Autumn wonders

A sight we farmers love to see: October sunlight on lush brassicas (cole crops).

What a difference a week makes. Or, even a day. After a very unseasonable storm at the end of September, the rain receded, bringing some good old fashioned Oregon fall weather: mist in the mornings, followed by golden sun in the afternoon.

Everyone on the farm has been savoring these last few hours of sun — hopefully we’ll have many more such days this October, but we’re certainly getting close to the end.

This weekend was especially glorious. We went exploring as a family frequently, checking out all the new sights that the new season has brought: mushrooms galore (we are working on learning how to identify which are which), walnuts falling from trees, spiderwebs sparkling with dew in the morning, spiders themselves, wasps, changing leaves, blue herons hunting in the field outside our house … it is a glorious, glorious time of year to be outside and appreciate such gems of existence. I captured a few with the camera this weekend and thought I’d share them with you here:

Peek-a-boo view of Mt Hood from our home farm — and a lush, greening up pasture. Thank you, rains!

A boy on his bike. A walnut tree dropping walnuts.

A magnificent spider I found in the garden by our house.

A large garden spider.

Frog! Hippity-hoppety!

An egg case of some kind, suspended in a lavender plant. So delicate!

Ah, such beauty abounds! I must admit: there are seasons and moments when I seriously ponder the benefits of life in town. In mid-summer, when things are crazy, or in mid-winter, when life is gray and dark out here … yes, I ponder the value of being closer to friends and walking to the store.

But, in the shoulder seasons? In spring, when the growth begins? In fall, when the migrations begin and all the animals prepare for winter and nature puts on a glorious show? When the sunlight is kind and welcome on bare arms and the work is satisfying and pleasant? This is a season to rejoice in our blessings here on the farm. I cannot imagine living anywhere else.

I hope you too feel content with your lot in this beautiful life on these beautiful (and ever-changing) fall days. Enjoy this week’s vegetables!

Your farmers, Katie & Casey Kulla

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• Chard
• Kale
• Salad
• Chives
• Parsley
• Basil — The last of this year’s basil! Enjoy it!
  
• Carrots
• Beets
• Summer squash