Saturday, February 9, 2013
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
IRENE
Dear CSA friends,
I knew when we got married over eleven years ago that life with Oliver would probably lean more towards chaos than order. I was right. The combination of Levis life and our choice of farming as our livelihood has made me a lot more comfortable not knowing what's coming around the bend (hmm… we're building a bakery… okay, sure…) and can handle the idea that I'm not totally in control of things (hmm… the walk in cooler thermostat went haywire and all our produce is frozen). I am used to highs and lows, but I have to admit that this past week has felt significantly more out of control and a little more low than usual.
We've been hearing about more and more farmers that have lost all of their crops, all of their fall and winter income. Seeing the photos of flooded, decimated fields feels raw and empty. It's not just about the vegetables or the money but their way of life that has dissolved. The same for folks who aren't farmers who have lost so much in Vermont, in Texas with the fires, in Japan with the typhoon. Checking up on the news has become a bit like checking up on the apocalypse. And it has felt heavy, unsettling and just not right.
In that mood, I walked out to the CSA pick up today. And I was reminded that I really like what I do and didn't feel like the world was completely falling apart. To be able to see your babies growing bigger (even if I forget their names), meet your parents, learn about your new business ventures and chat about school politics, fermentation and husk cherries was the highlight of my day. I value these relationships and feel very lucky to live in a community where people support what we do. I also feel deep gratitude to our crew who we could clearly not function without. They are a group of folks who are incredibly generous with their energy and patience and are just plain fun to be around. They care about what they are doing here and they hold an important place in our business and our family.
After the CSA was Eden's naptime and then on to pick up Guv and Talula from school. Which is when the second highlight of my day happened. It was Talula's first day of full day pre-k and I was, of course, a tad late. As I was rushing towards the cafeteria entrance, they walked out of the building holding hands and she had a huge, beaming, ear to ear smile on her face. And I pretty much melted. All three of them are such amazing kids. Not easy, but awesome. I occasionally need to remind myself of that. And of everything else that is good in life.
Here are 2 suggestions for how you can help Vermont farmers affected by hurricane Irene:
The Vermont Farm Fund offers small, zero-interest loans very quickly to storm-affected farmers. http://hardwickagriculture.org/donate.html or 802-472-5840. This fund was set up by Pete Johnson, a hugely successful organic grower in northern VT whose barn burned down over the winter. After the fire he raised $160,000 in donations to help him rebuild. Since then he has been repaying that money into a fund to help other farmers with interest free revolving loans for their emergency needs.
Alternatively visit Evening Song Farm's website, they are a young couple whose farm just south of Rutland was devastated by the storm. 7 of their 10 acres were washed away when the Mill River stormed through their farm. Most farms only suffered a loss of produce, but these folks lost their soil, permanently eroding their farm (which they just bought last year). They have posted a link for donations at http://www.eveningsongcsa.com/ .
Be Well!
-Bonnie
Friday, August 12, 2011
slideshow
follow this link to see a beautiful 2011 E.S.T. slideshow from our friends Jay and Michelle
Oliver and Bonnie Levis
Earth SkyTime Community Farm
www.EarthSkyTime.com
(802) 384 1400
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
CSA
Hello CSA folks,
July flew by as it usually does with lightening speed. This season has been an interesting challenge because of the bakery and the expanding VT Goldburger enterprise (we recently realized that we are in 18 co-ops throughout VT, NY and MASS ). Although the work is (mostly) fun, we do try to emerge from our bubble occasionally and we did it in high style last week—we celebrated Oliver's birthday with a retro roller skating farm prom. Oh man was that fun. We highly recommend Rollerama in Schenectady—totally worth the schlep.
In more farmy news, we harvested our garlic last week. It was a lot of fun to have the whole team out doing one task together- we're usually scattered amongst many field/kitchen/construction projects so it was a treat to have many hands taking a big project to completion. Those (approximately) 5,000 heads of garlic have been drying out in the greenhouse and today's goal is to tie and hang them from rafters in the bakery loft. Speaking of the bakery, you'll notice the beginnings of walls. Baby steps.
