Farming and Electing---Kids, the Adults Are Here!

Back in the high desert after a vacation along the east coast, I can report A--a lack of rain here; B--the aroma of roasting chiles in the air, and ; C--a need in yours truly to vent.
I hear a "har-har" radio story about a man who happily has eaten a BigMac every day since the early 1970's, and I reflect on the inanity of much of what is labeled" news" these days. (Incidentally, the report said the guy walks 10 miles a day............!)

Even food news as noted in effete east publications endlessly focuses on the same boutique farms like Stone Barns, outside of New York---why?  because it's close to NY and easy to get the story. Kidstuff.  We had a terrific time there ourselves, but the notion that its all-natural restaurant, Blue Hill, is accessible to the average mortal is utterly bogus. It's hideously costly and difficult to book into. And many other places across the country serve up tasty, locally-grown food as well. Thankfully, this is a trend.

Having just spent about a week working on Summit Springs Farm in Maine with two old pals,  in the farm's first summer as a CSA, I can attest to the fact that growing food is exceedingly hard, satisfying, down and dirty, frustrating, joyful, tiring, and all the rest. In other words, the undertaking is full of contrasts, of gray, of subtlety. It is serious stuff,  the work of adults, of grown-up people who comprehend its importance. 

Case in point re contrast---The giant horn worms that found the tomato plants in the greenhouse are spectacular beauties, busily going about their mandate to destroy said plants. Feeding them to the happy hens in their enclosure made me both utterly satisfied, ( as were the "girls,") but also a twinge remorseful--these creatures are perfectly designed, and turn into hummingbird-sized hawkmoths, if they make it that far in their lifecyle. Of course they fancy many of the solanaceae--tomatoes, tobacco, eggplant, and potatoes, too, though I have never seen them on any spud plants in my realm.  I plucked them from my bin-grown tomatoes earlier this season, after finding two giants decimating a datura ( Jimson weed) plant not close by.

As the farm is headed towards its organic rating, it uses no pesticides. So the tomato plants are fading away earlier than they might, under onslaut from the lovely green worms. And the squash bugs are working away in the winter squash rows, though thus far the squash are holding their ground. ( I know, as we weeded the hell out of them...)

Each week the farm decides what to offer its CSA members, and sometimes, these choices are tough--rain rotted many of the potatoes, the chard is fading, the new lettuces not yet ready--and yet satisfied customers roll away from the small garlic-festooned barn with what IS available. Apples just picked from one fecund tree by Sonya. Jewel boxes of yellow and red cherry tomatoes, and plenty of "blue" spuds.

We are looking at a crucial election this year, by the way, one that will impact the nations of the world, as well as the planet, and, of course, these United States. While some wish to pretend we are electing junior high student council personalities, and that up is down and backwards is forwards, sorry, kids, the grownups are here, and when we are not weeding, planting, harvesting and selling,  we are voting like responsible adults.

(Two of the Rockin' Goddesses weeding away in the eggplant row.)

Comments

[Kerry]

How are the gardening gals going? I'm waiting to read a new blog - looks like great fun but very hard work, congratulations gals

[Marion]

Very cool and interesting post. I approve of gardening gals. Keep up the good work.

[Portable Greenhouse]

Great post! It was very well researched and I enjoyed it very much. I bookmarked your site and will be back very soon, I look forward to reading some interesting posts! Thanks.

[Foodie]

Thank goodness, the sun held out long enough for the eggplant to grow. And when you cook it, don't forget to grate a little fresh nutmeg on it.....

[Sonya]

The eggplant finally came through and we distributed it to a very happy CSA this week! Plus made a delicious parm. Thanks again for weeding it!!!

[Foodie]

It was such a gas, John. Thanks for allowing the invasion of the gardening gals!

[Art]

I used to do that to, on the fields. Very hard work, but lots of fun... Best wishes to you.

[John]

Well stated, Auntie! And many thanks again to you and your friends for all your hard work, laughter, good vibes, etc., etc.