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.
ONE YEAR LATER.
Right now, I'm sitting warmly in our cabin. The new kitty is playing below me (with anything and everything), the roosters are crowing, Hannah is knitting, Wendell is barking, breakfast is cooking away on the wood stove––it's a typical morning on the farmstead. But it's a typical morning in a place we could have only dreamed of a year ago.In mid-August of last year we were asked to leave the farm on which we'd been living. And when it happened, we had no money, no farm, and no idea what to do next. So, we turned to you. And twelve months later, we have you to thank for this cabin that shelters us, and this beautiful farm we're planting.After being asked to leave that farm, we knew we wouldn't have a home or farm of our own anytime soon––we knew we'd be lucky to even be farming at all in a year. But the Smiths graciously stepped in and sold us 7.5 acres of Bugtussle. You generously pitched in tons of support and several thousand dollars. And now we don't just have a farm, but our dream farm. Exactly one year after we had absolutely no farm at all.On this unfortunate anniversary you have given us reason to celebrate and we want to take this opportunity, and every opportunity, to thank you. You guys are the best, and we truly, and very literally, could not have done it without you. Sincerely, thank you.- Jesse.
AN EARLY SURPRISE.
Jesse and I have been helping out some neighbors this week by watching their farm while they are away. It has been really wonderful spending time at their cabin - it is completely solar powered, has a plumbing system that pumps water up from the creek, and it even has internet! So, imagine our surprise when we logged on to our computer last night and found that with nearly two weeks left on our fundraising campaign....WE DID IT! Or should I say, YOU did it! We are 100% funded and on our way to building our own cabin. Jesse and I are overwhelmed with gratitude, humbled by the generosity of so many friends, so many farmers, AND so many complete strangers!We have been diligently working on our homesite every day....clearing and cutting and pulling and pushing. We have drawn up lots of plans and are meeting this week with a friend and neighbor about setting the foundation....it is really happening! As we have said a hundred times but we mean it EVERY TIME - thank you thank you THANK YOU for your support, your prayers, your contributions, your words of encouragement...thank you for being a part of this little community that has kept us going this year. We literally could not do this without you.WE LOVE YOU ALL! THANK YOU!- Hannah & Jesse. 
WE'RE HERE!
We are back in Bugtussle! We're still very much in the midst of the crazy stressful unpacking process, but we wanted to let you know that we did it. A few times in the last few days we have had moments of realization - that's it. No more moving. We did it!......aaaand then the moment passes because Wendell is chasing ducks through the woods and the squawking boxes in the back of the truck need to be unloaded. As we settle in, besides being incredibly busy as we get to work clearing land and starting on the cabin, we will be without internet and electricity for a bit - so these posts might not be as regular as they usually are. Here is a picture of Wendell eating a stale baguette to help you get through our absence.
If you *DO* need to get a hold of us, you can call or write to us at Bugtussle's address. No cell phone service, but we will check when we can! Also, have you seen the cabin campaign lately? We are so close! Also also, the move has delayed us sending out all of the perks for those of you who donated - but don't worry! We are working on them!Thank you to everyone who has contributed, in whatever way, to this crazy year of ours. After lots of confusion and sadness and loss and leaving, it truly feels as though everything has fallen into place. We are home.- Hannah.