Hello from chilly Southeast Iowa! The weather took a sudden turn and it feels COLD. We had frost this morning, I don’t think the flowers close to the house froze, but most other things took a hit. I guess it’s that time of the year. There were even a few flurries yesterday, I’m not ready for that yet. The other seasons were early this year, are we going to have an early, long, hard winter? I hope not. The leaves have been really falling this week. It rained some on Thursday and Friday, that made them come down faster, or at least it seemed like it.
Rufus is in New York City this week. He left Wednesday, did a demo at Lucy’s Whey and at Stinky Brooklyn on Thursday, was at the food show at Food Matters Again on Friday. An Amish friend Rufus used to work with 20 some years ago, David Lantz, met him in New York City last evening. Today they are touring cheese shops. They will rent a car and drive to Lebanon County, PA this aft/eve. Rufus will spend Sunday with his family. Monday he’ll be in Hagerstown, MD to meet with Agri Service, to plan a meeting for cheese makers in February. Tuesday he’ll be back in Lebanon County to meet with the Lantz’s on cheese making, and fly home Wednesday. This is a longer than usual trip. (and I’m happy to be at home)
Next Saturday is the Scenic Drive of Van Buren County. It’s our busiest day of the year. Last year was the first time we didn’t totally sell out of curds. We had 4-5 people working in the store from 8 – 5, and didn’t have any time for a break. It’s really an interesting day, but we’re glad it’s only once a year.
We’ve added another worker in the cheese making room. Stephen is 16, he’s learning well and is a good asset. With milk production picking up, Galen and Cody can use his help. Leann, Cody’s sister, is also 16 and is working in the retail store. That will give me more time to be at home. I can pick my hours a bit more, still will be here but it doesn’t have to be every day and at certain times. With 2 more grandchildren on the way, I want time to be a Grandma!