Hello Folks,
As we drive around the North Country, we can see signs of spring. Snow is nearly melted, sun is shining, sap buckets are hanging and people look happy to be outside. Then we drive back up to Bonno Rd and there is still at least a foot of snow on the ground. Oh well, at least the buckets are hanging collecting liquid gold and the sun is shining. Our batteries have been fully charged for the last week. What a good feeling after a winter of cloudy skies.
We have made a bit over a gallon of syrup, so far. Yesterday there was a bumper crop of sap. Mike collected 15 gals! The syrup is amazing this year; so incredibly sweet. It always tastes better when it comes from your own trees.
Mike is starting to work over at Farmer Bill's. He cut a tree today to get more sunshine on the gardens. He'll be in the greenhouse planting, soon.
The number of days left in the school year are dwindling fast. The kids at Little River have gone from sledding to running around the field during break time. Spring fever is definitely in the air. Attention spans are dwindling almost as fast as the number of days.
Enjoy the sun and warmth.
Maria
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Hunger in the North Country
Hi Folks,
Last Thursday a group of like minded individuals met at St Lawrence University to discuss the growing problem of hunger in the North Country.
It was officially entitled: Democracy in Action: No Politics just Service and the theme was: Hunger in the North Country.
The conference was attended by farmers, an official from the DSS Food Stamps division, food pantry leaders, free will dinner organizers, SLU students, GardenShare representatives, UShare garden organizers and members of the general public who have an interest in creating solutions for the growing problem of hunger in the North Country.
We defined a few of the contributing factors to the problem of hunger here in St. Lawrence County. The first issue was resistance to receiving help. Many people are eligible for food stamps and other assistance, but are leery of the bureaucratic process. The second issue is transportation. There are many people who do not have access to transportation. There is a bus service, however the schedule has not proven very reliable. The third issue is lack of jobs and the fourth is the jobs that are available are generally low income.
The conference was divided into four tables: farmers, food pantry, free-will dinners and meals on wheels. After listening to Brian Bennett, a local farmer, talk about his vision. There was then a panel of five community leaders who answered questions from the student facilitators. At the end, each of the tables discussed solutions for the identified problems.
When it came to brain storming solutions many people had many ideas. Here are a few: we agreed that the organizations that work to help the neediest in our county are doing a great job. They, however, need more support from the community in the form of volunteers. The Free-Will dinner organizers can help the U-Share garden folks with the late harvest and can then use the food in their meals. The idea of canning and freezing surplus for later use was raised. To help with the transportation issue: it was suggested that those of us who have cars and use them regularly, take the bus more often. This would increase ridership and help the schedulers work out routes that work for more people. One thought that continually returned was the dichotomy of being rural, some see benefits others see the problems of being a rural community. Some thought being rural highlighted the isolation of people. Others see being rural an asset because it can create community and connections.
This session was just the beginning. It highlighted the number of people in the community who are dedicated to solving the problem.
If you are interested in joining this conversation or have time to volunteer...contact us and we can provide more information.
Take care all,
Maria
Last Thursday a group of like minded individuals met at St Lawrence University to discuss the growing problem of hunger in the North Country.
It was officially entitled: Democracy in Action: No Politics just Service and the theme was: Hunger in the North Country.
The conference was attended by farmers, an official from the DSS Food Stamps division, food pantry leaders, free will dinner organizers, SLU students, GardenShare representatives, UShare garden organizers and members of the general public who have an interest in creating solutions for the growing problem of hunger in the North Country.
We defined a few of the contributing factors to the problem of hunger here in St. Lawrence County. The first issue was resistance to receiving help. Many people are eligible for food stamps and other assistance, but are leery of the bureaucratic process. The second issue is transportation. There are many people who do not have access to transportation. There is a bus service, however the schedule has not proven very reliable. The third issue is lack of jobs and the fourth is the jobs that are available are generally low income.
The conference was divided into four tables: farmers, food pantry, free-will dinners and meals on wheels. After listening to Brian Bennett, a local farmer, talk about his vision. There was then a panel of five community leaders who answered questions from the student facilitators. At the end, each of the tables discussed solutions for the identified problems.
