Thurs, Fri and Sat July 6, 7 and 8.  We will be closed from now until this Thursday, July 6th, when we will be open for the last days of picking for this season........there are still LOTS of nice blackberries to be had, so come and git ya some.

Thursday, June 15, 2006 --- We've got blackberries coming out of our VINES!!!!  Now is the time to come to Lexington for blackberries.  People have been picking a box in a few feet!  They are big and beautiful and will be available for probably the next two weeks.  As usual, the earlier you come, the best berries you'll find.  Farm hours are Mon-Sat 8:30am-5:30pm, Sunday from 1pm to 5pm and we are CLOSED on Wednesday.

Tuesday, June 6, 2006 --- I can safely say that the strawberry season in Lexington is officially over.  There may be a few left on the vines, but they are COOKED!!!  This heat is HOT.....Blackberries are taking their sweet time to ripen.   If you come first thing in the am, you should find what you're looking for.  I can't guarantee much beyond that.  Also, it's much cooler if you come in the mornings.  As I sit here in the nice cool office typing this, I've got 4 pathetic dogs under my feet.  They aren't so dumb, they know where it's cool.  I think I'll stay in here with them for the rest of the day....maybe play a little solitare.....or I could go prune some blackberry plants.   Ahhhhhhh, the cards are calling my name!

Tuesday, May 30, 2006 --- I'm so lonely!  All the puppies are now at their new homes.  Thanks so much to those families who adopted one.  We had 7 total, and now we have 1.  We kept Gus.  He looks just like the K9 Advantix dog on T.V.  We had quite the experience with these little pups.  When they started roaming, and after the first night getting under our house, I thought...we'd better put some kind of skirting around it, or they will have the entire ductwork torn out.  So my wonderful husband spent the next day doing as I asked, and put some wonderful looking lattice around the bottom.  It looked so nice and pretty.  Now those pesky pups can't get under the house!!  Well, at about 2 in the morning we hear this terrible screeching sound.  We run outside to find one of the pups with his head stuck in the lattice!!!  And of course he couldn't get it stuck where he was easily accessible....he had to be under our deck which is a foot and a half above the ground.   Over the next week 3 of the puppies had gotten their heads stuck, and needless to say, the lattice doesn't look so spiffy anymore 'cause we had to keep breaking it to get their heads out.  I guess I'm not so lonely after all.  I have slept much better since they have gone to their new homes.  Enough about the pups...and onto some other stuff......if you come by the farm in the next month or so, you may see something very strange hanging above the counter.  My mother in law says that if we hang ziploc bags of water above the counter, it will scare the flies away.  I was extremely skeptical of course.  But as we were hanging them, quite a few customers said, "oh, yes.   It works."  Well, you'll see if it works when you come by.  I still have my handy dandy fly swatter nearby.  Oh yes, as for the fruit....strawberries are almost done.  I will be starting the shred them down this week, and there may be a few to pick this weekend, but that will be about it.  We are still waiting for the blackberry explosion to happen.  Maybe this weekend????  I just can't tell.   I've said things so many times this season that have been wrong, I am terrified to make ANY predictions.  Best I can tell you is to call before you come(979)773-2200, or email me at sweetberry@bluebon.net.  I try to respond to emails the same day. Potatoes are done here in Lexington, and our tomatoes, onions and green beans all were killed in that last 2 night freeze we had way back when. 

Thursday, May 25, 2006 --- Yes, we still have quite a few strawberries.  They are getting very ripe with the hot temps.  You should be able to find quite a few this weekend.  Blackberries are coming along....still waiting on the Kiowas to kick in.....they seem to be taking forever!!!  Kinda like watching for a pot of water to boil.........We SHOULD have plenty of strawberries and blackberries for the weekend.  My advice as usual is to come early........The earlier the better and the best pick of the crop.  The puppies are now going to their new homes.  We have three left here.  One we are keeping, one will go next week to her new home, and we have one left to give away.  He is a dark one with some white on him.  Come on out a see him if you're interested.  We are asking for a donation to our Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic in exchange for a puppy.  We are open our regular hours this weekend and Monday, Memorial Day.  Mon-Sat. 8:30-5:30, Sun. 1-5 and Closed on Wed.  Thanks so much to all you Veterans out there for serving our country.........May God Bless You!!!

Monday, May 15, 2006 --- I can't believe my eyes........I'm seeing red.......yes, we still have lots of strawberries here in Lexington.  I think they are liking this cooler weather.  We are getting low on the potatoes...not many left at all, but the strawberries are everywhere.  The blackberries are coming along pretty good.  We should have a good bunch of them by this weekend.  The puppies are running around everywhere.  They are getting really playful, and will be going to their new homes in about two weeks.  I can't believe they are already 4 weeks old.   They started eating some hard food today, and we are supplementing some milk now, as Lexi just can't keep up.  They are so adorable!!!!

Sunday, May 7, 2006 --- I think it is safe to say that the puppies are child proof now.  Over the past three days, I don't think there has been 10 minutes where someone hasn't been holding them.  They are for sure being spoiled.  We've been diggin' lots of taters, and have even had some blackberries picked.  They are looking pretty good so far, but we won't have a TON of them for another week to week and a half.  We still have strawberries, so come on out for the last pickin' of the season for those.  I'm thinking maybe we'll have another week of the strawberries.

Monday, May 1, 2006 --- If you're looking for strawberries, now is the time to come.  We actually have quite a few here in Lexington right now.  We are also starting to dig the new potatoes.  The taters will be $1.00 per pound.   Blackberries are right around the corner!!!  We are shooting for May 18th to start picking those huge juicy berries.

Thursday, April 27, 2006 --- Heh, Heh, Heh, we actually had some berries today!  We are thinking we will have a few for over the weekend too.   Again, we won't have TONS, but if you look hard, there are berries to be found.   The blackberries are coming along fine.  We even have a handful turning red..........then they will get to that beautiful, plump, juicy black color.   Hopefully in a couple weeks we will be picking those!  The puppies are doing fantastic.  I cannot believe how big they are getting.  We have 4 of them spoken for already.  They will be ready to go to their new homes in about 5 more weeks.   Their eyes started opening today, and I think poor Lexi is going to start running low on milk the way they are porkin' out!

Saturday, April 22, 2006 --- Puppies and ice cream.....that's about all that is left here today.  The berries have really been picked out this morning, and we won't have many, if any,  for tomorrow.  If you want to come see the pups and have some ice cream.................come on down!!!!

Friday, April 21, 2006 --- We actually have some strawberries out there today!!!  People were bringing up some real nice boxes full.  We should have quite a few tomorrow.  Please come early to get the best pickin'.  The rain really has helped a lot.   The blackberry bushes are looking mighty fine right now.  Shouldn't be long for those HUGE berries.  Momma Lexi is doing fantastic.   Her puppies are porkers!  In fact, we nicknamed one of them Porky.  We will have them down at the farm each day starting tomorrow for y'all to see.

Easter Sunday, April 16, 2006 --- LEXI HAD HER PUPPIES!!!!!!  We had quite the exciting night last night.  About 2 a.m. Lexi kept waking me up...would not let me sleep.  So I went into the living room and sat with her.  She was shaking quite a bit, and I could tell she was beginning labor.  My son, Taylor must have heard the commotion, and he joined me at 4:30am. At about 4:40 a.m. Lexi jumped up and YELPED.  At 4:58 a.m. the first little boy was born.  #2 was born at 5:34a.m., #3 at 5:52 a.m.  I was gettin' pretty sleepy by this time.  I waited until 6:45, then went to try and get a little sleep.  Taylor fell asleep on the couch.  I got up at 7:45, to see Taylor next to Lexi, with TWO more puppies.  He recorded the times.  #4 at 7:19 and #5 at 7:40.  Hmmmmmm......time to make some breakfast.  So we whipped up some breakfast tacos and biscuits and gravy.  All of a sudden......here comes #6 at 9:20a.m.  Well, now it looks like we are going to miss Easter Sunday church service........she got up and wanted to go outside.  So we let her out, thinking she was done now.  We cleaned up and got her fresh blankets.   She came back in and snuggled down with the 6 pups.  We had to run down to the farm to get the camera.  When we returned, Taylor saw Lexi and yelled........HERE COMES #7!!!!!  So at 11:52a.m. #7 was born.  We had to come down to open the farm at 1, so Kelley is staying with her and the pups in case another one pops out.   As of  right now we have 3 chocolate colored girls,  1 chocolate colored boy, and 3 yellow colored boys.  They are the cutest little pups.  All of them are very healthy and Lexi is doing great.  She had scrambled eggs and some leftover quesadillas for breakfast.  We will keep the puppies back at the house until their eyes are open, then we will bring them to the farm every day, so y'all can come by and see them.  Let's see, I wonder who won the bet???  I think I remember saying she was going to have 7 on the Thursday, March 30th update.  I wonder what I'll get??????

Wednesday, April 12, 2006 --- MAJOR NEWS, MAJOR NEWS!!!  Well, it's not THAT major....however I need to let y'all know that the clown we had scheduled to come out this weekend was "clowning" around(trying to ride a horse), and she got bucked off and broke her wrist!!!  Therefore, she will not be able to be here...........sorry for all those so looking forward to Half-Pint and her balloon animals. 

