#11 Good soil

This farm has always been a refuge of sorts from the storm. Even the pandemic, at times, has felt more like a “ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars” event.  With a rumble of howitzers over the horizon but no conflict in the lower pastures. But change is in the air, both with development in our valley and the loss of neighbors and family. Yet life remains always generous and there is much for which to be grateful. Here are a few of the reasons I give thanks.

• I am thankful that my aunt (100), father (94), and stepmother (80) lived good lives and were respected. Might we each hope for the same when we die.
• That their passing gave me time to spend with my siblings and their children.
• The farm continues to provide an embarrassment of abundance. And I have grown to an awareness of the fact that this has less to do with me, more to do with the productive power of this good earth.
• For the many farm dinners we have prepared for friends. The wine we have shared. The evenings we have passed in good conversation.
• That many friends and family have decided that Tennessee is either where they want to visit or to live. And that our home is a waystation in that journey.
• The lesson of a neighbor who lives on one acre and raises chickens, hogs, and maintains a nice garden, for showing the way to do more with less.
• The sound of wild geese in the dark, the buck on the hill caught in the rays of the morning sun, dogs who are glad to welcome me home, and even the rabbits who ravage my garden.
• The partner in this life who keeps me grounded and focused.
• That the act of farming well is a constant moving target, and a challenge worth pursuing, even after 22 years.
• We have a true Thanksgiving table to share that is a reminder that this day is a celebration of the harvest and bounty of our land.

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Reading this morning: The American Chestnut, an environmental history (written by my friend, Don Davis), a fascinating portrait of the tree, our relationship with it, and what it means to reintroduce it into our forests.