I ventured to town for the first time in 10 days yesterday. (for those who don’t know me well – Traverse City is about 25 minutes from where I live) There was plenty of traffic, nothing seemed drastically different. Costco’s “shelves” were full – even if they had no toilet paper, they had the area full of something else, so you couldn’t tell there was a rush on anything. The only difference was the limit of 1 on some of what I was buying; flour, eggs, and butter for baking. The good news is that I’m normally really stocked up for some reason, it’s as though I’ve been preparing for this my whole life.

Bob is finally expressing something over the state of the world right now, I think the uncertainty is what bothers him most. When will he go back to work? Will they still get paid or does he need to file for unemployment? It’s obviously unprecedented in our lifetime, and we’re all trying to find a way to cope. (I should NOT have bought the giant container of jelly beans at Costco yesterday!)

So in an effort to not sleep all day and fall into a funk, I’m up early (thanks, Ella) and making a giant to do list. I won’t necessarily try to complete all of it, but it will keep me/us busy and find something to do each day. That’s the biggest issue for Bob, he’s ALWAYS working and go, go, going that if he’s not busy, he’s lost. So this morning over coffee, I hope we will talk about what tasks we can do together and how we can help each other stay sane AND get some needed rest.

On a lighter note, I got some Dr. Earth soil supplement/fertilizer to start my seeds in the greenhouse and I’m SO EXCITED to get out there and get things going. We need to turn on the heater and make sure it’s working, but it’s been in the mid-high 70’s inside, even on a cloudy day. So, get ready for a lot of posts and pics about what’s growing in the greenhouse this year!

People have been messaging me on Facebook for eggs and asking me to open the farm stand this weekend. I was hesitant because of the stay in place order, until I read that my business is exempt from that. (farm/food service) SO, I am looking through recipes and trying to figure out what the masses will want besides bread and cinnamon rolls. I’ve got so many tried and true, and am happy to have a semi-captive audience for some of my favorite recipes.

So, for me it’s business as usual – getting ready for the season, but starting the baking part of it a bit earlier than usual. I’m trying to take advantage of this time off to finally finish my taxes (I’m running out of money and have a refund coming), plan for the coming season, clean and organize, and also find some time to relax a little. I’m convinced this virus is God or the Universe’s way of forcing us to get off the hamster wheel and slow down a bit, to stop the hate and start to help and care for each other. I know that’s a bit out there, but I feel like our society was about to implode. So now families are “stuck” together, playing games, watching movies, reading, napping, fighting, and doing puzzles – they’re making the best of a very frightening situation and moving forward. I wish that for all of you – make the best of this time off, in whatever way works for YOU. Take a nap, bake some bread or try a new recipe, make your list, clean your house, take a walk, love on your pets and significant other, read, write a letter (bring back snail mail), call your parent(s), a family member or a friend to catch up. Make the best of this unplanned time and focus on yourself, your family and friends and #stayhome. Making the best in Maple City! Peace, Andria

For those following my videos and posts on Facebook, you know I just got a GIANT stand mixer a few days ago. I have been preparing for summer, and expanding my baking capacity, and the mixer was part of that expansion. There’s also a double oven in my garage waiting to be installed, so I’ve been getting ready for more baking for the past few months.

On a whim, I decided to open the farm stand over the weekend, which I don’t normally do until Memorial Day weekend. Thinking about everyone being stuck at home and likely bored and concerned about the current state of affairs, I wasn’t sure if they would stop at a farm stand right now. Well, they have and it’s been great!

In trying to fine tune my recipes with the giant stand mixer, (we must come up with a name for her) I’ve figured out that rising bread shouldn’t sit around for a few hours. Today I made 13 loaves of bread, but was restricted by only being able to bake 4 at a time. I was juggling getting fresh bread AND cinnamon rolls baked, so several loaves sat covered for a few hours, and those not in a loaf pan became fairly flat when baked. SO, until the new oven is installed, only 6 loaves at a time in the mixer.

