Did I mention that I have a problem about food? Today, because I wasn't thinking clearly, I went on an outing without a single snack. Now, this was normal in my pre-child life but no longer. Usually I have a few things almost literally stuck up my sleeves or something because in addition to my darling husband who can lose it slightly upon being seized suddenly by hunger, now I have a three year old who does the three year old version of losing it when (frequently) being seized suddenly by hunger.
Soooo I went to Atlanta Bread Company. Not fast food, right? Makes bread, right? Well, I order him the peanut butter and jelly, (Can't be too bad can it?) with whole wheat instead of "french bread" (read White) and the lady who was so helpful, offered to give him oranges instead of chips... Aw, how nice of her to get my drift.
So I go pick up the plate, and there is a sizeable bowl of (canned in corn syrup mandarin) oranges!!! THATs the ALTERNATIVE "healthy" food there.
Should I say anything more about our meal there, or should I just move right along?
I think I'll go to the other end of the spectrum, so that you don't think I'm a raving lunatic. (Who am I fooling? No one, right?) After reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle I was convinced by the importance of Asparagus. This, being the first food to pop up in the spring, and ONLY in the spring, I signed up for a day at Monroe farms where they have exactly two pick yer own crops. I know this is different from other CSAs out there, but it is what it is, which is a full hour drive away.
I load up the boys, Milo had a fever, (yes I'm a bad mother too) and Rowan was a little under the weather. But dammit, three years at this CSA and I was going to make it out there to get my little penis shaped spears. I didn't even know what they looked like growing, but I remembered a carrying container, and the Ergo, so Milo would ride on my back.
Rowan brought his rain boots, wisely, and I unwisely brought my crocs, which fill immediately with dirt as soon as you step in it. And FYI, food is grown in dirt, even though the world of grocery stores would like you to forget that, and quick.
We got our assigned row after walking past the chickens that would be giving us eggs or becoming our dinner/stock soon, and Billy (yes, the Goat. har har). It stretched very far, and I looked down it, as Jacquie said, if you don't think you're going to pick the whole row, please go to the far end and pick this way. (Which is very wise with children anyway.) So we did, we sang and sang and I talked about my big strong boy who could walk ALLLL the way down there, and how it was a good thing he was three now, and was big enough to do this important work with me. (He wanted to see the piglets, they were the reward for finishing.)
So we did it, I bent and picked and Milo was a champ and Rowan was a champ and I was too, I picked that whole row and crowed to George (whose LEAST favorite food in the world... yup you guessed it-ASPARAGUS) Was going to come home in a big ol' laundry basket.
And then we went and saw the piggies. Who are so damn cute, I have to say. They run around and circle like puppies do, and their noses are adorable. very cute.
And then we came home, and I was so glad that Rowan met his farmer and saw this land and saw those animals, and if we can't do the growing ourselves then thank goodness that we can know the people who do.
But our peas are doing great, and there are flowers on the plants, so we're doing a bitty bit here in the backyard. And we have Radishes popping up, the easiest thing to do with kids, according to my friend kim and she is right, they came right up, very satisfying.
What do you have in your garden?
2 comments:
Okay....you made me laugh today and I needed it. I took two crabby kids and one dog to the vet. Enough said about why I needed a laugh. How can George dislike asparagus? I LOVE it and wish I were there to pick it with you:) I need to start my garden....was just thinking this last night and now you've inspired me as right now we're only growing herbs. Miss you!
-Carrie
Let's see...what's in my garden?
I got my peas in late, so they're only about 8-10 inches tall right now. No blooms in sight.
Corn is up about the same height. Hoping it likes the chicken manure/compost I put on it. I tucked some pole bean seeds in between the corn plants last week, so hope to see a few of them sprouting soon.
Onions are doing great, carrots (again put in late so just starting to peek through)are coming along.
Four tomato plants--2 Romas, one yellow pear and one Brandywine. They're all suffering from leaf curl right now in the coldish weather. Hope that will clear up here in the next few weeks.
Herbs are having an interesting time with the compost. I think it was too "hot" for the Basil, which looks pretty yellow and peaked. Parsley, however, is loving it! Dark green and growing like crazy. But, the Stevia died and Rosemary is hanging on by a thread, as is the Thyme and Marjoram. No, I should say the Marjoram is doing well. The Thyme just isn't sure what it wants to do yet.
And guess what else I have? I have an asparagus bed. It's about 4 feet by 4 feet and this has been THE year for it! I put in 2-year-old roots about 4 years ago, and this year we've had just the right amount--not too much, not too little. Yum!
Strawberries are going gang-busters. I should have a great harvest here in a few weeks--as long as I get the netting put over them soon!
Raspberries are growing up the fence nicely but no blooms yet. Won't see those for another month or so.
A few apples on the young apple trees. I'm considering picking them off again this year and then maybe letting them produce next year.
Let's see...what else? Rhubarb that I haven't been able to kill off for the past few years so am now watering it by hand every once in a while...
Lettuce bed that needs replanted today...
Oops! Guess that's my queue to get out there and get busy!
Loving your blog!
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