Even when you really need to get away, its hard not to miss your home and few things beat that special feeling upon return. Add on top of this loving what you do and the Good Food People we do it for and with and you can imagine how hard it is to get away. The good news however is we’re back. Back in town, on the farm, at the markets and online for all you nutritional and conversational needs. We’d be lying if we didn’t say we miss it, working the farm, the markets seeing and reconnecting with all of you. It’s good to be back so let’s get to it.

Surely you must be asking yourselves what do farmers do on Thanksgiving? Play, work, sleep, do they get away to some exotic warm location even if just for a day or two? Well maybe at some point, but this year that’s not the case. We hopped in the old reliable Honda outfitted with new tires, just a week from today. Pointed North with only the our dreams and a compass to guide us, we were joined by two 2 farm dogs(more on this later) and headed to no other place but the beautiful NEK. That’s the majestic North East Kingdom of Vermont bordering Quebec. What would send 2 four season farmers all that way besides the beauty of this region itself? The answer simply enough is family. Jen’s brother Charles has been a bit of a warden of the woods there for years doing various levels of trail work and managing crews(this brief description doesn’t do the work justice) in parks throughout the Northeast. It’s the sort of work that goes unappreciated we suppose, but the next time you’re hiking in a state or national park take a moment to appreciate the skill and effort that goes into making all those trails passable and in a ecological and responsible way. It’s truly commendable and hard work, that would leave even farmers like ourselves asking when is the next break. This work is facilitated by a great organization North Woods Stewardship Center, which not only operates in Vermont but Massachusetts and Connecticut too.
With some trusty farm sitters watching not only both farm properties but, 5 cats 7 sheep and some chickens too, we were able to spend 3 great days in this breath taking landscape and in the company of family. The plan was a few relaxing days culminated by an early Wednesday Thanksgiving celebration with Jen’s parents and brother. In addition to this we were able to head even further North to spend an afternoon with Joel’s uncle, aunt and cousin, some NEK locals it’s always good to see. This would allow us all to celebrate together and return home Thursday allowing for our farm sitters to get to their celebrations and have another Thanksgiving with Joel’s folks that night. Big shout out to Sam and Jess for watching the place while we were away. It’s the first time in years we’ve been able to do anything longer than an overnight trip and we needed it.

Now let’s get to some actual farm business itself. First and foremost is the newest addition to the SLG crew. She’s completed her initial 2 farm dog training/trial period and has passed with flying colors. In what could be described only as fate, we adopted Annie our sweet little pup about a month ago. It seems as destined as the adoption of Sid the OG 2 farm dog. The two quickly have become best friends and partners in crime(which is mostly the destruction of dog toys). Two 2 farm dogs may sound like a lot in a house with 5 cats, but seeing a 75 pound pup play so gently with his 13 pound sister and the only thought that comes to mind is this is perfect. Whether or not you want to hear more about them, fair warning, catch us in conversation and the two will definitely come up.
Now let’s actually talk some farm news, as in markets and veg and such(not dogs). Like we said we are glad to be back with 3 more markets of the season and four more pick up weeks until we take an end of year break. 12/16 is the final Saturday market of the season and that will be the last Saturday pick up as well. The week of 12/17 there will be only one pick up day on Wednesday 12/20. To recap the next 3 weeks its business as usual with 3 pick up days and the Saturday market. The following week Wednesday 12/20 will be the last pickup day of the season, ordering will resume the first week of January. One last note to wrap up official business. Due to a glitch with square the system has not been reliably sending out receipts for transactions processed online. If you have a question as to your CSA balance please reach out.
Have a great week
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