Stefan Farms - Farming without a Farm

We're back

2009-07-14T13:12:00.002-04:00

It's time again.... after an extremely wet beginning, things grew anyway. Who'd have thought. We're picking yellow squash now, and that is all that's on the stand, but it's open. That's the problem with farm fresh. Not a really great selection when things just start to come in, but it is soon going to change. Zucchini is almost ready, Cucumbers and Pickles are doing their best to catch up, and we picked a handful of Beans.
A few more days, and we have a little selection to offer.

Saturday, we will be at the Bloomfield Market. Hope to see you there.

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See You Next Season

2008-12-17T22:37:00.003-05:00

What do farmers do in winter... I guess that is different for everyone. We are for now hibernating. Aside from taking care of the animals, I'm spending time in my books, formulating herbal concoctions, perfumes, soon it will be soaps. First I want to come up with some nice scent formulas for them, too. Spagyrics have been on my mind, and many ideas demand answers. Homeschooling of course, and getting ready for a nice, quiet Christmas. Just the four of us. Perfect.

Mark found a computer game our oldest played interesting, and they are finally spending time together. He has his full time job of course, his vacation is used up a day at a time on Fridays, during the summer. None left for Winter.

There is still much work to do, maintenance and repairs, building on the coups and yards, but for now it can all wait. We're not going anywhere (who'd take care of the animals, and who can afford it anyway...) but are taking a little vacation from farming. In another week or three, we'll start putting seed orders together, sorting out taxes we've already started on. A little at a time gets it done. And before you know it, we'll be putting the greenhouse up again.

Since my readers seem to hibernate as well right now, I decided to give the blog a vacation, too. Thanks for the phone calls by the way. Nice of you to touch base, just because. We think of all of you, too.

Have a wonderful Christmas, and Holiday season, whichever Holiday you celebrate. May Health, Happiness and Brightest Blessings be yours always.

.Image from http://www.alchemywebsite.com/ Stone of the Wise

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-25T07:09:00.014-05:00

A Very Happy

Thanksgiving to All

Every year I'm glad, that in America Thanksgiving is celebrated in November.

The Pilgrims naturally brought their customs to the new world, and to thank God for the Harvest was one. Before Christianity even, the Gods were thanked for harvests. A long tradition, and as it should be. Harvest can be a tricky thing, and sometimes better, sometimes worse. I keep saying that real gamblers farm. How much more unpredictable is harvest in a new country, halfway around the world, which you reached with hardly any possessions. I'm sure they really, truly meant every word of thanks for the harvest they had.

In Germany Erntedank is often celebrated on the first weekend of October, towards the middle of October, and even end of September, depending on faith (Catholic or Protestant) and location. Either dates coincide more with the Equinox celebration it originally was, the counterpart of Easter, when the days and nights are once again equal. Most of the harvest is in, but there is more to do. This is also the time, when Farmers get really, really tired, and ready for the season to come to an end. It makes perfect sense, to insert a celebration, to feed the spirit and body with something to look forward to, and some fun.

The decoration of the Harvest festivals and churches, is whatever the fields have to offer during the end of September, beginning of October. That is a lot. I was always in awe when going to church during that time. Produce would pour down the steps, starting at the altar, spreading out in a descending manner, until it covered a good amount of the floor of the congregation area. Piled high, whatever one could imagine was present. The people involved outdid each other in creative display arts, crafting, while only highlighting the produce in question, blending the whole into a true work of art. After mass, this food went to people in need.

The drawback of Thanksgiving/Erntedank that early is, that small farmers of our caliber don't celebrate. All holidays falling into farm season just have step aside, because there is no time to waste. Barley time to eat or sleep, never mind taking a day off - and certainly not on the weekend. At least this is true for us, and it was true for my parents as well. Only two adults in each case, to do the work. Yes, the kids help and count, but within reason and ability. Both of us have been pushed too hard when we were kids, had to grow up too fast, and we both feel strongly, that we will not do this to our children.

November is much better for celebrating. Perfect really, since it's far enough from the last harvest to make sure most important fall work has been done, it's gotten cold enough, to slow down any leftover outdoor work.

Thanks to whomever decided that Thanksgiving should be celebrated in November, we can look forward to a holiday. We might not have an impressive decor, but believe me, we give thanks when we do have that incredible display of offerings at the September markets. It's always amazing, even to us, as we year after year have to try to figure out how to take it there. Thanks for such abundance just happens, even if we had to work hard for it. Hard work doesn't always guarantee rewards. We're not taking it for granted.

We're thankful for everything we were able to get stored and in the freezer. No need to display it now. We remember well.

To us Thanksgiving is still Erntedank - and much more. I think of all the things that are right, all that went well, all the things that could have went wrong and didn't. Sometimes, in some situations, I can only be very thankful that it's over and done with - and that's good thanks, too. I feel most thankful for all the things money can not buy - the most precious things in life, but I'm very, very happy, if there is enough money for what we need. Even if it gets a little tight at times, we've been blessed to be able to figure things out as we go.

I feel Thanksgiving might be a better word then Erntedank (harvest thanks) since it is a reminder to give a moment to think of all the things we're thankful for. Often it's much more then we thought, isn't it? I take a few minutes throughout the year, thinking of things I'm thankful for, and the only rule is, that everything has to be positively phrased. Everyone has times when this can be hard, but it is possible. Changing perspective can do amazing things. Once we realize that we have a lot that matters, it's not all that bad. A good thing to do regularly. A lot of things we're told we want and need, we really don't need. I had a conversation with someone not long ago, about money problems, and she found my take on solving it very useful. All I told her was, that the way I saw it, needs stay consistent, wants change. I find this is true for a lot of things in life, not just money. What do we really need? Shelter, food, weather appropriate clothes, tools of various sorts, to take care of ourselves, someone who cares about us, and to care about someone. We also need faith and hope, above all, and to be able to appreciate what we have - then we have happiness as well. Health is a wonderful, precious gift, we often take for granted. If we have all that, we're doing great. If we have more then that, we're rich. Simple.

I feel very blessed and rich in all kinds of ways, but I can't say I feel like a million- almost did, but I'm not really sure that's always a default happiness, like the saying suggests. Not really all that much money anymore in the present economy, but more then we'll ever see in a lifetime. But I will leave this with a joke I read and found so true:

"What does a farmer do when he wins a million dollars?

-He keeps farming until it's gone..."

Even my husband laughed at this one, and he doesn't find a lot of jokes funny enough to laugh out loud. It's just too true.

For today, regardless of who you are, where in life, and what you have, let's celebrate all the things that are right in our lives, all the people and circumstances which keep us going. In this spirit, we can unite, possibly change the world if everyone would keep it up. Maybe this is what the nation's fathers had in mind. Good idea indeed.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Living Food and Healthy Water - A Wish List

2008-11-19T16:35:00.008-05:00

Hidden Nature
The Startling Insights of Victor Schauberger
by Alick Bartholomew

What if Water, Soil and Plants had awareness and feelings? Would we treat it differently? What if there were natural healing powers in all of nature, if we didn't take them away? Would we protect them, preferring to stay healthy over healing?
What if there were energy sources which would not create destruction, while being a whole lot more efficient? Utopia? Hardly. Victor Schauberger had it figured out before WWII. Why is it not in use then? Politics. Not surprising, but it is high time for change.

Everyone who cares about healthy food, water, healthy environment now and for future generations, should read this book. Maybe if enough of us change the way we think and act, if we refuse the damaging ways, demanding change, it might happen. Seems to be a good time to do so, since everything is in upheaval, industry has competed to the max, not coming up with anything really different. Lets inspire them with demand. People do have Power, and more people have more of it.

