Author Archives: Quincy
This is a friendly farm #publicserviceannouncement —Wash Your Tools When You Finish Using Them. I have been digging holes and otherwise playing in the dirt for more than a couple of decades, and doing it professionally for a full decade. As of the past several months, I can now report that I wash mine every time I finish using them. And it feels so good.#gettingwiser#learnasyougo #toolcare #theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection
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The Way To Be GMO-free
Just as we (humans) are what we eat, so are the animals that we raise here on Vernal Vibe Rise. As a result, we believe that it is truly worthwhile to go to great lengths to make sure that our animals have access to the cleanest, most nutrient-rich foods available to us.
Every few weeks, we make the trip to neighboring Virginia to purchase GMO-free feed for our animals. It involves an entire day, significant expense, and intense physical effort, but what is farming if not comprised of those things already?
Much of the GMO-free swine feed is contained in this one-ton tote, which needs to be secured carefully before the two-hour drive on the highway back to VVR.
Here is the (rented) truck of the week, all loaded up for the drive back to Renick. My dear truck, the Dumpin’ Doggie, is a 1969 F100 and isn’t well-suited for this type of trip, so she stays at the farm during feed runs.
The GMO-free whole corn, which serves as a supplemental feed for VVR poultry, and as a snack for swine and sheep. The clean feed that we offer the animals here on VVR makes them healthier, which in turn ensures that their meat and eggs are tastier and safer to eat. We thank all of our customers for caring enough about the health of our environment to make the choice to purchase VVR’s GMO-free products.
Even on the seashore, the edge remains abundant. At this time last week, @owenmcmichael and I were freezing our cheeks on a cold southern beach, deep in our inaugural siblings’ weekend. We found furry sand dollars, jellyfish galore, and maybe even some whale innards. Thank you, brother, for making the time. And @jelmcm for holding down the fort at home.
This first day of thirty-seven feels pretty dang sweet. No better way to celebrate than with solitude, snow, and this cranberry upside-down cake (yet another favorite recipe made better with buckwheat). First, evening chores, and then a second slice.
I just finished meeting with my Sunday writing group and I haven’t laughed so hard all week. Want to join in the fun? Send me a message.
Yesterday, a wise person mentioned the Indigenous tradition of giving gifts on one’s birthday, rather than receiving them. I smiled to myself as I realized that I have spent this week offering presents to others—food made/harvested/preserved by me, on @vernal_vibe_rise —some delivered by hand, some via mail. Most of what I shared was not thanks to my birthday, but because I love nourishing people. I have always felt a deep connection to the power of offering gifts—a kinship that grows the more I practice.May we always be generous with each other, that our hearts may stay limber.
Rhubarb-applesauce.Cardamom-cinnamon.Zero outside, toasty inside. Sweet teacup by @alisonpottery •
Before Winter settled in for real last night, I nipped out to pick an armload of junior rhubarb—and dig a bit of parsley for my kitchen counter. The rhubarb will add a vegetal tint to tomorrow’s applesauce: a mix of wild, found, and heritage varieties.
BARN of this Land
This BARN. Every time I scoop feed, take refuge from rain or wind, store farm tools, or smell sweet local straw on my guardian dogs’ fur, it is tinted with gratitude for this barn.
Even though I definitely hammered a few nails to help build this beauty, I see it as a gift from my brother @owenmcmichael —he coordinated the job and stuck with it until it was solid and dry enough to serve my needs. Along with my father (and some good help from @jelmcm and WWOOFer Lucas), Owen felled the trees, supervised and supported the sawyer, augered the post holes, stripped and set the posts, and built both floors with precision.
One of these days (after my wrists heal, for sure), I will follow through with my end of the deal by finishing the batten and sliding barn doors. My barn is both beautiful and functional as it is, and I know it will continue to learn—á la #stewartbrand —as the years pass.
#familyfarm
#redoak
#portablesawmill
#usewhatyouhave
#permaculturecommunity
#theproblemisthesolution
#designforthefuture
#permaculturefarm
#healthyfarmer
#selfcarewhilefarming
#truesustainability
#permaculture
#permacultura
#observeandinteract