Guest Post by Hardscrabble Farmer
The leaves on the maples have finally begun to unfold, waves of pale green spreading across the hillsides, the pink fog of swollen buds in the swales between them. This was the latest Spring we’ve experienced up here and cool as well. By now the lilacs would be in full bloom and the forsythia done with it’s riotous yellow show instead of just beginning. The lambs are all on the ground, their lower legs fully covered while the dense matt of new fleece has just begun on the rest of them. There is one more calf due but the herd has already doubled in size and the sows spend their time in the wallow, bellies full with litters yet to come.
It has been a busy year since last I wrote of the things we do on the farm and so much has changed for us. Our daughter off into the world caring for children, our youngest boy finally behind the wheel of the farm truck when I take him out in the evening on the back roads through the foothills to practice and our oldest settling in to his new life as a teacher, serious about a girl he’s been seeing for a while now and inclining towards a family of his own. As a parent it would be hard to imagine things working out any better, to see the time come when we have seen them through the challenges of childhood and emerge as competent young adults with bright futures ahead. My wife and I celebrated a quarter century of married life and look forward to another- God willing- as we move into the back forty of life.
As I reflect on the choices we’ve made and try to find our way forward it helps to remember the myriad paths that led us here. The seemingly endless encouragement and support of friends and family remind us that we owe so much to so many that there may never be a way to fully reciprocate, but that doesn’t mean we should ever stop trying. For anyone who has followed us along on this journey it is clear that we incline towards optimism in all things, but as we grow wiser- hopefully- we also recognize the realities of the world around us, outside of these bouldered acres where other seasons spin on invisible cycles. If the past two years has shown us anything at all it is that nothing remains as it was and everything drifts inexorably towards some form of decay and dissolution. My own body reminds me of my country, slowly falling into a state of disrepair and breakdown with each passing year. On the surface both appear invincible, but underneath it anyone can tell that the clock is unwinding with accelerating speed. The end comes for everything.
For the past several years we have hosted a celebration of our independence on a day set aside so long ago that few people recall exactly what it means. July 4th has always been my favorite holiday for more reasons than I could list and it remains something that I will likely hold onto until the very end of my days. High Summer with its heat and light, the smoke of barbecues and the plates brimming with fresh greens and grilled meats to feed the hungry, the ice chests glistening and stocked with cold drinks, laughter and fireworks, the clink of horseshoes and the smell of grass have always elicited an excitement that no other day could measure up to. To be there, laughing at one another’s jokes, seeing the faces of old friends and loved ones, waiting for the stars to emerge at the end of a long day followed by the explosive report and stunning display of fireworks sends everyone back to place in their memory that remains untouched by the specter of modernity. On that day you would have to be a hardened cynic not to feel the pure joy of real liberty among like-minded associates wherever they might be.
A dear friend spoke with my wife and I not that long ago about our annual get together and suggested that we may want to find a way to close the circle around our get together and after some reflection I have come to agree. I have met quite a few of the very best people I have ever known through the virtual communities of the Internet and I hope that continues, but these days things such trust is in short supply. The bifurcation that occurred as a result of the past years manias have cleaved families and neighborhoods as cleanly as a sword blow, right down the middle. People have fallen into separate nations within their own country and there is little chance that it will ever go back nor any reason to. I can’t give up on the deep desire I have held for these many years that if we put everything aside for a moment and suspend our suspicions and fears long enough to break bread and toss back a few with strangers, we might just become friends. It has happened more times than not and I believe there is still an opportunity to extend that offer once more before we are no longer able to do this.
This year we offer an open invitation to anyone who would like to take the time and make the effort to join us and all the other hopeful optimists who believe in that green light at the end of the dock. Hopewell Farms will once more celebrate the 4th of July properly in New England style. If you’ve been please make sure to share your experience with others and if you’ve wanted to attend and have not had the chance, please reach out to us to let us know you plan on attending. If this is on your bucket list, make this year the one to cross it off.
In years past we have asked for a contribution but in light of the economics of the day anyone who can make it here is welcome to attend regardless of their ability to pay for the event. If you would care to donate something we would gladly accept, but if you can’t you’re welcome to spend the day gratis. We would like to get an idea of just how many folks plan on attending so a phone call, email, postcard or a letter will be helpful. As always it is a multi-generational event, plenty of food, drink, activities and fireworks for everyone and there will be lots of great conversation and music as well.
I hope to see you again and meet some of you for the first time this July 4th at Hopewell Farms!
Your Friend,
Hardscrabble Farmer
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Love this reminder to live in the appropriate season.
I am making $92 an hour working from home. i was greatly surprised at the same time as my neighbour advised me she changed into averaging $ninety five however I see the way it works now. I experience mass freedom now that I’m my non-public boss. That is what I do.. http://www.profit97.com
What a gracious invitation. Id love to come but doubt I will make the trip from Kansas City area. Really love your writing. Really captures the mood and sentiment of our day and life in general. Praise the Lord!
for anyone wondering if it’s worth the trip: it’s filled with great people, excellent/gracious hosts, awesome food, in a beautiful, nay, idyllic, setting.
go if you’re able
HSF,
Another wonderful glimpse into your character and sense of the world. It is unlikely I can attend the 4th festivities and unlikely that my circumstances will change by July, however, I will contact you via phone to arrange a contribution to defray some of your expenses. I have been following your posts and comments for a long time. All my neighbors have enjoyed your Maple Surup, the best I’ve ever had. Bless you, and God keep you and your family safe.
