Without chemicals from my farm to you!

Don's Environmentally Correct & Nearly Organic Farm

 

 

Monday February 03, 2025

 

 

Donald Rosenberg, Organic Farmer

3537 Phillips Avenue

(707) 585-9444

E-mail: donsfarm@donaldrosenberg.com

REGISTERED ORGANIC.

County Registration Number: 49-00293

Principal County: Sonoma

Expiration Date: January 1, 2026 

Website: https://www.donaldrosenberg.com/

ORDERS-->              

 E-Mail: donsfarm@donaldrosenberg.com  to schedule a video/audio call or simply ask a question.

Skype I.D.:  donsfarm    ( Use my E-MAIL address to schedule a  SKYPE call.  (Leave your  SKYPE I.D.  to schedule our video chat. 

 

 Label your SKYPE call as "farm contact" or "farm questions. "

 

     Leave your skype contact I.D,  INCLUDING your specific question.   

 

**Print and Present this "face page" to Don, upon your arrival, for an apple TREAT. 

 

 

FEBRUARY,  2025!!   

 

Almost the entire month of January passed without any precipitation.   

    Today is our fourth-day-IN-A-ROW of heavy rain.   

 

 There'll be lots more rain today!!

 

 

 

English Walnuts

 

Meyer Lemons

 

Wonderful Pomegranates

 

 BOXES OF APPLES

Firewood 

 

ALL STILL AVAILABLE!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

E-Mail: donsfarm@donaldrosenberg.com  

to set a visiting appointment, schedule a video/audio call,  or simply ask a question.     

 

 

 

 

THERE'S STILL A LOT OF PRODUCE TO BUY OF ITEMS LISTED. 

 

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT PLEASE. 

 

I  WILL BE PRESSING/JUICING APPLES AGAIN IN THE BARN NEXT WEEK,

PROVIDED, OF COURSE, I CAN GET OUT THERE.  RIGHT NOW, 

THERE  ARE A COUPLE OF INCHES OF RAIN WATER TO WADE THROUGH.

 

 

  

25th ANNIVERSARY FOR DON'S FARM!!! 

Just a final note on my farm history: 

 

On November 5, 1999, I took possession of this property. 

The realtor who negotiated the deal for me, didn't have a key to the house. 

 I remember climbing in through an unlocked window in order to take possession. 

That first night, I slept on the floor, which was covered by a thread-bare carpet. 

Over the next few years, I planted all the fruit trees, grapevines, and row crops,

making the farm that I have today.  With the help of my brother and sister-in-law,

I installed an intricate system of drip irrigation, which I studied at Santa Rosa Junior College. 

I remember one of my instructors at the JC, Leonard Diggs, telling me,

"It's time to fish and not cut bait." 

And so I started. 

This may very well be my last year here, but I intend to make it my best.

If nothing else, I will leave the property much better than when I started. 

 

 

 

This week I've been pruning.

I also planted three grapevines, and placed out another three vines for planting.  It's too wet to do any more for a while. 

I will be inside the house today.    

Please look for me in the barn or outside my greenhouse if the weather is mild. 

 

Visit with an appointment, please.    

 

    OP

 

 

 

     Rain has made visiting rather muddy.  

    Make an appointment on a "dry" day, please.     

 

Here's the truth: 

 I made butter-milk pancakes for myself this Sunday.  

That was a treat!! 

 

 

  When Weather permits, I will resume pruning fruit trees, and grape vines.   .   

 Then, hopefully, I can get to pressing/juicing fruit.   

 

Come by for a treat and a cup of coffee!   

 

 

  

Currently available:

 

20 boxes of assorted  apples

All-In-One Almonds

15 lbs. Chandler English Walnuts

20 lbs. Wonderful Pomegranate

 

Prices:

Meyer Lemon 2 for $1. 

    Wonderful Pomegranate $2/each

Chandler English Walnuts    $4/lb.

 

 

***Whole Boxes (25-40.lbs ea.) of assorted apples available @$1/.lb:

[A whole box purchase gets a $5 Don's Farm Gift Certificate redeemable next season]

 

Braeburn Apple

Fuji Apple (M7)

Fuji Apple (M27)

Granny Smith Apple

All-In-One Almonds [In shell]

 

Apple produce is also available for individual sale per pound. 

 

 

1

 

 

What else is available now? 

 

ENGLISH WALNUT (25 LBS.) $3/.lb [2023 harvest]

ALL-IN-ONE ALMOND [2023 harvest]

MANY VINE, FRUIT, AND ORNAMENTAL TREES FOR SALE

($8-$35)

 

 

 

 

 A green new day for DON'S FARM!

 

 

 

    

 

 

    Thank you SOLEIL SOLAR  for the installation of solar panels, 

 

and TESLA 3 battery back-up system, making  DON'S FARM virtually "energy independent."  On Friday Nick, Jason and Joshua added

 

an additonal six panels to the array for a total of 32.  :   

 

THANK YOU, NICK SOLEIL AND YOUR CREW!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you, also, to Miguel and Jesus Albor    

for the excellent work repairing my barn.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   

 

           

 

It looks better than ever!!    

 

 

MOST OF ALL, THANK YOU TO MY CUSTOMERS, WHO'VE MADE THIS YEAR POSSIBLE. 

 

        AUGUST 2024                                                                                            DECEMBER 20, 2024

 

               

 

 

                                               

                                        We started in August and ended just before winter!  

 

                            Well, I'm amazed at the power produced by these amazing panels and their storage batteries. 

                    AND YES!!!  IT WORKS!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

     

  E-MAIL  donsfarm@donaldrosenberg.com  to ask your questions, or  schedule a Skype farm visit, or to order produce. 

 

     My e-mail: donsfarm@donaldrosenberg.com 

 

    

    Skype contact ID:  donsfarm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

Inky The Cat

April 2000-March 27, 2021

"Gone but never lost in memory" 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There's hope in the future, if we do what must be done. 

That's my view regarding global warming,

and climate change. 

That's why I put in the Electric Vehicle Charger!

Inky The Cat would be proud of me!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                           

 

 

 

               

 

 

Contact me on Skype.  

 

Skype: donsfarm  [my Skype i.d.]

 

 

 Set up your Skype call in advance.  

 

MAKE APPOINTMENT, IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PAYMENT. 

 

An invoice is created for all sales. 

 

Payment method:  check, money order, cash paid on the farm. 

 

ELECTRONIC PAYMENT AVAILABLE

 

 THROUGH "ZELLE".  *** 

 

Contact me for my account details, if

 

 you wish to do this. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Meyer Lemon:      2 for $1. 

All-In- One Almond (in shell): $1/lb.

Chandler English Walnut (in shell):

$3 and $2/.lb   

Fuyu  Persimmon:     $1/.lb                    

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 IN OCTOBER

 

BOXES

 

OF PERSIMMON AT

 

APPROXIMATELY   5-12 .lbs .ea

 

@$2/lb.

