Dear meadowlark community,

          You might remember our old farm dogs.  If you've visited us, they come barking to greet you and are not in general, very nice to other dogs.  They are Australian shepherds, a breed that is necessarily, a working animal.  Breezy and Shemp came to us from a friend, long ago. They came into our lives after our old border collie jack, had wandered off into the woods to die.  These are dogs that take themselves and their work quite seriously, and for years they have guarded our family, our gardens and especially our children from all harm.  We've never had deer problems in any of the gardens, which is amazing!  Gardeners around us always ask how we manage to keep the deer out, and we gratefully acknowledge our two hard working farm dogs.  

Breezy has been the child watcher extraordinaire, following the kids on their farm adventures near and far and keeping them together(read herded) and safe. As they have aged, we've worried because their hearing and sight have gotten pretty bad.  We are especially cautious about them around cars and it is for their benefit, as well as any small children and cats that wander the farmyard that we added a parking area away from the main work area. 

Monday saw the very sad and tragic passing of our dear Breezy.  She had found herself drowsy and hot, seeking shade underneath the farm truck in the fields as we harvested veggies for boxes today.  Unfortunately, as we moved the truck to a new garden, she was run over(by us) and shattered her pelvis and very obviously damaged internal organs.  We rushed her to the emergency vet, but she slipped away after x-rays and morphine.  We were all there with her, loving her, thanking her for her lifetime of hard work, saying our goodbyes.  We brought her home and buried her in one of her favorite spots.   Yes, she was old and cranky and arthritic and deaf and grumpy sometimes, but she was one of our family and we loved her quirky ways.  She leaves behind her lifelong companion, Mr. Shemp who will be very lonely without her.  They were quite a pair together.  Our kids are sad indeed as their lifelong guardian is gone.  

Working together to bring the boxes to you has allowed us to keep moving and positive.  Check out the colors!  Boxes today include:  sunshine winter squash on the side, don't forget to grab one!(looks like a pumpkin, bake it whole, scoop out the seeds and enjoy), red onions, leeks, garlic, beets, carrots, sweet red peppers, eggplant, cukes, hakkurei turnips, kale, salad mix and tomatoes galore, cutting celery as the herb(looks like Italian parsley use like celery).  Fruit shares are white peaches and, plums from Richard.     

        WE ARE TAKING CANNING TOMATO ORDERS FOR NEXT WEEK!!  If you'd like to make some sauce for January, please consider placing and order for either ½ bushel or 1 bushel of tomatoes.  We'll deliver them with next week's box.  Or we can make other arrangements; $15 for ½ bushel, $30 for 1 bushel.  You'll be so happy you did it!  Call or better yet, email jenny at meadowlarks4@yahoo.com or 256-6980.    love, the meadowlarks