Objective Observation #1

Ben and Daniel introduce the newest section to “Will Work for Food”. This segment will consist of interviews conducted by acquaintances on their weekend days off. Each interview will explore Ben and Daniel’s mental well-being and other nonsense.

I, Grace Emerson Vottero, professional Blabbity Blah, had the joyful pleasure of hosting the two slightly dirty but enthusiastic farmhands, Ben and Daniel, at my home over the past weekend. We engaged in a plethora of pleasant activities, including (but not limited to) getting a pedicure, eating an entire rotisserie chicken, enjoying free ice cream cones, going for walks, and meeting Bird.

I chose to ask them the following questions:

What’s the most strenuous task you’ve encountered at the farm?

B: Hand seeding spinach.

D: Hand seeding spinach. It was very methodical and peaceful but still strenuous

B: It just really hurt my lower back and was seemingly endless. It was like 2015 ft of spinach 1 inch at a time. Just us two.

Biggest lifestyle change?

B: Dirtiness.

D: I’d say, having something to do all the time that I really enjoy.

B: Yes, it’s been very nice to be outside all day everyday

D: A little overwhelming even

B: A lot of lifestyle changes

D: It’s been very strange to be coming to a new family and having them take us in

B: That’s been the least awkward in my opinion.

D: But it is a big change.

B: Yeah, getting up early and doing relatively monotonous tasks has been a change. But the time has passed quickly.

D: Good company.

Most stimulating conversation you’ve had at the farm?

D: We’ve been doing a devotional about every night. Just like a daily thing that gives an essay on faith.

B: Yeah, we’ve had some stimulating conversations about truth and faith and stuff like that. Also talking with Martha and Jeff about their different approaches to farming.

D: Jeff works with a nonprofit that heads up and regulates all the farmers markets in the state so it’s very nice to talk to him about policy and where he sees the local movement going and the like.

The most magical thing you’ve found at Silvermine?

B: The old carriage and sleigh are pretty sick.

D: As far as physical things, there is the Jaguar in the barn is pretty cool.

B: Most magical thing - sense of hospitality.

D: Sense of place.

B: Feeling like we belong there. Also our friendship with Mike is pretty magical.

(plays voicemail from Mike:)

M: “And make sure Sir Daniel puts the digits into his phone as well! I’ll see you cats on Monday!”

B: Most magical thing: Cripple Creek Ferry.

What’s the yummiest thing you’ve eaten grown entirely on the farm?

B: Strawberry shortcake, easily.

D: Yeah.

B: Choosing a farm where strawberries are a big part of their operation was a good decision.

D: But not geese, never trust a goose