 

 

They make a great  gift!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OR...  YOUR ORDER 

 

CAN BE BOXED IN ADVANCE!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Ken and Karen!! 

 

 

 

 

 

Delicious!

Easy Persimmon Cake

 

1 ¾ cups all purpose flour

1 t baking powder

½ t baking soda

1 t ground cinnamon

½ t salt

2 large eggs

¾ cup Splenda  (as substituted for same amount of sugar)

½ c olive oil or your favorite oil

1 c Fuyu persimmon puree (about 6 very ripe and soft)

¾ c milk or your choice of non dairy

1T orange zest

2 t pure vanilla extract

 

 

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Spray an 8x8 square baking pan with cooking spray and set aside

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.  Set aside

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar and oil vigorously until creamy , about a minute

Add the persimmon puree, milk, orange zest and vanilla extract and whisk until well combined

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just incorporated. Pour the batter into the

prepared pan and spread evenly.

Bake for 55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 

Cool completely on a wire rack.

Serve at room temperature.  Refrigerate leftover cake in airtight container

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

Skype address:     donsfarm

 

  

 

PLEASE VERIFY THAT I WILL BE OPEN

 

 

 

 

**days and hours are always possible for an individual

 

 appointment 

 

 

 

Just contact me to set IT up!

 

 

 

 

 

WONDERFUL POMEGRANATE!!/  $1/each

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E-Mail Contact: donsfarm@donaldrosenberg.com

See website map for your easy arrival:

https://www.donaldrosenberg.com/    

 

My Skype address:     donsfarm

 

 

 

 

 25th  ANNIVERSARY FOR DON'S FARM

 

Friday, November 5, 1999 ---Sunday, November 5, 2024! 

 

    Twenty-five years is a long time in anyone's life. 

 

What a Difference a Year Has Made.  I'm Lucky To Say That I'm still here after my heart attack and pneumonia. 

 

And after catastrophies of climate, conflagration, and COVID-19, will we ever breath a sigh of relief!

 

I don't know.  Let's see what happens after this year's November election. 

 

 

 

 

I had to tell someone so that the day would not go without fanfare.  Twenty-five years ago at approximately 2:30PM, on November 5, 1999, I received the title and took possession of my farm after signing everything at the title company in Santa Rosa.   As I recall, nobody had the keys for me and the realtor/lender from Washington Mutual Savings and Loan, helped me into the house by allowing me to climb onto his back and shimmy in through the window.  I still can’t remember how I finally got the keys.  I want to thank everyone who helped me get here.   

When I first arrived here, all that existed was a barn without a roof.  No fruit trees, grape vines, irrigation or otherwise:  Just a blank slate waiting to be drawn and created. 

 

 

 What happened  November 5th, 2019, the actual 20th anniversary of my arrival??  I came in late that evening, after harvesting close to 80 lbs. of apples, perhaps 15 lbs. of Wonderful Pomegranate, and 60 lbs. of Fuyu Persimmon.  No, I didn’t work all day, but had a bit of an incentive after seeing that very faded note, a 24- year- old card that I’d stuck to the wall marking the close of escrow on November 5, 1999!  Buy some produce while you are here.  There’s an abundance, and I hope you will celebrate that with me, and perhaps offer a word of congratulation! There is cause to be thankful.  You know, I can't do that anymore!!    

On that date, the Kincaid Fire was raging!! There are long-term and immediate consequences, even as we strive to help our neighbors to re-build and muddle through the aftermath.  Large fires at this time of year now seem to be the normal, after the last three years of autumn catastrophes.  Yes.  Most of us are simply fortunate to be alive after our latest contest with natural disaster.  I hope we can all do better for ourselves and the planet, by remembering what’s happened, and working towards changes that will slow and eventually reverse a life-time of environmental ignorance, and neglect.  It’s not too late, provided we take heed of how we live, and the factors that can easily make life unlivable for future generations. 

     

 

I hope you can visit in the next few days and share a glass of wine with me to mark my 25^th Anniversary here. We all have a debt of gratitude for survival in these uncertain times and catastrophes.     

 

 

  

 

 

 

The Covid-19 virus arrived with a vengeance in March, 2020.. 

And has continued for the last three years with the fury of fear, death, and economic disaster.  

People are still getting COVID today, but fortunately because of the vaccines, the severity has lessened.  

 

Now war in Europe, the Middle East, staggering fuel costs, inflation, and social division all continue,

and probably will plague us, until almost all the world, no matter where you live, is walking on a knife's edge. 

 

Is that the reality we may have to accept?  

Do what you can to make the world a better place.

In the end, it's really up to you. 

   

None of us will ever be the same.   

   

     There's a final item that needs to be mentioned right here.   It has nothing to do with food, farming, money,

 

 

produce, or climate.  It has everything to do with how we treat each other, and those who we will never know. 

 

 

Saturday, September 11, 2021 was the 20th anniversary of the tragic events that took place on that date in 2001. 

 

 

To forget the more than 3,000 people killed that day at the World Trade Center, The Pentagon, and Shanksville

 

 

 Pennsylvania in the early morning of 9/11 is a crime.  To remember is hopefully to both cherish what was lost, 

,\

 

and to learn from it.  To me, it seems like yesterday.  And again, I must add, 

 

 

None of us will ever be the same.  

 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Farmer Don 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Energy Usage and Climate Change:

 

 

  

 

 

 

       

 

 

    Solar power is now part of this farm. 

 

I will be producing enough electricity to put that surplus back in the grid. 

 

I've paid a lot for all this, but I feel it's truly worthwhile. 

 

That's one more step I can take regarding "climate change." 

 

    I haven't forgotten that pledge and that issue. 

 

In November, 2023, I finally installed a LEVEL-2  24-AMP EV charger,

 

now available for customers.  I'm really proud of myself, since I did it on my own. 

 

And right now, I'm trying to install another 40amp EV charger. 

 

 

 

 

 

  Would you like to help me? 

 

SEND AN E-MAIL TO SIGN UP AGAIN OR FOR THE FIRST TIME!!

 

   

Tell your friends about me on Social media.  https://www.donaldrosenberg.com/  See below for map and directions. 

 

 

 

 

[CSA stands for "Community Supported Agriculture" enabling you, as a member, a share of each week's harvest.]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 PRODUCTION YEAR 2025? 

 

 

MAYBE OR MAYBE NOT. 

 

 

 

JOINING THIS CSA TODAY, ENSURES I'M OPEN TOMORROW. 

 

  

 

 

 

 

ASSORTED VINES AND FRUIT TREES    $35 /ea.

