Hello Friends,
I hope that you are well, and that you are ready for the sunlight to return! The Winter Solstice arrives this coming Saturday, December 21st. Its arrival marks the shortest day of the year with the least amount of daylight, as the Earth's North Pole is tilted furthest away from the sun; it signifies the astronomical start of winter.
We have been very busy deep cleaning and winterizing all of the coops and barns for the long Winter ahead. Heated buckets and bowls, scratch grains, and clear plastic panels will shield the flock from the wind as we move into some really chilly days ahead.
Moses and the girls are getting very comfortable in their home. For the Winter, the sheep and tractor coop chickens will be sharing the paddock that is attached to the Sheep Barn. We've discovered that the sheep are getting a little naughty too, as they've been pushing their way into the tractor coop and eating all of the chicken's food! Our geese used to do this in the farmyard....chicken feed must be delicious since everyone else wants to eat it.
Speaking of chilly days, tomorrow we are excited to be making another appearance at the Summit Farmer's Market from 8am to 1pm. We will be there with lots of baked goods, veggies, beeswax candles, and lots of other treats including some Holiday spiced Rosemary Thyme Shortbread (a new spin on our fan favorite), and quick breads wrapped in bows for hostess or teacher's gifts. We have our Banana Chocolate Chunk Walnut, Gluten Free Cranberry Oat, and even a savory option with our new Fig, Feta & Herb quick loaves. We hope to see you there! The address is 22 Deforest Ave, Summit, NJ 07901.
Our barn cats were fully acclimated in our little livestock barn for six weeks, and then when the requisite time arrived, we opened the barn door and one of them completely disappeared overnight. We were so upset because we thought that something happened to her, but Cherie returned two weeks later with a friend. Now we have three barn cats!
We appreciate your support throughout the year. Please remember that we are still taking orders throughout the Winter for baked goods, teas, honey, jams, and our stored vegetables. We will accommodate your preferred pickup time, or can deliver for a small charge for orders greater than $35.
Last but not least, I'd like to leave you with a poem that I wrote in 2018 for the Winter Solstice. Life is so busy for Everyone, and when we pause and reflect on the changes in the seasons, it helps us ready ourselves for the next one, and in this case, reflect on this past year, and the new year ahead.
Drawing us inward and into the inkiness of your Winter
Calm our minds we pray and help us reflect;
To contemplate all that’s transpired, all that we’ve witnessed
The Dark and the Light; the Winter and Summer of our year
Would we change any of it if we could?
The lessons may be hidden but if we listen we can discern
The Divine song of their Truth
Even the darkest night yields to the Sunrise
Like a newborn baby emerging into the light of its first day
Kindred to the Phoenix we rise again from the ashes
Some live their entire lives in the shadows
But know that both light and dark dwell in us all
It is as it should be; our soul's journey
Like a seed in its winter slumber deep in the Earth
We wait faithfully for the Sun’s brilliance to return
Ushering in the promise of a new Spring to come
May each of us bring its radiance and light to this world
Along with a wish for the new beginning each day presents
Father, midnight of this year is upon us. Please fill our hearts with Peace.
Amen.
Wishing you and your family a very special Holiday season and so many blessings in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Michele & the Maranatha Farm Team