Perhaps there is no better testiment to one's soil than the carrot that it produces. As the tap root slowly penetrates the soil, a vibrant rhizosphere is stimulated and serves to nuture it and encouraging it to grow. And there is no better time to eat said carrot than the late fall once the soil starts to truly get cold. The starches convert to sugar and make them particularily sweet. We can push things as much as we would want to because we love them, but every vegetable has it's true season. Now is the time for carrots. Lots of work, but very satisfying. They go from a clogged mess, to brightly coloured under the spray of cold clear water in crisp fall air. Left to dry off and then bunched and boxed for you to enjoy :-)
I want to take a moment to thank the many people who have come alongside and helped make this season possible. They were teachers, engineers, nurses, students, carpenters, retail sales people and chefs. All displaced and felt the need to get back to basics and connect with the land. There have been tradespeople and CSA and family members who have all rolled up their sleeves and leaned in sensing this was a year to make a difference. We have gone from a lone farmer in the field to a cast and crew all learning to work together to build a farm. More than once, I saw us on the precipace of a dire situation only to be saved by grace. I am sure this is only to keep me humble and to remind me who is really in control. A sincere thank you to all of you. Years from now, this will be one that will be etched deep in cherished memory.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
Happy thanksgiving and as always, enjoy :-)
~Michael
