As I progress into this new season my mind constantly churns on how I can make ends meet as a new farmer. Unfortunately this led to a true moment of clarity around 3:45 A.M. last night. It all started after Allyn and I pulled the last can of tomatoes out of the pantry yesterday, so as of now, we have to wait until next August or September to eat home-grown tomato sauce. Now most normal people would think, "okay, I'll just look forward to next season," but when you are faced with an entire night to contemplate your entire future and new career, things can get drawn out a bit.
If I were to live until the age 74 (which is the average life expectancy of an American male), and I was able to preserve 15 jars of home grown tomatoes each year, I theoretically only have 555 jars left to simmer down and enjoy. Now that doesn't seem like nearly enough considering we really only started canning twelve to fifteen jars annually a few seasons ago. So the question remains, should I start the Final Countdown, or just grow more?
(74 - your age) (X jars per season) = Your Grip Reaper time
Mike!
ReplyDeleteChecking out your website and your blog, I feel so dang proud! Kinda like my kid became president or landed or the moon. My first intern to take the big ole plunge and start farming!
Well...I can't say I didn't warn ya and I would imagine you are (as I have been) spending these January days in a strangely titillating knot of excitement/anxiety while you plan all the great things you and Allyn will grow and harvest this year while wondering if you will be able to make it all work financially...Such is the addictive life of a farmer!
Your website is beautiful and so interactive. I definitely need to upgrade mine. Love all the bean varieties you listed, makes me jealous to grow more varieties although my Dad will not be happy about the additional clean-out the combine time. That's where a "Thresh Beast" has an advantage over the combine for sure (but where's da Rockwells????).
Good going and maybe this year I can come help you out on YOUR farm!
Farmer Georgie
Willowood Farm of Ebey's Prairie