We really appreciated Barney Burke's article about Jefferson's County's three cideries. At Finnriver, we are glad to be part of the healthy land and healthy food movement and to be learning the artisan cider craft so we can create excellent local beverages. It is wonderful to have the support of this community, and we will continue seeking ways to make our products and our farm sustainable. 

A few important things must be added to our story. We could not do what we do at Finnriver if our whole family wasn't up for the adventure, but a comment of mine in the article made my 7-year-old very sad. It was the line about how if I did not have a farm or children, I would probably paint. This comment was made in the context of a discussion about the painting in the article's photograph. The reporter asked if I was an artist, and I laughed about not having enough time, with a farm and a family and a job, although I do love to paint. 

The comment, out of context, makes it sound as if I would rather be painting. But anyone who has seen my life must know that it is my dream come true. And so I had to explain to my son that I was making a joke, although it was a dumb one, and I promised him that I would announce loud and clear to the whole world that I love my children! More than painting or farms or cider or jobs or grass or sky or books or stars or anything else, for that matter. I promised him I would make sure that you all knew that if I really wanted to paint, I would be painting, but that it is not my children who stop me from doing so. 

Our children are our creative inspiration. Children inspired us to buy this farm, name it after them, and to devote our lives to making it a beautiful place for all of us to grow together.

I also want to make clear that our lovely cider-label art was, in fact, painted by Anna Daeuble, daughter of our local Clemente Course Director Lela Hilton.

And finally, the boys in my family have all agreed that given the extra time I would probably just lie on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and read. Thank goodness there are artists who stop at nothing to paint!

CRYSTIE KISLER

Finnriver Farm, Center