Is that sunshine?!! Hallelujah! Some folks were about to change my name for me to the Cranky Farmer. Maybe it really was the weather, but frustrations have been numerous. I finally broke down this week and went to see my fellow neighbor/farmer/mentor. She is a much beloved icon in the community. I don’t think there was much trace of a whine in my voice when I asked her what was wrong with my beets. She simply stated, “It’s not a beet year. Last year was a beet year.” okay. duh. Well, I said, the Extension Agent said I didn’t need to cover my broccoli, but it got hit hard with the freeze. My broccoli looks terrible. (Again, I’m sure there was no trace of whine.) Again, straight forward seems to be the best answer… “They don’t always know.” And with a hug and a smile, she said “Keep planting. Just keep planting.” I stayed with her for a while, trying to absorb all of her experience and knowledge. She actually was full of helpful advice and information. But it was something about the simplicity that reminded me that sometimes I get too close to the forest to see the trees. Occassionlly I forget that the reality is… I can’t control EVERYTHING.
So these little kale plants, that have been this same size for a good three weeks (because, duh, the soil is cold and we haven’t had any sun) are going to teach me some patience. In the mean time, I’m just going to keep planting…