I’ve met a few people at the farm stand this weekend, and everyone has been really kind. People have expressed appreciation for what I’m doing, but it’s what I do all summer long, I’m just starting earlier, but I’m thrilled that people are using a field trip to Red Gate as a means of entertainment.

One thing I’ve thought about was people who may have lost their jobs or are unsure about their jobs and financial security. Right now a lot of people are on social media more than usual because they are at home. I would hate to post about what’s at the stand but have someone want something but not be able to afford it. I don’t make much doing what I do all summer, but I make enough that if someone is hungry they can take something to eat from my farm stand. And I’d much rather have someone do that than take the little bit of money that I do make. SO, I reduced the prices on my baked goods by $2 an item and offered something free to anyone who needs it. It’s fairly anonymous as it’s an honor system, so I hope if anyone needs something to eat that they do stop.

For those who enjoyed my baking, please stop back again when you’re able. If anyone is ever dissatisfied with something they buy, please contact me and I will resolve your issue. Stay tuned for more/different items at the farm stand next weekend. I wish you all good health, happiness and peace! Andria

I woke up this morning to gusting winds, horizontal snowfall and about an inch of snow on the ground.

Yesterday felt like spring and I was ready to start seeds in the greenhouse, now I’ll have to wait a few days, but that’s ok.

With everything coming to a grinding halt for most, my life is business as usual. I’m planning my garden, improving my kitchen to increase baking capacity, and will get the Airbnb ready to rent in the coming weeks. Like everyone in this region who relies on tourists, I’m worried about whether people will travel this summer and if I’ll be able to make any money. With the economy on shaky ground, I wonder about my ability to get a job if I don’t make any money this summer. Basically, I’m feeling like everyone else feels, but have a place to share it with the world.

I’m cautiously optimistic that eggs, home baked goods, and veggies will be needed and even the locals may buy more this year. All I can do is keep planning and moving forward, that’s all any of us can do, and hope for the best.

Stay tuned for bread, coffee cake, cinnamon rolls, pound cakes, and pies coming out of the kitchen this summer. I bought a large stand mixer to accommodate bigger batches, and really hope that purchase wasn’t in vane. (Not to mention a double oven that’s sitting in my garage waiting to be installed)

The chickens are cooped up for a few days in the bus, between the gusting winds today, and tomorrow’s forecast for cold temps, they’ll be staying put. The Rooster has become very aggressive with me, and actually got my leg with his spurs yesterday, and I lost the whole basket of eggs trying to fend him off. There’s a lot of discussion about whether to put him in the old coop for a few days, rehome him, or move the bus soon so that we aren’t interacting with him every time we step outside. We’re still undecided about what to do because we see how he takes care of the flock. Stay tuned, and be prepared…..

I’m enjoying staying home and not venturing out, but worry for Bob and whether or not he’ll have to go back to work next week. I’m hoping they let everyone continue to self isolate. He’s going nuts being home, but in the long run it’s for everyone’s safety.

If you need eggs, just call and I’ll put them at the end of the driveway for you. (231-228-2577)

Be safe, slow down and STAY HOME!! Peace, Andria

Today a reporter from 9&10 news came to interview me about the Chicken Bus and what I’m doing at Red Gate Farm. It was a bit more detailed than my last interview and I had to really think about some of the questions she asked. The segment won’t air for at least a week, but below is something she asked that got me thinking.

What is something I wanted to tell people that she hadn’t asked? I mentioned the sign on my farmstand that says, “live the life you’ve imagined”. Not everyone desires to farm or keep chickens, but everyone has dreams and desires. Do you want to learn French, or how to quilt? Maybe take an art class? Hike the Grand Canyon? We all have dreams and desires that we don’t always pursue, but we should. Not everyone can quit a job to pursue a dream like starting a farm, but they can take a class, spend weekends doing what they love, or find like minded people and create or join a group enjoying whatever it is they like to do.

