When the cows come home and they are not your cows

Today the cows came home.  They were not our cows, but there they were in our fields and  driveway doing what cows do, eating; bellowing; standing.  The backstory is that each year our neighbor (Kinne Brook Farm) grazes some of his cows in our upper fields.  He told us this week he was going to put 6 calves in our fields, but this morning we got 12 adults right up close. The cows didn’t know they were supposed to wait until he actually opened the fence for them.  Anyway, it was fun to watch and they all went home when called.  Funny, all the cows ran home when called, but my Labrador still has trouble with that command.

I sure understand why the cows came for a visit.  Last week’s rain left our fields and gardens looking green and lush.  We have lots of peaches on the trees and the birds are beating us to the blueberries and raspberries, despite the netting. 

The phrase “‘til the cows come home” is a reference to an indefinitely long time.  And, it sure does seem like a long time ago that we bought this farm, learned to make all the products, planted our garden, and adjusted to our new life.  But looking at the calendar, it has been less than three months. 

In those short three months, we have taken off the training wheels!  JP and Marian are still a regular presence in our lives and around the farm, but we have developed our own routine for filling orders, checking inventory, and making product.  Ashley, our irreplaceable employee, is amazing in the kitchen and is providing lots of continuity.  We love to hear her say, “that’s better than JP and Marian’s maple cream!!”  But, maybe she has to say that? We are so grateful for her and the Welch’s continued tutelage.  We hope we continue living up to the Justamere legacy. 

Speaking of legacy, trees are quite a legacy - and not just maple trees. Trees or any perennial fruit bearing plant is an investment in the future.  When we bought Justamere, the first thing we did was order fruit trees and asparagus.  But, we were lucky enough to inherit blueberry bushes, peach trees, and raspberries.  And now those trees and bushes are bearing fruit.  Our garden, planted late, is also bearing “fruit.”  We had our first broccoli last week, we’ve thinned the peaches and are looking forward to squash this week.

It seems like such a long time ago that we bought the farm, planted those trees and garden. The cows came home pretty early after all. 

Wishing all of you happy and bountiful harvests and a smile when you see cows.