Waking up in the morning: on the Farm

     So, the word went out- we'd like some volunteers among the volunteers, to join the residents in a specialty harvest of root crops on the farm.   Seems that the first beets of the season are ready for pulling.  Also, several rows of vegetables need some hoeing applied in earnest.   This would take place after morning meditation, around 5:50am.
     Well, are you all in or what?  So, at the appointed hour, these noble souls gathered at the 'farm' shed to meet with Kyume for instructions.  The hoes were in place, and the crop supervisor gathered the stalwarts for the beet picking.  Off we went to find the rows.
     It was a damp morning, but the skies were clear and temps were not too low- a good day was in the offing.  With a quick demonstration of what to look for and how to proceed, off we went to our task: pull beets!!!!
    In what seemed like minutes, we had clusters of leaf topped beets ready for boxing.  Some rows held golden beets, those popular items found on the menu of many local restaurants.  Shortly thereafter, the sun found our backs.  What a great way to start the day.  After an hour or so, it was off to the dining room for our morning meal and a nice cup of hot coffee.  It tasted sooo good.
    All the volunteers enjoyed the experience, a rare one at that.  How often does one get to harvest beets- in volume?   Not very often.
     These vegetables will find there way into many local homes and businesses-direct from the field to table.  The epitome of "farm fresh" produce.
     After breakfast, it was back to our other work around Green Dragon Temple/Farm.