CSA Week 12

August 21, 2017
CSA Week 12 – August 21, 23, 25

Dear 2017 CSA Members,

New life
Yes, Clare did finally give birth to Margaret on August 10. 10 days late according to the calendar, but on her own 7 ½ lb. schedule. She was a bit hung up because of a cord around her neck (probably swimming too much in untero), but she came out quick and is happily with her 2 sisters and mom and dad.

And Shadow, our super mom cat had another batch of kittens a short four months after the last batch. She disappeared on Thursday and the kids (who were hidden in the barn) made themselves known on Friday morning. We collected them and brought them into the house and Jack and I are proud parents of 6 beautiful kittens (they were 17 days old when we found them). So we have been dropper feeding them every 2-4 hours ever since – they are getting milk, eggs and liver all pureed together. Shadow came home on Sunday very worse for wear. She helped us nurse them yesterday, but then took off to rest. Not sure whether she will make it, but meanwhile my maternal instincts have re-heightened in this endeavor!

Job Opening
With Clare off for awhile, Luke returning to school this week, Marion and Phil returning to school next week, we are down to a skeleton crew at the most demanding time of the year. We start at $10/hour and will hire up to full time (M-F – 6:30 – 3:30). We are looking primarily for hardworking, hustle and focus, also quick learners are nice, entertaining attributes are nice, interest in farming is great, and learning. MHOF staff members do everything – animal care, planting, weeding, mulching, harvesting, heavy lifting (you must be able to do heavy lifting), lawn mowing, food preservation, etc., etc. Apply here – 978-355-2853; Julie@ mhof.net. We will hire immediately.

Peach Heaven?
Yes, we are in peach season and hopefully yours have been making it to you in decent condition . If they are bruised, eat them immediately. If they aren’t you might want to eat them immediately anyway because they are so good. Jack and I watch movies at the table at night and cut and freeze peach parts. They are on sale from now on – $12 for a 2 lb. bag. We watched Indiana Jones and the Holy Grail last night – I forgot how funny that was!

Cucumbers for processing
Yes, you have been getting plenty in your bags and I hope you enjoy them. We are inundated. And we are selling them at $2/lb for those who would pickle. Enquire. I can send them along with your share.

Notes from shareholders
Thank you for your kind notes. We really appreciate the support you give us here. Here is one that might be of use to you as you deal with herbs.

“Also want to share that although the past few weeks I was excited by the volume of parsley and herbs, I struggled to use it all. this week I chopped it all fine and mixed it with crushed garlic and a few stocks of softened butter – some stored in the fridge the rest in the freezer for an easy addition to potatoes, rice, pasta, veggies, chicken, eggs, etc. a working mom’s pesto!”

I was hoping to send pictures, but alas, no time. We are on speed up. I hope your transition time is going well as we head into fall.
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Food for this week –
CSA
• 4/2 lettuce
• Carrots, broccoli or cabbage
• collards
• squash
• Cukes
• Parsley
• Chard
• Cilantro
• Chives
• Basil
• Peaches
• Mint
• Tomatoes or peppers in short supply
Recycle your paper and plastic grocery-size bags with us. You can leave them in your CSA bags. We also like rubber bands,. And don’t forget any corrugated cardboard. We can use it. We are enjoying your cardboard – thanks for sending that along. Black and white newspapers actually work nicely too if you have those laying around.

Julie
For The Many Hands Organic Farm staff