One afternoon last summer, some of Shel’s family came out to the farm for a visit. Her aunt, who is an artist down in Chicago, took some photographs while she was here. I didn’t think anything of it at the time, but, lo and behold, in the deepest, coldest part of last winter, she created some stunning watercolor paintings from those photos. In the frenzy of striving to grow food here, it is easy to lose sight of how beautiful this place is, but these paintings reminded me of my great good fortune to live and work here.

Just a couple of hours until our first ever CSA pickup, and all is now ready. This week’s share is harvested (it will be small, just a foretaste of all the good things to come this season) and waiting in the cooler. The only things I have left to do are put on a clean shirt, load the truck, and drive into town.

It has been just over two years since we decided to set out on this adventure, and now here we are, growing good food for our families, neighbors, and friends, both new and old. Harvesting this morning, I couldn’t stop grinning, even in the rain. Thankful, is what I am.