The Joys of Summer

 

 What I like about this summer [[so far...]] :

{1} Peaches! I've always liked peaches, but this year, I'm really enjoying buying them locally and eating them often...perhaps too often...

{2} I have really enjoyed making different kinds of iced drinks this summer. I've been experimenting with different ways to do iced coffee and I have even tried making Sun Tea!

{3} Trips to the zoo. You're never too old to enjoy the zoo! [[even if we do look a little odd going without any kids, we still have a ton of fun!]]

{4} My garden is actually producing crops! We've gotten to enjoy some lettuce and spinach thus far, but the tomatoes are looking good and ripening quickly! They should be available to eat soon!

{5} Every day that passes we are closer to becoming licensed foster parents. This prospect really excites us and I am LOVING that we have a nursery in our home!

{6} Since the weather is nice and people don't mind driving, we've gotten to spend a lot of extra time with friends and family

{7} I opened my Etsy Shop so I've been doing a lot of knitting and crocheting [[which I have a lot of fun doing]].

{8} Again, because of the nice weather, Josh and I have been able to go on a TON of bike rides. I really enjoy the time we get during those to chat and connect.

{9} Summer = ice cream. It's just a fact.

{10} Summer is Blockbuster Time so all of the great high action films are coming out in theaters! [[If you haven't seen The Avengers yet, get off of your computer, or whatever you're reading this on, and get that booty over to the theater to see it! You heard me...GO!]]

HAPPY FRIDAY Y'ALL!

Community-Supported Agriculture

Last summer, Josh and I went through this stretch of time where we were watching a lot of food documentaries because there were a lot of them streaming on Netflix. We started seeing things about the food market that we weren't really comfortable with. We decided to start shopping as locally as possible [[with a few exceptions.]] We found a small-ish produce stand a little ways from our apartment and started buying our produce there, that way we were sure it was in season and that we were paying a fair price for it.

That's when we stumbled across the idea of joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. A CSA is a way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here's how it works: Before the start of a farming season, a farmer pre-sells shares of food to the members. Then, each week during the season, the members receive a box of whatever produce is currently available.

CSA's usually supply vegetables, but can also include other farm products. A few of the ones we've seen:

• Chicken and Eggs
• Ground Beef and Eggs
• Milk
• Breads and Pastries

You can find a CSA in your area here. We used this tool, and came across a CSA in Bloomington through  Brown's Farms. The membership cost $250 for the year, but if you look at how much you would be spending in a store for an equal amount of veggies, it's really a better deal. Plus, you get the satisfaction that comes from supporting families in your community and knowing that the food you receive is nutritional and local.

We were too late to join in for the 2011 season, so we anxiously awaited the coming of spring 2012. It was a long wait, but when we went to the farm to pick up our first basket, it was well worth it! Our first basket contained Spinach, two kinds of lettuce, green onions, three kinds of radishes and turnips. I could hardly wait through the car ride home to dig into the basket! [[But knew it would be wise to wait because, really who wants a mouth full of dirt? Not this girl...]]

Our most recent pick-up.

 As the weeks have passed, we have enjoyed trying some new vegetables that we otherwise wouldn't have tried. My favorite example has to be kohlrabi. Most people haven't heard of it and definitely wouldn't know what to do with it. Thankfully, our farmers know all of the ins and outs of how to prepare their crops.

So...the whole reason for this post. I really want to raise awareness of this beautiful service that a lot of local farmers provide. What better way to enrich your community and your families than supporting local farmers in this way? I really encourage you to do some research into CSA's that are available in your area and consider joining one.