11/29/2019
Hey, everybody. I know I haven't been in touch this summer, and I want to update you on why. I was going to write this up for the blog (in fact I DID write most of it up Monday night, then WordPress lost it), but I realized I'm not inspired to put in the time to get it right, so I'm putting it here instead, and more sloppily.
Long story short: When I was in Duluth in August. I was sitting on the shore, waiting for my sock to dry (long story), when a couple came down with their little girl. She was maybe 14-16 months old. One of the women was holding her hand while the other was skipping rocks. I was looking through the beach stones for rocks for Alexandra's tumbler, and as I did, I pulled out some good skippers. I put my shoes and socks on and put the skippers on a large rock near them. The one who was skipping the rocks thanked me with a big smile, and the other woman was so genuine when she said, "Thank you. That's so...kind." It made my night. Maybe my trip.
So as I walked back toward the hotel, I was thinking about them taking their little girl out to the lake, and I wanted my kids here. I came to a decision that evening. Here's the scoop and I'm gonna tell you:
I'm done farming for a while.
Chickens, asparagus will stay. I'll have to take some time to think about options. But I'm not planting the big farm again for probably several years. I'm missing too much with the kids. We can't take summer vacations because I can't leave the farm. No more.
I was talking through some of this stuff with a colleague who knows me and my farm stuff well. She was surprised when I said this and we talked through all the different iterations of ideas I've had for the farm. Quitting my job and farming. A nonprofit. Growing for donations. In the end, I think I have to be done for now.
I can start again later, once the kids are out of the house, or once they lose interest in me anyway. But I want to think about taking a Great Lakes vacation with them next summer. I want them to see more than I can show them if I'm tied to the farm all summer.
I'll still have the garden. I'll still grow food. But I won't spend as much time. I won't take it as seriously. Maybe I'll plant some fruit trees and grapes in some of the southernmost beds. I don't know.
I appreciate the support, and as we have surplus to sell, I'll let you know here. I'll keep this space and post updates as we transition and put in more permanent installations (the trees, etc.). Thank you all.