 

 

 Black misSion fig trees (8)

ASSORTED TABLE grape vines (7)

 APPLE TREES (2)   Gala (1); Red Delicious (1)

 WONDERFUL POMEGRANATE TREE (1)

 MAYETTE WALNUT TREE (1)

 APRICOT/PLUM/APPLE SUITABLE FOR GRAFTING (8 )

$7/ea.

 

  These are non-producing  scions with plum root-stock .  Suitable for winter grafting!   

 

 

ORNAMENTALS         $7

10 PERENNIALS  

(Includes Freesia and Brandy Master  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I'm on FACEBOOK,

 

if you'd like to ask a question that way. 

 

Please tell your friends on Social media.  See below for the cost of a CSA Membership! 

 

THIS year'S  CSA subscription COST:

 

monthly payment $150. 

 

 entitles member to (4) weekly pick-ups that month

of all produce available that week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take Highway 101 to Santa Rosa; Turn at Todd Road going West; Cross Stony Point Road; Turn right at Phillips; Don's Farm is on the left at 3537 Phillips Ave., all the way back to the barn!

 

Parking is in  MARKED AREA next to the vineyard. 

 

 

Use e-mail if you have questions.  Hope to see you here soon!

And the real truth? That's me in 2000. My hair's now turned white! 

   

 

Oh,...but I was so much younger then

          I'm older than that now!  

 

Thanks,    

 

 

 

 

     

 

Farmer Don in 2007

Are you seeing double?

 

 

FOr year 2024  CSA

(Community Supported Agriculture)  

subscription list:

monthly pre payment IS $150. 

 entitles member to (4) weekly pick-ups that month

of all produce available that week.

 

 

  

 

***SENDING AN E-MAIL WILL START THE PROCESS FOR CSA MEMBERSHIP NEXT SUMMER. 

 

 

 

Dear Customers,

 

 Equipment repair, planting, pruning, seed and related supplies for my greenhouse seed-trays, repairing trellis stanchions in the vineyard...along with other repairs await me.  

 

 

 

 

 

The items listed below, since you are reading this, are available on my farm from me, only by

 

verified delivery/appointment.  

 

DO THIS BY E-MAIL. 

 

 

• Fig Trees   $30 (Black Mission) 

•                        

•    Grape Vines        $30  (assorted) 

•  

 

Larger Trees and vines in containers vary in size. 

 

  

   

•   Map is on this web site below for your easy arrival. https://www.donaldrosenberg.com  . 

 

 

****Drive all the way in past both houses (DON'T BLOCK THE DRIVEWAY), and park in designated area next to the vineyard marked "Park."  Look for me in the produce barn, the greenhouse, or outside.  Better still, yell "Don!  Where are you?" 

I don't use a cell-phone. 

•  

•  

• ***SENDING AN E-MAIL WILL REMIND ME ABOUT YOUR ORDER!  

Thanks and Hoping To See You Soon,

  

          

 

Farmer Don

That's me in 2007 and the next is me again in 2022.  Yes, I'm working twice as hard as ever!   

 

Do you think it's beginning to show?

 

***

 

Registered Organic Produce
Don's Farm.
3537 Phillips Ave.
Santa Rosa, 95407. 
Take Highway 101 to Santa Rosa; Turn at Todd Road going West; Cross Stony Point Road; Turn right at Phillips; Don's Farm is on the left at 3537 Phillips Ave., all the way back to the barn!

 
 

·   Map is on this web site below for your easy arrival. https://www.donaldrosenberg.com/ 

·    Bring your own bag or box, if you have it.

·   Cash and exact change, please. [Sometime this season I hope to have on-line ordering available through use of credit card purchases.]

 

 

 

                                    My    Fuyu     Persimmon                                             Wonderful Pomegranate

 

 

 

 

 

When this becomes possible, you can make an appointment  for a day that works for you. 

 

 

 

 USE  e-mail to alert me.  Tell me what you  want, and  to verify that  I'll  be there. 

 

 

 

Thanks and Hope to See You Soon,  

 

 

Farmer Don   

Perhaps I should put your picture here?

 

 

P.S.:  We really know that there will be more viruses.  Severe fires and weather events are due principally to the effects of global climate change/global warming.  We have lost so many friends, and mentors in the last year.  Sean Connery, the Scottish actor of James Bond fame, died yesterday.  I remember speaking with him on a location shoot in Golden Gate Park, as we both waited for our next scene to set up.  In my professional life as an actor, I remember that conversation fondly, because of his kindness.  I'm indebted to my friend Billie Blumenthal.  She encouraged me to no end, and I deeply miss her optimism and her presence. 

 

**Registered Organic by California Department of Food and Agriculture Organic Program 

 

** ***“This farm complies with state and national organic practices

 to assure consumers that organically produced products

 meet consistent standards and contribute to a safe and healthy environment.” 

Organic Spot- Inspection completed on June 27, 2017.

Sonoma County Dept. of Agriculture/ Wts. & Measures

    

 

[CSA customers: Your Subscription Pick-up day for 2024 is Friday, 2-6  PM. 

 

 

There’s a map on the web site, just below, > for your easy arrival.

Website: https://www.donaldrosenberg.com/

New items are added every week as they become ripe.   

   

   

I'm Farmer Don.   

 

 

 

  Join this CSA by purchasing a membership subscription. 

 

 

WANT TO KNOW MORE??  THAT'S EASY! 

 

 

Come by for a visit to see what's growing!  

 Every year, individual items are boxed and on sale!  You can get them in advance!

 

  

 

HERE'S HOW

YOU

 

 

 

 

CAN STILL FIND ME:

   Take Highway 101 to Santa Rosa; Turn at Todd Road going West; Cross Stony Point Road; Turn right at Phillips; Don's Farm is on the left at 3537 Phillips Ave., all the way back to the barn!

 

Use e-mail if you have questions.  Hope to see you here soon!

  

Thanks,

Farmer Don

 

 

 

 

 

Don’s Farm is Registered Organic! And so are these trees and vines. 

 

I'm available by appointment. 

   

Perhaps you’ll decide to become a

SUBSCRIBER FOR MY WEEKLY SUMMER PRODUCE.

YOU CAN EVEN BUY A DISCOUNTED ***PORTION OF CROPS TO COME!   

 

   

     See something that interests you?  Have an unanswered question about crops, trees, politics, or the meaning of life?  I'll do my best to answer.  And just by chance, should you want to help me, there are loads of  projects in the fields, and in the greenhouse that are begging for attention.

 

I'd like the company or the HELP, if you can make it!  Just ask! 

 

 

 

Black Mission Fig trees, and an assortment of table grape and a few wine grape vines are available. 

These grape cutting, and fig root spurs were already rooted while still attached to the mother vine or tree.  They can be instant producers. 

 

 

 

Selling fig trees, grape vines & more. 

