Howdy folks. I know it’s been a little quiet around here over the last few months. In all honesty, the late winter was pretty rough (and seemed to be never ending) and spring has proven to be busier than expected. Lot’s of wonderful things are happening and some tough things as well. And for some reason in this season of life it’s felt nice to spend less time on the screen and more time with family, the dogs and of course, almost every waking hour in the dirt.
I guess the first piece of news I want to share with you all is that we’re back at the Hood River Farmers Market every Saturday and it’s been SO awesome reconnecting with customers and seeing new faces as well. If you live in the area or within driving distance please swing by and say hi. Bring a cooler, make it an adventure and explore the area while you’re out here! We’ve got an abundance of spring produce and thanks to our amazing hoop houses we’re able to harvest early roots like beets, carrots, turnips and radishes. The market this season has been really busy and we’re so thankful to our rad community for coming out every week (rain or shine) and stocking up on weekly groceries. We’re also now in full swing with our CSA and this year we’ve brought on the most families to date (80!!) It’s totally wild to think that 6 years ago we started with 15 families and now we’re at 80. We’re at capacity for this season and have two employees helping out which has been amazing. We’re hoping for a bountiful year and I don’t want to jinx anything, but dang, the fields look really good this season!
On a sadder note, I want to share with you all that Henry is starting to go down hill pretty quickly. It’s been an incredibly emotional time and for folks who have been following us since the beginning you know what a crazy road we’ve had with him. We first met Henry 9 years ago. I can remember that day like it was yesterday. It was a breezy September afternoon in the northeast when Taylor and I hopped into our truck, drove over 2 hours with butterflies in our stomachs anxiously waiting to meet him. We’d only seen photos of him but the shelter we were getting him from assured us that the “60 acre vegetable farm” we were living on would be a great place for this “slightly” anxious and energetic dog. Boy were we in for a ride! Henry came to us severely underweight with multiple bb bullets in his stomach and spine, blind in one eye, and scared to death of stairs. He ran away often and didn’t trust us worth a damn for an entire year. It was rough, and we found ourselves running out of patience. However, over time we began to get into a rhythm, trust was built, and finally, after almost two years, our love for him and his love for us was thick as stone. We’ll never really know what his first two years of life were like, and my heart breaks thinking of him scared and abused, but goddamn, if these last 9 years haven’t been a freaking amazing ride. Henry has taught me a lot about myself and about love in general. And since we couldn’t be there to protect him in the early years of his life, we’re going to be here everyday until the end. He’ll never be alone and we’re treasuring the time we’ve got left with him. If any of you out there have had to watch your dog go through “old dog vestibule syndrome” my heart is with you. It’s so sad to watch but our vet assures us he can still pull through this and have more time with us. We’re playing it one day at a time.
Thanks again for all the support over the years folks. As long as the farm keeps on feeding us there will continue to be recipes, they may just be a little more sporadic for a while.
Happy Spring everyone! xoxoxo
Thank you for lovely post. I will keep sweet Henry in my prayers.
Bless you good folks
I’m so sorry Henry is sick. I can’t believe it’s been 9 years since you adopted him. I’ve been following your adventures together all that time but I’m pretty sure this is my first time commenting. My chocolate lab Sadie passed away in March so I understand how hard this must be for you. Appreciate every day you have together because you’re so lucky to have each other.
My heart goes out to you and your family. My beloved Max developed vestibular syndrome and I spent many hours holding him and steadying him when he had attacks. He lasted another two years after his diagnosis and we made sure he lived it to the fullest. Rescue dogs are the absolute best!
Andrea, I am so very sorry to hear this about Henry. I know how hard it is to see those changes slip in day by day and you know there is not a lot you can do but love them and do whatever it takes to keep them comfortable. Am hoping you all have many good days ahead 🙂
My thoughts and prayers are with you both!!! We had to put down two labs at different times during our 50-year marriage. The time with these animals were priceless and we would never have it any other way. I imagine that another sweet animal needs your love.
Oh so sad about your dog Henry. We’ve had an exact scenario with our cat Henry who has been the most amazing, unique shelter kitty we’ve ever known and who now has lymphoma and is going downhill fast. I feel honored to have had such a relationship with an animal as I’m sure you do as well. Bon voyage to those who have to cross that bridge and I hope the crossing goes peacefully.
I’m so heart saddened for you. Love hurts sometimes. Sending love and peace and strength to all of you
Love to all. The Rainbow Bridge is a real thing.
St. Henry!! Just keep on loving on him. we’ve been there, not easy. Sending dog love vibes your way
I have enjoyed spending several years with you, Taylor and Harry. Love the cookbook, too.
There is nothing more special then the bond we have with our furry friends. So glad to celebrate that love and the success of Tumbleweed farm with you. Hugs to beautiful Harry.
so sorry to her about Henry.. Having rescued and lost many dogs i understand your pain and saddness. I live in Georgia, and the south must be the cruelty capital of the world.. Patience and persistence, but they come around.. Thank you for teaching him about unconditional love, and safety and please keep us posted. Keeping you in my thoughts for the days ahead
Beautiful post/update, Prayers and Courage during this time!!
Hugs for Henry!
My heart goes out to your family and Henry. I’m thankful that you are there for him, as this time must be particularly frightening and confusing for him.
Dogs are just the best. It’s tough now, it will be harder when the time comes, but the memories, oh the memories! Congrats on providing a loving home to a wonderful animal! That connection will always be there!
As the fur mom to 3 rescue dogs, I love that Henry is a rescue. I also know that, when their time comes, I will not be able to hold it together. You are wonderful to give him the best life and to be there for him through his sickness. My heart and best wishes go to all 3 of you.
Greetings Andrea in the name of Jesus! I love your story and am so thankful that the Good Lord is blessing y’all. Your posts are very inspirational. Our pets are part of our family and we love them very much and when one is rescued they have so much love to share and it hurts when one of our love ones passes but’ what gives me comfort is that I believe that our pet’s spirits return to God from where they came.
Hugs to you all; I feel your pain. I have loved all my pre-owned dogs, but the one who was the hardest work still has a very special place in my heart. Kisses to Henry xx
Your word brought me to tears hugs again and Thank you both for what ya stand for! Xx k
Hope to catch you this season at the market. Thinking of your dear sweet boy Henry. Big hugs to you guys!
Aww so much love to you guys and Henry. Watching a loved one struggle is always really rough, but it’s wonderful the life you have given him. Your commitment to his comfort at this stage too seriously made me want to cry. Absolutely amazing.
Hang in there Henry!
How my heart goes out to you and your family and Henry – bless you for making Henry’s golden years happy and surrounded by love.
I just found your site today, what a godsend really. I am a plant based being and have just got myself a fantastic job being a private chef for a great family who eat meat and fish and needed a menu plan before they take me on. It is difficult for me to put what I know in my head down on paper so when I found your site and saw your dishes you made my life so much easier. I really resonate with what you do and know you are definitely living the life I wish for one day. Henry’s story brought me to tears yet thank you for giving him the best life he could have ever dreamed of. Some thing I realised out of great suffering humanity shines. Thank you so much.
This is so beautiful but made me cry. My doggie is in a similar boat and its just so sad and hard. They are such treasures.