http://www.cliveruss.com/hoophouse

Step 1 — invite lots of neighbors to pitch in.
Step 2 — follow up the work with a “farmer’s brunch” to be shared by all.

Our woods were heavily damaged by the ice storm this past winter, leaving many trees and large branches strewn along one side of the veggie field, making it impossible to work that part of the field.

So, a group of neighbors headed out this morning to clear the field while another group headed into the Common House to prepare a most rewarding brunch that included eggs (with herbs from our gardens), sausage, biscuits, blueberry buckle, cinnamon rolls, bagels, coffee, and more.

Although I did help clear a few pieces of wood, I soon realized I could also contribute (and coincidentally spare my back) by “documenting” this community event for our blog…..

Here’s an overview photo taken from the 2nd floor of our house….

And a closer look at the action….

The younger participants wisely stayed well away from the chainsaw……

And resident cows, Maggie and Pumpkin, kept a close eye on proceedings, using their charms to occasionally entice some of the workers into providing head scratches…..

After working hard to take photos (please realize that my camera is a 9-year-old point-and-shoot), I brewed some coffee and headed to the Common House for the post-work brunch, which was truly rewarding — especially for the folks who really did work up a sweat out in the field…..

Even the food preparers seemed to be having fun (or maybe just a little crazed)…..

Thanks to everyone who chipped in to make this morning both productive and enjoyable!