Recently in musing maria Category

There is supposed to be big rain tomorrow - so Dane will NOT be at Matthews and I am teaching Science Camp tomorrow - so I will NOT be at Charlotte either.  The next week we WILL BE AT BOTH MARKETS and will have all manner of wonderful things; Red Cabbage, Greens, Lettuce and Sauce!  Just perfect for your Thanksgiving Feast!

First I want to say sorry for not having a letter the last two weeks.  As some of you know, my winter job was in mortgage and that business has gotten too slow to support us during the winter months.  I have been planning and plotting as to what might carry us over to spring and so far have not come up with any good enough answers.  That had me too down to share fun-farm stories.  I am not alone.  Time to re-tool.  Long term, I plan to get my Psych degree and go into private practice part time in Salisbury.  That will fit well with the farming activities.  I turned in my application to Pfeiffer University today and planned out how to best work through general education classes quickly (3 sections of Physical Education, Philosophy, Political
Science..)  Short term income plan is still a work in progress.  As Dane goes to work each morning as a Professor, I am reminded of how Fred Astaire's partner, Ginger Rogers, danced when he danced, but backwards and in heels.  

I have been spending a couple of hours a day working on the farm.  Planting things and taking down stakes.  If I run the radio - my truck battery runs out.  So, there is much quiet at the farm.  Core', our super-dog, comes to spend time with me (and smoosh my plants).  She sits in front of me trying to lick my face until I give her a good massage.  Then she finds a patch of long dry grass, paws it a little, turns around once and settles down for a long sun nap.  I have been wearing a quilted, grey over suit - like a mechanic.  I wear one of Trish's crochet hats and a baseball cap under that.  Two work gloves, extra socks and one of Gregori's sweatshirts tied around my neck like a scarf complete my outfit.  

Dane and I have been putting up a glorified cold frame that we can hunch down/ almost-stand-up in.  Yesterday, when it rained, I planted seeds under the cold frame/ tent and felt like I was under the poof of a wedding dress. Core' liked it under there too.  

Shout out:

If you are looking for reasonable gifts this year - you will find the local craft scene is very rewarding.  Yorkmont Art Barn, Charlotte Tailgate Market Artisans and Galleries in NODA all have hand wrought, quality treasures that Wal-mart or Macys simply don't carry.  Before you go and plan your long-line, florescent-light excursion the day after Thanksgiving - consider the short line, fresh air, and trustworthy experience of keeping the economy local and inspiration alive by shopping at the farmers markets and at the Galleries in NODA (Lark & Key - hint hint.)  The gratitude you experience on all ends of the activity will be greater than what Wally-World can deliver.  Their stock is up already.  

Maria Fisher
fisherfarms1933@gmail.com
704-239-1719
FAX 866-302-4023
www.fisherfarms1933.com

Dane will be at Matthews with
Collards
Kale
Radishes
Mustard Greens
Tot Choi
Tomatoes
Sweet Potatoes/ Yams
2008 Sauce
Pumpkins

Maria will be at Yorkmont with
Collards
Mustard Greens
Tot Choi
Mustard Greens
Tomatoes
Yam Fingerlings
Sauce 2008
Pumpkins

Marcel will be at Davidson with
Renn Bee Farm Honey
Collards
Tomatoes
White Sweet Potatoes
Pumpkins

Sauce 2008

A wave of relief went through me as the last drops of hot thick sauce dripped into our final jar.  For me, it meant the last messing around with tomato season 2008.  For Lenore and Peggy, it meant the end of 20 straight hours of cutting, boiling, pouring, capping, taking trash out, mopping floors, and freezing ourselves in a windowless room of loud kitchen equipment.  Lenore and I packed all the jars into the trucks, treated ourselves to hot lentil soup with ham in downtown Asheville, and then hobbled ourselves through two art galleries.  On the drive home (2 trucks for all the tomatoes) I listened to loud loud loud music and called everyone I knew who would put up with me.   We got home at 8 pm and slept the sleep of the Just.  Just done.  Just shoot me.  Just get up in the morning and go to the farm and see what else needs doing.  

I have not tasted a cooled jar yet.  We got home Thursday and yesterday was about getting ready for today.  But from what I tasted at the kitchen - it is right.

This story needs more details and you will get them - but for now - know that Sauce 2008 is here.  

Maria Fisher
maria@acatysmoof.com
704-239-1719
FAX 866-302-4023
www.fisherfarms1933.com

Vote.  Early & Often.  