Wednesday, April 12, 2006 --- Well, Lexi is lookin' like a tick, ready to POP!  She is breathing hard, and is up 3 times a night now to go out to the bathroom.  Her official due date is Easter Sunday.....but we think she could have the pups any time now.  Looks like I spoke too soon on my last update about having "tons of berries from here on out"!  Very sorry for saying that, as it looks like we are running out of ripe strawberries for this weekend.  If you are looking for lots of berries, you'll have to give us a couple weeks. Luckily we will have lots of other activitiesthis weekend.  On Good Friday and Saturday from 10-2 we will have pony rides($4.50 each), Half-Pint the clown, scripture egg hunt(for ages 7 and under), hayrides($1.50 each) and hot dogs and sausage wraps.  Also remember we have that awesome "Homemade Ice Cream".  On Easter Sunday, we will continue the scripture egg hunt(for ages 7 and under) and have the hayrides.  There will not be food for sale, the clown, or pony rides on Sunday.  We are open our regular hours this weekend.  So come on out......even if the strawberry pickin' is "SLIM PICKINS"!

Sunday, April 2, 2006 --- What a beautiful weekend we had for strawberry pickin'.  And we actually didn't run out of berries!!!  They are ripening pretty fast now with the warm weather, and we expect to have tons of berries from here on out.  We'd like to welcome a few newcomers to the farm.  Pansy and Suzy Q made their debut on Friday.  They are the cutest little goats.  They are 3 and 4 weeks old, and are still being bottle fed.  Thanks to all the kids who helped us feed them!  Also, our crossback donkey arrived today.  His name is Kong.   Yes, Donkey Kong........I used to love that video game.......Coming up on Easter weekend we've got a lot planned here at the farm.  On Good Friday and Saturday we will have pony rides, a clown, a scripture Easter egg hunt and First Baptist Church of Lexington will be selling food for a fundraiser to send 18+ people to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip this summer.  My daughter and I are among those making the trip to the Dominican, and we'd appreciate your prayers.  Hope to see y'all soon!  

Thursday, March 30, 2006 --- The berries are looking fabulous today!!!   We've had quite a few people out, and everyone found exactly what they wanted.   I should be a great weekend to come on out and enjoy the outdoors.  Lexi is getting very "fat"...well, she is pregnant....and she is very "happy".....well, everyone feeds her and loves on her ALOT!!!  She sure is enjoying the attention.  It should only be a couple more weeks and the puppies should be here.  The bets are on....I say she'll have 7, my son says 5, my daughter says 4, and my husband says 3.  We'll seeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Tuesday, March 28, 2006 --- Due to the heavy rain we have received overnight, and are still experiencing today, the Lexington Farm will be closed today.   We will hopefully be re-opened again this Thursday, barring anymore heavy rainfall.   Please check this site, or our phone message(979)773-2200, before coming out.   I will try to update again Wednesday evening.

Thursday, March 23, 2006 --- BRRRRRRRRRR!  I feel a freeze coming on!  Could someone please tell the wind to STOP!  I'm tired of "bad hair days".  We had a good crowd out today, despite this cold, windy day.  The good news is that we still have plenty of berries.  I think the fields have finally caught up from spring break week, and we should have lots of berries for the weekend.   For those of you who don't know, Lexi is a momma in waiting.  We are expecting puppies to be born over the Easter weekend!!!  She is such a wonderful dog, and I'm sure she will be a great momma.  Daddy is a real nice looking, sweet as can be, pure-bred chocolate lab.  My husband says ALL the puppies have to go..........we'll see about that! We are looking forward to the new additions to the farm. 

Monday, March 20, 2006 --- Well we got just what the doctor ordered last night.  RAIN!!! And lots of it.  We recorded close to two inches here in Lexington.  Needless to say, it is very wet and muddy today.  But, the forecast looks fantastic, with sunshine expected the rest of the week.  This is just what the berries need.  The fields should be just bursting with red by mid-week. 

Sunday, March 19, 2006 --- I hope everyone had a wonderful spring break!  We had a super turnout of pickers.  I just wish we had more berries right now.  We've got billions of green ones!!!  We were completely picked out Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  Today we have a few berries, but won't have a considerable amount until this Thursday, March 23rd.  If you come Thursday in the morning, you should be able to find what you're looking for.  I'll update you again Thursday evening and let you know how the weekend will look. 

Saturday, March 11, 2006 --- WOW, what a beautiful, beautiful day we've had today!  Super weather and a great crowd out to pick berries.   Unfortunately, that means most all of the first fruit is picked.  If you're planning on coming out for lots of berries, it would be good to wait until at least this Thursday.  By then, the plants will have recovered, and we'll have much more fruit available.  Sorry to all those who didn't get all the fruit they would have liked today.  Give it another week or two, and the fields will be loaded.

Wednesday, March 8, 2006 --- Yes, the rumor is true!!!  The Lexington Farm opens tomorrow, March 9th.  Oh my!  I've got so much to do to get ready.  I'll make this short and sweet...........speaking of sweet......wait til you taste the berries this year.  They are awesome!  We won't have a TON of them right away, but we have quite a few.  If you plan on coming in the next week, be sure to come early.  Don't know how long the berries will last into the day.  Looking forward to seeing y'all!!!

Sunday, February 26, 2006 --- The strawberries are awesome!!!   The plants are big and beautiful and just covered with blooms---and even quite a few berries already.  The spuds are all planted and .....oh no, wait a minute....I forgot all about planting some other veggies!!!!!  YIKES-Hopefully it's not too late to get some green beans, onions, etc. planted.  I guess that's what I'll be going tomorrow.  As soon as the covers dry out, we'll get them off and hopefully be ready to open.  We're shooting for March 11th.  Keep your fingers crossed. 

Wednesday, February 8, 2006---Wow, has it really been almost TWO months since my last update???  I do believe we are busier in the off season than when we are open!  The strawberry plants are looking fabulous.  We've been able to taste quite a few already and they are very sweet and juicy.  I just can't get over this weather, it has done wonders for the crop.  We have them covered now in anticipation of some below freezing nights coming up next week, so they should make it through just fine.  We are starting to book spring field trips, so if you are interested in booking one at the Lexington location, please feel free to email me at sweetberry@bluebon.net.  I think we lost all of our cats this winter...maybe they'll come back once we are back open again.  Lexi, our strawberry eating puppy dog is looking for a boyfriend right now.  Yes, she is in heat, so maybe we'll have some puppies to give away soon.  We are looking forward to seeing everyone again real soon.

Monday, December 19, 2005 --- Strawberry plants are looking just great, and I can't wait for the fruit to come.  All is quiet here on the farm, just enjoying the Christmas Season.  We hope y'all have a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.  We look forward to seeing everyone in 2006!!!

Wednesday, November 23, 2005 --- I can't believe it has been almost a month since my last update.  The time just flies by way too fast!  All is pretty quiet here on the farm right now.  Thank you for a truly wonderful fall season.   We had so much fun seeing everyone.  The maze has been mowed down, and yesterday we planted crimson clover throughout the maze.  Hopefully by spring, we'll have a beautiful field of clover.  We're counting on some rain this weekend.  It has been so, so dry.  The strawberry plants are looking fantastic.....aside from some sweet charlies that are being nibbled on by a very cute little cottontail bunny....................the bunny may have to go!!!  We seemed to have lost Peanut, one of our cute little kitties.  She has been missing for about two weeks now.   We brought "Socks"(which we renamed to "Callie", back to live in our shop/barn for the winter.  She's much happier being able to play with the dogs(mainly Lexi) during the day.  It is hard to belive tomorrow is Thanksgiving.   Being from Wisconsin, I'm used to it being about 12 degrees this time of year.   I hope y'all have a very BLESSED holiday season.

Friday, October 28, 2005 --- Well, it finally happened.  A lady from Lexington, Kentucky came out of the maze and informed us that Lexington was not the capital of Kentucky.  FRANKFORT is the capital of Kentucky.  She won a free cup of ice cream.  I guess we all need to go back to school and learn our capitals again!!!  It sure has been a great October, with the weather being so beautiful.   The Lexington location will be open to the public through October 31.  After that, we will be finishing up our school groups only.  So, if you want to "harvest some fall fun" y'all need to come on out this weekend.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005 --- A great week here at the farm!   Hundreds have been through the maze, and we are a-"MAZED" that no one has said anything about a "mistake".......an on purpose "mistake" that has been made.  We have been secretly offering a free cup of ice cream to the first person who finds this mistake.  I can't believe we had to announce this on Fresh News...........................anyway, Trinity Christian Athletics will be holding their final fund raiser this Saturday, October 29.  They will have all sorts of lunch items and snacks available for purchase, so please come out and support them!!  They really want to go to the National Homeschool Basketball Finals in Oklahoma City in March.   All activities will be running as usual this weekend...pumpkin painting, face painting, scarecrow stuffing, corn shelling, hayrides, maze, etc.  Have a great week!

Tuesday, October 11, 2005 --- Yes, the strawberries did arrive, and believe it or not, they are all planted already!!!  It usually take us 2 days to plant.  But this year we must have had an exceptional crew 'cause we finished in about 9 hours!!!  A new record.  We do have some plants left over and are selling them for $20.00 per flat.  A flat contains 50 plants.  So if you'd like to try your hand at growing strawberries, come on out and get yerself some plants.   We had a great crowd last weekend, and looks like the weather is going to cooperate for this coming weekend also.  Again, we will be serving lunch items from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trinity Christian Athletics will be continuing their fundraiser so they can go to the National Homeschool Basketball Finals in Oklahoma City.  Please come out and support them while you have a great time at the farm.