I say that a lot. “Close the circle.” But seeing something that elicits that comment usually is akin to trying to square the circle.
Conscientiousness has never been common, nor less common than it is now.
Everybody gets what they get. But even if you got a boatload of the Big C, you can’t give it away, because other boats are loaded full-up, too, already. No room at the inn, or in the arks.
Love that group of “Circle” albums..
“I live my life in widening circles that reach out across the world.” Rainer Maria Rilke
“Build up your circle…a mind that perceives what can rationally be. A spirit that sees innovative possibility. A heart that is open to both beginnings and end. A firm hand that fits readily to the reach of a friend.” Mary Anne Radmacher
“Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing, and always come back again to where they were. The life of a person is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves.” Black Elk
“Our life is an apprenticeship to the truth that around every circle another can be drawn; that there is no end in nature, but every end is a beginning, and under every deep a lower deep opens.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.” Albert Einstein
Thank you to you and your wife for your generosity and the trust to open up your home. I will gladly attend.
I can’t bring myself to feel compassion for parasites. Tics tapeworms, Cowbirds et al.
I’d love to see your place. I grew up not too far from you HF. My dad made the jump to Maine and I may follow when I move back up north. I miss NH very much. Longtime reader here not much of a commenter but thankful for the insight here.
You want to grow potatoes in Aroostook County?
Flat Earthers UNITE!
Unable to attend but would love to contribute in some manner to show our support and solidarity. Please advise, and have a great time.
Maybe set up a zoom conference for a few minutes for those who would like to go but can’t and want to wish you well?
It’s a lovely area to visit and this year probably much cooler than MO. Alas, I think the 2019 visit we made is the one and only time we will make it up there. I would do it again if it were possible but the expense is just too much.
Hi MC,
Cooler is the word – it was 38 degrees Sunday night. You will both be missed.
Cool for us is 85 in the day and 63. We don’t get those very often in the summer.
Btw, anyone who goes needs to get ice cream while there. Best ice cream in the US, I think.
Thanks so much for the open invite, although since I’m here on the left coast it just won’t be possible this year. But well-wishes to all who attend. And one more thing, HSF…have you thought about a youtube channel shooting video on events around the farm? Plenty of city folks are curious. There are people making a ton, check out vise grip garage or junkyard digs on youtube and check it out.
Wish I could be there.
Me too!
Thanks HF,
I wouldn’t miss it for the world. As much as I enjoy the banter and wit here, it’s orders of magnitude greater in person. As long as I’ve been attending, I’ve never witnessed a disagreement or a raised voice. The best part (second only to the food!!) is the group dynamic. It’s truly like a family reunion.
I ain’t going anywhere that would have the likes of me!
Good thing you do, HSF. Maybe one day stars will align and I might get there.
Too far for us to make it, sadly. Still sad that we could not attend your show at the Charleston Music Hall due to a vax/testing mandate that did not exist for the Robert Allen Keen concert a week earlier.
Seems like fun..but I don’t tread where I cant go..
I’m headed to a place like that in the not-too-distant future…
Hopewell Farms, right next door to Heaven!
‘eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard..’
annuit coeptis novus ordo seclorum
Still a big fan of your writing. All the best to you and yours.
Had to cancel last time due to mothers illness, and now my fathers family has decided to reunion on the 4th weekend. My wife has an annual get together on the 4th in Texas with her Missionary family . We have been pushing both groups to change dates on a.ternate years, but some folks get set in their ways. It’s only 1200 miles for us , so that’s easy but too many conflicts . Hopefully we can get there before collapse. Maybe you can have an application and or letter of recommendation from the local domestic terrorist for those who haven’t made it yet. Or private invites to purchasers of your sirup . Best of luck to y’all .
I feel like I should know this, but I’ve had a brain fart. What town does Hardscrambled live in, and what’s the best airport to fly into?
Call/email for details. Contact on the sidebar of mainpage.
Just left a message!! 🙂
Good luck, Glad Tidings. Gotta enough accolades that virtually anything would be redundant.
Don’t mean to be a paranoid schizo, and i can only speak for myself…but if anyone asks to shake Your Hand, (i wish) and introduces themselves…
‘Howdy! i’m Ray “willy” Epps from West by God Virginia’..it won’t be me.
How generous. Many blessing to you and your family.
I would love to be there with all of the good people that are drawn to TBP.
My biggest concern, however, is that I wouldn’t want to leave. (If you ever decide you need an a 61 year old Canadian farmhand, let me know. lol)
Thanks, HSF, for your essays and opinion you’ve shared with us over the years. A voice of reason and common sense like yours are in short supply in a time when they are sorely needed. It is humbling as musch as it is inspiring to know there are folks like you around. I know that there are more and I will find them when I return to my western home in Alberta.
