Goals are important, right? They keep us motivated, looking towards the future, and also keep ourselves in check.
I try to be cognizant of the fact that too many goals can be unrealistic and burdensome. However, I also have a boat-load of to-do's to complete. Oy. What to do? Baby steps.
I'm busy working on my MDARD application for the certified kitchen (requires me to know exactly what appliances will be used in the kitchen, their dimensions, what the largest item I'll be washing so as to have the correct sized ware-washing sink, kitchen layout, menus, what percentage of the freezer is for long-term storage, etc.). I'm waiting to hear from the township on my proposals for overnight agricultural tourists, weddings, and if I can work towards a MCLL so I can sell mead, cider, and wine that the farm has contributed to with our elderberries. If we're granted permission, we might have a small tasting area for our storefront visitors, but it won't be our main focus. Our main focus is on the plethora of elderberry items and produce available!
It might be reminiscent of Bubba Gump Shrimp, but if it can be made with elderberries...I'll have it available along side our other value-added products and produce. :) Elderberry syrup, elderberry honey, elderberry jam...elderberry cordials, dried elder flowers, frozen and dehydrated elderberries, elderberry tea, gummies, lozenges...and the list goes on! Whew! I'm also finalizing our build permit with the county, bids, and our take-off details with our suppliers. From there, Ron begins site work in early spring. Then the whirlwind of build phases and inspections begins.
While juggling that, I'm getting more elderberry cuttings ready for the 2021 season. I'm adding a few varieties to our Wyldewood and Bob Gordon collection and trying out a hardiness experiment with a new variety called Pocahontas; typically only grown in Missouri as part of the Elderberry Improvement Program. We're excited to try Pocahontas as the cuttings sold out within a few days! Presently, up to 95% of the United State's elderberry products contain elderberries imported from Europe. And the American variety, sambucus canadensis, has more antiviral kick to it than the European varieties (sambucus nigra). So we're excited to support our country's demand for more elderberries!
Maple syrup making will start again in late February/early March while Leelanau Excavation tackles the site work/excavating. Finalizing the irrigation in early spring is another goal to accomplish so I can get our lavender and produce into the ground in the spring.
Meanwhile, I am still working my full time job i.e. running my other company and raising our free-spirited four-year-old son. Are we alive? Yes. Are we overwhelmed? Yup. :) But I'm so excited to share the fruits of labor literally and figuratively! So stay tuned, the best is yet to come!
~With love,
Samantha

Cameron and I had fun building a snow wall or "honey fortress" for our honeybees :)

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