Monday, October 3, 2005 --- The strawberries are coming, the strawberries are coming!!!!  Ooooops!  I forgot it's FALL!!!  It seems like we should be picking strawberries right now it's sooooo hot!  Well, yes, the strawberry plants are arriving this week, and we will hopefully be planting them by week's end.  We had an exciting weekend here at Lexington.  My mother-in-law turned 61(well, she may not appreciate me telling you her age---oh well!), and her granddaughter - our niece- turned 21.  So they decided it would be nice to both go skydiving!!!   Yes, they actually did it!!!  It was very cool, as they were able to   land here at the farm.  They went up 10,000 feet and jumped out(tandem of course) free falling for about 15 seconds, which gets them going 120mph.  Then pulled the rip-cord and gently glided to a safe landing.  They said the maze looked absolutely beautiful from up there.  Well, enough about that craziness.....I hear the weather is going to be changing real quick, so come on out for some FALL FUN!!!  We are ready for ya with scarecrow stuffing, pumpkin painting, hayrides, "Walk Across America" maze, corn shelling, etc. ALSO!!!!  For the next three Saturdays(Oct. 8, 15, 22) TCA(Trinity Christian Athletics) will be having a fundraiser here at the farm.   They will be providing lunch items, drinks and snacks from approx. 10a.m. until 3 p.m. all three Saturdays.  So please come out and support them.  The money they raise will help them get to the National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championships that are held in Oklahoma City in March. See y'all real soon!

Sunday, September 25, 2005 --- YIPPEE!!  We made it through the hurricane with very little damage.  We didn't get any rain from the system at all, just LOTS of wind.  Because we didn't get rain along with the wind, the maze is still standing!!!!!  This is great news.  We are now open for the fall season our regular hours.  Mon-Sat. 8:30-5:30, Sun. 1pm-5pm and Closed on Wednesdays.  So come on out and have some FUN!!!

Thursday, September 22, 2005 --- Due to the incoming hurricane, the Lexington location will not open this weekend.  We are in line to possibly receive heavy rains and wind.  We will shoot for an opening next week....for sure by weeks end(Sept. 29) depending on how much rain we receive.  Hope to see y'all real soon.

Monday, September 19, 2005 --- Just where does the time go????   Seems like yesterday we were closing for the summer, and now we're gettin' ready to open again this Saturday.  Must just seem like July cause of the hot weather we are still having.  Well, this past week has been a real busy one here.  We've gotten all of the strawberry beds in place and are going to try planting rye grass in the walkways between the rows to see if that won't cure our mud problem.  Maybe it will also help stop SOME of the weed growth.  Today at 8 a.m. sharp the PUMPKINS arrived.   Yes, the pumpkin fairy delivered a semi-load full of beautiful pumpkins to the farm today.  We'll be really busy this week getting ready to open this weekend.   We've got a new variety called a "peanut pumpkin".  It is looks very interesting, like it has smashed peanut shells all over the outside of it.  The maze is looking really good, and we have just finished the pathways today.  I'll be putting out the destination signs this week, so we should be good to go on Saturday.   Other than that, hope y'all are having a wonderful September and we'll see you SOON!!!

Thursday, September 1, 2005 --- Dry, dry, dry............the cracks in the ground are getting big enough to swallow the dogs!  And to make matters worse, our water pump went out last week.  Absolutely no water at the house or farm for two days, then they had to put a smaller pump in so we could have water at the house, until they could order the right size pump.  Hmmmmm, 8 days the maze had to go without water, and of course it had to be over 100 degrees all of those days.  I think it will survive, but the new pump is working double overtime trying to get the ground to stay moist.  What am I complaining about!   At least we have water and a house to live in.  Our prayers go out to all of the victims/families/rescue workers of the terrible hurricane in the Gulf. 

Tuesday, August 16, 2005 --- Well, we've already got lots of teachers contacting us to book field trips for the fall.  If you are interested in booking one, please email me at sweetberry@bluebon.net.   The maze is growing fast, despite the attempts by the army worms to destroy it.   They are "a-maze-ing" little creatures.  The sites are set....we will be doing capital cities.  They will be the following:  1)Austin, Texas; 2)Santa Fe, New Mexico; 3)Madison, Wisconsin; 4)Lexington, Kentucky; 5)Montgomery, Alabama; 6)Pierre, South Dakota; 7)Carson City, Nevada; 8)Helena, Montana; 9)Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; 10)Boise, Idaho; 11)Jefferson City, Missouri; 12)Montpelier, Vermont. We've finally finished cutting out all the old vines in the blackberries, thanks to Dan and his crew.   They have worked very hard and we really appreciate it.  I'm mainly working on tilling up the strawberry fields, getting them ready to make new rows soon.  Hope y'all had a great summer!

Wednesday, July 27, 2005 --- Where has the summer gone???  Can't believe August is right around the corner.  This week we'll start the huge task of cutting out the old blackberry vines.  We are  also tilling up the soil so we can make new beds for the strawberries.  Last week we planted the maze, and it is a-MAZE-ing already.  Normally you'll see a blanket of green "hair" come up about a week after planting.  Well, this time it was "hairy" in three days!!!  I think the nice light rain showers we've been having in the afternoons has really been the key.  We've been trying to decide what sites to have this fall, and think we've decided on 12 capital cities.  That may change, but we need to decide fast, as I have a feeling we'll be mowing the pathways real soon, at the rate it is growing.  We sold Billy and Dilly, the goats and will be looking for some little ones to replace them for the Fall season.  If you are interested in booking a group for the fall, please e-mail me at sweetberry@bluebon.net.  

Thursday, June 30, 2005 --- Puppies.......yes, puppies.  Anyone looking for extremely cute, gentle puppies, have we got a deal for you!!!  There are three left from a litter of black lab/red heeler mix pups.  Two male and one female.   They are six weeks old and are just adorable. And best of all.........they are FREE.  We'll have them here at the Lexington farm Friday, July 1, Sat. July 2 and possibly Mon. July 4 until mid-afternoon each day if we still have any left. We still have some great looking blackberries out there....this will be your last weekend to come git yerself some.  Tomaters too!  The hours of the farm this weekend will be like normal.......Friday, July 1:8:30-5:30.........Saturday, July 2:8:30=5:30......Sunday, July 3: 1pm-5pm and Monday, July 4: 8:30 - 5:30.  The Lexington farm will then be closed for business until the last week in September when we will be opening for our fall pumpkin season.  Get ready for pumpkins, squash, gourds, indian corn, hayrides, stuff yer own scarecrows, pumpkin painting, face painting, "walk across America" human size hayfield maze, and of course the world famous(well, Central Texas famous) pumpkin pie flavored homemade ice cream.  YUM! It is a real treat!  Thanks for a wonderful season.....hope to see y'all this weekend, and if not..........hopefully this fall!!!!!

Thursday, June, 23, 2005 --- Still plenty of blackberries out there.   And the tomatoes are beautiful, lots of them too, so come on out before it's too late!  The Lexington Farm will be open our regular hours through Monday, July 4th.   We will be closed starting Tuesday, July 5, 2005 until our fall season, which will start up around September 26, 2005.  Hurry on out and get your blackberries and tomatoes while you can.............hope to see ya sooooon!

Friday, June 17, 2005 --- We are still loaded with big, beautiful blackberries!  And yes, we finally have tomatoes turning that deep red color.  I love to eat them like apples.  Hope y'all had a great week!

Friday, June 10, 2005 --- We are still loaded with those HUGE juicy blackberries.  The strawberry season is officially over.  We've been working on getting the plastic and drip line up this week.  Thanks for a great season!   Yeah, the tomatoes are finally starting to turn.  I picked about a dozen yesterday, and I saw another dozen or so out there this a.m.  Probably by next weekend we'll have quite a few.  Green beans are doing great also.  We were picked out last weekend.....and haven't let anyone pick until today, so maybe we'll have enough this weekend.  Come on out and get yourself some of those big juicy blackberries!

Thursday, June 2, 2005 --- We are absolutely LOADED with blackberries.  It is only taking pickers about 10 minutes to fill a box.   Of course, if you're going to be picky, and just pick the HUGE ones, it may take a few minutes longer.  We finally moved the calf, Ricky, to the back of the property where he has more room to roam.  We should change his name to Houdini, as he was getting out of his pasture quite a bit.....looking for some other cows to love..........so we finally bought him a playmate.  She is a beauty.  The kids named her Belle.   Now they are roaming the BIG pasture in the back, happy as they can be.  Belle should be ready to get pregnant next February.  We've still got some strawberries(gotta look under the weeds), green beans, and are about a week away from some nice red tomatoes.  Onions and potatoes are all gone for this year. Hope to see ya soon!

Monday, May 23, 2005 --- Summer is here!!!  What beautiful weather we have had!  The blackberries are really coming along great.  There are PLENTY for everyone.  This weekend will be a great one to come out.  We may even have some strawberries left.  We also still have green beans.  The tomatoes are still green today....but we may have some red by the weekend.  I got here this a.m. to find that Billy and Dilly broke out of prison.  They were standing in the middle of the driveway, and of course right in front of my car and wouldn't budge!  I had to nudge them along with the car......oh, they are so smart!  Needless to say, the ladies in their car waiting for me to open the gate were having a good old laugh at me, pushing my goats down the driveway.  See ya soon!  Oh yes, we will be open the same hours over the Memorial Day weekend!

Saturday, May 14, 2005 --- I think the rain is fixin' to start here!  I hear thunder in the distance.  The blackberries are still trying to ripen.   We've had tons of red ones now for about 4 days....they are just seeming to take their time in ripening.  I think we'll only have a few boxes worth this weekend.....if you're wanting to pick a lot...I'd wait another week.  I'll keep you posted as to when they are really ready.  We do still have strawberries and green beans.  Potatoes are now officially done(WOW they went fast!)  Have a great weekend!

