A DANGEROUS GAME

The unnamed cyclone is bringing some rain to the farm today. It should not be a problem because the soil is quite dry. Indeed, we are still irrigating the peppers which explains the fact they are nearly one pound each and full of Vitamin C.

Yesterday I noticed Robert sitting still on the running tractor, so I walked out to see what he was doing. As I approached, he shouted, “Don’t come any closer!” He apparently had disturbed some sort of ground hive with his mowing. Once alerted, I could clearly see from the distance that he was surrounded by wasps or yellow jackets or some such dangerous insect. He was attempting to determine their point of origin so as to avoid it on the next pass–and praying that if he remained still enough, they would not sting him! He eventually backed out of the area without finding their nest which was quickly relocated by the angry mob. Later in the evening, he was able to finish mowing while being always aware they are lurking about elsewhere in the fields! Farming is a dangerous game!!

We are winding down the 2024 CSA Season. Expect an email from me in the near future with more details! In the remainder of the boxes expect butternut squash, those sweet bell peppers, a variety of potatoes, smaller eggplant due to the cool nights, probably some green beans, and perhaps a random cabbage or tomato or okra or individual-sized spaghetti squash.

Something I like to do with these smaller eggplants is to roast them and then make them into Eggplant Pesto which I can then spread onto crackers or bagels. If you want to try this, just use any Basil Pesto recipe and substitute the pulp of the eggplant after you have scraped it from the skin. It also freezes well in ice-cube tray blocks for later enjoyment!

On a final note, we have a acquired a very pretty little red rooster! He just appeared about two weeks ago in our field and seems to be living on the nearby mountain side. I am amazed no “critter” has enjoyed him for an evening meal. This little guy is either quite lucky or very wise and able to conceal himself when danger is present. And he likes our neighborhood which is a Wildlife (and fowl) Sanctuary!