Down on the Farm. . .

Check out this sweet picture- Is it the Beatles or the Sunrise interns?? Thanks Julie for the photo!

It has been over a week since I wrote last, we have been keeping busy. I have since thought of lots of random things to tell everyone.

With the talk of slaughter winding down I remembered the time in neuro lab when we were dissecting brains and passing around human spinal cords (those suckers are tough!!), will this make me less likely to be upset by seeing our happy cows go to 'harvest'? Will it remind me of jolly, bald and muscular Professor Croce? We shall see.

He looks like a brain-y guy doesn't he?

Anyway, HAIL STORM yesterday, yes the 4th. Bummer- tons of rain and hail. Needless to say the fireworks were canceled, and the roads area real mess (the fields and veggies looks OK). I really want to see fireworks and hopefully we will try again tonight.

As the harvesting of our peas winds down we are looking forward to more lettuce, beets which are sizing up to the kitchen's desires, carrots, kale, more parsley and well, just lots of yummy stuff! With an extraordinary amount of Napa Cabbage and garlic scapes, we had a fermenting party last week. Fermenting veggies is something Dave and I are just learning about and loving it!! The creativity, versatility, and health benefits are incredible. We are lucky here on the Ranch to have people who are passionate about such methods of food preparation and preservation and are sharing their knowledge (this afternoon we had a blanching, and freezing pea party from our surplus of peas- something to enjoy in chilly, dead January) Let us take the time to remember all the foods we enjoy with a history and present in fermentation: sour cream, yogurt, cheeses, breads, beers, wines, ciders, kraut, pickles, tea, chocolate and coffee (beans are fermented prior to processing).


This is Sara, farm manager and overall amazing woman. She carries that beautiful baby around all day, to work and beyond. She is a wealth of knowledge and a joy to be around. I love seeing what is possible in the realm of parenting when you can spend all day with your little love. I'll try to throw in more pics of the people I am working with here. (Photo by Kate Fallon)


Just a reminder the movie FOOD INC, is available to watch online for those with a Netflix subscription. Some other good movies on the topic are:
King Corn
Fresh
Ingredients
The Real Dirt on Farmer John
The World According to Monsanto (available to watch on the internet)
The Power of Community
Super Size Me
Dirt
Tableland
The Botany of Desire
The Future of Food (available on Hulu)
Ratatouille :0)

Ok, I think that should keep you busy for a while. Dave and I have learned of some AMAZING books since arriving on the farm and luckily have access to many of them here at the Farm library, let me know if you are looking for some light, or not so light reading. We have also been on the receiving end of some great articles, most interestingly about the science of making flavors for the many tastes used in processed foods and drinks.

With farmer's market season in full swing, I have a word (yea, I know, hard to believe). Part of the beauty of a farmer's market (beyond the novelty, eating seasonally and supporting a local diet) is being able to talk to the person across the table. That person grew food you will be consuming to nourish your body and spirit. Not sure of the caliber of those salad greens, or peppers? Don't be shy, ask questions! This is a crucial part of the farmer-consumer relationship.
If you want to know about the herbicide, pesticide, or potential fungicide use on their farm- ask! Want to know about any synthetic or non-organic fertilizer- the answer is yours to find out before you commit to purchasing their produce.


Walking back to the garden after a long hot day at work, moment captured by Kate Fallon

Thanks Julie for the pic and for sayin' I'm a nice girl :)


Well, enjoying our real 2 day weekend has been a pleasure, hopefully there will be some fireworks in our evening :0) That reminds me, the interns (ages spanning from me the youngest at 21 to 38) have a love affair with "that's what she said" jokes. It really captures the essence of a 7th grade boy, but without all the Axe.

Much love,
Alisha