I'm trying out some new things here in my household. As the keeper of the home, the keeper of the grocery budget, the keeper of my own small photography business, and the keeper of the kids (during the day at least), I've decided to try my hand at a few strategies to make the most of the money and the time we've been blessed with as a family.
I'm sharing all of my latest, wildest endeavors here because 1) I need something to post about, 2) I LOVE to make lists, for any reason, and 3) maybe you can get an idea or two for yourself or leave a helpful comment or tip that I can try. I'm determined to not feel guilty if I'm not completely successful...we're talking baby steps, here.
First up:
* HOME-GROWN FOOD
Last year, we tried out a local CSA program. We had to pay $450 up front and received a half bushel of fresh, organic produce each week. We forgot to pick up our stash a couple of times, and it was rough going in the spring when our delivery was mostly mustard greens and under-developed arugula. This year, we decided instead to expand our garden and include some additional veggies. Grace and I planted a flat of bell pepper seeds last week and they're germinating cozily by the kitchen heater. We also have lots of wild blackberry bushes in our yard, and two peach trees at the end of the driveway.
That reminds me about our peach situation. For the past two years, we've come home one day from church during peak peach-picking season only to find both trees completely stripped of peaches. It's devastating and very mysterious. Even the immature greenish ones are taken. We don't know who is responsible, but after two years of having my would-be peach pies and peach cobblers and peach jam taken from me, I'm already thinking of ways to protect the peaches. Any suggestions? Technically I suppose they belong to the school, but no one knows where the trees came from.
Grace and I are starting bell peppers, summer squash, zucchini, cucumbers, and pole beans from seed. We'll get tomatoes, strawberries, and herbs later. And I'm also trying my hand at an expanded cutting-flower garden this year, with zinnia, sunflower, and dahlia seeds-- so that I'm not tempted to buy flowers at Trader Joe's every week.
* CANNING/PRESERVING
Peach jam brings me to the subject of canning. I'm going to try it for the first time this year. Nothing drastic, I just want to make some fruit jams and maybe some applesauce and fruit leather. I have no supplies whatsoever but I think it'll be fun.
to be continued...