I am writing on my mother in laws computer late this morning because my computer needs virus scrubbing and shut down several times before I gave up on it.  So this will be short sweet and un-edited.  

Dane-Matthews
radish
Beautiful pink tomatoes
Collards
Kale
Beans - he spent all day yesterday in the rain getting these up.
white sweet potatoes
pumpkins pumpkins pumpkins

Maria-Charlotte
Beefsteaks
collards
white yams - fingerling style
pumpkins

Marcel-Davidson
Renn Bee Farm Honey
Sungold cherries
Beefsteaks
Pinks
Fat White Sweet Potatoes
Collards?

Invitation:
NEXT WEEK LENORE AND I ARE LEAVING TUESDAY EVENING OR EARLY WEDNESDAY TO GO TO ASHEVILLE AND MAKE SAUCE.  WE ARE SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY TO USE THE FACILITY.  IF YOU WANT TO JOIN US, PLEASE SEND ME AN EMAIL TO fisherfarms1933@gmail.com WITH YOUR NAME AND PHONE NUMBER.  WE EXPECT TO MAKE ABOUT 1000 JARS.  IT IS PHYSICAL WORK.  FOR EVERY EXTRA PERSON I HAVE IN THERE, IT COST ME $100.  I CAN NOT PAY YOU AND THE COST TOO - BUT FOR THE EXPERIENCE, YOU ARE WELCOME.  MUST HAVE A EXTREMELY HIGH TOLERANCE FOR BAD JOKES.  WRITE TODAY.

Maria Fisher
maria@acatysmoof.com
704-239-1719
FAX 866-302-4023
www.fisherfarms1933.com

"When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?" - Eleanor Roosevelt

Dane will be at Matthews with:
Collards/ Kale
Beefsteak tomatoes
White Yams - fingerling and large
White half runner GREEN BEANS
Squash

Maria will be at Yorkmont with:
Kale
Beefsteak Tomatoes
White Yams - fingerling
Little bit of Okra
Small amount of Heirlooms
Canners
White half-runner GREEN BEANS

Marcel will be at Davidson (welcome back!) with:
Renn Bee Farm Honey
Pink Girl and Pink Heirloom Tomatoes
Beefsteak Tomatoes
White Yams - fingerling
Sungold Cherry Tomatoes

Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

Yesterday, Cass and I were sorting and grading all the tomatoes in the barn when Kinard, my father in law drove by on his HUGE tractor, covered in slick mud.  He stopped looking mighty proud and proclaimed loudly, "Maria, I just dragged your husbands vehicle out of the mud back there...Where shall I send the bill to?"  Between Dane and I, this is our SIXTH - yes, SIXTH time getting our truck stuck in the mud this season.  We have dragged it out 2 times with Kinard's 4 wheel drive truck, 1 time with the neighbors tractor, twice with our own small tractor and this last time with Kinard's big tractor.  The first and second time we called Kinard right away - because Kinard is smart about anything practical.  Plus, he is retired.  He is most likely to be home.  The third and fourth time we tried to hide it from Kinard - because we did not want to be told that getting our truck stuck up was stupid and impractical.  (We know that already.)  That's when we discovered that almost-3-year-old Gregori is a TATTLE-TALE GOSSIP!!!  And Kinard knew of our stuckness.  One time, we managed to hide it from both Gregori and Kinard.  So, we were meek and ashamed only to each other.  This last time I freely told Nathlyn - who told Kinard - who drove his HUGE tractor 5 miles over to our farm to rescue us - again.  If wishes were fishes, I would cast a net for an on-farm gator with a bin to haul tomatoes in - and maybe a bigger tractor.  Can't complain about the rain through - that's good.

Community:

My mom and I were talking about general office politics.  I am not good at office politics.  So I find myself enormously grateful for our community of generous and good-natured, service oriented and business savvy farmers.  I find myself continuously uplifted by the beautiful, thoughtful people who support the farmers markets.  (Especially during the latest gas shortage, "I had only a little bit of gas - so I came to the farmers market!  You all work so hard!" - Me??  What about you???)   People send me intelligent and wonderful emails.  Have me reading great books.  Tell me the best recipes.   It is an honor and deep joy to see people Saturday mornings.  I love it.   Over and over.  The Chefs are all on their toes.  Working hard, gracious, usually HILARIOUS to talk with, down to earth and smart.  I worry to make sure everything is perfect for their creations.   Sometimes, when I am needing inspiration, I go over to the artists barn and take a very quick peek at all they do and I love that too.  If you are reading this - you are part of this amazing community.  We have something special - no? Enormously grateful!

