Selling Sweetness
That’s a Wrap!
Tuesday was our last boil year of the year. McSteamy, our newly christened evaporator, did a heck of a job. She, yes our evaporator is a she – her full name is Bubbles McSteamy – worked for 15 days in a row transforming sap into wonderful maple syrup. Of course, we also worked 15 days in a row and although we are still working there is a lot less urgency around our tasks now.
The 3 of us with Bubbles McSteamy
Remember this was our first year boiling and there are a few things that need to be said. First, a huge thank you to JP and Marian. JP was a constant advisor. As the sap changed, we had so many questions and he was there to answer all of them. Marian was there on the first few boils helping stoke McSteamy and lend a hand. She even started spring cleaning the flower garden because we just could not get to it. Thank you both for your encouragement and tutelage. It is not often a business transaction turns into a such a solid bond, but JP and Marian have truly become good friends. This season would not have gone as well as it did without Abby and Clay. Abby worked for Justamere last year and returned to the farm in the fall. We cannot express how grateful we were to have her “in the woods” and on the farm. Clay, our college intern was a newbie to maple, but he was great at “figuring it out.” Abby and Clay worked some long hours, got up in the middle of the night to haul sap, and walked lines in some less-than-ideal weather – and did it all with smiles, laughter, and enthusiasm. Thank you all. You made this first year a great one!
Kelly's "science corner" is in session! Clay and Abby listening to the science of finishing the syrup.
Full Circle
As I write this, we are one week away from our first anniversary of buying the farm. We have come full circle. We have such gratitude for all the support from our customers, the community, and our friends and family. We had some reservations about embarking on this journey in the midst of a pandemic, but this farm has enriched us in ways we will be discovering for a long time. All three of us feel healthier and stronger than we did a year ago. We are never bored! We have experienced so much in this last year: we’ve had bobcat, bear, otters, weasels, and over 80 species of birds on the farm; we’ve broken things; we’ve fixed things; we’ve planted and we’ve harvested; we’ve boiled and we’ve bottled. We’re looking forward to doing it all over again.
Selling Sweetness
And so we end, where we began – back at the farmers markets. On our one-year anniversary of buying the farm, Kim will be at the Amherst Farmers Market selling sweetness. There are more fairs and festivals to attend this year as communities start to open back up. We look forward to seeing many of you and wish all of you a very happy and healthy spring. Oh, Great Barrington Market starts May 8 - See you there!