Thursday, May 12, 2005 --- The blackberries are starting to look fantastic.   We've had about 4 boxes go out today.  I can't believe all of the pinkish/red ones we have(only on the far last three rows so far).  These are called the Brazos berries, and we should have quite a few to pick this weekend, but by the end of next week, we should be just loaded with blackberries.  We are also picking TONS of green beans.   We've got a half row of the round "contender" beans and about a row of the flat "Roma" beans.  We are almost done diggin' the taters.   Tomatoes are lookin' real green........well I guess that's the way they're supposed to look until they turn red.(in a couple weeks or so).  The strawberries are still looking and tasting awesome......I saw some really beautiful boxes go out today...........hopefully they'll hang on for a couple more weeks.........ttfn.

Thursday, May 5, 2005 --- We've still got LOTS of big, red, juicy strawberries here.  It will be a great weekend to bring mom out to the patch.  We still have a half row of big red new potatoes, and I picked a nice box of green beans this morning, so they are coming along great.  Onions should be ready pretty quick too. Kittens are growing fast!  The second batch we had opened their eyes today.  They are so cute....too bad they don't stay kittens.  The maze here in Lexington looks like it's not going to grow this spring....you'll have to come out this fall for that.  Oh, yes....the blackberries.........oh my we are going to have a bundle of them.  We'll hopefully be starting to pick those next week(around the 13th).

Wednesday, April 27, 2005 --- One little, two little, three little kittens, four little, five little, six little kittens, seven little, eight little, nine little kittens, TEN little kittens in all!!!  Yes, finally our very pregnant grey momma,  Rack had 5 kittens!  They are the most adorable I've ever seen.  Couple black, one grey and a couple striped.  Along with our other 5 kitties who are about 3 weeks old, I'd say we're in for some fun! We've still got LOTS of great looking strawberries!   Blackberries are looking very good....the berries are still mainly green though.....once they turn a little red, then it's only days 'til they are black and ready to pick.  The maze is a little(well, a lot) on the small side....it's not growing too good this spring.  We'll have to see what happens. If you're planning on coming out this weekend, it is Lexington's Homecoming.  The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday.  It looks like it will be a beautiful day, so come on out to Lexington and enjoy all the festivities.....oh ya, and come pick some berries and dig some taters, too!

Thursday, April 21, 2005 --- Berries, berries everywhere....Thursday is the perfect day to come pick.  The berries are plentiful and extremely RIPE!  We've also still got about a row of big red new potatoes to finish diggin'.  Blackberries are looking so good.  It won't be long until we start picking those.  We have some new additions to the farm.  Our black and white cat named Starz had her litter a couple weeks ago.  Only problem is that she had them on the roof of the office, so it's hard to see them.  We have been bringing them down when we can get to them.   They are sooooooo cute!  2 solid black ones and 3 black and white.  All have names except one so far.  I think they are Marty, Little Joe, Norman, Juliet.   Those I'm sure will change as we determine the sex of the kitties.  You know, like Marty to Marcia, Little Joe to Little Josephina.  We'll have them all straight in about a month or so.  We have another mother in waiting.....our cat Rack is due ANY day now and is she MOODY!!!  Hope she has them soon so she will get back to her normal loving self!

Thursday, April 14, 2005 --- What a difference a day makes.  Being closed yesterday has really helped our strawberry production!  We've got plenty of berries today, and hopefully all through the weekend.  It looks like a great forecast, so come on out and pick some delicious strawberries and have a picnic.  Oh yes, we are also diggin' those big red new potatoes, and they are lookin' really good!  Believe it or not, we think we'll be starting to pick those blackberries in a couple weeks.   We'll keep you posted on that.  See ya soon!!!

Saturday, April 9, 2005 --- We are running extremely low on berries here at the Lexington Farm!  We have been getting picked out every day, and are hoping the plants will "catch up" with demand soooooooon!  If you want lots of berries, please wait until at least Thursday, April 14th before coming out to Lexington.  If you're just looking for a few, call before coming and we'll let you know the status.   As usual, the best pickin' is in the morning.  We are also starting to dig the big red new potatoes and we now have kids' sizes in the t-shirts for the splatberry game.   Blackberries plants are looking GREAT!  We should be pickin' those big juicy berries very soon.  Have a great day!

Friday, April 1, 2005 --- We had a little storm here last night.  Lots of wind mainly....little bit of rain.  Fortunately the hail missed us.  The wind is blowing pretty hard today, drying out the strawberry fields pretty fast.  The berries are looking fantastic!  It doesn't take long now to fill a box.  The brazos blackberries are just full of blooms.  Won't be long before the rest of the blackberries are blooming.  Looks like a great weekend forecasted, and we should have plenty of berries, so come on out!

Friday, March 25, 2005 --- Happy "Good Friday", and it has been a very good Friday. Those who came out early got some really nice big juicy red berries.   This afternoon, the boxes of berries haven't been as ripe as this morning.   We'll be sure to have some more turn overnight.  The best time to come is EARLY.  Sunday starting at 1:00 p.m. we will be having a "Scripture Hunt".   We will have lots of Easter Eggs hidden around the farm that are stuffed with candy and some of them will also have Scripture Verses inside.  If you find one with a verse, bring it to the counter to see what you have won.  We'll be giving away scoops of ice cream, coloring books, sodas, candles and coupons for $1.00 off of your fruit purchase.  We are open our regular hours tomorrow(Saturday 8:30a.m.-5:30p.m.) and Sunday from 1p.m.-5p.m.  Have a Blessed Easter!

Sunday, March 13, 2005 --- Flatulence, Flatulency; Windiness in the stomach; air generated in a weak stomach and intestines by imperfect digestion,  occasioning distension, uneasiness, pain, and often belchings as defined in Noah Webster's 1828 Edition(my personal favorite) Dictionary.  What am I talking about???? Well, remember that FREE puppy we got awhile back?(Read Jan. 28, 2005 update) Turns out Lexi just LOVES strawberries.....but they don't love her.  And we don't love her when she eats them.   Ever since she started eating them, she has been clearing the living room each evening because the smell is so awful.  So you could do us a favor....if that sweet little puppy comes to you lookin' for a bite of berry....just say NO, give her a few pets, and send her packin'.  Speaking of berries.......they are doing great.  Being the beginning of the season, we have been pretty much picked out each day.  The key.....come early.  The weather has truly been wonderful for the past week.  We got the onions, tomatoes and green beans planted, and we will start getting the maze ready to plant this coming week. See ya soon! 

Monday, March 7, 2005 ---THE SUN IS OUT!!!!!! I can't believe my eyes........I'm in shock..........I've got to get out in it, so this will be short!  Looks like a GREAT week ahead!  We've got lots of strawberries on the verge of ripeness! The sun is going to do wonders.  This week, and weekend should be a great time to come get some of those luscious, juicy, red ripe berries. 

Monday, February 28, 2005 --- O.K. barring any more rain catastrophes we are going to open here in Lexington this Thursday, March 3.  I gained about 20 pounds trying to pick some berries today....the mud is unbelievable, sticks to ya like glue!   You'd be safe to call before coming out, to make sure we have plenty of berries for ya. (979) 773-2200.  See ya real soon.

Saturday, February 26, 2005 --- Well looks like the weatherman was right this time.  I started hearing the pitter-patter of rain on my roof at 4:46a.m.    Unfortunately, we will not be able to open today.  I'll let you know when we can in the next few days.

Wednesday, February 23, 2005 --- Yee Haw! I can't believe my eyes! The strawberry plants are going bananas, I mean strawberries!  We are right around the corner from being open.  Shhhhhhhh.....IF the weather holds out for us, and it's not too wet, I believe we will open the gates THIS  SATURDAY(February 26), for some pickin' and a grinnin'.  Yes, you'll be grinnin' from ear to ear when you taste this year's crop.  I bit into a berry yesterday, that took me back into my childhood memories of when I got a book of "LifeSavers" candies for Christmas.  I'm not kiddin', the strawberry tasted just like I was sucking on those lifesavers.  Of course, the best, sweetest berries are usually the first ones of the season.  So if you're lookin' for some SWEETNESS, plan on coming out this weekend(again, weather permitting).  Please call before coming and we'll let ya know if we are open and have plenty of berries available.

Friday, January 28, 2005 --- Where has the last two months gone????  I can't believe it is almost February!!!  The strawberry plants are looking fantastic!   There is already quite a few green berries showing up.  Got the taters in the ground just in time this week before the rain.  I guess it's about time I shred the maze, and get it ready to plant again.  I seem to be procrastinating this winter.   Must be the weather.  I think this spring we will also plant some tomatoes, green beans and onions.  Maybe a little okra, black-eyed peas and squash.  We'll see what we have time for.  All else has been good, the goats are getting rather LARGE, and Ricky the calf is growing fast too.  Don't know if any of the cats are pregnant, but hopefully we'll have some kittens come springtime.  Jake(our black lab) had a little accident right before Christmas.  He was running full blast through the pasture, and crossed our driveway without looking both ways.  Silly dog!  He ran smack underneath a pick-up truck coming down our driveway.  Vet said he probably has a cracked pelvis, and would just need a lot of rest.  Well, I couldn't get him off the couch for the first two days.  Then I had to force him out to go to the bathroom, but then right back in he'd come, up on the couch.  He's had his months rest....still kinda walkin on three legs, but he'll be fine.  The kids and I were downtown Lexington the other evening, and there was a family giving away puppies.  Of course the first thing you hear from the kids....but they are FREE!  Oh, but what about the shots, the vet(when it runs under a truck), the food, the flea and tick medicine, the heartworm pills, etc. etc. etc........Call daddy and ask him if you can have another dog.   Daddy says it's up to you mom. Well, guess what, we have yet ANOTHER dog.  A little girl we named Lexi ( cause we got her in Lexington).  She is a yellow lab/red heeler mix.  I haven't gotten much sleep since we got her, as for some reason she loves to sleep on my lap in the recliner.  Well, sleep two hours, play two, sleep two, play two.........Anyway, the kids promised that they would work hard this spring at the patch to earn money to pay for all that Lexi will require.  Hmmmm, I think they got me again!

