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What makes pinball so captivating for me isn’t just the gameplay, though that’s certainly a big part of it. It’s the opportunity to delve into the history and craftsmanship of each machine. Many of the pinball machines I’ve collected were far from pristine when I found them. Bringing them back to their original glory has taught me an incredible range of skills. I’ve learned about graphic design to restore faded artwork, painting techniques to refresh cabinets, and the intricacies of electronics and mechanics to ensure each flipper, bumper, and light functions perfectly.

The process of restoring these machines has been as rewarding as playing them. Each machine presents a unique challenge and learning experience, from repairing old circuits to troubleshooting complex issues with the playfield mechanics. It’s fascinating to dive into the inner workings of these machines and to see how even the smallest adjustments can make all the difference in how a game plays.

Pinball is more than just a hobby for me; it’s a lifelong journey of learning and restoration. As I continue to expand my collection, I’m excited about the new skills I’ll pick up and the continued enjoyment these machines bring. Each one is a piece of art, a piece of history, and a source of endless fascination. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.

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Families can enjoy educational programs that focus on sustainable farming practices, giving both children and adults the chance to learn how food is grown and how to care for the environment. Guided foraging walks through Fair Hill provide a hands-on opportunity to discover the edible treasures hidden among the trees and plants.

For animal lovers, the petting zoo offers the chance to interact with some of the farm’s friendliest residents, including miniature goats, chickens, and rescued horses. Those looking for a bit more adventure can sign up for horseback riding lessons, exploring the beautiful trails that wind through the bordering state forest.

Inside the new barn, visitors can enjoy a game room filled with dozens of pinball machines and classic arcade games, providing hours of entertainment. It’s the perfect spot for families to unwind after a day spent outdoors.

Kelley Farm is more than just a place to visit—it’s a place where families can learn, play, and create lasting memories together. From sustainable farming classes to interactive activities with animals and plenty of fun-filled games, Kelley Farm welcomes everyone to experience the beauty and joy of farm life.

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This food forest is designed to mimic natural forest systems, where a diverse array of plants, trees, and shrubs work together in harmony, enriching the soil and promoting biodiversity. The long-term vision is to provide an abundant source of healthy, organic food that can be harvested directly by community members in a fun, educational atmosphere. Visitors will be able to pick their own fruits, nuts, berries, and vegetables, all while learning about the principles of permaculture and regenerative agriculture.

More than just a source of food, the Kelley Farm food forest will become a place where people can reconnect with nature, gain hands-on experience in sustainable farming practices, and enjoy the simple pleasures of harvesting fresh produce from the land. It represents the Kelley family’s ongoing dedication to environmental health, animal welfare, and community well-being.

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At its heart stood the old stone home, a sturdy structure erected by Herbie Egner’s great grandfather with hands weathered by hard work and determination. From its humble beginnings, the Egner family poured their sweat and toil into the land, nurturing it into a prosperous dairy farm.

Herbie Egner, the last in a long line of dedicated farmers, inherited not just the land, but also a sense of duty ingrained in the very stones of the homestead. He grew up within its walls, learning the ways of the farm from his father and his father before him.

One of the most enduring tales of the Egner Dairy Farm was the remarkable dedication of its previous owner, Herbie’s father. Known simply as Old Man Egner, he had never missed a day milking the cows, regardless of weather or circumstance. His commitment to his craft was legendary, a source of inspiration for generations to come.

The old stone home itself bore witness to the passage of time, standing stoically as the world changed around it. For decades, it lacked modern amenities, relying instead on the stream at the bottom of the hill for bathing and laundering clothes. It wasn’t until the late 1980s that plumbing finally found its way into the homestead, a nod to progress while still honoring the simplicity of the past.

As the years rolled by, the Egner Dairy Farm remained a bastion of tradition in an ever-evolving world. Each sunrise brought with it the familiar rhythm of farm life, a testament to the enduring spirit of those who came before. And though Herbie Egner has since passed on, his legacy lives on in the land he loved and the stories that continue to be told around the hearth of the old stone home.

With the passing of Herbie Egner, a new chapter began for the Egner Dairy Farm as the Kelley family proudly took up the mantle of stewardship. For the Kelleys, the opportunity to become the new custodians of such a storied piece of land was both an honor and a responsibility they cherished.

With hearts full of reverence for the history that permeated every corner of the farm, the Kelleys were determined to preserve its legacy while also infusing it with new life and vitality. They saw the farm not just as a business, but as a cherished sanctuary where generations of friends and family could come together to create lasting memories.

