Still working on the blog...scroll down for a surprise...

Just a quick post to let you know that we are back in Smithsburg...safe and sound. Our flights were uneventful, albeit long. Chesley rocked, just like normal. She spent the first few hours of the AirNZ flight to San Francisco sitting in her bassinet entertaining the cabin with hand puppets. I actually thought she was performing for us...silly me...I then realized that while sitting in the bassinet she was actually visible to the entire cabin. What a crack up!!! Sorry no pics, I was to busy trying to make sure that she didn't fall out of her first class seat. We actually got back in the middle of the night last Thursday. Stayed with my Mum & Dad in the city for the night, and travelled back to Smithsburg (to collapse) on Friday afternoon. Spent Sat & Sun trying to get our feet back on the ground and get caught up around here and now it is Tuesday (actually Wednesday)...where has the time gone??? Unfortunately I managed to get the cold funk right before our departure home, and Matt is battling it now. Chesley...she never really got the full blown YUCK but her nose is still runny as we speak. All is well on the home front. The dog and cat seem thrilled to see us, the house WAS super tidy upon our return (thanks CILDA!!!), and the greenhouse is really coming along (we are scheduled to stretch plastic tomorrow). We started drilling a well today...you can't imagine the mess!!! Thanks goodness we have friends with BIG backhoes to rapidly dig giant pits to catch the slurry!!! My only concern...keeping animals and small children FAR away from it all!!! Okay, tomorrow is going to come early enough...as you will notice I am back to my late night posting. Hope this finds you (all 3,000+ of you) well. Consider the blog still under construction. Lindsey was in with Matt today at the Extension office and moved a few things around...I have actually just figured out how to change the time/date stamp of individual posts...translation...I think that I can even streamline it a little better. Not sure when, but will keep you "posted." Cheers, Mary

PS - We would love to hear from you...that means those of you that were with us in NZ and those of you who have logged in and been "virtually" to NZ. I am still amazed when people, who I never would have expected, tell me how much they have enjoyed reading the blog. That being said, I am calling you out...readers, where are you, and how did you find us? Leave us a comment and let us know!!! Cheers, Mary

A little something for the CH Fan Club...

Chesley in NZ ’08

Click here to see full album with captions...
http://good-times.webshots.com/slideshow/562757483QiibRh

Chronological Order

The blog postings are now in chronological order for the most part. This should be easier to understand and to follow. I hope everyone has enjoyed learning about our trip. We plan to have a meeting sometime where anyone can come to hear about our trip. More information on that later.

Lindsey Kammerer

Congratulations Sidney! Plus other ACFGA meeting highlights…

Several Mid Atlantic Young Growers Alliance members, including four jet-lagged New Zealand travelers, attended the Adams County Fruit Growers Association Banquet at the Holiday Inn in Gettysburg Saturday, February 23rd. YGA members and the rest of the local fruit industry alike were proud and excited to see our own chairwoman Sidney Kuhn presented the 2008 ACFGA Fruit Grower of the Year award!

It served as a testament to the Sidney's work in encouraging others in her generation to become active in the fruit industry that the YGA's presence was felt in nearly every facet of the meeting. The meeting itself was organized and conducted by ACFGA President and Past President Matt Showers and Eric Haller, respectively. Both Matt and Eric represent the upcoming generation of their family farms. YGA member Ben Wenk (guitar) and his friend David "The Total Package" Cutshall (saxophone) entertained the crowd as they chatted and dined.

After the acknowledgment of guests, Pennsylvania Apple Queen, YGA member, and international ambassador for the industry Hannah Lott approached the podium to deliver her report. She began by expressing the important role the YGA played during her time as Apple Queen. Speaking specifically of her trip to New Zealand, she showed the crowd a green stone pendant that she was wearing, carved in the Maori Koru (unfurling fern frawn) shape – explaining that it signifies a new directive and that she believes the experience gained on that trip will provide a new directive for our fruit industry. (Click here to learn a wee bit more about Maori Culture: http://www.newzealand.com/travel/about-nz/culture/culture-maori-culture.cfm) She went on to highlight some other functions she attended and some favorite moments at other festivals but not before thanking those who helped her enjoy these wonderful experiences; the ACFGA, the YGA, the rest of the folks on our trip, and the generosity of Bear Mountain Orchards (which got a good chuckle out of everyone).

Not long after Hannah's very thoughtful and well-spoken update, another of our Young Grower women was the recipient of some well-deserved recognition. Sidney Kuhn, who helped found and continues to help operate our Young Grower's Alliance, was recognized as Grower of the Year. In addition to the numerous hours she's spent with SHAP organizing the YGA, our trips, and encouraging her peers to pursue agriculture, she has overseen the Scholarship Committee of SHAP and the Scott Brown Memorial Scholarship. Her contributions were also felt through her outstanding work at the Land Conservancy of Adams County where her efforts directly influenced the conservation of over 1,000 acres of farmland and forest lands in Adams County. It was a proud moment not only for Sid and her family but for all of us with a connection to the Young Growers Alliance when Sid reached the podium to a standing ovation! Thank you, Sid, for everything you've done for our budding group of Young Growers, our local ag community, and fruit growers across the state!

Ben Wenk

Long Day of Travel

The flights in New Zealand were uneventful. It made for a long day. On the bright side the Reidetts, Wes, Ben K, and Lindsey got an earlier flight and made it back almost before everyone else. We were very glad to not to sit in the airport all day. Sidney made it home to the east coast and was very surprised to see us. Jen, Hannah, Abby, and Ben W. should be at their respectful homes or on their way by car. A big thanks to Matt, Mary, and Liz for everything. Please tell Chesley her people miss her.

Lindsey Kammerer

Out of town for the weekend...

We are on our way to Akaroa with friends for the weekend. Look for the final 2 trip posts on Sunday/Monday. Hope everyone has enjoyed "travelling with us" to New Zealand! Cheers, Mary

Hi guys...

Just got finished posting the blogs that Matt would have loaded onto his laptop prior to your departure. Slowly but surely we are going to get this thing done! Does anyone have a post already written for Monday (travel to Mt. Peel Station with stop at Barker's and BBQ w/Tussock of Rangitata Rafts), Tuesday (Rafting & Rotary), Wednesday (Lincoln Dairy Farm, Black Currant Operation, Boot buying expedition + Untouched World + Kathmandu, etc. & Rossendale wine tasting/dinner), and last but not least Thursday (departure day with curry for lunch and shopping/Arts Centre/Canterbury Museum). Next question, would anyone like to write a post for any of these days? There are a few of you that I don't think have had the pleasure to date...won't call you out quite yet but I will say that the ladies have ALL taken their turn...ummmmmm??? So, if you would be willing, shot me an email: chesveg@gmail.com or rmh27@psu.edu .

Hannah, your video has been a tremendous hit!!! I can't tell you how many people have commented on it. Maggie, Lindsey, Abby & Ben Keim...would you guys be able to post your videos? Am I forgetting anyone? I would be happy to walk you through the blog login if you are willing? Again, email: chesveg@gmail.com or rmh27@psu.edu .

Ok, better run. It is almost 1am...pray that Chesley sleeps through the night or I am really in trouble. She is missing you guys...Mum & Dad are not quite as interesting as you lot!!!
Cheers, Mary

PS - Jailhouse slide show is still here...
scroll down to the bottom of the page to click through the lineup!!!