Friday, November 19, 2004 --- With all the wet weather we have been having, it looks like the Lexington Farm will close for the season.  Looks like there's more rain in the forecast for this afternoon and tomorrow, and with the maze laying down as it is, I don't think it will recover especially with more rain on the way.  We hope y'all had fun this fall.....and we really look forward to a wonderful strawberry crop starting in late March..........so we'll see ya in 2005!!!  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, November 16, 2004 --- Rainy, muddy and wet...I guess that would pretty much describe this week here in Lexington.  And it looks as though this weather is going to last a bit longer.  I took two steps in the maze, and had about 10 pounds of mud on my boots...bad idea.  Please call before coming out.....if we're closed, the message on the phone will tell ya............stay dry and out of those low water crossings!!!!

Thursday, November 11, 2004 --- Well, after reading what's going on at the Marble Falls farm today, I don't feel so bad for doing NOTHING.  The last two days were the most beautiful I've seen in a long time.  It was the best weather for planting strawberries.  We got them all planted in about a day and a quarter.   The rest of the time was spent retreiving the sprinklers from the maze and putting them out for the strawberries.  The plants are looking great, and I can just taste those big plump juicy berries now......well, it will be a few months, but I can imagine.   The maze is still doing good, and still takes on average about an hour.   Common cities that people have a problem finding are Jackson, Wyoming; Jefferson, Oregon and Taylor, Arizona.  We've still got pumpkins, squash and gourds and will be open through November 21st.

Wednesday, November 3, 2004 --- When it rains is pours, and if we continue having rain after it pours, it just makes a BIG mess.  That's what we have here at the Lexington Farm.  I have lost count of the number of inches we've had, but I know it must be a lot cause the puddles just won't go away!  Today the sun finally peeked out, and the winds picked up, so by this Friday Nov. 5th we should be back open.  I haven't been able to get into the maze, but will do that tomorrow afternoon to see how muddy it is.  I think I need Marble Falls to bring over that canoe they bought.   I could use it in my office!!! We will hopefully be bringing in some base for our entry road and parking area to help with the potholes in the next couple weeks. 

Friday, October 29, 2004 --- Happy weekend everybody!!! It sure has been wet here, but today was beautiful and windy....drying things up pretty well!  The maze is doing good, and all activities are on for this weekend.  We still haven't had time to plant our strawberries, but hopefully we'll get to that next week.  See y'all very soooooon!!!

Monday, October 18, 2004 --- What great weather we have been having!!!   Hope it keeps up for the next couple weeks.  We've got lots of school groups coming out to visit during the week, so we need good weather.  An update for this weekend.....I made an error on the last update concerning the pony rides and petting zoo.   Pony Roundup will only be here on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23rd.  So if your little ones want a pony ride....be sure to come out this Saturday.  It will be $3.00 for the pony ride, $2.00 to go in the petting zoo, and if you'd like to feed the animals in the zoo, they have food available for $1.00.(Parents can enter  FREE)  The monies for Pony Roundup will be collected separate from Sweet Berry Farm, so please keep that in mind.  Hope to see y'all soon!!!

Tuesday, October 12, 2004 --- Howdy all! Hope your week is going good.   Just a few things to let you know about......if you are planning on coming to the farm this Saturday, October 16 and you like CHOCOLATE you're in luck!! Lexington is having their 1st annual Chocolate Lovers Festival.  There will be lots of activites down on the square.  Also, the weekend of October 23, 24 we will have pony rides available for the kids.....so keep these things in mind when you're making your plans.  Weather is beautiful and the pumpkins are plentiful.  Come on out and enjoy the Fall weather!

Friday, October 8, 2004 --- The rains have finally stopped here in Lexington!!! Let's pray they stay away for the next 3 WEEKS!!!  We got roughly 9 inches over the last couple weeks.  It is a little soggy, but the winds are picking up today, and will hopefully have us dried out for the weekend.  We are letting the maze rest today, and get dried out before we let people back in on Saturday.  Needless to say, we are on a fire ant hunt.....well, it's not very hard to hunt them right now...their mounds are popping up everywhere!!!  We'll work on those this afternoon, as we don't want y'all to get bit while you're here!!!  Our wet weather creek down by the picnic tables was completely full and flowing fast yesterday.  It's really kinda pretty when that happens, but whenever that happens, usually my office is full and flowing too!   Had to get the computer off the floor yesterday in a big hurry.  The strawberry plants have arrived.  We'll begin planting the week of the 18th(barring anymore rainfall).  Can't wait for those big, plump, juicy strawberries.....my mouth is watering already(only 5 more months!)  See ya soon!

Saturday, September 25, 2004 --- We made it through the first day of the fall season!!! We just received our pumpkins yesterday, so it has been a whirlwind trying to get them displayed and the place lookin' good.  The maze will be ready by next weekend.....hopefully we won't get too much wind and rain from dirty old IVAN.   Anyway, we are up and running with make yer own CROWS, hayrides, pumpkins, etcccccccc.....................see ya soon!

Wednesday, September 15, 2004 --- ARMY WORMS....those are two ugly words.....one day, the maze is lookin' more beautiful than ever and the next.....millions and millions of army worms.  Luckily, I think we have 'em licked.  The upper midwest has a little recovering to do, but hopefully it will eventually catch up with the rest.   Are you ready for some pumpkins???  Hayrides??? Scarecrow stuffing???   The BEST homemade pumpkin pie ice cream in the world???  I can't believe we open next week!  Saturday, September 25 will be our official first day.  We are very busy trying to get all the last minute things done.  This week we are making the beds for the strawberries, which we will plant in mid-October.  Mmmmmm, I miss the strawberries...may have to go get some out of the freezer and mix up a strawberry shake!

Wednesday, August 18, 2004 --- WOW, where did the summer go? I can't believe it's the middle of August already.  Trying to get ready for the fall pumpkin season....all is going pretty well.  The maze was planted last week, and we already have lots of little green sprouts coming up.  All the supplies arrived so that we can make the strawberry beds.....then plant the strawberries in October.  Just trying to spruce up the place....do a little painting, LOTS of mowing, etc.  Hope you had a great summer, and look forward to seeing you soon!

Monday, June 28, 2004 --- Wet, Wet, Wet........what else can be said.....as I sit here in my office writing this note, my feet are covered in mud and rain water!   Hope I don't get electrocuted!!!  It is a completed muddy mess here still.   The water just can't soak in anymore.....and radar shows more on the way today.   We will be closed today, tomorrow and Wednesday....hopefully to re-open Thursday for our last weekend of the season.  Barring any more huge amounts of rain, we'll be ready for pickers Thurs, Fri and Sat 8:30-5:30 and July 4th, Sunday from 1-5.  Hope to see ya soon!

Sunday, June 27, 2004 --- Rain, Rain, PLEEEEEEEASE go away!!!  We have to close the Lexington Farm for today, as Mother Nature has heaped LOTS more rain on us last night. We got another 2+ inches just last night, on top of what we already had all week. Needless to say, we are totally soaked here, and just trying to get in our driveway will get you stuck down to your axle!!! Hopefully we'll dry out enough to re-open tomorrow.   We'll keep you posted!

Monday, June 21, 2004 --- Our blackberries are finally catching up to the pickers!  We've got lots of blackberries(those nice big plump juicy Kiowas), and lots of tomatoes.  So come on out and get yourself some before the season is over!!!!!

Saturday, June 12, 2004 --- Due to the large amount of rain and wind we received this week, we had a lot of damage done to the "Walk Across America" maze.   At this time, I would not recommend coming out to the Lexington for the maze.   We are going to work on it this week, and see if we can get it back up and running.   Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause......the "Texas" maze in Marble Falls is still open!!!!!  We've still got blackberries, taters and tomatoes!

Thursday, June 10, 2004 --- Well, we ended up with just over 5 inches of rain yesterday! It is very wet, but the rows between the blackberries should be pretty good as they are grassy.  Strawberries are pretty much done now, and the tomatoes are coming on strong.  Bring your boots if you plan on coming out today.  There's a good breeze, so hopefully we'll dry out pretty quick.

Sunday, June 6, 2004 --- Yes, we STILL have strawberries!  And the blackberries are coming on much stronger now....everyone who wanted some this weekend, I think got some.  We've got quite a few tomatoes turning too.....I think we'll have lots by the end of this week.  Someone totally picked out the black-eyed peas today.....they ended up with almost 20 POUNDS!  We should have more by Tuesday or Thursday.  And we still have lots of taters for the diggin.  Oh, yes, and the okra is ready too, so come on out and get y'er self some fresh veggies, and a few berries while y'er at it. And take a "Walk Across America"....it is quite a challenge!

Thursday, May 27, 2004 --- Yup, believe it or not, we've still got LOTS of strawberries! Should be a great weekend to come out.  Blackberries are still few and far between......we got picked out pretty good early this a.m.  Taters are lookin' real good, and the tomatoes are about to burst into a beautiful red color(they're still green).  The maze is GREAT, and people are having fun trying to make their way through.......hope to see ya soon!

Thursday, May 20, 2004 --- Well, we are almost to the end of our strawberry pickin.  This weekend is probably your last chance to get freshly picked strawberries, until next year.  The blackberries are coming along slowly....it seems that as soon as we have some ripe, they are all picked right away....we hope to have a better supply in the near future, as our Kiowas are starting to turn ripe.  Marble Falls is the place to go if you want larger quantities......they are having a bumper crop this year.  We've still got lots of big red new potatoes, and we even saw a couple red tomatoes this a.m.  The "Walk Across America" maze is ready!  The west coast is a little shorter than we'd like, but overall we are very happy with the maze.  Hope you are up for a HUGE challenge as you go through and find Presidential Libraries across our great land. It looks like this weekend will be a sunny one, so be sure to bring your picnic lunches and come on out and enjoy a day in the country.

