Well, isn’t that headline a warm respite from the brutal info we all face in our world today? I for one am ready for good news, aren’t you?!! Well, I have some to share, so please sit tight and enjoy the following invite.

I LOVE to travel and feel most alive when I’m experiencing something new for the first time. Very few things are as exhilarating to me as trying a new flavor, stumbling upon something awesome in nature, partaking in a class where I learn something exciting, or being introduced to people from different walks of life where my mind is expanded from taking in their viewpoints. Wholistic experiences that feed the body, soul and spirit. These are where growth, health, and joy abound!

The pandemic however has tried it’s hardest to halt experiencing such wonderments. But I will NOT allow myself to miss out on such joy. It just takes a little concerted effort to put yourself in such an environment where you still have these experiences, albeit they just might be a lot closer to home than pre-pandemic. But come to find out, that’s a good thing. The closer to home, the MORE you get to enjoy them!

Where you ask, can I find such a place? Well, approximately 1-15 miles from where you are currently standing! That’s the good news, and here’s the great news: Tucked away at the end of Lena Ave (off of HWY 61 and 190th St), lays a gem. The organic farm called, Ripe Radish Farm. (Which by the way is NOT a radish farm but IS the World’s Only Radish- Shaped Organic U-Pick, Veg Garden! And there is a building sized mural for pics at this unique location.)

Here you will find the great joy of the harvest, the peace of surrounding nature, the wonder of tasting something RIPE and some new, classes to learn from, solace of meandering through the wildflower path, the endless joy from chicken shenanigans, safe outdoor interaction with new friends, family bonding, and the ABUNDANCE of organic food that will NOT RISE IN COST WITH INFLATION! (Can you even believe food is up 40% and rising?!)

So, you may have heard of, or even better, experienced the farm for yourself. However, please note: the farm model has changed starting 2022. It is now a members-only, u-pick, CSA. So, weekly, members will come and pick all of the freshest, organic veg/fruit/ flowers for their weekly recipes, and tabletops, without the fear of food shortages, or increases in pricing. Now that is spectacular news!

If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, we’d like to offer you a special discount on the full membership cost. Please use the code: HastingsJournal50 for $50 off your full share membership. Sign-ups are taken until sold out or Feb 25th. We hope that you will want to be a part of our community. Please check out the details at: https://riperadishfarm. com/blogs/news/bigexciting- changes-are-happening- at-the-farm

Ripe Radish Farm By Suzanne Schmidt