Seems like everyone puts together some kind of year-in-review (and some decades in review this year). I’m not ambitious enough to sort through the last decade, but I will take a shot at the year in review. So without much further ado – the things we’ll remember most about 2009 in no particular order:
- This year culminated in some serious progress in outbuilding renovation, most notably, the refurbished hog barn which resulted in an added bonus as the overhanging shelter turned into a nice sheltered place to butcher turkeys on a cold and snowy November afternoon. An old machine shed was partially demolished and rebuilt, with clear panel tops to let light in. This was a first as it was the first partial building implosion on the farm. In addition, three of four sides of the barn were repainted.
- The money targeted for a new garage/siding instead went into a hole in the ground in the form of a new septic system. The old one was particularly hackneyed, in that it was a small tank (500 gallons) that flowed through an old cistern, and finally to one field tile. I’m glad that it started acting up in spring rather than in the dead of winter.
- The wind continued to be a popular topic – we hosted a PFI field day, I presented a number of times regarding the turbine, we gathered some press on Oprah.com, a feature article in the local paper, and was awarded a grant to defray the costs of erecting another turbine to act as a small wind demonstration site. We are encouraged that there is such interest in renewable energy and self-reliance.
- Linda was flattered to be a finalist for the position of Endowed Chair of Sustainable Agriculture and Local Food Systems at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. After a couple of days of intense interviews for Linda, we had a chance to do some relaxation around Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The college ended up not filling the position, so we’re not sure if they didn’t like any of the candidates or had budget problems.
- Linda also had the honor to be invited to be the keynote speaker at the Unitarian Universalist Prairie Star Annual Meeting, held in Duluth, MN this year. The theme was “Our Blue Boat Home” and Linda was rewarded with a standing ovation from the 300 or so in attendance.
- We endured the rainiest vacation week in our 17 years or so of visiting Northern Minnesota. The first day and a half were warm and sunny, and then, rain, fog, mist, and cold set in. On the upside, it was some of the best fishing we’ve ever had.
- This growing season was notable for the cool summer and long growing season. We had our first pears and hazelnuts. We were eating lettuce from the garden up to Dec 6th!
- We had the joy to watch Emma seemingly effortlessly switch schools and enter high school as a Freshman. Emma loves her new friends, band, and basketball. She had an exceptional travel year, with a school trip to Washington DC, and a church trip to Boston. Both Linda and I wish we were as content and happy as she is when we were in high school.
- Claire’s last year at home were full of honors – from earning a trip to the national debate championships in Alabama, to participation in the World Food Prize Symposium. College searches started in earnest – we appreciate the energy and motivation Claire devotes to her future studies.
- Finally, Martin is at age and has a temperament that makes him excited about exploring the world. With his enthusiasm after reading about it in some books, he and dad tapped maple trees in the yard and made maple syrup. Martin remains joyful and helpful boy, fully engaged in life.