[such as pomegranate, apricot for grafts, apple, ornamentals]

Trees and vines in larger containers sell for more    

 

For the first time, I will be able to juice apples and other fruit with my new press!  Cost is still to be determined. 

 

Look Forward to Seeing You,

Farmer Don

 

 

 

 

 

MAY YOUR DAY  BE FILLED WITH JOY AND RENEWAL!! 

 

 

(For a change, don't you think?)

 

 

     

 

MY MOTTO:

Buy fruit and vegetables

Grown with care

Grapes to squash

Apples to pear

Kept in cold storage

Preserved from the air.

They're ready for transfer

At a price that's fair

Just bring a box

And some cash to spare

There’s a little of everything

And it’s all waiting here!

 

 

 

 

  

   

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

E-mail, if you want me. 

 

 

 

 

 

Exact change and e-purchases  helps.  If you e-mail, I will try to answer.  Drive all the way back towards the barn, and park next to the vineyard. Look for me when you arrive!

I still have lots of grape vines and fig trees for sale, too. 

 

Come by for a visit, and I'll show you my farm! 

 

 

 
 

 

Here's a map [>>SEE BELOW] for your easy arrival.

Website: https://www.donaldrosenberg.com/

 

 

   Take Highway 101 to Santa Rosa; Turn at Todd Road going West; Cross Stony Point Road; Turn right at Phillips; Don's Farm is on the left at 3537 Phillips

 

 Ave., all the way back to the barn!

 

 

I hope to see you here IN 2023!  

The Market Basket

Our Registered Organic Produce Box

 

  for subscription customers   

Containing  everything in season for that week! 

 

SUCH AS:

 

Gravenstein, Breaburn & Fuji Apples; Magda Squash; Ruby Table Grapes; English Walnuts, All-In-One Almonds; Sunburst Hybrid Squash; Wonderful Pomegranate; Fuyu Persimmon; Watham Butternut Squash; Bush Delicata Winter Squash; Black Mission Figs; Crane Melon; Sugarbaby Watermelon; Red and Yellow Brandywine Tomato; Small Sugar Pie Pumpkin;

and

Don’s Unique Salad Mix

 

  for paid subscription customers! 

 

 

 

There's a map on the web site for your easy arrival.

Website: https://www.donaldrosenberg.com/

E-mail, so I know what you want. 

 

 

 

     I welcome your help to supply food to our community! 

    Over winter, I will need to once again prune, remove, and then spray the cuts on some "Fire Blighted" branches on the apple, apricot, peach, and pear trees.  That was very necessary last year to remove the contagion before it had an opportunity to infect the rest of the tree.  The good news is that I've actually saved two Bartlett pear trees this year using my practices and, I will be able to bring them back into production.  Maybe a miracle??

    Fire Blight is spread by bacteria in the dust, and can be further spread by rain dripping that bacteria on surrounding portions of the tree.  A word to the wise, take care of Fire Blight before it infects and then kills the whole tree.  There is no known remedy or cure other than removing the infected branches, sterilizing the cuts and then spraying the affected area with a copper solution. With some success, I also use the fungicide mixture Actinovate, or Serenade which helps the bark to actually regenerate/grow and seal the cut. 

    Indian Free Peaches:  Weather will always be a factor and sometimes a disappointment due to the timing of late frosts and heavy rains during the time of bud-break.  This occurred for almost all my last year trees and severely cut back on the potential harvest.  

 

Here's an example of  what you might find in the weekly MARKET BASKET, assembled in the wicker basket below.

    

                                                 

So here's the real invitation! Come out for a visit.  I'd like to meet you.  You're welcome by daylight appointment.  E-mail is the easiest way to set that up!  I'm closed on Saturday, the Sabbath. 

 

 

Mr. Scrooge, our Founder

 

 

 

                       

 

BRER FOX     

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

 

               There’s a first time for everything, I guess.  That afternoon, the last day of summer (and truly a scorcher), I started to walk into my greenhouse, and then stopped rather abruptly.  Lying at the far end of the planting table, and rolled in sleep was a brown and silver fox.  I backed up a few steps and made some cooing noises.  I was hoping not to disturb it too drastically, and certainly not to provoke the creature into an aggressive response.  It roused itself slowly and looked straight at me.  Then it yawned and got to its haunches, still looking at me, but not with any sense of concern.  The rear leg came up to attack the lice and fleas that bedevil anyone and anything  traversing the dry, not entirely over-grown fields at this time of year.   “It’s time for you to go,” I said.  The fox slowly made it down from the table and then exited the greenhouse through an opening  in the clear-plastic sheeting  at the rear.  I walked out of the greenhouse and then circled back around outside, going towards the rear. The animal must have escaped into the vineyard, in that direction, or perhaps even a little beyond.  At that point, I had no intention of pursuit. 

A few minutes later, provoked by the sight of scavenging fowl, feasting away on the grapes, I proceeded to make my way towards the vineyard.  A fox catching a raiding bird or two might actually discourage them, and seemed like a benefit.  I saw just the briefest of a glimpse, now already in the distance, of what must have been the tail of the creature, as it skirted across the very green lawn and foliage of Ms. Sweet and her mother, my neighbors to the south. 

And then a recollection came to me of something I’d heard at dusk, just before the previous night.  I was picking and staking very luxuriant tomatoes in the area just next to my house.  They are very thick and full, because I had neglected to properly stake them up at the beginning of the growing season.  From the midst of the tomato patch, I remembered hearing something like a growl.  I didn’t really make anything of it, due to my poor and deceptive hearing these days.  Could that have been “Brer Fox?”  

 

 

Marley and Scrooge

[A.K.A., employers of poor Farmer Don]
 
Hope to See You Soon,

Farmer Don   

 

 

    Last Thanksgiving, I prepared a large Black Beauty Zucchini, cut down the middle for baking.  I scooped out just a little of the inner mass on each "boat," and filled it with oatmeal, oat bran, tomato, tuna, and laid it on a bed of cheese.  I used other spices, and herbs grown here, such as chive, fennel, garlic, dried onion, and corn oil mixed with what I originally scooped out, placing it on top.  I baked it for about 55 minutes at 350 degrees.  It was delicious, and if you drop by this next Sunday, I'll make another for you to taste-test and sample.  This is my recipe, but it closely resembles the objective of something I saw food author Leanne Brown demonstrate on the PBS NewsHour.

 https://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/can-you-cook-delicious-meals-on-just-4-a-day/ 

  Her book is entitled Good and Cheap.  The caption there is "Can you cook delicious meals on just $4 a day?" [Can someone receiving food stamp benefits eat well on an average budget of $4 per day? That was the simple question that Leanne Brown set out to answer as a student, and now it's the core of her new cookbook, "Good and Cheap."] 

