The Diatomaceous Earth Spray mix appears to have saved the strawberries.   This is the third picking of the beds, each about the same amount.  Only 9 berries total were under attack by the Rose Chafer Beetles, and crushed for good measure under my sandals.

I think it's a definite win.  Next round of beasties are Japanese Beetles, about 1 -2 weeks before their arrival.  Small reprieve from the battle we will relish. 

We are currently waging a battle against a "disaster of biblical proportions" to quote Dr. Peter Venkman. 

Okay... maybe I exaggerate a tad.  But  maybe just a little .  The particular beastie is known as the Rose Chafer Beetle.   They invade from the ground up with two missions.  To eat and mate, voraciously and simultaneously. We have waged war with this enemy before, but this year they have chosen the leaves of the elderberries as their love dens. 

We have spent a total of 20 hours hand-picking them off and putting them in buckets of soapy water.  Their numbers are less, but we are outnumbered.   They have been sprayed with Neem, Neem with Surround and also hand-picked.  Next plan of attack is neem with diatomaceous earth. 

We have another week and a half, if we are lucky, before  these guys disappear again.  They are plotting to take on our beautiful crop of ripening strawberries next.  Since they are in the ground, row covers are not an option.... so let's hope the Neem/DE combo works....

We have perused the orchard, early this morning and are pretty impressed with all of the growth, happy with the state of things. 
Because we have been out straight between work, the Farmer's Market and the orchard work, etc. we have deemed this day off as an "Away Day".  Away from the happenings in this world, and seek out adventure in the bigger one.   And,  since we are going with that free and relaxed mindset it is also going to be a mini vacation all day long.  woopie!
I will post pics later.... time to play.
T.