Michelle is making coffee, the kids gather to talk.

On a family farm like the Rouse Farm, there are two centers of activity. The kitchen and the barn, and sometimes, the living room, where the family members gather and rest. There seems to be one continuing conversation on a farm, a blend of farm tales, troubles, chores, memories, stories from the family and about the family, family history. The family isn’t together often – the kids have scattered, two still on the farm, three off and doing a mix of things – graphic design, architecture, computer programming. The kids are encouraged to be themselves, whether they stay on the farm or not, and most farm kids don’t or can’t anymore.

Ed’s report is a litany of tough chores, repairs, surprises. The farm is never the same two days in a row. At Christmas, it is a time of gather, even though the chores continue. I love the spirit there. Family farms are not perfect places but they speak to me about values and connections. Nobody knocks at the door, and nobody is walked out to the door. You walk in, come to the kitchen, help yourself to coffee and are always made to feel welcome. I treasure my time there. Michelle is the glue, the oil, that keeps the family rolling, unfailingly warm, available, loving and providing. I know as long as I can get there, there is a hot cup of coffee waiting for me. I wish these good people a very Merry Christmas.