Annual Newsletter 2004
Dear Friends,
A peculiar unsettled feeling has steadily gripped us. It has more to do with the calming thrust of mother nature than to the emotion of family or the turmoil in the world. Despite the wet, the pleasant stretch of grand days has softened our anxiety that has dominated the approach of harvest in the past several years. Last night’s rain was as soothing to us as a kind word and agentle heart. We will savor it. We need to avoid being consumed by things we cannot control if we are to notice our good luck. Each season has a point in which survival appears as fragile asthose early May peach blossoms. Uncle Len warned us time and again, “What cannot be cured,must be endured.”
The idea of family must always dominate despite what anyone else may define as success. On the 4th of July, part of the Gammie clangathered at the farm to celebrate the return of cousins from Florida. Chuck, who had worked as a young boy on the farm, commented on how reassuring it is to recall memories of times less hectic. To watch our children grow up is success. To watch them cast off is always a tearful ride.
Adrianne has completed her third year at University of Cincinnati. She “‘cooped” inChicago for a couple months, returned home to pick the first raspberry and then set off for theSouth of France for the summer. She finds city life vibrant and as daring as it is to create agarment that could be called fashionable. In both, she perseveres to the finish line.
Ben’s trek in Texas is ongoing. A month ago he came up with a peck of peaches from a growing district west of Austin. But what was missing was the scent of home. His responsibilities at Bury Engineering are expanding and fruitful.
We tend to be anxious for both of them. Are they having too much fun? Are they giving back? Can they avoid being overwhelmed by the unimportant? Growing never stops. Yet, will they ever have those “pastoral” daydreams of a small Ohio country town? Surely, butthey mustnot dwell on them.
Somehow Jacque, Ben and Adrianne will rendezvous in France in early August. Jacque, her brother Joe, and sister Madeline will reunite with their nearby Italian heritage. Ben will catch up with his mates from Scotland, and Adrianne will translate… and Bill will take the road most traveled from home to the barn.
Here’s what to expect this season:
July 11-13 First peaches (cling type)
July 30-Sept.15 Nectarines
August 7-10 Red Haven (freestone) begin
August 10-15 White peaches begin
August 20-Sept.10 Plums
August 25 Pears begin
Sept. 5-10 Gala & Honeycrisp apples begin
Sept. 15-20 Last of Peaches/First of cider
Sept. 11-15 Fall apples/Pick your own begins
Oct. 5-11 Pick your own pumpkins
Oct. 15-31 Cameo &. Fuji apple harvest
