CSA Summer Newsletter: October 16th, 2023 (Week 21/23)

Howdy Folks,

As the world at large struggles with peace the land where our farm sits along the Mahoning Creek in our little valley of Eddyville sits quietly in the autumn hillsides.  The loudest sounds we hear now are birds and farm machinery, metal clunking, and buckets being smacked to empty.  The peace and quiet here is sometimes overwhelming after we learn about news of violence, political unrest, and populations facing homelessness and food scarcity.  The tears come easily with the stark contrast of peace and unrest.  Peace gives way for empathy.  It’s too bad we can’t grow peace plants (although deep down I think we do).  It’s just that the world at large doesn’t have access to fresh produce, healthy meats, superfoods, etc. that lead to balanced nutrition and a more fortified body and soul.

We have one more week before 5 of our field crew goes home to their families that eagerly await their return.  You can see more lightness in the crew’s faces as they are also sparked with excitement to reunite with their families.  Chris and I are trying to take it a little easy and tend to personal affairs before our workload gets amped up again with some crew leaving.  It’s sad to see these guys go, as they are working partners for half the year, but it’s also nice to think of them having time to spend with their family and to what my son calls, “chillax”, to chill and relax.

We all give up time with our loved ones for work.  This is hard but a necessary thing in supporting yourself and family.  Even us living and working from home, we don’t get tons of time with our kids when we are working in the season. Chris and I do not have much of any down time together that isn’t work related.  But each morning and night we can sit around our dining room table and share a meal.  This is a special time!  It's a time when we share about things that we experienced in the day, thoughts and ideas we have questions or feelings about, etc… It’s our chillax time. It's, also, our time to nourish and unwind.  We are so fortunate to have the food and the time together.

As the days grow shorter and we have more hours inside, we wish you some chillax time at your table with your friends and family!  Maybe as we do this more, we can hold in our hearts those who don’t have this at this time.  We hope for those that don't have peace and family time now will have it again soon.  

Thank you so much to the folks that came out to the farm this past Sunday.  It was wonderful to have you here!  It’s always great to put faces to names and to hear all your questions.  Thank you so much for taking the time.

Cheers,
Your Farmers

Chris, Aeros and the Who Crew!