Snow Thankfully
The Gratitude Edition
There is something so magical about the first snow of the season. The world becomes quieter and so I listen more intently. It is amazing to hear snow falling on autumn leaves. There is also something magical about waking up to a world transformed to white. It is as if the world has been wiped clean and we can start anew.
The first snowfall is full of possibilities
Another Season
This time of year, we are starting a new season on the farm. Last week was our last market of the season and so the rhythm on the farm has changed. We are no longer in the weekly mindset but gearing up for the sugaring season. We have learned that getting ready for sugaring can be hectic and stressful or chill. We are taking the chill approach this year (or at least I am, I have to check with Kim and Kelly). We have a great crew this year and we have been in the woods most of this month and are on schedule to begin tapping in January.
When we are at markets, “older” folks often reminisce about making syrup and candies with their parents as children. We hear about collecting from buckets and being out in the snow making syrup and
pouring it on snow to make taffy. I’ve done this too and their stories make me smile.
I subscribe to a weekly newspaper from the small coastal town in Maine that my family is from. They have a column called “Our Grandparents Read This” in which they repeat columns from 50 or so years ago. My grandparents, indeed my great grandparents, read those columns. As I read those columns now, I realize how much has changed over the course of my life – sugaring, like many things, has been made easier by technology. I don’t want to go back to collecting sap by the bucket, but we also do not want to submit to automation in the sugar house. We will always boil with wood and bottle our syrup by hand; it is a lot harder, but it makes our products sustainable and taste better.
These two seemingly unrelated thoughts have me thinking about the term “generational amnesia;” what knowledge did our grandparents have that is now lost? I think about that term as people ask how things are going, if we are ready for the upcoming season, and the variability of the weather. People are amazed when we tell them we are going to start tapping in January. It wasn’t long ago that March and April where the months to make syrup in Massachusetts. Things are changing at such a rapid pace; I wonder what we are forgetting. Sometimes it takes a good snowfall to bring me back to the simple appreciation of the changing seasons.
Our market season ends so close to Thanksgiving that it seems only natural to reflect and appreciate all the support from the folks who enjoy our products. There are also a ton of people out there that make the markets and festivals happen and run smoothly. Thanks to everyone for another great season.
We’re already starting to get holiday gift orders so thank you for purchasing our products. May you all have a safe and happy holiday season. If you get a chance, listen to the snow fall.
All of our products are delicious. The seasoning will surprise you and makes a great gift. It is great on salmon, chicken, but is amazing on roasted veggies like squash, sweet potatoes, and even Brussels sprouts. Great on popcorn and salads too.
Come See Us
We actually do have one more market this year. We will be at the Berkshire Grown Winter Market in Housatonic at the Housy Dome on Dec 16th from 10-2. Come see us.