Maria Fisher
maria@acatysmoof.com
704-239-1719
FAX 866-302-4023
www.fisherfarms1933.com

"When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?" - Eleanor Roosevelt

Dane will be at Matthews with
Beefsteaks
GORGEOUS GREEN BEANS
Pumpkins
White Yams and Sweet Potatoes

Maria will be at Charlotte with
Beefsteaks
Some green beans
White yams

Stacey, a bright college student, will be at Davidson with
Beefsteaks
White yams
Some pink tomatoes
Some green beans

Subprime mess

In my winter job I have been a mortgage officer for the last 8 or 9 years.  I never made a giant book of business.  You have to chase people around all year round to accomplish that.  I never asserted myself as the go-to person for mortgages.  I figured if they knew and trusted me and my work ethic, things would fall into place.  That was a stupid assumption.  But it takes a little over a decade to get over myself I guess.  So, I watch with great interest as the bill got signed last night and as Wachovia looks for a new owner.  I also watch with concern as I see people pull back a bit on eating out.  I got laid off from being a corporate-money-grubbing scientist many years ago and remember going home and taking long naps for a while.  (naps??!  mmmm!)  I wonder if people are taking a pause to reevaluate what is important to them.  Perhaps as they sit for a while - in a gas line.  

During my transition from science to mortgage I kept a diary and I remember noting that I could skimp on about every item except the experience of very fine dining.  I had a Russian client that I had done a large amount of work for and he took Dane and I to a place in St. Louis where I had my first truly beautiful meal.  Of course, Dane and I paid for ourselves and I was shocked at the price tag.  But I smile at the meal today as one to bring to my rocking chair as a favorite replay for when I get too old to do much else.  (Does that still happen?)  

Go spend beyond your means?  No.  Absolutely not.  But when you reevaluate your choices - consider what brings you the most memorable happiness per dollar spent.  Our web site has some of the best places to go in town: www.fisherfarms1933.com

Weather - With my past history of corporate avarice and amorality, (not really)  I can say with no remorse that my current occupation of working in the sunshine, listening to birds and enjoying wide skies with vivid fall colors sure beats sitting in under florescence in an office or laboratory.  Sure I have to lift heavy things and endure muscle complaints.  Big deal.

Mark Hibbs, Renaissance Chef

I have been meaning to write about Mark all summer.  At the beginning of the summer - I did not have enough to write about.  I could not figure him out.   Sure - he owns one of the best restaurants in Charlotte, Ratcliff On The Green.  He comes to market every Saturday and buys real local food - no skimping or replacements.  But what about the real Mark Hibbs?  So I watched all summer long for hints as to who this man is.  This week I got my answer.   This is one of the most dedicated and passionate man I have ever met.  He is deeply rooted in reality and faces all things well beyond "can-do".  He meets every circumstance with "I will." And he does!  He brings his community along with him.  Mark is the Chef who stood with us out in the POURING rain at Tuesday Tailgate this summer.  He is the one who rides me about not lowering my prices to other Chefs giving me flack.  He is the one who brings his kids to market.  He is the one who is friends with the farmers actually going to their farm and having dinner with them at their house.  He farmed enough himself to know EXACTLY what to ask for from the field.  He knows how hard he can push the field.  I call it precision farming when I have to grow something for a special event for Mark.  But, I like it.  I thought Alice Waters coming to Charlotte was going to kill me last year.  He wanted the tomatoes just so.  But he said she loved his Gazpacho that he made with our tomatoes.  He shares the success.  Which surprises me because I know that Marks food is several cuts above.  The man could probably make anything taste spectacular.  But he INSISTS it be local, fresh and perfect.  (He really lets me know when our quality doesn't meet his expectations. - which is RARE.)   When I have had the opportunity to eat some of his food - I notice that it is "Bright".  Excellent.  The passion and talent of a Renaissance man shines through.  Yet, when all is said and done - Mark is the one making sure his restaurant works at the most operational level too.  He shines, his food shines.  He does the work and cuts no corners.  He demands all around him do the work and cut no corners either.  Unfailingly - his best is for you.  

Maria Fisher
maria@acatysmoof.com
704-239-1719
FAX 866-302-4023
www.fisherfarms1933.com

"When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?" - Eleanor Roosevelt