Annual Newsletter 2005

 Dear Friends,
Often times the main focus of the farming world or humankind in general, appears to be speculation. What if it rains regularly -what if spring is frost free, what if… and on, and on. But such thinking is usually folly for it does not allow us to attack our obstacles.

It seems the whole world hurts more these days. We are bombarded by crisis of economy, cultural differences, and a shrinking globe. The remedy is family and kindness. We have learned from our parents that we are happiest when we are kind. Pain slips away when our legacy surges to the front of our design.

This morning Don and Jean, our retired cousins who make Arkansas home, stopped by to lift our spirits. We shared tea and raspberries, and relished the joys we share. It is all so obvious that our children make our world softer. Adrianne is summering in NYC as part of her ongoing enlightenment at University of Cincinnati. That way oflife is numbing, but we must get through this summer. Ben continues to “cowboy up” in Texas putting in his seven days, but always breaking away for a road trip to recharge.

Some wit once observed that if you are always busy, it is time to worry. Bill carries pictures of the kids when they were toddlers. He says they remind him of a time when they were free of the future. Now we worry.

The taste of dirt seems to dominate days spent in the sun. Rudy knows it is wise to idle away his day in the shade, but his hopes have nothing to do with thunderstorms. They will come this week with a glorious apple crop and a smaller peach crop, we remain hopeful.

Our family is growing in a special way. We have ventured out to establish a winery due to open in early August. With Mac McLelland, his wife Amy and new son Conner, we have gained new friends and a new dimension to the farm. Mac is a winemaker who has achieved notable success and recognition from his industry. Here’s what to anticipate in the other corner at the market:

July 12-15 First peaches (cling-type) and apricots
Aug. 1 -Sept. 10 Nectarines
Aug. 10-15 Red Haven begin (freestone)
Aug. 15 First white peaches
Aug. 20 -Sept. 15 Plums
Aug. 30 Pears begin
Sept. 10 -15 Gala and Honeycrisp apples begin
Sept. 15 -20 Last of peaches/First of Cider
Sept.l5 Fall apples I Pick your own begins
Oct. 5 -31 Pick your own pumpkins
Oct. 20 -30 Cameo and Fugi apples

Hope to see you soon!!!

The Gammie Family