It has been a discouraging start to the farm year. The heat has been killing the seedlings and we are fast becoming overgrown with plants we don't want since the lawn mower is broken (again). Perhaps worst of all is that our truck threw a rod in an engine only 5 years old and there is no replacing it at this point. I took that truck for granted! No more hauling mulch, can't get the lawn mower in for repair, dirty tools in my car which is upholstered...
Since I took over the management of our church community garden it has also been a challenge to give both sites the work and attention they need. Of course I feel obligated to the community garden first (like us on Facebook: Zion Community Garden Project), since it is feeding people in need. It is also easier to obtain supplies and maintenance there, since it is a not-for-profit venture. I believe in it and what it does, so I don't mind giving the time and energy, but my dream was for a little pick-your-own-produce farm for my family and the community to enjoy and support in order to have even more local whole food and to make my living in the fresh air and sunshine.
So I am giving myself a year. A year to see improvement in my family farm and to make even the smallest of productive advances. My homeschool student is graduating so I will no longer be teaching and can put that time toward the farm. I'll just look heavenward for the resources. If I still feel like I am getting nowhere in a year I will admit defeat. If I can show progress, I'll reevaluate and press on.
On the bright side, we have been eating the most delicious salad from our green-leaf and buttercrunch lettuce for the last few weeks. I have an adorable row of sunflowers started up and my son gave me 5 blueberry bushes for Mother's Day, which I have extensive instructions on how to plant successfully. A really nice guy at Edible Landscapes (see new link on homepage) took the time to walk us through the care and feeding of blueberries. I plan to start my patch right after E's graduation next week. God willing, we will be able to invite friends to pick blueberries next year!
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Stretching...the truth
Reading the labels on most packaged foods in your local grocer, you will quickly arrive at the realization that we are putting more into our systems than strictly whole food. In the myriad of additives and preservatives to avoid, I picked High-Fructose Corn Syrup as the ingredient I would eschew over the last year. With the help of many producers who are becoming aware of consumer disdain for this "stretcher" being used by the food industry, I have been able to avoid it for the most part. As if using fillers weren't enough to taint our food supply, genetic modification and chemical alterations are being researched and, where they can be forced or slid in, introduced into our food supply. Here is information on another such attempt:
Nanotechnology - the new threat to food
Mentioned several times in the article is the call for government intervention on behalf of the public. While I suppose it will inevitably come to that and perhaps there are actually public servants still willing to enact checkpoints for sheer public safety (and not the illusion of safety, put forth to mask some new government control), the reality will probably be any legal screening will not be without some benefit to both the industry and the government at the expense of the consumer. Meanwhile, individuals can be vigilant by striving to be informed (find additional articles from all viewpoints, read labels on all you buy), raising awareness of the issues surrounding manufactured food (which likely everyone you love is eating, every day) and searching out or creating sources for whole food (now is the perfect time to plan a garden!).
Local farm markets are looking for honest business - farmers are stretching sore muscles and stretching the family dollar, but at least where the whole food they produce is concerned, they aren't stretching the truth!
Nanotechnology - the new threat to food
Mentioned several times in the article is the call for government intervention on behalf of the public. While I suppose it will inevitably come to that and perhaps there are actually public servants still willing to enact checkpoints for sheer public safety (and not the illusion of safety, put forth to mask some new government control), the reality will probably be any legal screening will not be without some benefit to both the industry and the government at the expense of the consumer. Meanwhile, individuals can be vigilant by striving to be informed (find additional articles from all viewpoints, read labels on all you buy), raising awareness of the issues surrounding manufactured food (which likely everyone you love is eating, every day) and searching out or creating sources for whole food (now is the perfect time to plan a garden!).
Local farm markets are looking for honest business - farmers are stretching sore muscles and stretching the family dollar, but at least where the whole food they produce is concerned, they aren't stretching the truth!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
God is in the Garden
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
— Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Today's Devotional
A few months ago I planted a
garden, eagerly anticipating the time when I would sit at the table and
enjoy the taste of fresh, homegrown vegetables. The hard work of
preparing the soil, sowing the seeds, watering, and weeding just
heightened the anticipation. This reminds me of the work that God does
to prepare us for harvest. God enriches the soil of our hearts by
sending people into our lives to prepare the way for us to come to know
Jesus Christ and commit to following him.
Of course, in my garden I might
pull up a certain plant because it was not doing as well as the others.