Thursday, May 13, 2004 --- Much to our surprise(pleasant surprise that is) we still have plenty of beautiful strawberries.  This weekend will be a great one to get strawberries and taters.  Our blackberries are coming on strong, too. We'll have a few to pick this weekend, but look for many more in the weeks to come.  The maze is growing pretty good, and we hope to open it by May 20th.  We'll keep you posted. Petunia the little wild piggy we got about a week ago is doing great!  We may have to find her a new home, as we are afraid she will attract other wild pigs.....and that would be VERY devastating to our farm.  We are in to process of trying to find out more about wild pigs.  She is very friendly and cute.  She spends some time in our house, and sleeps in a box in my daughter's room!  I want to thank the customer from Round Rock who took her for the weekend last weekend to give her needed TLC. She was looking pretty bad when we first got her, and didn't know if she'd make it.....BUT she is doing just fine.  Come on out and see her!

Thursday, May 6, 2004 --- The strawberries are still looking beautiful, but not for much longer!  We will still have plenty of berries through this week and next, but then the crop will be dwindling down quite a bit.  The blackberries are starting to look really good, and we hope to start picking those around the 14th of May.  We have TONS of TATERS, with lots being dug already.  They are quite tasty too!!!!   Tomato plants are looking really good, with quite a few green ones on the vines!   Won't be long and you'll be able to get some fresh tomatoes.  We've got three new additions to the farm.....on Monday, May 3rd our momma cat, Dory had four kittens.   One didn't make it, but the other three are doing just fine!  They are sooooooo cute.  And now we know who the father is...Shadow....as one of the kittens came out pitch black like him...the other two look just like Dory(smoky grey).  Their names are Rack, Shack and Benny(taken  from the Veggie Tales movie and Bible story about Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego). 

Thursday, April 29, 2004 --- Looking for something fun and exciting to do this weekend??? Well, it is Lexington's Homecoming!!!  There will be LOTS of things to do in town this weekend starting Friday night, April 30th at 7p.m. with the Lexington Youth Rodeo.  Saturday morning starts out with a parade going through downtown(look for the Sweet Berry Farm hayride). The parade starts at 10 a.m.  Throughout the rest of Saturday - ALL DAY -- there will be a classic car show, antique tractors & engines, washers & horseshoes competition, music, arts & crafts, plants, games, cow patty bingo. Food will be sold by non-profit organizations.  There's also a bar-b-q cook-off and jack-pot bean auction at 4p.m.  And on Sunday there will be a bar-b-q lunch with homemade desserts at the park building beginning at 11a.m. So come have some great bar-b-q before coming to the strawberry patch!!!!

And don't forget to visit Lexington's newest attraction---SWEET BERRY FARM, we will be open regular hours all weekend and we still have plenty of strawberries, and we've even started diggin' taters, and  have homemade ice cream. Can't wait to see you this weekend for a great family outing!

Monday, April 26, 2004 --- Rain, rain, go away, YES, the rain is gone.   What a beautiful Monday we are having.  Can you believe that there is only 2 - 3 week of strawberry season left?  If you haven't got your freezer full, now is the time.   We are loaded with berries, and they sure are gooooood.......     We started diggin taters, and we should have plenty for everyone. So come on out for a great time to be had by all... and of course the freshest fruit and produce you will ever find....

Don't forget our comming attractions....

+/- May 12th-----Blackberries

+/- May 20th----- Tomatoes

+/- May 23rd-----Walk across America (The maze)

And remember we have some other produce also. Can't wait to see you.

Friday, April 23, 2004 --- Berries, berries, berries, yes we've got them! Strawberries are still looking and tasting GREAT.  Blackberries are coming along fine, too....we should have some around mid-May.  The the trails in the eastern portion of "Walk Across America" the maze have been cut.....the west will be done next week.....hope you are ready for a challenge!  Presidential Libraries will be the theme of this spring's maze.  The maze should also be ready about mid-May, along with those beautiful red potatoes!!!

Tuesday, April 13, 2004 --- We've got BERRIES! Looks like a beautiful week ahead of us, and we've got plenty of berries!  Hope y'all had a wonderful Easter weekend. See you soon!

Monday, April 5, 2004 --- Remember, we are open Good Friday from 8:30 - 5:30, Saturday 8:30 - 5:30 and Easter Sunday from 1 - 5.  What do Easter eggs and strawberries have in common?????  Hmmmm, let me think.....I guess nothing----unless you're planning a trip to the farm this Easter Sunday!  Rumor has it that the Easter bunny will be laying LOTS of eggs in the strawberry plants here at the Lexington farm, and he's filling them with candy and coupons.....yes, coupons to use here at the farm.   So come on out with your family and bring a picnic lunch....enjoy the outdoors and have a BLAST.  Oh, and another rumor I heard was that the AFLAC duck is going to be moving here to the Lexington farm.  Well, not the REAL AFLAC duck, but one that looks like it....and his name is AFLAC.  Can't wait to see ya'll and remember the reason for the season--- JESUS IS RISEN!!!

Saturday, April 3, 2004 --- Come on out, the weather is beautiful!  We got about an inch of rain yesterday, so it is a TAD muddy.  The berries are UNBELIEVABLE!!!! You've got to come get some!

Friday, April 2, 2004 --- Dahli the Llama has arrived! He is pretty cool looking.  He's got one blue eye and one brown eye.  Come on out and see him up close and personal!!! Check out his picture under Lexington Picture Gallery, Spring 2004. Remember, we've also got goats, sheep, calves, horses, dogs and cats!   See ya soon!  Berries are plentiful, we look forward to seeing everyone this weekend.   Come on out and enjoy a day of country fun. Don't forget your picnic basket!(We have homemade strawberry ice cream for dessert!)

Monday, March 29, 2004 --- YUMMY YUMMY they're going in my tummy! Help! I'm eating too many strawberries!  We are loaded with those fresh, juicy, yummy berries.   Thanks to all who ventured over here this past weekend.   We had a great time meeting y'all.  We are continuing to hang the blackberry bushes on the trellis, getting them ready for pickin' in mid-May.  Got a little rain last night, so the grass is growing fast as ever....gotta keep that mower running.  the maze is coming along fine.  It is about an inch tall everywhere---soon to be 7 feet(we hope).  REMEMBER:   WE ARE OPEN OUR NORMAL HOURS EASTER WEEKEND*** GOOD FRIDAY FROM 8:30 - 5:30, SATURDAY 8:30 - 5:30, AND EASTER SUNDAY FROM 1 - 5.  So bring the family out for a great day in the country.  Don't forget your picnic lunch!  We've got lots of picnic tables.  SEE YOU SOON!!!!!

Tuesday, March 23, 2004---What an awesome spring we are having. Had quite a few people out this past weekend and we had plenty of berries for all.  The plants are really starting to come on strong now, and by next week I have a feeling I'll be seeing RED.....lots and lots of RED. Thanks to all who have come out to visit us....it is so fun meeting new people.  Lexington has spring break this week, so if you don't want to pick your own berries, the kids are anxious to help you out!  We are busy this week trying to finish the trellis for the blackberries.  Then we'll be busy clipping all of the vines up........quite a big job.  We are still trying to lasso the "Dahli Llama" and get him over here.  He's never been "caught" before, and with 10 acres to run on, he's quite a challenge.  All the other animals are fat and happy and ready for some petting.  Trying to get the weeds under control....I've been out pulling and pulling...speaking of which.....I'd better get going!  Hope to see y'all soon.

Tuesday, March 16, 2004--- We've got BERRIES!!!  Yes we are now open, but as with the Marble Falls location, we have a few berries, and will soon have TONS.   We did not get any rain yesterday, so you can get in the fields and pick.  We had a group of 2nd graders out yesterday and they found lots of "the redder, the better" berries!  So come on out....and have a SWEETBERRY time.

Thursday, March 11, 2004--- Well we are almost READY!!  The berries are lookin' so good!  They will be coming out of our ears in about a week and a half.   We have a few that we've been pickin'.  Have been very busy getting the place in shape for y'all.  The grass is a beautiful green.  We've been building some pastures on the East side of the property to hold the animals.  We've got goats, barbado sheep, horses and our newest addition is our red headed heifer named Lucy.   She's about 2 weeks old, and is she CUTE!  Rumor has it we may have another new addition for the spring.  A llama named Dahli....get it, Dahli Llama!  HaHa.   We'll have to see if she makes it over here to the farm.  Get ready to bring everyone you know....it's going to be a GREAT spring season!

Friday, February 27, 2004 --- What a great month we have been having!!!  We uncovered the strawberries for about a week, then covered them back up this week to keep them safe from the freezes at night.  We got down to 31 Wednesday night and 29 last night.  It looks like we may be able to uncover today and keep them that way for awhile!  They are lookin' mighty GOOD!  Tons of blooms, with a beautiful sea of white flowers......soon to be a sea of RED!!! Can't wait for all those berries.  We are hopin'(weather permitting) to start selling the berries in a couple weeks.  We finished planting the potatoes this week and will be working on onions and squash.   Then tomatoes and the "America" the maze!  We are hoping to make the maze harder this spring than in the fall.  Are you up to the challenge???  Hope to see y'all very soon....get those fingers ready for pickin'!!!