Another agricultural accomplishment of the past 2 weeks has been planting our new asparagus patch (500 crowns). They are usually planted in the spring, but we got a deal on these from our friend David at Elmore Roots nursery in the Northeast Kingdom, he specializes in cold hardy plants and fruit trees. The asparagus won't be ready for harvest for a couple years, but we are excited to be putting in more long term perennial plantings (like rhubarb which should start producing next year). Both of these crops will help fill out the early season csa shares .
We are also pleased to announce that our youngest chicks are now laying eggs. We are proud of them for this very delicious developmental milestone. Especially in the midst of some harrowing experiences—we have seen a dramatic increase in predation, Matt, one of the bakers and general jack of all trades wwoofer, decided to do several stake outs and has shot: a fox, a skunk, and 3 raccoons (one of which is being turned into a hat). As you can see- chicken is very popular.
Another project that we've been working on is farmer's table night at the Wilburton Inn. We cook an enormous globally inspired vegetarian buffet dinner and bring it over to the inn for folks to enjoy on the terrace. We think about a theme that we're in the mood for and then jump headfirst into the walk-in cooler to see what veggies are left from the csa pick up to create the meal. Today's theme is Mediterranean. $20 covers the buffet and dessert; beer and wine is available for purchase. Seating is from 7-8. It's a kid friendly, fun way to spend a Tuesday night. Call the inn at 362-2500 to make a reservation. And look for your potatoes growing on the hill as you go up the driveway.
If you're hungry for more earth sky time delicacies, we'll be vending food at the Hildene arts and crafts festival this weekend. Expect grilled goldburgers, hoomoos , breads and seasonal salads. Also, there's a new special treat available at the Friday pick ups—swoon worthy Isobel and Appleby fruit pies. We know they are fabulous because our good friend Lily Calfee bakes them here in our oven. And we get to try them all. We are truly lucky folks.
Hope you're all having a great summer.
Peace
Bonnie, Oliver and crew
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Happiness must be earned (and then eaten).
Lately I've noticed that when I see things become ripe and ready for use, I almost forget all the time and work that goes into each plant - almost. I become so distracted at the shiny and new offering, it's a mind blowing feeling to walk around the fields and see so many (read: too many) things to eat. Throughout this season I've become lightly obsessed with the method that things grow, the patterns of the plants, and the cycle of plant life and death. When I do get around to thinking of the effort and time spent, it still seems so worth it to have the ability to be in the midst of cooking and go run out to grab exactly what is needed right at that very moment. I know this isn't possible forever, but while the getting's good, it's good.
Shout out to everyone at the EST for making good with nature.
xo
Cari B
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Patience is rewarded handsomely! (do you need any squash?)
For the last month our grounds have looked green, lush, and verdant. Beautiful. But somewhere along the way, at least for me, green became redundant. Please don't misinterpret me...I adore the old standards of spinach and lettuce. I've now savored the crisp, buttery taste of both tot soi and bok choi. Arugula and I have a long, torrid love affair. Yes! - all was green and delicious but...I was left craving more.
In the past two weeks, our other cherished vegetables have begun to ripen. Sweet peas were spotted first. Now, bright squash blossoms beg for our attention. Plump raspberries dangle with a come-hither stance. Kohl rabi beckon us over with their eager, flailing leaves. Cherry tomatoes cascade down, each a jewel to appreciate with anticipation. Yellow, pink, purple, and red - the farm is inundated with eye-candy. With the sunflowers high above us, harvesting for the CSA, market, and ourselves is truly a feast for the soul!
Being here is both fulfilling and satisfying. We hope that our vegetables, bread, and other prepared goodies project just this sentiment!
Hoomoos, Pesto, and VT Goldburgers have just met our newest edition: Uncle Moishy's Pickles. We've achieved a delightful, crisp pickle perfect for a snack or sandwich pairing. Simple ingredients create pure taste! Oh! We also just met Uncle M's cousins – The Relishes. One's a bit sweet and the other is slightly spicy. Come meet the whole family at the market!
Meg
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