At other times I destroy some plants because I am too careless while
weeding. I am so glad that the Lord is not like me! In great love, God
tends our souls and gives us what we need.
Today I reaped some of the produce
of my garden. Thinking of the savory dish I will soon enjoy from my
garden’s produce makes me thankful that I did not give up when the days
were hot and the weeds seemed out of control. The work I put into my
garden makes me appreciate all that God does for us. God will never give
up on tending our souls.
Thought for the Day: Remembering all that God does for us strengthens us to keep going.
Prayer:
Most holy and gracious God, thank you for not giving up on us and for
meeting our needs. Help us to persevere so that you will have an
acceptable harvest through us. Amen.
Prayer Focus: Gardeners
Thank you, Upper Room, for reminding us that God started everything in a garden. May God bless our harvest and Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Monsantos Point of No Return
Autumn approaches with the most wonderful produce still to come! Apples, squash, pumpkins and root crops will abound and serve as the basis for comfort food to see us through the winter. Comfort food that should be wholesome - not from a labratory.
If you are one of those who delights in frights as Halloween gets closer, read the article at the link above. It is truly frightening. That those responsible (a term used quite loosely, I assure you) for a corporation and the products it puts out into the world - products and business practices used to monopolize the food supply (that have not had the test of time and are pumped out for pure profit and with a disregard for sustainable agriculture) - should have so little conscience is appalling. They are the Wal-Mart of agriculture.
Who knew we'd have to start growing victory gardens to overcome a domestic enemy. Apparently that time has come.
Autumn approaches with the most wonderful produce still to come! Apples, squash, pumpkins and root crops will abound and serve as the basis for comfort food to see us through the winter. Comfort food that should be wholesome - not from a labratory.
If you are one of those who delights in frights as Halloween gets closer, read the article at the link above. It is truly frightening. That those responsible (a term used quite loosely, I assure you) for a corporation and the products it puts out into the world - products and business practices used to monopolize the food supply (that have not had the test of time and are pumped out for pure profit and with a disregard for sustainable agriculture) - should have so little conscience is appalling. They are the Wal-Mart of agriculture.
Who knew we'd have to start growing victory gardens to overcome a domestic enemy. Apparently that time has come.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Zucchini for a Cause
It is definitely the bumper crop of 2012 (although peppers are adding some spice at a close second): zucchini as large as the iconic caveman's club are burgeoning all over the patch! When I brought a (LARGE) basket of them to church this week - my version of "leave a zucchini on your neighbor's porch month"- one congregant pulled her's out, dreaming no doubt of the moist bread and cakes to come, and exclaimed, "I could use this for a baseball bat!"
Indeed. Such abundance! Such eager growth - with the strength and energy to put forth and nourish so many! If only every living thing could meet such need in the world as this humble squash. It digs back to the basics and takes that sunlight and rain and encases it in a rich green gift that nurtures life. Would that we could all simplify, put our energy into growth, and in doing so foster the future!
This autumn we will be tending to two garden sites - our own at home and also a community garden - the Eagle project our son has chosen to build in support of a local food pantry. We've been to visit a few community gardens over the past six months to glean ideas and try and learn what to avoid. We have seen gardens heavy with produce and we have discovered overgrown wilds where volunteers dwindled after the first planting. "Plant things that people recognize and know how to use - avoid experimentation" we were advised, witnessing some produce neglected on the vine. Zucchini will be part of our plan. It is plentiful enough to feed the multitudes and to have inspired a flurry of recipes - avoiding waste. It will feed our area's hungry.
There is some frustration in implementing a major project such as this community garden. My son is learning that you have to really scatter some seed to find generous donors willing to grow the cause alongside you - donating supplies, time and money. I encourage him to keep planting in hopes that, like a zucchini, people's purpose will grow and flourish to the cause and one day soon he will peer under the leaves of all the project details, paperwork and distraction and find a bright, bountiful harvest of willing hands, charitable hearts and momentous means all joining to provide for the hungry.
And next August 350 people will benefit from the "zucchini" that boy is planting today.
Zucchini Red Pepper Lasagna
1 carton cottage cheese (15 oz.)