I had raised garden beds at my old house in the city when I worked in the auto industry. It wasn’t a farm, but my neighbors enjoyed it and a few of them started gardens. It was the start of me pursuing my dreams. My mom has had a few different hobbies since retiring; jewelry making, creating photo canvases, greeting cards, sewing and making clothes, and she had a community garden at her house for a few years. These are all things she enjoys, and she wasn’t afraid to try something new, she embraced it. Mom even sold some of these items during the years she was able to spend the summer with me.

During these uncertain times, why don’t you pick up that book, cookbook, paint brush, fabric, packet of seeds, or whatever moves YOU to find a little peace and enjoyment in your life. Do it, try it, and ENJOY!!!

I hope you will find something new or comforting to pursue in the coming days and weeks…… Peace, Andria

I spent a few hours in the greenhouse today with an old friend, and enjoyed reconnecting. We dumped the stuff I never got around to dumping in the fall, reorganized the space, and caught up a little. We’ve both gone through major job changes in the past months, and are navigating new things.

Just being outside, in the warm greenhouse, and being in the sun was so energizing and motivating. What a great day!

I came in and took a quick peek at Facebook, and saw this post by a friend on the West coast. Her oldest daughter is now a young woman and found this beautiful poem/writing by Ahmed Shihab-Eldin. I had to steal it and post on Facebook, and decided to share it here too. Admittedly this is all glass half full thinking, but isn’t it better to think that way? Hope you enjoy it as I did. Peace, Andria

As the world around us changes, sometimes by the minute, I keep reminding myself to be grateful. This keeps me focused on the good things, and helps me to not worry as much about my concerns for family and friends during these uncertain days.

What am I grateful for today?

I’m grateful for the love of my family and friends, and especially my significant other, my better half. He’s the calm in my storm and my rock, and I’m so grateful we found each other.

I’m grateful for my “new” life of self employment. Although not having a steady paycheck can be a little unsettling right now, I’m so grateful that I took the leap of faith a year ago and moved north for good.

I’m grateful for my family and friends around the world. We all seem to support and lift each other up in so many ways – a card in the mail, a kind word/note on Facebook, a phone call…..all of these things make tough times bearable and I love those in my sphere of influence, they are always there when I need a boost or some support.

I’m grateful for the local friends and customers I have gotten to know and who support me with their purchases of eggs, cakes and other goods that I sell year round. It means so much to me, and I’m grateful for every sale. No matter what happens in the coming months, I hope to continue to sell my goods from home to those who want/need them.

There are so many other little things in life that I’m grateful for today; the ability to drive for a few minutes and be at the beach and Lake Michigan with my dogs, my property and the surrounding beauty I try to create and improve upon each season, my whims and sharing them with my better half and the world (MCCB), and the basics – a roof over my head, food in the pantry and heat to stay warm.

I’m blessed beyond belief and although I’m nervous about what’s happening in the world, I continue to focus on the good things, and remain, grateful.

Wishes for peace, health and happiness to you all! Andria

As the coronavirus is categorized as a global pandemic, travel is restricted, college campuses are closing, and whole countries are being quarantined. The stock market has had a major correction in the past few weeks, and I’m nervous about how much my 401K is down, even though I knew we were due for a correction.

As the media, both news and social, post everything from the virus is overblown because of the election, to start limiting physical contact and touching, I ponder what this can mean for my family, friends and community. My mom has been undergoing treatment for cancer since August 2019 and lives in a large city (Phoenix), so naturally she’s the one I think about first. I have an aunt who lives in California that may need a kidney transplant soon and I worry about her. My significant other smokes, so I worry about him because I’ve read that the virus is especially tough on those with compromised lungs. Then, selfishly, I worry about people not traveling to our region in the summer, which is what many of us depend on to make some money during those key 6-8 weeks of a Pure Michigan summer.

This morning I read a post/article by a woman living in Wuhan, China and how the quarantine has impacted her family, and how the community has come together during these unsettling times. She spoke of everything slowing down, the family reconnecting, and people coming together and getting to know each other as they never would have without these extreme circumstances. Her attitude was encouraging, and her words made me reflect on my own life and attempt to slow down and enjoy life a little more. She spoke of reading more than they ever had, actually hearing birds without the traffic, and pooling resources with neighbors to keep living their lives with some sense of normalcy.

