It has been two and a half years since I have used this blog. I haven't gone back to read what I wrote in December of 2012. I'll let you know if I do.
I have decided to try and resurrect this blog. I won't be starting out again with the intensity I had before, but I do hope if I start writing again, I will find the enthusiasm I had at that time. Some unexpected obstacles came in my way, and in the way of the project at the farm. Some of the obstacles turned out to be blessings for us. Others turned out to be inconveniences. And still others altered the dynamics in my family in ways both blessed and inconvenient.
Honestly, I don't feel the need to delve into those obstacles, because in most cases they are no longer obstacles but permanent changes in my life that I have accepted. The bottom line is, I am doing well. Which is, of course, the reason I want to write again. When I'm sad (or very busy), my writing becomes very personal, because it has to be therapeutic. When I'm happy, I'm ready to share my life with others in my favorite form of expression - writing.
And since I'm sharing good news - and at this point, if you've read this far in, it means you care - I'm very happy to say that the farm project is back on the horizon. I can hear your applause now.
The official business reason that the farm project didn't launch as fully as I had hoped is because we had to put our money elsewhere in our business. The opportunity to make a real estate acquisition came up, and we couldn't say no. It was a piece of property that we had been leasing for about 10 years, and using as our Production facility, and it is ideal for that operation. It is an absolutely beautiful agrarian (wetland) property that can't be used for development, but can and should absolutely be used for agricultural purposes.
The land is a great asset to our family and our business, and I'm glad we made the purchase. But, of course, beautiful agrarian properties aren't inexpensive. Neither are the upgrades to the facility, which you don't want to make to a property you lease, but can make to a property you own. The growth in our Production department is amazing, between the wonderful employees (both current and former) and those upgrades, which are nearly complete.
So, barring any more major land acquisitions needing to happen immediately, we can turn our attention back to the farm. Not that the farm has been off of our radar entirely, because it hasn't. Farmer Kyle is still working for Southwood, every year adding to the production of delicious local vegetables and fruits. He has a staff of five skilled farm workers, and thanks to a group marketing effort, Southwood Farm produce is currently found in local restaurants, the new Farmers' Market at Guthrie Green in downtown Tulsa, and in the Southwood retail store at 9025 S. Lewis.
Our plan this year is to complete the utility infrastructure, which will open up the back half of the property to irrigation and power capabilities. Which means it's time to start having some big conversations about how we're going to use that farm. I'm looking forward to having those conversations, and to sharing our progress on this little blog again. I'll probably also share some political commentary, and parenting anecdotes, but I'm assuming that if you've read THIS far, that's cool with you because you really, really, really like me. And for that I thank you, Mom.
I'm happy to be back!!!
