Sewing week:
Last year when the ladies from sewing week came, I did not know how to even use a machine. Well. This time I even had my own machine. When I started the week, I couldn’t sew curves, but by the end of the week. I was much better. It was so much fun to gather with women of the community all day and listen to music and sew. The humming of the machines and conversations. It was such a great week. It wiped me out, but it was amazing! Every once in a while they would show me some tips to help me sew better, thank you ladies for teaching me!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Farm manager adventures
The Fall was filled with farm manager adventures. We were able to work the Lewis County Fair and help serve food in the Laurel booth. It was really fun being able to see so many people we know enjoying the fair. It also was fun to relive my food service days.
We also were able to do before Alex left were to visit Notre Dame. It was really cool seeing the school I had heard so much about over the year. Also seeing Alex with his friends from school always makes me smile. He gets so excited and the mutual love shown is really beautiful. Seeing all of the places and people I heard about was fun. We got to go to a game and tour the town. We were tired by the end, but it was a fun trip.
During the summer and Fall, we frequented the local farmers market. With our gardens being destroyed twice, we bough all our produce we could locally. The farmers selling to us were really friendly and filled us in on cooking tips and local events. When they told us about the Harvest fest and the apple pie baking contest, well we had to participate. We asked around for tips. WW gave us a stellar homemade crust recipe. From there, we made an awesome practice pie. It turned out awesome! And then, we decided to each make our own pies an we threw all our practice out the window. In the end, mine got second. I was shocked! I even got a ribbon. It was pretty sweet! The other two women who won first and third were from the homemaker group that I’m a mailbox member of. They also were women who were apart of sewing week. I couldn’t believe my pie could compete with theirs…looks like Ill be making more pies from scratch!
Highlights of summer:
Besides the flooding and robberies, there were many many other exciting events this summer. First off, it was beautiful weather! We had many days over 100 degrees..which for me working outside in the heat all day..there really is nothing better! We helped frame houses, we mowed yards, and we fixed Wws fence numerous times. Three new calves were born, and they loved being trouble makers, squeaking through any spot they could.
We had groups almost every week this summer. We had a young adult group who took spirituality at the farm to a new level. It was cool to talk about things on a different level. Yet, it was also an interesting challenge working with a different population of people. We also started a new tradition each night. After we realized our negativity in our tiredness, we decided focus on the positives. We would write down and share three good things with each other each night. Not only doe sit end the day on a good note, but it helps us vent and connect as a team with each other and makes us excited for the next day.
The last couple groups of the summer posed challenges. We has flat tires and deathly bee stings. We got lost and forgot chaperones, we had car troubles a couple times and groups show up unannounced. We had sick chaperones and groups who had to leave early. It was an adventure in many ways, but we made it. What a summer!
I have to say, one of the best things this summer was having my brother Tim come down to the farm and join on a group fro the week. I was homesick and having him here was so good. Yet, I also worked for almost a year with hundreds of volunteers I most likely never would see again. I knew the farm changed them, but I never saw it. My brother, I knew would have a great time and get so much from a week here…at least I hoped. I wanted to work with him everyday and be there to introduce him to those I had grown to love in this community, but I also wanted to give him the space to have his own experience. Looking back, it was perfect. I got to work with him half the time. We had a lot of fun! People kept commenting during the week how close we were. Tim and I found this funny. We knew we loved each other and got along, but we never considered it out of the ordinary close…so hearing all the feedback on how special our relationship, made me even more grateful for my awesome brother. It was so good to have him here, and great to show him what I really have been up to this past year. Also, Tim was here for my birthday. My fellow farm managers made it special, very special. But having Tim here really made it great! So, whatever the future holds, we will always have Kentucky.
We had groups almost every week this summer. We had a young adult group who took spirituality at the farm to a new level. It was cool to talk about things on a different level. Yet, it was also an interesting challenge working with a different population of people. We also started a new tradition each night. After we realized our negativity in our tiredness, we decided focus on the positives. We would write down and share three good things with each other each night. Not only doe sit end the day on a good note, but it helps us vent and connect as a team with each other and makes us excited for the next day.
