Monthly Archives: March 2020

Overcoming Fear Of Food

For now, if you find yourself slipping into food fear (or any other kind, really), put down your device, go outside and plant some greens. Really. You’ll feel better almost immediately and you’ll certainly eat better with lots of fresh greens on hand that don’t need any more decontamination than a swish in cool water and a quick spin dry. Fortunately, nurseries that grow and sell edible plants have been recognized as essential (well duh) so plants and starts are still available. Some nurseries are offering free local delivery, others are letting people call in and pay for orders, then drive through the parking lot for pick up. Take advantage of local options for everyone’s sake (we may save an industry as well as our sanity). Continue reading

Posted in Care & Feeding, Early Crops, Health & Wellbeing, Planting & Transplanting, Sustainable Gardening, Sustainable Living | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Bathing In Light

Yesterday I went for my usual careful ramble around the neighborhood, seeing almost no one until I came upon a couple of older women who were perched on large cement blocks at the edge of our local farmer’s market space. Despite the watery sunshine, nobody else was in sight. The women were sitting a careful 10 feet apart and talking about how they’ve been spending their days in isolation, reading, writing, crafting, cooking. I stood another 10 feet away and we shared experiences and stories and ideas for a stimulating half hour before they stiffly got off the cold slabs to return to their homes. I kept walking for a while, thinking about how restorative positive human interactions can be and hoping I never take them for granted again. Continue reading

Posted in Health & Wellbeing, Sustainable Gardening, Sustainable Living, Weed Control | 9 Comments

Going Viral

Watching the virus scream through Italy, we’ve learned that self isolating is worth practicing, since it really does help to reduce the spread of this new virus. Nobody is immune because it IS new. We’re learning to wash our hands very, VERY thoroughly. We’re learning that our greatest goal should be to remain safe and help to flatten the curve—the spread of the virus—for our communities. We’re even learning new ways to connect; last week I attended my first online board meeting. Today, we canceled my community’s March board meeting and our big annual potluck. Not only are we told not to gather in groups of more than ten, but we can’t rent our usual meeting place anyway, because the local Senior Center is closed by recommendation of our local Prepared group and the City of Bainbridge Island. Instead of getting together, we call, send cards, email, or text. Instead of hugs or handshakes, we bow with folded hands. Namaste. Continue reading

Posted in Climate Change, Health & Wellbeing, Sustainable Gardening, Sustainable Living | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Antiviral Kitchen Herbs

My little garden is also overrun with mellow spearmint and pungent peppermint, both traditional medicinals that do in fact contain powerful antibacterial and antiviral compounds. Both also make a pleasant sipping tea, combined with chamomile (antibacterial and antiviral), more lemon balm, and calendula petals (antiviral and anti-inflammatory). I’m tossing garlic greens and sprigs of fennel, thyme and oregano (antibacterial and antiviral) into raw kale and apple salads and in leek and mushroom omelets as well (fennel, onions and garlic being rich in many beneficial properties). As I glean these wholesome, health-enhancing snippets, I’m also breathing in their fragrances along with fresh, cool air. Just poking around in my still-chilly garden calms my mind and soothes my spirit. As they say these days, stay calm and wash your hands. Onward…. Continue reading

Posted in Health & Wellbeing, Hoarding, Nutrition, Recipes, Sustainable Gardening, Sustainable Living, Vegan Recipes | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments