I love weather. I don't mean whether it's raining or sunny, I mean how weather affects every little thing. Like for instance, chickens. In the winter they don't lay as many eggs because of the lack of light. Okay, now that has all sorts of implications, doesn't it? It means that light is essential for production or reproduction. The same is true for plants. In the fall and in the early spring, vegetable plants do not grow as quickly, not necessarily because of the lack of warmth, but for lack of light. In fact, keeping some greens like spinach going through the winter requires that you start them very early so that they mature at the beginning of the cold season, otherwise they will never grow big enough for you to harvest. In the spring, as the days get longer, seedlings grow faster, so there is a point where seeds you started in April actually catch up to those that you have started earlier, like in February or March. Now what implications are there for humans? I don't know. But I do love keeping track of how long or short the days are, and where the sun rises and sets. I couldn't do that when I lived in NYC, or maybe I just forgot to care back then. Anyway, here is a fun fact, there is almost 1 hour less of daylight on the first of October than there was on the first of September. At least I think it's fun.

And tonight is another dinner at Shelburne Farms, this time for Jay's 46th birthday. Although we will miss cocktails in the garden at the Inn, it is still a very special place to drive to and to imagine all the things that have happened there, and all the new things happening there now, like O'Bread Bakery, Shelburne Farms Cheese making, an organic garden, and a wonderful inn and restaurant. I just hope it's not too cold tonight, because that white and black Italian marble floor could be pret-ty chilly. I think I'll wear socks.

Dedicated to pleasure and taste in dining and living, the international group,
Slow Food is trying not only to preserve all that's fine in the world of food and eating, but to teach children to really taste and know good food. We had a wonderful dinner with the Italian founders of this group about 2 years ago at Shelburne Farms. Local producers were invited to share their products and the dinner, all cooked and served in true Shelburne Farms style. It was a beautiful evening, filled with great tastes and inspirational stories. At least I think they were, since I don't speak Italian.

In the Free Press today, an article about the linking of Vt farmers and educators to encourage learning about food and agriculture in the local schools. I really wanted to participate in this program through NOFA, but I just don't have the time. But I wish my school would participate and stop feeding my kids fried, prepared food for lunch, or at least give a healthy alternative. I understand the budget crunch, but I'd rather spend $2.00 a day on something they'll eat, than to have them go without for $1.50. The prospect of getting kids involved in our farm and maybe even having their own little garden plot is exciting to me, but in Vermont, the timing is all wrong. I'm still thinking about it though.