Hello everyone, and Happy New Year!
I’m currently working in my living room, sitting beneath a blanket and perpetually refilling my mug with hot beverages while I plan for 2016. If the growing season requires physical strength and endurance—rolling with what comes my way— and for me to be my most extroverted self, the “off season” is just its opposite. It’s a time for reflection, spreadsheets, lots of sitting, and planning ahead as much as I can while I can.
My only interactions with folks outside of my family and friend circle occur when I make phone calls, and my days are spent in solitude. I can feel my muscles become weaker as January marches on. It’s a special farmer version of hibernation!
This is all to say, I’m very much looking forward to emerging from behind my laptop and meeting you all, the people that make up the vibrant community that is Stearns Farm! Right now the farm is sleeping but is only a matter of months until we will all be there picking up shares, picking berries, planting seed, weeding, harvesting, eating, or just sitting and enjoying the beautiful gardens that have been cared for with so much hard work, attention, and love over the years.
Until next time, please enjoy this photo, taken last week, of a very sleepy Stearns Farm. The days are only getting longer and the sun is only getting stronger! Yes!
All my best,
Mel
