A disclaimer before I get into the "meat and potatoes" of this week's post...It is late (for someone who is seven months pregnant, 9:45 on just about any night of the week is considered "late" these days) and I am tired...and you can no longer tell where my calves end and my feet begin (I kid you not)...it is for this reason, and this reason only, that this week's post is totally devoid of pictures. I have some really great photos from Saturday's tour that I want to post (plus the recipe for the zucchini bread I made...and Louise's "zucchini steak" recipe) but just couldn't get it done tonight...and let's be honest, the majority of you read these weekly posts to find out what you are getting at this week's pickup. I didn't want to deprive those of you who are anxiously awaiting that information and I also didn't want to get off this routine of posting every Wednesday...so, there's my disclaimer for tonight's drab post...even though the subject matter was anything but!
Maybe because I am the "farmer's wife," or maybe because we are so invested in making our farm dreams come true, but I thought this weekend's Farm tour was spectacular!! We had about twenty visitors, mostly friends and family but members, too! The first part of the tour included brief introductions and moved quickly on to Michael's explanation of all the farm equipment and implements that are used during the farming season. Even though I've seen all of the equipment before, I have not necessarily seen it all in use and cannot always remember what each one is used for. For me, this was the most impressive part of the tour. My boy sure knows what he is talking about! From cultivating tractors to specially-made chisel plows, I learned more about why they are useful and how he actually uses them (or doesn't). Truth be told, we have plenty of farm books around the house...I just thought they made for good bathroom reading (for him, not me!) but I realize now that they are more like his textbooks, places from which his vast knowledge of all things farming come. I stand (happily) corrected!
After a discussion on the Farm equipment, we loaded up the borrowed hag wagon and began the journey to the fields. I rode along behind the wagon in car (sitting cross-legged is not something this pregnant lady can do gracefully at this point) but it looked like all had fun on the ride! We got to the fields, where we promptly refreshed with some water, zucchini bread and homemade cookies, as Farmer Mike explained what was in each field, his planned crop and field rotation and allowed the "tourists" to walk down the paths between the beds to see, hands-on, how their produce grows. We saw gorgeous okra flowers (who knew!), cherry tomatoes, LOTS of green tomatoes (get ready!!) and the beginnings of our fall crops...just to name a few.
Although I spend more time out there than the average person, this summer I haven't. I am always amazed by how much Michael has growing at a given time and am even more impressed at his ability to bring food to so many tables each week. I want to thank each of you who took time out of your weekend schedule to see the Farm, to listen to Michael and even more generally and basically, to support us in our endeavors. Without you, One Acre Farm could not be! Here's to hopefully many more successful Farm tours!!
This week's share will consist of: cucumbers, potatoes, onions, leeks, green beans, eggplant, squash, and basil.
Until next time...
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