It certainly can be done.  I put this dish just below on the table only last week, and if I can create it, anyone can!  As part of the filler, I wanted a different carbohydrate.  What did I have in the cupboard?  Oatmeal, oat bran, tuna.  In the refrigerator, I found Mozzarella cheese and an egg.  And from the farm harvest I took two large squashes, tomatoes, fennel, dill, purple ruffled basil, chive, onion, and garlic.  I even put a bit of sliced apple and fuyu persimmon on the side.  It was pretty good!

   

 

 Yes, I've been doing that "can-you-cook-delicious-meals-on-$4-day" for quite some time using the produce I grow.       

For example, here was my list of  produce  for September 1, 2018: 

1.  English Walnuts 

2.  Red and Yellow Brandywine Tomato

3.  Ambrosia Cantaloupe 

4.  Watham Butternut (Winter) Squash   

5.  Fuji, & Braeburn  Apples

6.  Minnesota Midget Cantaloupe or Crenshaw Melon

7.  Black Beauty Zucchini or Scalloped Squash

8.  Bush Delicata Squash

9.  Don's Salad Mix   

10.  Fantasy Table Grape 

11.  Black Minooka Table Grape

12.  Marba Squash 

 

PLEASE E-MAIL  for sales on the farm, and I will hope to see you by daylight appointment. 

I can better serve you, if  you let me know in advance what you want in produce and the amount desired.  OK.  Maybe you don't want to do that.  The trouble is that I can't do all this anymore by myself. 

So if I don't hear from you by e-mail [that you actually plan to drop by], those items won't be on display or ready for you.  I'm getting older, and it's likely this will be my last year as a farmer. 

 

Look at what’s available on the list of produce. 

Think about what I can do for you in 2025. 

I can only do this with your support!   

   

Don’s Farm is Registered Organic!

Send a message to let me know you’re coming, or to arrange a time. No phone calls please, but I can respond to email questions!  See Map just a little further on>!>                 

 
Thanks for your patronage, and I hope to see you soon,
Farmer Don 

 

Poor Inky The Cat had a spat with a rat!  Or  Mr. Raccoon?    Owwww!!!

The cost of guarding the produce and protecting the trees harvested, I guess. 

In April 2020, Inky The Cat turned 20 years old.  I never realized how happy I was with her companionship for all those years. 

She passed from this world on March 27, 2021, just short of her 21st birthday.       

 

I REALLY WANTED TO SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, INKY! 

But I just didn't get the chance that year, and I miss her more than I can say. 

 

 

About Inky The Cat

   

Saturday, August 10, 2019

 

I have a story about an act of concern and perhaps kindness regarding Inky The Cat.  She’s been with me here on the farm for almost twenty years.  Her actions, I believe, may have rescued me from dire consequences.  It is quite possible that the events, as they occurred, were just fortuitous.  You draw the conclusions. 

  About a week ago, I was still working on the barn roof, doing my best to attach the corrugated 8 foot, steel panels to the still unfinished area.   It was getting late, and it was still quite warm.  Inky was watching me from below, sitting in a location in a row of tomato plants, just to the left of my ladder.  She meowed once or twice, which prompted me to respond angrily, “I don’t have time to give you dinner now.  I need to finish this!” 

I then came down off the roof, so that I could gain a better view of the panel placement thus far.  At that point Inky decided she would climb the ladder, after which she ascended to the top of the roof. 

“No, no!  You don’t belong up there.  Come down right now!”  She didn’t respond at first.  Then I whistled and said, “Alright, I’ll give you your dinner.”  Perhaps I’m not always that trust-worthy.    Now she was in the same position as I had been previously: the cat was looking down at me.  Inky The Cat decided to give me a chance.  She came down off the roof and then onto the ladder one step at a time. 

“Good kitty; that’s a good kitty.”  That was my encouragement for each step she took.  When she was finally down, I directed her to get out of the way to be safe, so that I could “finish.”  Stepping onto a second step-ladder, I hoisted another panel onto the roof, and then came down off the ladder.    Unfortunately, I neglected to secure the previous panel above the one that I just hoisted up, and to my surprise, I heard a “swishing sound” as that top panel was coming back down again, like a way-ward satellite on re-entry.   It hit the ladder, which then hit me, knocking me over. 

I was on the ground for a couple of minutes, trying to figure out what had happened.  Perhaps I was playing dead.  I wasn’t sure of anything.  Low blood sugar often has the same effect on me. 

“Maybe it’s time to quite for today.”  But I was having trouble getting to my feet.  My equipment belt, with tools and bolts, seemed particularly heavy.  I heard Inky, but I wasn’t sure where she was. 

“Get out of here!” I yelled.  In truth, I didn’t know where I was going, or who I was yelling at.  I was angry and not entirely rational.  Inly The Cat was calling me, and I felt her against my legs several times, as I was walking in a disjointed manner.  I arrived at the table next to the greenhouse, and deposited my hex-head drill-bit and the punch-tool I use to start the bolts.  And then everything seemed to go to darkness.  I fell into one of the grapevines, rolling over and over, unable to gain my footing.  And then I heard Inky again.  She was right next to me, almost on top of me.  I now recall one other time many years earlier, when she did something similar to awaken me.  In that instance, she had used her paw to hit my face.

“Meow, meow, meow!” 

“You must be hungry,” I think I said to her.  I had no Idea what planet I was on, or where I was going.  I finally managed to get up, and I followed Cat to a door.  Whose house is this? Who lives here?  Inky was at the door somehow encouraging me to enter.  When I stepped inside, Inky The Cat went to the cupboard, and meowed again.  I opened the door, not sure of what I was supposed to do. 

“I think you must want some food,” I said to her.  And then it occurred to me that perhaps I also needed to eat.  What else could explain my spastic movement and bizarre behavior? 

“Yes, I need something to eat.”  There’s an open box of honey-granola bars, first on the shelf there.  But I really had no idea what I was eating.  I continued to feed myself.  I felt very cold, and then started shaking, as I began to eat. 

Well, I came out of it finally.  And yes, I gratefully gave Inky The Cat her dinner, once I had returned to the living. 

“Good kitty, good kitty!” I kept repeating. 

Yesterday, I finished almost everything on the barn roof installation.  There are just a few bolts that still need to be fastened along with sealing of the ridge cap in several places.  I also have an “escape ladder” that will be attached to the antenna mast and an aluminum ladder located there.  I need that in order to get up to the antenna on the roof gable. Simply put, that’s the only way to get up on the roof at all, without sliding down.  That “ladder” may help me to get up and down on that slippery surface along with attached ropes on the north and on the south of the barn. 

Tomorrow an appointment is scheduled with a solar panel company.  I’m hoping they will be able to give me a reasonable price on financing solar panels, installation, plus a battery back-up in the event of natural disaster and power disruption.  If possible, I also want to avoid the rate increase that PG&E has promised, because my high usage moves me into an expensive High Usage Rate category. 

