Spring Planting and Fiber Fun
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July 5, 2019We had a very busy Spring on the farm. As the end of another college year approached, we were blessed to have campus ministry students from both King’s College and Misericordia University come together to the farm to help with some spring clean-up and preparations for the arrival of the ducks and pigs - and they brought priests with them, so we got a blessing, too!
Another wet spring put a dent in our planting plans - as it did for many farmers around the country. The land was too wet and heavy for our plow, so our neighbor came by with his and plowed up a stretch for us. He even planted some sweet corn! Our dependable friends from the Church of St Therese in Shavertown came out once again for their Spirit of Service Day and planted the crops. They also brought gallons and gallons of Dawn dishwashing liquid for us to use to wash the wool. So grateful - now all we need is sunshine!
We are very happy to note that our Season Spin-In, Spring Edition was a bit hit! We had a wonderfully intergenerational group spinning and knitting and doing needlework. What a joy to watch the experienced teach the novice, young hands taking up a traditional skill. We are excited to host our next edition on July 20 at Lehman Nursery, 11 am to 3 pm.
Interest in the fiber arts has been growing. In May, Carmina gave a wool processing demonstration to the local 4-H Club. Some of the members wanted to learn more, so we decided to form a Junior Fiber Guild and meet a few times over the summer. Our first meeting was a big success, with lots of picking, carding, spinning, and good conversation. At our next meeting, we will learn how to use a drop spindle, as well as basic knitting stitches.
This year, we have five seniors from Lake-Lehman High School doing their Senior Project on the farm - Fiona, Sarah, Shelby, Scott, and Anna. Very hard-working and dependable, they have been helping with everything - planting, weeding, and livestock care. It is fun listening to them talk about their hopes and future plans.
Our hens are very productive this year. We are getting 16-18 eggs a day from 20 chickens. Let’s hope the tomatoes and peppers follow suit.
Carmina was recently invited to be on the Advisory Board of the Dorothy Day Guild, which is working on her canonization. Her first meeting in Manhattan reunited her with her friend Martha Hennessy. She is humbled and honored to serve on this committee - anything for Dorothy!
We ask all our friends to pray for the soul of Val, mother of Emily, a dear friend and supporter of the farm. We have been praying for Val for several years and, though sad to hear of her losing her battle with cancer, are happy to hear it was a peaceful., holy death. Her love for Our Lord is exemplary. In her kindness, Emily has listed our farm as a recipient of gifts in honor of Val. You can read more about Val at www.ourpalval.com.
Send us your prayer intentions - just click on the Prayer Request link above. Let us continue to pray for each other.
Ora et labora!
