I am so happy to see some of our apples trees starting to bloom here in south central Iowa, especially this tree. This tree was from a graft I did from a wild apple tree growing in a ditch along a gravel road Northeast of the town of Newton Iowa. One of my readers had told me about this tree and we went there to check it out and was not disappointed. It had the most beautiful little red apples that were very sweet. So I went back during the winter and collected some scion wood and grafted them to some rootstock that I had grown from seed the following spring. This is the first year it has bloomed, I named this new variety after my wife and I call it Niki Sweet. We can’t wait to get a bunch of these to try again.
I have always wanted to be a farmer, but never had the money or the knowledge to live my dream until now. I have now bought the farm ground and am in the process of turning my bare land into a farm and myself into a farmer. I am finding out that it isn't always easy, but still love the journey. This is my journal of that journey.
Milligan's Gander Hill Farm 
Nice update. Would love to see an update on the pond – it looks great in the background of your orchard!
Thanks John, I will try and do an update on the whole farm in not so distant future.
Oh Gordon, I just got your last post in my email and I’m SO sorry to hear about everything. I can imagine a bit of what you may be feeling and my heart goes out to you. Please take care! 🙏💙
Thank you Jewles, you have been my most faithful reader and my very first follower.
Gordon, I’m so sorry to hear your sad news about the end of the dream, especially after this lovely post. In a different way, I understand the grief of “letting go of the life you planned for the life that is waiting for you.” I wish you the very best as you grieve what is lost and what won’t be. May you find true healing. Best wishes, Susan
Thank you so much Susan take care