Floatin’ Through on Joy: CSA ’16 ” Week #16

 In CSA Newsletter

In the last week I have begun the process of night-weaning our baby. Just like her older sisters did, she routinely wakes up 3 times a night for milk, despite the fact she’s over a year old. Night nursing is something she just doesn’t want to let go of. I was originally planning on waiting until the summer CSA season was over to embark on the battle of night weaning. But prolonged exhaustion has brought me to the brink.  Into battle I have marched.

Meanwhile, this past weekend we had an insanely busy weekend of farm events planned: Saturday morning farmers’ market, followed by the barn party on Saturday night, followed by being a site host for 750 bicyclists for the Bike the Barns event on Sunday.

Late last week, just thinking about the weekend ahead made me want to drop everything and nap.  I planned on drinking lots of coffee and just generally making it through the insanity with caffeine jitters and a forced smile.

But there was an ingredient in the weekend’s mix I didn’t anticipate, and it made all the difference. It was the joy of sharing our life and home with friends and strangers who genuinely appreciated being here in that moment.

That appreciation manifested itself in the smiles, hugs, thanks, waves, and small conversations I had with so many over the course of the weekend.

Having all these folks enjoying our farm for both the farm party and the bike ride, was like the adult equivalent of being held up.  It was as if I just floated in my sleep-deprived haze from one person to the next, and let whatever happy energy they had buoy me up.  All around me people were enjoying themselves. Kids formed their own tribe of the night wild children, made wilder by unlimited apple cider. Adults gushed over delicious food.  There was a campfire and bright stars. Dancers took a break from stomping their feet along to tunes in the barn to come out and admire a huge, low, orange harvest moon. Bikers awed over flowers and monarchs, barn quilts and sun-dappled fields, and more delicious food.

To my surprise and delight, instead of feeling overwhelmed by exhaustion, I felt joyful. Deeply joyful for our family, our farm, and community.

Thanks to all of you for coming to our home and reminding us of its beauty and meaning. Thanks to you, I’m floating through the war of sleeplessness on joy.

Happy cooking, happy eating.

Farmer Cassie

In the Box:

  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Colored Peppers
  • Delicata Squash
  • Garlic

REGs only:

  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Onion, Assorted
  • Romaine Head Lettuce
  • Sweet Potatoes

EOs only:

  • Gold Potatoes
  • Joe Parker Hot Pepper
  • Leeks
  • Swiss Chard
  • Tatsoi

3 Meals to Use Your Box

  1. Curried Early Fall Veggies
  2. Chickpea Pancakes with Leeks, Squash, and Yogurt with Simple Sauteed Tatsoi on the side
  3. Brussels/Kale/Chard Quiche  with side salad

Additional Recipes

  1. Black Bean, Carrot, and Sweet Pepper Burrito
  2. Swiss Chard and Red Pepper Gratin
  3. Carrot Cashew Bisque
  4. Potato Leek Gratin
  5. Pasta with Bacon and Leeks
  6. Mashed Squash and Potatoes
  7. Roasted Winter Squash and Coconut Soup
  8. Moroccan Carrot and Sweet Potato Fries

Wednesday, Sept. 21st ” Everyother Group B