The last couple groups of the summer posed challenges. We has flat tires and deathly bee stings. We got lost and forgot chaperones, we had car troubles a couple times and groups show up unannounced. We had sick chaperones and groups who had to leave early. It was an adventure in many ways, but we made it. What a summer!
I have to say, one of the best things this summer was having my brother Tim come down to the farm and join on a group fro the week. I was homesick and having him here was so good. Yet, I also worked for almost a year with hundreds of volunteers I most likely never would see again. I knew the farm changed them, but I never saw it. My brother, I knew would have a great time and get so much from a week here…at least I hoped. I wanted to work with him everyday and be there to introduce him to those I had grown to love in this community, but I also wanted to give him the space to have his own experience. Looking back, it was perfect. I got to work with him half the time. We had a lot of fun! People kept commenting during the week how close we were. Tim and I found this funny. We knew we loved each other and got along, but we never considered it out of the ordinary close…so hearing all the feedback on how special our relationship, made me even more grateful for my awesome brother. It was so good to have him here, and great to show him what I really have been up to this past year. Also, Tim was here for my birthday. My fellow farm managers made it special, very special. But having Tim here really made it great! So, whatever the future holds, we will always have Kentucky.
Clean up, clean up, everybody every where, clean up, clean up everybody do their share:
For the second flood cleanup, I felt much better. We not only knew what to do, but we started right away. Stuff that took us two weeks last time only took us one this time. We also had tons of help. We had four farm managers instead of two-three. We also had help form the community. Father Larry came and took apart bunks for us. Jewel and speedy came and helped me clean outlets. Jill, a past farm manager helped as well as college students from St. Clarence church. Again. The second week of cleanup was the week my friends came to work and stay on salt lick. I had been waiting all summer, excited to work and catch up with them. Yet, because of the floods, well I had to bop back and forth between glen springs and the farm. However, Joe and my fellow farm managers were great! They let me leave more then I expected to.
With the second flood, many in our community got hit for the second time. However many who had never been hit by floods before were also hit. Spending time with my friend working in the community, we helped the salvation army hand out meals. We also drive all over the county, looking for those who looked flooded. We knocked on doors and asked if they needed help. After many people not answering, we found a couple who were interested in help. We cleaned floors, and moved flooded items outdoors. We ripped up old carpets and were able to put in new ones. It was fun for me cleaning up others houses. I knew how to clean up this time, but also its easier to clean someone else’s stuff rather then your own. Many of the jobs were not finished after this week, which is another reason I was happy to stay, and help over a longer period of time.
With the second flood, many in our community got hit for the second time. However many who had never been hit by floods before were also hit. Spending time with my friend working in the community, we helped the salvation army hand out meals. We also drive all over the county, looking for those who looked flooded. We knocked on doors and asked if they needed help. After many people not answering, we found a couple who were interested in help. We cleaned floors, and moved flooded items outdoors. We ripped up old carpets and were able to put in new ones. It was fun for me cleaning up others houses. I knew how to clean up this time, but also its easier to clean someone else’s stuff rather then your own. Many of the jobs were not finished after this week, which is another reason I was happy to stay, and help over a longer period of time.
Second Flood…Yep it happened again
Sorry for the lack of blogs…things just got a little out of hand this summer. Just as we were finishing cleaning from flood one completely…the day before the Bathhouse was to be completed, well God had another plan for us. We heard we were to get more rain, but it did not rain too much by us. The creek was at a normal level, so we felt we were fine. To be safe, we decided to take shifts and every hour all night we would walk down to the creek and check the levels. We took notes of how high it was for the next group and if it got bad the last person to check was to wake us all up. According to our reports, the creek was rising about 2ft an hr and around 5:30 am it was still at our steps by the creek(for those who know what I’m talking about). Since this is safe level, we decided to sleep in until 6:40 when we wake the groups up. Well, we all woke up to a ‘hey guys the creeks in our backyard!!”. It was by our fire pit only a few feet from our buildings…time to move! We ran over and tried to stay calm, we notified the chaperones and then woke the students…asking them to pack quickly and then help us prepare our buildings. We followed flood procedure- loaded power tools first into our vehicles and then moved what we could to the higher levels. We must have been too calm because at one point I had to yell into the bunks…Guys…the water is teen feet from the building…please hurry up!!