1 - 1/2 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided
2 eggs
1 - 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
2 c. sliced zucchini
2 c. sliced mushrooms of your choice
1 T. olive oil
30 oz. spaghetti sauce
9 no-cook lasagna noodles
12 oz. roasted sweet red peppers
Seasoning salt, black ground pepper and garlic powder to taste
In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 1/2 c. mozzarella, eggs and Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet, saute zucchini and mushrooms in oil until crisp-tender.
Coat a 13" x 9" x 2" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Spread 1 c. spaghetti sauce in the baking dish and top with three noodles ; spread 1 c. sauce atop noodles.
Layer with half the zucchini mixture, half the red peppers and half the cheese mixture.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder as desired.
Top with three more noodles and another cup of sauce.
Layer with remaining zucchini mixture, red peppers and cheese mixture, noodles and sauce.
Cover and bake at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes.
Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Bake 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.
Serve with Parmesan shaker cheese if desired. Yield: 12 servings
Indeed. Such abundance! Such eager growth - with the strength and energy to put forth and nourish so many! If only every living thing could meet such need in the world as this humble squash. It digs back to the basics and takes that sunlight and rain and encases it in a rich green gift that nurtures life. Would that we could all simplify, put our energy into growth, and in doing so foster the future!
This autumn we will be tending to two garden sites - our own at home and also a community garden - the Eagle project our son has chosen to build in support of a local food pantry. We've been to visit a few community gardens over the past six months to glean ideas and try and learn what to avoid. We have seen gardens heavy with produce and we have discovered overgrown wilds where volunteers dwindled after the first planting. "Plant things that people recognize and know how to use - avoid experimentation" we were advised, witnessing some produce neglected on the vine. Zucchini will be part of our plan. It is plentiful enough to feed the multitudes and to have inspired a flurry of recipes - avoiding waste. It will feed our area's hungry.
There is some frustration in implementing a major project such as this community garden. My son is learning that you have to really scatter some seed to find generous donors willing to grow the cause alongside you - donating supplies, time and money. I encourage him to keep planting in hopes that, like a zucchini, people's purpose will grow and flourish to the cause and one day soon he will peer under the leaves of all the project details, paperwork and distraction and find a bright, bountiful harvest of willing hands, charitable hearts and momentous means all joining to provide for the hungry.
And next August 350 people will benefit from the "zucchini" that boy is planting today.
Zucchini Red Pepper Lasagna
1 carton cottage cheese (15 oz.)
1 - 1/2 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided2 eggs
1 - 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
2 c. sliced zucchini
2 c. sliced mushrooms of your choice
1 T. olive oil
30 oz. spaghetti sauce
9 no-cook lasagna noodles
12 oz. roasted sweet red peppers
Seasoning salt, black ground pepper and garlic powder to taste
In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 1/2 c. mozzarella, eggs and Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet, saute zucchini and mushrooms in oil until crisp-tender.
Coat a 13" x 9" x 2" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Spread 1 c. spaghetti sauce in the baking dish and top with three noodles ; spread 1 c. sauce atop noodles.
Layer with half the zucchini mixture, half the red peppers and half the cheese mixture.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder as desired.
Top with three more noodles and another cup of sauce.
Layer with remaining zucchini mixture, red peppers and cheese mixture, noodles and sauce.
Cover and bake at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes.
Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Bake 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.
Serve with Parmesan shaker cheese if desired. Yield: 12 servings
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Slippery Slope Soda Sanction Sought
There is one thing I am more in favor of than a whole food, self-sustaining lifestyle and that is a person's right to choose or not choose it - or any given lifestyle. If I want to drink raw milk I will drink raw milk. If I want to drink lighter fluid I will - I will suffer the consequences that naturally occur but at least that stemmed from my right to live my life on my own terms, so long as that immediate action doesn't infringe upon the rights of another.
This article has some VERY disturbing quotes from Law Professor Rick Hills. Do we realize we have been allowing the courts to set a precedent for government to curtail our freedom? The defense that a bill, should it be made law, infringes on our personal freedom should and by rights (and a little document some government representatives like to misrepresent or ignore all together) ought to be ENOUGH to warrant that bill's failure.
The telling part of this article is Mayor Bloomberg's lamenting the health system having to compensate for people's less-than-healthy choices. The government SHOULD NOT be involved in health care, period. If anything is inflated, bloated, overextended and excessive, it is our government and the many extensions of it (most of which were not sanctioned by the people - an officeholder abuse in and of itself). A bill reducing government size and its over-reaching infringement is what is in order here.
