why eat local, part 2

Well okay, I was going to write this way back in...June? When I was writing about strawberries and such. Then I wanted to wait until I had time, and, well, yeah. I still don't have time to write the entry that I wanted to write, but a conversation with Steve about our farmer's market haul inspired this short bit.

A few years ago, I had been reading a lot on blogs/magazines about white peaches. They sounded pretty great, so when I saw white peaches in the grocery store, I bought a pound or so. I took them home, and with great anticipation, had one for lunch. It was....pretty blah. Sort of juicy, but not much flavor at all. "Ah," I thought ruefully, "I've been taken in by another trendy food marketing scheme."

On Saturday, I sent Steve and Matthew to the farmers' market for our weekly produce trip. We had really enjoyed the (yellow) peaches from the week before, so he went back to get more peaches, among other things. He came home with a mix of white and yellow peaches.

Today, for lunch, I had my second white peach. I bit in, with some anticipation, as Steve had told me how good they were when he had one, but also with trepidation, as I remembered my last experience. It was...heaven. A distinctive flavor...softer, more rounded, than the yellow peach, perhaps, with maybe just a blush of a wine or champagne-type flavor. I can see why white peaches are specified for the classic Bellini recipe.

So to the skeptics, those who scoff at the locavore movement, I say this: if the environmental arguments don't convince you, if you aren't really into knowing your farmer and being part of your community, if you think those who are at the forefront of the movement are 60's throwbacks, so be it. I disagree, but I will keep my mouth shut for now. You don't have to buy into that to be convinced. Instead, do this. Go to the farmers' market. Buy the white peaches, or whatever you happen to see that strikes your interest. Take it home. Eat it, slowly, savoring every bite. You won't be sorry.

aaaaaaanother meme!

Yay! You were just waiting for the next one, weren't you??

1. My uncle once got hit by a truck while bicycling down a mountain in Switzerland. He's fine! And awesome.

2. Never in my life have I been more sick of the phrase "hockey mom".

3. When I was five I started kindergarten, and was freaked out by lowercase letters. True story. I could write in caps before kindergarten, but the first day we were shown lowercase, I cried.

4. High school was fine. I wasn't popular, but wasn't an outcast. Actually, our school was both big enough, and tracked --advanced, standard, basic classes--that everyone seemed to find their

5. I will never forget the day all our friends and family were together with us, coming to celebrate from as close as our hometowns and as far as Malaysia. I'll never forget our wedding day! note: I just realized that I had left the old entry's line in here. it was much more dramatic than this. i'm just not that dramatic!

6. Once I met Michael Moore. I taught him how to say "I like wrestling" in Spanish.

7. There’s this boy I know who got me through.

8. Once, at a bar, I laughed harder than I knew I could.

9. By noon, I've probably been more productive than I will for the rest of the day.

10. Last night I made a so-so dinner

11. If only I had more willpower.

12. Next time I go to church might be at the Unitarian Universalist church in town. Otherwise it will probably be for a family event.

13. What worries me most what the future will be like, for my generation and especially for my kids.

14. When I turn my head left I see pillows, and a peace lily.

15. When I turn my head right I see the wall. it's plain, but nice.

16. You know I’m lying, because I can't keep up with it.

17. What I miss most about the Eighties is ...Steve Perry's mullet and leather pants.

18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I’d be...Mercutio. SparkNotes tells me he's sarcastic. I am kidding about the SparkNotes.

19. By this time next year I'd like to have at least one more publication.

20. A better name for me would be Rainbowbrite Mylittlepony. I'm all about branding.

21. I have a hard time understanding people who are against education.

22. If I ever go back to school, I hope it's for something fun, like cooking/baking classes.

23. You know I like you if I let down my guard around you.

24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be Steve.

25. Take my advice, make time for yourself. Even if you are busy. It's not worth the loss of sanity, otherwise.

26. My ideal breakfast is a leisurely one, shared on the porch of a mountain/lake cabin with my husband, and probably good friends. The air is crisp, and the coffee is hot, and the company is good.

27. A song I love but do not have is "Times Like These" by the Foo Fighters.

28. If you visit my hometown, I suggest walking along the lake at sunset.

29. Why won’t people stop making political decisions based on superficial characterizations?

30. If you spend a night at my house I'll show you a low-key, relaxing time, with plenty of food and the drink of your choice, late night chat, and a relaxed breakfast (see above) the next morning.

31. I’d stop my wedding for a family emergency.

32. The world could do without plastic bags and paper towels (note. I do use them, sometimes, sparingly. I am such a hypocrite.)

33. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than join the FLDS church

34. My favorite blondie is...it's a tie! My two boys. Non-family, has to be my friend J.

35. Paper clips are doomed, if I am either stressed or, strangely, on the phone.

36. If I do anything well it’s make sarcastic comments. I asked my husband, and he said "baby-makin'" I don't know if he's complimenting our kids or being a big perv.

37. I can’t help but be a perfectionist.

38. I usually cry at stories of triumph over tragedy or disappointment.

39. My advice to my nephew/niece is: travel; make sure to get out of Fondy, out of Wisconsin--not just for a visit, but live somewhere else for a while. You can always go back if you want. (heh. my nephew is not even one yet. he's got time, I guess)

40. And by the way, it is time for me to go to bed.