Sailing through Summer

Sylvan Sundays is getting back into the swing of things after our summer hiatus. (Although, two weeks ago, we just couldn’t wait to tell you about our Grand Indiana State Fair! It was so exciting that you absolutely need to read it again. 😉 )

We always want farming to be a wonderful adventure. But, as with all things, it can be nice to get out of the field. Last week, Elise and I went so far afield we were in the lake. Specifically, Lake Erie.

We traveled to Pennsylvania just to see Tall Ships.

Last weekend, Erie, PA, was a host port for nine of these “large, traditionally-rigged sailing vessels.” The Tall Ships Erie festival is only held triennially; I had been secretly planning to take Elise for a long time (Elise’s ed. note: he’s probably been waiting even longer to use “triennially” 😉).

Tall ships might just be about as far removed from anything found in west central Indiana. Some of these vessels are contemporary, built to evoke a past way of life. Some are the last remaining survivors of their type. The story of each is unique but all are fascinating.

To merely view these elegant ships is enough to inspire imagination, but we had the opportunity to sail on the Lettie G. Howard, an 1893 schooner (lone survivor of a type that once numbered in the hundreds, if not thousands). Once out of port, it was time to hoist the sails!

The sails grandly filled above us. With a perfect sky over smooth water, we clipped along pleasantly at 7.5 knots. Other ships with their passengers passed by, bright reflections bouncing off the bay. It was awe-inspiring to see them up close out on the water.

Too soon, we returned to port. But our time on the lake refreshed us to return to our time in the fields.

Thanks for Reading!

And I hope you feel refreshed and rejuvenated for the week ahead with this moment preserved in picture and prose. Consider:

• What was your favorite part of this summer?

Share your answer and this newsletter with someone who enjoyed the summer with you.

If Sylvan Sundays was forwarded to you, welcome! To learn more about our farmers, check out “A New Year’s Introduction,” and to learn more about our name, visit “Being Sylvan.” Also, make sure to check out “This Week on the Farm” and “Farm Shop” below!

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This Week on the Farm

Many thanks to Elise’s Dad for taking care of the animals while we were away!

Aries, our State Fair ram, left for his new home in Ohio yesterday. We’re looking forward to seeing his lambs in the show ring someday.

This is a week of preparation for both sheep and Christmas trees. We’ll be moving sheep into new groups for breeding season, as well as prepping the ground for our next tree planting in Spring 2026.

Speaking of tree planting, did you know that Christmas tree growers celebrate Christmas (trees) in July? Stay tuned!

Farm Shop

This week, we’re featuring Light in Winter artist, Lydia! She has opened a sticker shop showcasing characters from her own storytelling. Light in Winter characters Snacking Llama and Gandalf the Ram are also featured!