Thanksgiving Comments and Wishes

As mentioned in previous posts, the list of what I thought I needed to add to my soil in my first decade of gardening was endless.  It’s dwindled to practically nothing: cover crops, leaves, straw, pine, kitchen scrapes.

On the other hand my list of blessings has continually increased each year. That list and my to-do list are the only endless lists I have now.

The Way It Was

In another recent post I mentioned the years of trying to learn how to earn a living from Bill’s art, which has got to be one of the hardest careers to pursue — especially when you’re sitting in the middle of nowhere with not a dime to your name.

I remember as if it were yesterday, sitting in church one Sabbath – really hungry – and having the ministers joke about how horrible it was to have all that left over turkey and other things that come with a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Bill and I just looked at each other. We would have loved to have taken the left-overs off their hands.

The Way It Is

Now – when the world shuts down for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, we have food in our home.  And it’s good food. Much of it fresh from the garden – like lettuce, tomatoes, kale, onions, butternut squash, potatoes and spinach. And much of it frozen from the garden for use as we need it – like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, figs, peas, tomato sauce, and  green beans.

We are warm in cold weather.  We are cool in hot weather.  We have hot and cold running water. (We didn’t have for years.)  We have a home that blocks out the wind and the wind doesn’t come up through the floors like our other place.  As I said — the list is endless.

One of the Greatest Blessings and One of the Reasons

I’m sure you’ve guessed – I consider my yard and garden one of my greatest blessings.  I think I’ve enjoyed gardening even more this year than any I can remember in spite of the physical difficulties I’ve had. I’ve done a lot of thinking about why this might be true.  Without question, it has a lot to do with this website and being able to share with you what I’ve learned over almost 34 years.

What Readers Tell Me

From the emails I’ve received from readers I’ve learned that I’ve made it easier for them to garden and have helped them become much more successful at it.

If we apply the 80/20 rule to readers that comment and email—- and assume them to be 20% of those who read,  then hopefully there are many among the 80% that have been helped and encouraged as well — but are just not telling me.

You Show Me What’s Needed

Your comments on posts and your emails to me are very much appreciated.  It helps me to know what’s on your mind and how I might better help you.  It shows me what topics need to be addressed for the benefit of everyone.

Our Wishes for You

Bill and I wish each of you the happiest of Thanksgivings and the most joyous of Holiday Seasons.  May you have great bounty from your garden in the coming year and may you enjoy the process even more with each passing season.

Sincerely,

Theresa

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Organic Gardening is easy, effective, efficient — and it’s a lot healthier.

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