I was late in ordering my two 2015 calendars this year. Didn't put in the order until the 5th of January. Now I'm wondering why I waited so long. I keep one on the wall here near my desk and the main one is on the side of the refrigerator in the kitchen. I can't believe how many times a day I look to see what the date is or to check a notation (that should be) there. Who knew I used my calendars so much? I received notification that they were shipped on the 6th, day after my order, so where are they??
We just came up from the root cellar after doing one of our irregular regular (?) checks down there to make sure none of the veggies or apples had bad spots or were starting to mold. Found one apple (only one!) with a bruise and tiny speck of mold on it. Otherwise, everything looks super-doo.
We've never had cabbage keep in such good shape. Conditions must be juuust right for them. I brought up this beauty that weighs in at 7 pounds, 4 ounces. (Boy howdy, that's a lot of coleslaw.) The beets and carrots are looking good also. There is a bucket of potatoes out in the garage utility sink where my dear husband does a quick washing of them to get off 90% of the dirt before bringing them into the kitchen.
There's no lack of good food around here, that's for sure. I'm feeling guilty that I'm not attempting Susan's (over at e-i-e-i-omg!) challenge to herself of not purchasing any food for a year. I do admire that gal a whole bunch. For many reasons. You go, girl!
19 comments:
I cannot wait to see how she fares on this as well. I envy her so much. I wish could do it....I think, but hubby would put the kabosh on that! You know. King of the Castle--won't be denied his FRESH fruit. Sigh. I have a LEAST a years worth of meat/fruit/vegetables/grains/etc in this house. And I sure hate grocery shopping!
Golly, fresh fruit would be a hard one for me too. I was just out to buy bananas the other day (and found zero). My trees and fruit bushes are not yet ready for a full harvesting. Maybe in a few years. I do envy your root cellar (said in my whiniest voice). I keep bugging Hubby for one.
I was pretty impressed with Susan's challenge as well. I'm also impressed with your root cellar and that cabbage! (Not impressed with your weather, however. No offense, but it can stay there and I'll stay here!)
Sniff, sniff! I wish I had a root cellar. :-)
Sue - I don't mind grocery shopping at all but I don't think I'd actually miss it much. Today I went in to our local organic co-op for the first time in about three weeks. (Just did not want to go out in our frigid weather! I'm such a pansy.) Among other things, I bought fresh spinach, an orange (for Red Onion/Spinach/Orange Salad), some bananas (for our smoothies), and a couple of small but good looking tomatoes I want to use in some tortillas roll-ups. Those are the kinds of things I would really miss doing Susan's challenge. But I'm with you all the way on having enough meat, fruit, grains and vegetables canned or frozen to make it easily for a year.
Kristina - I was just thinking the other day that the only fruit you can really keep for any amount of time "fresh" is apples. All else need to be canned or frozen. (Or maybe dried if you think of raisins, cranberries or prunes. Well, okay, you could dehydrate any fruit, I suppose, but I think that's less desirable as far as the "flavor" compared to canned or frozen.) We have LOTS of blueberries and raspberries -- strawberries are already gone, small harvest last year -- canned and in the freezer but that's just not the same as fresh.
Up until just last year we went many years without a root cellar, but oh my, are we ever happy with ours now. We really tried to do it right and went to time, trouble and expense including installing an air exchange fan in it but it's been worth it already. Keep bugging your hubby!
Leigh - Haha! We all make our own decisions as to where we want to live for our own (questionable?) reasons. And I guess it's a good thing we don't all choose the same environment and climate. (Talk about over-crowding!) Every now and then when reading your blog, I think about how much easier it must be in your area as far as keeping animals, but then I read of your many successive days of 100 degrees in the summer time and I would worry about the animals then, too. (Plus I would melt into one slothful puddle of ooze!)
The Weekend Homesteader - You can live vicariously through mine! I'll share.
P.S. Keep it on your Wish and Want List!
Ahh, a root cellar, I will never have, waaay too humid & warm in our neck of the woods.. That cabbage & those beet & carrots look beautiful to me. Hope your calendar(s) arrive soon. I rely on them as well.
A root cellar is on my list too. Maybe 2016. Those veggies look excellent! I'm still a good ways off from even considering a "don't buy groceries" for a year challenge. Maybe someday!
DFW - Yes, a good, functional root cellar is something we are able to have because of our climate. I guess each of us in our own specific environment has to figure out what works and doesn't work for us. (A hard task sometimes!)
Mark - We've all got our goals that we strive for. Too bad we can't have them materialize instantaneously! (Wait. Somehow I don't think that would be good either . . . ) :o)
A fine looking cabbage!
tpals - I thank you. The cabbage thanks you. ;o}
Well, gee, shucks and patooey. I hope you're still thinking highly of me when I run out of good things to eat and am knocking on your back door. With my three dogs, two cats and assorted others.... :)
Susan - First off, I have all the confidence in the world that you WILL pull off this challenge of yours. Next, I'm thinking we have enough food in the root cellar, pantry and freezers for you plus all your critters. But, boy, would it be crowded in here! ;o} (Never had a llama in my living room before.)
Mama Pea,
Brrr.......I hate to say it but......the temperatures will be warming up into the 50's this weekend. Yes, that's right and we're hoping to add some trout to our freezer this weekend. Going fishing Saturday and Monday.
I would love to follow in Susan's footsteps but can't go 1 year without going into town for something from the grocery store.
A root cellar is on my wish list when we buy our next place. Your vegetables look amazing, and they've held up very well. Maybe we will may a tornado shelter conversion large enough to incorporate a root cellar, and place to sleep during the tornado season.
Sandy - Our weather is gradually warming up, too. We were in the 20s today which was very warm compared to what it has been. Also very damp and gray, but no snow. Hrumpf.
If you're living in tornado territory at any time (we were in Illinois), it's a secure feeling to have a sturdy below ground structure. It would keep you and your cabbages safe!
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