One Weekend on the Farm

This past weekend was simply delightful. Not only did we accomplish much but we had plenty of help and fun in the process. Friday evening set the tone for the weekend when we sat around the living room socializing with relatives and friends. Topics ranged across current events, our personal histories and philosophies, politics, farming, and just life in general. Laughter permeated the air and the atmosphere was friendly and gay.

Saturday began with blueberry walnut pancakes and more visiting, then we all headed outdoors. We had a neighbor and his brother cutting trees up by the barn in preparation for the pool house and its solar heating needs. I mucked about with the goats as always, then spent my time concentrating on readying some two dozen containers for fruit trees and bushes. (I may have mentioned before that our farm rests atop a large rock shelf. Until we have had time to build up the soil to a point where we can plant directly into the ground, we're using containers and raised beds exclusively.) Others worked on organizing boxes, wood, farm implements and garden tools, and building shelves. Lunch provided time for socializing over sandwiches and fruit. Dusk found us again by the barn, surveying our progress and enjoying the sunset. Day's end meant the comfortable sleep that comes from physical labor.

Sunday dawned warm and beautiful. I had high hopes for getting plants in the ground--especially with the forecast of winter weather returning. The others accomplished more, actually completing their tasks. Days end found me simply covering roots with damp compost and leaves with burlap or blankets. Having help around the farm and others with whom to laugh and talk lightens the workload considerably.

Thank you, Friends.