Priorities

Someone interested in gardening downloaded the Composting for Beginners book.  I asked them if it was helpful and they replied it was, and added their spouse had read it and stated, “He’s got too much time on his hands.”

Interesting statement.

Do I have much time on my hands because I wrote down a little about composting?  Too much time because I tend and turn the compost pile with the same interest that I grow vegetables?

Would I still be gardening and cooking if I didn’t write it down? 

Yes I would.

I believe there are few acts more liberating than trying to control (at least a portion of) your food source. Not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to do this. I consider it my duty not to squander my opportunities. Do I grow all my food?  No I don’t, and I cannot project a percentage – though that would be an interesting exercise.

But really, it is not about the food I am growing now.  It’s about the future.  A time when I no longer need to haul my aging carcass to the office. A time when I might have a bit more land, some chickens, a couple pigs, some meat rabbits and a pond full of fish.

A garden.

A big garden.

You see I am practicing, learning as much as I can now, so that I might have some success in the future.  Face it, we’re all getting older, and what I could do 15 years ago, I cannot do now.  What I can do now, I expect will be more challenging in 15 years.  Yes friends, diminishing physical abilities and ultimate mortality is staring me in the face. Being able to garden efficiently with minimal effort and maximum yield is my goal.

So I mix compost, I experiment with different gardening methods, I grow food. Along the way I take pictures, share what I’ve learned, hopefully encourage others do the same, and ultimately I hope to learn from you.

Too much time on my hands?

I’m worried there isn’t nearly enough.