tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56362585812071113162024-03-19T06:49:19.383-04:00Detroit City ChickDetroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-15983429464690319972012-08-28T19:59:00.000-04:002012-08-28T19:59:15.168-04:00Occupy the Food SystemOccupy the Food System and Support Local Farmers and Food Businesses<br />
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December 4th, 2011 in Zuccotti Park in New York, was designated Occupy the Food System. Farmers, gardeners, food justice activists and others joined the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) movement to bring attention to the corporate control that has been the hallmark of our industrial food system. One of the ideas behind the occupy movement is that change can come only when you confront your oppressors directly on their turf. That makes them uncomfortable, it gets attention, and it wakes up the public. <br />
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In his recent blog, Occupy the Food System: The world can feed itself, without corporate America's science-experiment crops and expensive chemicals, Jim Goodman (a farmer, himself) writes: <br />
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The Occupy movement is doing exactly what the prominent student activist Mario Savio spoke of in 1964, when he declared: "There comes a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can't take part, you can't even passively take part and you've got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the apparatus and you've got to make it stop — and you've got to indicate to the people who run it, the people who own it, that unless you're free, the machine will be prevented from running at all." The people who are now forming a movement to occupy the food system agree with this sentiment too. Joining this movement is one way to get involved. There are many others as well and we need to use every strategy available. <br />
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In Detroit, we know that the food system isn't working for any us. The lack of access to fresh, healthy, affordable LOCALLY grown food is coupled with access to cheap, processed foods, produced by the giant corporate food system with ingredients sourced globally. This is the food system that corporate America has given us and is selling to the rest of the world.<br />
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According to an article in The Guardian, Nestlé is using a floating supermarkets to take its products to remote communities in the Amazon. Unilever has a small army of door-to-door vendors selling to low-income villages in India and west and east Africa. The brewer SABMiller has developed cheap beers in some African countries as part of a “price ladder” to its premium lager brands, and, as a leading Coca-Cola bottler and distributor, is aiming to double fizzy drinks sales in South African townships.<br />
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However, people all over the world are fighting for a better way. We can and do have other options. Detroiters are leading the local food movement and join with national and international activists in creating a healthier, local, fair food system.<br />
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So, how can our choices impact the local food system?<br />
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According to the report, Local Works: Examining the Impact of Local Business on the West Michigan Economy, A Civic Economics Study for Local First, Grand Rapids Michigan, every $100 spent with local businesses results in $73 staying in the local economy. This compares to just $43 staying in the local economy when purchasing from non local businesses. The dollars that stay in our community supports families and neighborhoods, both directly and indirectly. Read the study here: <a href="http://www.localfirst.com/"> http://www.localfirst.com/</a><br />
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So, when you plan to make purchases for yourself or your family or buy gifts, why not consider supporting local farmers and food businesses? There are many to choose from! From the purchasing directly from farmers and vendors to buying from local Detroit based businesses. <br />
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Whenever I need a gift, one of my personal favorites is making gift baskets with local products. There are so many to choose from! To put together a local gift basket with fresh produce and other items, you can start with the farmers and vendors at Eastern Market, which is open all year round. <a href="http://www.detroiteasternmarket.com/">http://www.detroiteasternmarket.com/</a> <br />
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One of the seasonal Farmer’s Markets (generally open from June to October) is a great place, too. <a href="http://detroitmarkets.org/">http://detroitmarkets.org/</a> There are many local farmers and food businesses who participate on Saturdays, so there is lots of choose from. One of my favorite gifts: a two pound bag of potatoes with an array of herbs and spices and recipes. There are also items like coffee, teas, pickles, jams and jellies, potato chips, salsa and many other items.<br />
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I am also known to make jams, pickled vegetables, salsas and sauces to give as gifts. This summer, I made cherry and blueberry vinegar with Michigan fruit. It's so yummy that I am not sure that it will make it out of the house!<br />
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These are easy, fun and delicious ways to Occupy the Food System, but we need to go beyond. By becoming actively engaged, we can have a bigger impact. For example, Just Label It campaign in California was successful in getting an initiative on the ballot that would require labeling of all products in the state of California that contains genetically modified ingredients. If this initiative passes, we can expect more states to do the same. This would be a huge victory for consumers, who should have the right to know what is in our food. You can support this project by going to website; <a href="http://justlabelit.org/"> http://justlabelit.org/</a><br />
