In Due Season: March 2011

"Well, I was raised by farmers, have farmed myself, and have in turn raised two farmers-which suggests to me that I may know something about farmers, and also that I don't know very much. But over the years I along with a lot of other people have wondered, 'Why do they do it?' Why do farmers farm, given their economic adversities on top of the many frustrations and difficulties normal to farming? And always the answer is: 'Love. They must do it for love.' Farmers farm for the love of farming. They love to watch and nurture the growth of plants. They love to live in the presence of animals. They love to work outdoors. They love the weather, maybe even when it is making them miserable. They love to live where they work and to work where they live. If the scale of their farming is small enough, they like to work in the company of their children and with the help of their children. They love the measure of independence that farm life can still provide. I have an idea that a lot of farmers have gone to a lot of trouble merely to be self-employed, to live at least a part of their lives without a boss."

Wendell Berry "Bringing it to the Table"

I am thrilled that the temperatures are only growing warmer, that life can be found in the tiny, beautiful purple flowers that cover our lawn, and that more and more seedlings are growing in the greenhouse and becoming ready to be planted in the ground! SPRING! This is the first time in my life that I have given much notice to the official first day of Spring, which is Sunday the 20th by the way. I want to celebrate and rejoice! Living on Sunset Farms and our way of life here has allowed us to appreciate each season and acknowledge the changes taking place. It all just screams and shouts of the Creator!

Kyle and I are going to our friend Jordan's wedding this weekend and we are looking forward to celebrating his marriage with Ashley! I spent last weekend in Wilmington with my sister as we visited our parents and some friends there while Kyle hung out with Jordan and the other groomsmen playing basketball for hours on end and having a bonfire. Last night Kyle and I went to a new frozen yogurt place called "Yo Zone" and had quite the experience. I had been to a similar frozen yogurt place in San Diego, however all this was new for Kyle who was amazed at all the flavor and topping choices (and the ability to sample every single flavor). A man also reminded us of all the benefits of frozen yogurt allowing us to enjoy our dessert even more! We are excited about the Summer Farmers Market starting up at Durham in April and are awaiting the arrival of strawberries and other delicious produce to arrive in the coming weeks! This week I have been incorporating baking into my meal ideas as much as possible simply because I love it! There is something about working with flour and kneading dough... I have been having fun in the kitchen! Enjoy the pictures! And your last couple days of winter! Adios el frio miserable! WHOO HOO!