February 2014 Newsletter

So, here we are, we’ve made it to February.  This time of year, though cold and wet often, is proof to me that we have made it past the worst of the winter and that we will soon see the spring.  Fitting words for me to write, as today is Groundhog’s day.  I don’t have any idea what he had to say about the weather, but what I do know is that with a little patience, we will again see warmer temperatures and longer days.  This ultimately means the growth of the grass which means happy, pasture munching cows–my favorite!

I want to thank all of you for your support and patience through these past 6 weeks.  It has at times been challenging to have a baby and still want to be so hands on with the farm.  Florence has now been initiated, and we have been out milking the cows together.  I am still managing to set aside plenty of time to just sit and look at her, as the tiny baby phase passes all too quickly.

This morning, I received an email from one of my old professors over in Greece and it got me to thinking.  I lived on a Greek island for 3 years where I ultimately decided that food was the most important thing in life.  I promptly returned home and became a farmer.  It seems the opposite of the entire rest of history where farmers were considered low class citizens, and I couldn’t help but think what a disappointment I might have been to my family a century ago.  I came from a poor family yet I was able to go to a big, fancy school and get a big, fancy degree, I even spent time abroad yet I came home to farm.  Even after mulling all that over, I couldn’t be more proud of that decision that I made.  After all, I sit down with my family 3 times per day and enjoy food that we created on our own land.  I have learned to have ultimate gratitude for the basic sustenance of life–food.  What a beautiful sentiment that was to ponder.  I hope that the milk we so lovingly produce here provides some meaning to you and your family.

Ok.. on to business.  There was some delay in shipment of the bulk tank, and it is due to arrive at SOME point this month (hopefully!).  I know it is going to be a bit of a transition, but I will do everything I can to make sure that it goes smoothly. When it comes, I plan to set it up, but I will likely pour the milk for you for the first week and put it in the fridge.  That will give you the opportunity to come back the next week with your own jars and return any jars that need to come back to me.  As usual, I am available for questions.  With the baby and the kids demanding my attention during the day, I most readily respond to texts if that is convenient for you.

Lastly, I would like to switch to emailing invoices next month to start to save on some paper.  If that works for you, go ahead and write your email address on the envelope when you pay this month and I will keep it.

Thank you all for your support this month!  We appreciate you!  Enjoy your milk!