Field Notes, April
It’s the second week of April and I’m amazed at how quickly things shifted.
The peak of casper kale season is over, no more turnips, and there are pretty flowers everywhere.
There are cilantro flowers, a row of dill flowers taller than me, pretty little yellow arugula flowers, and our favorite purple broccoli is flowering. (Which is why we have it one more week! We cleaned out the field!)
The casper kale is seeding, and I feel delighted to see how many seeds come from these plants. I’m hoping to help harvest them for the next plantings.
For those who don’t know, I often talk about casper kale, and how much I love it. When it’s gone I miss it, so I’m happy to say I froze some for the Summer this time. It’s not the same, but I’ll appreciate myself when I miss walking outside, and finding the patch I want to harvest for the morning. It’s a special time.
David reminds me that the season is ending here in the desert, and it’s getting hotter. The Winter was so cold and it’s easy to forget just how hot it gets down here. My memories come back to me as I go out to pick up some cold hibiscus tea in 100 degree weather.
We decided I should drive down to LA on Thursday night so I can avoid the busy Friday crowd of the Coachella music festival in town.
He calls me from the ranch about half an hour after I leave. He moves the camera around, “Kali, look at what’s behind me.” A bright light glows amongst the dusty wind. A big fire, growing rapidly, and fire trucks are in front of the Ranch.
My mind flashes to the morning, when David got busy clearing some brush, while I scrubbed the kitchen. Both in our zones, clearing away. We took a ride in the truck with Wisker the dog later in the day, when I asked, “which way is the wind blowing?” Not knowing what was next.
(Well the good news everybody, is the wind blew in the other direction, away from the Ranch, and the fire is contained.)
Once in LA, I stay up until my eyes give up sometime after 1am, doing my best not to worry, and I wake up at 7am relieved to hear Davids voice in the morning that all is well.
Though, I felt it would be ok, it’s times like this we stop and reflect about our gratitude for every little thing we have, and what do we really need? What do we bring with us? What if these precious things, and everything growing was gone in moments? What if the little kitchen was gone where we secretly make the best salads in the desert?
A world without County Line Veggies in our fridge is just not nearly as fun. Every week we receive our produce from all our farmers, it feels like a miracle, especially today.
The season is ending, and our story continues……
Wishing you all the best of health and happiness.
Take Care ~
P.S.! Good news! The agretti David planted is growing. Last year the seeds didn’t sprout. This year, the plants are sporadic, but they’re there, and growing! It’s not an easy plant, and it’s one of the most wonderful veggies. I’m so looking forward to sharing it again!
