More on the topic of rain

Most of the interesting action on our farm these days is still centered in our high tunnels. We are so grateful for them this year!

Most of the interesting action on our farm these days is still centered in our high tunnels. We are so grateful for them this year!

In regards to last week’s newsletter about the incessant rain, I have some numbers to share with you this week. I learned in this article that today marks the 146th rainy day in the Portland area since October 1. This is a record, by the way, for the most rainy days (the prior record was 142 for the period of October – April – set back in 1999). And, hey, we still have another few days of April in which to keep smashing that wet record into pieces!

In case you want a better mathematical break down, there have been 209 days since October 1, meaning that the rainy days represent almost 70% of the total days in that period. Which may be how many non-Northwesterners picture our region, but it’s just not our normal reality. We missed most of our normal beautiful golden fall days, and now we’re missing many of our normal beautiful golden spring days.

And those 146 days are just the days that qualified for rainfall. I’d bet that there were other days that were plenty misty (or at least very, very, very dark and gray) but perhaps didn’t register for more than a trace of rain. I’m just betting. My guts and bones are telling me this — that we really haven’t seen very much of the sun in months.

If you want more statistics, this article reports that the Portland airport has received 45.5 inches of rainfall since October 1, making this the second-wettest winter in the 75 year history of records.

Apple blossom! And a brief "sun break" moment on the weekend.

Apple blossom!

Needless to say, since last week, not a whole lot has changed out here on the farm. Casey weeded the garlic (which is growing in a high tunnel). The apple blossoms have opened on some varieties of apples. Casey managed to mow some of the quickly growing grass around the farm but had to do it in the rain (not usually something that’s advisable). Discussions continue to thrive at a high rate on our farmer listserv (this week’s topics include people’s boot choices for summer — seems most everyone wants to chime in about their personal footwear choices). Casey has had time to call our representatives to voice his concern about current issues. The kids and I have read a lot. You know, we have had lots of time to do things other than work up ground and plant. Which is of course what we want to be doing (and what we’ve come to expect of spring!).

But the weather forecast is beginning to show some signs of a shift over the weekend. Our forecast says “slight chance of showers” more than just plain old “rain,” and I’m going to take hope where I can get it! Isn’t it interesting how our standards for “nice” weather have shifted this year? I hear people rejoicing simply over lighter rain or a dry spell in the day (often paired with the perpetual gray). And, oh boy, does everyone get giddy now when the sun really shines. It’s glorious, isn’t it? It’s good to be have our appreciation reset a bit — much like how I often rejoice in my normal healthy body so much after recovering from a lingering illness. This is a season that we will remember for a long time, as it will set a new bar for what is possible — both in terms of the weather itself, but also in terms of what we can bear. It is heartening to know that, even in these very wet, dark times, we can personally find so much joy, and the farm can continue to provide abundant food for our community!

(And next week I’ll write about something else. I promise!)

Enjoy this week’s vegetables!

Your farmers, Katie & Casey Kulla

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CSA payment due this week! If you haven’t paid us your second CSA payment yet, please bring it with you to pick-up tomorrow! We can take cash or check. Please let me know if you have any questions about your account balance due. Thank you so much!

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Meet this week’s vegetables:

  • Apples
  • Radishes
  • Salad turnips
  • Marina di Chioggia winter squash
  • Seasonal salad mix
  • Kale
  • Chard
  • Cabbage
  • Beets
  • Sunchokes
  • Potatoes
  • Green garlic

 

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