Other important books are The Secret Life of Plants, and Secrets of the Soil both by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird, also available through Amazon.com.
I have no investments or profits in either the books or Amazon. Just some of the things I am again re-reading and re-thinking. Always looking for ways of healing what I can, hoping to eventually being able to focus on maintenance instead. To me, this is what farming is about. Ultimately, a farmer guides production to what is wanted and needed, without hurting the natural balance of things. Not soil, not creatures. This is the only way to be able to have living food, which is what is needed to sustain life. As an extension, this food should be for everyone, not "labeled" and overpriced, making "healthy" a luxury item. This kind of thinking is rediculous.
I can hear all the arguments, that this is not possible because it would not feed enough, and bah-humbug like that. It would hurt, but not the food supply, not the people, not the farmers. Many might get to keep their farms, if they could bring dead soil back to full productivity. Chemical industries and pharmaceuticals would be in trouble. Is this who we want to support, at personal cost? I don't.

The paradox is, I don't even condemn these industries - not altogether. Much good has been accomplished, and we do need to remember that. What I do object to, is when the approved and accepted toxic levels lead to total destruction, and for no good reason. Why do we need fabric softeners with overdoses of musk chemicals for example. We don't. What about the "Swiffer" type products, which encourage a disposable attitude - use and throw. Plastic disposable dishes, plastic bags, the list is endless. What about the many medications in TV ads. The side effect rattled by really quick, while showing a happy life, often include severe issues, even death. Is that why they try to sell it to the public, not Physicians? And where do medications ultimately end up? ...in our drinking water. Yup, you can do the research on this horrific fact. Medications and drugs, legal and not, are excreted, and it's not getting cleaned out sufficiently.
In farming, the poisons are advertised much like these drugs. "You need more, and stronger, to solve your problems, caused by all that we sold you up until now." Is it not obvious that this is a big problem? A little predictive thought will ring alarms, saying that you will need even more, and even stronger next year - if there is a next year, and if the soil has not turned to concrete, or started to glow... - if you use all that stuff.

No, I'm far from ranting. These are things many of us are already aware of. Sad facts, of long standing, and in time there is not much surprise over the "latest outrage" - One thing leads to another, and another... Some prefer to ignore, surrendering to being powerless. Some fight windmills, at least it gives a sense of doing something. Some just go change what they can, and set an example, helping others do the same.

These are really, really good books to read, since it's freezing outside, while taking a coffee break, or snuggled by the fire at night. Thought provoking, eye opening, and offering alternatives. Some things are simple enough to do ourselves. THAT is what I'm always looking for. How to change things on an individual level. I also love to share it with others who feel this way. This is empowerment, freedom even, and ultimately how the earth-and it's creatures, including us- can be healed. When enough individuals educate and empower themselves and each other. We can't wait until politics and industry start to care - they won't as long as they can sell illusions. I'm also really not good at waiting, so I am once again cooking up all kinds of ideas, and playing with experiments during winter, thinking of large application possibilities. If only a fraction of it all works out, I'll be happy, and something will have changed for the better. A little at a time, things fall in place. What matters most is what we focus on. Like in riding, "the horse goes where the rider looks..." or at least so I heard. I don't ride, but I know it's true for me and life. A good incentative to try to stay positive.

What's your favorite book?

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Can Albert Einstein help us today?

2008-11-06T23:57:00.000-05:00

"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." -Albert Einstein

At a time, when there are so many challenges on all levels, influencing all of us, this might be a good quote to re-think. Some things are out of our control, others are well within our ability to change. In any case, we have to decide how we deal with what is affecting us. Sometimes this can be quite hard.

Have you ever wondered what else you could possibly do, since you're already doing everything possible? This might apply to finances, interpersonal relationships, the way you handle responsibilities, anything really.

As if individual lives weren't challenging enough, economic and environmental issues are causing problems which seem far beyond any one person's means of dealing with.
"We" in this quote does not mean you personally, as you will soon see.

I'd like to quote Scott Thorpe (From his book "How to think like Einstein):

"...Many of Einstein's contemporaries had been working on the same phenomena, but they were trying to solve a very different problem. Their problem went something like this: How can nature appear to act that way, when we know that it can't?

They did not succeed. ............Einstein succeeded because he was working on a problem that enabled a solution. He asked himself: What would nature be like if it did act the way we observe it to act?

This problem has a solution. ......... The first step in thinking like Einstein is to form a problem that enables you to seek and recognize a solution."

This makes perfect sense, doesn't it? And yes, everyone can do it.

The first step is to start from scratch. This means, for just a moment, forget what you think you know. If we have logic turned on, and especially if we have a good education, learned a lot, the reasoning is quick to eliminate what we think is not possible. We censor thoughts before they have a chance to develop. Not too easy to do, unless you do what Einstein did - find the faulty programming by just observing, drawing new conclusions each step of the way. Even if it seems completely crazy and impossible at first. Write it all down - studying, examining and proofing it all are completely separate steps.

If this seems too complex, a good example would be someone with two or three jobs wondering how s/he can make more money to be able to pay the rising bills. After changing jobs, starting a side business, still wondering the same, this person might start by going through the bills and start to ask how to save money. A drastic simplification, but showing that we can get so stuck on a problem, that we are unable to see the obvious. But it's more complex then that.

This example is not far fetched, when we look at what's happening to the large businesses. Long before Halloween we're bombarded with commercials geared towards Christmas shopping. Lots and lots of money spent, trying to guarantee customer's spending. The problem is, average people just don't have that much extra. Many are struggling to keep their heads over water. Companies are struggling, too. Many jobs are lost, and it just keeps getting worse. More spending can not save the economy, nor the individual household.

Worse, institutions helping people are also looking to make cuts, so they can survive. Understandable, considering that systems get abused by people who don't need them, but from what I've seen, a tightening usually hurts the ones who DO need it, the others find ways around it.

Where does this leave us - pressure from both ends, usually means the middle suffers the most- Middle class that is. Many have written about it, doom predictions have been made a long time ago. But where is the solution, now that is happening to a degree we can all feel?

I think more and more people are figuring it out, many have already taken the logical action, but not enough.

Lets formulate problems.

How can you get more money, when you can't make any more, nor save anymore? (-Robbing a bank is not an option) A: This is a bad problem, since there is no answer.

How can I keep/get what I need, by giving what I have/am able to do. A: This opens a lot of options. First you evaluate your assets, then your resources. Money will probably figure in here, since some institutions will take nothing else, but you might free up more cash, by not spending it where you don't have to. How? Bartering, trading, changing lifestyle to more self sufficiency, finding creative solutions to something you would otherwise just go and buy. Things like that. It might even mean, that you go look for a better job, more suitable, more stable, but with less pay - and once you realize your value, opportunities just might suddenly open.

If a lot more people start thinking like this, putting this in action, the easier it will become for everyone, since more and more cash is being bypassed. This is how it used to be a long time ago. Money is only an invention to simplify the process, as well as enabling hoarding. Seems there are only few who still get to hoard anyway. For most of us, it's spent before we make it. What if you have nothing material, no special skills? Don't be too quick to judge. Everyone is special in their own way. Just forget for a moment the judgements imposed on us by commercial thinking. Can you cook? Do you have extra time? Good at crafting, telling stories? Anything at all - someone out there would be glad to meet you, and trade for it in some way.

A new way of thinking for sure. How often I meet people all alone! How many complain about being bored. My heart goes out to them, because there is no good reason why this should be this way. So much aloneness in the midst of crowds. And it is THAT, which needs money and nothing else. It is THAT which needs industrial supply of everything. It takes great effort to encourage and sustain isolation of so many individuals. It is THAT which causes as consequence toxic environment, disease and an increased need for pharmaceuticals and hospitalization, which again requires a whole lot more money then most of us can afford. Again, this is a simplification, since it is - again- more complex then that, but it is a good rough outline.

Can we fix this? - We can if we want to. It will become easier, the more are willing to participate. It will not solve all problems right away, but in time the chain reaction will spread its effects, just like it did before. You can call it "turning back the clock, to times before" but really it is not. We can't, since going back is never an option. We have to learn from history, the past, and move forward with what we have learned.

You think I'm wrong? Think there's nobody willing to do this? It sure can seem that way. But here is the thing. Large companies have always done this amongst themselves, because it really does work out better.

We have been doing it for many years, wherever we can. The key is trust and honesty, and each party has to want fair exchange. Yes, there are some quick to abuse this. They soon get cut out of the deals however. There is no room for greed. But there is a lot more room to share. How often do we wish, for example, we'd have a little more help. In the fields, with sorting, even babysitting, a cooked meal. Simple things. It's not as simple as paying someone. There are the legal aspects of insurance, Workman's compensation, Social Security, just for starters. We can't even get close to be able to afford any of this, so we work alone. This gets harder as we get older. Some farmers work this, by offering internships and training with room and board. I'm not sure how fair this is in some circumstances, but if this works for all involved, then it is. We don't have rooms, but would sure be willing to share what we have, with the right people. One lady, quite a few years ago, became friend, then adopted Nana. She was a wonderful Italian lady in her eighties, kept on bringing extra pasta dishes, and loved to spend time with my oldest, when he was a baby. I know these meals were not leftovers, regardless of what she said. She knew how to cook what she needed, since she lived a very frugal life. The "leftovers" were pretty much the same amount every time, and enough for three. She felt free to ask for what she wanted. Vegetables, fruit, eggs, whatever. She didn't need all of what she took. She kept some for herself, then traded the extra with others for rides to Bingo or the Casino, gave some to her church or whatever else came up. She understood the concept well. She is still very active and involved in California now, where she moved with her sister, after her husband's death. We're still in contact, she is still "Nana."

This amazing lady is now going on- or in her nineties, still volunteering, still active. She loves people, loves to help, and in turn, people love her. You can be certain, she did not have an easy life. She has lost too much, several times in her life, and started over in California with no more then what she could take on the plane. Remember, she was already in her eighties then. That was about eight years ago. Can we learn from that?

I let Einstein have the last word on this: "Physical concepts are free creations of the human mind, and are not, however it may seem, uniquely determined by the external world" -Albert Einstein

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T22:42:00.000-04:00

Halloween- by Mary Jane Carr

Witches flying past on broomsticks,

Black cats leaping here and there,

White-robed spooks on every corner,

Mournful moaning in the air,

Goblins peering out of windows,

Spirit-things that rap and run-

But don't be scared-it's just October,

Having one last hour of fun!

***

Have a very, very happy Halloween

Fire Starters

2008-10-31T07:02:00.000-04:00

Do you heat with Fireplace or Wood stove, or know someone who does? Then this little project might be of interest to you.

I've been making these Fire starters for years, and it makes starting a Fire so easy. These Wax-dipped Pine cones look great, and if you choose a scented wax, they serve as room scent until you use them up. Tie a few with a ribbon, and put a few bundles in some nice packaging, and you have a great gift. Different colors of wax make it even more fun.

To use them: Put one on top of your kindling and paper, a smaller log on top, and light the paper. How it works: The flame will light the cone, and as it burns, the wax melts over the kindling, making it more flammable as well. This gives the whole an extra boost, lighting the log. The pine cone itself burns for some time.

The greatest difference you'll see, is on days when there's some atmospheric conditions which make lighting the fire hard, when you have wood that's not as dry as you'd like it to be, or you don't have a whole lot of kindling.

Instructions:

First get some Pine Cones (we collect ours throughout the year)

and cheap candles or use up leftover candle stubs.

Melt the wax in Water bath (coffee can in pot of water is just fine) -CAREFUL wax is flammable. When wax is melted, be sure to move pot away from heating element, to prevent drippings while dipping.

Much better if you have an old Crock pot you can use! Monitor temperature however. They can get really hot. I start on high, then tun off or on low, once the wax is liquid.

With metal tong pick up Pine cone, dip in wax, set the dipped cone wide end down in a muffin pan (medium works well for most cones). I like to use a cake pan to hold the muffin pans. Metal gets really hot with the hot wax, and this also catches drips.

The extra wax on the cone will drip into the muffin pots and make little "feet" be careful when moving these pans. Let cool, and pop out - Done.

No greasing necessary - that only makes a huge mess. If they're hard to get out, which happens sometimes, but not usually, just set in some hot water for a second or two. As the wax softens, they release. I also find twisting them loose works better then trying to pull them.

Have fun, and remember to make some extra - wonderful, inexpensive, and very useful Christmas gifts. And if you don't use them as gifts, you'll be surprised how fast you'll go through them. You won't want to light another fire without them.

Potato Pick up - and Soap

2008-10-25T20:20:00.000-04:00

We did one more Market today - no more now, and that's for sure. As you'll see in the pictures below, it is getting really cold, and business is getting slower and slower, the colder it gets. Completely understandable. We feel the same way.

In all the years we've been doing this, we're usually done by mid October. With the Markets anyway. This year we had all those potatoes, and couldn't get them out early enough. Without proper long term storage, we decided to sell what we could, especially since a few customers got upset with us (at the first call for last market), for not bringing them. We still have a whole lot of potatoes, and would love to keep them over winter, but we still need to come up with a solution.

I had a lot of requests about picking up potatoes during the next weeks, and handed out a lot of cards, for customers to call or e-mail. If you weren't at the Market this week or last week, but want potatoes (Sweet-, Red-, White) feel free to give me a call, or e-mail. In case you lost my business card, this is also possible through the comment section on this blog, since it's moderated. Just mark it "Private" and it won't be published. While supplies last, bulk pricing is available, starting at five pounds.

And yes, for the ones who asked, I will get started with making more soap really soon, as we discussed. A Lavender -Calendula version, and after thinking about it, I will play with Aloe as well. I have never used it in soap, but since you asked for it, I'll see what I can do. This just, to show you I remember, and yes, I will definitely post here when it's ready. I'm glad you enjoyed what you bought, and feel free to stay in contact whenever you like.

Following a couple of pictures my son took today - almost everyone is bundled up, and the ones that weren't, regretted not bringing a winter coat.

The winter squash and apples area. Looks like I'm getting a bag...

In the background, Bloomfield Town hall - the leaf cover shows, time for hibernation is close.

The various potatoes on the other side, and peppers are selling fast at 4/1.-. The sign says 3/1.- but everyone was so wonderful today. Guess only nice people come out in the cold? So everyone got 4 instead, and most quickly doubled the amount they had asked for. Everything was on sale today. That's why we have the "Witch Bargain" signs up - so close to Halloween. Nobody is freezing in this picture. Certainly not I. The warmest coat I own, and it serves me well.

A blessed winter to all, and some of you I'll be seeing soon

Something to Remember or Where Freedom comes from

2008-10-24T22:11:00.000-04:00

I want to point to another blog today. A very important part of farming, or living, raising our families, building the lives we want. The most important factor of all this is not economy, it is not how much work we put in, and what we get for it. It is FREEDOM. Without that, all else wouldn't even matter.

My husband was in the Army, like his two brothers. His youngest brother's wife Robin just posted something that I find is not as remembered as it should be, despite many official acknowledgments by the public. You can read it for yourself here http://creations-anew.blogspot.com/2008/10/waiting-at-home.html and make sure to check out the video.
Hits it on the head.

You might not understand yet what I'm trying to say - that's because I haven't said it yet...

Everyone talks about our soldiers, about politics, about how they feel about the war. T-shirts are worn, stickers put on vehicles, and all that. That's wonderful, and shows support to the troops and their families. But you know, when I was in the situation of being an Army wife, and my husband was sent to the war, I felt utterly alone with it all. I realized how superficial it all was. It's much like a cheerleading team. Who understands the mother or wife of a football hero, who sits at her sons or husband's hospital bed, worrying about the severity or his injuries, if he will live, or not, what the future might hold. I didn't even have family to help- but that's a different story. Maybe Military wives should be evaluated like Astronauts wives - some just worry too much, and can not be allowed. That's me. But I guess I did have some qualifications, because when he did come back, I was there. My sister in law Robin was there, too. Many like us are. Some are not that lucky.

I watched many families I knew, fall apart under this stress. On all levels. You can say that this might have happened anyway. Maybe, but the ones I knew of, most would not have.

