The final gift from farmers Dan and Caroline to returning members is a cornucopia of vegetables to be steamed, braised, sautéed or roasted and placed on Thanksgiving tables. In previous years, between 60 and 70 members have renewed in advance of the next season and received this special Thanksgiving distribution. This year, 105 members have renewed. Seeds, soil, sun and sweat have delivered. The leap of faith that comes with joining a CSA has been rewarded tenfold. It has been a bountiful season, indeed.
The field crew is hosting a happy hour that gets underway as the skies darken. People bring wine, cheese, beer, chips, dips and home baked muffins to the table to share.
My friends Maria and Matthew arrive with his dad. Matthew fills a glass with red wine and makes a toast: “Here’s to a short winter that brings us back here soon.”
We huddle under the tent as it becomes wet and raw but nothing will dampen the celebration. Adrian Fanning arrives and says we look like tailgaters at a football game. Although it is cold, we linger, not wanting it all to end, but like all growing seasons it must.
It seems only fitting to conclude the story of Restoration Farm’s 2011 growing season with the words of my friend George Garbarini. He is Restoration Farm’s gentleman farmer - and resident philosopher - who took up farming in retirement and now spends rigorous days throughout the year working in the fields.
Says George with a sly gleam in his eye, “This farming…you know it sort of grows on you.”
Happy Thanksgiving!
©2011 T.W. Barritt All Rights Reserved
11 comments:
You know... the whole idea of that farm is what thanksgiving is all about. A farmer who might have not been able to make ends meet is now better off because of the help of the csa members (most are not hands on like this). the rewards are for everyone. The farmer gets help and is paid well for his produce (instead of pennies on the dollar to a wholesaler) and the members get closer to their food and feel a part of the cycle of life. Happy thanksgiving indeed!
I am love this little peek into all the activities at the farm! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with good food, good company, and plenty of time to relax.
I love looking at all those fresh vegetables and know they are going to taste delicious on someone's Thanksgiving table. I hope you have a good one. I like George's way of thinking.
This is the embodiment of Thanksgiving's spirit. Happy Thanksgiving!
HI.T.W. Barritt..That gorgeous photo and vegetables SPAIN VIGO .. am I enjoy sharing and learning recets your new kitchen .. I invite you to share my blog .. greetings Marimi
Happy Thanksgiving dear Thomas:)
What a wonderful conclusion to your season at Restoration Farm. We're all looking forward to 2012 and seeing life at the farm through your eyes. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Dear T.W., Looks like not only did you all plant the seeds for farming but bountiful seeds for friendship. It looks like a fun group with wonderful intentions for the future. Blessings, Catherine
This is what Thanksgiving is all about, isn't it? And how lovely that so many have signed up for next year.
I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving, T.W., and I look forward to spring when Restoration Farm posts will begin again.
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving, TW!
It has been a wonderful season watching the growing activities at Restoration Farm through your eyes, T.W. but perhaps the greatest bounty has been "your leap of faith" and how you have embraced it with each harvest.
Thank you so much for sharing. I look forward to Spring at Restoration Farm, as I'm sure you do:)
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