<br />Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-23498405905815742512012-01-15T17:23:00.000-05:002012-01-15T17:23:35.261-05:00MLK and Food JusticeThis Monday, January 16th is a national holiday celebrating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The mainstream media will be filled with solemn quotes from pundits and reflections by activists, many of whom were involved in the civil rights struggle that continues today. This being an election year, there will also be speeches and even emails from politicians asking for continued dedication to the equality struggle. <br />
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I have recently started to appreciate the deep sense that Dr. King had for the idea that justice was as much as anything about "freedom from violence." I was reminded of this by Naomi Tutu (daughter of Bishop Desmond Tutu) when she spoke at the Race2Equity Summit sponsored by the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion. She talked about the process of healing after apartheid ended in South Africa and quoted Dr. King in her remarks. <br />
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A major theme of Dr. King’s life was justice. And, I wonder what Dr. King would think about the food justice movement?<br />
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Perhaps this quote from Dr. King’s acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize gives us a clue.<br />
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“I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits.”<br />
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Reading his words shows the deep sense Dr. King had for the idea that justice was as much as anything about "freedom from violence." In this quote, King is clearly targeting hunger as an act of violence and the result of institutional racism. <br />
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Another of his quotes really drives the point home. "True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a...beggar. It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring." <br />
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His acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize also demonstrates a commitment to a non-violent transformation of the structures that breed poverty and hunger.<br />
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Some think that food system reform, which encompasses access, sovereignty and justice is the next big movement for our country. In Detroit, we have been focusing on these issues for some time now. Paramount to this work is to ensure that Detroiters are leading this reform and that food system changes address the structural and institutional barriers mentioned above. There are many people engaged in this work on many levels. Due to limited space, I will mention just three of them. <br />
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The Detroit Food Justice Task Force is a consortium of People of Color led organizations and allies that share a commitment to creating a food security plan for Detroit that is: sustainable; that provides healthy, affordable foods for all of the city’s people; that is based on best-practices and programs that work; and that is just and equitable in the distribution of food and jobs. For more information about their activities and how to get involved, go to www.detroitfoodjustice.org<br />
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Undoing Racism in the Detroit Food System At the 2009 Great Lakes Bioneers Conference, Earthworks Urban Farm Outreach Coordinator, Lisa Richter and Detroit Black Community Food Security Network Board Member Monica White, Ph. D., hosted a workshop entitled “Race, Food and Resistance.” They shared discussions that had been taking place about the role of race in growing movement to create a new local, sustainable food system. Participants were encouraged to continue the conversations beyond the conference and since that time, a dedicated group of food activists have met monthly to explore how race and white privilege play out within the individuals and organizations in Detroit’s movement to create food security and justice. The group meets on the first Saturday of the month from 1-3 p.m. For more information, check out their Facebook page.<br />
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The Detroit Food Policy Council’s vision statement reads: “We envision a City of Detroit with a healthy, vibrant, hunger-free populace that has easy access to fresh produce and other healthy food choices; a city in which the residents are educated about healthy food choices, and understand their relationship to the food system; a city in which urban agriculture and other sustainable practices contribute to its economic vitality; and a city in which all of its residents, workers, guests and visitors are treated with respect, justice and dignity by those from whom they obtain food. “ The Council meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Eastern Market Corporation. For more information and upcoming events, see www.detroitfoodpolicycouncil.net.<br />
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So, as we pause to reflect on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., let’s celebrate the progress that has been made, but also rededicate ourselves to personal reflection and action to create a community that reflects the love, compassion and equality that Dr. King aspired to for all of us.Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-55593933060331963242011-12-30T15:58:00.000-05:002011-12-30T15:58:34.077-05:00The Torch has Officially Been Passed (My first attempt at Bittlewa!)One of the traditions in my family around Christmas is making bittlewa, a Lebanese/ Arab pastry made with phyllo dough, walnuts and syrup. Many people know baklava, the Greek version, which is similar except we don't use honey and include orange blossom water in the syrup.<br />
