Dear friends,
Welcome to the start of summer with the warm rays of hope also spreading over the pandemic. We experienced a rough 15 months, but as the grass and flowers grow, so does our anticipation for better days ahead. We hope the entire world will soon be so fortunate. Today we will enjoy our first close family gathering in over 18 months!
Last Tuesday, we received 75 new peeps through the Chagrin Falls Post Office. I always enjoy the 6:30 am call from the irritated local postman as he yells through the cacophony of chirps, "your birds have arrived, come pick them up as soon as possible!" So far, we sold 2 to Aimee and her two girls, who had the unenviable task of deciding which two peeps were the cutest to take home. Sadly we also lost one, which although expected, was very difficult as she stole our hearts during our attempts to save her.
With warmer weather and feeling the peer pressure of new chicks in the barn, production picked up for the layings hens. Although we enjoy a very loyal waiting list of 24 customers, we always like selling eggs to new, hungry homes. And if you would like a culinary challenge, we can share extra guinea eggs that have large, bright orange, rich yolks, but shells with a Brinell hardness rating close to diamonds.
We enjoyed many new visitors to the farm the past few weeks. Often from larger cities, it has been a pleasure to experience the farm and gardens through their urban eyes. What we often take for granted, they relish, embrace and make their own.
Firewood deliveries will begin next week when the house fills with not only Lauren and Harry but 3 of Lauren's friends, excited to leave Boston to experience life at Hill House Farm. The list of "fun activities" grows daily to give them an authentic Cleveland and farm experience. I just hope they heed our advice to "bring the right shoes and remember it is not always mud." If you would like a firewood delivery for now or later, please place your order in the event we sell out again!
Otherwise at the farm, the ewes love the lush pastures, the compost and worms are doing their thing in preparation for delivery next fall (please place your fall compost orders), and the greenhouse is emptying into the garden as Cyndi prepares to fill our home this summer with food and flowers. The horses like their time outside grazing on the new grass, we are winning the battle to maintain the property with the explosion of new growth and with the warmer days, the turtles, frogs and snakes can be found sunbathing around the property. And, we delivered our first load of firewood for the new season to Uncle Joe, who will be celebrating his 100th birthday this August. It was a cold day, so the delivery was timely as he was "taking the chill out of his house" with his wood burning stove. As always, please let us know if you would like to visit, no work required.
Fun Fact: Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. It originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. The Civil War, which ended in the Spring of 1965, claimed more lives than any conflict in US history and required the establishment of the country's first national cemeteries. By the late 1860's, American's across the US held springtime tributes to countless fallen soldiers, decorating graves and reciting prayers. On May 5, 1968 General John A. Logan, a leader for Civil War Veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month, the 30th of May, 1868. The date was chosen as it was not the anniversary of any particular battle. On the first Decoration Day, James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Civil War soldiers buried there. Overtime, the Day came to commemorate all following wars and their veterans.
On this special day of remembrance, we celebrate our own close family members and many HHF friends who helped protect our great country and the freedoms we enjoy. And for all military families across the globe who made the ultimate sacrifice for their countries.
Your friends,
Harry, Lauren and Harry
