You might want to grab a hot drink for these notes...

 

For the first time in months the sun took a vacation and the clouds were able to squeeze just a spritz of water out over the farm.  This past week felt raw.  There was at least one day I didn't take off my big orange rain overalls.  Our fields in Weston experienced a light frost, but the peppers and sweet potatoes seem to be okay.  This weather has inspired me to start baking bread again and cook more robust meals.  Soups, curries and quiches have been just some of the dishes that have warmed up our home this week.  As Janelle and I cleaned down onions on a rainy Saturday afternoon, we discussed how the offerings of the earth this time of year really align well with our cravings and our needs.  The garlic is cured, ready to ward off any illness the cold may bring and the winter squashes and root vegetables are hearty, leaving our bellies content.      

 

We are entering our 18th week of distributing vegetables to all 450 shareholders as well as our 12th week of our Outreach Market, for which we provide shares to about 100 families each week.  It's also our 2nd month of contributing to the Vegetable of the Month Program at the Waltham Public Schools.  At this point in the season, we know which vegetables were the overachievers and which ones needed more attention or at least more water.  The lettuce, celery, and garlic this year have taken the "Most Outstanding" award in my opinion, where as the kale, collards, and cabbage, I would say, get the "Most Improved" award considering how beautiful our fall crop has been so far.  Other crops like dill and beans hopefully will win something next year.   

 

As for our work this week, I want to thank the volunteers who have dedicated their personal time to helping us week after week since early April.  I really enjoy working with volunteers and am appreciative for their dedication and enthusiasm for the farm.  This week we were able to weed the winter kohlrabies, the high tunnel which is filled with spinach, scallions and fennel, and the collard patch among many others.  We also began the process of taking down the tomato stakes and twine, which drastically changed the landscape of the west field.  We continue to chip away at the sweet potato harvest before the voles harvest them for themselves at our Weston fields.   And Dan has been busy on the tractors, still cultivating, disking, and cover cropping at the field station.

 

Some of you may or may not have dreams to be a vegetable grower, but for me, it is quite easy to idealize its wholesome lifestyle especially as the colder months set in.  Imagining the freshest, home cooked dinners. Sunshine on your skin and fresh air in your lungs. Sore muscles and deep sleep. The sense of instant accomplishment after a perfectly weeded bed of arugula and baskets full of colorful greens, all shapes, sizes, and textures.  This work brings you into the present moment and forces you to surrender to nature's forces.  But there is a reason the family farm has declined.  I guess it's like anything in that your work is never done.  It's demanding not only physically but mentally too.  There is always more that could be weeded, watered, diagnosed, fixed, recorded, planned, discussed, remembered, etc.  As much as I enjoy and value this work, it is stressful.  Although there are some fantastic insects you can find in the fields, it's not always rainbows and butterflies.  You barely have time to eat the food you grow.  The energy level after a day in July is barely enough to get you in the shower and to bed for the next day.  This time of year begins to lend itself to a bit more down time.  Last night I watched an interesting biopic film called Cesar Chavez.  As many of you probably already know, Chavez was an advocate for farm workers' rights in the 60s.  I wouldn't watch it for its acting, but it really opened my eyes. The film shows a glimpse into the lives of farm workers in California just about 50 years ago with many struggles and issues ever-present today.  It makes me appreciate those who have come before us in the struggle of farming and how important this work is to society. 

 

Growing vegetables is a process and a journey.  It constantly presents us with challenges, some of which are out of our control.  One of its greatest rewards is knowing that we are providing nourishment for a community.  As an organization we are creating space and time for meaningful relationships to develop and blossom between our natural world, our food, and fellow humans.  This brings me back to the work and why it all matters and helps me get up each and every morning for another go at it.  Thank you for the motivation.

 

Enjoy the fullness of the season with healthy food and good people.

 

Anna