Free will (provided the immediate action does not trod upon a fellow human) is human dignity and self - I repeat SELF-sustenance is a worthy goal. Those in support of placing conditions on how others live their lives are generally either weak themselves or have an agenda, usually involving justification of their own jobs or a desire to control others in an effort to elevate their own station. This is arrogance, this is flagrant bullying and this is WRONG.
There is one thing I am more in favor of than a whole food, self-sustaining lifestyle and that is a person's right to choose or not choose it - or any given lifestyle. If I want to drink raw milk I will drink raw milk. If I want to drink lighter fluid I will - I will suffer the consequences that naturally occur but at least that stemmed from my right to live my life on my own terms, so long as that immediate action doesn't infringe upon the rights of another.
This article has some VERY disturbing quotes from Law Professor Rick Hills. Do we realize we have been allowing the courts to set a precedent for government to curtail our freedom? The defense that a bill, should it be made law, infringes on our personal freedom should and by rights (and a little document some government representatives like to misrepresent or ignore all together) ought to be ENOUGH to warrant that bill's failure.
The telling part of this article is Mayor Bloomberg's lamenting the health system having to compensate for people's less-than-healthy choices. The government SHOULD NOT be involved in health care, period. If anything is inflated, bloated, overextended and excessive, it is our government and the many extensions of it (most of which were not sanctioned by the people - an officeholder abuse in and of itself). A bill reducing government size and its over-reaching infringement is what is in order here.
Free will (provided the immediate action does not trod upon a fellow human) is human dignity and self - I repeat SELF-sustenance is a worthy goal. Those in support of placing conditions on how others live their lives are generally either weak themselves or have an agenda, usually involving justification of their own jobs or a desire to control others in an effort to elevate their own station. This is arrogance, this is flagrant bullying and this is WRONG.
“Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough
to take everything you have. The course of history shows us that as a
government grows, liberty decreases.”
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson
“Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government
has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.”
Monday, May 7, 2012
The Fruits of our Labor
One of the best parts of working toward a self-sustaining lifestyle is harvest! I grew spinach for the first time this year. I'm not sure what took me so long because I buy much fresh spinach over the course of the year. How many gas miles have I contributed to when I could just walk out my back door and collect some for now and freeze some for later (if any is left :).
The saying is true too - it is better fresh from the source! We are finding that with everything we produce - vegetables, honey, eggs, etc. That first fresh-from-the-garden spinach salad was the best I've ever had! There is some work involved, but really planning is the key - if you think ahead and do a little preparation a salad from the garden is as convenient as pulling up to the drive thru - and such an improvement!
Both of my dads are outdoorsman, so I need to put in a plug for fishing. Although probably over-regulated like most everything these days, fishing is an excellent self-sustaining practice. There are certain considerations to mercury levels in some fish but on the whole you can still create a tasty meal of freshly-caught fish. Here is a link to a recipe for Walleye -
Walleye recipe
Oh look, it calls for spinach - guess I'd better get cooking!
The saying is true too - it is better fresh from the source! We are finding that with everything we produce - vegetables, honey, eggs, etc. That first fresh-from-the-garden spinach salad was the best I've ever had! There is some work involved, but really planning is the key - if you think ahead and do a little preparation a salad from the garden is as convenient as pulling up to the drive thru - and such an improvement!
Both of my dads are outdoorsman, so I need to put in a plug for fishing. Although probably over-regulated like most everything these days, fishing is an excellent self-sustaining practice. There are certain considerations to mercury levels in some fish but on the whole you can still create a tasty meal of freshly-caught fish. Here is a link to a recipe for Walleye -
Walleye recipe
Oh look, it calls for spinach - guess I'd better get cooking!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Heritage Swine and Small Farms Prey to CAFO-pressured DNR?
First we aren't allowed to determine what we will drink and now a government agency will decide whose herds are "safe" and will do away with any that they deem suspect. If feral swine are a concern then do away with feral swine on a case-by-case basis. Attacking heritage breeds on small farms is not acceptable. Blanket laws that do not delineate between small, organic farms with well-maintained, effectively-contained animals and fly-by-night operations or wild animals are damaging. We need the diversity of heritage breeds to avoid mono-culture that will require ever-more chemical measures to sustain and run the risk of being wiped out all at once should nature move faster than we can - which we know can happen.
The Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund reports on this and other attempts to tamp down our whole-food alternatives. Please consider both sides when big government issues alarmist reports - there are too many factors to consider just one side or the other. Become an informed consumer (literally - I mean you are putting these things into your body daily!) and make your voice heard based on what you discover.
I passed a delivery truck for one of our local pork-producers yesterday. It was running but rusty. The local farmers are fighting to feed their families, not keep their lobby dollars. They are farming via their beliefs, not fishing for votes. These people are not in it for the money, prestige or influence. They simply want to be independent, self-sustaining, consumer-pleasing and left alone.
First we aren't allowed to determine what we will drink and now a government agency will decide whose herds are "safe" and will do away with any that they deem suspect. If feral swine are a concern then do away with feral swine on a case-by-case basis. Attacking heritage breeds on small farms is not acceptable. Blanket laws that do not delineate between small, organic farms with well-maintained, effectively-contained animals and fly-by-night operations or wild animals are damaging. We need the diversity of heritage breeds to avoid mono-culture that will require ever-more chemical measures to sustain and run the risk of being wiped out all at once should nature move faster than we can - which we know can happen.
The Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund reports on this and other attempts to tamp down our whole-food alternatives. Please consider both sides when big government issues alarmist reports - there are too many factors to consider just one side or the other. Become an informed consumer (literally - I mean you are putting these things into your body daily!) and make your voice heard based on what you discover.
I passed a delivery truck for one of our local pork-producers yesterday. It was running but rusty. The local farmers are fighting to feed their families, not keep their lobby dollars. They are farming via their beliefs, not fishing for votes. These people are not in it for the money, prestige or influence. They simply want to be independent, self-sustaining, consumer-pleasing and left alone.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Hunger Games? or Real Life?
When I read the books I said I wouldn't go see the movies so I wouldn't be just like the audience in the Capitol, gawking at these kids killing each other for "honor" and "tradition" (public reasons) and dumb-down entertainment for the mindless herd and a reminder threat to the oppressed (real reasons). Half-way through the movie I remembered my vow and felt like a hypocrite but my husband said it was a good reminder to see it, and indeed it was. Control is a corrupting and slippery slope - the more one has at stake from being in a position of power (money, control, celebrity) the more s/he will be willing to cross ethical and moral and spiritual lines to maintain it. This is not simply a fictional account - there are examples of it every single day in our world. Someone's son or husband or mother dies or gets a little sicker so that someone in control can still be treated to an expensive trip or so his company can continue to profit from building defense machines or so we can buy cheap gas or so the drug money won't dry up (and I don't necessarily mean drug lords or war criminals, but people we see on CNN too). I have heard it said that the next conflict affecting this country will not be about race or nationality - it will be about poverty and greed. Our food supply is going to suffer because fewer control more of it and it does not have the strength of diversity. Government should not be in control of how we nourish ourselves. This is not the business government was meant to be in and the constituents never approved the USDA or other groups who have control, supposedly for the public good but undoubtedly in the pockets of big money agriculture. This hits your family right on the dinner table and in the bodies of your babies. The Hunger Games are not as far away from reality as you might think. Click the link above - take the quiz - learn more.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
New Life
Friday, November 4, 2011
Patience
It's been quite awhile and many little victories have amassed - I grew a whole patch of pumpkins and despite the squash bugs forcing me to put chickens in my patch and pluck several bugs off-plant and into water bowl for the chickens I did get 2 dozen pumpkins ranging from small to medium. I also harvested acorn squash, tomatoes and cukes. The best day this fall was not any of these though, it was the day my husband, Todd, harvested his first honey!!! You have to understand, this is the third year he's kept bees and the fourth colony he's raised - so we joke that it is $400 honey but it is a deep gold and as delicious as any I've ever tasted. We worked together to extract it and bottle it and though we got just enough to share with a few family members and for our pantry it was amazing to finally harvest it.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Finally a Sincere Pumpkin Patch
After three years of little or no fruit I had soil tested, amended and Voila! Finally a small but serious patch of a couple dozen hearty pumpkins! This may seem insignificant to some but it is a big improvement over the frustration of seeing the flowers and vines but no fruit season after season. Our little farm is also rocking the acorn squash this year, along with a few tomatoes and cukes and hopefully some sweet potatoes...
