New Beginnings

Kristi Hanson
2026-01-16T18:53:00-05:00

A massive snowstorm is swirling this morning, a planned trip to the City has been cancelled, allowing for this writing. A snowy, icy landscape lies outside the door of The Staats House, a house which has seen 372 New Year's come and go, its resilience in the face of the winds and weather that come up the River, a testament to its permanence in the face of the transience of its inhabitants.

The years have come and gone as life has unfolded for us here. The history of our house and the tidal comings and goings of the River outside our door dwarf our very existence. While we try and exert vision and control, the truth is we are only the latest caretakers in a long line of families that have found life and a sense of purpose here.

January is a time for new beginnings. A time for resolutions of change. A hope for better times ahead. As the new year begins, I've been taking stock of the gifts of the land, friendship and family that have found me here. Something magical is happening in the learning and sharing that comes from growing on our small piece of land Upstate. The understanding of the alchemy of soil, seed, and people.

I wish you great things for the year ahead. I’m hopeful that we can, together, make the world a better place, for all people, everywhere, through good food and time spent around the table. There's so much to do.