Saturday, November 17, 2007

firewood frenzy







After ten years one would think we would get on top of the firewood scenario...and to a degree we have, the chipper is set to deliver bedding for the pigs after we have filled the ox area...we are clearing a new pasture to the east of the homestead, it is pretty optimal conditions...ground fairly frozen but still good traction..a strong crew of sawyers, splitters and stackers is making the job result in satisfaction..it is amazing how we pull together and work zealous for an agreed agenda...everyone is putting in effort to get ready for a winter to share...

We are very excited about the upcoming D Acres open mike and potlucks..it is fantastic to host talented musicians in this area with an informal setting to share the vibrations..the next potluck is on the 25th and the open mike is scheduled for the last friday of every month (nov 30th)

Last Thursday we welcomed a friend from NC named Trey (his nickname is T-Rex and he is a friendly dinosaur). Trey is here to experience the north country, exploring a new direction in which he can share his love of landscaping. It is wonderful to have a life long friend and nurseryman on the project and we hope Trey can establish a professional presence as a landscape designer and implementor for this region. The combination of Trey's experience as a designer and our knowledge of edible, medicinals and ornamentals presents a great opportunity to spread the forest garden and edible landscape concept. If you are interested in site work or plantings in the spring, contact Trey at the farm.

The sad news on the farm is the departure of three great friends..Michael and Marika have volunteered on the farm throughout the summer. They were in the SCA as trail crew for the Squam Lakes Assoc and helped with trails, campfires, dance parties and good vibes throughout. Guarantees theres a brite future for these two. We hope to host Michael next summer as he passes through on the App trail journey.

Pat Kong left Friday am on the long journey to Nepal. His presence, essence and vitality as a human will sorely be missed. Effort and wry humor characterize this individual who will not be undone. Thanks for the gift, didnt last long though. Sorry about your last night being soo uneventful.

miss ya until we meet again



thanks for coming and being real

paz, amor y felicidad
viva la revolution
jt





Tuesday, November 13, 2007

WINTER IS ON ITS WAY!!!!



We finally have seen the first signs of winter this last week. Freezing temps. through the days have kept the ice on the ponds and a wintery mix left Moosilauke covered in snow. All the more reason to work harder in the final days of closing in the garden and making sure everyone has enough firewood. 16 HOURS of intense soil science was taught this last weekend by Mark Fulford. The crowd was of everybody from all around. Some coming to hear him again after the Common Ground Fair in Maine. GOODTIMES AND GREAT FRIENDS I got to go, There is not much day light left get to you next time.


Saturday, November 3, 2007

Short Days, Long Shadows

Warm days and cool nights here at D Acres. The cold frames are on and the fires are being lit to extend our growing season as long as we can. We still have Cabbage, Kale, Carrots, Beets, Leeks, Daikon, J. Artichoke and Salad Greens outdoors, with Tomatoes, Peppers, Basil, Greens, and more Carrots and Beets in the greenhouses. Combined with the potoatoes, winter squash, and canned goods we have stored, we should all eat well this winter. It is always a joy to share our harvest with friends, while celebrating the hard work that so many have helped with.



Wild Turkeys have made themselves at home on the farm. It is encouraging that our land stewardship efforts are encouraging a diversity of wildlife. The woods, fields, and abundance of food and water sources provide for many animals, in addition to all of us humans. At the same time, it causes us to reflect upon how intimately related our actions are. As influencial members of this farm ecosystem, the habitats of many other species are determined by the decisions we make. While it is often difficult to know what is truly best for the whole ecology, our consideration for the soil, water, plants, and animals is always at the core of our decision making and agricultural practices. As we understand more about this ecology, our practices evolve. The Turkeys let us know that they like it here, and that what we are creating is somewhat in tune with the natural design. -be