Last night as I started to write this, I went outside to check on Inky The Cat.  She was safely asleep in her enclosed bed located on top of the six-door refrigerator in the barn.  It’s safe for her from predators, because that cathouse is only accessible by climbing up and through the rafters. 

Thank you Inky. 

 

Fuyu Persimmon

    Here's Chandler Walnuts:

  

     Would you believe such luscious "Gravensteins!!??    

These are pictures taken IN November, 2015.  The dry weather at that time and for all that year may have been a factor.    

 

In 2023, I saw a 2nd harvest or bloom as occurred eight year earlier.   

  The water situation was better in January, 2019, but the fire danger remained high that summer!    

 

This year, we had an abundant amount of winter rainfall after nearly five years of draught. 

    Here's a postscript on November 2, 2020.  The possibility of wildfires was even more extreme that year.  Our first substantial rain arrived on October 10th with 12" for the week!!  For all the fires throughout Northern California, even those currently contained, that answered my hope and prayer.  In the state of California, and throughout the Western U.S., we all share that hope for more Fall rains. 

Yes, we had abundant rain this last winter and spring, 2022-2023.  But there's no guarantee that conditions like that will continue next year. 

Water and natural resources that we've taken for granted all these years, are now the exception,

rather than the rule.

 

Don's Herbs  (not all are shown):

           

Rosemary, Fennel, Dill, Mint, Chive, and Basils

 

 

 

Inky's Favorites: 

 

 

 

Don, Inky, and The Helpers over the back fence say: 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

Don't be a stranger.  Come by for a visit!"   

 

Don

 

REMEMBER:  THE "MARKET BASKET" CONTAINS EVERYTHING AVAILABLE!

(HOME DELIVERY IN SONOMA COUNTY EXTRA $15)

 

 

TELL YOUR FRIENDS.

DON'S ON THE WEB: 

 https://www.donaldrosenberg.com/

 

AND THERE'S A MAP ABOVE^ AND BELOW> FOR YOUR EASY ARRIVAL!

 

            Thanks for your support.  

 

Inky and Don

. 

** In accordance with the Federal Organic Food Act of 2003, these fruit and vegetable treats are produced without pesticides or chemical fertilizers from my farm to you!

 Just E-MAIL/REPLY with a "yes, please" to receive This  Week's Market Basket offering for the weekly flyer I send.  On the farm, I'll have your picks from This Week’s Market Basket ready for you.   If you'd like to be included on my subscription list to receive the weekly flyer by e-mail, or you know someone who would, let me know with an e-mail and I'll add your name for the next mailing. 

FOR ORDERS-->

E-Mail: donsfarm@donaldrosenberg.com 

Skype:     donsfarm

 

All Pick-Ups and Deliveries are available by appointment.

    Inky says,

 

“People (and cats like me) learn to live and feed themselves, when there's hope, real concern, and the love of others.  Narrow the gap, the destructive gap, between rich and poor.  All the benefits of this earth, from the plants that grow to the minerals that make this tractor, belong to all of us.  We are one community, and the more we strive to include those who have been excluded, the stronger and healthier we become...  And happier too!"

 

Listen to Don's Farm effort at reducing food waste, and providing a reasonably priced,  produce alternative:

*****************************

http://fsrn.org/2014/08/california-farmers-turn-to-social-media-to-reduce-food-watse/

************************* 

<  That's Inky in 2003!

 I hope to be seeing all of you in 2024!

 

 

 

HERE'S HOW

YOU

 

CAN  STILL FIND ME:

   Take Highway 101 to Santa Rosa; Turn at Todd Road going West; Cross Stony Point Road; Turn right at Phillips; Don's Farm is on the left at 3537 Phillips Ave., all the way back to the barn!

Hope to see you here!  

   

 

 

 

Preparing in "wetter" years: Spring 2013. 

 

 

 

 

My Vineyard in 2006

 

Winter 2021. 

 

On my next web update, I'll show you a picture of  WINTER 2025.  The water table on both sides of my farm is high, flooded! 

 

 

 From the sound of it, I'd say the ducks and migratory birds are holding a "winter picnic" on the vernal pools

         created due to the rains of the last two months in 2024 and now 2025!   

 

 

 

In 2014, the fields in January, 2014, had an eerie resemblance to the fields of June 2014-  parched yellow and dry! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday February 03, 2025

The question that arises for all of us is this:  Where are we right now?  Well, I just don't know.  We still need a lot more.     

 

Beware!  The water table is still quite low and will require years of above average rain to replenish itself.  Climate scientists say this may be the new "normal."  Intermittent deluges are followed by periods of intense heat and no rain at all.  If I'm not mistaken, that's more like conditions for growing crops on the Negev desert kibbutz of Sde Boker, in Israel,  or in the dryer (desert-like) regions of California's Central Valley.  ....  

   

 

 

 

 

 

I'm not preaching gloom and doom, just the reality of climate change. 

 

 

Here's what things looked like just after new Year's Day, 2017!

 

.   

 

 

Looks can be deceiving.  To answer my own question, I can't tell you where are we now.  These were a few pictures from 2017.  Has our drought finally subsided?  We've had a 2019 "WET WINTER" thus far.  Let's hope we learn something from this, and don't forget that water is precious.  .   

 

    Tuesday November 1, 2016

           

    There was some good climate news last year.  The Paris Climate Agreement, negotiated that summer, went into effect after the required number of nations formally approved the measure by legislative vote in at least 117 countries. 

   

    In 2017, our "new" President Trump with his policies and Cabinet, began doing their best to undo the progress made in environmental protection.  What a shame.  He's even gone so far as to "withdraw" the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement.  I wonder if he's gone back to believing that the earth is flat!  It's my view, fortunately, California, is doing all it can to protect our natural resources in the face of this onslaught.  It's still my hope that our national government will have the support and courage necessary to do what must be done.  That, you could say may very well depend on future elections, or another, different President.  I'm still hoping for a positive outcome. 

 

    P.S. :A change from Trump to President Joe Bidden occurred in 2020, provided you're not caught up in theories of denial. 

 

What a relief, a blessing in my opinion, to hopefully return to environmental sensibility.  Personally, I would much prefer that Mr. Trump engage in some other activity, no where near the White House, when 2024 arrives.   

   

    October, 2017 produced almost as much rain as October of 1999.  I remember these events well, having recorded rain totals for both dates. 

   

I purchased this farm, and spent my first afternoon here as the new owner,  when escrow closed on Friday, November 5, 1999 at 2 PM.  As I recall, it had rained all of the previous week, and then the sun came out in full glory on that Friday when I received the keys. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, August 5, 2016

     Just a few words come to mind on this early morning.  Words about growing things...  Truly, there is a beginning, a middle, and an end.  The new starts, carefully laid in a mixture of moist soil and nutrients, are almost always eager to sprout and command a new generation.  We marvel at them craning up and open to the rays of the sun.  Sadly, I suppose, their lives are very short, but the hope they blossom with is enough to inspire even the the most cynical skeptic.  

