Rufus and I hit a quick harvest and delivery and, in no time flat, throw our camping gear haphazardly into the back of the Element and hurry down Haucke Lane toward Castle Rock Lake to celebrate independence with our friends. The intoxicating combination of being on a boat, the perfect angle of sunlight, flutters of wild laughter, and liberally poured libations make all the rigid realities of farming fade into a dreamy sanctuary far away. Family and friendship are damn fine things to celebrate and we do it up right. May have even taken it a little too far with the fireworks, but everyone came out with their fingers so we’re all good. 

~Joy