Double Oak Farm

Just a few days now until we open the market. Things are progressing SLOWLY! If only I could get things accomplished by sheer force of will we would be ready to go tomorrow. The list is long, but we continue to chip away at it. Eventually it will all be done, I just don’t know if that will be before or after we open.

I had the pleasure of visiting some of our growers last Friday(I didn’t get pictures because it was raining and lightening). It has been so hard to plant this year because of all the rain. If you aren’t able to plant on the day or two that the ground is dry enough it might be a week before you get another chance. Norma Jean’s brothers, sisters and parents all came over last week and planted her large front garden in one evening. I was able to see it when I picked up my tomatoe, eggplant and pepper plants from her green house. I also picked up flower and herb plants to plant and sell at the shop.

Maddie’s garden is gorgeous. She has lettuce, spinach, onions and rhubarb all ready to go. Her peas are looking great and her beans are off to a good start.The day it was finally dry enough and warm enough to plant beans was the day before Maddie’s family hosted their church service. Instead of cleaning and preparing for the 25 plus families that would be there the next day, she was out planting beans. She said the basement was not clean, but she was glad to have the beans in the ground.

Pete has plenty of asparagus for us. I’ll pick it up on Tuesday. The strawberries were barely pink on Friday. A few sunny days would be welcome.

Last Wednesday Miriam and Magdalena had a grand adventure of their own. They voluteered to help clean the shop. One Healy family brought them up in the morning and the other took them home at night. The painted, washed windows and produce tables and in general were incredibly helpful. I have learned how much the Amish like sweets so I took them to Dags for lunch. They loved the orange pineapple ice cream and have told everyone back home about how wonderful it is. In their words it is the best ice cream they have ever had.

The rest of my time has been spent waiting. I’m waiting to have my front bay door fixed. I waiting to know if I will have refrigerators by opening day. I’m waiting for sunny weather so the strawberries will ripen. I’m waiting for the next “official” person to walk through the door with some new requirement ( meaning I write a check, they hand me a piece of paper saying I can sell produce and since they can revoke that piece of paper and keep my money I’ll try not to make to many references to the mafia or socialism). I’m waiting to make some money and not just spend, spend, spend. I’m waiting for the fun of meeting and greeting customers and eating wonderful food and all the fun of being at the shop.

I think I may need to take up Norma Jean’s idea and have a planting party. I have many plants to get into to garden and very little time. Watch for your invitation! Pray for good weather and I’ll see you at the shop!!!

Lori