    And there are words and thoughts about growing old for me too.  Those vines  just above have grown thick and their limbs somewhat gnarled and twisted.  That's a mirror of my own face and hands, especially as I try to move my fingers from an open palm to a clenched fist.  Things don't always want to move as  remembered from the past.  With age, all our qualities, whether we are plant or animal , change and adapt, grow wiser in some ways, weaker and more vulnerable in others.  Some of these trees and vines, plants and individuals become more productive, and with a fruit that has sweetened, even if, over time, the yield  is now only half of what it once was.   

    The sun's just now coming up.  Perhaps my thoughts are just trying to remind me that life is really a very brief encounter. 

 

 

 

 

FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND LOYAL CUSTOMERS   

It's been fun running my farm since June of 2000.  On June 30, 2016 (My Dad's 101st birthday), I officially "retired," but the farm business here did not end, thanks to the dedicated work of volunteers and friends, who have stepped in to take up some of the burden that I am no longer physically able to carry out all on my own.  Yes, we celebrated with a party and picnic on October 18, 2016.  Thank you to all who participated. I couldn't do it without you!      

   

 

 

 

 

Here's Something You Can Use

 

                                  

 

Monday February 03, 2025

RECIPE GUIDE FOR PRODUCTS I GROW

 

 

A NEW RECIPE FROM MY FRIEND JANE FESSIER IN PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

 

MONTEREY CASSEROLE

• 2 cups cooked brown rice (moist)
• 1 can diced green chilies (mild)
• 2 med sized fresh tomatoes chopped
• 2 med sized zucchinis chopped
• 1/2 lb Monterey jack cheese grated
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Paprika
•  
• Lightly saute tomatoes & zukes in oil, put aside
• Blend yogurt & sour cream, set aside
•  
• In casserole dish (I prefer a round deep dish rather than an oblong)

LAYER:

• Rice
• Chiles
• Combo of tomatoes & zukes (salt and pepper)
• Grated cheese
• Combo of yogurt & sour cream
• Sprinkle top heavily with Paprika
•  
• 350 for approx 45 minutes
•  
• I make this dish for potlucks, dinner parties and everyday. Not fancy but delicious.

Jane Fessier in Palm Springs, CA.

 

 

A FEW RECIPES FOR BUTTERNUT SQUASH FROM FARMER DON

Squash and Adzuki Beans

• 1 cup adzuki beans, dried
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1 piece dried kombu (dried seaweed - found in health food stores)
• 1 cup butternut squash, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger root, grated
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Soak beans overnight. Drain.
Place beans, water, and kombu in a medium-size saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 1 hour. Stir in squash and ginger root, then cover and simmer 30 minutes longer. Mix gently with a wooden spoon, and break up the kombu which has softened. Serve garnished with parsley.
Serves 6.
Recipe from "Rodale's Basic Natural Foods Cookbook"

Butternut Squash and Apple Casserole

·         1 small butternut squash, about 2 pounds

·         2 apples, cored, peeled, sliced

·         1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

·         1/4 cup cold butter

·         1 tablespoon flour

·         1 teaspoon salt

·         1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

·         1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Peel squash, scoop out seeds, and cut in small pieces.
Place squash and apple slices in oblong baking dish (7x11-inch). Blend remaining ingredients with fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
Distribute over squash and apple.
Cover and bake butternut squash casserole at 350° for about 45 to 50 minutes.
Butternut squash recipe serves 6 to 8.

I also like Butternut Squash cut in half and steamed  for about 7 minutes in a steam tray on the stove.  That’s easy!  Look for more recipes online.. 

Thanks for your support,

Don

Without chemicals from my farm to you!

Don's Environmentally Correct & Nearly Organic Farm

Donald Rosenberg, Organic Farmer

E-mail:  donsfarm@donaldrosenberg.com

 

 

 

Come by for a farm visit, to see what's growing.   

 

 

 

 

Don’s Environmentally Correct & Nearly Organic Farm

 

Some Thoughts and Poetry at Harvest Time

 

Every summer as I finish the last of the picking of my peach trees, I thank the trees for the bountiful harvest. 

 

I remember my father, Phillip, and how he carried me in his arms down the hill to the peach tree at our San Rafael home.  He carried me down there and with my own hand, I was allowed to pick a peach from the tree.  It was a very nice peach as I remember.  And I remember eating it sliced in small wedges with milk or cream in my bowl.  Such a vivid memory, and to this day it is blazoned with such joy and fondness in my mind.  That event was more than 60 years ago.  I'm glad I can still feel his love and kindness, and I guess I’ll always have a fondness for peach trees, and the luscious fruit they render.   It also prompted me to write this poem, only a few years after I started farming here on Phillips Avenue in Santa Rosa, California.   

 

 

 

A PERFECT PEACH

Written Wednesday, September 06, 2006

 

Let’s get a peach for breakfast! 

Daddy’s words were filled with adventure

Telling me a story. 

Reading a book.

Even when soft and embracing. 

I raced ahead. 

Past the pool 

Down into the open-air recreation lounge 

He’d built for us all. 

Past the shuffle board and then out again.

To the edge of the hill

That beckoned to our terraced tree

Still farther down. 

Too steep for me

I shied from taking an uneven step. 

So Daddy picked me up 

Like I could fly as an eagle

But safe in his arms. 

Such a fragrance from our tree

One step, two steps, three steps down and closer 

The peach entices with its ripening fruit 

And no one can resist.

Can you smell it? 

I nodded my head. 

Here’s one to pick 

And my little hand reached out and carefully embraced

This perfect peach. 

Daddy’s hand over mine to enclose the treasure

And bring it back slowly from its branch. 

And the fragrance enveloped us again 

Ascending to our house

Following us into the kitchen

Where crimson yellow wedges

Gently dropped into our bowls  

Followed by cream, cold from the frig

Covered this perfect peach 

We ate slowly

Our spoons rising 

And eyes meeting and smiling. 

 

 

Donald Rosenberg, Organic Farmer  

 

 

 

Butternut Squash Cooked Two Ways

 
Cut butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop and discard the seeds.. Rub with olive or canola oil. Place on a baking sheet and bake in oven for 45 minutes, until soft. Cool and remove flesh.
 

Method 1

 

Using LOW heat saute some fresh sage (1/2 cup) or rosemary leaves (1/3 cup) in 6 (+/-) tablespoons olive or canola oil. In about 3-4 minutes turn off heat and cool a bit. Discard the rosemary leaves. You may add the sage leaves to the squash. 

 

Mash the squash flesh and add the herb oil and a teaspoon of sea salt.

