I'm lucky enough to work in a field where Labor Day always means a day off. Some, like my husband, trudge into their jobs at the crack of dawn just like any other day. On his way home from work, Alan noticed our friends working on their farm. He decided to go help, so Thomas and I tagged along. Actually, to be more accurate, Thomas cancelled our trip to the park because he wanted to go "work" on the farm as well.
I've learned in the years that we have been friends with the Bennett's that there is always work to be done on the farm. Today's task - digging a trench to repair a broken drain tile. Today, they had 3 generations of Bennett farmers and 2 generations of Asiala handymen working the job. Grandpa Bennett now supervises from his tractor while Rob (far left) and Cal (on the left in the distance) do the work, with the help of anyone who is willing.
I'm intrigued by farming. Specifically, small family farms. I never gave much thought to farming in the past. I bought food at the store, cooked and ate it, and didn't give it a second thought. Now a days, we've shifted our focus. We buy our beef from this very farm. The Bennett's raise beef cattle and feed them their own corn and hay. It's a small, family operation and we are so lucky to be some of the few that are able to buy and eat this wonderful meat. In addition, we buy as much in season locally grown produce as possible. The local farmers market is one of our Saturday morning routine stops. Good thing, too, because this year, we stunk at gardening. This measly bowl:
was our gardens bounty for the season. Pitiful, really. We'll try harder next year. In the mean time, we'll continue buying from our local farmers and hitting up Grandpa Bennett's garden for seasonal treats. I picked 4 buttercup squash this morning. Can't wait to cook one later this week!
Cal grew little pumpkins and Thomas was thrilled to bring a couple home. He plans on painting them later in the day.
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