Last night, at 8:00, I finally staggered down the stairs after getting my boys to sleep, tired and somewhat exasperated from the day. As I stumbled into the kitchen, I saw the heap of overripe produce on my counter, and let out a deep sigh as I remembered I still needed to can that evening. I hadn’t yet cleaned up after supper and, while I love canning, I certainly wasn’t in the mood to do it right then! However, mood or not, the task was still before me. “Sing Laura,” I thought to myself. “Distract your mind and stop feeling sorry for yourself.“ Immediately out of my mouth came an old camp song: ‘I’ve Got a River of Life Flowing Out of Me.’ I stopped, laughing out loud. That seemed like a bit of a stretch! I tried again and, without thought, came another childhood tune: ‘O Soul Are You Wearied and Troubled?’ Again I laughed out loud. That one seemed more true to how I felt! The laughter must have done me good, because my mood was lightening and the canning process was beginning to get under way. An hour and a half later I was sitting down, eating a piece of chocolate and waiting for my canning to finish processing. The task that had been a lot of work had brought much satisfaction.
August is a busy month at the farm; just like my evening canning experience, it is a lot of work and a lot of satisfaction. From the farmers in the field to our foodservice and retail staff, everyone is working incredibly hard. Raelene, Betti and Megan are flying in the farm kitchens. Tomatoes are ripe, and that means that on top of all the regular pies and sandwiches they are making fresh salsa, home canned Salsa and, just this week, they added a new product: “Summer Harvest Salad.” It is amazing: fresh corn, fresh tomatoes, fresh onions, fresh peppers, black beans and quinoa – talk about a hearty and farm fresh salad! Justin, Elyse and Lorraine are working overtime in the retail, serving staff and customers alike and making sure shelves are stocked. Tamra, Lyla, Callum and Cindy are diligently working in the office, keeping all the ‘i’s dotted and t’s crossed.’ Tom, Kevin, Lance, Paul and the rest of the field crew are picking and packing fruits and vegetables from sun up until sun down. Yes, August is a lot of work, and a lot of satisfaction!
If I’m truly honest, these days I seem to bounce between a ‘river of life’ and ‘weary and troubled.’ While I have a solid hope, the emotions don’t always flow with what I know to be true, and while some days are a struggle, others bring great joy.
One thing is for sure; August days are abundant, and for that I am extremely grateful. This year, more than ever, it feels like a gift to have a kitchen full of farm grown goodness. I just have to be willing to do the work while it’s here, whether I’m tired or not, so I can enjoy the satisfaction all winter long.
Laura Shaw,
For the Davison Family
Learn to make your own Tomato Sauce with fresh ingredients!
Don't forget to Like Davison Orchards on Our Social Media
