Lemons

We’d all like to think that we can roll with whatever Momma Nature brings us. Sometimes though, Mamma Nature just gives us lemons, and we are stuck there, sucking on lemons, faking a smile, saying, “Mmmm…sour. I love sour” all the while wanting to smash the china against the wall. Why should one keep working under these conditions when there are butterflies to chase? Why do we suck lemons? This has been most of the summer. Lemons, no sugar. And along the lemony summer you project that sour into the future. What if we have to suck lemons all summer long?!

With farming, it can be difficult to bring your own sugar. You have to wait until Momma Nature drops a little along the way, and quick as you can, make that lemonade.

This year, each time it has rained even a significant amount, the soil dries up quickly. an effect of compounded drought, I imagine. A couple weeks ago, we got a little rain. We turned right around and did as much field work as we could (as you may already know, I detest working a dry, dusty field) and planted a nice round of cover crops to protect the soil for the coming winter. Lemonade.

This week, we got another heavy round of sugar. It won’t bust a drought, but at this time of year, when the days are getting shorter and the sun less intense, it’ll go a lot further than in July. Again, we will try do the same on some other fields, planting a mix of oats, peas, rye and vetch.

Sometimes I think Momma Nature is just in it for the drama, what with her timing. But she has a lot of drama to manage. I know there could come a time when she forgets the sugar and we will smile and suck lemons. For now, especially at this time of year, I’m grateful for those chances to make some lemonade.