Thank you for sending the video, "Look and See: A portrait of Wendell Berry." I watched it again the other evening and was reminded: His "vision" was so instrumental in the choices and decisions we made so many years ago to settle at Bayfield. Looking back, the experience has not been utopic--"its hardship is its possibility"--as he tells us in verse from his poem Worksong: a Vision. But for the most part, when I look at my kids for who they have become, and our farm for what has been accomplished, and this place--this community--which has become the heart of our life together, I know I am indebted to Wendell for his eloquent sharing of that vision.
Now we are being tested. I don't expect in the present crisis that a majority will reconsider Wendell's call to return to agrarian values--but for those who already have, and for those who might, there are lessons and examples for life and hope. I spent yesterday with my son Chris in the sugarbush soaking up equinox sun, boiling sap, sharing conversation, surrounded by the beauty of a forest waking to a new season, Our relationship was enriched and I can only feel joy and gratitude.
As we come into this new season, prospects for the farm are clouded. A crushing snow cover (more than 50 inches in November alone!) has resulted in a lot of apparent bush damage. The crop may be light. With the present virus pandemic, will we be able to hire sufficient help? Will our markets return? Schools and restaurants are closed and likely will be for a while longer--will they be ready to receive new inventories of frozen berries? People are fearful and many are suffering financially--will they turn out to pick our berries this summer? It is all very uncertain. But our debts are small, our family bonds are strong, and our values won't have us demanding more than our need. We have plans for a larger garden, the seed is in hand--and we have each other.
Hope you and yours are well.
Now we are being tested. I don't expect in the present crisis that a majority will reconsider Wendell's call to return to agrarian values--but for those who already have, and for those who might, there are lessons and examples for life and hope. I spent yesterday with my son Chris in the sugarbush soaking up equinox sun, boiling sap, sharing conversation, surrounded by the beauty of a forest waking to a new season, Our relationship was enriched and I can only feel joy and gratitude.
As we come into this new season, prospects for the farm are clouded. A crushing snow cover (more than 50 inches in November alone!) has resulted in a lot of apparent bush damage. The crop may be light. With the present virus pandemic, will we be able to hire sufficient help? Will our markets return? Schools and restaurants are closed and likely will be for a while longer--will they be ready to receive new inventories of frozen berries? People are fearful and many are suffering financially--will they turn out to pick our berries this summer? It is all very uncertain. But our debts are small, our family bonds are strong, and our values won't have us demanding more than our need. We have plans for a larger garden, the seed is in hand--and we have each other.
Hope you and yours are well.
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