December 23, 2022
I’m sitting here typing this letter, grateful that the power is still on. If you’ve been here, you know how long and how vulnerable our service run is. The steady wind speed is 26 mph with gusts up to 40. My thermometer reads -9 degrees; they say it feels like -36. Is there a difference?
It’s all a white haze outside. We have plantation shutters inside on all our windows that help with blocking drafts. However, this morning, nothing can hold back the chill from these icy blasts. Even my favorite cozy corner of the house, where I spend early morning hours alone, is quite chilly right now.
I sit here thinking of every possible devastating thing that can happen, “Is the roof going to blow off? Is a limb going to come crashing down? Are the animals warm enough? Did all the cats make it into the barn? Is the corn crib still standing?
Yet, while I sit here, I hear birds chirping away. Incredible! The weather hasn’t stopped their morning ritual of bringing in the day with song. They’re all hiding in the large Spirea bushes off our front porch. They’re deep in the boxwood and cypress, just singing away. I couldn’t hear them at first. I was only listening to the frightful gusts and the clatter of the metal roof being lifted up on the corn crib - or was that the clamor of my anxious thoughts!
Surrendering each worry in prayer, I listen deeper and beyond the storm. I hear joy and hope and the faithfulness of dawn as proclaimed by those hunkered down songbirds that surround our home. Oh, Lord! Thank you for these quiet, tangible lessons. In the storm, if we quiet our hearts and listen beyond the roar, there is a sweet song of hope for us to hear.
The song to hear is a song for all: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” ” (Luke 2:10)
2,000+ years ago, shelter for the storm was given, wrapped in rags and lying in a rack for fodder - Emmanuel, God with us! He is the gift for all and a refuge of love, hope, joy and peace for those who put their simple trust in the promise of His salvation.
Jesus spoke the words, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28). As 2022 comes to a close, many are weary and burdened from the good stuff and the hard stuff that happened this year. You’re tired beyond a good nap. The rest He speaks of is peace in the storm - like those birds still chirping while the wind rages on.
Merry Christmas to All,
Mrs. Farmer Jones
NEW YEAR'S EVE'S-EVE PARTY
I'm so sad we canceled tonight's sold-out Christmas on the Farm event. But, duh! So, after speaking with several disappointed guests, we've collectively planned a new celebration for next Friday, December 30. After the blizzard and the hustle of the holiday, temperatures seem to be less frightful. We hope you'll pivot your plans and join us next week for Locavore's New Year's Eve's-Eve Party. The celebration will be held in our barn from 6 PM to 9 PM. Arrival time is casual. Order when you're ready to eat. Enjoy the bustle of the barn, live music, good food and more festive cheer and gathering before 2023! Admission is $15. Everything else a la carte - cash or credit accepted. Here's the link to our New Year's Eve's-Eve Party: https://e.sparxo.com/Locavore-December-30
PRE-SEASON SALE!
We hope you'll consider the gift of a Locavore-experience by gifting a seat at our table and time spent on our farm. Gift Certificates in any denomination are available and an exclusive offering on five dates in 2023. Each ticket is $30-off per person (WAS $155 NOW $125 per person). This discount will last until we post our official 2023 schedule. 2023 Dates: May 13, June 24, July 8, August 12, September 23, and October 7.
