Busy Farm Life

Life is busy around the farm lately. Spring vegetables are phasing out and summer vegetables are beginning to be picked. For this to happen consistently allll season, we must plant, plant, and plant again. There is always someone walking around with seeds, watering in the greenhouse, or hauling a 16 foot trailer loaded with transplants to the fields. Life on a farm is NEVER boring...exhausting yes, but never boring.

The strawberries are petering out. We will miss their tangy sweetness. BUT I have about 700 cups of mashed berries in my freezers to use in our farm kitchen. We are closing in on having the kitchen being finished and then comes the state inspection. I've taken the classes, and
we've passed our water test, so we may take advantage of the new state laws that allow uninspected kitchens to produce baked goods and "non-hazardous" foods for sale before the final inspection. So, if you love our berries, look for jam, cakes, and other goodies with them for sale at your market.

Sweet snap peas and squash are replacing strawberries. Adam and I are getting our act together with recipes. I've had them ready each week, but the recipe section of the site will probably not be in use this year. Instead, we are putting the recipes at the end of your weekly "What's in My Share?" e-mail. We're learning, but inside computer time is short during the growing season. By the time we can sit down at the computer it is late at night and we're not very coherent. This week you'll find some unusual uses for zucchini along with squash, onion, and spinach recipes. I hope they are an inspiration when you too open your frig door and ask yourself, "What should I make for supper?!"

I'm excited these days about my kitchen being finished! I know I've mentioned it but I've waited almost 5 years dreaming of one day enjoying the orderliness of a finished kitchen. Farmer Steve has traded hats this week...he's cabinet maker Steve. The boys have been running the farm "alone". So, while I wait, all my pans are stacked outside the kitchen and I step over the air compressor cord and sweep up sawdust. I praise God for His provision!

I had fun this week using all the spring vegetables! I made my first green smoothie shake. A dear sister encouraged me to visit the "Green Smoothie Lady" on UTUBE. Afterwards I whipped up a Colvin Family Farm version with our kale, Bok Choy, an apple, our strawberries, and a banana! The young men shied away from it but all my little ones and Farmer Steve really enjoyed it. I also made "That Beets All" Quiche, roasted onions, Green Eggs and Ham, LOTS of salads, vegetable platters with red carrots from my kitchen garden, plus steamed beets, broccoli and cauliflower from the fields. It's a fun challenge each time I open my refrigerator door!

I know your life is busy also, so I appreciate you visiting this blog. I want to encourage you to take time to do what's MOST important in life. The old hymn says,

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.

First thing each morning the Lord is waiting for us, His children, to spend time with Him. The story of Mary and Martha has been a big encouragement to me over the years. I purpose in my heart daily to "choose the better thing" like Mary did. I picture Jesus waiting for me by my rocker in the living room and I don't want to disappoint Him by not showing up! I get to sit by His feet each morning to learn of Him! I brew a cup of herbal or fruit tea to make this time extra special. Reading from the King James Holy Bible, praying for family, friends, and even you our share holders, along with copying Scripture allows me to talk to and listen to my Saviour each day. What a privilege! As you hustle and bustle about your day, take time for the TRULY IMPORTANT...seeking and serving Jesus Christ!

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." Galations 6:9

Abundant Blessings,
The Farmer's Wife
Val Colvin