I will back in the foothills for your July 4th celebration but I will be there with you all in spirit.
All the best and God bless you and everyone you love.
Why not start or expand your own celebration in your neck of the woods?
That’s a great idea and definitely something to start planning when I land.
Thanks
I dredged out the pig wallow last night.
God bless you
How do we get in touch? Do you have an email address to send a note? Thank you
“Call/email for details. Contact on the sidebar of mainpage.”
Not even that many comments…READING is FUNdamental!
Right up there with…”Let’s put the FUN back in dysFUNctional”
Vetoed as my entry for the Header on the ‘Family Reunion’ invitations.
Repeatedly.
https://returntonow.net/2021/12/23/maine-passes-first-right-to-food-amendment-in-u-s/
Took this picture on weekend while messing around with the setting on a camera picked up at a pawn shop. Can’t make it this year but hope to get there soon.
Boy, would we *love* to come, but we’re so far away, in FL.
You guys have always sounded like fine people, and great neighbors.
We’ll raise a glass to you, from here.
Farmer, how many of your cows had twins this season? I forget what type of cows you keep.
White face Herefords. Never had twins.
How did your herd more than double?
Took a few cows from a friend who was getting too old to keep up and every one of our cows threw a healthy calf.
I’m glad I dropped in to read this. Some people talk. Some people balk. Some people squawk. But HSF (and Family), walk the walk and make our virtual relationships—real. I’ll be there. And will continue to enjoy the company of the friendships made and cultivated through this gathering. A great vibe! See y’all soon.
This is becoming a excellent tradition!
The piece of land has a very calming effect on ones mental health.
I have never made the 4th party and had all intentions of doing so this year(yah,I know,intentions/road to hell ect.)but me daily ride has gone FUBAR and a bitch getting some of the parts I need and the 4×4 van is still in project mode,thus,seems I will once again miss the gathering.
My neighbor has loaned me his little truck for work inspections ect. but will not abuse said generosity by using for “fun”!I actually will be spending the 4th with him with some food and beers so will be a nice day.
I hope all attendees have a great time and prepper cat will be there in spirit!
Just a reminder that we were apprised of the current situation over 50 years ago by a liberty poet from Canada by the name of John Kay. At the time, Canada was a refuge for people who understood where this train was headed. How the tables have turned, where lovers of liberty now head in the opposite direction, or any direction, if they can…
If there was ever a poem for our holiday of Liberty, I reckon this will do. See you at the farm…
[youtube
Credit to the guy who made the video:
Commando Paul
Circa 1969? A decade before my time. Generally just ‘listen’ to the ‘music’, MANY noteworthy exceptions aside. Nice melodious intro, then…not so much. Still, ‘heard’ it many times on the radio.
The Lyrics WERE/ARE relevant and still timely.
Thanks to algore, took all of a blink of the eye to find them. Most songs have the track by the original artist with the lyrics scrolled on the screen…10 Minutes.
‘Ephemeral’ doesn’t begin to do justice to my attention span.
These are the ‘Words’. i copied them slow, so it shouldn’t be a problem to read for…Ahem…anybody.
Thank You! Who Knew?
Steppen wolf “Monster” with lyrics – Search
Once the religious, the hunted and weary
Chasing the promise of freedom and hope
Came to this country to build a new vision
Far from the reaches of kingdom and pope
Like good Christians, some would burn the witches
Later some got slaves to gather riches
But still from near and far to seek America
They came by thousands to court the wild
And she just patiently smiled and bore a child
To be their spirit and guiding light
And once the ties with the crown had been broken
Westward in saddle and wagon it went
And ’til the railroad linked ocean to ocean
Many the lives which had come to an end
While we bullied, stole and bought our a homeland
We began the slaughter of the red man
But still from near and far to seek America
They came by thousands to court the wild
And she just patiently smiled and bore a child
To be their spirit and guiding light
The blue and grey they stomped it
They kicked it just like a dog
And when the war over
They stuffed it just like a hog
And though the past has it’s share of injustice
Kind was the spirit in many a way
But it’s protectors and friends have been sleeping
Now it’s a monster and will not obey
(Suicide)
The spirit was freedom and justice
And it’s keepers seem generous and kind
It’s leaders were supposed to serve the country
But now they won’t pay it no mind
‘Cause the people grew fat and got lazy
And now their vote is a meaningless joke
They babble about law and order
But it’s all just an echo of what they’ve been told
Yeah, there’s a monster on the loose
It’s got our heads into a noose
And it just sits there watchin’
Our cities have turned into jungles
And corruption is stranglin’ the land
The police force is watching the people
And the people just can’t understand
We don’t know how to mind our own business
‘Cause the whole worlds got to be just like us
Now we are fighting a war over there
No matter who’s the winner
We can’t pay the cost
‘Cause there’s a monster on the loose
It’s got our heads into a noose
And it just sits there watching
(America)
America where are you now?
Don’t you care about your sons and daughters?
Don’t you know we need you now
We can’t fight alone against the monster