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Until just a few years ago when my Aunt Pat passed away, she and my Mom would get together about a week before Christmas and make three trays of pastry. Mom typically prepped everything the day before and then, they would spend the day putting it together and baking it. Each tray takes about 2 to 2 1/2 hours to assemble then nearly 3 hours to bake. We would come home from school and they would be in the kitchen making the bittlewa. They always joked about it being "hillbilly bittlewa" because my Mom's people were from the South. Situe (my Lebanese grandmother) made bittlewa when I was really little, but most of my memories are of my Mom and Aunt.<br />
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When Popue (my Lebanese grandfather and the family patriarch) was still alive, there was a whole ritual around the serving of the bittlewa after Christmas dinner. Popue, my Uncle Roni and Aunt Theresa and my Dad would have a piece on their dessert plate. They would examine the top to see the layers and the bottom for browning and the walnuts for moistness. They would then take that first bite. My grandfather in particular would compare the current year's bittlewa with the previous years. It's kinda funny to think back about it. My Mom took all of this in good humor! <br />
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The year or two after Aunt Pat passed away, her husband, my Uncle Harold, would come and help Mom make the bittlewa. They weren't able to make any for a couple of years, so I decided that it was my turn! I definitely do not want to lose this family tradition. So, here goes!<br />
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I bought the ingredients to make two trays but decided to do one before Christmas and one after. The night before I planned to assemble and bake, I clarifed 2 pounds of butter. Basically, you put the butter in a saucepot and let heat until it just begins to bubble. Skim off the white foam from the surface. Keep doing this until the butter is translucent. As a last step, pour the butter through a cheesecloth to remove any leftover bits.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ets2iBW0Xg/Tv4XjLanzbI/AAAAAAAAAQA/F12yqBumjv8/s1600/Clarifying+the+Butter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ets2iBW0Xg/Tv4XjLanzbI/AAAAAAAAAQA/F12yqBumjv8/s320/Clarifying+the+Butter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For one tray of bittlewa, you will need about 2 1/2 pound of walnuts. The grinder below attaches to a chair and grinds the nuts in no time! Add about 1 heaping tablespoon of powdered sugar to the nuts and store in a sealed container until ready to use.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qWlXKgVf3o0/Tv4b1uLuzlI/AAAAAAAAAQM/NW6yA2mGv-s/s1600/Grinding+the+Walnuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qWlXKgVf3o0/Tv4b1uLuzlI/AAAAAAAAAQM/NW6yA2mGv-s/s320/Grinding+the+Walnuts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The third and final task for the night is to make the syrup. Five cups of sugar, four cups of water, 2 T. of fresh lemon juice and 2 t. of orange blossom water. Boil gently for about 50 minutes. The syrup should reduce and thicken. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QKRE__BYEG8/Tv4cOiykqnI/AAAAAAAAAQY/sLNtDFPG-bA/s1600/Syrup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QKRE__BYEG8/Tv4cOiykqnI/AAAAAAAAAQY/sLNtDFPG-bA/s320/Syrup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next day, take the clarified butter out of the refrigerator and heat through. Assemble the pan, butter, brush, sharp knife and dough. The phyllo comes in one pound packages and should not have been frozen. You need 1 1/4 lbs. for the bottom and the same amount for the top. Dampen a clean dish towel and lay the dough on top of it, then cover with a second damp dish towel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xusyfi9jBxw/Tv4cmKjYlaI/AAAAAAAAAQk/8RmOI2s1qBw/s1600/Assembling+the+tools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xusyfi9jBxw/Tv4cmKjYlaI/AAAAAAAAAQk/8RmOI2s1qBw/s320/Assembling+the+tools.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Brush melted butter on the bottom of the pan, then begin laying the dough. Take one layer of dough and position it in the pan, trimming the edge as needed with the sharp knife. Brush with butter. Keep laying the dough and brushing with butter. As you work, keep the dough covered with the towel or it will dry out and crumble.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QrQiTLNEacY/Tv4dBPsxhxI/AAAAAAAAAQw/CrS93F6PeVU/s1600/The+bottom+layers+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QrQiTLNEacY/Tv4dBPsxhxI/AAAAAAAAAQw/CrS93F6PeVU/s320/The+bottom+layers+done.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once the bottom is assembled, put the butter on the stove to keep warm. Pour the ground walnuts on top, pressing them evenly in the pan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JSLbCxomUHA/Tv4dVRa1MLI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/GVdxPWm0Nvs/s1600/The+filling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JSLbCxomUHA/Tv4dVRa1MLI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/GVdxPWm0Nvs/s320/The+filling.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, begin layering the dough and melted butter for the top. Once the top is assembled, it's time to cut the bittlewa. But first, set the oven to 350 degrees and make sure the rack is in the middle of the oven. Cut lengthwise first, into 8-10 columns then diagonally. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_AcDfkjrgo/Tv4drrYcC3I/AAAAAAAAARI/oxHxjtw1gJs/s1600/Cutting+into+pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_AcDfkjrgo/Tv4drrYcC3I/AAAAAAAAARI/oxHxjtw1gJs/s320/Cutting+into+pieces.