The farm is starting to have more activity. I went out there with Chantal on Friday to graft a peach tree that had been girdled, and then yesterday i went out there with Alice and checked out the beehives (both dead, unfortunately, my theory is one died of cold, one of starvation), talked to the neighbors, and then we went back to Alice's house and talking about rotations and planting plans.

So I'm back in Ames, for my last semester as an undergrad at Iowa State. So far, I've learned that robins don't technically migrate, they just follow food, so it isn't unusual to see them during the winter in certain microclimates. I also learned alot in Mexico, see pictures of that after the jump.

This year the craft retreat was down in southern Iowa, at Strangers and Guests CAtholic Worker Farm in Maloy. It was super fun for me to learn some new skills - i especially loved the rag-rug weaving. It was renewing and inspiring to see many friends from other Catholic Worker farms and houses in the midwest. We also made baskets, candles, bread, cheese, and did folk dancing and knitting. Here are some photos of the amazingly complicated but elegant loom process.

Come to our pot-luck this friday Jan 22 at the Blaedel's house: 900 idaho ave, ames, iowa. topic: personalism.

6pm food, 7pm discussion. all in the town of ames.
upcoming pot-lucks:

Feb 19 at Donna's house, NE corner of 8th and douglas - big white house with cupola in front yard. Leader:Gary Guthrie, speaking on Fidelity and Fecundity - the fruits of our faithfulness.
March 26, at Jim and LInda's 5019 Keats ST. Led by Rhiannon Hanson.
April 23, at Jen and Steve's - 708 Brookridge. topic: hospitality, led by Shari Reilly.

2009 Farm season report:

In farm news, we´re working on applying for a NRCS-SARE grant to do some research on cover crops and clover intercropping with the ISU Student Organic Farm and maybe some other people.

If you don't read anything else, please note these 2 things: 1. we are not having any more pot-luck dinners this season (sorry for all confusion). 2. Our sweet potato party was quite nice (thanks everyone!)

Hello all!

This is Nate here sitting in for Alice, who's living largely under the email radar these days. So she says please CALL her if you need to be in touch. Like if you'd like to connect with some excellent fresh farm food, cause there's tons left out there. Give her a call @ 515 460 1467 to set something up.

This message also is relay news about important upcoming events you don't want to miss.

here's a tiny watermelon that tasted just like the real thing

Hello Eaters!

(this picture is from earlier this summer, but gives us a chance to see Nicholas, and a few others mentioned later)
From: nicholas leete
Subject: drought
Date: Monday, August 24, 2009, 10:32 PM