The hens have stopped laying - Hmmmm - molting, earthquake (8/23/11 at 1:51 p.m.), hurricane (8/27/2011) or not enough light (my son is in charge of them and a late sleeper - not an excellent combination). We may be starting with a new flock next year...
The honeybees have come through this year! We should have several pounds of honey in the next few weeks! Like the pumpkins, this has been awhile in the making but we're starting to get the hang of farming!
The hens have stopped laying - Hmmmm - molting, earthquake (8/23/11 at 1:51 p.m.), hurricane (8/27/2011) or not enough light (my son is in charge of them and a late sleeper - not an excellent combination). We may be starting with a new flock next year...
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wal-nots? F-duh, US-duh and other unhealthy alphabet soup...
Walnuts are Drugs Says FDA
It is heartening that people are trying to get back to whole food - food that energizes and builds your systems and fuels you for good works. It is also obvious that we must work at this individually, locally and with a discerning attitude.
I spotted a saying yesterday:
Real eyes
realize
real lies
It is time to stop looking to (or if you are already working toward self-sufficiency, allowing)the administration of this country to tell free citizens what or what not to do. I don't mean traffic signals or fraudulent contracts - there certainly is a place for building infrastructure and judging acts that violate civil liberties (with appropriate due process, not via an agency designed to skirt the people's voice in lawmaking). But the public servants of the U.S. government (the government being the people) are so desperate to be indispensable they entrench themselves in areas that should be left to each individual, family and community. If I wish to obtain and eat a walnut, or even gather and sell them then I should have the freedom to do so. If I do not do my research then yes I might become ill or I might be creating an opportunity for some other easily led soul to become ill. I will suffer the natural consequences either way. Is it easier to pay a behemoth administration do the research and caution me - probably - but if I give up my responsibility I also give up my freedom and leave my future to the agenda, which may or may not be in my best interest, or others. The odds for a meaningful and fulfilling existence are better if I take care of myself, if my family makes it's own food choices and if my local community reaches out face to face with those who cannot do these things for themselves. We must strive, through research, education and our own hands-on experience to cultivate real eyes so we can think and act for ourselves. Easier said than done? Sure. Are we up to the task? More than we know. Worth it? Definitely.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Isn't water a miracle?
One of my favorite chores is watering. Not only is it sheer pleasure on an August day in the south but there is something so satisfying about providing the animals with clean, clear drinking vessels. They know it too. As soon as it is filled, the chickens flock to their trough, dipping their beaks and raising their feathered heads to throw back the cool drops. Even when the dogs have more than half a bowl I rinse and refresh it - I know the treat fresh water is in my glass and I'm sure they prefer it fresh also. A shower is better than morning coffee to me and cleaning is so much easier when water can wash away the impurities. I'm afraid we take it for granted because I know there are many on this earth who struggle for clean water. Water is life!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Weeds
At a conference I once heard, "A weed is just a plant in a place someone doesn't want it to be." I have yet to try cooking up some dandelion greens but I am currently battling a garden plot that really weeded up while we were away for awhile. There is so much time to think while you are weeding by hand. The sermon last Sunday meditated on the lesson about what kind of ground we are - what seeds planted within us will do. Will they be scorched on barren ground? Will they have trouble rooting in rocky soil? Will they get choked out by thorns (weeds?) or will they flourish in fertile depths? Of course the more you as nurturer are prepared - by yourself, by others, by a higher power - the more likely the latter will occur. It definitely takes some work to ensure personal growth. Yes, sometimes a seed simply falls and finds the right purchase. You've had that surprise cucumber or melon plant next to the compost. Generally though, fruit-bearing plants require some tending. I dreaded digging into that overgrown plot but what do you know? The weeds had spread but much of the ground cover led to central roots. When I found the root and pulled, much more ground was exposed than I had imagined. Where I was sure I saw thousands of weeds there were only hundreds. In the same way something we dread can be daunting but once we delve in and attempt to find the root of the problem, much more is solved than we had imagined. Whether we find a positive use for the weeds in our lives or discern the root and remove them by it, addressing weeds will create a more fruitful life.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mamas, let your babies grow up to be farmers!
From "Flavor" magazine, this editorial by Joel Salatin encourages moms (and dads) to encourage young farmers for the good of us all:
Noble Farming by Joel Salatin
It is on page 17 & 18 of the electronic magazine.
Happy Mother's Day!
Noble Farming by Joel Salatin
It is on page 17 & 18 of the electronic magazine.
