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Another deep freeze upon us – temperatures in the single numbers and falling – a good day to sit by the wood stove, think spring and do some creative writing. To be perfectly honest, I’m thinking not just about the coming spring but about the coming summer as well. As many of you have been made aware, I celebrated my 70th birthday just a month ago and as a way to honor my admission into the septuagenarian club I am planning a cross-continent bicycle tour for summer ’22. No, this is not early onset dementia or a heart attack death wish, but a desire to travel to parts unknown using my own power while I am still able.

Of course this means that I won’t be here at Hope’s Edge Farm this summer growing the vegetables that many of you have come to appreciate and to even depend upon. BUT, even though I will not be here, there is a plan afoot to continue growing vegetables for your gastronomic pleasure. To this end, Rachel Olsen and Jason Rawn – two individuals who for the past two seasons have been involved in helping to produce the produce of which many of you have partaken – have decided to take on the tasks of tending, nurturing, harvesting, and distributing the roots, leaves, flowers and fruits that these soils so generously provide. Rachel’s husband will also be involved as tractor operator and equipment maintainer. (He will also be called upon more than he knows for galinsoga patrol.) Rachel’s 8 year-old daughter will insure that they all stay on task and will be available to consult on weed identification.

Although this crew is in many of the practical respects of farming a team of rookies, they are in heart and soul “old farm hands”. That is, they have come to recognize in themselves a deep attachment to the growing of food. While the practical knowledge can be learned, the heart and soul connection is inborn and it is primarily through this connection that food can be and is indeed coaxed from the Earth.

Rachel and Jason have also written a post outlining their vision for the coming season. As you will see they are planning a hybrid CSA-farm stand model. I will be here through the spring helping them get things started and should be back by fall (unless I get lost) to help with late harvest and clean-up. It is my hope that you, who have been my support throughout the years, will continue to support them through this, their rookie season.

As far as my bike trip is concerned, there are still many ducks to get in a row – not the least of which is getting in shape. One hope for this trip is to use this journey to bring awareness and support to the issues of food insecurity, food sovereignty, and food justice. This “duck” still needs some feathers to fly and so I will update you as she begins to grow her wing feathers. Until then stay warm, stay healthy, and stay in touch.

Tom

Greetings Friends February 9, 2016

Early February is a propitious time in the agricultural calendar in that it marks the half-way- point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. In pagan times February 1^st was celebrated as the beginning of spring; the day being given the name Imbolc. The etymology of the word Imbolc has an agricultural connection as its Gaelic translation is “in the belly” or often times “ewe’s milk” as this was traditionally the season of lambing. In the pagan calendar February 1^st was also the day to honor the fertility goddess Brigid. Christianity later subsumed this day, making it St. Brigid’s’ Day and then incorporating it into Candlemas Day, February 2^nd. Candlemas falls 40 days after Christmas and simultaneously honors the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the purification of Mary (a 40 day purification period following the birth of a child was required before a woman could enter the temple). Today we celebrate February 2^nd as Groundhog Day which brings us back full-circle to a “pagan-like” celebration associated with a change of season.

Regardless of your relationship to paganism, Christianity or large rodents, this time of year, early February, means that we are one step closer to a lunch of tomato and cucumber salad. Well perhaps you may consider this connection between early February and ripe tomatoes as somewhat of a stretch, but for me this is the time of year when my mind’s eye begins to see not only fruits but also leaves, roots and particularly seeds of all kinds. The little miracles that we call seeds have arrived and are waiting patiently to be planted into warm soil where the hidden life within will quicken and there my friends is the miracle.

Early February is also the time to send out this invitation to the 18 week vegetable party that we are once again throwing this summer. Besides Tomato and Cucumber other invited guests include Strawberry, Fennel, Eggplant, many members of the Brassica family including everyone’s favorite Kohlrabi. Also attending will be Carrot Peas and Garlic. And you can be sure that the beautiful Flower sisters will make an appearance in their finest attire and unique scents. This is only a partial list of some of the honored guests that you have come to know. Attending this party is an opportunity to be nourished once again by these old friends. It is also an opportunity for you to reacquaint yourself with their unique shapes, colors, flavors, and textures. It promises to be the event of the season- one not to be missed. To secure a seat at the party table, simply RSVP by sending us the reply (sign up) form with julietta online casino your payment.

In addition to the above mentioned VIVs (Very Important Vegetables) you may also want to make a weekly connection with this party’s non-vegetable attendees Appleton Creamery Cheese, Heiwa Tofu, and Back 40 Bakehouse bread.

So, come party with us! If you love vegetables, you will not be disappointed. By the way that large rodent referred to above did not see his/her shadow last week. Winter is over! Tomatoes will be coming soon.

Your Farmers,

Tom and Amanda

Winter Greetings From Farmer Tom

February 2016