The Strength and Beauty of Dormancy

We are seven days into the new year and my head is already in spring. Don't get me wrong, I love winter. Though I lived in the Georgia for six years, I'm a New England girl through and through. Born and raised in Maine, winter is a familiar friend. Ask anyone who knows me and they'll confirm that I'm a pro at layering for cold weather and staying warm. It was a treat to watch the snow fall yesterday while working at my desk and I hope we will get a serious snowstorm soon. So why am I thinking about spring? Believe it or not we are already planning the Powisset Cooks! spring workshop schedule. But, before I entice you with a few nuggets of what we have planned for the warmer months, I'm putting in a plug for you to come visit the farm now!

Have you been out to Powisset lately? The cold brings a quiet calm over the farm that is unlike the vibe of any other season. When I look at the fields, rest is the first word that comes to mind. I see infinite shades of brown, frozen remnants of fall crops and the outline of what was. Admiring the fields in the winter reminds me of watching someone I love take a nap after a long, exhausting day. Witnessing hard-won peacefulness evokes an appreciation for perseverance. Our farm fields give us so much, day after day, year after year. There is great strength and beauty in their dormancy. While the other seasons showcase the glory of the fields in an extroverted, flashy manner, I love the understated, classy appeal of the farm in winter. I am forced to remember that rest is a part of growth and that possibilities lay dormant until the right conditions align to shift potential into action.

This Sunday from 10am to 12pm is the perfect time to see Powisset in all of its winter glory!

Join us for Farm Fun for the Whole Family: Winter Farm Exploration and Warming Stone Soup.

Bring a vegetable contribution for a communal "stone soup" that will be made in the Farm Kitchen while we explore the farm in winter.

We will start the morning by embarking on a guided walk around the farm with Anne Innis. Long-time CSA Member, volunteer extraordinaire and trained Ecologist, Anne has her PhD is Biology and has worked for the Mass Audubon and the National Audubon, and has taught many public ecology programs. Anne is excited to share her joy of bringing kids out into nature and teach families about the natural history of Powisset Farm.

Anne Innis and her daughter Kate

According to today's forecast, this Sunday is supposed to be partly sunny with a high near 31. If any of the predicted snow actually falls, it'll certainly be cold enough for it to stick. If there is enough snow, feel free to bring snowshoes or cross country skis. 

We recommend everyone dress warmly - long underwear, boots, hats, mitten, and maybe snow pants for an extra layer of protection. Please be prepared to be outside for up to 1 hour.

After exploring the farm we will warm up in the farm kitchen with "stone soup" created by ingredients contributed by all participants! 

As always, if you have any questions, please email Rachel.

Here are two other Powisset Cooks! workshops that are happening in January. 

A full list of workshops can be found online.

From the Fields: Farm Chowder
Wednesday, January 21 | 5:30-7:30PM

Come experiment with different chowder recipes and learn about local, seasonal fish options!

From the Fields: Farm Fresh Muffins

Sunday, January 25 | 1-3PM

Learn how to experiment with different ways to incorporate farm fresh goodies into delicious muffin recipes!

And now, a little "taste" of Powisset Cooks! spring workshops. More information will be online soon.

• Eggstravaganza
• Photographing the Farm
• Cheese Making
• Farm-tastic Desserts
• Spring Pickles

I look forward to eating and learning with you!

Rachel and The Powisset Farm Crew