I just want to start out by sharing that I am so incredibly grateful for the amazing parents that I was given by a generous Papa, Ruthie and Lyle McAlexander set the bar rather high and there is no other people on the planet that I know of that is more generous than these two. They are the real reason that I am even able to buy farm land in the Hood River Valley because its nearly impossibly to afford. This is sadly a trend that keeps many new farmers out of the farming game because the cost of land has sky rocketed so high that it keeps newbies out. My heart is sincerely so very grate-FUL and I am hella proud. On December 10th, 2014 we all signed contracts and I am officially the owner of 50+ acres called Mt. View Orchards. Signed, sealed delivered, I'm yours.....(Only one joke was made by myself about having cold feet that brought on quite the fearful reaction on my parent's faces before going into the lawyers office. 2nd child jokesters unite!)
I am filled with such wild hope and also this sober realization that I am firmly planted here in Parkdale, Oregon. Home at last! I have a rich history of traveling the world and plan on carrying that one but now at least for part of the year I will be here caring for my land and growing fresh fruit with you all in mind.
The local paper wanted to feature me in an article and I wanted to share it forward to you all today because I am so very honored that they wanted to share more about my journey of carrying on my families farming legacy in the Hood River Valley. Here is a link, and I invite you to check it out dear friends.
Lastly, I don't know where the cliche began that "one" buying the farm meant dying because I feel so very alive right now!!!! I have never felt more alive in my whole life and I can personally attest that buying a farm is one of the greatest things I have ever done my whole life. Pinch me! Did this dream actually come true? Let the Celebrations commence, xoxo your grateful farmer.