With thoughtful planning and a deep respect for tradition, the Kelleys set out to enhance the farm’s offerings while staying true to its roots. They refurbished the old stone home, maintaining its rustic charm while adding modern conveniences to ensure comfort for all who visited.

But perhaps the most significant change came in the form of diversification. In addition to continuing the dairy operations that had sustained the farm for so long, the Kelleys introduced new activities and attractions aimed at making the farm a destination for locals and tourists alike.

Among these innovations was the establishment of a horse rescue program. Recognizing the need to provide sanctuary for neglected and abused equines, the Kelleys converted a portion of the farm into a safe haven where these majestic creatures could heal and thrive.

From pick-your-own fruit orchards to guided nature hikes along the scenic trails that crisscrossed the property, there was something for everyone to enjoy. And as word spread of the Kelley family’s commitment to preserving the farm’s heritage while embracing innovation, visitors flocked to experience the magic of the Egner Dairy Farm for themselves.

Under the stewardship of the Kelley family, the Egner Dairy Farm blossomed into more than just a place of work—it became a beloved community hub where the past met the present in a harmonious blend of tradition, progress, and compassion for all creatures great and small. And as the sun set over the rolling hills, casting a golden glow upon the land, it was clear that the spirit of Herbie Egner lived on in every blade of grass and every happy visitor who walked the grounds.

Our Mission Today: At Kelley farm, we are committed to raising our animals with the utmost care, focusing on their happiness, health, and well-being. We believe that a healthy and joyful environment for our animals translates into a positive experience for everyone who visits. By prioritizing their needs, we not only enhance their mental health but also our own, fostering a sense of peace and connection with nature. Our farm is more than just a place—it’s a sanctuary where nature lovers and animal enthusiasts can come together to experience joy, serenity, and the beauty of responsible farming. We invite you to join us in celebrating the bond between humans and animals in a setting that nurtures the soul.

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In recent years, I’ve become somewhat obsessed with orchids. That started with just buying & replacing them when the blooms were spent. Now, I’m finally able to get them to re-bloom and flourish! Here’s my crash course on how I do it!

So let’s start with the most common problem people have with orchids. Water. Orchids, like all living things, need water to survive. They love humidity, and they need to be watered, BUT there is a caveat. They HATE to be wet. In the orchid world, specifically what is said is “orchids hate to have their feet wet” meaning if their roots are in constant contact with moisture, they will rot! The issue here is that when that happens, they exhibit signs of dehydration. Limp, soft leaves, yellow leaves, etc. This leads to people giving them more water, killing them even faster.

So here are the key take-aways…

What NOT to do:

• Do NOT overwater

What TO do:

• Water when potting mix is DRY. 
• Fertilize (weakly, weekly)
• Plenty of filtered sun

The post Phalaenopsis Orchid Care appeared first on ColorMeKevin.com.

JUMP TO GROWING INSTRUCTIONS 

Broccoli sprouts are an amazingly healthy, easy to grow crop that go with just about everything. They are easy to incorporate into your daily life and you’re body will thank you! Before you read on, know I’m not a doctor or scientist. This information is based on my research and I’m throwing out the disclaimer that you should do your own research and decide what’s best for you. This information is not intended as medical advice.

What Are Broccoli Sprouts?

Broccoli sprouts are just that – they are tender baby broccoli plants! They are eaten when only a few days to a couple weeks old. They can be used on salads, on sandwiches and wraps, or really just about anything! When I’m being lazy, I just throw sprouts in a bowl with some balsamic! (have you tried all the new balsamic vinegars available on the market? A couple of my favorites are cranberry pear white balsamic and fig balsamic! Thanks Olivia for the great gift!)

Health Benefits of Broccoli Sprouts

Along with fiber, protein, and vitamins, broccoli sprouts have high levels of a chemical called glucoraphanin. Yes, broccoli also has glucoraphanin, but broccoli sprouts have 10-100 times the glucoraphanin as the adult plants. So What is glucoraphanin and what makes it so special? Glucoraphanin, once in the body, is converted into sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is being shown to protect your cells from inflammation and a wide variety of diseases.  

Things broccoli sprouts may be good for…

Cancer Prevention

In today’s society, this one is huge. We’ve all been affected by cancer in one way or another. We’ve had friends and/or family members that have had to go through the battle with cancer, or maybe have it gone through it ourselves. It’s scary! And we still don’t have a good answer for it.  Now, while no one is claiming that broccoli sprouts can cure or prevent cancer on their own, why not add this one simple food to your diet so it can be one of many tools to help with cancer prevention? Over there years, we’ve seen many studies that show the benefits of cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc) in protecting against various cancers (note: these studies are based on raw, or lightly cooked vegetables) The sulforaphane in these veggies is being shown to slow tumor growth and stop benign carcinogens from converting into active carcinogens. 

