kittylongestnight
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To go in the dark with a light is to know the light.

To know the dark, go dark. Go without sight,

and find that the dark, too, blooms and sings,

and is traveled by dark feet and dark wings.

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– Wendell Berry

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Important Reminder: This week is the Week 4 pick up of the Winter CSA and the last pick up before our 2-week holiday/new year break.  After this week’s pick up: Weekly Members & Bi-Weekly Members (weeks 1,3,5,7 etc) will resume CSA pick up the week of January 8th.  Bi-weekly Members (weeks 2,4,6,8 etc) will resume CSA pick up the week of January 17th.

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Hi Friends & Farm-ily,
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Some high fives are in order because we’ve successfully made it through the wind, snow, rain & freezing temperatures!  We worked extra hard to harvest what we could before the freezing temps (a few nights in a row we got down to 17*) and the rest we covered in a sea of agribon fabric… and for extra sensitive crops we even double layered it under an ounce of agribon fabric.  We also got quite the arm workout brushing snow of all 4 of our high tunnels a couple times a day.  All the day light hours in the last week were gobbled up by a couple of farmers who love a challenge and who truly love growing through all the seasons. 
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snowyday
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Making (rockin’) snow angels in the CSA parking lot & enjoying the freshly fallen snow last Wednesday!
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The thaw on Monday was a welcomed sight… when all the ice and slushy snow vanished and all the overwintering vegetables in the field began to perk up – we did too.  Farming in the Winter gives you a surprising amount of  je ne sais quoi.  A strange and simple confidence in knowing that the elements truly are out of your control, you simply just do the best you can and the rest you have to let go… and in a way it’s absolutely freeing because in the times that seem the hardest to grow just about anything – those plants grow and survive in the most unlikely of situations (of course, with a lot of blood, sweat and tears from these two farmers!).  Just gotta keep the faith & enjoy the ride – winter farming if anything makes us much better farmers who embrace the risks that come with farming and find freedom in the unknown.  
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During the two-week break from CSA harvests we will continue to harvest/wash/bag more vegetables for later in the season… the carrots that were covered with agribon in the field during the freeze are some of the sweetest we’ve ever grown.  A frost makes the winter veggies sweeter because in order protect their cells from bursting they convert their complex carbohydrates (bonded sugars) into simple sugars!  Which is a bonus for us who enjoy eating veggies!  You’ll be seeing these in the New Year!
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mushroooms–
Lots of mycelium pippin’ up in the garlic, frosty kale and cozy spinach being harvested for this week’s share..

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Over the weekend we also made progress on our 2017 financial projections.   We sat down and did some 2017 financial projections with our secret weapon… Papito (aka Brian’s dad). It doesn’t sound like fun but we absolutely love it! Our favorite quote from Brian’s papa, “if you torture the numbers they will confess” For the past 4 years Brian’s dad has been teaching us the mystical ways of excel and how to build sophisticated financial models for each of the farm’s profit centers. We love having him on our team and figuring out how to make the farm sustainable in the long run. Every year we get closer and we appreciate all the time he puts into helping us grow better. ‪#‎growingbetter‪#‎familyfarming

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During the next few weeks we will spend time looking through our 2016 CSA season photos and updating ol’ WHF website. There is so much excitement and anticipation surrounding a new growing year. So many opportunities to grow better and new veggies to try (let the seed catalog ordering begin)!  Brian and I are getting really excited to begin sign ups for our 2017 CSA season on January 1st!   So mark your calendars and stay tuned for another year of endless possibilities.
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sundownsnow
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The WHF lake frozen over last week, three cheers for some snow days and the sun making it’s way past the horizon..
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Last call for our online Holiday Sale!  20% off WHF Pastured Pork & Grass Fed Beef!  Thank you all very much for your interest!  To celebrate the holidays ahead  we are offering 20% off all orders over $25 for our Pastured Pork & Grass Fed Beef using the discount code HOLIDAYSALE during checkout.

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To purchase: click the link to our Online Store to purchase some of our amazing pastured pork & grass fed beef.  *You will receive 20% off your online order when you type in or copy/paste the discount code: HOLIDAYSALE during check out.  Discount code will be valid while supplies last!*

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Not only is it incredibly delicious but your investment helps Brian & I to sustain our small farm!  Thank you in advance for your support! Help us spread the good word and share this email and link with family and friends!  #buylocal #knowyourfarmer#knowyourfood

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menagerie2

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The menagerie is in full force this time of year with thick coats of fur and cozy sleeping arrangements & a view from the loft of the barn..

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Today marks the Winter Solstice – the shortest day of the year or the longest night depending on your point of view!  Today’s daylight will be close to 8 hours & 42min (compared to the Summer Solstice with 15 hours & 41 min of daylight).  The days will only grow longer for here which means the start of the 2017 growing season is drawing nigh.

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We hope you all have an amazing holiday with friends and family and good food. We’ll see you all in the New Year!
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With kind regards,
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Jess & Brian
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dirty hands, clean hearts