Farming and Selling

Farming is not for the faint of heart, because, in its essence it depends on one thing that is totally out of our control – the weather. We need the proper amount of sun and heat, and rain and cool to succeed in this venture. Too much or too little of any one of these can wipe out months of hard work and effort. But, farming is in the blood….for the farmers I know, it is a passion, and something they wouldn’t consider giving up. I call it an addiction, and laugh when I tell people I do consulting and other work to support my farming habit.
I do like the growing side of things. And there is nothing better than walking from the cold outside in to the greenhouse in March. The color and the fragrance, the warmth and humidity, the earthy smell of wet soil soothe and awaken my spirit. But, to be completely honest, it is the retail side of our business that really excites me. I grew up in retail. My dad & his friend owned a pharmacy. When I was a young kid, the drug store had a soda fountain, and I was a 2nd grade soda jerk. Had so much fun hanging with the teenagers who were the real soda jerks. Hot fudge sundae, anyone? Later dad bought another store in a different town. No soda fountain there, but we were the place to go for special occasion gifts. Back then, people gave chocolates or cigars or perfume or dusting powder to grown ups, and candy and puzzles or games to kids. I absolutely loved helping someone find just the right perfume or candy or cigar variety, and then wrapping the gift with special care. So, over 30 years after leaving the family retail business I found myself back in business. I still thrill in helping a customer find a gift they will feel great about giving to a friend or loved one.