Sunday Walkabout 10-8

Words have failed me today. Utterly and completely.

I do want to say THANK YOU for all the support and kindness this week. It means the world to me!

Now...here is the week in photos. You see if you can figure out what's been happening on the hill.

Hope you have a Happy Sunday! 

Thanks for stopping by. Come back and "visit" again real soon!

Sunday Walkabout 10-1

October 1^st! 

There’s a nip in the air. The leaves are starting to turn. It is definitely fall.

When I saw that the forecast included a chance of FROST, I was not so secretly wishing for a heavy, killing frost. One that would finally, once and for all, put the garden out of its misery. Out of my misery. Just go ahead and finish it.

‘cause I’m done.

Done.

I am just SO done with this season.

one last tomato

This has been one tough growing season (not just for us) and at this point, the end of the Market still seems so distant. Personally, I would just like to call it quits and try a whole new, fresh start next season. This one is just too far gone to salvage.

most of the garden is sad and gross
like this tomato

As you are probably aware, the season got off to a rough and rocky start. Read this one.  And, while we got beyond that obstacle, and the Boss has healed nicely, we never really regained our momentum.

The weather, with its weird unpredictability, hasn’t helped anything. New plant diseases created unsolved challenges and more than one research project for the off-season. We have confronted issues with the animals never seen before here on the hill. Changing customer patterns at the Market have us stymied. The Boss’ health issues continue to worry at the edges of our minds as we always seem to be waiting for the next scan.

the butternut squash are rotting
...from the inside...
ewwww!

rats continue to be a problem
this time they ATE the ram marker
somewhere there is a little rat with bright yellow teeth
(and a tummy ache)

slim pickin's at the Market

Add to this a couple of ongoing niggling health issues that I haven’t been able to shake, and it is no wonder that I’m simply over the whole thing. The neck/shoulder injury from last spring was exacerbated by each and every movement of my right arm. The weekly lettuce picking was excruciating. When heat, pests and disease became an issue in the hoophouse, there was little incentive to continue. We found ourselves letting things go.

We let a lot of things go…

But, that made the whole situation even more concerning. I began an existential crisis. Maybe I lost my “mojo” completely and I found myself wondering aloud if a complete life change should be considered. That has led to more than one uncomfortable, slightly argumentative discussion with the Boss. But, then, what in the world would we do? ...I mean, this place, this life, defines US.

I haven’t felt good in a long time. A very long time. I’m actually at the point where I can’t remember the last time I did feel good. There was a time when I felt positive and upbeat about all this. I’m certain it wasn’t my a dim and distant memory or a trick of my imagination. (stupid Facebook reminds me of those great times every single day…and that is not helping at all) When it wasn’t a struggle to get through the work day when I could come up with something to write about and it actually felt like we had accomplished something by the end of the week. However. Those days seem long gone.

I’ve just lost it. Whatever it is. Be it my “mojo” or my “joi de vivre”, or my “groove” ...something is sorely lacking. I hurt. I’m tired and grumpy and uninspired. Every single task seems to meet with an insurmountable obstacle. Not only is that depressing to live...it’s even more depressing to write about. Writing is generally my catharsis, my joy, but when every page seems to include “I don’t know.... I just don’t know...” I can’t bring myself type it, let alone hit “publish”.  And, I certainly can’t tell our customers, “Lettuce? (greens, whatever) I don’t care about no stinkin’ lettuce (greens, whatever)!” (although, quite honestly, the thought did cross my mind)

So, well...humph...now what?

More than once I sought medical assistance. And more than once I followed advice only to end up in the exact same place. Aggravatingly, I thought I knew what was causing the pain, I just couldn’t find a professional who concurred. Hormones, supplements, tests...and still it continued.

Finally, a new doc. She listened and sent me for a different test.

When I got the results, I nearly cried. Not because it said, “large cyst”. Not because there was a slight possibility that this time I was going to be facing “the big scary”.   And, not because she (the doc) was ever so gently trying to prepare me for the likelihood of surgery in my future.

No, the emotion was triggered by the fact that I was right. There was indeed something wrong with me. (the very thing that I supposed from the beginning) It wasn’t all in my head. I wasn’t slacking, and my "mojo" hadn’t been lost completely. I certainly wasn’t doomed to remain a grumpy, old curmudgeon forever. (well, I can hope)

misty, early morning Mbrk

moonrise at sunset

September skies

lamb "ballet"

first frost
10-1

While farm work here on the hill continues to move at a crawl, I had what may have been a life-changing appointment. This week I met with the surgeon who will remove the offending cyst and hopefully give me back my life. As we talked over the issue at hand, I told him that everything just seemed so “hard”, that I was SO tired...

He cocked his head and looked at me over his glasses. “Well, you’ve got the equivalent to a baseball in your belly. I guess things do seem hard!”

