December 2024 CSA Newsletter

Throwback to when we had this barn and sheep.

We made it! A bit sore, possibly limping, but very, very satisfied. The last week of the year we make time to reflect back on our year full of living. You have all walked through it with us, in a very real way. Some of you even made the trek out to the ranch and visited, or did more, helped out! Walking a mile in someone else’s shoes is good for the soul and makes connections that can sometimes last a lifetime.

Chicken processing helpers.

Share invoices come out on the 21st of every month and I will post this newsletter on our blog shortly after. I will also email you the link so you don’t miss the news. If the first shipping date doesn’t work for you, just let us know and we can arrange a later ship day. Here is the upcoming schedule!

• December Shares Shipping; December 2nd or another week
• January Shares Shipping; January 6th or another week
• February Shares Shipping; February 3rd or another week

Share options for this month ( below is an example share for a Small Beef, Pork & Chicken, your share may be different) are pretty flexible, let us know if you would like to switch out any cuts or need something for a special dinner.

• Bone-in or Boneless Beef Chuck Roast OR Smoked Bone-in Ham
• Ground Beef or Patties ( 1/4# or 1/3#)
• Ground Pork, Sausages ( Breakfast, Sweet or Hot Italian, Chorizo or Kielbasa) OR Bacon
• Chicken Boneless/Skinless Breast, Drumsticks or Wings ( this is all we have left, let us know if you would rather skip it!)
• Pork Chops, Bone-in or Boneless
• Pork Cutlets, Stew or Shoulder Steak
• HOLIDAY BONUS CUTS – Smoked Ham Roast 2-4 lb. each, Chicken Feet for making broth (2-3# packages), extra Steaks or Chops ( choose your favorite!), Maple Syrup, Honey, Pet Food, Jerky, Sticks, or Summer Sausage for your Charcuterie board.

Just email us with what you are looking to add and we will do the rest!

My second year having a flower/herb bed and I’ve enjoyed it beyond measure. Puttering in the beds, yelling at the rabbits who devoured my Statice, but left the Yarrow. Gifting the Cockscomb to others as it had been gifted to me. The dark red circles of Dahlia’s still leave me in awe. As I put it to bed for winter, I’m reading a book on Wintering by Katherine May. She speaks about how things that look dead are in fact quite alive, but need time to rest. Winter and resting seem to go hand in hand. I am ready for that.

Some things did not get done this year. The beef Wintering shed was not put up. Even if we had the funds, we still do not have a plan that works. Something as expensive as that, we really need to have the “perfect” plan. Too far down the hill, it will be filled with rain and wet. Finding a spot that is up high, flat enough to build on, can be gotten to the beef ( think of a floating barn, no beef elevators are around yet) – all the challenges we need to solve. Until then, a neighboring farmer texted me to see if we would be interested in hauling of bedding bales he didn’t need. “Cover his gas money” he said. And indeed we did. So thankful for that extra hay, which will create fluffy insulation when the weather turns rank. Another neighbor stopped in and had ordered one too many loads of stone for his new building, could we use it? Of course! Our driveway and several spots got filled in and fixed. Perfect timing.

Wintering is ahead, our freezer will be quite bare after your shares go out and I am thankful for a butcher who works so hard to fit us in, whenever they can.  Jan. 1st is just around the corner and spring will need to be prepared for. May you winter with rest, knowing that the One who created you knows every detail and is pleased with it, just as we should be.

Warmly,
Kassandra

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