The Heron Letter - November

"My Sorrow, when she's here with me, 

Thinks these dark days of autumn rain 

Are beautiful as days can be; 

She loves the bare, the withered tree; 

She walks the sodden pasture lane. 

The Farm Market in November

Her pleasure will not let me stay. 

She talks and I am fain to list: 

She's glad the birds are gone away, 

She's glad her simple worsted grey 

Is silver now with clinging mist. 

The desolate, deserted trees, 

The faded earth, the heavy sky, 

The beauties she so truly sees, 

She thinks I have no eye for these, 

And vexes me for reason why. 

Not yesterday I learned to know 

The love of bare November days 

Before the coming of the snow, 

But it were vain to tell her so, 

And they are better for her praise." 

-Robert Frost, "My November Guest" 

Slowing Down

The mornings and evenings continue to grow steadily chillier, as we adjust to the time change and the slower rhythms here on the farm. We are leaning hard into the sturdier seasonal vegetables–carrots, beets, turnips, potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squashes...just to name a few. The hardy jewels of the season! We love the versatility and richness of the root veggies that carry us through the colder months (soups, roasts, purees, baked goods, and more!) The gardens are now in their gentle undoing: we will clear, weed, gather, and cut what remains on stem and vine, thankful for every last bit of green that carried us through the growing season.

The trees still hold fast to Autumn’s golden grasp—ablaze in their last fiery yellows, oranges, and reds. We savor each lingering color, each warm afternoon, knowing that soon the hills will wear their winter grey. Down in the pasture, the ewes and ram are keeping quiet company, and we find ourselves whispering small hopes into the chilly air—dreams of lambs come spring and the soft bleating of new life that breaks the stillness.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead a few weeks to the beginning of the holiday season, we think of traditions, generations of family coming together, dishes full of flavor, tables full of good company, laughter and conversation, and that sense of contentment that comes from more than just a good satisfying meal–we are reminded how grateful we are to be able to provide our community with something that gives us those same kinds of feelings: wholesome, good-for-the-body (and soul) quality food and farm goods grown or made right here or our nearby partner farms and businesses. Our neighbors, family, and community that have supported us (or cheered us on from afar) are what keeps us inspired to continue on this venture. We are looking forward to what this season of thankfulness and holiday cheer will bring, especially in the ways that we will be able to share it with all of you. 

Closing Thoughts

The Farm Market remains open through the season, offering the fruits (and roots!) of our labor—fresh vegetables, local goods, and a warm thanks to those that stop by. We’d love for you to come share in the season with us, whether for your holiday table or just a moment’s pause amid the bustle.

With Gratitude,

-Farmer Jen & Jess