And what about the ones that are there, only nobody is coming home? A fear that has to be conquered every waking minute, which also means during sleepless nights...For some it comes true. And what are you going to tell the kids...

In theory everyone knows this. To live it is a different story. And as soldiers pick up "normal" life, they're not the heroes anymore, but everyday "Joes" doing an everyday job, amongst an everyday crowd. What's wrong with that?!

Much like volunteer firefighters, juggling jobs, nights out on a site, only to go to work like the others who slept all night, for no extra pay or even health insurance...
And YES I know firefighters personally. That's exactly how it is. My husband did that, too-but long before I knew him. We have friends who are active firefighters today - Hi Ed, Hi Justin! Thank you for all you do.

Does this not outrage anyone? Must not, because nothing is being done. And when someone knocks at your country's door, demanding freedom surrendered or else; when your home is in flames, who are you going to call? Who do you pray would show up? Are you going to do it by yourself?

Nahhh - don't worry a bit. Freedom is yours. Always. There are plenty who care enough, willing to die for it - be it Freedom or Fire - so you don't have to even think about it much.

Now- what's for lunch.....is it organic?

No, dear readers, I'm not chewing you out personally. I am trying to make a point clear, that only insiders seem to "get" You've read this far, which means you care. Sheesh, you must care a lot, having put up with my opinions throughout this blog. Yes, I'm very proud of you.

But: There are masses of people who do not know, nor care. And somehow this has to change. Where are our Vietnam soldiers today- an example for most of us long ago. However anyone feels about any war, soldiers only follow orders. They have nothing to do with the choices, they only get to pay the price. I wouldn't last 2 minutes - Orders? Not me. And that's only a small start. My grandfather was forced into WW2- he voiced his political opinion, and not quietly (in case you wondered where I got that from-genetics). This was instead of outright kill, or just disappearing one night. That's how that worked then in Germany. He was lucky and came back home. Same story as today. Life goes on, life forgets. But the story does not end there.

And when you look at the bottom line, after a while, do soldiers really buy propaganda? Maybe for a while. But deep in the trenches, when things get rough, they're not thinking of your freedom or mine, least of all of the president (maybe, but probably better move away from that) the reasons are at home for each. Home not as in country, but family. Their own. So next time you want to support a soldier - reach out to his/her family. I'm sure that would make them happier then a sticker on the car. When they come back, remember where they came from, remember, that each and every single one is a reason for the freedom we take so for granted.

Freedom - use it wisely...

To help get started somewhere, our very generous Robin at http://creations-anew.blogspot.com/2008/10/waiting-at-home.html offers the perfect card. Feel free to check out her other Art as well. She has many treassures. But don't stop there. There is a real difference in just giving something, or truly caring. Most people will be glad, if someone only just tried to understand. And there are so many in need of a little caring - aren't you too?

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Trees and Life - Thoughts to ponder

2008-10-21T21:28:00.000-04:00

Some of the trees I talked about in an earlier post. Some seem to be watching,

others are not hard to imagine moving, if they wanted to. The picture doesn't reflect this as well as I hoped. In any case, you have to look at it for a little while, before they reveal themselves. Wish I had a way to highlight them for you.

Even the next one is not as impressive as when you're there.

Good size reference (above), our truck, a Ford 350 super duty, and my twelve year old heading towards six foot high (where he will stop, nobody knows...)

Impressive heights, making you feel tiny, standing anywhere near them. Things like that put everything in correct perspective. Their presence is not only seen but strongly felt. Further back, the air is clean enough, to let Oakmoss grow abundantly - I was pleasantly shocked - we're in Connecticut... there is heavy traffic not far, and all around, but these trees keep the area as it should be.
This is why it's my favorite field. Even if you're all by yourself, you're never alone.

Strange, that relationships with plants and animals are so simple. Humans are so complicated. Was is always like that, or is this complexity and complication new?
I suspect that it is partly our nature, but mostly because we disconnected from our core. Now we have arm-chair naturalists, everything is business, and all is so out of perspective, that we keep banging our heads against the walls we created ourselves. And yet we think we're modern, enlightened and advanced.

The fact is, the closer we are to nature - real nature, not in theory- the closer we are to the truth. There are rules. They apply to everyone. There is incredible beauty, love and gentleness. There is incredible cruelty and ugliness. There is life and there is death - and it's all the same.
A cycle, where one could not be without the other. It's that simple - and yet it is a daily battle for the one, and not the other - the battle of illusion, trying to shape things to our liking. For our own survival. This is true for every creature. And as some win, others loose.
Small scale view - on the larger scale, "how does what I do affect the whole?"
Something each and everyone must ask themselves, but how many do...
Often we feel small and insignificant, thinking about the whole, but we have to remember, a small grain can tip the scale, and many can add up to a lot.

Being human, are we truly only subject to laws of nature? Should not nature combine with spirituality, and make us greater?
Regardless of religion, which is only human made, we are spiritual beings first, even if we forget. We have an obligation to make nature better. Not claim dominion to the point of playing God- we're just not THAT good. Nobody is. I'm talking about respect, compassion, caring, and easing suffering that nature can cause. Share the beauty and gentleness. Instead of someone wins, someone looses, can't we find a better way?
If the answers are too hard to find, let's keep it simple, look again at nature, a bunch of trees for example, the vines and weeds, and all the animals who call that home - the answers to life's most profound questions are there.....if we're only willing to see and hear. So who should be in charge of earth?

.

Love that "New" Wash Rack or Problems can be a good thing

2008-10-21T17:11:00.000-04:00

A new problem, a new solution. Usually we wash everything in a large bin. Really a cattle waterer. It's set up on the floor, in front of the Garage, and I sit on a small step stool. Every piece of vegetable gets washed individually by hand. For years I've been thinking, there's GOT to be a better way. The problem is, if I elevate this bin, the emptying is a challenge, because it gets too heavy and unmanageable when it's filled with water. Yes, it has a drain, but that doesn't want to open. We're concerned if forced open, it might never close right again. That has happened.

I have no doubt, we'll keep on doing the summer vegetables this way. Tender Squash, Tiny Pickles and such bruise easily, and are too small for these openings. But fall vegetables we'll do differently now. Thanks to the potatoes. Too many, and way too dirty to wash in the bin, not to mention that it has gotten too cold to keep hands in water too long. Hosing off on the driveway wasn't working, since the asphalt scratches the skins. Another drawback, they all have to be picked up again, and turned several times. I did that for the gourds, and my back was screaming when I was done - each time. Worse then picking them. But it worked. Faster and better then washing/scrubbing each one in the bin.

Below you see pictures on my potato set-up. Two picnick tables hold a strong fencing piece. Pieces of wood all around prevent rolling away. As I pour the baskets of potatoes on, a lot of dirt falls straight thorough, and I can hose-wash them from above and below. Easy enough to rumble them around by hand, while keeping the water going.
One adjustment I had to make - clothing. It does create back splashes and showers, when the water comes back down, pointing full stream underneath.... The first time was pretty cold and wet- and muddy.
The kids had loads of fun playing in the resulting mudslide on the driveway and drain area. I should have taken a picture of my truck.... the ball did it...

Works great for carrots, too. They however required smaller spacing, which I rigged with some regular loose fence (small squares). What I will do for next year, is make a frame for that, preventing the roll up. And this, just might work for pickles - have to play with that.

Here you can see how much dirt falls straight through when loading the rack - all that would have muddied the wash water severely, and on a flat surface re-mucked the potatoes underneath during washing. Now it's already out of here.

Next, hosing down. So easy. The broom is for leveling the big pile gently while hosing, and later to bring the potatoes closer while sorting. It's not stiff enough to turn them around (hand work), which is good, since there is no injury to the tender sweet potato skins that way.

Nobody likes problems, but without them, we wouldn't think of new ways of doing things. Everything would remain the same, even if it wasn't working. So yes, problems and challenges can be a good thing, helping us grow and learn, finding better ways.