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bless the tray by sprinkling the top with water before putting it in the oven. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes, lower the oven to 275 degrees and bake for another 1 hour and 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and pour the syrup evenly over the whole tray. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_SWTQNtL_s/Tv4e0_LfC7I/AAAAAAAAARs/kLfqlgrzGnA/s1600/Baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_SWTQNtL_s/Tv4e0_LfC7I/AAAAAAAAARs/kLfqlgrzGnA/s320/Baking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">ENJOY!!</div>Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-47207298203927556602011-11-17T20:09:00.004-05:002011-11-17T20:10:39.260-05:00CARROTS!!!Tuesday was a beautiful fall day in Detroit so I decided to take advantage of it by pulling a bunch of the carrots that were still in the garden. Here is my carrot patch<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 178px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676093487675625858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8Tq-jVv3HEL2BWgmHf-aIiXPun8NE6sU3FFHvucFapaSP5NbzCJ5YDHQO3BYNG9jCyKZrhgGEmFhaUz9CeVlfWAAiVws0Fyd4xOREjKKqBkaq0CWX-3fNmbb5emHpmFciLr-8xC5GJM/s320/100_0833.jpg" />And some of the carrots that came out of it.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 218px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 152px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676093494283264658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJbD0U0AVkWAR1tOW9wdi3ysGzMuqrX9G_Zl_cDM53Bjv6gRBOCoIZOz7gEARy8vSPFATao3ZlWVoH3qdDUshnrmo2sMNucnGTeQ7Uqz5AWu6eSkbcgSEViiZyICZm-eqqu0S87COpuo/s320/100_0834.jpg" /><br />I got to thinking that it is such a shame to toss all the tops into the compost bin and wondered if they were edible. I went into the house to peruse my cookbooks. The first book I took off the shelf was Deborah Madison's Local Flavors. I picked it up at a neighborhood estate sale for $1 and have made quite a few recipes from it. It was here that I found this recipe<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Carrot Top Soup<br /><br /></strong><strong></strong>1 bunch carrots, tops and roots, about 6 medium<br />2 T. butter<br />3 T. white rice<br />2 large leeks (I didn't have any leeks so I used onions from my garden)<br />2 thyme or lemon thyme sprigs (I used lemon thyme and because we love it, 4 sprigs)<br />2 T. parsley, dill, celery leaves or lovage (I used parsley)<br />salt and pepper<br />6 cups Vegetable Stock (I used my homemade stock)<br /><br /><br />Wash and chop the carrot tops. You should have about 3 cups loosely packed. Grate or finely chop the carrots. I used a combination of yellow and orange ones.<br /><br />Chopped Carrot tops and carrots:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_9acHC1FD08kSfXLDGgFdQpO__kGBeuDPM2hbMS49uE2p8dORt5rEg7TIa050J05D5uoIAVFjiiUu0fym6zGFvLsH49Yy2UEBGB3MpFDkXnL-GWagPYwfgh4Nr4EGWwHmznF92ju0MM/s1600/100_0839.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 206px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 156px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676095110837190194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_9acHC1FD08kSfXLDGgFdQpO__kGBeuDPM2hbMS49uE2p8dORt5rEg7TIa050J05D5uoIAVFjiiUu0fym6zGFvLsH49Yy2UEBGB3MpFDkXnL-GWagPYwfgh4Nr4EGWwHmznF92ju0MM/s320/100_0839.jpg" /></a><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 204px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 148px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676094013615060530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DOvRhbFIS3ejkzYKCtXo36EywFA8qAcnxnwGwwkT5mwVv-mCYNNiCGOtvxLwHaAE7bNm9FmO3Rq6RMgepRGkSu-G_GhiKwvpRfWOsqfNAKx0lgglGKcSaHaOqSJzS9zhrur-85CyhNI/s320/100_0838.jpg" /><br />Melt the butter in a soup pot. Add everything except the stock. Cook for several minutes, turning over a few times, Add the stock, bring to a boil and simmer until the rice is done.<br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 189px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 148px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676095730562119122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRBxCDsqgvD_QjIhGhHZoujm5i0skNAbYcXwzFANNa44jUKGjxHpD1LJPdd6jQLqnNPK60PhcGy0oG2angc6oKt0PYOT4s1cXWs3o2bCgFnVDMjs6Ny_OwJT8msuXlxJaFK5GCgIuDVc/s320/100_0840.jpg" /><br /><br />Serve!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL_DJFNxneYug4bZKxvrpjvIja-lVUx4-8Pd8gGVpkuSdUMqCPvsMb1FKD1wUYavZvFYKnsUqUmor5s5ZY5FM-cWl25BDmXRcDPsU8JTuGl4liFkPKvZ5Ve-dyITrCPBG-XihfFmt27Y/s1600/100_0841.jpg"></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL_DJFNxneYug4bZKxvrpjvIja-lVUx4-8Pd8gGVpkuSdUMqCPvsMb1FKD1wUYavZvFYKnsUqUmor5s5ZY5FM-cWl25BDmXRcDPsU8JTuGl4liFkPKvZ5Ve-dyITrCPBG-XihfFmt27Y/s1600/100_0841.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 192px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 189px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676096095030631698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL_DJFNxneYug4bZKxvrpjvIja-lVUx4-8Pd8gGVpkuSdUMqCPvsMb1FKD1wUYavZvFYKnsUqUmor5s5ZY5FM-cWl25BDmXRcDPsU8JTuGl4liFkPKvZ5Ve-dyITrCPBG-XihfFmt27Y/s320/100_0841.jpg" /></a>Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-45169831847425380572011-11-12T19:53:00.001-05:002011-11-12T19:53:36.917-05:00Souper Saturday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDDCYRDdrJDVSixAUEKGTbhFmI3aOVKiS-qBXCMJuiSO6r8NBJT0XgYBqzd5jbbCAycHqYMO8xAvJ5R52WL5L8sdrYXVN6OMTMKP6Ati7779J1fcMdj6AC88kOAvcFLGSWWEC49frpKo/s1600/Italian+Bean+and+Squash+Soup.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673870043560073650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDDCYRDdrJDVSixAUEKGTbhFmI3aOVKiS-qBXCMJuiSO6r8NBJT0XgYBqzd5jbbCAycHqYMO8xAvJ5R52WL5L8sdrYXVN6OMTMKP6Ati7779J1fcMdj6AC88kOAvcFLGSWWEC49frpKo/s320/Italian+Bean+and+Squash+Soup.jpg" /></a> This time of year, and as the weather turns colder, we make and eat soup at least once or twice a week.