A Season of Struggle

I’m a few days late for this month’s post and I have a million excuses, but the truth is, it’s harder to write updates when things are not going as planned. I know the internet and social media need a dose of reality every now and then, but I prefer to stay busy in the garden rather than giving myself time to reflect when reflection is hard and I am desperately uncomfortable when on the receiving end of empathetic friends and family. But here we are in February and I owe my loyal supporters an update!

The chickens have been my primary cause of stress this past month as I have yet another sick bird that is most likely ill with an extremely contagious virus. It is hard to know how quickly it’ll move through the flock or if I will lose them all, but for now, I am caring for her the best I can and hoping for the best. Every arrival at the farm has me in a low level of anxiety wondering if she will have improved or worsened and if anyone else will be showing signs of illness. I also haven’t been able to get the chickens into the garden as much as I would like due to the hawks circling regularly and not having the mental or physically energy to get them back and forth safely.

The property and farmhouse are in relatively good shape after the wet and cold winter, but as we near the 2 years of ownership mark, the checklist items are building. Yesterday, as I arrived to set up for a Bridal Brunch cooking class, I discovered that our propane tank was empty (I feel as though there was leak, my husband thinks we just used a lot more than the first year) and the entire house smelled of propane. With amazing effort put forth by my husband and youngest son, the class went off without a hitch. The fireplace warmed the house beautifully, the mild day allowed for quick ventilation of the propane smell, and our campstove and instant pot worked like a charm.

My seedlings seem to be doing well in my homemade grow room in the basement (the only reason the insanely high humidity down there is good!) and the snap peas, kale, spinach, beets and Vit Mache have all sprouted in the garden despite the fact the sun has been struggling to make an appearance. I am so grateful that we had trees taken down in January as the sun that does come out is making it’s way to the garden.

So now, as I sit here at my desk, looking over the garden and the irises that are well on their way to producing spring blooms, I feel better having gotten this update out. There is more positive than negative to share and I’m excited for the events on the calendar and grateful for my growing following. The days can be hard and long, but I’ve been listening to the Choose Strong Podcast with ultra runner Sally McRae recently and her words inspire me, not only during my workouts (which are absolutely essential to staying sane!) but also here at the farm. She reminds me that when you put in the work, you get results. Not every day is going to feel like a home run, but getting out there every day and doing something is always better than doing nothing and while I don’t know how long I’ll be at this farming thing, I’m not ready to give up!

The first book club for Table Root Farm was a success as I feel that everyone who read the books Next Level or Roar by Stacy Sims, felt they got a lot out of it. The general consensus is that she provides information that is invaluable to females and I encourage all ages of women and teens to read or listen to her books. I wish I had had the information she provides when I was in my late teens or early twenties.

For our next book, I am switching gears and we will be reading A Bold Return to Giving a Damn by Georgia cattle rancher, Will Harris. His commitment to sustainable and regenerative agriculture has inspired me since I discovered his meat when we moved here and I am excited to read his book. Our in person book club meeting will be April 30th at Poe & Company bookstore at 7:30 pm, but I encourage you to read and let me know what you think even if you aren’t local or can’t make it. The book will be available soon at Poe & Co.

Upcoming Events:

3/18: Virtual Meal Prep Class 4:30pm – $30

3/21: Sourdough Bread Making with Mary Sellars, 6pm – $30 and you leave with your own starter! (I believe there are only 7 spots left)

3/22: Volunteer day at the Farm 10-3

3/25: Virtual Meal Prep Class 11am – $30

4/8: Table Root Discussion 7pm – Free, Topic TBD

4/30: Book Club meeting at Poe & Co 7:30pm – Free

I am available for in person cooking classes on a request basis and can come to you or have you and your group at the farm. Email me to find a date that works.

As a final note, I am looking for chicken and seedling care March 30-April 6, so if you are around that week and want to help out, email me and we can find a date that works to show you the ropes!