Greenhouse

We had some pretty strange weather in St. Louis this past weekend but that didn't keep us from our responsibilities to the EarthDance farm. EarthDance has work space at the North County Tech greenhouse, and that is where we were Saturday. It was nice working in the warm greenhouse as the temps outside were in the 30's and it snowed later that afternoon. We planted about 13 different varieties of tomatoes, three varieties of eggplant along with husk cherries and tomatillos. Very productive day!

I love walking around the greenhouse. There is so much to look at, including chickens!







Welcome To The Farm

Field work started on the farm last week. We have already learned a lot and we're having a blast! Our fellow farmies are super nice and wonderful people. I'm so glad we decided to sign up for this. It's certainly a lot of hard work but everyone (including us) is anxious to do it. Yes there has been a few aches and sore muscles but it's sooo worth it!

Here is a list of what has been accomplished on the farm as of Monday (lots has happened since then:
  • cleared almost 2 acres of debris
  • cleaned and prepared 16 beds for planting, without a tiller I might add
  • direct seeded 1600' (4 rows x 4, 100' beds = 1600!) of peas
  • direct seeded 200' of kale
  • direct seeded 1000' of broccoli raab
  • direct seeded arugula
  • covered 600' of rows with row cover for insect protection
  • pruned blackberries
  • trellised 400' of peas
  • painted EarthDance tools
  • general stake and flag clean up on 2 acres
  • laid coffee sacks in the garlic rows to hold weeds down
  • transplanted some kale and sorrel
  • moved some flowers and cut back and cleaned up the herb garden

Like I said, lots of work going on on the farm and lots left to do. I can't wait to get back out there Saturday!

Here are a few pictures of our new home away from home!



I'm ready...I think!

So...I'm fat! There, I said it! Well, maybe overweight is a better word! I have struggled with being "just the right size" for the majority of my life. I don't think I have ever been comfortable with my body. Ever! Until, that is, after I look back at old pictures and I am currently much larger and think "I'd give anything to look like that again!".

Lately I have been extremely disappointed in myself for gaining weight and losing muscle. Not only do my "fat" jeans not fit, I am tired all the time and I get winded doing the smallest of tasks. This is not good! Not good at all! I need to make a change. I have some minor health issues that may or may not be easily corrected by A) losing weight B) eating healthier C) exercising D) all of the above. Above all I just want to feel healthy (that and I want to be able to wear my clothes again!). I would also like to gain some much needed confidence in myself.

Ultimately I would love to lose at least 25 lbs to start! Now, here's the thing. I eat fairly healthy as it is, I just eat a LOT of it. I love food. I love to cook. I love to entertain. I love eating out. And I love beer! I don't really want to give up these things so I'm going to have to find a happy balance that will help me achieve a more healthy lifestyle.

Our work on the farm starts Saturday. Those who know me well, know that I am beyond excited about this. I'm sure the long hours working in the field will help shed some lbs, but I don't want this to be my only form of exercise. I need to add a little more. Either by getting on the elliptical or taking a walk. I just need to be more active. With our work on the farm, we will receive a CSA share each week. I'm pretty excited about this. We'll have fresh and local produce every week through the growing season. This is definitely a good start at eating more veggies!

My hope is, by writing this post, it will force me to make some changes. By publicly acknowledging my personal battle, maybe, just maybe I can get my butt in gear! I'm sick of sitting around feeling sorry for myself and not doing anything about it!

Wish me luck! =)

I think I can, I think I can...

Come on Spring, you can do it! I can see you trying to sneak in and I love it!

Can Beer Save the Planet?

Over the past few years I have discovered a love an appreciation for good, quality beer. I even started a beer journal to remember some of the greats (and not so greats). Much like wine, I jot down notes about the appearance, aroma and flavor. As much as I love beer, I also love our planet and try to do my part to live a more sustainable life (this is a learning and ongoing process). So when I come across articles about eco-friendly breweries, I'm in heaven! It's so great that so many are making an effort to lessen their carbon footprint and really make a difference.

With St. Patty's Day just around the corner I thought I would share some great articles about "green" beer. Cheers!