After another long week, last night we went out to the farm. It was, as always, so beautiful.
The Audubon Society brought three baby barn owls, found several months ago when they were tiny puffballs of white fluff, on a hay truck that had just delivered a load, I think. This photo was taken with my zoom lens from quite far away, but honestly — look at that little guy.
They released all three — none of whom had ever flown before — by tossing them toward a stand of giant trees. (In this photo, the little boy on the left is about to release his, the lady in the middle has just let go, and the man is a few seconds ahead.) The barn owls flapped off, wobbling at first, then barreling steadily out toward the trees. One of them flew straight to a high branch and landed, but two of them circled, circled . . . a sob caught in my throat. Can you imagine that, first flight? What must they have been thinking about, looking down on the island from up there, free for the very first time? They circled, exchanged places, circled, circled, and then, after about thirty seconds, you could see one and then the other sort of crash-land into the tree, the branches that received them bowing so very high above the ground. Everyone cheered, stood watching for a few more moments, then turned away and went back to business. But I thought about the owls all night, and wondered if they missed their people, or if they were just relieved to be, finally, real owls.
After a long and apparently painful permitting process, the farm concerts are still "on," though several other farm activities have been prohibited. I'm not a resident of Sauvie Island, and I don't know anything about the zoning laws that apply to the farms there. I understand that there are complicated issues as everyone searches for ways to both build profitable businesses and maintain what is special about a place. I get that. I do it myself every day, attempting to balance making a living with preserving what is sacred about my own space. But I do know that Kruger's Farm has always welcomed us, in every season and for several years, and we are grateful for that, as we long to be welcomed, and feel like part of things. They've included us, in some small way, in the life of the farm.
We, as city-folk, feel privileged to play some small part in the survival of our region's special rural places. We take the privilege seriously by supporting them as much and as often as we can manage, and trying to tread lightly on the territory when we're there.
I really hope it all works out.
It seemed to be working last night. Everyone, and I mean every single person I looked at, was so happy.
Especially Sarah, who bought a flat of boysenberries and then passed them out by the pint to all of her friends.
And that is why we love her.
Charlotte, however, is all about the Drumstik.
I watched her work on it — a race against time, which she won.
Ah. Yes.
amazing pictures! sure you had a beautiful time in there!
Posted by: RosaMaria | July 17, 2009 at 10:27 AM
I'm so proud of you—thank you for supporting your local agriculture, in everything that you do. It's so heartening to read!
Posted by: Chandler | July 17, 2009 at 10:33 AM
I feel in my near future...a quitting of a few jobs, slow down of work, and spending time with myself and kids.
I wish I had a reason to put on a sundress and relax...
I need to get my priorities straight
Posted by: v8grrl | July 17, 2009 at 10:35 AM
What a lovely evening! I can almost smell the farm air. Sharing times like this with dear friends and family is what puts the life in living. We should all strive to drain every good thing out of every day we are here on this earth and learn to never take people or things for granted. Thanks for taking us along for the trip. It was so pleasant and very much enjoyed. Sandy
Posted by: Sandy McConnell | July 17, 2009 at 10:38 AM
These photos are just full of heart. They made me a little teary eyed. I especially love the one of the sprinkler with the two little girls in the background. What a lovely little piece of heaven you get to visit there...
Posted by: Cassandra | July 17, 2009 at 10:40 AM
What a lovely summers evening x
Posted by: lucy@theantidote | July 17, 2009 at 11:18 AM
We were there last night. I heard about these concerts because of you, and last night I actually spotted you there! Your group looked like it was having a wonderful time.
Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Katie | July 17, 2009 at 11:19 AM
The owls---just beautiful.
Posted by: Amy G | July 17, 2009 at 11:24 AM
what ever food is being eaten in that first pic....it looks absolutely delicious!
Posted by: Tara | July 17, 2009 at 11:51 AM
How perfectly beautiful...I don't know this place or their issues, but here, on our farm, so many things have changed. We used to be able to welcome school kids from the city for tours and homemade cookies. Now, that is not possible. Inspectors will not allow tourists because of the possibilities of mad cow disease...(which has never even been heard of in these parts). Not that the kids might "catch it", but because they might bring it in! Go figure. We love our farm, our porch, our cows and our evenings...it was nice to share it though... the photos are lovely.
Posted by: sharon | July 17, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Beautiful beautiful beautiful, esp. the light and the berries. I think I know how those owls feel.
Posted by: Lizbon | July 17, 2009 at 12:21 PM
I absolutely love Sauvie Island. As soon as I go over the bridge I just feel such happiness.
Posted by: Krissy | July 17, 2009 at 01:23 PM
This is just beautiful!
I love the flowered trays...did you make these?
Posted by: Rachel | July 17, 2009 at 01:28 PM
Exquisite! The lazy days of summer.
What an experience to see the owls return to the wild.
Posted by: A~ | July 17, 2009 at 01:34 PM
beautiful. I love it when you share these golden evenings; I wish I could step into these photographs and just linger there awhile.
Posted by: Sarah | July 17, 2009 at 01:52 PM
Wish i could have been there. Looks amazing. The quilt in the first picture is gorgeous.
Posted by: Brenda | July 17, 2009 at 03:00 PM
I am enamored with Owls! Thank you for the pictures!
Posted by: Rosemary | July 17, 2009 at 03:10 PM
Nice photos. it feels like being there. Little Charlotte is totally adorable, even with a messy face.
Posted by: KT | July 17, 2009 at 03:19 PM
I have to know, what is Andy eating in the first picture? Did you bring that as a picnic because it looks pretty complex!
Posted by: Sarah (craftnclutter) | July 17, 2009 at 03:27 PM
This seriously made me hungry!
It's a balmy 75 here on the coast today. You should come and visit! I'm sitting on my porch looking at the Columbia and sipping A Midsummer's Ice Tea. (recipe is on my blog Right Now!)
Posted by: wende | July 17, 2009 at 03:42 PM
Wow. What a magical day! I wish my local farm had such a wonderful store and fun events.
Posted by: Rose | July 17, 2009 at 03:55 PM
You make me soooo homesick. I grew up in Portland and now live in NYC. I visit your blog and want to jump on an airplane. I will be there next month and I think I need to pay a visit to this special little place:)
Posted by: Jennifer | July 17, 2009 at 04:58 PM
Beautiful!
Posted by: Sharon | July 17, 2009 at 07:00 PM
Wow, you really got me with your Owl story. Beautiful :) Love the way you write!
Posted by: Diana | July 17, 2009 at 09:04 PM
How blessed are you, to get to witness something so beautiful and amazing first hand! Thank you for sharing your farm day with us, just a perfect day!
Posted by: Leigh | July 17, 2009 at 09:15 PM