Really. What if you couldn't go to the store? The plants and animals around you take on a whole new meaning. Work in the garden takes on a new intensity; projects like the bees seem even more important.
I've wanted to try eating just from my own hand for several years now; my last attempt was sidetracked by medical issues. But I am going to try it again this summer and see how it goes. How long before I have my first choc-o-holic freak out and need to mainline a brownie? How long before my MSG levels drop dangerously low and I have to snort an eggroll or frozen veggie nugget? Can Diet Pepsi withdrawal give you the shakes? Hmm...we shall see.
Victory Garden logo from Victory Garden Supplement specially written for The New Garden Encyclopedia, 1943
11 comments:
BRAVO, Melanie!
I respect those who even attempt to live off what they produce. Unfortunately, the only "food" I grow around here is pumpkins ~ for the SHEEP!!!
I truly just don't have the time...
Well, Nancy, I have to give a big shout out to those who also raise for their animals, it's all in the same vein...I'm sure Dream would share her pumpkin with you - but I don't know how you would look with an orange chin!
And your "time" is spent raising sheep - without whom we would be nekked! Ain't that a scary thought!
Great post!! I really try to eat strictly out of our garden and the local farmers market.
It's hard -- I crave fresh fruit. I love avocados. I want seafood.
But I haven't bought any tomato products in 8-10 years (paste, sauce, whole, diced, pizza sauce, salsa, catsup) Green beans and corn the same thing. There is progress.
We are growing more greens -- I've got peas growing on the trellis now. I just finished planting broccoli and kale. And hopefully, I'll get about 20# of seed potatoes in the garden.
Its hard work -- love it!!! -- but the whole process is tough!
Amen! Anybody that thinks this is easy ought to try our lives for a week. I mean, I wouldn't give it up for anything...but there's always one that thinks I fill my days relaxing in the sun and running a quasi-petting zoo...
Oh I would love to have a vegetable garden. Alas in our urban yard, squirrels and bunnies eat everything we try to grow.
This year, we are getting a farm share.
Great post, Melanie. I think I could live without chocolate if I had maple syrup! :-) Speaking of, since you already produce that, why did you decide to also produce honey?
Michelle-
one can NEVER have too many sweets! No, really, we chose to start the bees because as farmers we felt it would improve pollination, plus with the large numbers of hives dying off, I felt it was an appropriate way to "give back" if we started and supported a hive.
Plus, if they make it to year 2, we can draw honey for ourselves and for sale if we have enough - and income for the farm is always a welcome thing!
The pollination is a good point; Rick rented a box to put in our "orchard" this year.
I am going to really try, esp. with corn, cabbage, & tomatoes BUT I can NOT give up my Coke....I am weak I admit it, but I can not live without it. Does it help that I drink a lot of milk and have never, ever smoked because that is really gross and really bad for the environment?
I agree with Nancy - Bravo!
I (unfortunately) have three lambs in the freezer from last year for sale or our own eats. (Unfortunate as they were good boys who just didn't find homes)
We are adding more to the garden this year, but will try to keep it manageable as it's just the two of us and if we garden big friends hate to see us as we're always loading everyone up with produce that they have an overabundance of themselves. :)
And I'm thinking of getting another couple of hives. I miss having bees and know it would be so helpful all-around...except where we live is very sparse for flowers for the bees. These pine forests don't support an overabundance of wildflowers most years. :(
I am planting a large pumpkin patch just for the sheep this year. ;) Darn Nancy...she started it...when I brought Skittles out here he brought his love for pumpkins with him. LOL!
Life without brownies? Would it really be worth living? I think not.
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