When it came to brain storming solutions many people had many ideas. Here are a few: we agreed that the organizations that work to help the neediest in our county are doing a great job. They, however, need more support from the community in the form of volunteers. The Free-Will dinner organizers can help the U-Share garden folks with the late harvest and can then use the food in their meals. The idea of canning and freezing surplus for later use was raised. To help with the transportation issue: it was suggested that those of us who have cars and use them regularly, take the bus more often. This would increase ridership and help the schedulers work out routes that work for more people. One thought that continually returned was the dichotomy of being rural, some see benefits others see the problems of being a rural community. Some thought being rural highlighted the isolation of people. Others see being rural an asset because it can create community and connections.
This session was just the beginning. It highlighted the number of people in the community who are dedicated to solving the problem.
If you are interested in joining this conversation or have time to volunteer...contact us and we can provide more information.
Take care all,
Maria
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Snow!!!
Hello everyone,
Snow, snow and more snow. It has snowed almost everyday for the last ten days and it is still snowing! Hard to think about gardening while you are shoveling snow!
The one bonus: the ski trails are beautiful at our house. I am getting much better, as a novice skier, hills are my nemesis. The last three times out, I did not fall once. And yes, I did go down hills! I guess the other bonus is the gorgeous sight that meets the eyes every morning as the day dawns. Monochromatic is the best way to describe it. Everything is white.
I read in the local paper that maple syrup season may start early because of the warm daytime temperatures. With all of the new snow, I don't think that will be happening. Mike and Ian are ready to get out there and tap our few trees. We generally make about three gallons of our own. It is a smalltime operation. We tap about 10-15 trees the old fashioned way with metal taps and metal pails that have covers on them.
Our land was a sugar bush back in the day. When we purchased it, there was an old log boiling house. It had not been used in decades and was rotting into the ground. Mike tore it down and used the tin roofing to cover wood piles that dot our forest. It is amazing to know that the trees we tap were the same ones tapped 50 years ago. There are some old beauties growing close to our house. If trees could talk, they would have amazing stories to tell.
After the sap is gathered for the day, Mike builds a fire outside to start the boiling process. He has a large metal pan that is placed over the flames. As the sap boils, more is added to the pan. After several hours of boiling, the sap gets closer to syrup. We bring the pan inside and place it on the gas burner to finish off. There are scientific tools used to determine when it is syrup. We use a less perfect method. Sometimes we get syrup that is a bit watery, other times a little thick, occasionally it is just right. You may already know, it takes 30 or more gallons of sap to get one gallon of syrup. And you wondered why maple syrup is soooo expensive!
We have written the contract for the CSA and the list of veggies that will be available during the season. I will be sending those by email to the folks who have already indicated they will be signing up for the 2010 season. Please fill them out and send them back to us.
Enjoy the snow and remember, fresh veggies will be on your table before you know it.
Take care all,
Maria
Snow, snow and more snow. It has snowed almost everyday for the last ten days and it is still snowing! Hard to think about gardening while you are shoveling snow!
The one bonus: the ski trails are beautiful at our house. I am getting much better, as a novice skier, hills are my nemesis. The last three times out, I did not fall once. And yes, I did go down hills! I guess the other bonus is the gorgeous sight that meets the eyes every morning as the day dawns. Monochromatic is the best way to describe it. Everything is white.
I read in the local paper that maple syrup season may start early because of the warm daytime temperatures. With all of the new snow, I don't think that will be happening. Mike and Ian are ready to get out there and tap our few trees. We generally make about three gallons of our own. It is a smalltime operation. We tap about 10-15 trees the old fashioned way with metal taps and metal pails that have covers on them.
Our land was a sugar bush back in the day. When we purchased it, there was an old log boiling house. It had not been used in decades and was rotting into the ground. Mike tore it down and used the tin roofing to cover wood piles that dot our forest. It is amazing to know that the trees we tap were the same ones tapped 50 years ago. There are some old beauties growing close to our house. If trees could talk, they would have amazing stories to tell.
