Betty is most often found behind the scenes here at Four Corners Farm.  She loves to work with her hands, building choops (what we call our chicken hoop houses), milking cows, baking, or sewing and knitting.  Betty is also our resident family gardener.  Without her green thumb, we wouldn’t have had the bountiful harvests these last two seasons.  We so are grateful for her passion and gifts in farming, family and friendships.  Join us as we sit down with Betty (aka Grandma Betty or Carolyn’s Mom) and profile another hard worker here at Four Corners Farm.

Carolyn: When you were little, did you ever have a desire to farm or live on the land?

Betty: Always. Dreamed of going back to farming.

Carolyn:  What did you dream of being when you grew up?

Betty: Doctor or a veterinarian.

Carolyn:  Where were you raised?

Betty: In Alsea, Oregon, where my parents purchased an old farm to provide a healthy alternative for their four children.

Carolyn: What kind of outdoor things did you do?

Betty: Everything -climbed trees, explored the land and woods, fished in the river, played in creeks, chores: caring for our animals – ducks, sheep, cows, chickens.

Carolyn: Have you always enjoyed being outside?

Betty: Yes. Throughout my life most of my hobbies are outdoor – hiking, camping, gardening, running, relaxing in nature.

Carolyn:  What has been your occupation most of your adult life?

Betty: Mathematics Education – a Teacher!

Carolyn:  What was your hope or goal in retirement?

Betty: To travel and visit the national parks – particularly the US and Canada.  To have a nice flower garden and vegetable patch.  Spend more time sewing and needlecraft as well as quality time with family, specifically our grandchildren.

Carolyn:  Has your current retirement situation damped your goals or expectations?

Betty: No.  One of my other hobbies I’ve always enjoyed is tinkering and making things.  So I’ve enjoyed the time to experiment with designs for our farm’s needs.

Carolyn:  What is one of the most challenging parts of farming?

Betty: Expecting my body to act like it did when I was 18 – wanting to do it all and my body not keeping up with it!  And also, the never ending list of things to do – projects!

Carolyn: What is one of the best parts of farming?

Betty: Everyday!  The routines – taking care of animals.  Being with the grandchildren.  Waking up – having a delightful morning everyday! And being tired at night from a hard day’s work is a great feeling.

Carolyn: What do you think makes our farm so different than the typical American farm?

Betty: The family involvement – three generations working together.  Also the desire to be more sustainable, therefore the variety of life here keeps it interesting!  From onion plants and herbs to calves being born, there is never a dull day.

Carolyn: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Betty: At Four Corners Farm, working to help further the local food movement!

Carolyn: Thank you for sitting down with me!