Wednesday, February 11, 2004 --- Well we have had over 4 inches of rain in the last two days  We are VERY wet and soggy!  Luckily our potato beds have already been made, but it will take a few days before we can get in the field to plant.   Strawberry plants are looking good and have been covered now for over a week.   All else is coming along fine, and we hope to open mid-March. Our two Barbado sheep arrived mid-January.  They are adorable.  We have a male named Baa Baa(he's a black sheep, ha ha) and the female is named Lucky.  They are very scared and do not like us around them at all right now.  Hopefully they will get adjusted soon, and we can start feeding them by hand. 

Wednesday, January 14, 2004 --- Happy Holidays!!! Oooooops, I guess the holidays are over! Where has the time gone??? I trust everyone has had a wonderful Christmas Season.  We sure did here.  We have been working on cleaning up from the fall season and trying to solve our pesky deer problem!  Apparently, our property is the gathering place for all of the deer in Lee County.  And do they ever LOVE our strawberry plants.  We've unfortunately been keeping them fat and happy.  We tried everything from putting out soap, human hair cuttings, spraying the plants with deer repellent, we tried a product called plot saver and even strung lights out in the strawberry blocks to try and deter the deer.  Well, they really liked the lights....they could see what they were eating much better.  And all of the cars going by I think enjoyed watching the deer eat.  We finally broke down and put up a deer fence, of course, the most expensive alternative--but it seems to have worked.   We haven't had any signs of deer in the berries.  The maze was cut down last week, and we are busy planning out what the next destinations will be.  I think we are going to do Presidential Library locations....and we'll probably throw in a couple president names that are cities(like Lincoln, Nebraska).  We also added a few animals to the farm.  We now have 6 cats.  We had Oreo, Stripes and Shadow, and we added Sammy, Dory and Charlie.  We also added a puppy over the holidays.  His name is JAKE and is a chocolate lab/weimeraner mix.  Dakota is busy training him for the spring season.  We are also going to be adding some Barbadoe sheep in a couple weeks.   We'll be bottle feeding them so they'll be very people friendly.  We are getting very excited for our first spring season and are looking to open Mid-March.   Hope y'all have a great day!!!

Thursday, November 27, 2003 --- Happy Thanksgiving from Sweet Berry Farm at Lexington!

Monday, November 24, 2003 --- Well, the maze has survived the very windy conditions of late.  We will be open this week as follows:  Monday Nov. 23, Tuesday the 24th from 8:30 - 5:30. CLOSED Wednesday Nov. 26. WE WILL BE OPEN   Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27th, Nov.28 and Nov 29  from 8:30 - 5:30.  Our last day open for the fall season will be Sunday, Nov. 30 from 1-5.  Hope y'all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families, and hope to see you soon!!!

Sunday, November 23, 2003 --- YIKES it is cold today!!! We will be closed at the Lexington location today, as the cold front has hit here pretty hard.  The winds are pretty bad and the maze is laying on its side!  Hopefully the maze won't be too damaged and we can open again tomorrow.  I'll keep ya posted!  Have a great day and stay WARM!!!

Tuesday, November 4, 2003 --- WHEW!!!What a wild and crazy 1st October we have had.  Thanks so much to all who came out to enjoy the newest Sweet Berry Farm location.  Hope you had as much fun as we did.  Things are slowing down now that November is here.........well, I guess I shouldn't say that......We've got lots of weedin', mowin', cleanin', yada, yada, yada to do.  The strawberry plants are looking real good(the DEER even think they taste good)!  The Walk Across America Maze is still up and running through the end of this month.  Most are still having problems with Branson, Missouri.  We still have some wonderful homemade ice cream, jams, jellies and just a few pumpkins.  Until next time..........................................

Tuesday, October 28, 2003 --- Been having a really fun fall season! My parents came down to Texas(all the way from Green Bay, Wisconsin), to help out during the last two weeks of October.  And help out they have!!!!!  Between mowin' and sewin'(scarecrow heads) I've kept them very busy.  Can't wait to have them back during strawberry season.  Speaking of strawberries...the plants are looking fantastic, and the blackberry plants are growin' like gangbusters.  It must have been the warm welcome they received when being planted.(It was 110 degrees in the SHADE when they were planted) We still have some pumpkins and squash, but you better get here fast, the good ones are going quick!  We also have some more pumpkin pie ice cream for those who haven't tried it yet.  It is DELICIOUS!

Tuesday, October 21, 2003 --- Another fun weekend here at the Lexington farm.   Sorry to those who wanted a taste of the pumpkin pie ice cream!!! It sure is a hit this season.  We ran out late Saturday.  We got all of our strawberries planted and are now busy watering them in.  They are looking great and we can't wait for those big red berries to show up in Mid-March.  Mark your calendar!  Half-Pint the clown was here again on Saturday clownin' around.  She made a TON of balloons for the kids and had lots of tricks(which even fooled the adults).  We had our first annual scarecrow making contest, and a kindergarten class from Lexington ISD won the first place prize of $100.  Congrats to them.  We still have plenty of pumpkins, gourds, indian corn, etc. so come on out and see us.  The "Walk Across America" maze is still going strong.  Consensus still has it that Branson, Missouri is a tough one to find.  ARE YOU UP TO THE CHALLENGE???

Tuesday, October 14, 2003 --- What a great Fall season we are having!   Lexington was blessed with quite a bit of rain last week.  Close to 7 inches fell in our rain gauge, making it pretty muddy.  The sun came out yesterday, and we have a nice breeze today which will dry things out really quick.  I'll be testing the strawberry beds today, to see if it will be dry enough to plant tomorrow.  If so, we'll be planting Wednesday and Thursday this week.  The kids had a blast last Saturday with Half-Pint the Clown!  She made them LOTS of balloons and even had a trick or two up her sleeve!  She will be here again this Saturday, October 18th from 10-4.  The AWANA Club from First Baptist Church will also be selling a hot dog, chips and a drink plate for $2.00 on Saturday only, so bring your appetite and pull up a picnic table.  We still have plenty of pumpkins, indian corn and gourds for you to choose from and look forward to a SUN SHINY weekend.

Monday, October 6, 2003 --- We had another great weekend here at the Patch.   Had LOTS of competitive families and individuals all trying to break the record time for completing the "Walk Across America" maze.  The current record holders are a family from Austin--Cindy and Mary Adams along with Shelby Hart completed the maze in an a-MAZE-ing 28 minutes!!!!  (The average time to complete is about 1.5 hours)  Congrats to them!  We received almost 5 inches of rain last night in about 3 hours.  We had a river flowing down the driveway, and right through the sale barn....it is very muddy today, but I see blue sky on the horizon.  Rumor has it that strawberry plants may be delivered late this week.  If so, we'll be busy planting and getting them ready for the Mid-March pickin' season.  This coming Sat. October 11, and the next, October 18 we will be having "Half-Pint" the clown here to entertain the kiddos, so be sure to come out and see her.  We will also be selling hot dogs, chips and sodas for those who would like to have something to eat on those two Saturdays.  We look forward to seeing you!  Take Care.

Monday, September 29, 2003 --- WOW!!! What an awesome first weekend.  We had a blast, and look forward to the rest of the season.  There were lots of scarecrow stuffers, and we even ran out of Pumpkin Pie flavored homemade ice cream.   That was definitely the #1 seller and it is YUMMY!  We'll be sure to have lots more on hand for you to try.  The weather is finally getting cooler....great hay ride weather, so come on out and enjoy a day at the farm!  We look forward to seeing you.   Oh ya, by the way....the maze(Walk Across America) is growing taller every day.   Had a few people able to find all twelve sites.  The toughest one to find is Branson, Missouri....are you up to the challenge???

Thursday September 25, 2003---Heh!!!  We are ready to open!!!! Are you ready for some fun???

Monday September 22, 2003 --- PUNKINS! we've got lots and lots of pumpkins, gourds and more.  This Saturday they will be ready for your pumpkin buying pleasure.  The place is really shaping up nicely.  The Blackberries are taking hold and the Strawberry beds are awaiting plants.  The 'America' Maze has great spots and not-so-great spots.  It seems the upper NorthWest is just not growing out very well. 
    Come on out this weekend and help us get this farm off to a good start.  We'll be waiting for you.

Monday September 8, 2003 ---  The 'America' Maze is taking off.  The pathways have been cut and most of the locations identified.  The Skydiving business next door is going to try to take some pics  --- as soon as we get them they will be on this site.  The Dakotas are giving us a little trouble as the grass is a little behind there.  We expected that since this was the same place we could hardly break the ground more than a inch or two deep.  We seemed to miss the 'timely rainshower' this summer.  All in all though it is really growing.  I suppose we could have done a little better on South Texas but when the entire mainland is only 4+ acres -- South Texas is only about twenty feet wide.  I think that when the Army worms were finished eating the Marble Falls maze they decided to come over here but hopefully the crop duster we hired took care of the situation for us ---- time will tell.
    Guess what, the Strawberry beds have been installed.    For the most part they are pretty straight.  A wild, crazed, drunken idiot came in off the street --- pulled us from the tractor and made a few beds before we could get him off.  Those are the crooked beds.  I'm tellin ya, you just never know about people.  Now we are just waiting for the little green plants to put on them.  It is a very good thing that the Strawberry plants will grow on a crooked bed as well as a straight one.
    We also have a sign!  Ye Ha!  Now it is official, we really have come to town.  If you are traveling down FM 696 between Lexington and Highway 21 --- look for us and file the location away in your mind so you can come back when we open.
    Things are really coming together and the place is shaping up  quickly.  Remember our theme song "God can make a way"

Monday September 1, 2003 ---  'America' is finally growing out.  Tomorrow we should be cutting the paths through the Maze.  Along with mowing America, we need to plow the Strawberry fields, weed the Blackberries, get the Store ready, finish the irrigation, put up the sign, build Strawberry beds and mow, mow, mow.