As we were running around in all directions…it actually was pretty comical. The situation was urgent, but again I did not believe it could happen…at least not again. As the volunteer vans were finally pulling out of our property, water was under their tires…it still did not seem real. As I was calf deep in water, desperately trying to save the potted plants my friend Jewell had given me…it still did not seem real. As I sprinted inside with only time to grab my back pack…and nothing else, as Alex fell down the steps from the rushing water moving his feet. It seemed so surreal.
This time, we were also stranded a the top of the hill in the Armstrong parking lot. Except, this time, we had a group of volunteers stranded with us. Since it flooded during the day, we got to watch the waters rise and overtake our property…I’m not sure what is worth-flooding at night and imagining the damage, or flooding in the day and watching it. We saw the waters surge to about 6in under our house. The water stayed that high for about an hour before it started to recede. Just as I had lost all hope, I walked away and couldn’t take it anymore…the water started to go down. Thank God!
Still, even with the water receding, the road was still flooded. We started to realize that we should have brought food, water and perhaps even toilet paper for our group…oops. However, our neighbors, many of whom we had never met until this point we bringing us all they had..bottled water, coffee-they were very generous. One neighbor even cooked us a hug meal! It was amazing… so delicious!
As the water cleared our property, the road was still closed, but we could tour the property and see the damage. I saw the volunteers eyes as they took in all the destruction. I recognized the looks on their faces…reflecting how I had felt only two months earlier the first time. However, this time…for me was different. I had hope. I knew what it would be like. I knew we could clean it up.
As soon as the water cleared the road, our boss man Joe drove in to get us. We took the students to town to stay at our church. They all got showers…flood water is full of bacteria. I slept with the women in the church pews. We had a small reflection with the girls and they all seemed okay with it…it’s a lot to handle especially in high school. The next morning, our boss decided they should go..its not necessarily safe to be cleaning up after a flood. They wanted to stay, but they left anyway.
And so, began the cleanup of flood number two.
As we were running around in all directions…it actually was pretty comical. The situation was urgent, but again I did not believe it could happen…at least not again. As the volunteer vans were finally pulling out of our property, water was under their tires…it still did not seem real. As I was calf deep in water, desperately trying to save the potted plants my friend Jewell had given me…it still did not seem real. As I sprinted inside with only time to grab my back pack…and nothing else, as Alex fell down the steps from the rushing water moving his feet. It seemed so surreal.
This time, we were also stranded a the top of the hill in the Armstrong parking lot. Except, this time, we had a group of volunteers stranded with us. Since it flooded during the day, we got to watch the waters rise and overtake our property…I’m not sure what is worth-flooding at night and imagining the damage, or flooding in the day and watching it. We saw the waters surge to about 6in under our house. The water stayed that high for about an hour before it started to recede. Just as I had lost all hope, I walked away and couldn’t take it anymore…the water started to go down. Thank God!
Still, even with the water receding, the road was still flooded. We started to realize that we should have brought food, water and perhaps even toilet paper for our group…oops. However, our neighbors, many of whom we had never met until this point we bringing us all they had..bottled water, coffee-they were very generous. One neighbor even cooked us a hug meal! It was amazing… so delicious!
As the water cleared our property, the road was still closed, but we could tour the property and see the damage. I saw the volunteers eyes as they took in all the destruction. I recognized the looks on their faces…reflecting how I had felt only two months earlier the first time. However, this time…for me was different. I had hope. I knew what it would be like. I knew we could clean it up.
As soon as the water cleared the road, our boss man Joe drove in to get us. We took the students to town to stay at our church. They all got showers…flood water is full of bacteria. I slept with the women in the church pews. We had a small reflection with the girls and they all seemed okay with it…it’s a lot to handle especially in high school. The next morning, our boss decided they should go..its not necessarily safe to be cleaning up after a flood. They wanted to stay, but they left anyway.
And so, began the cleanup of flood number two.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
June, June and more June
Sorry for the lack of posts...things here have been well crazy lately...and now that I am a little more removed from it all...I can look back on it with a clearer head.
The last month and a half have been crazy...and many interesting twists have happened...and yet...God is good..life is good.
