Haying Time at the Cottage

June 2, 1937

From the Diary of Mayell Sunshine, the mystery woman who lived in our farmhouse.

The days are growing longer and I am grateful because it gives me more time to get my garden planted.

This year I am growing green beans, potatoes, yellow squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

My neighbor, Mrs. Honeycutt grows a delicious variety of sweet corn and I will trade my tomatoes with her during harvest season.

There was a Concord grape vine on the property when I moved in and Mrs. Smith told me to take as many grapes as I want. I have plans of making grape jelly and pies with them.

Yesterday, I helped prepare meals for the haying crew over at the Efird farm. Mrs. Efird and I spent all day cooking for the men who were cutting, and stacking the bales of hay in the old barn. It was hot and hard work for the men and we were glad to give them a few minutes of respite with food and drink.

Mrs. Efird and I made meatloaf and fried chicken along with heaps of mashed potatoes, green beans, and biscuits.

For a drink, we served a spring tonic that my grandmother used to make for me as a child. It’s called a switchel. We mixed together vinegar, honey and water and poured it over ice.

The thirsty workers said it was refreshing and several men asked me how to make it so they could tell their wives.

I will close, for now, diary. It was a long, hard day and I am sleepy.

Until next time,

Mayell