Happy Mother's Day!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Have a COW, man!
Well as of Thursday we own a cow. Well, part of a cow anyway - a Jersey. Her name is Daisy and she lives at Myrtle Acres Farm. This is an amazing arrangement whereby we don't have to milk twice a day but get some of the milk and cream she gives! We did some research into raw milk before we chose this path. Apparently those against the consumption of raw milk present the argument that someone MAY get sick from drinking it, since the pasteurization process has not taken place (and btw most of the cons are from government and, I suspect, dairy industry lobbyists). The pro side suggests that there are many health benefits to raw milk and that the good organisms are done in along with the bad when you pasteurize. Unless your system is already compromised in some way (weak immune system, for example) and provided the milk is handled correctly (which is true of store-bought milk as well) then it is just fine. The family that boards the cows told us that they had extreme lactose intolerance in the family and once they got the cows and started with the raw milk they were able to eat/drink it in any form and no problems (except they've had to clip their fingernails more often). Let's face it, if raw milk was a problem we wouldn't be here, would we? Generations grew strong on its benefits. It is also delicious! We have made butter and a Banana Cream Pie from scratch so far. Just a cold glass is heaven!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
What are you worth?
I was discussing this beef article:
http://www.alternet.org/environment/144904/yummy!_ammonia-treated_pink_slime_now_in_most_u.s._ground_beef?page=1
with my husband this morning and he made a really good point. If you buy or choose not to buy from a major food/retail chain, you are a fraction of a penny in their eyes. If you buy or choose not to buy from your local farmer you are $7 a pound, a $26/mo. CSA share, and, over time, much, much more! The source you can look in the eye will always be the source that cares more - about your business, about the quality of the product, about you. When we shopped at Harvest Market the other day my son was much more interested in the process than he usually is when I grocery shop and when we left he said, "Those people were friendlier than the people at the other groceries." What are you worth? Are you worth a fraction of a cent or much, much more?
http://www.alternet.org/environment/144904/yummy!_ammonia-treated_pink_slime_now_in_most_u.s._ground_beef?page=1
with my husband this morning and he made a really good point. If you buy or choose not to buy from a major food/retail chain, you are a fraction of a penny in their eyes. If you buy or choose not to buy from your local farmer you are $7 a pound, a $26/mo. CSA share, and, over time, much, much more! The source you can look in the eye will always be the source that cares more - about your business, about the quality of the product, about you. When we shopped at Harvest Market the other day my son was much more interested in the process than he usually is when I grocery shop and when we left he said, "Those people were friendlier than the people at the other groceries." What are you worth? Are you worth a fraction of a cent or much, much more?
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Harvest Market - Spotsylvania County Eat Local!
People of Spotsy County no longer have to wait until Saturdays from April - October to find local foods! A new business has opened at Spotsylvania Courthouse called "Harvest Market". They have meat and vegetables from local sources and many organic and whole food brands as well. We had some Pop Weaver's pork last week that was fabulous! Food from small local farms tends to run more expensive than large chain food, but you know the source and reduce the cost to our environment, while keeping your dollar in our community! In a recent article in the Free Lance Star ( http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2011/042011/04142011/619642 ), the owners cited health as their main impetus for opening. There are so many long-term reasons to eat local, whole food. I sometimes have sticker shock, but I've made a goal to buy a certain amount of my groceries from them each week - helping them stay in business while staying within my own budget. Harvest Market actually seems to be doing well - they are on the way to everywhere for anyone at or south of Spotsylvania Courthouse! Check out their link below and happy eating!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Everyday is Earth Day
I heard a story a few days ago about a new day of recognition, "Whole Food Day". My gut reaction to this compartmentalization of concepts that should be innate and organic is puzzlement and frustration. I suppose it is all well and good to draw attention to the cause but inevitably the commercial agendas creep in, in fact probably created this false focus to begin with. The people who truly support these concepts try to live them consistently even when no one is looking. I'm sure there are well-meaning participants who wish to pass along the practices of stewardship and nutrition to their offspring. What's wrong with a little fun and celebration of precious natural resources? Nothing, as long as we don't lose the awareness and the effort the day after. Usually the worthwhile result eludes the easy fix. So when the soy banners come down, the fumes from the food vendor trucks settle and the grass grows back from all the foot traffic, we must remember to revere Mother Nature in the small hours of each and every day.
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