After the sap is gathered for the day, Mike builds a fire outside to start the boiling process. He has a large metal pan that is placed over the flames. As the sap boils, more is added to the pan. After several hours of boiling, the sap gets closer to syrup. We bring the pan inside and place it on the gas burner to finish off. There are scientific tools used to determine when it is syrup. We use a less perfect method. Sometimes we get syrup that is a bit watery, other times a little thick, occasionally it is just right. You may already know, it takes 30 or more gallons of sap to get one gallon of syrup. And you wondered why maple syrup is soooo expensive!
We have written the contract for the CSA and the list of veggies that will be available during the season. I will be sending those by email to the folks who have already indicated they will be signing up for the 2010 season. Please fill them out and send them back to us.
Enjoy the snow and remember, fresh veggies will be on your table before you know it.
Take care all,
Maria
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
mid-winter
Hello Everyone,
Last Saturday many friends (too many to count, but I am guessing around 60) made their way down Bonno Rd to our home for a celebration of Mid-Winter. Some were celebrating their love of the season, others were feeling grateful that it is half over.
When we woke up it was seventeen degrees below zero. Mike went to run the Colton ten-miler. It had warmed up to fifteen below by the time he left at 7:45.
I made two big pots of soup, squash and bean. Everyone that walked down the driveway carried their skis, sleds and food. Our table was groaning from the load of delicious contributions. Several varieties of cookies fought for space with the rice pudding and mac and cheese to name just a few dishes.
There was plenty of outside activity. Despite our warning of too little snow, "suicide hill" was a popular destination. It is a hill down the side of a cliff, beside our house. The big dip and then bump in the middle provide a jarring ride. Ian discovered that by a certain age your tail bone does not appreciate the rocky (literally) ride down. The younger crowd didn't have a problem.
Mike has cleared the ski trails this year. We have several small loops through the woods. Our land abuts the State Forest on two sides. We consider those acres ours, as well, during ski season. Two years ago, we had a significant storm blow through our forest. It broke many trees in half and uprooted others directly into our trail system. Some of the trees were humongous; they were to big to get your arms around.
On Saturday, several folks snapped on their skis or snowshoes and wandered through the forest. It was great to see so many people outside having fun.
The house felt pretty warm from the cook stove going full blast to get the soup and hot chocolate warm and from all of the body heat generated by our guests. We actually let the big wood stove burn down to ash.
Conversations were swirling around me as I stirred and ladled soup and hot chocolate. Two guests got their hands into the dishpan to wash the bowls that were piling up on the side of the sink. One was Mike's mom, Bonnie; we can't keep her out of our sink, when there are dirty dishes around.
At one point I looked into our shop, which is the entry into our house, it looked like a boot and coat factory had exploded. I don't know how everyone managed to find the items they came with. As everyone was leaving, I was running down the driveway in my Berks and t-shirt holding up items left behind. In the end, I only had three things to return to their owners.
What a great time! This was our third annual Mid-Winter gathering. We are looking forward to our fourth.
It is hard to believe that Mike, Ian and Bill will be starting our plants in another month or so. We will also be seeking out more share-holders for the CSA. For those of you all ready signed up, we will be sending out a mailing soon letting you know about payment options as well as a veggie preference list. I will try to personalize each of our shares this year, so you get more of what you like and less of what you don't.
Maple season is next. Stay tuned...
Take care all,
Maria
Last Saturday many friends (too many to count, but I am guessing around 60) made their way down Bonno Rd to our home for a celebration of Mid-Winter. Some were celebrating their love of the season, others were feeling grateful that it is half over.
When we woke up it was seventeen degrees below zero. Mike went to run the Colton ten-miler. It had warmed up to fifteen below by the time he left at 7:45.
I made two big pots of soup, squash and bean. Everyone that walked down the driveway carried their skis, sleds and food. Our table was groaning from the load of delicious contributions. Several varieties of cookies fought for space with the rice pudding and mac and cheese to name just a few dishes.