A week ago my bedroom was broken into again...and I was tired and frustrated and just broke down. I thought we were done with all of that stuff...and walking into my room...and seeing my locked door...now broken into...well it was scary...and being tired and tired of it all...well i just lost it...Feeling secure with new locks..and a system and then having someone go through my stuff again...well it was hard. After I cried...which for me can be a big thing...bossman suggested I leave the farm for the night...and I'm glad he did. I got to spend time with Wild Woman and Eda and being with friends and people who really care...I realised just how lucky I am. I mean afterall the stuff was annoying but it was more the creepiness of the intruders...and yet after being with those here who I love and who love me...well all of that really didnt seem to matter anymore.
Last weeks group worked hard and helped us a lot. I think they got a lot from the farm and it was good getting to know them. A little tired and not fully there...I feel I may have not given them my all...but they still seemed to have a good time and thats most important. At the end of the week me and Alex realised just because we have been here so long...we still need to be patient....so we are planning on reminding eachother of the good each day...three good things to be specific
This past week was well awesome! It felt as if the farm was back..and I guess so were we. Mercedes a full team member now jumped right in...and so did the group. They worked hard...and without any events and twists...it was a week to remeber...I think we needed this week...at least I did...so ending this week I am thankful and in a completly different state of mind...feeling rested even though having less rest...and ready more than ever for the next group...God is good...
Now off to handle a flat tire and groceries before the next group
peace and love
Colleen
The last month and a half have been crazy...and many interesting twists have happened...and yet...God is good..life is good.
A week ago my bedroom was broken into again...and I was tired and frustrated and just broke down. I thought we were done with all of that stuff...and walking into my room...and seeing my locked door...now broken into...well it was scary...and being tired and tired of it all...well i just lost it...Feeling secure with new locks..and a system and then having someone go through my stuff again...well it was hard. After I cried...which for me can be a big thing...bossman suggested I leave the farm for the night...and I'm glad he did. I got to spend time with Wild Woman and Eda and being with friends and people who really care...I realised just how lucky I am. I mean afterall the stuff was annoying but it was more the creepiness of the intruders...and yet after being with those here who I love and who love me...well all of that really didnt seem to matter anymore.
Last weeks group worked hard and helped us a lot. I think they got a lot from the farm and it was good getting to know them. A little tired and not fully there...I feel I may have not given them my all...but they still seemed to have a good time and thats most important. At the end of the week me and Alex realised just because we have been here so long...we still need to be patient....so we are planning on reminding eachother of the good each day...three good things to be specific
This past week was well awesome! It felt as if the farm was back..and I guess so were we. Mercedes a full team member now jumped right in...and so did the group. They worked hard...and without any events and twists...it was a week to remeber...I think we needed this week...at least I did...so ending this week I am thankful and in a completly different state of mind...feeling rested even though having less rest...and ready more than ever for the next group...God is good...
Now off to handle a flat tire and groceries before the next group
peace and love
Colleen
Monday, June 7, 2010
May in a blink
Wow...its already the begining of June...May went by so fast. With the flood and flood cleanup and the few groups we had in May...it just rushed by. Although it was a month full of challenges, blessings and learning experiences...I am not sad to see it go. This Month was one of the hardest in my life. From the flood to saying bye to Jamie, to being an adult babysitter, to being robbed...twice...and having creepers bother our volunteers in the bunks at night...phew its been one thing after another. Yet...there were some good things...spring has been beautiful...many people have come and helped us out...the community seems to really support us and that is a nice thing...we have mercedes on board now...so help is here...and no one got hurt in all of the mess.
We did have a college group help out and boy did they work hard! Almost all flood work and physical labor...thanks guys for your willingness to do what was needed...you wouldnt believe how the farm looks now.
Also, last week we had two high school group here...from very different areas of the country...and they were great...thanks for your energy and hard work...you guys were a lot of fun.
We did have a college group help out and boy did they work hard! Almost all flood work and physical labor...thanks guys for your willingness to do what was needed...you wouldnt believe how the farm looks now.
Also, last week we had two high school group here...from very different areas of the country...and they were great...thanks for your energy and hard work...you guys were a lot of fun.
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