 

Herbs, oil and salt amounts can be varied to suit your taste.

 

Method 2

 

 

Mash the squash pulp and add 6 (+/-) tablespoons butter, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/3 cup brown sugar (Splenda works great also)

 

Butter, cinnamon, and sugar amounts can be altered to suit your taste.

 

 

 

 

HERE'S ANOTHER FROM FARMER DON:

 

Almond & Lemon Burgundy Bush beans

 

Adequate beans for each serving

1 TBS chopped/toasted almonds/person

½ Teasp. Lemon rind/serving (yellow part)

Sea salt & olive oil

Pour this mixture over the lightly steamed beans and enjoy!

 

Thanks for your support,

Don

Without chemicals from my farm to you!

Don's Environmentally Correct & Nearly Organic Farm

Donald Rosenberg, Organic Farmer

E-mail:  donsfarm@donaldrosenberg.com

3537 Phillips Avenue

Santa Rosa, CA 95407

 (707) 585-9444

 

 

 

 

 

 

A FEW MORE RECIPES FROM FARMER DON

 

TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT US, AND BE SURE TO SEND YOUR LATEST CULINARY CREATIONS BY E-MAIL TO:

donsfarm@donaldrosenberg.com  

 

[When published, you get a pound of produce for your efforts!]

 

 

 Butternut Squash with Rosemary (or Sage):

 

(+ or – 6 TBS. olive oil)

Cut and scoop out seeds;

Baste with oil and place face down on oven pan;

Cook with sage or rosemary for 45 min. at 345 dgrs.

Remove the 2 sprigs of Rosemary; 

Scoop out flesh and mash it;

Add butter & cinemon and touch of brown sugar;

Add olive oil (+ or – 6 TBS.), sea salt; 

Heat until hot.   

 

 

 

A FEW RECIPES FROM FARMER DON

TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT US, AND BE SURE TO SEND YOUR LATEST CULINARY CREATIONS BY E-MAIL TO:

donsfarm@donaldrosenberg.com  

 

 

When we publish your recipe, you get a pound of produce as available during the week of publication! 

 

 

 

A FEW RECIPES FROM FARMER DON

TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT US, AND BE SURE TO SEND YOUR LATEST CULINARY CREATIONS BY E-MAIL TO:

donsfarm@donaldrosenberg.com  

 

From Casey:

 “I made a wonderful Gazpacho in the blender.  5 peeled BRANDYWINE tomatoes, slice of good white bread, 1/3 c. olive oil, 1/3 c. good white vinegar, 1/3 c. tarragon, salt and pepper.  Blend, add extra vinegar if you want. Tasted wonderful and the red of the Brandywines was beautiful." 
 

Cucumber Soup

2 peeled, seeded, chopped cucumbers
3 cups yogurt
1 cup sour cream
1-4 chopped garlic, depending on your love of garlic
salt and pepper to taste
fresh chopped dill.

Put all ingredients, except dill, into blender or processor. Puree until sort of smooth. Refrigerate.

Serve very cold, (chilled bowls help keep it cold) with chopped dill on top.

(Inky the cat and her pal Don recommend it!)

 

 

******

 

A Letter and Prayer for Recovery

 

From A While Back Recorded in 2021

Sunday, October 22, 2017

*******

Dear Customer Family, 

 

              How are you?  Really?  Last Thursday night and for a little while on Friday morning, there was rain.  You might say that Friday was a beautiful day.  We had rain, which cleared the smoke and apparently did a great deal to finally allow firefighters to contain the many fires that have devastated so many households in our area.  So I will start by writing here on my webpage.  Have you talked with your neighbors?  How are they and how are you holding up?  This is for you, and for me.  I may have delivered produce to your home, or you attended one of my many on- farm sales as advertised on Cropmobster or Craigslist, or you came by the farm on the recommendation of friends.  My client/customer list is never really complete or without errors.  I’m sorry about that, or if I’ve left you out. 

It’s my hope that you are alright.  I don’t know, so I’m writing.  I’ve already heard from a few friends, or customers, that they escaped with their lives, but not much more.  Perhaps you will be able to let me know.  Sincerely, I’m hoping for the best.  

My farm and house here did not burn down.  I did what I could with my tractor to create a buffer, though now I realize that the fires were not as close to me as fear and rumor led me to believe.  When smoke is everywhere, and people are calling you with dire forecasts, fear impairs rational judgement.    

I was outside harvesting, and I didn’t leave here for over ten days.  That might not have been a good idea for my health, both physical and mental.  The smoke, particulates, and the fear of devastation are traumatic to the body and the mind.  But I kept harvesting, doing what I thought I could do best to contribute to my own and my community’s recovery.  That’s what I thought I had to do, and an organization called Sonoma Food Runners came by on Tuesday to pick up boxes of fruit and vegetables.  In any event, I was able to donate considerable produce.  There was an absolute need for it.   I was grateful that I was able to do something.  As June Michaels, Director of Food Runners said to me, “Our community has been traumatized, and it’s going to take a while to recover.”   I think she’s right.  As to what I’m doing, I’m at a loss to say, and not coping all that well. 

In this last week, many people wrote to me, but only a few people came by for produce.  One customer, “checking in,” apologized for not delivering a sample of the dehydrated fruit she’d promised, created from the produce purchased here.  She wrote, “My house burned down.”  Another customer, Lori, was able to return to her evacuated home, but had no salvageable food and only electricity and no gas.  I supplied her with a number of produce items.  That gave me a sense of being useful, and providing service, when for much of the last week, we couldn’t do anything but gape in horror, at the destruction occurring.   At least, she had her life, and she still had her home.  Believe me.  It’s hard to rationalize all of this.    

I will have a sale either today or late Monday.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.  Above all, let me know how you are doing. 

 

Thanks and Hope to See You Again,

Farmer Don

 

 

 

 

                                            California Organic Program

Organic DB Home

CDFA Organic Registration

 

Registration Submitted

Don's Environmentally Correct & Nearly Organic Farm (49-002937)

Renewal Date: 12/29/2024 

 

Now valid until 01/01/2026

 

 

Donald Rosenberg

Your organic registration has been submitted successfully!

CDFA Organic Registration 

REGISTERED ORGANIC.

County Registration Number: 49-002937

Principal County: Sonoma

Expiration Date: January 1, 2026

 

Once again, I'm located south of Santa Rosa at 3537 Phillips Avenue just one block west of Stony Point Road, off Todd.  Phone 707 585-9444.

My WEBSITE  

Website: https://www.donaldrosenberg.com/

  

 

For Orders, Please E-MAIL:

donsfarm@donaldrosenberg.com   for home/work delivery OR to have your box packed and ready when you arrive.  

 

In accordance with the Federal Organic Food Act of 2003,

these fruit and vegetable treats are produced without pesticides or chemical fertilizers from my farm to you!