There was plenty of outside activity. Despite our warning of too little snow, "suicide hill" was a popular destination. It is a hill down the side of a cliff, beside our house. The big dip and then bump in the middle provide a jarring ride. Ian discovered that by a certain age your tail bone does not appreciate the rocky (literally) ride down. The younger crowd didn't have a problem.
Mike has cleared the ski trails this year. We have several small loops through the woods. Our land abuts the State Forest on two sides. We consider those acres ours, as well, during ski season. Two years ago, we had a significant storm blow through our forest. It broke many trees in half and uprooted others directly into our trail system. Some of the trees were humongous; they were to big to get your arms around.
On Saturday, several folks snapped on their skis or snowshoes and wandered through the forest. It was great to see so many people outside having fun.
The house felt pretty warm from the cook stove going full blast to get the soup and hot chocolate warm and from all of the body heat generated by our guests. We actually let the big wood stove burn down to ash.
Conversations were swirling around me as I stirred and ladled soup and hot chocolate. Two guests got their hands into the dishpan to wash the bowls that were piling up on the side of the sink. One was Mike's mom, Bonnie; we can't keep her out of our sink, when there are dirty dishes around.
At one point I looked into our shop, which is the entry into our house, it looked like a boot and coat factory had exploded. I don't know how everyone managed to find the items they came with. As everyone was leaving, I was running down the driveway in my Berks and t-shirt holding up items left behind. In the end, I only had three things to return to their owners.
What a great time! This was our third annual Mid-Winter gathering. We are looking forward to our fourth.
It is hard to believe that Mike, Ian and Bill will be starting our plants in another month or so. We will also be seeking out more share-holders for the CSA. For those of you all ready signed up, we will be sending out a mailing soon letting you know about payment options as well as a veggie preference list. I will try to personalize each of our shares this year, so you get more of what you like and less of what you don't.
Maple season is next. Stay tuned...
Take care all,
Maria
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Welcome to Deep Root CSA!
Hello!
As you may know, the Corse family, (Mike, Maria, Ian and Mackenzie), will be growing, washing and distributing the CSA this coming year (2010) at Farmer Bill and Annie's. Even though we may be the new operators, we don't plan on changing the CSA that much. Shareholders will still receive a banana box full of veggies each week. We will also be offering half shares. 23 shares will be available, currently we have room for 14 more shareholders.
A little bit about us:
We live in Pierrepont on a 37 acre, solar powered homestead. Mike recently left his job to work our land and garden. Maria is a teacher at Little River Community School and plans on spending her summers washing and weeding veggies. Ian has been working at Farmer Bill and Annie's for three summers, and relishes his opportunity to be his parent's teacher. MacKenzie will also assist in weeding/washing. She is looking forward to earning money.
You can contact is with any questions, comments, suggestions,(or showers of praise, etc., etc.) by email: mariacorse@gmail.com, or phone: 379 0196 (home), or 379 9474 (little river)
Happy Eating!
The Corse Family
As you may know, the Corse family, (Mike, Maria, Ian and Mackenzie), will be growing, washing and distributing the CSA this coming year (2010) at Farmer Bill and Annie's. Even though we may be the new operators, we don't plan on changing the CSA that much. Shareholders will still receive a banana box full of veggies each week. We will also be offering half shares. 23 shares will be available, currently we have room for 14 more shareholders.
A little bit about us:
We live in Pierrepont on a 37 acre, solar powered homestead. Mike recently left his job to work our land and garden. Maria is a teacher at Little River Community School and plans on spending her summers washing and weeding veggies. Ian has been working at Farmer Bill and Annie's for three summers, and relishes his opportunity to be his parent's teacher. MacKenzie will also assist in weeding/washing. She is looking forward to earning money.
You can contact is with any questions, comments, suggestions,(or showers of praise, etc., etc.) by email: mariacorse@gmail.com, or phone: 379 0196 (home), or 379 9474 (little river)
Happy Eating!
The Corse Family
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