Shifting Gears - The "In-Between"

2008-10-20T22:23:00.000-04:00

Fall - a beautiful time of the year. My favorite, really, even though I do love Winter.
When everyone complains about the cold, grey days of winter, the long nights, and too much snow, I have to disagree. Then I'm happy. As happy as playing in the Herb Garden during any season, doing something with the kids, playing with the animals. As happy as doing anything that connects with my true self. Guess that has something to do with being introspective, as well as naturally a night person. That's when I function best. Completely opposite of my husband, as in everything else. He's the rooster, I'm the owl.

This time of the year is great, but also challenging. Farm season is good, but hectic. Always GO-Go-Go. Strangely, as the pressure is on, we live up to it. We do what needs to be done, and often we pull off miracles. I couldn't possibly explain how things get done in time, yet they are, because they have to. As things slow down, the exhaustion factor kicks in hard - it almost seems as if we are connected to the plants, the land, and feel what they feel. But there are logical, physical explanations for that, I'm sure.

Still so much to do, and that's not to mention the Fall cleaning of the house. I do Spring cleaning, too, but that's not a big deal. Spring work is more of a preparation for things to be able to hold their own during summer, with minimum maintenance (more or less).

Fall is "the big one" for us. Inside and out, catching up on everything that had to wait, because it could. There are house outside repairs, chicken coup repairs, fencing plans, ground leveling plans (so the next spring melt + rain doesn't come into the basement again). The inside gets a top to bottom clean, because it needs it (in whichever order-amazing how it all interconnects...), just to mention a few of this category.
But the fields need to be winterized now- right after we get the last root crops all out, then there are still some markets, since we are unable to store all that stuff. Needless to say, I'm also filling the freezers, and again research root cellars - wish we had one. And no, still no time for canning.

School has of course started, and needs quite a bit of attention from me, since we're doing that at home. I'm low on a lot of soaps, oils, ointments, creams - have to find time to make more. The last harvest of herbs is hanging of the ceilings, or drying in wicker baskets and screens. Infused Oils and Tinctures are waiting to be strained and bottled.
But washing and sorting potatoes comes first. So do Beans and Applesauce, so we can unplug the produce cooler, which is not paying for its high electric bill right now...
I think I'm grinding the gears here.... but somehow it will all get done...just don't ask how, because I don't know.

Once all the tractors and equipment are home, they get in line for repairs and maintenance. That starts with the first snow. At least by then, all else will be settled, and finally we'll be out from "in-between."
But not before we stock the wood pile high. Trees fallen during last winter will need to be brought home now. What fun would winter be, without a good fire to warm up on, and something to eat on top, smelling good.

But we're close now. Real close. My books are calling, many new ideas are demanding attention, waiting to be born - wait, wait, just a little longer.....I'm almost there.

.

What about Organic - Or Not...Our Secret

2008-10-19T10:26:00.000-04:00

"Are you Organic?" - A: "No" - and some stomp off into the sunrise, as if offended by the response...

I don't think I have to define organic. It's been well covered, and everyone is jumping on that wagon - even Toys R Us has "nature friendly " toys made of wood (I'm not going to comment on that..) and little packets of organic seeds with their plastic growing sets (recycled milk cartons, is what they say it's made from...). Clorox I hear is looking for a way to go natural....I can't wait to see how.

Organic has rules, many quite "workable" and I know of organic farmers who use more chemicals then we do. Or shop at the Regional Market (???). How does one differentiate this, from the ones that are really 100%? Is there such a thing?

Mostly you have to be certified to even use the word. Again, I'm not going into that. I don't want to talk about others, since they do what works for them, and we do what works for us, and that is what this blog is about.

We can't go organic, since our land is leased, and with one exception, we don't have the same spot more then one year at a time. We also have commercial farmers all around us. Whatever they use, is not affecting us much, as far as we can tell, except if they get a disease, we get it, when we haven't had it before on other fields somewhere else. Like the virus that wiped out squash. Then they spray the next crop and don't have it, but we still do...

We just don't use any pesticides at all. Never have. At one point I tried mixing up natural alternatives, but they really aren't working so well. Costly to mix garlic, cayenne and such by the 100 gallon.... besides trial batches only had little effect. Have you ever tried picking off bugs by hand? They can multiply faster then I could pick them off... If something has issues which can't be resolved, there is only one way to deal with it.... harrow it under and re-plant. Not the profitable way of doing it, but the right way.

We compost all the vegetables which don't make it to the cows and chickens. The manure goes on the compost, too. In the spring, after the rye is down, we work it into the soil.

And still, the plants need more. A little sprinkle of 10-10-10 is necessary after planting or seeding to provide extra nutrients. I'm not kidding about the sprinkle. Much like salt and pepper, they get no more. First because that's all they really need, second because fertilizer is, like everything else, very, very expensive. This year we couldn't even afford all we needed. What we ended up doing, was to get the next strongest numbers, and used even less. That worked. Makes sense. In medicine it's a fact, that you can overdose on too much of anything. Pain relief for example comes in all kinds of different types and strengths for that very reason.
Less of something stronger is better then more of something not so strong.
We'll experiment a little more with that, as well as our own natural alternatives.

Organic fertilizer - where can I find it by the tons locally? At a price we can afford? - I sure don't know, and have been looking for some time. Another thing - it comes from where? Fish.... organic fish? What about the contaminated oceans? Bone meal- organic raised, or loaded with chemicals introduced by commercial feed and treatment.... do I want or need hormones and drugs in our soil? Can a trusted lab confirm, and convince me, that these things do not go into the plants? There is prescription drug residue in our drinking water already, and nothing that is being done about that. I think I might stick with the precise chemicals, and not a chance cocktail.
I've been raised with Organic. My mother did it, when organic wasn't even cool in Germany, way back then. She read a book about Dr Seifert, and the rest is history- herstory rather.

She even traded the little bit of good farmland my father had inherited, for a much larger "dead spot" that used to be used for stone mining, then town garbage, buried with more stone and dump dirt. She had to sign a release in court, that she would not come back and change her mind. And yet, she transformed it into a small paradise. Later, refusing public attention, we found out that aerial pictures were taken. She set an example, and even accumulated followers - which usually quickly disappeared once they found out the extreme amount of work and dedication this required. To her it was an experiment, a strong desire to be completely self sufficient. She grew during WW2, and never trusted superficial abundance.

There was no electric, no water, in addition to no soil in that garden, just a couple acres short of being the smallest farm in the BRD (Germany).

I wish I had pictures from before and after. When we first walked the grounds, it was a depressing sight. Small spots of dying weeds here and there, mostly stone plates and rocks. One end had a very steep drop and visible marks from stone mining. Over the years, some trees had established themselves there, not one straight, all more or less twisted, shortened and in interesting shapes, clinging to the stone wall, grown out somewhat horizontal, then up towards the light. Climbing down, we'd slide on the gravel, towards giant boulders, quickly adapting to a fun slide and jump routine, towards a low lying, small but almost completely shaded grass field. This was eventually turned into grass feed and hay for the Angora rabbit breeding experiment for wool production/clothing, she was to start a few years later....

These trees were absolutely wonderful to climb on, even play on. Thick branches literally forming an odd, if wide spaced, nest structure as they reached out before growing up.
And no, we didn't buy organic fertilizer then. We made our own. But that's a different story.

Just to let you know, organic, I know ALL about and then some. We incorporate everything we possibly can into our farming. Only we have to adjust it for our situation, as well as our budget and opportunity. Certified we're not, and it doesn't matter. We don't have the customers that are willing to pay the price either. There are many that complain no matter how little we charge, and want extra, on top of extra. Farmers are supposed to be cheap, and the stuff grows free... right.

Bottom line, we sell superior quality for an average to low price. How we achieve that quality will just be our secret.

-Or not... just maybe, that's how farming should be done. Healthy food for everyone.

.

The Harvest goes on

2008-10-18T21:05:00.000-04:00

We thought we were about done, except for potatoes, sure the frost and freezing had killed everything above ground. But not so.

Lucky location, with lots of tall trees all around.

