Happiness is

…a visit to Happytown Farm. Maine Farmland Trust was having a tour. I thought it would be fun. We have never visited their farm but have bought their produce frequently over the years at the Ellsworth Farmer’s Market.

I didn’t expect the visit to be so meaningful and deep though. This farm is really special. The farmers (Paul and Karen) are retired, but will live on the property “until they can’t anymore.” They still seem to be pretty involved. The new farmer (Angelica, aka Munch) is very excited to be taking over. She’s been doing the decision making, basically running the farm, for two years now. She has a little house on the property, off the grid. And a dog that takes care of the varmint population.

The stories all three of them told were precious. And they were so grateful for the help of various organizations that helped with the transition. I’m glad they find the support they need – farming is not easy. I wish Angelica all the best and will continue to support Happytown.

I can’t stop thinking about them!

A few snippets:

• The land was originally occupied by the “Red Paint People,” an ancient culture that is fascinating to read about.
• Paul and Karen have been selling at the farmer’s market for 40-plus years!
• The name Happytown came from a religious settlement in the area. It has Biblical origins.
• Happytown Road, which forms one border of the farm, is the boundary between two towns, Ellsworth and Orland. Neither town really wants to take responsibility for maintaining that road. The road was dirt until about 10 years ago.
• There was a rejuvenation of the area in the 1970’s and a return to farming, due to back-to-the-landers.
• Paul had more to learn about what retirement would mean. Karen had a career as a nurse and experienced retirement at 69. (She’s now 85, and Paul is 75.)
• Farmers differ from each other. Different things bring them joy and different things are important to them. For some reason, this surprised me. I expected them to all be following the same playbook.
• I don’t know how they accomplish so much every day.