<br />One of our favorite soups is Italian Bean and Squash Soup from Moosewood Restaurant's New Classics. You can use just about any type of winter squash and any type of beans. <br /><div></div><br /><div>Here's the recipe:<br />1 T. Olive Oil</div><br /><div>3 1/2 cups finely chopped onions</div><br /><div>6 large cloves of garlic, minced</div><br /><div>1 celery stalk with some leaves, finely chopped</div><br /><div>1 3/4 cups crushed tomatoes with juice (15 oz. can)</div><br /><div>1 quart vegetable stock</div><br /><div>1 t. dried oregano</div><br /><div>pinch of crushed red pepper</div><br /><div>4 cups diced peeled butternut squash</div><br /><div>3 1/2 cups cooked pinto beans ( two 15 oz. cans, rinsed and drained)</div><br /><div>1 t. salt</div><br /><div>freshly grated pecorino chees (optional)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Heat the oil in a large soup pot and saute onions, garlic and celery about 10 minutes, until soft. Add the tomatoes, broth, oregano, red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer. Add the squash and cook until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Add the beans and salt and pepper. Cook until beans are heated through. Serve hot topped with the cheese if desired.</div><br /><div><br />I use my own canned Vegetable Stock, which tastes wonderful and compared to store bought, is so much cheaper. (Store bought vegetable stock ranges from $1.79 per quart to $2.99 per quart for organic). Canning your own stock takes some time and effort but so worth it! I also can tomatoes out of my garden and dried beans so they are ready to use. It's a great way to use your own garden harvest or support local farmers. Canning fresh produce in season tastes better and can be much cheaper. I can usually find dried beans from one of the local farmers down at Eastern Market.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For the batch pictured above, I used pinto beans. I also used the sweet dumpling squash, garlic, onions and tomatoes from my own garden. Enjoy</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-68102349320726714092011-11-05T20:53:00.002-04:002011-11-05T20:55:50.910-04:00Detroit Does Have Grocery Stores, BUTThere is an ongoing debate about food in the City of Detroit. Sometimes called a food desert, other times called a food swamp, the city has no national chains with stores in the City.<br /><br />According to the Annual Report on the Detroit Food System which was published in May, 2011 and released at the Detroit Food Policy Council’s Powering Up the Local Food System Summit, there are 79 full service grocery stores in the City of Detroit. These stores are independently owned, but with one exception, not by Detroit residents.<br />At the Summit, we heard from residents who shop in their neighborhood. Some were satisfied with the stores, others were not. We heard from many Detroiters who were not happy with the quality, price and/or customer service at their local grocery stores. Many shop at these stores because they have no other options; lack of transportation was a main reason given.<br /><br />We also heard from residents who admitted that they rarely go in their neighborhood grocery store, preferring to shop outside the city. The real and perceived reasons: quality, price and customer service.<br /><br />The Detroit Food Policy Council, through its Healthy Food Access Work Group and the Detroit Food and Fitness Collaborative’s Food System Work Group, are working together to identify ways to improve access to healthy, fresh and affordable food. We want to hear from Detroiters on this issue.<br /><br />If you are interested in this issue, try this:<br />Make a list of grocery items that you purchase on a regular basis. Go to your neighborhood grocery store and if you do most of your grocery shopping outside of the city, also go to the suburban store that you regularly shop at. Purchase the items on your list, taking note of the quality and availability of the items, the format and condition of the store and the customer service that you received. Compare the two. What did you find out? <br /><br />If you are willing to share your experience, please send an email to me at <a href="mailto:detroitfoodpolicycouncil@gmail.com">detroitfoodpolicycouncil@gmail.com</a>.Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-75160951092955074502011-10-28T21:11:00.004-04:002011-10-29T21:48:05.151-04:00Summer Vacation in the Upper Pennisula...A Whole New World<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrrRWNzbXKCESgESM7VOJA0VkP7_28geqPO_RmsL_rhur4H3Y0Uk2WC6HuJRdikOWp-Abi_6Wb1uLr9c_u3C0rPEBJmTkdfEaelodO_eaRBHTGyghY2ROcsBn5Lq0-rb4qlw3KzU0Xxk/s1600/100_0456.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654800428493142050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrrRWNzbXKCESgESM7VOJA0VkP7_28geqPO_RmsL_rhur4H3Y0Uk2WC6HuJRdikOWp-Abi_6Wb1uLr9c_u3C0rPEBJmTkdfEaelodO_eaRBHTGyghY2ROcsBn5Lq0-rb4qlw3KzU0Xxk/s200/100_0456.jpg" /></a>In June, the boys and I joined a group of about 12 families for a fabulous camping experience in Michigan's Upper Pennisula. The trip was part of a National Park Service Program to expose families from Detroit to the National Forest System in Michigan. The group photo was taken at Taquamanon Falls. Here is another pic of the falls. The water is a copper color from the tannins in the oak leaves that line the area.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3029vdUzk4E-x-ep64Tr2TwNQGrWRq_q3hG23n0Gy9lrSqbhbCeUlpJ9SWBs0rQCAXPrZUHw6JO_nTXTvg7FSf695k6pxeFh2VL9Tpn9iclyIgziVbOSxMlXPMY_PsEn3n3coCBHWs4/s1600/100_0449.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654807239758530194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3029vdUzk4E-x-ep64Tr2TwNQGrWRq_q3hG23n0Gy9lrSqbhbCeUlpJ9SWBs0rQCAXPrZUHw6JO_nTXTvg7FSf695k6pxeFh2VL9Tpn9iclyIgziVbOSxMlXPMY_PsEn3n3coCBHWs4/s200/100_0449.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Our itinerary included Hartwick Pines where we hiked among old growth forest areas that included white pines, oak and maples trees. The Park's educator grew up in the Detroit area and was excited to share the park with us.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2JUTJEEuUETzBXFB2CS7602yTuese81prh5XgQvSNj6kZkoC8bzWDOKGAojS9V4Ti1MMtTWZBLJLtt3RR4N6jTJlUd5-WlAFZOs-To9DpESQurW8RYrNzDmJVRyGu2IEtYWraBTWiO0/s1600/100_0436.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 153px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654804423045218866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2JUTJEEuUETzBXFB2CS7602yTuese81prh5XgQvSNj6kZkoC8bzWDOKGAojS9V4Ti1MMtTWZBLJLtt3RR4N6jTJlUd5-WlAFZOs-To9DpESQurW8RYrNzDmJVRyGu2IEtYWraBTWiO0/s200/100_0436.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We arrived at our home base at Clear Lake Education Center located in Hiawatha N<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnz6kzOhD_EQeuidW5whpG5PRKJ-dtc3_9tL7S-2zMzPbNVXQV8HhSYykd1fKRTJu09Q6CURXtRoxxAOIcoHATCJtjKAF-d_FdUe0tx6akYXWEAq-mD6adUYp2l5SCoYzvgFhEPO6OnE/s1600/100_0567.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 196px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 141px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657389880044794370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnz6kzOhD_EQeuidW5whpG5PRKJ-dtc3_9tL7S-2zMzPbNVXQV8HhSYykd1fKRTJu09Q6CURXtRoxxAOIcoHATCJtjKAF-d_FdUe0tx6akYXWEAq-mD6adUYp2l5SCoYzvgFhEPO6OnE/s200/100_0567.jpg" /></a>ational Forest at about 4:00 p.m. The camp site was well equipped with plenty of cabins, a building for meetings and media center and one with a full kitchen and eating area. We were welcomed by two Park Rangers (Mimi and Dave) and were assigned cabins. My boys and I shared a cabin with the Moore's and Dixon's -- three moms and seven boys, ranging from 6 years old to 17 in all!! We are all pictured here with Mr. D...he and his wife were the trip organizers.<br /><br /><br />We spent a whole day hiking in Hiawatha National Forest where we learned how the hab<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue3g-AnOWMl-7Axi7KzUjjSfZgAgERZUn22jFwn_2NRzaF4UPaIY3cCc-RlUCUIuObSMxIjvlYI3YIf2tweot8_R0VB4hqQEBNsy6VU_3_0Ok1ukk3BsUnKGrNxeLPCw7uDtf2-kaJP8/s1600/100_0490.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657391993824901218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue3g-AnOWMl-7Axi7KzUjjSfZgAgERZUn22jFwn_2NRzaF4UPaIY3cCc-RlUCUIuObSMxIjvlYI3YIf2tweot8_R0VB4hqQEBNsy6VU_3_0Ok1ukk3BsUnKGrNxeLPCw7uDtf2-kaJP8/s200/100_0490.jpg" /></a>itat here contributes to a healthy eco system and how we (humans) are impacting the forest-- both negatively through pollution and positively through conservation efforts. Although it was raining most of the day, we made the best of it.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw54lbjyOmBPElAOECDnXyv_CWJ_9HpyMslWCsx4ZkfmZphge1Up-L4VIHSBSvH0Y4Nvr5EKGSMr00DuTQPwa0amLzkFiCh0w9TLfVgjU9qsrjlNpk6s6bmdYrKBGasMn-lydAuYZ-ZHQ/s1600/100_0504.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658672840086700194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw54lbjyOmBPElAOECDnXyv_CWJ_9HpyMslWCsx4ZkfmZphge1Up-L4VIHSBSvH0Y4Nvr5EKGSMr00DuTQPwa0amLzkFiCh0w9TLfVgjU9qsrjlNpk6s6bmdYrKBGasMn-lydAuYZ-ZHQ/s200/100_0504.jpg" /></a>This lighthouse was at Pictured Rocks National Shoreline. It was foggy that day but still beautiful. We toured the lighthouse, as well as the historic home that had been restored and learned about the bootleggers who operated in the area because of the proximity to Canada... that's something Detroit and the U.P. have in common!<br /><br />We had a chance to try six different activities in one day including kayaking, mountain biking and fishing. My favorite was the kayaks and I have since gone kayaking several times.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MlmGZRgl67GjG3ja_8cz5aVRrAturER4telGW5nsVKpz2SRFIpdbrjt2AWT_eEYm78YivqCnUGd0q7kS9P6kYwSTQORRdLA-pPticqqW_Lj4bMraOizAgPiLgIeRuShN-WSdW_ImDJY/s1600/100_0457.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657391019349389474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MlmGZRgl67GjG3ja_8cz5aVRrAturER4telGW5nsVKpz2SRFIpdbrjt2AWT_eEYm78YivqCnUGd0q7kS9P6kYwSTQORRdLA-pPticqqW_Lj4bMraOizAgPiLgIeRuShN-WSdW_ImDJY/s200/100_0457.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqGJwqs-R7L-207P_RhaAdemMEpftGkoc2I5Vp6rUYu1HGnu6I0ZONEHfLE8U3sTdks0or544nDgmA8dmveDh6DcrBw-V-S-tn29ymAoavhr3QX185jqa3B7gHrQLRXNrH9tnRBctdHQ/s1600/100_0460.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657391414444612098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqGJwqs-R7L-207P_RhaAdemMEpftGkoc2I5Vp6rUYu1HGnu6I0ZONEHfLE8U3sTdks0or544nDgmA8dmveDh6DcrBw-V-S-tn29ymAoavhr3QX185jqa3B7gHrQLRXNrH9tnRBctdHQ/s200/100_0460.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Evenings were a chance to share a meal, make new friends and play games.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz4UO8SypnIoRZ9Jhj06NC64XcjkgBgu3qznWWywfVHFdTZn_tYSe75H2q6VVMciqC-9s7c-RA-_S5Xw78F5CyePJICrSdj0bbfSet1rr3uoWLyiPB4tWZrTyBpTE1WpEHRheYnPrrl4/s1600/100_0469.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657393390850485826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz4UO8SypnIoRZ9Jhj06NC64XcjkgBgu3qznWWywfVHFdTZn_tYSe75H2q6VVMciqC-9s7c-RA-_S5Xw78F5CyePJICrSdj0bbfSet1rr3uoWLyiPB4tWZrTyBpTE1WpEHRheYnPrrl4/s200/100_0469.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGsc6ynb9c7D_pu0LysaxtQLPtNtU-mkdpolDZHKlzUEq2mJMsLZqgMHPA5n1K32tOiN_TPszfgte3TA99VI-EVDFGzYxhrpXTTXNSxIa8QvI90-gBD1gpbL9Ic9QGTWx9-KncBpAPZM/s1600/100_0522.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657393221686104706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGsc6ynb9c7D_pu0LysaxtQLPtNtU-mkdpolDZHKlzUEq2mJMsLZqgMHPA5n1K32tOiN_TPszfgte3TA99VI-EVDFGzYxhrpXTTXNSxIa8QvI90-gBD1gpbL9Ic9QGTWx9-KncBpAPZM/s200/100_0522.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>All in all, it was a great trip and one we will remember for a very long time. Thanks to the National Park Service and trip organizers, Delashon and Nick Dicrese, Lisa Perez and Ranger Dave!! </div>Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-10160865659371726982011-10-17T20:43:00.010-04:002011-10-28T20:38:11.871-04:00And the Kale Stands Alone...Well, Almost<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkYWDrIXBHsnER8I42KSwih77bOiDeOAmeo2txos6sU7vpwVgOSWO3t_VODMGBIVlTdyMppHVHYy68lnMfk3ibKz_QlCFXMAQ7GubJR9XJntqtS8XrX246kGW_1JhUs3-0omPRNm4y50/s1600/100_0756.