First whole day of spring. Recovering from a brutal cold, I went out when the sun was well up and the frost gone from the soil. The ground that I worked last week was black and fine, warmed by a week of sun and a gentle rain.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Yesterday we enjoyed the first blasts of spring. It was nearly 50 and sunny. The ball fields were full of anxious players and I was just as anxious to get started gardening. First I did some clean up, removing the last of the fall crops I hadn't harvested. The clean up turned into a gleaning as I managed to salvage leeks, turnips and carrots. I took them home and roasted them with herbs and some Veggie Mobile goodies I had in the fridge. After roasting they went in the blender with a bit of stock and Viola! a delicious soup. I had it for lunch today. My first harvest of the season on March 15th, substantial and delicious!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Rest of the Story
With my respects to Paul Harvey. I thought you might appreciate a tour of the changing world. After so many years crying in the wilderness, it seems the powers that be are starting to hear our teeny-tiny voices of systemic and sustainable change.
Perhaps you heard the First Lady thinks local food is good tasting food, perfect for inspiring children to eat their veggies? She even took time to mention community gardens by name. It turns out the prez himself has been known to eat his veggies and the White house lawn may soon be a vegetable garden.
When chosen to head the USDA, Tom Vilsack, former governor of Iowa, was given some Bronx cheers by the sustainable agriculture folks, who called him the governor from Monsanto. But it turns out he may have a personal history that makes him very amenable to understanding the consequences of a food system based on corn syrup. In an interview for internal publication within the USDA Vilsack really spills his guts.
The praise for Vilsack has actually been coming in recent weeks from those who previously would have buried him. It seems he chose a woman of impeccable sustainable qualifications as his second in command, Kathleen Merrigan.
In a GMO update: Ag Giants are attempting to keep their hands firmly on the reins, trying to persuade the world that their genetically modified crops are essential to the future of the planet, but the scientists are no longer inclined to go along. Research is starting to indicate GMO foods may be dangerous not just for the people or animals that eat them, but for the earth itself.
I just thought you all might want to know!