A baseball?

Well, then. That explains everything!

You try carrying around a baseball for a while (not even in your belly). It’s annoying, it’s tiring and in my case, I cannot set it down or get away from it. Since it’s on an ovary, it is also messing up my hormone levels and interfering with my digestive system.

That’s why all the bending of picking and planting has been so difficult. That explains why nothing feels right and why I find myself sitting down so often. The chronic, inescapable pain makes it impossible to fully concentrate. It is understandable that I just don’t feel like doing anything. It should come as no surprise that I don’t seem to care about much.

But, help is in sight. I go in for surgery on November 10^th. (I am counting down the days) In case you’re wondering…the bloodwork indicates that it is NOT “the big scary”. (yay for that)

For now, it’s all about enduring. Hanging in there until I can get resolution. Pushing forward though to the end of the season. Being positive about what we can get done. That may be a challenge.

I know, I know, recovery will be part of the deal, too…(but, after all this time, I figure it should be a piece of cake)

seedstock garlic
time to plant for green garlic in the Spring

the hens started their annual garden clean-up

lambs racing to supper

picking green beans again

I tell you this story not to garner your sympathy, or worry any of you. I'm not asking for help or advice. Although I wouldn’t be opposed to prayers for endurance. Six weeks seems like such a long time to wait. (but it’s nothing compared to how long this has already been)

pretty sunset

I tell you this because I want you to know that if you think something is wrong with you…follow through on it. You’re probably right.  If you ask enough people, you will surely find a solution.

You should also know that there are often things going on with others behind the scenes, beneath the surface, unbeknownst to anyone else…that have far-reaching effects. 

And, maybe now our lettuce customers will have a little sympathy and realize that I’m not just slacking…and I do care about your lettuce. (just not this season)

Thanks for reading. Thanks for listening.

Hope you have a Happy Sunday! 

Come back and “visit” us again real soon.

Sunday Walkabout 9-24

My grandmother used to always say things came in threes...

So, it’s understandable that I’m feeling just a little apprehensive.

Last week we had to replace the well pump. (that’s one)

This week it was the water heater. (that’s two...)

So, I’m trying real hard NOT to think about what might be next!

Another week on the hill focused on unexpected repairs.

replacing the floodlight

another tire repair!
This time a weed pulled the tire valve off
I told you those weeds were big
(and vicious)

While the water pressure was diminishing, the temperature of the water was on the rise. It was more than disconcerting, it was bordering on dangerous.

The water in the Valley is notoriously hard. Just for the record, I do not mean hard like a solid object.

“Hard water is water that has high mineral content (in contrast with "soft water"). Hard water is formed when water percolates through deposits of limestone and chalk which are largely made up of calcium and magnesium carbonates.” (Wikipedia definition)

When the minerals stick together inside pipes and on surfaces, it is referred to as “scaly build-up”. As you might imagine, “scaly build-up” causes all sorts of problems. The drinking glasses are often streaky, the icecubes are cloudy, and attempting to get the shower sparkly clean is an impossible task. In the case of the water heater, the scale had built up to the point that the lower thermostat could no longer do its job as it was encased in crud. The water kept on heating until the top thermostat reached temperature. (by then the water on the bottom was HOT!)

The water heater was reaching the end of its life expectancy anyway, so while it was possible to replace the anode rod before it failed, no longer keeping the interior of the tank safe from rust and eventual leaks, the best solution was a complete replacement.

out with the old

Which meant another plumbing job for the Boss. (oh, ugh)

I would like to say that the job went off without a hitch...

However.

bringing down the water heater

It did require two trips to Lowe’s. One of which very nearly caused “great wailing and gnashing of teeth” amongst both employees and customers. Thankfully, the issue was finally resolved. Although I will never understand why they store water heaters on the TOP shelf.

The biggest challenge seemed to be getting the thing into the house, since the installation itself went quite smoothly. So smoothly that the Boss was heard to say “Wow! Easiest plumbing job I’ve ever done!”

It’s nice to have hot water that’s not TOO hot...and after a little tweaking, it’s just right. Seriously, let’s hope home repair is done for a while.

We seem to be in a “fallow time” right now. What do I mean by that? Essentially, there is nothing going on. (sort of) I’m not real comfortable with feeling inactive and unsettled. But, that is apparently where we are for now and I’m attempting to deal with it. And, hopefully things will settle out soon and we will find some clear direction.

Since we really didn’t want to keep a worn-out water heater in the backyard, we planned a trip to the dump. A trip to the dump wouldn’t be complete without combining it with a bunch of other errands. And, since it was our anniversary, we even went out to lunch! (are we romantic, or what?) If you missed our anniversary post, click this.

setting off for a "romantic" trip to the dump

Preparation for the Market was done in record time. I’ve already said things were slowing down, but this particular Market week had the potential to be a real challenge. (to say the least) We intentionally kept our inventory light.

