Rant and Rave

Neighbor Laura & I attended the Women Food & Agriculture Network's listening session on the upcoming Federal Farm Bill last night. It was a fascinating contingent of smart, savvy, and involved women (and a token male who was relegated to taking notes). The group included educators, students, owners/operators of large and small farms, organic growers and conventional growers, cash crop and livestock producers. I left the session understanding substantially more than when I arrived about the future of food and rural development policy - - and it scares me. As the saying goes, those who can’t do – teach, those who can’t teach –administrate, and those who can’t administrate –legislate.

Are those who support sustainable agriculture effectively advocating the social and economic benefits of alternative policies and buying/growing locally? It doesn't appear that way if you look at the proposed Farm Bill. Get involved, get educated, and be heard!

On a more positive note: the hens are doing very well and providing six eggs a day! I sold my first dozen to Neighbor Laura last night. DD is still enthusiastic about helping with chicken chores and its a very happy start to her day. She brought a couple to preschool to show her friends - - her teacher was very pleased with DD's "presentation and the in-depth Q&A session that followed."

We're investigating the purchase of a corn burning stove for supplemental home heating needs. Any advice? The folks at High Hopes Garden rave about theirs. DH found a few models that resemble Franklin stoves. We would like to create an original "built in" look with shelves, mantel and a desk around it. Will post drawing later...

Here's a great thought for the day:

"And then the day came, when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." -Anais Nin
[photo courtesy of Superhero Designs]