It's a Dandie Time of Year

Just to update you all....yes, I ate dandelions and the verdict.....delicious! Honestly, I was a bit dubious as to them tasting good, but there it is. I picked the buds off some very large dandelions, blanched them for a minute then added them to sauteed shallots and garlic. Amazingly good. I can't believe I have never done this before...I will absolutely be going out for more.

Saturday I went to the Sister Annual Perennial Sale on Bond St. I was floored and absolutely thrilled. This sale has been going on for 8 years and started most humbly with a few gals gathering up their extra plants to sell. Now it seems like a full-scale operation, complete with many helpers, charity giving, and Massachusetts native plants. Many folks traveled from surrounding towns just to have a chance at getting a few plants, but by the time we left at 9:30am many of them were sold out! Impressive and warm and fuzzy despite the rain showers. I am sorry I didn't tell you about it before-hand, but I am a newbie and wanted to check it out first. I purchased a great many plants and have high hopes for them all. Fantastic find! The planting of them made me ache all day on Sunday, which is why we decided to go easy on the chore work and take a ride instead.

Our ride to Newburyport included a stop at Tendercrop Farm. What a great place. They sell their own farm grown items as well as imported produce and meat. I purchased some meat, as I am totally out from my stocks. The farm raises grass fed meat...although not organic. Last night we had hamburger for dinner and I have to say it was totally tasty and fresh. The prices actually seem reasonable for the products. The big surprise was that they had fresh picked asparagus and spinach! The season has begun!

My garden is getting in tip-top shape. I planted onions and potatoes in the raised beds...and my husband made trellises for the "big" garden. So far...so good. I am waiting on my seedlings from an organic farm in NH which will be picked up this weekend.

So spring has spung with a great start. Hope you are enjoying it.

I Ate My Lawn For Dinner

I am serious! 'Tis the season for terrific edibles right in your own backyard! Last night's menu included common blue violets. I have to admit I have never tried them before, but researched and confirmed that the flowers and tender new leaves are not only edible, but super tasty. Imagine a sweet peppery lettuce and that is how the flowers tasted. The leaves were a bit more earthy but still good and filled with vitamins.

How did I know about these wild edibles? It started with the naming thing and then spread out from there. Last year I went on an amazing walk with wild food author Russ Cohen. Just within 100 yards of our start he identified 10 different plants that you can not only eat, but enjoy. His book is wonderful because it really specifies our local area and lists what you can find during the average week throughout the year. I highly recommend his walks. It felt like he was some sort of zen master and we were just young grasshoppers.

So what is an easy edible to find in Reading? We are at the tail end of dandelions. The choice part is the flower buds (not the leaves) quickly blanched then prepared. I am determined to do this this year, but still have not had a chance.

In today's globe there is an article about "green" not being so green. Just know that eating wild is as green as you can get. There are many books on the topic and it can get totally addicting. Of course please make sure you have identified your plants correctly as to prevent poisoning!

My next conquest is to use the ground ivy that has taken over a section of my backyard to make a tea. Come on over for a cup.

Capitalism (1948)

Pretend you are sitting at the table with these fine young Americans participating in the forum. What say you about Mr. Brown's wienies. Discuss while I am away on some much needed R.R.

Get that garden ready!

You've Got to Name It, Baby

Many of you know that I am a huge fan of Richard Louv's Last Child in the Woods. The one line that stayed with me as almost a mantra is, "You got to name it in order to love it." The wise woman's point was only when one can call something by name will move you to fight to preserve it. Most humans cannot love things that cannot name. I realized I knew very little of my little world, and I was determined to be able to "name it" for my son, so he would be ahead of the game.

Well, I am happy to report that my what-is-it project (mushrooms, birds, wildflowers) will keep my long into my elder years, and the curiosity has extended to my son. He knows more bird songs than I, and is genuinely interested in learning more and more about them. I have to admit it was to my own benefit to steer him towards birds rather than his previous obsession...trains. These detailed engineering studies are very "mommy" friendly when you move beyond Thomas and the Island of Sodor. "No, honey, I don't know if it is a 4-6-4 steam locomotive or a 2-8-8-2."

The point of a bit a rambling is that Dave William's amazing bird walks start this Sunday at the town forest. Yes, it is early in the morning, 6 a.m., but just getting out that early on a Sunday is a bit of an adventure. There is no one about yet, and everything is so very peaceful. A bit of mist, dewy grass, and the wonder of how you never noticed the song of an oriole before. Dave is an amazing teacher...well he actually is a teacher in the RPS...and you will never feel embarrassed at asking questions or asking for help in spotting.

So take yourself out into the woods with your binoculars and feed that mysterious part of yourself that needs to connect with nature and other creatures. Enjoy that smile you smile when you realize that their are many, many beautiful birds living out their lives right under our noses in Reading.

Outside is not just for kids anymore :)

I'm A Winer

I am never one to need a reason to partake in a bit of wine, but the Wine Shop in Reading is quickly making it even less of a guilty pleasure (good and bad!). Tomorrow (3-5 p.m.) at the Wine Shop they are holding a tasting of eco-friendly wines and wineries from around the world. According to their announcement:

Discover the principles of organic and biodynamic agriculture. Unearth the many misconceptions about sulfites, tyramines, histamines and other compounds found in wine. Perplexed by the puzzling red wine headache? Concerned about sustainable farming? Ask what you've always wanted to know about the journey that grapes make from vineyard to bottle. Join us as we taste five wines from around the world, representing the best of what's out there.

So they can explain why I have a horrible headache after a night out with the gals?! Really, honey, it's the sulfites! I again digress...if you have not stopped by the shop what a great way to get introduced to a Reading gem. I am a big fan!

Earth Day Fair This Saturday!

Well it looks as if the festival season has started! With the coming of the warm weather comes the 2nd Annual Earth Day Sustainability Fair. This Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the folks from Reading's Climate Protection Committee will be hosting the Fair at the RMLD (230 Ash St.) There will be tons of information on how to be more "green" and even a worm demonstration. No ,they don't do tricks on unicycles, but they show how they are in integral part of the composting cycle.

In addition, grab your unused or broken-beyond-repair electronics for recycling. A new group called Reading Recycles is sponsoring this recycling event. Most items can be dropped off free of charge, and T.V.'s only cost between $10-15. This will be a great way to start your spring cleaning, without causing harm to the environment.

So it looks to be a messy day, but I am sure you will leave with a warm heart knowing that there are others out there that are really working towards a healthier future for planet earth.

Never Too Late for Maple Syrup-1