(The Fresh News below also contains a little bit of Sweet Berry Farm at Marble Falls Info.)

Monday August 11, 2003 --- Guess what,  we planted America last week and Texas today ---- now where is that timely rainshower?  We are just a little late getting the mazes' planted.  One of the reasons would be that I bought an old grain drill to do the planting.  The key word in that phrase is 'old'.  Somehow I thought it just had a little rust on it when  bartering for it.  It is funny how tight things can rust together after sitting in the sand for ten years or so without moving (yet another character building endeavor).  After 4 or 5 cans of penetrating oil, 2 tubes of grease, a couple of busted knuckles and a little bailing wire --- it is as good as it was after a couple of years of good hard work. 
    The new Blackberry plants in Lexington are holding on amazingly well considering the intense heat last week.  And we only have three more rows to prune here at Marble Falls (we can see the light at the end of the tunnel --- hallelujah!).

Monday August 4, 2003 --- I told you before that we try to do things the hardest way possible.  And planting Blackberry plants on black plastic covered beds during the hottest week of the year proves our point.  I know, I can hear you saying "Are you nuts!?", we don't like to look at it that way ...... it is a character building activity testing our resolve and ambition (yep - we're nuts).  Anyway, everyone pitched in (except I didn't see any of you there ---- must have got lost on the way out huh?) and planted 1700 Blackberry plants last week at the Lexington farm.  We will try to baby these plants along now and try to get a foot or two of growth out of them before winter.  If we do get that much growth then we should have a few Blackberries to pick there next year.
    It sure is Hot (as if you did not already know) and the water well has been working overtime trying to keep up.  Keeping the plants and me watered is the number one priority right now.  Number two would be getting Texas and the U.S. planted, and number three is finishing the Blackberry pruning, only 4 more  rows to go! (yipee).  I guess number four would be getting the Strawberry blocks prepared for bed making in about 4 weeks.  Number 5 is taking it easy for a couple of days (this number seems to keep getting pushed down the ladder).
    We should have Lexington pics up on the site in the next couple of days.  We are all very excited about the way the Lexington farm is coming together and think it is going to be a marvelous outing for all areas from mid Austin East (we have now clocked the travel time at 30 minutes from Bastrop, 17 from Giddings and 32 from Taylor.  Now we will travel hwy 290 and let you now how far it is from Elgin and beyond. 

Monday July 28, 2003 ---  Believe it or not, we are still picking Tomatoes.  I think I am going to accidentally spray them with Roundup or something so we can close the gate for a couple of weeks.  It is so Hot in the afternoons that I definitely would not want to get Tomatoes any time other than the mornings. 
    My day was pretty productive.  I mowed the state of  Texas --- twice, what did you do today?  The maze is coming down in preparation for planting the Fall version.  Now we just need a timely rainshower so I can give it a shot with the plow and then plant the seed.  Speaking of covering some ground --- last week I plowed the United States (the maze layout over in Lexington).  As I was plowing the U.S. I had an interesting revelation ------ land that probably has never been plowed is HARD!  It is even harder than my wife's head, especially up in North Dakota.  The Rocky Mountains are hard too but you would expect them to be.  Of course California is pretty good soil and all of the south plowed up very nicely.  A few more trips across the US and we will be ready to plant.
    The Electricity and well (all 620 feet deep) have finally arrived in Lexington so we are now ready to do some planting.  The Blackberry beds have been built and we should be planting the first 1500 plants later this week.  I am sure so many of you want to see the new place, you might as well come on out Thursday or Friday to help plant ----- then when you go back in the years to come you can tell your kids "yep, I planted this Blackberry plant -- boy was it tough, that was back in the days when it was 120 degrees in the summer.  Not only that but the only water we had to put on them was the sweat off our brow.  You kids should show a little respect and get in there amongst those thorns and pick the berries from this bush while I stand out here and 'member."  Sweet Berry Farm at Lexington is one mile East of Lexington on FM 696.
    Here in Marble Falls we are still pruning Blackberries, trying to keep everything watered and fed, cutting the Mazes down (kiddie Maze too) and still trying to clean up from the Spring season.

Monday July 14, 2003 --- Whew! July is slipping right on by.  We have too much to do and I am ready to slow down a little --- no rest for the weary right?  It is really not that bad - we would just like to be 'caught up' for a change.  Most customers think that when we run out of berries to pick we just have lots of time to take off and go swimming or something. Oh contraire, contraire,  most often the largest  part of growing a crop is the time before and after harvest.  We have just finished reworking the Strawberry areas,  started cutting the Maze down (important note for you ladies out there: when you are driving the tractor and the fuel gauge needle points toward E ---STOP!!!!) and trying to finish pruning the Blackberry canes.
    We still have a good many Tomatoes and Okra.  If you find yourself in need of these - come on out we'll be around somewhere.

Monday July 07, 2003 --- Really, the Blackberries are finished for 2003.  Folks are still looking, holding out for that last few remaining berries ---- I know, you don't want to see them go but you have to let go,  they will come back next year.
    That leaves us with Tomatoes to pick and the Texas Maze to walk through.  Since the Maze is about to be cut down in preparation for the Fall version ------ Tomatoes, Okra and a few squash is all that is left to pick.  Therefore, beginning Thursday July 10th, we will only be open in the mornings 8:30am to 12:30 pm (unless the gate is open --- if it is - come on in).
    We have pruned 12 rows of Blackberries only 20 to go (uugggghhhhhhh).  The Strawberry blocks need to be replowed, the grass mowed, weeds killed,  Maze mowed and plowed and a general cleaning of the whole place.
    Sweet Berry Farm at Lexington is coming along nicely.  Last week was a productive week as we plowed the United States of America (the Maze layout) along with laying over 3000 feet of irrigation pipe.  The sale barn is almost complete and we have a few Blackberry beds built with just a few more to go.  My 10 year old daughter came up with the theme song for this year in Lexington ----- "God will make a way, where there seems to be no way.  HE works in ways we cannot see, HE will make a way for me.  HE will be my guide, hold me closely to his side.  With love and strength for each new day, HE will make a way."  That is the only words we can remember, so we just sing them over and over for at least 2,000 times (if you know this song aren't you glad that we brought it up? ---- now you are going to have this tune in your head all day long and you too will probably sing it 2,000 times before the day is through).  Now we are just waiting for two things, water and electricity.  Believe me, you don't know how important they are until you are without.

Monday June 30, 2003 --- I hate to see them go but the Blackberries are all but finished for the rest of the year.  It has been a great Strawberry and  Blackberry season so now we are just left with Tomatoes and the Texas Maze.  The Maze will be cut down in mid July, so it's days are also numbered.  Therefore, Tomatoes and the Maze will keep us going through July 12, after that we will leave the gates open in the mornings for anyone interested in Tomatoes.  THANK YOU for all you folks that made the spring of 2003 our best one yet.
    So when we close down we will go on a long vacation and just goof off right?  If only that were the case.  This is when the real work begins as we clean up the Strawberry plot and prune out the old Blackberry canes.  If you need to sweat a couple of gallons some day just come by the patch and we will put you to work.
    Sweet Berry Farm at Lexington is coming along nicely.  We are trying to get some Blackberry beds built so we can get a few plants in the ground.  I think we will start off with 1000 plants and go from there.  Planting this late will not allow them to get big enough for a huge crop next year but the '05 crop should be great.  We do look for a good Strawberry crop in '04.

Monday June 16, 2003 --- All these bloomin Tomatoes have us seeing RED ---- Tomato red that is.  They are ripening like crazy so come and get some.  All the rains have caused many of them to crack but we still have plenty for everyone.
    Those Blackberries are still going strong.  I expect this week and next to be great picking --- beyond that I don't know.
    The Maze has been taking a licking from all these storms that keep rolling through.  I am starting to get a little tired of road repair.   Imagine yourself walking across Texas with a gasoline powered hedger cutting Hay that has blown across the roads.  It is not fun (although my wife has commented on my leaner, meaner physique) and I don't want to do it anymore.  The rain itself is OK but we can do without the 50 mph wind gusts (seems that strong anyway).  I was dissapointed over the weekend to find a new trail to Nineveh.  Oh well, you need to have at least one easy town to find.  Today I was accused of forgetting to put the sign for London in there.  It is there I assure you.  I don't understand the problem, I can find it in about three minutes, all you have to do is go in at Brownsville and ......... turn right at some point.
    The Strawberry plastic and drip has finally been removed - now just to turn the plants under.  All the rain has caused a weed and grass outbreak that we are trying to keep up with.  A few of the 'Brazos' Blackberries have been pruned but the is way too many yet to do.  That is one job there is no easy way to do, you just have to bite the bullet and get in there amongst the canes and show them who is boss (yeah right!).

    Guess what I was doing early last week?  Turning sod ..... breaking dirt ......... plowing the land.  So what is so special about that?   Well, it was on Ken and Sue Kerby's place in Lexington ---- the site of our next Sweet Berry Farm.   Lexington is on the East side of Austin between Giddings and Rockdale,  about 45 minutes from Bryan/College Station and Highland Mall (depending on traffic).  If you have been coming from Pflugerville, Manor, Bastrop or anywhere East of Austin --- the Lexington location will be alot closer to you.  If all goes right, we will be having a Pumpkin party there this fall and pickin Strawberries next Spring.  We hope to do a Maze over there also.  Once we got the tractor started again after running out of Diesel things went pretty well.  Especially since there is no telling how long it had been since the ground had been plowed.  We are really looking forward to it because it is a beautiful piece of property that will make a very nice pick your own setting.  The soil is going to require a good bit of attention but we think we can get it worked into shape.