BELTANE/MAY DAY/MILK MOON
Beltane or May Day, the first day of summer on the Celtic calendar. And according to tradition there was a procession: sheep first, then cows, goats and horses, to the quality of the mountain pastures. Some my readings even included driving the animals through a fire to rid them of winter pests, lice, I’m assuming. Here at Hameau, cows and sheep have been on grass since we saw the first green shoots, March 17, 2010, to be exact! Yet, we pause because grass and a season of increase should be recognized. Good, positive energy is a need for any farmer and/or farm, so SUNDAY, MAY 2nd is our OPEN HOUSE in 2010. Bring your positive energy and help encourage a bountiful harvest.
Day’s agenda: 12:30pm Sheepshearing, say hello to Kip, “shearer extraordinare,” he’ll interact, but his shears are sharp, so save your questions until after he is finished with each sheep, please; tours of the farm; local artisans and farmers will offer their wares–from fresh salad greens and eggs to photography and wine; 2:oo-ish, OK I admit I am a ‘groupie…’ my brother-in-law, Keith, is a member of a band (ole time rock ‘n roll) and his band, 3MO (3 months off, yes they are teachers) will rock the afternoon away. And when they strike the chords for ‘Mustang Sally’ everyone MUST sing! You have been forwarned…
And last, but certainly not least, Milk Moon. We just came through it. The full moon that falls right near Beltane is the Milk Moon. And what a better time to celebrate the precious substance of milk. I believe it is the original comfort food. Consider grass is at a nutritional peak, all that good stuff going into this live-giving liquid. (Have you read Johanna Spryri’s Heidi?) Let’s honor the cow!
See you at the farm…