This is the first year we had this field, and it is my favorite of all the fields. Completely surrounded with a tree line, far back, and away from everything, it feels like a world of its own.

If you're quiet and pay attention, the trees talk. Some of their shapes are suggestive of fairy tale creatures, each with a different personality, which contributes to the unique feel.

The area is full of wildlife, large and small. We have fun tracking prints, and guessing on what chewed which....often obvious, but still fun. Where did they come from, where did they go. A new story every day.

Friday Harvest...

Sweet Potatoes just forked...

The whole nest - some of them are huge! A couple the size of my five year old's head...

A Quarter of one row done.... slow going by hand, but machinery sliced and diced them. We need to work on that. Everyone had fun though. It is a lot like a treasure hunt. Who is going to find the next nest with the biggest ones, the strangest shapes, and some even look like people.

Here you can also see how manual weed control looks like - when we can't keep up with it anymore..... Our neighbouring farmers' fields are still clean.

We hand hoe, pull weeds and cultivate things until picking. The fall produce gets attention until the plants are strong enough to hold their own, and a couple times after that. I guess you can call it natural cover crop... it sure is natural, and it's covering everything really well... the "crop" part is debatable however.

Prime Beans still - we didn't think they would make it. Unfortunately the picture is too blue, not showing their beautiful actual color. They sold fast at the market, and I kept some for freezing. Last call on that.

We also had more green peppers, carrots, red potatoes, beets, turnips, winter squashes, pumpkins, mums. I made pumpkin bread and had prepared some of the soaps I make. We also had Fruit, and a few other things, which added up to yet another good load. But not two trucks and a trailer full as usual. It was a good market. And still, there are more potatoes to get out, and we haven't even started on the regular white ones yet..... there might still be another market or two. We'll see. It sure is a lot more then we can eat, and we don't have good storage. We really need to work on a root cellar.

At least there is more time for cooking now. Ironically, at the height of the season we eat the worst. There's no time for cooking, no time for eating. Fast everything - good thing we have some fast foods in the buckets, like cucumbers, pickles, tomatoes. Not so good, that the kids aren't that much into it, except for raw super sweet corn, fruit and watermelons. That's their good fast food. Other then that, I'm just glad there is time to cook again. And with all those potatoes, and corn in the freezer, they're already looking forward to lots of corn chowder. Fine with me. Good for cold weather.

Why Algebra?

2008-10-16T08:57:00.000-04:00

We homeschool, I mentioned that. We also have a different vacation schedule. Similar amount of vacation, but starting later on off time, also going back to studies later. We skip a lot of the little vacation's Public School has, like Spring break etc. This allows for easier days, or a day off "just because" but mostly, I'm not much for long breaks, because the going back to school work is always a little challenging. Easier to just stay in the momentum and keep going.

So here we are at the end of Farm Season, working hard on getting this momentum going. A typical conversation. Mom (M) and Son (S)

S: "Why do I need hand writing practice. I can read what I wrote.../ Why do I have to re-write that essay?"

M: Remember those notes people left, that we could hardly decipher? Remember the business letter I had to e-mail? That's why. As a Farmer, just like in any other business, there is written communication. If communication is not clear in content, intent and spelling then it might as well not have happened. If nobody can read what you wrote, again, it didn't happen. Especially in farming, there is no time to waste, and mis-communication will waste not only time, but money, too.

S: "But why Algebra - I'll never need that..."

M: "That is true, unless you decide you want to farm. I can't think of any profession, except Science, that has as many unknown factors you need to calculate. Even though in the end it makes little difference, because you can never charge what you put in, you still need to know. You also need to get an average calculation for a year, since things are ever changing. You might need X-amount of chicken feed for Y-amount of chickens, for a month. These numbers change, as you sell R-amount of roosters at the auction, and one chicken dies of old age, and the fox clobbers two. So the X-amount of feed will last longer. That is, until you hatch a batch of new chickens, and the price for the feed goes up again..... You need shavings, you need to fix a coup, build another coup and that is not calculating any of your time and basics like feeders, storage cans, hay, fencing and such. "

S: "So you're saying if I can figure all this out, I can charge hmmmmm....lets say $5.- an egg? Seems to me, just thinking this over, that would be expensive eggs, since we only get about six to eight a day, if they lay strong"

M: "Very good thinking.....Yes, the amount of eggs is another factor. But no, the price of eggs really goes by the general market value for a Dozen"

S: " O.K. We sell them presently for ...$. So why don't we get X-Dollars like ....... for Free Range, Non-Hormone and Non-Antibiotic fed Chicken Eggs? That would still make more sense, considering the painful calculations you just had me do...."

M: "Because then people wouldn't buy them at all, because the store down the street has a Sale this week for $$, and their regular price, on normal eggs is.... That their Brand name brown eggs are $$, is irrelevant it seems"

S: " HA! See Mom, just like I said..... Schoolwork IS a waste of time"

M: "No it isn't. You have to KNOW what you put in, so you can make adjustments, like knowing to use older, good lumber, even though you'd like to buy new. Like feeding as much as possible what you grow, and when to consider investment in bulk, so you have some savings, but no spoilage from overstocking. See?"

S: " What I "see" is, how to calculate losses, and that I should find a decent career, and not farm"

M: " Smart boy. Now you know why you need to do your School Work"

.....And then I'll tell you all the reasons why we farm, again, so you can make up your own mind. The bottom line is not always as easy as profits and losses. There are many things of greater value. There is also a bigger picture called economy. There is security beyond the numbers in the Savings Account, and there is the thing of "Purpose in the greater scheme of things." That means, how can you make a difference in this world. But that's a different subject. Now go do your Algebra and Writing..."

One more Very Last Market Saturday, in Bloomfield -Trick or Treat

2008-10-14T22:45:00.000-04:00

Trying out working in costume - guess it will work, as long as it doesn't get hot

You didn't think this is how I dress every day... Did you?

I guess we just can't get enough, don't know when to quitt, or just miss all of you too much - take a pick. We decided to do one more Market. We'll be in Bloomfield this Saturday.

I'm going to close the Stand now instead. The Squirrels are just tearing up the pumpkins. They're chewing holes large enough, for them to go all the way inside, and stuff themselves all day. Quite funny really. I even took some pictures. When they're in, to get the seeds, it looks like the pumpkin has a tail. Then they come out, eat, jump on the pumpkin, sitting up, while holding on to the handle. Then they run away, only to come back and repeat.

We're also harvesting what there is on potatoes. White, red and sweet potatoes. We don't even know what we will be getting for sure. The weeds took over a while back, even though we tried hard to keep up with them. The hills we tested had nice ones though. We also know, that some of you were waiting for them. So we will bring some of what we have. We'll also have more Winter Squash, Pumpkins, and Fruit. We will even have more Green and Wax beans - who would have thought.

The tables won't be loaded as usual. Because of that, I will be bringing some things we've never offered before. We will also have a little surprise, but of course I can't tell..... Trick or Treat.....

And while we're on this subject, here's a little treat for you now (and a hint)

Some things are Halloween Favorites for good reason.
Not just Trick or Treating and scary costumes, it's All Hallows Eve - a sacred Holiday.
The Veil thins again, to allow contact with the other side. Not only beloved people and animals, but also the not so friendly spirits. Hence the customs of magical protection, as well as disguises.

A quick overview of some of the not only powerful, but delicious, and fun things used, and their purpose. Of course, now that you know, you can also use them any time you have need for a little extra help.

The Pumpkin - Abundance; carved or decorated to scare away evil spirits
Salt- Protection
Cinnamon- Spirituality and Protection, Success, Healing
Nutmeg- Luck, Health, Anti-Hunger
Water- Cleansing (easily charged, great conductor)
Eggs- Fertility
Vanilla- Love, Mental Powers
Walnuts- Health and Wishes
Brown Sugar- Love
Ginger- Love, Money, Success, Power
Clove- Protection, Money
Pumpkin Seeds- Wishes
Flour- Abundance

So go ahead, and think of what you really want and need, next time you enjoy a pumpkin treat, and create some good magic in your life (works best, if the visualisation is repeated) and watch for the coincidences that just can't be explained...

