Join a CSA

     One would think that a little girl in the Bronx would know nothing from fresh vegetables and gardens.  This wasn't the case with this particular little girl.  Spring meant turning over the dirt in our garden.  My parents would grab the shovels and work their butts off for a weekend or two prepping it for the new seedlings.  This was followed by the trip to the nursery to buy plants and herbs.  All summer long we could run to the little plot of delicious heaven for any number of veggies.  I snacked on cherry tomatoes and peppers often.  My Mom had her beloved array of hot peppers and tomatoes.  I was in charge of watering which was fine because as a small child I loved any excuse to shoot the hose around the yard.  It was part of a summer tradition.
     As a grown woman the idea of a garden seemed nice but I was well aware of the amount of work that would go into one.  I have magazines and books to inspire me.  I have threatened to start an herb garden, cutting garden for gorgeous flowers and a raised bed garden for veggies.  Of course there would be a composting heap nearby and it would be all organic and natural.  The reality is I barely have time to water my houseplants.  When I heard that the CSA in this area was mere minutes down the road I grew even more interested than before.
     I romanticize I know...I picture sunny days when we drive down to the farm with the pooch to pick up our baskets of produce.  Birds are chirping and the sweet smell of herbs and flowers fills the air.  Ethan is in his special farmer overalls and gloves (he mentioned wearing them today) and is excited to help pick some of the veggies.  I will try out lots of new recipes, maybe learn to bake a pie and even can some fresh produce for the winter.  I will make things I've never made before and devour oodles of the crispy things I love.  Good timing with my new healthy approach and all.   Even my Dad seems excited.  I am hoping to load my counters with vibrant flowers and maybe enjoy the occasional brown egg or fresh chicken as well.    I hope to teach my children of the hard work that goes into gardening and farming.  Maybe it will excite them to pick a vegetable, wash it and help make something with it.  Eating habits could perhaps change a bit.  I told my little man that this is a test drive to see if it is indeed something we want to dive into for next summer...a trial run of sorts.  I will share I promise...Jenne, I know you are drooling at the thoughts of all of that cauliflower!  If we get a crop of a thousand tomatoes be prepared for a delivery.   Maybe I will add a fourth meal to the day called "salad".  Now if you'll excuse me I have recipes to research...

By the way...CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.  The people pay the farmer and volunteer their services and then pick up the shares of the crops weekly for the season.  I think my Dad was a little thrown at first that it was a crime scene something or other...but he was quite excited when I explained the real deal.