Snowy Solstice

We celebrated the Winter Solstice, the return of the sun after the darkening of the days through the autumn, on both Friday and Saturday. Friday, we had a dinner made of 100% local foods, most of which we grew on the farm- squash soup (okay, cinnamon in the soup wasn't local- that's the exception!), beets, kale, green beans and organic bread made by Bill! Dinner was followed by a bonfire to pay tribute to the returning sun, and to combust attachments no longer needed coming into the new year. Saturday night we hosted our community Solstice potluck and were joined by about 35 friends and neighbors to share delicous food, music, and another- this one a LARGE- bonfire. A good time was had by all.

It is also snowball season here in the Pemi-Baker Valley, and we have done our best this week to honor the Snow Gods by sending our own frozen projectiles through the air. At our solstice potluck, we had kids of all ages join in a good hearted, but pretty intense, snowball fight over, around, and through the bonfire. We seemingly have an ongoing friendly snowball fight that happens here at the farm, so be sure to be on your toes from now until spring thaw! Bill and I ambushed Louie (after he had tricked each of us, on seperate occasions, by knocking on the greenhouse door...we answered only to be pelted by a snowball!)...Louie threw 5 gallon bucketfulls of snow in retaliation to our incoming snowballs...a truce was called for the day when I put Louie into the snow half-nelson style after he buried my mittens! Nothing like good old fashioned family fun in the snow.

All of us here at D Acres hope that you and your loved ones are enjoying the true spirit of the season- a time of reflection, relaxation, and love for one another. May you joyfully look to the new year and coming season with an eye for transformation and new beginnings!

Peaceful blessings!

Lauren

2:30 Moon

Some would say that winter begins on Decmber 21. This is something that I question. Not the law of nature and seasonal changes, but the idea that different regions would not have different dates to observe the changes in seasons. Some areas may have a 6 month beginning in November winter and others a 2 month winter beginning in January. While this regional seasonal diversity might not be observed to its full extent, the Winter Solstice is something that has been celebrated during this time for thousands of years. Each year, the Earth reaches the farthest point in its orbit around the sun, and daylengths are at their shortest. Then the Earth begins its return to the Sun. This turning point has been happening since the planet was formed, and is observed as the Winter Solstice. The celebration is for the return of the sun, its warmth and light during the darkest time of the year. So gather with friends, share food and music, light fires, and appreciate this point in the cycle. We are having a Potluck here at D Acres on December 22 to celebrate. We invite you all to attend. BE

Snowy Nights and Open Mics

We had our first Open Mic a week ago, and I'd say that it went pretty well. We're always looking to improve upon it, and one such way is the potential for recording an event like that, or perhaps even videotaping it. Many incredible artists came by to share their talents with everyone, and the late night crowd was around playing music until almost 1:30 AM. Many thanks to everyone who came by to make it an awesome night, and many thanks to Dan, for bringing the PA system!

Jim Merkel gave an excellent presentation this past Wednesday on sustainability. I thought the crowd was very receptive and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the talk. Reducing our footprints seems to be a key factor in approaching sustainability, and we're all striving to reach that!

Woodshop shenanigans continue.

J Blye./

whew! Last night I decided to move my sleeping bags and blankets from my treehouse to the "G-Animal" greenhouse, where there were 2 wood burning stoves already heating the place up. It was pretty nice except when my roommates started roosting at 4:30 in the morning - still better than waking up to an obnoxious alarm though.

So yeah, when I walked outside this morning there was about 6 inches of snow on the ground and throughout the day we got about a foot. Fun times. Gotta keep an eye out for snow balls around here...

-Joe

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

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.

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