A Community of One and Many

Hello

It is a mix of Indian summer and fall weather at the farm. The days are a combination of blue skies and sunshine mixed with the cool crisp air of fall. With the change in weather comes the end of the "pickin" season. And what a "pickin" season it has been - peppers, tomatoes, okra, onions, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, and eggplant have been in abundance this year. The corn crop was damaged by deer and groundhog. The first potatoes have been dug - redskin, yukon gold and white. The harvest would not be complete without gourds, pumpkins and cornstalks.

I can't begin to share all the things I have learned since my volunteer year began in August. Most days there are not enough hours in the day to do all that needs done - planting, weeding, picking, washing, and sorting produce is just part of the day. The farm crew of John, Mike, Gary and Richard also maintain all the farm equipment and feed and care for the animals. In addition there is the ongoing work of the greenhouse - the mums are "beginning to throw color" and the poinsettias are being tended to daily in the greenhouse. With the beginning of the CSA this year the market has seen an increase in customers.

During our orientation together I often thought what my year was going to be like as "a community of one". I love reading what all of you are doing and the experiences your share and it made me realize I am blessed to be a member of many communities. My home community of Jack and Molly our loved dog. The community of the farm crew - they have welcomed me and share their expertise and knowledge along with humor on a daily basis. The HM sisters who are appreciative of the HMVS program and finally the CSA members who I look forward to seeing each week. They are an interesting group who have committed their time and resources to buying local produce. They are vey supportive of the farm and love creating good food from the shares they receive each week. So my community has grown and I love every minute of it.

beth