Last Harvest

As autumn rolls around it reminds us up here on the grade (this is how we who live here refer to Harrison-Grade Road) that there are so many things to be thankful for in Sonoma County we begin by recognizing the bountiful harvest that is seen in our artisan farms, vineyards, and apple orchards.  We celebrate the abundance of the season by gathering with our friends for one last outdoor dinner party, one last dip in the river, or the neighborhood pool.  Each of us acknowledging how blessed our lifestyle is, how precious our friendships are, and how we like the seasons, change.

For the past three years I have been a very lucky girl up here on the grade.  My neighbors are a group of organic farmers and remarkable chefs who have created Sol Food Farm, a sustainable farm and CSA (community supported agriculture) serving western Sonoma County.  It was as if the gods magically and strategically placed them right next to me , arriving during one of life’s difficult moments—they brought with them beauty, joy, and their tender friendships.  The gods are always full proof—immediately creating conditions that necessitated the building of true friendships.  They in desperate need of more well water, me offering use of my well which, in turn, led to gates being cut into our fences, and they rest they say, “ is history.”

We became a family overnight.  Sharing our lives, our stories, food, wine, water, and Zane (my son) duty.  They changed my life, as an on my own parent in the country I suddenly had help, a safety net, for my home, my animals and my son.  Yes, very much to be thankful for indeed

This summer we’ve taken to making dinners and sitting out underneath our nighttime sky until the wee small hours—merrymaking, dancing, and singing. Our time has been even more precious as like the summer sun, they will be moving on, all of them.  Some moving east for cheaper farmlands, and a more dynamic CSA agriculture scene, some onto MBA degrees, and some may stay in the county, but not next to me.

How grateful I am during Sol Food’s last harvest this year to have been touched by young organic farmers, working each day to make a difference in our community and in our world.  Each committed to sustainability in all facets of life and nature, although the thought of them moving on leaves me with a heavy heart, I will look back on our times together as one the best . . . . . in gratitude—

Stay true,

M