06/10/2026
Chris from Beacon Wood Farms (in Milan) told me how to propagate grape vines. My stepmom gave us permission to cut the vines. My dad was able to get one good harvest off of them before he passed away. I stripped the leaves, typically you are supposed to propagate them when they are dormant. My thought was if I strip the leaves then the plant can focus on building the root system. Little leaves have begun to appear. A good sign. Hopefully, I will be able to plant these in the orchard this fall.
My dad and I shared a love for growing food. This makes me feel like I still have him with me (in a strange way) and it makes me feel like I am honoring his memory. The raspberry plants he gave me years ago are thriving and covered in fruit this year (they are absolutely loaded). This has not been an easy road, but I feel comfort in seeing the plants he once cared for thriving out here on this little farm.
We have really scaled back this year. Hopefully, that will give me time to put some systems in place, help Mom Toppert and tend to what we've already built out here. We have many fruit trees to care for and I think this year, we might actually get some pears. One of the three trees is loaded with pears. Although, I feel "heavy", I keep pushing forward. I think this Bible verse is a good one for the season I'm in right now:
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."~ Galatians 6:9
Thank you everyone for your unwavering support of this small business and the journey we've traveled together. Thank you for helping us build this little legacy that connects our family, our traditions, our hard work and our stories. Thank you for being a part of building this little community over the past few years. It has meant so much to us.
