God saved our farm, Pa!

God saved our farm, Pa!

We thought that an awful rainy and cool August had spelled the end of our garden. There seemed to be no end to the weather systems coming in and delivering cool and wet air. Susan and I quickly tacked together a cold frame for some of our tomatoes, and the rest we simply covered. And then we watched as it seemed the previously vibrant growth had stagnated. And then we watched the skies...consulting the weather radar instead of the Farmer's Almanac.

Thanks be to God, we have thus far had a wonderful September and there is nothing but sunshine in the forecast! I really must say that I think I know a fraction of the trials and tribulations and associated emotions REAL farmers must go through. I can imagine what effect it must have on someone to know that one hailstorm can ruin your crop for that year. An hour long downpour and your income becomes ZERO for the year. WOW.

That said, We are seriously relying on this garden to provide for our family. No we won't be devastated and we certainly won't starve...but part of why we are hear is to live off this land as much as we can - while pressing the envelope of our own limitations. And, as ever, living on a tight budget we have to some degree counted on our harvest. Hmmm...well that might sound a little overly-dramatic, but suffice to say: I rejoice in seeing a sunny September and as you can see we are reaping what we have sown. Though we still have a long way to go.

Those who labor in the earth are the chosen people of God, if ever he had a chosen people, whose breasts he has made his particular deposit for substantial and genuine virtue.

- Thomas Jefferson

Now, to be clear....LOL...I make no claim to be the subject of Mr. Jefferson's statement, far from it. But I do affirm the general truth of it. Victor Davis Hanson in his agrarian works writes at length about the virtues and simple wisdom to be found in the much forgotten farmer. I don't even aspire to gain much wisdom from waddling about in the dirt, but I do know that it is good for my body and good for my soul.