A Rainy November Day

The chickens look more like ducks today, wandering in and out of their "Coop de Villa", while Adam, the young rooster, reminds them that , yes, he is in charge. He's a gentle leader, firm and kind, so far. There are puddles all over the chicken's area. Everything is dripping this morning, the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

We finally had to ask our webmaster, Cathal, to make the announcement that we can't take any more names for the CSA waiting list for 09. There are so many people who want fresh, local organic food and our farm is only so big. We are harvesting greens these days, and the young chickens should be laying any minute now, so we may have eggs for market soon.
But it's been frustrating to get emails and calls from folks who are so excited they've found a local farm when we can't meet all their needs. Even Mattawoman Creek Farms on the Eastern Shore has a huge wait list for next year. And we are still holding the idea of selling this farm so we can buy another.
It's more on pause as the winter sets in.
The word is out that fresh and local is the best you can eat, and I only hope that in time, we can provide that to our community. So, in one way, I am thankful for this year, for the third season of CSA and our fabulous committed members, and I am also hopeful that we can do more.
Mostly, I am thankful to John, whose vision opened the whole thing- and to all the farm laborers and CSA helpers who made this year feel easier than we had imagined at first.
And as I cracked enough pecans from one little tree on the farm for a butternut squash cake for Thanksgiving- I was also thankful for the things that come of age on their own, abundantly invested with their own purpose in life. Let's hope more things work like that.

Late Fall on the farm and Edible Chesaopeake magazine

It's nearly Halloween on the farm. Nick, Melissa, Chris and John are digging up sweet potatoes today and the temps are in the low fifties. The chickens have grown and it turns out we have one young rooster- we're calling him "Adam" ( first man?) and his crow is still developing. He sounds like a rooster with a speech impediment at the moment, more a " ur-uh-urrrr" instead of the true " cock-a doodle-doo".

John is still distributing produce at The Heritage, Virginia Garden and the Norfolk Farm Market. The lettuce is amazing and the greens are gorgeous, collards and kale are ready to pick and eat.

This fall, I still mean to put together a CSA survey to distribute to our members online. Members- look for it in the next week or so.

I've been spending more of my time writing than ever before, now from my upstairs office, where I have a beautiful view of the farm. It's a dream come true!

Speaking of dreams coming true, I have will have two articles in the winter edition of Edible Chesapeake magazine, produced up in the DC area. One is a short piece about Croc's Bistro-a little place with a big green heart- and another is a first person essay about being a farmer's wife. This is great news for me as a writer because Edible Chesapeake has a large distribution from Northern Virginia all the way to Tidewater! It's a beautiful magazine, with lush photography, great writing and delectible recipes, a great addition to the side tables and kitchens of our CSA members. We have a box of the fall edition here at the house if any CSA members want one. They are also available at Virginia Garden and The Boot and some other area locations.

Check it out at http://www.ediblechesapeake.com/

Here's a photo I sent to the magazine. I'm usually the one who takes the pictures at the farm, but I stooped to shameless self-promotion just this once! The apron belonged to Margie Zentz, my daughter Skye's grandma.She was a great cook and a loving woman.

Week 20 (September 27, 2008)

After the rain, red was the color of the day ...

In this week's share: basil, bok choy (2), eggplant (4-6), garlic (3-4), leeks (2, 1 lb), okra (pint), parsley (bunch), peppers (1.5 lb), potatoes (2.5 lb).

Don't forget that many of the recipes from the last three years can be found at the New Earth web site.

Week 19 (September 20, 2008)

In this week's share: basil, edamame, eggplant, garlic, okra, parsley, peppers, choice of green beans or tomatoes (shown), choice of bok choy (shown) or tatsoi

Missy trims a fine strand of edamame

The ephemeral okra blossom

A List Of ...

...One Hundred (Vegetarian) Things To Eat Before You Die

Week 16 (August 28, 2008)

In this week's share: basil, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, long beans, lettuce, peppers (green and jalapeno), tomatoes

Week 14 (August 16, 2008)

In this week's share: basil, cucumbers, eggplant (japanese and globe), garlic, leeks, peppers (jalapeño and green), tomatoes (juliet and slicing), one of: green beans, edamame, okra, pattypan squash

Zucchini

"here are plenty of ideas for cooking them now or saving them for later" - from the Ethicurean

Week 12 (August 02, 2008)

In this week's share: basil, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, onions, pepper, parsley, tomatoes, yellow squash, with a choice of chard, green beans, okra or more tomatoes.


As you can see, this week's share had a lot of cucumbers, so the recipe of the week is Cucumber and Black-Eyed Pea Salad from eatingwell.com. It requires 4 cups of cucumber.

A massive writer spider adjacent to the out-building.

Week 11 (July 26, 2008)

In this week's share ... basil, cucumbers, garlic, eggplant, leeks, lettuces, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, choice of beets or chard.