Eat Local

Times have changed. 100 years, 75 years, hmmmm - maybe 50 years ago was there any other way for most Americans but to eat what they or their community grew? Now it's a movement. Oh, don't get me wrong I love the idea and am in the process of creating a space for my family and local community, Southworth, to do the same.
When we moved out here our daughters teased us every time we said the word FARM! The only thing growing here was an old small fruit orchard.
Tony and I attended several WSU extension courses on sustainable farming and learned quickly that if the land you live on isn't making you any $ you need a plan. So we created one.
We are only getting older so we took into consideration the amount of work and return for it. Heirloom tomatoes are delicious but a lot of work for $4.00 a lb. So the first crop we settled on was blueberries. Upfront labor for preparing the soil, measuring rows, double digging, was hard and took time but our first crop is in! 240 plants. With some TLC, pruning and 3 dogs to help keep deers at bay we are on our way. It is very exciting. In a few years we'll have a small crop to sell.
Contributing to a movement, to our health, and to our community. I like the sound of that.
Last year I was given a book that I loved and learned so much from reading. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. She shares about her families journey committing to eating local for 1 year. Even if you don't have a space to grow your own food anyone who eats should read it to learn about what you are eating. You will be shocked. It was also fun to read about the author as a wife and mother. A very funny lady.
Kitsap Co. is trying to better it's community by creating a food coop. Plans are under way but as with anything it may be a couple years. In the mean time here is a list and map of farms where you can begin supporting your health and local farmers from the ground up.
F.R.

Before I am blog-xiled

Well I must have seen this coming. Otherwise why would I have said there will be some 'fill in the blanks' after the fact. I have been scolded as of late to get back into the blog world, people really do read this stuff.

Trying to condense the past 6 months isn't so easy. Looking back I realize the things that were so important then, selecting sinks, countertops, cabinets, flooring, all that remodeling stuff really took alot of eneregy and filled my head and my sleep with temporary importance. Things got done. The kitchen is beautiful. I even like cleaning it! But you know it's just stuff. What really matters is what happens in your home. The laughter from a grandchild. Cuddling on the sofa with my man. Playing the 'family game' with new friends. Sharing our hearts, our time and love express more than any finished project can.
We are slowing down this year. We admit we took on alot, didn't know how to do alot, but we really did get alot done.

No matter how full and complete we think we are I have learned there is room for more. Unconditional love. Love that comes unexpectantly and in this case very quickly. Our daughter Anya and husband Jeremy are adopting 3 siblings and this process is an overwhelming expression of love. Our lives will never be the same.

Read her story, her words.

I will be back. I hope you will be too.
F.R.