Come Hell or High Water
Just a quick note this evening to say thank you to everyone who has checked on us the last couple of days.
What a rain.
Feeling very lucky to report that we emerged from the deluge miraculously unscathed.
It's OK to NOT be OK
Here we go again. Store shelves stripped bare in panic for the second time in less than two years. Happy to report that our girls are all fine and for now our feed supply is also safe.
The Edge of Autumn
Another stormy day and now that the tarp is off the greenhouse and the garlic is (finally) in the ground, I feel like I can once again turn my attention inward, toward the hearth and the rituals of the season of hibernation here on the farm.
Panic & Pumpkins
Other than that, the panic that is harvest season on the farm continues, per usual. Jeff and the neighbours got a good amount of hay in during the sun last week, so that's a big relief. I'm waiting for this dang rain to end so I can finally put the garden to bed for the summer.
Unbelievably, it's almost time to plant garlic again. I haven't even finished processing this year's harvest! Gah.
It's Voting Day!
I know, GROAN - right? No one wanted another election during this stupid pandemic, but here we are.
If you've been with me for any amount of time here at the farm, you'll know that I take my role as an engaged and informed citizen seriously.
Apathy, is - frankly - a cop out, and one we and our kids can't afford. Rather than wallow in (the abundant number) of reasons why we should give up, I prefer to hold tight to this belief:
End of Summer Reading
Instead of bearing all the heaviness we've been surrounded by of late - I wanted to share a book I'm listening to right now that's really lifted my spirits.
It's called 'Dedicated - The Case for Commitment in an Age of Infinite Browsing' by Pete Davis.
I'm sharing it because it made me think of you.
Action in the Face of Despair
Well, it's officially that stretch of summer where every day that I don't kill my children is a cause for celebration. (Parents, I know you feel me.)
Other than that - we're all grateful for the recent bout of rain. Every single pig on the farm stretched out in the cool, damp mud, luxuriating in the rain.
Heat Waves, Food Security & Rebellious Hope
Whelp. As expected, bacon sold out in a flash. Thanks everyone for yet another overwhelming show of support for our tiny family farm. We really appreciate it.
Happily temperatures have settled into just good old fashioned HOT, and everyone on the farm is feeling grateful.
This past week has been a worrisome one. It's tough, especially as a Mother, to recognize that the impacts of climate change won't just be in my kids' far flung future, but right now - close to home.
Balance & Bunnies
This year the bunnies have been the ultimate test of my resolve in the face of challenges to my Do Nothing mantra. They have mowed down my peas, plucked my beans of every succulent leaf and left my parsley a bed of bare stems.
But here's the thing - I'm kinda thrilled.
Early Summer Garden Tasks
This alternating rain and sun has been an absolutely boon to the garden. The greens are growing visibly on a daily basis. I don't grow a ton of anything, since the garden is mainly for our family, but there are some extra greens and garlic scapes this weekend.
You might have seen garlic scapes at the farmer's market in the past and wondered what in the world to do with them.
I See You.
It's been a long year for families, and I guess today I just want to say I see you. Especially those of you who chose to continue to homeschool this school year.
If no one has told you lately - You are doing great. You kept your kids fed and alive and maybe even snuck in some learning in there too. In the end, that's all that matters.