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664631686635049426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkYWDrIXBHsnER8I42KSwih77bOiDeOAmeo2txos6sU7vpwVgOSWO3t_VODMGBIVlTdyMppHVHYy68lnMfk3ibKz_QlCFXMAQ7GubJR9XJntqtS8XrX246kGW_1JhUs3-0omPRNm4y50/s200/100_0756.jpg" /></a> I took this photo of my Kale this afternoon. It's not quite alone in the garden, but almost! Just an hour earlier, it was surrounded by tomatoes, peppers, winter squash and beans, but no more.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div>I have a love - hate relationship with October! I love fall but hate garden clean up. Although by this time of the year, I am exhausted from harvesting, canning, freezing, drying the garden's bounty. And, I am thankful for another year of being able to provide good food to my family from our little urban farm.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9_57_MmM7dZBUZlSZ1as_e162pTAFAiqR_0qrww7XqqucCTlaFqs1NcdNk-PQOCOv767zv6JTyQea2xXfVgakkCop_se21FAjJg1AYOuA9ecxV3PYVdAzaVI9UWQdutM9ybINXnE7OU/s1600/100_0755.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664632155311561282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9_57_MmM7dZBUZlSZ1as_e162pTAFAiqR_0qrww7XqqucCTlaFqs1NcdNk-PQOCOv767zv6JTyQea2xXfVgakkCop_se21FAjJg1AYOuA9ecxV3PYVdAzaVI9UWQdutM9ybINXnE7OU/s200/100_0755.jpg" /></a>Here's a photo of the asparagus bed, which is now covered in straw mulch. Yes, that's a tomato plant in the middle. I did not have the heart to pull it yet because there are still lots of black cherry tomatoes on it that are not ripe. These were among my favorite tomatoes of the 2011 garden.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div>My boys and I spent a few hours outside today clearing out much of the garden that remained. I harvested the last of the beets, some carrots, lots of tomatoes (both ripe and green), a few last beans and peas. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>Here are the last of the beets...and beets greens. YUMMY!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispyEFKG_3SrUhwY4es4039PkQf5A0ynio2QG4EVdGI74xYMPOFeDMq8xtnoFZgEmSHjdmYd-89msTzDuLjqdmN-2XnM0aQEgvZxfg-aSCguwgNZAmtsuHbiYuFC6JHYqLrckgdruDlhU/s1600/100_0754.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664629405023807778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispyEFKG_3SrUhwY4es4039PkQf5A0ynio2QG4EVdGI74xYMPOFeDMq8xtnoFZgEmSHjdmYd-89msTzDuLjqdmN-2XnM0aQEgvZxfg-aSCguwgNZAmtsuHbiYuFC6JHYqLrckgdruDlhU/s200/100_0754.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfNI4-GVTE1BRq8qvQMVozq4v2_v0ur8aFYTq2eC4nNNwGke0Uzx0px3j-fO50sOlZvt-qJGRZxkGUQfDcQGkMXB3SpsJzrDOXFhXylOUbU04Q9R94MhYgC2VA265yo1CVtyYzWEFOHI/s1600/100_0762.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664630628330439202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfNI4-GVTE1BRq8qvQMVozq4v2_v0ur8aFYTq2eC4nNNwGke0Uzx0px3j-fO50sOlZvt-qJGRZxkGUQfDcQGkMXB3SpsJzrDOXFhXylOUbU04Q9R94MhYgC2VA265yo1CVtyYzWEFOHI/s200/100_0762.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I will try to write a more extensive review of the 2011 season at some point. Probably after the maple tree has finished shedding her leaves and the snow flies.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-37589691757940889962011-10-12T19:05:00.000-04:002011-10-12T18:05:39.086-04:00Knitting and Stitching and Sewing, Oh My!I learned to knit and crochet as a child but hadn't done so for a very long time. A couple of years ago while on my annual Ladies Camping weekend, I was inspired to pick up some yarn and needles. A number of the women were brought their knitting and crocheting projects. One of the women who had back surgery in the past year had knitted and felted a huge number of bags. The ones she had with her were beautiful. When I returned home, I decided that I wanted to relearn to knit so I could make a felted handbag. So, I went to the store and bought some yarn, needles and a "teach yourself to knit" book.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I now have a collection of knitting and crocheting books and patterns and tons of yarn. My favorite place for yarn and great instruction is City Knits. They are located in the Fisher Building in Detroit. They also have a store in Mt. Clemens. Their website is <a href="http://www.cityknits.com/">http://www.cityknits.com/</a><br />Always on the lookout for local sources for anything that I want to buy, I attend a Lavendar Festival and discovered not only locally raised yarns from alpaca and sheep, but also beautiful knitting needles made from Michigan hardwoods. This summer while we were up north, we took a trip to East Jordan, Michigan, home to Stonehedge Fiber Mill. Here are a couple of photos. Debbie McDermott is the owner. She gave us a tour of the farm and mill and we met her herd of about 50 sheep (She called each one by name!)<br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxdSBm7D6w58cD9VZiEV3XhRL1Zhsz0JHmo-jiJa7-PHRQTRs9LFomhZdEfqYtrChgzveiE2fDW1w5axnE1puiql07wourx129TQR5xaxqlzTHr7zPTjPdLvedFmj1pADQloYAqTXsyQ/s1600/100_0617.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661940280285484562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxdSBm7D6w58cD9VZiEV3XhRL1Zhsz0JHmo-jiJa7-PHRQTRs9LFomhZdEfqYtrChgzveiE2fDW1w5axnE1puiql07wourx129TQR5xaxqlzTHr7zPTjPdLvedFmj1pADQloYAqTXsyQ/s200/100_0617.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjushSd-chWRxDEZMYEP4qd-2hmCs-8aDsDnaIRIWAEZGsGXVXQu54825fVYFlNHKWi-tuFx1wLuS6SR2R_hHbKt-h8ZdVkFwVz3J0nUdd9khlcfjdhDhl8hrI62S0_h684LmBYNsODpK8/s1600/100_0616.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661941163711725634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjushSd-chWRxDEZMYEP4qd-2hmCs-8aDsDnaIRIWAEZGsGXVXQu54825fVYFlNHKWi-tuFx1wLuS6SR2R_hHbKt-h8ZdVkFwVz3J0nUdd9khlcfjdhDhl8hrI62S0_h684LmBYNsODpK8/s200/100_0616.