Hello and welcome to the November 2026 newsletter for Laughing Duck Farm. It certainly hasn’t felt much like November is coming lately, but I’ll take it! I have been thoroughly enjoying the recent warm-ish days, the sunshine, and the thunderstorms. As someone who had to walk a half mile while soaking wet during a surprise halloween blizzard in 1991, I know it can go a very different way. While that last sentence definintely showed my age, there is a certain wisdom that comes with getting older. One of those tibits of wisdom is that there is joy to be found in even the hardest days if you look hard enough. The trick is to hold onto that joy a little tighter and to loosen your grip on the bad parts. You didn’t want to carry those bad parts around with you anyway. Right?

On the Farm

The biggest difference on the farm right now is that the pigs are gone. Not only are they gone, but all of the fencing, feeders, waterers, and shelters are cleaned up and put away. This is a big deal because it is a sign that I did something that is incredibly difficult for me. I asked for help. Between myself, a very helpful son, and a hardworking husband, all of the pig raising supplies are put away for the winter and waiting for spring. It’s a pretty good feeling.

You may also notice that a lot of animals are still on pasture. My feeling is that if we have lush green pasture for them to eat, the snow hasn’t fallen, and the water isn’t freezing, there is no reason to bring them into their winter pastures. This may mean that there will be a mad rush to get everything done in a couple of weeks, but I feel like it is worth it. The farm help may not agree on those two days when I am in full panic mode. I’ll update you next month.

In the Store

The store is fully stocked with everything you need for a healthy, cozy, autumn. One newer fun item is a gingerbread pancake mix that also has directions for cookies! We also have lots of grains, flour, spices, and beans. And don’t forget the snacks! You may notice that we don’t have too many convenience foods. If cooking with ingredients is intimidating for you, that’s okay! Everyone has to start somewhere. You can start with something simple like rice or oatmeal and work your way from there. Also, a crockpot can make everything a lot more convenient. When I first learned how to make bread, I started with an electric bread machine. I would just dump the ingredients in and let it do its thing. Then, when I was comfortable with that, I would use the “dough only” setting and bake it myself. Now I can make all kinds of bread myself from scratch without feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes things take baby steps and I promise you that cooking from ingredients will not only introduce you to amazing flavors that you control, but your body will also thank you!

Party

Wait, did I just say “Party”? Why yes. Yes I did! This year, on Saturday, November 28, also known as Small Business Saturday, we will be having an open house. I am calling it a Taste and See Party. We will have lots of things available for sample so you can try things that you have maybe been thinking about buying. That way you don’t have to waste money on something you end up not liking. Also, you might find a new favorite that you never would have thought you’d enjoy!

At this party we will also be introducing Christmas gift baskets for you to purchase. We will have all types of price ranges so you can grab anything from a host gift to something for that hard to please relative.

In order to enjoy the holiday with our families and prepare for this event, we will be closed on the 26th (Thanksgiving) and the 27th (Christmas Tree Hunting Friday).

Bulk Order

Your next bulk food order will be delivered on Friday, November 13, with orders due on Saturday, November 7th by 7pm. This is your last chance for delivery before Thanksgiving. Your next opportunity will be for the delivery on December 11. If you want to order things like pre made pies or even just pre made pie shells, now is the time. Also, if you are thinking about consumable gifts for Christmas this year, and I would highly recommend that you do, it might be nice to give yourself a little buffer and order now instead of waiting for December. Sometimes things run out around the holidays.

The ordering process is fairly easy. Think about the things that you use a lot of. Then look at the list at the end of this newsletter. Please don’t print out the list! It is very long! I have tried to alphabetize it the best I could. Then make a list. In that list include the item number, a breif description, and the price. These three things will help insure that you get exactly what you think you’re getting. E-mail your list to me at northhaus@gmail.com by November 7th at 7pm. Please put the phrase “bulk food order” in the subject line. Then, sit back and relax. On November 13, after 4:30 pm, you can come pick up your items at the farm. The address is 2482 170th Ave, Emerald, WI. This is when you pay by cash or check. That is it! That is all you have to do! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

I hope to see you sometime this month. Maybe when you shop in the store. Maybe when you pick up your bulk order. Or maybe when you come out to the Taste and See Party. You might even be someone who hits the trifecta with all three! However things go for you this month, and regardless of whether I see you or not, I pray that you have a wonderful month filled with lots of joys for you to hold onto.

Peace to you and your family,

Kathy