Double R Farm (Amish Country Soaps & Sundries)

It was a sad day on the farm yesterday. No, we didn’t loose any livestock, but a hard earned dream disappeared over the horizon due to this still sagging economy. For months now I have been watching friends and neighbors sell many of their personal possessions in an effort to stall the foreclosure of their small farms. Some have been successful and others have not. I have tried to keep a positive and upbeat outlook on the progression of things around here in Sugarcreek, and I must admit that I am baffled by the amount of businesses continuing to close and the number of people left unemployed. Wondering just when the politicians will take a look at the middle class plight and actually care at all.

Two years ago I read many an article about the impending dissolution of the middle class. Honestly I never thought it was possible. Now, I continually see more than just the handwriting on the wall. So far and by the grace of God we have been able to keep our farm, but I am somewhat uncertain as to how it will all turn out. Yesterday, I watched as my husband’s Harley was loaded onto the back of a pick up truck. No, he was not late on payments, nor was it repossessed. As a matter of fact it was fully paid for years ago by his own blood, sweat and tears. It was the one luxury he had afforded himself.  Although, I am not sure it could really be called a luxury since he rode it weather permitting for seven years to keep the fuel costs down as he drove to and from his daily job. A job he lost in early spring.

Selling the Harley was a cut we had to make to keep the rest of the farm afloat, and it probably won’t be the last one. Years ago we made a conscious decision to raise our children as close to nature as possible as well as to provide homes for many abandoned and unwanted animals. From the horses we rescued from auction to the many cats that unfeeling people dump off, we serve many. The sad part is not so much loosing something that is material, but knowing that other things may need to go. I can only hope that some one who has the ability to right this country will do so soon, and before we as well as more friends and neighbors loose their life’s work. That is again if they even care.

It may not be affecting you directly just now, but sooner or later we will all feel the loss of the small family farm. Think of the large corporate farms sponsored by large corporate donors using genetically enhanced seed and chemicals to “produce” more for less. If small family farms disappear we will all have to rely on their products to survive. If you know of a small farmer in your area support them by buying their goods. Investing in local farms and businesses will help support the community you live in and in the long run afford you good and nutritious food. On the other hand continuing to purchase goods from large corporations and foreign countries will only benefit them and eventually enslave us all.

Normally if I have a comment to a post I will just send a short reply, but John’s post on women over 40 carrying this country to freedom got me thinking more about where we as a country are headed. In Sugarcreek have been dealing with serious blows to our economy and in fact the entire state of Ohio is in the throws of economic disintegration. There seems to be only a few states that  are not struggling quite as much as the others.

To make matters worse many I know are ill. I am sure the constant stress of trying to survive has weakened their immune systems and has left many vulnerable to serious illnesses. Now I don’t mean just a cold or a flu, but I am talking many forms of cancer and other more serious afflictions. The other night I tried to listen to the health care proposal, but  had a sinking feeling that it was just more rhetoric being shoved down our throats. Personally, I am still having difficulty with the fact that if this plan is so great why then do the Senator’s, Congress and even the President have yet another plan for themselves?

Yes, the country is in bad shape and the health care system is out of control, much like many of the other programs the government has its hands in. It is disconcerting to think that the way to trim the fat will need to come from taking from many of those who spent their lives making this country what it is today. Now that they are older many see them and their care as a burden. No one seemed to mind when they were contributing and helping  to make this country strong. Now that our parents and grandparents are older and they need a hand they are faced with a health care plan that would leave them in the cold.

I hope that women over forty can make a difference. I personally fit the description and have tried to make some changes by contacting Senators, Representatives, members of Congress and even the President regarding many of the issues we all face as a struggling country. Unfortunately, my efforts have not been as effective as I would like them to be. If any one would like to contact me and work on ways we can start making some  real changes I would welcome the opportunity.

I was thinking though, maybe I should just take up golf and perhaps there I would find the decision makers more amenable to hear what I have to say, and better yet what we as a country need to have them hear.

I guess rain would not be an appropriate description of the weather here in Sugarcreek. We actually have more of a drizzling of liquid sunshine. In a way the gentle rain is fitting as we deliver the last of the our CSAs this week. A time of year for us that is bittersweet. On the one hand we are relieved that we finishing up our deliveries for the season, and on the other we are sad to see it end. We will be working on the gardens as we begin to prepare them for their winter rest. It is the time we carefully gather seeds for next year’s harvest and divide many of the perennials we have here on the farm. Soon we will be updating our listing to reflect the current seeds and plants we have available.

We are so thankful that we were able to provide fresh vegetables for all of our members, and are grateful for their trust in us to provide them with the health and wealth of naturally grown produce. Thank you to all our members who joined this year and helped to ensure the survival of the small family farm. We will admit it gets more and more difficult to continue under the current economic conditions, especially when the larger farms can produce so much more for so much less. We hope you enjoyed the harvest and we look forward to providing for you again next year.

Thank you & Blessings from Double R Farm