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFFnhRFZv6ilBF2S4CPUD0ch98PwtdyyCbJ8gHWp2sCBoe5i5vQZ64sB5AwMbSQoYZT7Uo9hVgnCcvKssnfv5DrihjeLu24RrYasnBRVx2jvmLyAr6lJ_ppXBRR419aopywIkPjFZxOk/s1600/100_0619.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661940755166784002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFFnhRFZv6ilBF2S4CPUD0ch98PwtdyyCbJ8gHWp2sCBoe5i5vQZ64sB5AwMbSQoYZT7Uo9hVgnCcvKssnfv5DrihjeLu24RrYasnBRVx2jvmLyAr6lJ_ppXBRR419aopywIkPjFZxOk/s200/100_0619.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>We also met a pair of African Geese named Lucy and Desi and a young rooster who responded to Khairi's "cock-a-doodle, do"<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNjnHmMU0j3QOUIAvoRjx7-N4QUq1E7AClrc7l6MKQDYiJWEqzRXQ6Jab5I_20d8-40QFB__yXiyJQdXlD8CAVUHIIBQGgNKezsTT3Ql6Cu1zzGYr0odjEddDIRv-6Y2i_b7c9CEgvLc/s1600/100_0618.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662597178626786482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNjnHmMU0j3QOUIAvoRjx7-N4QUq1E7AClrc7l6MKQDYiJWEqzRXQ6Jab5I_20d8-40QFB__yXiyJQdXlD8CAVUHIIBQGgNKezsTT3Ql6Cu1zzGYr0odjEddDIRv-6Y2i_b7c9CEgvLc/s200/100_0618.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I took a sewing class last spring with the goal of being able to read a pattern and do simple projects... probably more handbags and totes! More on that at another time. So now, I knit and felt bags, have made a few more bags from old wool sweaters. Decided to try make bookmarks and glass cases. Learned some simple embroidery...<br /></div><br /><br /><div>I have accumulated about a dozen finished bags and an assortment of bookmarks and glass cases, so...</div><br /><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWviyWVSCdxTlryRJUIWEjDw3XiUY1yDEYzT8VLcO-8e7DIAqHLIa8R6zOZzGYNyitm792KeD1RYh4ihNfNh_pD2ZK-bEW0SLjmznPV2uRJh5-hZYu4uCQoK7K2KBFLkOGIRGZhTDPtQ/s1600/P7140005_01.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661942631687756274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJWviyWVSCdxTlryRJUIWEjDw3XiUY1yDEYzT8VLcO-8e7DIAqHLIa8R6zOZzGYNyitm792KeD1RYh4ihNfNh_pD2ZK-bEW0SLjmznPV2uRJh5-hZYu4uCQoK7K2KBFLkOGIRGZhTDPtQ/s200/P7140005_01.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTN2fZ21O97F55MvfYKkC1t6fd22QCL9yRI0CSl-FmjBeweygWeNMJ5KOx-YTyVWccm9Q7qjzRoBWYPfR6hA4BDxKqR3CEfJATlrY71Ui2AjMUb_nNPZqq22y1wndqvjici4oFCcxEQi0/s1600/Green+Rectangle+Bag.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661942144346498546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTN2fZ21O97F55MvfYKkC1t6fd22QCL9yRI0CSl-FmjBeweygWeNMJ5KOx-YTyVWccm9Q7qjzRoBWYPfR6hA4BDxKqR3CEfJATlrY71Ui2AjMUb_nNPZqq22y1wndqvjici4oFCcxEQi0/s200/Green+Rectangle+Bag.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFoqlJ0ZKJOrH-ClD80qDLGUZ4qu5QBUb_YDLXfQFx3hgzGFrQF9LyZ8pnSJIUTN_PDm4gAVhQe7ZPJfatjCl5B7nx8VpH4qHc5HlkmnaPN9mz-o5FXC8XDkXkF8QLVpBrL4MG3yiFKA/s1600/Grey+Big+Bag.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661941688384243234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFoqlJ0ZKJOrH-ClD80qDLGUZ4qu5QBUb_YDLXfQFx3hgzGFrQF9LyZ8pnSJIUTN_PDm4gAVhQe7ZPJfatjCl5B7nx8VpH4qHc5HlkmnaPN9mz-o5FXC8XDkXkF8QLVpBrL4MG3yiFKA/s200/Grey+Big+Bag.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div>Last summer I decided that the time was right to begin selling my bags, so I now have a website on Etsy, a forum for selling handmade and vintage items. I have also done a couple of custom orders, which has been fun. My clients pick the yarn colors, fabric for the lining and pendant. I have sold a few bags, but I am not spending much time these days on it, which is ok. I mostly knit, etc. as a creative outlet, anyhow. I have made many gifts for family and friends and just bought enought yarn to knit myself a sweater. As soon as I have time to start it...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-31188763996986037442011-05-03T15:02:00.006-04:002011-05-04T19:22:36.294-04:00Detroit Food Policy Council Invites Community Action<div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00ACgS4f-lbiBVkEpGBo6zy6WPqbsPmCktn3GLp3YHszz5JovyfFxQtDnV_QrLKxnsIU4G82oDuEcwvwhRBL4TjOHYkZmPLX3NRl7k1m_yDLviFEBJgyhDkMaIdDUC-UrZOFOtYseQ8I/s1600/Detroit+Community+Garden.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602567996204283170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00ACgS4f-lbiBVkEpGBo6zy6WPqbsPmCktn3GLp3YHszz5JovyfFxQtDnV_QrLKxnsIU4G82oDuEcwvwhRBL4TjOHYkZmPLX3NRl7k1m_yDLviFEBJgyhDkMaIdDUC-UrZOFOtYseQ8I/s200/Detroit+Community+Garden.jpg" /></a><br />The Detroit Food Policy Council (DFPC) was established in December 2009 after several years of work led by the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network. The DFPC is committed to nurturing the development and maintenance of a food-secure City of Detroit in which all of its residents are hunger-free, healthy and benefit economically from the food system that impacts their lives. </div><br /><br /><div><br />Those few words describe a complex issue. Far too many people in Detroit cannot physically get to fresh food because of health and/or lack of transportation. Many of us cannot afford the cost of healthy food or are understandably confused as to what “healthy” food means. It seems like an overwhelming topic. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEWXoytLkEH_HQM_56Bea6idKyzBQd04fltXK03KvBikaq5v_RPML2gDdf-KXjneuewzeynYyWBv0cYFXDpFYPzP1zctcTRmIdeKZ72_qdZIVgVsF3ToSxun8wcgSkQkX9fGDKsh7CNg/s1600/100_0232.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602569761490513506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEWXoytLkEH_HQM_56Bea6idKyzBQd04fltXK03KvBikaq5v_RPML2gDdf-KXjneuewzeynYyWBv0cYFXDpFYPzP1zctcTRmIdeKZ72_qdZIVgVsF3ToSxun8wcgSkQkX9fGDKsh7CNg/s200/100_0232.jpg" /></a> The good news: <br /><div></div><br /><div>There are successful efforts underway in Detroit right now to improve our food system. More of us are gardening, cooking and sharing our knowledge with others. There are initiatives underway to improve the number and quality of grocery stores in the city. