Who We Are



The past few years, the area where I live, Crawford County, Ohio, has seen a wonderful explosion of younger families who are embracing the joys and challenges of living off the land. Because of them, amazing things are happening which have been embraced by our community. Farmer’s markets have been created and on-farm stores have opened. Families dedicated to growing organic produce and naturally raised meats are meeting the public’s needs for locally raised foods. And at the heart of this movement are the women.



Ohio Country Journal is my attempt to share the essence of farm life, focusing on, but not limited to, women. My goal is to bring you into our circle of friendship by inviting you to share your stories and experiences with us. You don’t have to be a full time country woman to benefit from joining us; you just have to be you.





The full-time country women featured in Ohio Country Journal are an inspiration to anyone who dares to follow her dreams, whether it is to live in the country or to bring the country life-style to their urban neighborhoods.





Sunday, October 6, 2013

100 (and still counting!)....




There's been a steady march of apple varieties this year for us; from the very early Yellow Transparent, Lodi, and Wealthy to summer favorites Ida Red, Jonathan, Cortland, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious; and now early autumn's tasty Grimes Golden, Rome Beauty, and Winesap.  


My guesstimate is that we've picked at least 100 bushels of apples so far this season. This is apples alone...we also had peaches, plums, and tons of pears.

Folks, that is a LOT of fruit. I have to look at each one and decide its fate. Thank goodness, the season is winding down, and with it the farmers markets will end.  I will miss my fellow vendors and the wonderful foods that they produce, but not loading and unloading the truck and setting up and taking down the EZ Up... enough is enough, already! 

Up next: fall clean up of gardens  and gearing up for Evergreen Season. We make fresh mixed-green wreaths and other greens, such as swags and grave blankets, as well as being one of the few places for fresh-cut and balled and burlaped (live) Christmas trees.This means gathering and wiring pine cones, making bows, cutting greens; cheerful Holly,  long needled White and stout Scotch Pines, fragrant Fraser Firs and Junipers, and lacy Arborvitae. But that is not for a while yet. In the meantime, I have a nice repose from farm work. 

Such is the way of life in farm country. We may not live by the tides, as fishermen do, but we certainly live by the seasons. It feels natural to me, and even on days when I am unmotivated or feeling blue, I am thankful that I have choices and options.What's on my mind to fill the nice chunk of time between now and December's flurry of work? Stay tuned...it is something that you may want to do, too :)

Marcheta *turn, turn, turn




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