Staunton was to be transformed into Hogsmeade (yes, of Harry Potter fame). Staunton has taken to hosting this enormous “Potter party” that runs for the entire weekend. You can check it out HERE. If you’re a fan, this is an amazing event.

If you’re not…well…

Before you ask…I have NO idea WHY Staunton.

Tourism is a big deal in our area. Lots and lots of money comes into the area when the tourists come to town to see the sights , visit historic Downtown , or experience a Shakespearean show.  . And, while our Farmers’ Market is truly one of the best, it is often overlooked. (there are even some folks in town who dislike the Market and everything about it) The Farmers’ Market has been an institution in the downtown since 1993. Check it out here. HERE. But, the Farmers’ Market sets up in a parking lot downtown one day a week. We have no permanent structure and once we pack up at noon, you would never even know there was a Farmers' Market there in the morning.

the Market is DARK at 6am!

So, on a day devoted to tourists, you can definitely feel the divide between town and farm mind-set. I know that many think that all the foot traffic in the downtown area would certainly benefit the Farmers’ Market. But, truth is it really doesn’t.  Not at all. Big events actually depress sales at the Market. (and this event was enormous!) Many of our regular customers stayed away intentionally and even more were put off by the crowds (and lack of parking) and went elsewhere. There are lots of “lookers” wandering through on their way to the next event, not interested in buying fresh produce or frozen meat that they would have to haul around during a day of merrymaking. And, despite the suggestion, not everyone can make snacks. Those vendors for whom the Market is their livelihood (like yours truly) don’t have the option of simply “taking the week off”. Produce cannot be put on hold when it is ready for harvest. And, we honestly need the income. But, depressed sales totals make for some depressed farmers at the end of the day.

More than a few people were angered by the lack of consideration for the Market and its vendors. There was talk of letters to the editor and comments to City Council. Then there were questions as to a plan for dealing with the onslaught next year.  Personally, I don’t have any answers. It looked like it was a great success for the City (so, I’m guessing it will continue indefinitely). I’m certain that as a bunch of creative farmers we can find a way to adapt. I was just thankful we didn’t have any serious issues, we didn’t have to sit in traffic forever and lunch was ready when we got home.

…and honestly, there’s no point in getting mad about it.

If there is one good thing about our “fallow season”, it is that we have had the chance to spend a lot of time with the kids lately. We saw at least some of them three different days this week! 

feeding the ducks at the park

MrB and the 4wheeler are inseparable

Love ya, man!
This may be my favorite pic of all time.
(thanks, Tom)

Most of the crew was together Saturday afternoon to celebrate the imminent arrival of Kman’s baby brother. (We missed you, Vanessa, Keith and Danielle!)

Lots of food and fun for everyone. Too bad someone couldn’t bottle all that toddler energy! The supply seems endless. What a bunch of cuties! (I may have missed a few)

seriously, this was FUN!

…and that’s just all, folks!

Hope you’re having a Happy Sunday!
 

Josh and everybody's favorite Grandma
LOVE YOU, Bonnie!

Thanks for stopping by. Come back and “visit” again soon.

Want to see the Boss’ Market shots? Click HERE.

Promises to Keep

“...to have and to hold from this day forward,

for better, for worse,

for richer, for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

to love and to cherish,

until we are parted by death.

This is my solemn vow."

As we dutifully repeated the words put forth by Uncle Owen, we probably didn’t give enough thought to the import of our words; we certainly didn’t comprehend what would be required of us as we worked to keep those “solemn vows”.

There was no way we could see into the future. No way we could know what sort of curves life would throw us after we drove away from that little church as husband and wife.  It was for the best that we didn’t know what sort of changes were in our future, since the present seemed challenging enough.

When you’re young and in love, you don’t give much thought to the future. Except, perhaps in some idealistic, romantic kind of way. You meet “the one”, you make “the promises” and you ride off into the sunset...

The reality of life is much more complex. The day-to-day realities can prove stressful. Throw in a couple home-schooled kids, a life changing event, a total change of location, re-invention of ourselves, new construction, and entrepreneurship and I can assure you things can seem a little out of control. When the Boss got that scary diagnosis, we embarked on a whole new chapter in this roller-coaster ride.

It’s been 33 years since we stood in that church with the ugly green carpet on that sweltering September day, repeating those vows before family and friends. In all that time, we’ve remained true to those promises, despite countless trials. We’ve made our fair share of mistakes and enjoyed our successes. We’ve struggled through the difficult times and reveled in the good. We've watched our kids grow and flourish and add a new generation. (you can read more of the story HERE)

The past year has been difficult so say the very least...and the way ahead looks uncertain and any future plans seem tenuous at best...

 However, we still have promises to keep...

...and work to do...
together

              Happy Anniversary!