Workin' for a livin'

· Maine Event

Today worked on a couple of time-consuming, semi-boring projects that are important and that are going to end at some point. That was basically the day. We are both starting to get over our respective bugs. After work, we went to the Thursday Farmers' Market. I've been thinking a lot about the rising costs of groceries. My little immigrant-run vegetable corner store discussed their astonishment that broccoli is now $4.49 a pound. They are also worried that in winter, there won't be vegetables from Mexico as they will be doubled in price. We also spoke about the fear of ICE, especially for farm workers who just aren't going to work. That means there isn't anyone to pick the crops. Come winter, what do they think they will be eating with California and Mexico veggies shut down?

Last year, I know my local farmers were really struggling. Costs are through the roof and so much rides on the tomato season to get them through to the next year. The result of this and the conversation with my vegetable market is making me embrace my inner locavore. I don't know that I will go back to my own 30-year-old rules of 100 miles for all my food, with exceptions for coffee and chocolate. However, I choose where I spend my dollars to support my local food growers/producers. I'm thinking about it sort of like a watershed, and keeping my food dollars as close to my local community as possible. Maine really has a robust local community of food makers and growers that is much larger than in California. I think that is due to regulations against small producers here, plus the high cost of starting a business.

Things are becoming increasingly tough for local small businesses and farmers.

Look at that sky!
Eugene is the dog on the right, and he has a great baritone bark, which is less often now that he isn't a puppy
The Ginkgos here are still mighty green, not a yellow leaf on them.

I've been learning about the Eel River watershed and projects. Here is more about an interagency/organizational coalition to protect the salmon and the river.

Here is another article about the Eel River's forest and about fire in the Eel River Watershed.

Have a great day and take a few minutes to be totally present.

Sending oodles of love,

Tawnia

Bird List - 15 species today

Rock Pigeon
Anna's Hummingbird
Western Gull
Red-tailed Hawk
American Crow
Common Raven
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Cedar Waxwing
House Sparrow
House Finch
Lesser Goldfinch
American Goldfinch
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Townsend's Warbler