***Photos will be added soon***
Everyone on the farm had always mentioned that Willie Nelson and Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead were going to be performing in Simpsonville, but we all never really talked about actually going. The concert was on a Tuesday night, we assumed it was going to be packed, and a million other reasons sort of prevented us from considering it.
It wasn’t until I was going to make a quick stop at the grocery store that I realized it would be pretty cool to see an icon live. The concert was at 7:00 p.m. and I purchased tickets at 5:30 p.m. The best part was my ticket was only four bucks (seven dollars after tax). So a pretty sweet deal. Parking was free too. Boom.
I will say, this was my first time meeting some legit insane people. The “dead-heads” that were there to see Bob Weir and his band were in full throttle. They were all tripping on something and going absolute bananas on the lawn. However, everyone was super friendly. I met some hippies who follow Bob Weir and his crew wherever they tour to. And these hippies are as hippy as they come – living on top of one another in a single van with thick layers of blankets, pillows, and loose clothing padding the floor.
I personally liked Bob Weir’s set much more than Willie’s. It was just so much more energetic and lively. Especially since the songs are jam songs that get under your skin and make you move to the groove. Everyone was “feeling” his set too. “Shakedown Street” proved to be a favorite among all walks of life there.
Willie’s set was still decent. You could tell he was getting up there in age. I mean, he is ninety. His whiny vocals were on point, but his guitar fingerwork has definitely lost its precision. He played all his hits, to no one’s surprise. It made me wonder if he ever gets bored repeating the same songs over and over and over and over through the years.
To celebrate our coworker Tyler’s recent marriage to Mary, everyone on the farm enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the popular seafood joint, Mr. Crisp. Funny enough, we also supply them with a lot of fresh produce. Being the little mooch I am, I was able to try a little bite of everyone’s dish. Of course, I asked first, I have standards. I ordered the red snapper, which was decent, I was maybe expecting it to be a little bit more well done. I loved Brooks’s octopus dish. They had chard the tentacle and added a little bit of spice with some shishito peppers on the side.
But the food wasn’t as important as the time we all spent together. It sounds sappy, but we all did enjoy everyone’s company. I was introduced to the witty and compassionate Mary, the perfect companion for Tyler. We all shared stories and aspirations with one another throughout the night. This was also the first time that many of the coworkers had seen each other outside of the farm. So, I think a couple people didn’t know what to expect.
I will say, I could definitely feel everyone was closer than they already were by the end of the night. Which is great. There is a level of emotional attachment between the coworkers now that I feel is the absolute greatest thing for Bio Way. I hope they continue doing a monthly dinner or really just get off the farm for a night to have some fun.
Well, the time finally came. My last day. Since it was Friday, the work was devoted to preparing for the market. I had to say goodbye to a couple friends, but I reassured them that I’d be back.
I worked the market yesterday with Joann, Hunter, and Aaron. We thought the cool temperature would bring out more people, but it didn’t. It was a slow morning. However, I was able to reel people in, not with just my good looks, but also with my charming personality.
Unfortunately, I won’t be here when our Brassicaceae vegetables are ready to be harvested and sold at the market. I hear this upcoming crop is going to be a stellar one. They are planning on growing some cabbage in the high tunnel, where the 22-foot-long tomato plants currently reside. The no-till plot has been sowed and we are anxiously waiting for, hopefully, some promising germination.
I left the market with a healthy bag of veggies as well as some scones from the Swamp Rabbit Bakery whose booth was a couple down from us. I will have to be quite innovative when trying to keep these veggies cool on my drive home, but if anyone knows me, they know I’m an innovative guy.
I’m excited to see what’s to come here at Bio Way. Just as excited as everyone here is for me as I continue my travels. I can’t stress enough how great this place has been to me and so many others. I want to personally thank everyone on the farm for everything they have given me. When I arrive again, I know I will be welcomed with open arms.
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