After a very industrious and active summer of undertaking a large wholesale order for my fantastic new friends at River Orchard, taking up an intense running program and being present to my children, the summer moved at lightening speed. I looked forward to Autumn with great anticipation of preserving the harvest and taking a slower pace, since I had a freezer full of summer’s bounty that I could tackle at my leisure, using the helpful tips at Hitchhiking to Heaven.

I should have known that “the best laid schemes of mice and men/Go often awry” and that I should never become too comfortable with life. A life-changing illness in a dear friend has knocked me from my place of comfort and rendered me helpless. I walk around in a daze as my thoughts jump from my friend, to the meaning of life and suffering, to justice and fairness, randomness and design. I was lucky to fly out and visit her, stocking her freezer full of good food. Food made with love and prayers and good wishes that I trust will nourish and nurture her and her family. Each month, I send more jam, hoping that the sweetness of life will be hers.

Even in our sadness, life continues and we rejoice in what we have, here and now. My uncanny toddler girl turned 3 and my little uncanny boy turned one. They bring life and laughter and are always beacons of hope and know just how to sustain me. I’m sure before long, I’ll be back in the kitchen and back at the Sackville Farmers Market. Until then.