Have a very happy Halloween

Plastic - Caring Rewarded

2008-10-14T09:55:00.000-04:00

Plastic - so convenient, so good, so bad, and SO MUCH of it everywhere.Especially where it doesn't belong. Clogging up landfills, oceans and most tragically, Wildlife.

I'm not going to preach. I use plastic too, just like everyone else. Even if I didn't want to, there's no getting away from it.

Often I have to laugh, when someone gets on the soap box regarding petrochemicals, in whichever application. Chemo phobia, or hatred of it even, when one is trying to push their "all natural" products (whatever they are, they're often not) seems hypocritical, unless someone follows through and rejects ALL petrochemicals, which is just about impossible. This aside, we DO have to do something, and quickly, to cut down the senseless, mindless use of plastic, treating it as a disposable. Because it is NOT.
There is no good way of disposing of plastic. Recycling is a start, but many plastics do not recycle at all, or not well. Just think about what it will take, to break it down. Ever smelled plastic that got on the heater in the dishwasher? Yuck....
A little research will inform anyone that cares, more then I'm able to in a short post.

The point here is, as vendors, we unfortunately have to buy plastic bags by the cases, to add even more to the pollution. This has saddened me for a long time, and I was not able to think of a better alternative. Just during one market, we use an insane amount of plastic bags. A lot of people want each item in a separate bag, and then another bag, to bag all the bags together. This is something I do not understand. Why????
There are also a lot of people who will not mind, if I suggest putting things that get along, in the same bag. Not fruit and onions of course, but other then that, most things will not conflict.
Some do bring their own bags, like I do, when I go shopping. Only very few at first, until I had an idea...

An experiment, but it took like wildfire. I could charge for the bags, like some stores.... Either people pay, and we still use the same amount of bags, or - more likely, they'll just buy next to us, where bags are free. Not to mention the complaints. Neither was going to work well. But, what if I rewarded caring....

I made a sign, and told everyone about it. If customers brought their own bags, they'd get extra produce. They would get whatever I had surplus of. Sometimes more choice, sometimes less, in the fall most were fine with getting a discount. The catch, this only applied, if none of our bags were used. If they wanted items separated, bring more bags. Someone that bought more, and regularly, would get a little more as well. Quickly people remembered to bring their bags, put every one of their pockets to use, or just carried things off in their hands (their cars are usually not that far away). And they were loving it.

I am so proud of my customers. Many DO care, and are aware of the problems our environment is dealing with. They want to make a difference, but hectic life gets in the way. For that reason, if someone always brought their bag, then buys a lot of things, but forgot their bag one time, they still got the extra produce. I knew, these people wouldn't just throw it out, but re-use it again.
And if someone doesn't care about the environment, they still want the extra produce, and that's fine with me, because I care.

We also have small bags for small purchases, or individual items, larger handle bags for corn or bulk. This might not seem much of a difference, but it all adds up. If someone has a better solution, I'd be happy to hear about it.

I offered paper bags as well for a while, but somehow it doesn't work so well at the markets. Many prefer plastic, even demand it. At the stand, paper did much better. Paper does have its limits with fresh produce, and forget it, if it's a rainy day...

We still used too many bags for my taste. I'm going to look around for inexpensive fabric bags for next year, and offer them at cost. No frills, no advertising, just bags. I thought about that before the season began, but couldn't find anything to my liking. I also wasn't sure if this was something that would work. I certainly do not need hundreds or more of any bag - except for plastic....
Still, I'm happy enough with this solution for now. The word got out to a great number of people, and many welcomed and supported it. In fact, we observed someone demand extra produce from a neighboring vendor, for bringing her bags. That's not what I had intented. Nobody should be forced into giving away their product. And yet, she got it... This gives me hope, that maybe others are willing to give a little, to help solve environmental problems. Maybe this is not a crazy idea after all, it just needs to get out there. Maybe people will spread it. That's why I'm writing about it.

Another twist to this is, people react positively, since our society is set up to punish wrong doing, doing right is what is expected. Even rewards are not distributed fairly. How many have worked hard for years, only to be by-passed for promotions again and again, just as one example.
My impression is, that this little extra produce touches much deeper then the "free" everyone wants. It's not free. An action is required to get it. But then, there is reward for that action. Every time. Not a game of chance, not the most aggressive, the better liked or better politician. We need more of that.

.

Biggest Melon of the year, Fun Gourds

2008-10-13T10:37:00.000-04:00

Biggest Melon of the year - could have been bigger if we didn't have so much rain. Pictures didn't upload right. The meassurements are ca 22 inches long, 12 inches high. Weight is 34.48 lb. Sitting in front of large (ca 16 inch) mums.

A picture also of gourds, ready to go to the market. There are always too many special ones we'd rather keep ourselves, but there's only so much room to decorate...besides, we did grow them to sell, so off they go. Of course they all sold.

What does "Farming without a Farm" mean?

2008-10-12T07:11:00.000-04:00

I should have probably started there..... How can you farm, without a farm.... that sounds crazy, doesn't it.

Many people want to know where our farm is located, and when someone hears "farmer" they get a default image of a farm of some sort. You know, the big place with lots of land, fields, barns, various farm animals, machinery. And in some way, this is all the way it is, but in a lot of ways, it's not. There are chickens and coups, there is certainly all kinds of machinery and a tiny Greenhouse in the spring.

There is even a big field next to the house/property, but it's not ours. We operate on about half an acre by the house. The Garage is our main work/turn around zone, from the fields to the markets. The fields are leased on a year to year basis. Over the about ten years we've been doing this, I could fill books with stories, with just this subject... Some are stories of success and ideal solutions for both parties. Others are horror stories I'd rather forget about.

See, there are situations, where people might own farmland, but can not, or do not want to farm it. For tax purposes, it has to be farmed to qualify for the lower taxes. So they rent/lease it out to farmers, and make some money in the process. Sometimes quite a bit.

Ironically, even though our property is zoned AG, and we've been farming, we pay residential taxes. And yes, it's O.K. Leave good enough alone. Just don't complain about the tractors or animals, or our sorting/packing all night for the markets, and we'll be happy. I promise, we try to keep it as quiet as possible, and try to fit in as much as possible. We also keep praying, and so far, we've been blessed with wonderful neighbors. Some even like what we do.

At present, we couldn't ask for better people to work with, in regards to leasing land. One, we've been leasing land from, for a long time. Just a really great guy, and the nicest person. He's been in a situation, where he saw the land get hurt - a lot- by a known commercial farmer. It hurt him, too. He loves the land, even though he rather goes fishing. He doesn't ask for much, except "take care of the land". We're a perfect match, and we'd gladly jump through hoops for this guy. But he doesn't want us to....

Another more recent lease, is an active farmer as well. Enough said. He's great, too. He is even going to lease us some next year, even though his situation changed, and he could use the land himself. We'll have less maybe, something different, we'll see. But we will have enough somehow. More people like those two, and the world would be a better place for all.

On an older couple's farm, we have a meat cow. They have the property, need to keep it farmland, and like to "grow" their own meat, along with a few cows for friends and family. We co-work this, by getting all the animals each year, getting all the hay, and taking all the extra vegetables for feed. They do the daily chores, fencing, maintenance, grain if necessary. Works for everyone, and we know what's in the meat - or rather what's NOT. Priceless.

Our crew - my husband and myself. My husband has a full time job, and only a couple years ago, so did I. We still farmed full time. And yes, we only have 24 hours each day, too. We have two sons, as many of you know. Twelve and five. They grew up with it all, and they're the reason we had to make choices in regards to employment. The babysitting situation was impossible, and since I homeschool too, something had to go. We kept the job with more money, even though I had the far better health insurance. Besides, if I had kept my job, we would still have needed a baby sitter, since my husband would have put even more time into farming. It was an agonizing, scary decision time. Not sure if we were going to make it financially, but determined, the children had to be priority, above all else. But that is also where the snake bites its tail - it takes money to take care of kids. The mortgage alone is a scary part, and a roof over their heads is an essential part. Then again, taking care of their basic needs, compared to their safety and emotional needs.... Considering some of the more "interesting" babysitting experiences we had, we decided to just take a chance. We would just have to take it a day at a time.

