So many bins, so little time!

So many bins to wash, so little time...

Hokay. So, a few days longer than anticipated, but still better than letting an entire month pass by without an update!


This coming week marks the three-month point of my time at GVB. Three months. Twelve weeks. Three-fifths of the way done. Wowzers. The days sure are long, but the weeks are flying by! 

Glorious soak-sesh.

And how have I been spending my time, you ask? Well, these past two weeks I found myself house-sitting for one of our CSA members while they vacationed on the Oregon Coast. And oh, what a delight living in a house again was! A top of the line kitchen; a patio with a hanging chair; showering as often as I wanted; a king-sized bed; internet; electricity... But with working 50-60hrs each week, it's not as though I've been lounging around indulging too much...but it sure has been nice to come home after a long, hot day on the farm and feel cool granite on my feet, slip under egyptian cotton sheets, and mindlessly watch an episode of Mad Men before waking up to do it all over again. Good lord, I've been spoiled and my impending return to the Red Dale tomorrow evening will surely be anti-climatic at best. Sigh. 

Legit weeding.

But like most deprivations, I've gained a greater appreciation for such modern day conveniences - and I can say with certainty that although I love the vagabond lifestyle I currently lead (more or less), I eagerly await the day I finally "figure out my life" and settle down in my own house...permanently...wherever and whenever that might be!

Benjamin Bunny would be so stoked!

Also of note, we are finally up to a full farm staff! Hooray! We've finally hired a couple of additional part-timers to help us on our Monday/Thursday harvests, and our newest intern, Michaela, arrived on Thursday evening to replace Dean, who although somewhat recovered from his bout with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, is still not well enough to work the taxing and demanding hours of the farm. A bittersweet replacement, no doubt - for Dean is truly a special character who won't soon be forgotten, but the extra hands and experience that Michaela brings is much needed as we approach the height of growing season. It's a pretty safe bet to say we've been in the weeds (literally and figuratively) the past few weeks, so hopefully we are now better equipped to charge ahead into the August haze...from Arugula to Zucchini! Ho Hey!

Anya helping Chris weigh beets.

It continues to be extremely hottttt up here in Montana-land, making some of the days absolutely brutal in the afternoon/early evening...thankfully, the humidity levels have been relatively low, but doing nearly anything in 90+ degree heat is a mental and physical challenge I'm learning to battle and accept. Chilled coconut water and iced kombucha have been welcomed supplements to the gallons of water I gulp down each day, and my farmer tan is beyond impressive. But I take comfort in knowing I'm not the only one suffering, and at the cost of good food that feeds my belly and fulfills my soul. It's a lifestyle, and although the thought of an air-conditioned desk job has had a 2.5 second appeal on occasion, I can't imagine trading in my dirty fingernails or sweat-drenched tank top for anything else. Yup. Britni the farmer. Whowouldathought?! :)

Deliciously refreshing coconut water.

I had a whole list of other things to write about, but of course, they have conveniently slipped my mind. Oh well. It's time to head up towards Big Sky anyway, to camp for the night with a few new friends and climb at Red Cliff tomorrow. Sunday Funday. Yeah buddy. Get someeee!

Freshly picked strawberries :)

Hasta luego amigos,
-B