Pretty Pickles

Green, which is Nature’s colour, is restful, soothing, cheerful, and health-giving.

~ Paul Brunton

As promised, here is a picture of the pickles.  Aren’t they beautiful?  I think so.  We opened a jar of them yesterday to taste-test them and they are delicious.  Much better than store-bought pickles.

One of the arguments against local shopping is the cost.  I know because I’ve used that argument on more than one occasion.  However, I’ve come to realize that for some things, local shopping is the best way to go either in terms of quality or cost or both.

I’ve purchased many a cheap item from one of the big box stores (that I often refer to as the Evil Empire) and had to replace it not long after buying it.  That’s hardly a good way to save money.  It also equals one more thing (or several more things) taking up space in a landfill.  I’ve learned the hard way that sometimes it is best to spend the money up front for a quality item rather than save money now only to have to spend more later.

This time of year is the best time for buying fresh food and putting some away for the winter months.  I’ve heard it said that eating a healthful diet is costly.  Compared to buying a couple of burgers from a 99 cent menu, I suppose it is.  Compared to what you’ll have to spend later on health insurance, maybe not.

When you buy locally grown produce, you also reduce your carbon footprint.  The food doesn’t need to travel nearly as far so what you get is fresher and generally more nutritious.  You can get some great deals at a local farmers market or through a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).  This also helps support your local economy and local farmers.

(At the Hartville Market)

August 1 – 7 is National Farmers Market Week here in the U.S..  Not sure where to find a local farmers market?  No problem.  Visit Local Harvest, plug in your zip code or city and state, and they’ll find one for you.  Local Harvest is a great website with all kinds of resources for you.

If you can, take the time this week to visit a local farmers market and partake in the bounty of your local harvest.  You might even want to try something new, a fruit or vegetable you’ve never tried before.  Or just stock up on something you know you like and preserve some for the winter months.  One of the things I love about canning tomatoes is opening up a jar of them in January and immediately noticing the fresh tomato-y aroma that brings back the warmth of summer.

Oh, and that 17 lbs. of broccoli I processed and stored in the freezer?  The cost was $17.00.  One dollar a pound for fresh, delicious, nutritious broccoli is not bad.  Not bad at all.

I’ll get off my soapbox now.  And as a thank you for reading, here is a pretty shot of the moon and clouds taken one morning last week:

(Morning Moon)