Dear Friends,

It’s always satisfying to see the last of the fruit come off the trees.  However, as a fruit grower at heart, I’m already looking forward to springtime blossoms, the beginning of a new cycle and new growing season.  For now, though, we can relax a bit, be thankful and prepare for the holiday season.

We’re happy to say none of our crops disappointed us this year. We had abundant strawberries, a beautiful crop of cherries, and the peaches were just delicious.  Now we have an excellent supply of apples in storage for the winter, plus our own tasty cider. Our expectations were high, and everything fell into place to meet and exceed those expectations - especially timely precipitation.  Just when we desperately needed water, along came a shower.  But the trees had to work extremely hard this year, producing their best with limited moisture.  We are hoping for more rain to sustain the trees throughout their “sleeptime” this winter.  They treated us well, and now they need a break to build up their strength for next year.  We’re optimistic in beginning a new season.

As you know, orchard land is rapidly disappearing. We are very proud to have played a part in securing two key properties for preservation. The 99-acre Yellow Church Road Farm will forever be open farmland. My wife, Nona, and I dream of the day when it can become a Pick-Your-Own Farm, creating more educational opportunities for children and families to learn about agriculture. We are also pleased to say that the Goodling Farm across the street will remain in its proud tradition of fruit-growing!  Made available to us this year, we will soon be planting trees on this beautiful 30-acre hillside.

At this year’s end, I would like to acknowledge Nona’s planning of another season of great Sunday afternoon entertainment.  We are pleased to offer this for you as a way to escape from everyday stress and share in our beautiful view. We strive to be a place of comfort and we truly appreciate your company.

Here’s wishing you bushels of blessings, comfort and joy throughout the holiday season, and into the New Year.
                         
Your friend,

Stan

Read Stan's Prior "Notepads":