I think about all of this and pray for family and friends around the world. I pray that we all stay healthy, and if we aren’t that we heal from whatever ails us. I pray that we find peace and happiness in the little things in life, and enjoy aspects of our day that we maybe take for granted. I pray that we find the strength to be kind to ourselves and each other, and take the opportunity to slow down a little if so forced to. And I pray for our communities to come together, in spite of any differences, and support each other as neighbors should. I’m fortunate to be able to be at home right now, and for this I’m incredibly grateful. Sending good thoughts out in the world to all of you – along with positive juju!

Peace, Andria

It’s early, we sprang forward last night, and it’s still dark outside. My better half is still sleeping, so I’ve got the coffee made and my seed packets from last year on the couch.

I’ve been reading this year’s catalog from Baker Creek, and want to make sure I don’t already have some of what I want to order.

Because the baking side of the business has become more popular, I’m trying to figure out how to simplify the garden. There are other local farmers who have lots of produce, some organic, and I can partner with them for the items that I don’t necessarily want to grow. So, I’m going to focus on summer favorites: tomatoes, cukes, zucchini, basil, flowers, lettuce/kale, and green beans. In all of these categories I plant several varieties.

I’m also going to try my hand at starting asparagus in the greenhouse for a fall planting. I’ve tried, unsuccessfully, to grow it in the past but want to give it another chance.

As I ponder my capacity and ability to manage everything, I’ll post when I start seeds and what I decide to plant this year. Enjoy this beautiful (early) spring day that’s before you!

Best, Andria

Well, clumsy me took yet another spill walking down the front steps and slipping on ice that I assumed was just slush. Swoosh, I hit the ground hard and my head bounced a little. The good (actually my doc would say BAD) news is that I have quite a bit of natural insulation, so the tailbone pain I’m feeling is likely less than it would have been if I were a skinny little waif.

In other news, I’ve sold a kitchen corner bench to make room for 2 tables I’ll use for storage and to organize the mixers, other appliances, bundt pans, cookie sheets, etc. so that my kitchen is more user friendly for the coming season. Now that the corner bench sold, we just have to haul the two 61 lb boxes in from the garage so I can assemble them and get going. (that’s after I sit on a heating pad tonight while my back and rear absorb the Aleve I just took)

I’ve been in the kitchen making jam this week and have about 5 dozen jars of jam so far. I still have cherries, peaches and strawberries in the freezer, so I’ll continue making the jam to try to get ahead for summer. Once the double ovens are installed, I’ll switch to making cookie dough and cakes that can be frozen. So much to do……

With people not traveling as much right now, I’m concerned that the summer may not be as busy as usual. Last summer I started hosting on Airbnb, and I hope that people still visit the region. I’ll add a link to the Airbnb listing when I open it up for the season, but it’s called “Red Gate Farm Studio Apartment” if you want to take a look.

The last thing on my mind is starting seeds. It’s been unusually warm, but I don’t want to start seeds too early only to see them die. I’m tempering my desire to get in the greenhouse and the date. I think if I wait another week or two, I may be able to comfortably get going with starting my seeds.

Hope you’re enjoying my website. I’m adding to it as I have time. Drop me a note if you have any questions or comments! Andria

March 2nd, 2020: It was 30 degrees at 9 a.m. and I was sweating in my coat when I let the chickens out of the bus. I’m so anxious to start seeds, organize the greenhouse, and start ripping out t-posts and fencing to reconfigure the current garden set up. (we need to make a spot for the Chicken Bus somewhere this spring)

We’ve also started seeing the sun a lot more, and that makes a huge difference in my motivation. I finally have the energy and desire to get stuff done, and am looking forward to the chaos that is the summer season. I’m so grateful to have the chance to do this full time in the summer, even if it means missing out on going fishing with my beau, or making an automotive industry income. Everything is a sacrifice, and the sacrifices I’m making have left me a more well rounded, happier being. #gratefuleveryday
Enjoy your happy place this spring! Peace, health and happiness to you all!! Andria