CABIN UPDATE: LET THERE BE LIGHT.

This weekend our dear friends David and Sarah Ladnier are here for their annual (at least we hope it's annual) visit. And with them, they brought their two wonderful boys... and light.You see, a few months back I contacted David about helping us set up a mini solar system, something that could power the Internet. For three years we have relied entirely on going into town to post for our blog, check email, anything. For a while I had 4G, so I could drive up on the hill and stand in the exact right spot to get some internet. But that was obviously not efficient. Nor was driving to town. So we needed a fix.We had a solar fence charger we weren't using and David thought we could convert it to what amounts to a small voltage regulator in a beautiful cigar box, "I couldn't bring a plastic box to this amazing cabin," he told us laughing. He also as a surprise (and a bonus) rigged this box to charge a small LED light that basically illuminates the entire house, no sweat.We have asked David, if he gets the time, to detail how it works as best he can for a blog post and I really hope he does. It is an unbelievably neat, relatively simple system, and maybe an idea other off-grid growers––or anyone, really––might be able to utilize.Words are hardly capable of describing how lucky we are to have such amazing and ingenious friends. We have met so many wonderful people through this blog and they continue to enrich our lives every day. The amount of time spent keeping this site going has definitely made us question whether it was worth doing sometimes. But friends like David and Sarah––who we may not know without the blog––eliminated that question. It has definitely been worth it. They are great company, inspiring people (who built their own amazing house), and we are proud to have them in our lives. So with that said, with Internet and light officially in the cabin––this being the first post ever from the comfort of our home––we just have to say thank you all so much for reading, thank you David and Sarah, let the blog roll on, let there be light.-Jesse.

FAVORS AND NEIGHBORS.

I was standing in the garden cultivating as best I could despite the heat. It was only May, but no one told the weather. The air was blistering hot, lingering somewhere between ninety degrees and fire. I could hear a golf cart coming up the drive, and when it came into view, I realized it was one of my favorite humans, our neighbor Sam. So I stepped into the shade to chat.Sam's an old-timer and has done his fair share of hard work over the years. But his son and grandson were putting up square bales of hay and wanted to see if I could come help.We had a lot to do in the gardens, but if I've learned anything living out here, it's that if someone comes asking for help, they need it. So I put down my hoe, hopped on the golf cart and spent an hour or so heaving large square bales into a barn sweating like crazy in the heavy spring heat. And when it was over, they thanked me and I just went back to what I was doing.Then the other day Hannah and I had a bulldozer come out and clear some land for next year's garden (more on this later). There were at least infinity trees in the area, which left infinity roots and I really felt like it needed a discing afterward to break them up, and break up the bulldozing compaction. But we don't own a disc. Neither do Eric and Cher with whom we often work. I knew Sam and his family, however, did.So I called Sam and sheepishly told him I needed some help, but we were willing and wanting to pay for it. Despite the fact that it's June, that no one has a spare second, they were over shortly thereafter with a giant tractor and a disc. Then Sam's grandkid did the discing while he and I talked about farming. When it was over I asked them how much I owed them, and they laughed. They wouldn't let me pay them for the work. Out here, you pay in favors. And when someone asks for help, they need it, and you do it not because it helps you, but because this is a community and it helps everyone.We truly cherish this place. And the community here is rapidly becoming our most prized possession. We don't know what we would do without it.- Jesse.

WHOLE LARDER LOVE AND THE NURSERY PROJECT.

I have a favorite blog––have for a long time now. The guy who runs it is named Rohan and he's a good dude that, much like me––much like many new small farmers––did not always eat the best, live the best, or care that much about the environment. But that changed and so did he. Now, several years later, he and his family are embarking on a really special project––a project near and dear to our hearts––one I would love to see our friends and followers helping us to support.The Nursery Project, though based all the way around the world, hits really close to home (sorry, couldn't help it). They are attempting to raise money to build a place where people can go to learn about food and agriculture, health and wellness.And the reason I am so passionate about helping spread the word on this is because I can't wait to see what they do, to see if it could become a model for similar nurseries around the world. However, there is a lot of money that needs to be raised, and a lot of work that needs to be done, between then and now. So take a look at their page and please consider donating something––even a dollar would help––and sharing it in your social media. It's for a great cause that will cause a lot of good, and this is a chance for all of us to be a part of something truly special.Click, donate, share, support.- Jesse.

ALL THE THANKS.

To have a lot to be thankful for is a blessing. Not everyone, and not every small farmer, receives the support and love we do, and that fact is never lost on us. We are nothing if not grateful, and want to take this Thanksgiving to give a little thanks.This year has been a complete success and we could not have done it––in about a gazillion tangible and intangible ways––without the help and generosity of the Smith family. Thank you so much––you have no idea what you mean to us. Our shareholders––in both Nashville and Bowling Green––have been so wonderful. Thank you for letting us feed you. To our CSA members from last year, and to all who contributed to our cabin, don't think we've forgotten you! We are, now and forever, incredibly thankful for what you did, and what you built. To the Breedings––you know what you did. Much love! To Little Seed Farm, who make some of the best cheese this side of the Mississippi (probably both sides), thank you for all you do! We were so happy to be a part of your season this year, to have the pleasure of calling you friends, and we wish you all the best (and hope to see you soon)! To all our readers and friends, new and old, you guys rock. Thank you for being you and being awesome.Lastly, no less than a few dozen times this year, we were asked the question of how our parent's feel about what we're doing.  We are always able to easily reply that they are completely supportive of us. So to our parents, thank you for being you. We have met many people who do not receive the same love and compassion from their family, the same interest, and same encouragement that you give us, and have always given us. It is special and it is love and it does not go unappreciated or unnoticed. Thank you. We love you.Oh, and Wendell and the chickens and Charlie. Duh.Happy Thanksgiving all,Jesse and Hannah.