In the pack this week we expect to have similar vegetables to the last two weeks.  Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post to meet the newest member of our farm team: Sidonie Greenberg!

Last weekend, Bernard invited interns and workers from other farms to help out with a project at Abundant Acres.  They helped to build a large hoop house.  It is a new design David is trying out.

It took shape very quickly.  We added it to the gothic-shaped house that did so well through last winter.

 

Another 100 ft of hoop-house for a total of 200 ft .  The plan is to fill the new extension with melons.  Thanks to all who helped out!  We had a terrific meal after the hoop house was finished.

David and I were finding treasures this week.  It seems that Bernard is gifted in democratic organization.  He likes to include everyone in every job and takes great pains to ensure there is a clear way to make that work.  He has also taken Sidonie under his wing and is teaching her the art of cooking for a crew in half an hour or less.  That’s going to be a great skill for Sidonie.  Alice and Bernard spent several mosquito-infested evenings setting up the pasture fences.  That was showing a lot of tenacity!  The cows were very grateful.

The laying hens also got a huge new area of pasture this week thanks to Victoria patiently untangling and setting up the electronets.  But, it turns out that Victoria is a knitter and she’s used to spending hours untangling yarns.

In addition to his carpentry skills, Kevin also has experience with body repair on vehicles.  He is helping David renovate the Sprinter van so that it can be a super-cool delivery van.  He’s also working on the rust.  What a blessing!

Alice has made a couple of colourful little figures with Victoria’s art supplies.  It is so nice to know in addition to all the work, there is some play going on.

I sure hope I find more surprises in the coming weeks.

Here are some more photos from the week on the farm:

 

I asked Sidonie to write her own introduction to everyone.

Hey. I’m Sidonie Greenberg, David and Jen’s niece. I am 17 and visiting for a month from Chicago. I have always wanted to visit the farm and this summer I had ample time and determination to make it happen. I have spent the last few years testing out different jobs including acting, set building, book sorting, nannying, and being a full time Conservatory Art student. I thought the next logical employment move was farming in another country. After this I have one more year of school before entering the real world, so I am hoping to pick up some adult habits and skills here on the farm. I am very excited for my rural adventure and hope to be of some use to Uncle David.