http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php Lisa's Blog from Local Table en-us Copyright 2008, Local Table, LLC. Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:12:39 GMT Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00:01 GMT http://www.localtable.net/images/lt_8831.jpg http://www.localtable.net 88 31 Local Table - A Guide To Food And Farming In Middle Tennessee http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php We've had some incredible weather the past week – especially when you compare it to where we were last year....record drought, 100 plus temperatures and the feeling that August would never end. Instead this year, we've experienced fairly temperate weather. The other day I was driving down a back country road and saw perched up on the top of a telephone pole a large turkey vulture. He wasn't sitting or scanning the ground like they normally do – he was sitting upright with his wings outstretched and seemed to just be enjoying the slight breeze through his wings. It was quite a sight. http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php Mid summer is the most bountiful time in our area for fresh, local foods. My fridge, counter and pantry are overflowing with produce out of my garden and from my CSA. I've also been trying to get as much canning done as I can to take advantage of the return of fruit to Middle Tennessee – but the days aren't long enough to get everything done – or I just don't have enough energy to make the days longer! http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php It's the middle of the summer harvest and yet consumers are still afraid to eat tomatoes....peppers...and now cilantro – nearly a salsa! If this isn't another wake up call for us to turn to our neighbors and our own backyards for much of our harvest, I can't think of a better reason to eat local. http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php My niece Sierra and I just returned from a two day road trip to visit some spots in Middle Tennessee where I had never been and thought it would be fun to check out some of the towns and farms in our Local Table farm guide. http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php The Summer issue of Local Table has hit the streets! Our beautiful summer issue with the chicken on the cover is now out and available in the Metro area – we'll work on getting it out to other areas in the next few weeks. If you know of any spots in your neighborhood which would be a good home for Local Table, please drop me an email at lisa@localtable.net and we'll get in touch to see about getting into your neighborhood. http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php A few weeks ago the East Nashville Farmers Market kicked off with it's grand opening. It was exciting for the both the farmers and the customers. There is something about a farmers market to inspire the soul. Other than raising your own food, I don't think there is any other greater food shopping thrill than buying straight from the farmer – whether it be lettuce, strawberries, milk, cheese or meat. In a way I've always felt like it's guerilla/underground shopping. http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php It looks like we've got a new Farm Bill – I don't know all the particulars but I do know that it's not a reform bill. The giant agri-business farms are still getting way too much in subsidy payments that they don't need in these times of high food prices. However, it is my understanding that giant strides were made in funding toward conservation, organic certification, gains in farm and ranch land protection, and expanding access to healthy and local foods. Cassi Johnson from the Food Security Partners of Middle Tennessee will discuss the bill in more detail in the upcoming summer issue of Local Table, as well on our website. Change doesn't happen in giant sweeps, but often in small, incremental steps. http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php Life is funny sometimes – life is often too busy to take the time to realize what's right under your nose. It can be your relationships, your neighborhood or the land you live on. http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php I love old things. I'm not sure why, but I just know that I've always been fascinated with history, community and a sense of rootedness. Down the street from where I lived for most of my childhood, the house on the corner was built around 1650. The stone walls running through the woods had been there for nearly three centuries and were built when the land was first cleared for farming. One of the things I love about old houses are the old plants that are usually part of the landscape and one of my favorite old plants is the lilac. My great aunt has a giant sprawling deep purple lilac by the side of the garage, formerly the pig shed, and she says it's 'as old as Jerusuleam'. I love the fact that this lilac has watched over our family through several generations and hopefully will continue to bloom even when our family no longer lives 'down home'. http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php Yesterday I picked the first harvest from my garden – rhubarb. The rest of the garden is still dormant or the seedlings are only a few inches high, so it was exciting to eat out of the garden again. We're still eating tomatoes and peppers out of the freezer from last year's harvest, but there is nothing like eating it straight from the garden. http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php Big thank you to everyone who stopped by Whole Foods this past Saturday to partake in Local Day. Between the farmers and local chefs using locally grown ingredients, it was an exciting and diverse mix of food and value added items. The locally grown food movement has definitely arrived in Middle Tennessee and we are so lucky to have such a talented, creative and nice bunch of individuals helping to spread the word! http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php Spring has finally arrived – some starts and stops with the weather, but Mother Nature has declared itself spring. For the first time this year, I spotted our resident water snake who lives in the rocks along our creek, the Bluebirds have begun to work on their nests and our 'pups' have been bringing home all kinds of critters from the surrounding woods and hillsides – dead and alive! http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php It's been a week since the time change and hopefully everyone's adjusting to the earlier mornings and more day! http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php We did it - thanks to Marne, Bob and Dale - the spring issue of Local Table has arrived and you can start looking for it at selected grocers, independent retailers and restaurants this week. http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php Yesterday I saw this spring's first tadpoles in our creek. It was the year's first full fledged spring day and filled with all the promise of the season to come. I got my leeks in the ground but ran out of energy to do more, but it was wonderful to get my hands in the dirt and feel the sun on my skin. The neighbors cows were practically laying on their backs yesterday trying to soak up the warm sunshine and I swear they had smiles on their faces! http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php Spring is coming. There are a few hints to me that spring is on the way: this week's Nashville Lawn and Garden show the first chance to take home some new plants for the year and see gardens in bloom; and ordering my seeds for the garden. I was a little late this year getting my seed orders sent out and a few of my selections were already out by the time I had placed my order. It turns out I wasn't the only one missing out on some items. http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php The area I live in was hit hard by a tornado this past week and the results have been devastating for the small, rural community. Between the stories I've heard and what I've witnessed myself, I just want to say that the ties of this area are an amazing thing to behold. It's the true spirit of a community. http://www.localtable.net/dyn/blogs/lisa/index.php Welcome to the New Year! I'm a week late in doing my ritual New Year's tasks - cleaning off the desk, preparing my taxes, and putting up the new calendars. The seed catalogs have piled up and I haven't even started making my seed lists yet. However, I have spent the weekend cleaning my space and now feel ready to tackle the new year.