One study showed that just 3 to 5 servings of cruciferous vegetable a week can reduce cancer risk by up to 40%! Considering how easy it is to add these foods to your diet (especially in the form of sprouts) why not just do it?!

Stomach Ulcer Treatment

The sulforaphane found in broccoli sprouts helps fight the bacteria that leads to ulcers – it may be more effective than treating ulcers with traditional antibiotics!

Mental Health:  Now this is quite interesting. Can broccoli sprouts help with such things as depression and schizophrenia? Maybe! Researchers have found that sulforaphane may help reduce levels of a chemical called glutamate which has been linked to those disorders. While it doesn’t look like broccoli sprouts are slam dunk in treating those, with no negative side effects that I can find, why not just add broccoli sprouts to your diet…just in case?

Nutrition

Now, more of the good stuff. While being extremely low calorie, broccoli sprouts are packed full of fiber & protein. As I mentioned, they have 10-100 times the glucoraphanin as adult broccoli plants, and and they’re bursting with nutrients including:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Calcium
• Iron

While nutrition facts can’t really be nailed down – I’m guessing this is because it has to do with water supply, genetics, etc, a decent general analysis for a cup of broccoli sprouts is:

• Calories: 20
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Protein: 2 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams
• Sugars: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams

How to Grow Broccoli Sprouts

And now what you’ve all been waiting for! Broccoli sprouts are so easy to grow! (The links below are affiliate links, so please click on them if you wish to buy. It helps support my site)

What you need:

• Wide Mouth Mason jar (I use a 1 quart jar) – Pick these up locally and they’re a lot cheaper than ordering online!
• Screen mason jar lid  OR this kit that has a 2 jars and lids (this makes filling and straining fast and easy as well as being breathable)
• Broccoli Sprout Seeds (I always get organic – and this brand I’ve found is high quality)

Step 1: Put two spoonfuls (standard tablespoon for eating, not a measuring spoon) of broccoli sprout seeds in a mason jar. Screw your screened lid on the jar. Step one complete!

Step 2: Fill your jar 1/4-1/2 way with water  to soak seeds and let rest overnight or about 8 hours.

Step 3: Drain the jar and leave upside down or at 45 degree angle for a few minutes to drain water well. When all water is drained, roll the jar around. The seeds will cling to the sides of the jar. This is what you want! This will prevent the seeds from sitting in a pool of water at the bottom of the jar and keep them spaced out so they can breathe. 

Step 4: Place the jar in a dark cabinet, closet or corner. While the seeds are sprouting, you want to keep them in a dim or dark environment. This will prevent them from getting bitter.

Step 5: Twice a day fill up your jar with some water, swish around to wet all of the seeds. Repeat step 3. 

Step 6: After a 4 or 5 days, your jar will be full of sprouts!!! You’re almost there. Place the sprouts in a sunny window and let them green up a bit. I wouldn’t leave them for more than a day unless it’s particularly cloudy. One day will make them nice and green. Longer will risk making your sprouts bitter. After a day, you are ready to store your sprouts in the fridge and start your next batch!

Storing Your Sprouts

Just because growing the sprouts was easy doesn’t mean you want to waste them, so make sure you store them properly. The best way to store your sprouts is in the refrigerator. Since they are living sprouts, you don’t want to suffocate them or drown them. Simply dry your sprouts (either spin them gently or pat them dry with a towel) and store them in a breathable container. This can be as simple as a container with plastic wrap that you’re poked some holes in, or if you’re going to be store sprouts regularly (like I do) have a dedicated plastic or glass container with some holes poked in the lid. This will be some trial and error. You don’t want so much air flow that it dries your sprouts out, but you also want them to breath.

Using Your Sprouts

Now that you’ve grown your sprouts, there are so many ways to use these delicious, nutritious sprouts! My favorite way to use them is on wraps and sandwiches. But I also love adding them to salads, or if I’m in a rush and just want something fast and easy – throw them in a bowl and toss them with your favorite balsamic vinegar! That’s it! Enjoy! 

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The post Club Kevin circa 2011 appeared first on ColorMeKevin.com.

Here is a link to Club Kevin, the previous home of all my gaming equipment.

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First, here are some before and after photos for the machine.  The playfield was not near as bad as some plafields, but it certainly wasn’t great.  A littl bit of playfield stripping, painting and sealing worked wonders.

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