Season of the Witch
Here we are again. A third of the way through October, the leaves assuredly into their color change, and at this point making a nice blanket over the yard or street. The days getting shorter, and the temperature ever drops. For us this time represents a lot. Not only does this time mark the third year of us living down here, it also marks our anniversary, and represents that we are only a few weeks from returning home now.
I’m sure this is coming off like a broken record, but we are so excited to be coming back to the place we consider home. Having secured an apartment, and beginning to pack up the current residence, the feeling is finally starting to set in that these are the last weeks. It’s funny how the brain does that, for so long the time was to far away, out of reach. Then one day it’s chokingly close.
The feeling is akin to what this time used to represent for our species, and is still felt, albeit in most case with less harsh consequences. The abundance and warmth of the summer, in the moment, almost feels like it will never go away. But it does, and before Walmart and Costco, you were the one who had to be sure you were ready for the months with no growth. For the most part this is a good thing, the constant access to food relieves the nasty side effects of the past. However, this also separates us from the food process which has its consequences.
Not only does it mean we lose the knowledge of how these food stuffs are produced, it also means they can charge whatever they want because they are the only outlet for it. Knowing how to produce food is a way to protect not only your stomach, but your wallet.
With our time spent in the ‘city’, we’ve come to realize many of the traditions we’ve had the privilege of growing up with was a way of providing and protecting for oneself. It’s not long after I (Cate in this instance) get a deep breath of crisp fall air before I’m back helping bait deer or bear with my father. Hunting is a cornerstone of tradition in the U.P and for good reason. Its not only served as bonding time for most families and fed generations of Yoopers, it’s also proven to help our ecosystems thrive if done so properly and with care.
As a community, the Keweenaw is thriving with traditions old and new, and we want to bring more of these practices to light through food. Bringing together people who want to learn about the past and continue to learn from it. With the need of hunting in a community like ours its kept the pastime around and well practiced. But for others like the povitica, a sweet bread, the need isn’t as large and the techniques slip through the cracks. This is where we want to come in, to teach new people old tricks.
Coming to the end of this months blog, we want to re-focus on the possibilities of the future. If you’ve been keeping up with the journey, you’ll know that by this time next month we’ll be getting settled in our new apartment in the Copper Country.
Right now, half of our apartment is packed away, the other half close to follow. We’re finishing up our last few weeks of work and teachers aiding, and getting as much grub as we can from the establishments we’ll no longer be able to frequent. This is giving us ideas of what should be brought back with us.
We want to offer what the community is asking for, in ways they didn’t know they could ask for it. A few ideas we’re hoping to iron out include; meal prep services, baked good deliveries, candy work, and so much more.
We want to thank you again for joining us and taking the time to read this months blog. We’re so excited for the future and whatever it may bring. If you know of a service or have a dish you think the community would enjoy, feel free to reach out and start a discussion with us!
On a final note, Jules Place has been hired to do a plated dinner for Michelle Tanners “Manifest & Rise” Event for Saturday November, 16. Be sure to check out the Event page on Facebook for more information, and see if you would like to attend, or keep us in mind for future events!
Cate, Alex, & Jules
