This time of year always causes me to pause and remember all of the things I have to be thankful for. Sometimes the most basic of things, like having clean water to drink, fresh air to breathe, and just being alive is truly something to remember not to take for granted! But more often my mind goes to the more peripheral and yet essential blessings of everyday farm life.

I am so thankful to all the amazing people who have worked on the farm this year. From dedicated permanent employees, to 3-month crew members during peak summer, work traders, and lunch cooks, it takes an amazing amount of talent, hard work and dedication to pull off a farm season, and these fine people have done it! I am especially thankful to those who are committed to the farm- Lane, Amy, Siobhan, Britta, Blake, and Lizz. These individuals have worked so tirelessly this season, AND they are coming back for more fun next season!

Next on my gratitude list is all of our CSA members, Farmstand and Farmer’s Market customers, restaurant and retail customers, and all of the people who spend their hard-earned money to sustain themselves with our produce. Thank you for choosing to support Red Dog Farm- your choice helps keep us in business every day. We would not be here without you!

I have the deepest appreciation for the land we work. The soil and microorganisms, the well-timed weather of sun and rain that makes our crops grow strong and healthy, the beneficial insects, the birds who inspire us, the coyotes who remind us we are wild, and all the many, many plants, animals and insects that share this land with us. I thank them all for their part in this perfect web.

I am thankful for my health- a body that generally does what I ask of it.

I am grateful for family and friends who love and support me.

I am thankful for all my fellow-farmers; for the burned-out summer texts and winter-time conversations over tea, and for all the support, inspiration and camaraderie that only comes with others who share similar struggles and triumphs of this lifestyle on a daily basis. I cannot imagine farming without this network of kind and passionate farmers.

I am pretty sure I could continue on pretty much forever, but this seems like a good place to stop. Suffice it to say, there is so, so, so much to be thankful for. I hope that your lives are full of thankfulness in this season. Happy Thanksgiving!

~Karyn