Connecting with LIFE
On the road with two boxes of chicks!
I am so privileged, and I know it. Hopefully, I offer more gratitude than gloating, although I might be walking a thin line between the two in this post.
It’s spring on Whidbey Island, which means that we had a frost this morning, but as I write in the late afternoon, it’s 57 degrees…soul warming in the sun, yet a bit brisk in the breeze. Fruit trees are in full bloom, and the bees are starting to show up just in time.
Last week, in an unplanned moment of helpfulness, I went to check the post office box before heading to the Farm. Usually I don’t check until after 11, when our island delivery is more reliably in our boxes, but I hadn’t had time to check the day before, so I finished my coffee by the water and slipped into the parking lot. As I pulled out the catalogs and utility bills, I could hear the unmistakable sound of chicks in the sorting room - so I went around out back, knocked on the door, and asked if by chance they belonged to the Organic Farm School. They did, and the USPS folks were relieved to have me take them. Driving down the road with 200 baby chicks in two boxes stacked on top of each other is a weirdly wonderful experience. Their chirping encourages interesting conversation… “won’t be long, you’re heading to a wonderful place,” “are you warm enough?” “Sorry about the bumps,” and so on. As I drove, I wondered how many others were driving similar boxed flocks down their own highways, thinking that the world is better place because of us, chicks and chauffeurs alike.
This week, we had middle school “interns” help build a berm in which to plant flowers, herbs, and native perennials that will provide habitat for beneficial insects, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. We submitted a grant proposal for equipment to help us scale up our vegetable, seed, and meat production. The osprey pair returned, giving us hope that they will keep the eagles from bullying Maria’s laying hens. We had a visit from our WSDA organic inspector (we love the process, as it helps us be a more successful farm). We transplanted onions and big brassicas.
Today, the new high tunnel arrived, an addition that will allow us to grow more greens in the Fall. The barn swallows returned and are already flying back and forth between the eave of the Barn and the mud puddles out in the field as they construct their precarious nests. There are nettles growing, dandelions feeding bees and ladybugs, and blooms from the poplars scenting the breeze.
Life at the Farm…so much diversity, so much “wild” life. I’m so grateful to be in the middle of it all…and because we wish everyone could experience how wonderful it is, we’ll soon be launching “Farm Stays.” Stay tuned!