Posted 10/16/2012 12:23pm by Jeannine Anderson - Site Administrator.

The 8th Annual Apple Affair is this Sunday, October 21st at Rignall Hall from 12-4pm.

Here's the list of apples we'll have - there may be a few varieties on the list that won't be harvested in time to make the event, but there will still be a wide variety of rare and unusual apples.  See you there!

APPLE VARIETIES FOR APPLE AFFAIR 2012
Ambrosia
Arkansas Black
Baldwin
Blushing Golden
Bramley's Seedling
Brock
Calville Blanc di Hiver
Cox's Orange Pippin
Elliot
Gold Rush
Golden Russet
Hudson's Golden Gem
Kindil Sinap
Karmin de Sonneville
Lady Apple
Macoun
Marlboro
Mullein Golden Delicious
Muscat de Burney
Newtown Pippin
Nittany
Northern Spy
Orin
Rich-a-Red
Rhode Island Greening
Rubinette
Shizuka
Smokehouse
Spitzenberg
Spy Gold
Stayman
Suncrisp
Temptation (Gold Blush)
Tydeman's Late Orange
Wickson Crab
Winesap
York Imperial
Yellow Bellflower

Over the last nearly three weeks, Washington has been on fire in the East from lightening strikes that ignited over 60 locations in one night.  Driving up the Columbia for fruit has been a surreal experience these last two trips as tens of thousands of acres of forest and sage lands go up in smoke so thick the Sun's vital warmth can barely make it to trees and ground to provide the finishing heat needed for melons, apples and pears to reach their sweetest potential.  Again, I am amazed and what every farmer or gardener faces from the elements, still managing to provide food enough to create the bounty we are used to seeing in our home pantry, local farmer's markets and grocery stores.

It's always good to remember just what it takes to put food on our tables, and to offer a silent, or very loud, thanks to the people who work day to day to grow it up out of the ground, full of nutrients and flavor, for the good of our bodies, minds and spirits.  And to the people who work tirelessly to protect as much of our wild lands, property and persons from the fury of nature's flames.

We're only a week away from our last day for the season and while I'm still hoping for more sunshine to soak my bones, seeing it rain on the burning East would be sweet relief for the people, animals, trees and land there, and I would be grateful for that even more so.

We are still eating peaches and melons.  Fresh apples and pears have just started coming in.  Still the sweetness of summer lingers.   We'll be celebrating the season next Tuesday with refreshments from 4:00 - 7:00 pm.  Stop by and join us!

 Posted 7/2/2012 7:38pm by Jeannine Anderson - Site Administrator.

Michael and I just got back from another fruit loop from Wenatchee to Yakima.  Come on out for black and red cherries and two varieties of apricots.

Stop by tomorrow from 4-7 to celebrate the opening of fruit season with snacks and beverages.

See you there!

 Posted 5/10/2012 1:54am by Jen.
I am living a lifelong dream.  Tonight a celebration of many (including my own daughter) danced the May pole on my own land.  Our own land, really, because land can never be singular.  There is always community associated with land.  It really is the land of the future generations.  May they live to plant maypoles and pole beans.  May they burn a fire and squeal like giddy children when the moon rises through purple and blue.  May they live in a strong healthy community of ages and sages, wise men and crones.

And so it is.

Another dream lived and living– to create a community and family with like minded, creative, curious, food-growing souls.  The gratitude for all of this is held in the pole – a lightening rod of universal abundance and forthright calm.

Another dream lived and living – a women’s circle of shining faces and happy kiddos.  Grandmothers joining our circle, easy conversations and shared appreciation to know and reflect each other’s beauty.

The pole was erected in the center pasture.  In sight and smell of the lambs, chickens, and pigs.  Surrounded by forest on the perimeter, on the leeward side of the garden.  Songs sang as the dance undulated were discordant but joined in laughing melody.  The ribbons were cut and tied pieces of fabric with story and patterns diverse as birthday clowns and ladybug spotted mushrooms. 

The little ones tried to hang on but it was the adults meeting eye to eye – not following instructions but still creating the patterns of a weave.  A joined intention for peace across the land, our land, all land...

Every person’s hands helped bring it together and now it stands, sentinel at Building Earth Farm.  Thank you, Divine.  We are humbled by your inspiration and power.  May we all live our dreams.  May all beings in all worlds know happiness, may all beings in all worlds know peace.

And so it is.