Dirty boots and ravioli

Ok people hang on to your hats... March is here, and although it is rainy and nasty this morning, I was able to get home before the sun set yesterday and work in my garden for about a half hour. Things were a little soggy, and I may have killed a peony trying to transplant it, but I have cleared a place next to my current garden (I am calling it "the Annex") area for my newly purchased asparagus roots.

And where did I get my asparagus roots? I got them at the flower and garden show that Bill and I went to this past Saturday. It was fun, but the vendor part was a bit disappointing. The gardens were really cool.

Last night we had my home made ravioli. When did I make the ravioli? On Saturday night Lily came over and we made pasta and ravioli. and after having a meal of the pasta and a yummy sauce made by Bill, we continued the culinary theme and watched Julie and Julia. I loved the movie it was cute and fun and as always Meryl Streep was amazing.

I will try to upload pictures of the raviolis and what-not for your viewing pleasure.

why i like to garden

This posting on one of my favorite blogs got me a bit worked up.

I don't like to be thought of as part of a "movement". Yes I like to eat organic (sometimes). and yes I like to eat local (sometimes), but I like having a banana in the winter, and I like having awesome cheeses from the store.

I don't garden because of a movement or because I want to return to a simpler time. I garden because I love it. I love raising something and seeing it grow and enjoying the fruits (literally) of my labor. I like the taste of fresh veggies and going out and picking a pepper to grill and eat 20 min later.

I won't simplify the thought process of eating better (ie more fresh produce and dairy over processed foods) as looking at our agricultural history with rose colored glasses. I know that in many ways 100 years ago our food processing and manufacturing was scary (think The Jungle) and worse for human health. And as much as I joke about my farm with chickens, I know that I would never be able to work a farm like they did 150 years ago. That being said, I don't like the extremist labeling that seems to happen with any type of "movement" these days. Just because I don't like the way things are currently doesn't mean I want to go to the past. Just because I like to try making my own ice cream or pasta (thanks dad!) doesn't mean I won't buy some Ben & Jerry's or Burtolli.

Here is what I believe... just because it is called "food" and they have it at a grocery store, doesn't mean you should eat it. And just because something isn't "good for you" doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. Just use some common sense people. If what you are eating day in and day out is more chemical that natural your body isn't going to function properly. You don't have to buy organic , you don't even have to grow your own food you just have to think about what you are eating. HOWEVER if more people demanded quality fresh produce I think more stores might provided it, and it seems that one way people are demanding that type of food is by the "organic" "local" "grow your own" movements that are springing up around the country.

In the end I don't think it is about being "liberal" or "hippy" or "idealizing the past." I think eating well and living well are things all humans want and need. I don't think it is wrong to demand a certain quality of food, and if you have the resources to get said quality, whether that means buying organic, local or just doing it yourself.

gardens!!!

Who is excited for spring?!?

[me me me.....]
[oh oh oh pick me!!!]

In celebration of a predicted 45 degree day this week lets talk about seeds and planting.

I think today I am going to talk about two of the three books I bought on line and then give my run down for hopefuls for the garden this year.

Both of the books that I am review are by the same author: Gayla Trail. She has a website here. The books are similar in tone and even have many of the same types of encouragement and suggestions.

I like the special projects in this book. being sewing deficient I think some of the tasks might be too hard for me to accomplish but there are some cool suggestions and fun projects. There were suggestions for how to combat (in an earth friendly way) some of the pests and diseases that can plague a garden. Some of my other books talk about making "teas" and "milks" but she actually explains how easy it is to do so.
This book is full of beautiful pictures and great advice for growing and using what you have. more focused on the actual garden aspect than the projects and what not. I liked the coverage of different veggies, which is a good portion of the book. Unlike some gardening books, who's coverage of plants is mostly charts with a tiny description, this book just writes about planting and harvesting, no charts! She gives great tips and hints through out some covering the same topics as the "You Grow Girl" book.

I don't know if I would reccoment buying both of these, but try to find them at your library, and if you like one as a refference book get it.

hmm

so I had started a great post about the gardening books that i recently bought, but then I wanted to check somethings in the books first and never got around to it last night.

Instead you get to hear about my newest foray into fish.

Bill and I bought a half pound salmon fillet this weekend. I always thing of salmon as the fish nasty lox or smoke salmon that come in the box of Harry and David that no one at work wants. THIS salmon was delicious (though a tad fatty) and not fishy at all. we baked it with a marinade, but I think I might marinade longer the next time... as it is a thick fatty fish. Anyway, salmon was good and we had brussel sprouts with a lemon butter and some whole wheat cous cous. Bill told me this morning that a lot of people would like the meal we had last night... and at first I took it as a slight to my cooking, but he explained that some many people won't eat fish or a veggie like brussel sprouts. even cous cous can be off putting to people who have never tried it.

So my lesson for all of you: try something that you think you don;t like. try it in a new way and go in without your old prejudices and you might just be surprised. I for one will be willing to make salmon again because of it.

Mom's Book

I know the message from my mom was very long, but to sum up:

My mom wrote and published her first book. It is a book geared for people with Alzheimer's disease. To find out more, or to order a copy visit her site (we hope that Amazon will be carrying it soon).

I know most of you people that read this are younger, but you might have grand parents or other relatives that could benefit from such a book. Or you might know of church groups or other organizations that might be able to utilize such a book.

The world of self publishing is tough, so I will probably post a reminder like this for all 10 of my readers :) every once in a while and I also put a link on the side bar.

Thanks!!