Hello, from the other side of chaos

For those of you who wonder where i've been, there's no short answer. the chaos of the day-to-day here at the farm doesn't allow me much time for thoughtful reflection, except, perhaps, when i'm driving our delivery truck back from a long, unexpected trip to Seattle.

So much has been happening here on the farm, my apologies for not keeping up! I have opened up the blog for our employees to contribute, but so far, no takers. Perhaps once we slow down a bit more the prose will pour from them.

A quick review, with most recent events first, will at least get you caught up.

This year's Barn Stomp was amazing! With a vegetable-rich menu from Art of the Table, Dustin drew a crowd. People are still stopping me to complement the food.




Dustin, Phil and Laurie started in our farm kitchen on Thursday afternoon, trimming, peeling, sauteing, and filling our house with the most heavenly scents. It was nearly impossible to keep from lingering in the doorway, seeing what they were up to. I suddenly became aware of the perspective of my ever-present, ever-hungry labrador, Ed, who tries hard not to look like he's begging for a taste.

The pigs arrived on Friday morning, and Dustin, Phil and Tom (our gracious neighbor, who raised the pigs on his farm) dressed them and prepared them for the rotisserie.

Saturday brought it all together, with the complete menu:


Caramelized Onion Toasts

Tomato, Cucumber and Basil Salad with Black Sheep Creamery Ricotta

Corn, Chanterelles, Green Beans & Chard with Hazelnuts

Fingerling potatoes with Garlic, Shallot & Lemon

Grilled Zucchini with Leek Vinaigrette

Boistfort Valley Farm slaw

Local Coho Salmon on the Grill

Spit Roasted Pig

Carrot Cake with Goat Cheese Frosting




We topped off all the great food with live music: three local Bluegrassy bands kept the beat and escorted us into the evening:

Pickled Okra

The Blackberry Bushes

The Tilted Stilts



As the music started, the Blackberry Bushes had everyone's toes tapping, even with full plates on their laps.




Natalina couldn't get enough, and when I jokingly said that we should do this every night, she emphatically responded "YEAH!"