Tucson CSA

We're in!!! We signed up for the be members of the Tucson CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) about a month ago and they put us on a wait list. Well we got an email last week and were told there was still some space left. We scurried on over to the Tucson CSA office, signed our contract, paid our money and now we'll be getting a box full of fresh produce each Friday. Not only will it be fresh, but it's all locally grown in Southern Arizona and done so without pesticides and such.

Mike was inspired by Patrick (husband to Amy, brother-in-law to us) and his gardening endeavors. He was so inspired by the raised planter Pat built ... that he started building one himself in our backyard. My dear husband moved 12 very large and very heavy railroad ties from one side of our backyard to another in order to create a frame for what will become our garden. We went to Home Depot yesterday to buy the rest of the supplies we need to finish off the frame. Then we'll need to get some dirt (our backyard dirt is horrible and not really conducive to growing anything). We are planning on growing all our own veggies. I'll post some pictures soon, when we've accomplished a little more!

We heard about a book, "Extreme Gardening: How to Grow Organic in the Hostile Deserts," which is going to be our guide for picking the items we grow in our garden. There are actually a lot of things that will do well in our climate, from tomatoes and melons to every kind of squash. Hopefully by this time next year, we can eat almost exclusively out of our garden. We have this plan of becoming flexitarians, a sort of modified vegetarian. We want meat to become more of a side dish and one that we don't even eat at every meal. Everything I've read says that we will be healthier if we eat more plant products and limit the about of meat we consume ... so we're gonna try. Joining the CSA will help, as will having our own garden.

Next, I want to get a compost bin, so we can start discarding our natural waste in a more eco-friendly way and create some fertilizer for our garden. I'm sure most people who've known me for sometime are shocked even reading that previous statement. It's funny how much growing up changes your views. It also makes a difference that we live in a place where there is a greater emphasis on taking care of your body and the world around you. Plus, now that I'm a parent, I really care so much more about my health and the health of my family. I want to make sure Shelby grows up to strong and healthy and I'm around for a very long time to share her life with her. I know, too deep for a Monday morning!