With me being home, we could also expand some, do more markets, pick more, process more etc. This opened a different situation altogether - eventually.

Experiences like that taught me much. The darkest hour really is just before dawn. When there seems no way out, and you're stuck in situations which just won't work, it comes to the point where they have to transform. Transformation can be painful, but as it works itself out, there is healing as well. Much superficial baggage falls off, as you're forced to intensely focus on priorities. Paradigm shifts occur, as we get to look at all facets, then have to step back, looking at the whole.

When is the last time you were forced to answer "What is it you really want?" --"What are you here to do?" ---"What is your most important task/mission ( at the time and in general)?"

Just a couple of challenging questions. We might never answer them completely. The answers might change. And yet, questions like that do much to bring things in proper perspective.

I'd love to say "They lived happily ever after - The End" But even in Fairy tales, the story continues. Always.

It's good for the kids to grow up like this. They grow into "real life" from the start, but they are also more protected from "real life." A paradox, yes. My favorite saying is "In paradox we recognize divinity" - I found that to be very true.

Some things about life need to be learned as early as possible. Other things, if possible, only in theory. Many things kids will learn to deal with in time, but it requires different maturity levels to do so well. This is the thought and philosophy I try to raise my children by.

And yes, it does have a lot to do with "Farming without a Farm." Be it farming or anything else, you do what you have to do, and if you want it enough, there is a way, even if it seems completely crazy and impossible. It might be hard, it might be littered with challenges and often take you past the breaking point, but in time there are rewards. There is a "testing" built in, it seems, to fire coal into diamond. As we know, there is not much Diamond in coal. But even in the worst case, at least you'll have a warm room....

I also know, what we experience plays itself out on many levels/realms/dimensions - pick one or more... Quantum Physics tells us so. I know, because as I change perception, attitude and focus, so do our circumstances. I don't have that all figured out yet, neither does science. I can't make the produce pick -load-wash-pack itself, the house refuses to clean itself, even if I insist, that it's really an illusion - stepping barefoot on a toy, a sink full of dishes, insist that it is very much NOT... So we'll work on that, until science has more pointers on how to work Quantum Physics into everyday farm life. Soon I hope.

But time to move on. Even though it is the morning after the last markets, much has to be done still. Fields, yard, machinery to get ready for winter, as well as the house -inside and out. A coup to paint - time ran out again, in spring. Winter will be filled with tractor repairs. My husband has been getting parts since spring, as he could find and afford them. The potato digger part we still can't find, so we'll be digging them by hand. A big investment, but not as big as a new, or working one. It will not help us this season.

See you next post

Last Markets of the Season

2008-10-11T21:59:00.000-04:00

Today was the last time at the Saturday Markets. Last Tuesday, the last Wilson Market.

The Stand will be open until Halloween, or as long as pumpkins last.
Could well be closing a lot sooner, since we normally have a whole lot more pumpkins. The wet weather this year has hurt a lot of crops.

This time of the year is always bittersweet. We're totally exhausted, and ready for a break, yet the good byes until next year are a reminder, how many friends we have made. Customers and fellow vendors will be missed.
None close friends, often we don't even know each others names. Still, there is a knowing each other, a happiness that spreads on seeing each other each time. A connection of humanity that's greater then what can be put in words. We share more then business transaction. Conversations about a lot of things, sometimes very personal because of the anonymity. Who says that can only happen on the Internet. Real life has this, too. Not always of course. But always with people on similar wavelengths, everyone is better because of it, walking away with something gained beyond the business exchange. This is how it should be.
Of course, there are also the very challenging individuals. No denying it, but I will not dwell on them right now, as we're saying good bye to the all the wonderful people we will miss. The very people we think about, when the going gets tough, when the work gets too long and too hard, when the challenging individuals seem to out-number the others. Thanks for being you.
Sometimes Farmers need a reason to do what they do, too. Beyond the financial rewards, since that can be a rather frustrating thought - so best not think about that much...

Think instead of "who" and "why" - that makes it all O.K.

So to ALL, have a wonderful, safe, warm, happy Winter and Spring. We will see you again next Summer.

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Critter Trouble

2008-10-09T15:34:00.000-04:00

A huge pile of pumpkins, washed, ready for the Market....just beautiful. Frost threatened, we went out early, stayed late to strip the fields, came home and found almost all the pumpkins had little nibbles on them. Some had provided a feast, but most were only tasted once. Chipmunks... Squirrels have been tearing up gourds, fruits and corn at the stand for a while. Chipmunks moved in a little while ago. First in the garage, then a whole lot decided the chicken coup would make the perfect home. We hear them on the baby monitor all day. That we had to set up in the coup, because a raccoon (most likely) had slaughtered seven chickens. One is in critical condition in the Family room. We so hope she'll make it, but it would definitely be a miracle. We re-did the coup, but we're also waiting for its return. A neighbor, we heard, lost all his chickens to a raccoon.

A couple weeks before that, we lost a Silky Rooster to a Hawk - that boy was my favorite, too. Quite intelligent, affectionate and handsome. The thing is, he could have lived, if he had chosen to hide like the others. He choose to fight.

There are always situations that trigger the fight or flight reaction - for everyone. Our choice, or maybe not? Seems that in these situations we just react. Our deepest nature reveals itself, and there is no choice. What gets me thinking is, that I don't run either. A deep need to protect and help whatever, whoever needs protecting won't allow it. I understand. And yet, sometimes running and hiding would be so much smarter. Maybe it's a lesson to correctly evaluate the situations? Maybe a lesson in heroism?
I wasn't there. Could be, that his fight gave the others the time to run and hide. Most likely.
A hero of a chicken in my book for sure. So careful calling someone a chicken next time. Could be you're calling them a brave hero, without meaning to....

We didn't have any of these issues with cats around - they however, disappeared. One or two at a time, and we still don't know for sure what happened. Does anyone want to get rid of a mean hunter? Our two Dobermans don't seem to have this under control.....

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Getting Started

2008-10-08T23:21:00.000-04:00

Another blog attempt. A few years back we thought, a blog would be a good idea, along with a website, to add more convenience for our customers. We could let them know, when produce would be available, and which. I thought the people looking for cheap tomatoes for sauce (as an example), could have that info with the RSS, almost as soon as I posted. But it didn't work that way. I found, that a lot of our customers liked calling, or stopping by. The website got little enough attention, and I cancelled it. On a super small farm, everything needs to earn its keep.

Things change of course, and so do people. A lot of new faces, and a lot of wonderful loyal customers that have been with us for years. I think that many just prefer the direct contact - and then, something else kept coming up more and more......

Again and again, I keep running into the attitude, that farmers are often not expected to have computers, and know how to use them. I'm sure (hope) that this is not the general attitude, and many know better, but I was again and again surprised to run into it at all.

Just for Tractors and parts, the Internet is invaluable, specifically E-Bay. Also a lot of other companies we would otherwise not even know of. Greenhouse and Seed/Plant Suppliers, the list is long. A good financial program is another thing that better be on a computer. Farming is a business, and just as the Banks aren't using the Abacus anymore, neither are Farmers.

Not to elaborate anymore on this curious fact, I move on, to the conclusion, that just maybe, people aren't looking for farmers on the web? I will try to do my part in changing this. Besides, there are a few more points which need a little attention. I promise, there will also be a lot of good stuff here, too.

As the season comes to an end, it's time to move back into Homeschooling, making Soaps, Creams, Ointments, Perfumes. I'm going to write about all this here, since it is all part of what we do. We're already evaluating this year, making plans for the next, looking into seeds, and what we might change next year.

See you next Post

Picture: My Husband, tired from 3 AM Hartford Regional Market, at Bloomfield Market /September