New year, new home for the Grady family. Jenni, Paddy Rose, and I packed up our bags and moved west…about 2 miles. In fact, our last two moves haven’t even involved a change in zip code – still 01519 going on 8 years now for me! Last week I promised exciting news on the long-term health of the farm. Above is a view from my new (indoor) office. Have you got 4 yet? Indeed, I’m thrilled to announce we moved up to the farm! Well, still moving would be more accurate. Little steps when you have a 7-month old.
Thanks to a conservation-minded neighbor, we were presented the opportunity, and jumped at the chance to rent the white farmhouse directly across the street from the farm. I don’t think it’s hyperbole to assert I now have the best commute in town. It’s as charming of a house as you can imagine a farmhouse built in 1770 would be. And quirky – I don’t think one of the many, many doors actually closes. I’m not looking forward to tallying up the heating costs, but it’ll all be worth it in the end. We look forward to putting down some roots here, and growing Potter Hill into the enormous potential inherent in this beautiful piece of land. Eventually. Little steps when you have a 7-month old!
Mark your calendars for the next time Jeff comes down with meat – February 6th. I will put out whatever I have left at that point, which mostly will consist of celeriac. Before you dismiss the idea of coming up the treacherous hill in the pitch dark just to pick out some celeriac in the bitter cold (assuming winter returns at some point), you need to understand celeriac is highly underappreciated. If you aren’t eating it a few times a week this time of year, you’re committing a grievous culinary mistake. I was planning to wax poetic about the versatility of this hideous yet delicious root, but my friend Christy from White Barn Farm just did all the work for me in her newsletter below. Let me know if you can’t wait till February 6th to get your fill and we can set up a time to get some.
