Thursday, May 27, 2010

Have you seen this?

Food Inc. 
This documentary confirmed everything I have suspected about our food supply and more. I have been getting into organic food for a couple of years now, mostly for health reasons. I have hypothyroidism, which I take medication for every day, and for the rest of my life. I have had this condition for many years, and it has really taken its toll. As I  get older, my energy is easily sapped. Diet plays a huge role in this. If I eat healthy-lots and lots of veggies, I actually feel almost good. If I eat badly, I feel awful. Sugar especially effects me, and I try to avoid it. High fructose corn syrup makes me actually achy and tired.
So...I have started gardening in earnest. 
I buy eggs from a local farm. 
I am using organic flour and whole wheat pasta. 
I have thrown out all processed foods. All.
This last winter I had my first free range turkey-it was unbelievable!
Now I am on a mission. 
It is probably a 10 year mission.
It is about self-sustainability.
I am planning a process of slowly living off the land, and becoming 3/4 vegetarian.
My hubby and I put in a 450 square foot garden this spring. I am growing carrots, turnips, onions-red and yellow,basil, lavender,flat leaf parsley, broccoli, kohlrabi, peppers-green and jalapeno, swiss chard, dill,tomatoes-heirloom,cherry, roma(for sauce), and beefsteak, cucumbers, zuchini,pumpkins and pole beans.
This is step one.
Next year we will install our beehive in hopes of having honey the following year.
Eventually, we will move to a house in the country where will will also have our own chickens. There is a no-chicken ordinance in this town or I would not wait.
So that is the plan. We have a lot to learn but our quality of life depends on it. My kids are growing up and out, and we now know what we want to do as we move towards retirement(still many years away). We will end up living a homesteading type of self-sufficient lifestyle out where the wind blows through the trees and you can hear a car come up the road from a long way off.
:~)

8 comments:

ohiofarmgirl said...

that sounds wonderful..we have been organic gardening for many years...my dh is an advid gardener....we had our own chicken, turkeys, ducks and we have a farmer friend that we buy beef for the freezer. But it is a lot of work...many hours of labor...eating healthy is worth it...there are many books in the library to help you out. Dianntha

window into our life of love, joy, and adventures! said...

Sounds like our story! I was inspired by a family I came upon while researching on youtube...they are also on facebook so they should be easy to find and I encourage you to look them up. If you haven't already done so! : ) They are the Dervaes family. Talk about being self sufficient! I have also gotten many books in the library as well and a great magazine to read is Countryside...and of course Mother Earth....I also have come across a great one for women! It's called Mary Janes Farm....love it! Hope all goes well on your endeavor, it is hard work but it will be so worth it in the end! Our dream too is to live in the country....simple yet satisfying.

barbara r-g said...

i agree with you i think if we each do our bit by eating organic or growing our own we contribute to the health of the planet and ourselves. the myth of organic being more exspensive isn't always true. for me the price is worth the health of our planet and my family.

barbara said...

Good for you!! I am trying to become increasingly self-sustaining, too. :D

Cindy's Stitching said...

I saw the movie almost two months ago and I haven't been able to eat meat since, and I enjoy meat. Maybe in the the future I will. It made me sick the way animals get treated and here I was eating them. It was a real eye opened for me.

Unknown said...

I have been curious about this movie but have yet to watch it.

Having a plan is half the battle - good for you!

Btw, your son looked very handsome in his tux and top hat!

Enjoy your weekend, Annie.

Unknown said...

Annie, good for you! I love your non-conforming mind set. Great plan - admirable and inspiring. I wish you the best with your garden this year!

Joanna said...

I think I need to see that movie. Your lifestyle sounds wonderful! Also, thank you so much for your kind comments on my blog:) I tried to email you back but you have yours set to "no reply" :) I'm glad though, because I got to see your lovely blog :)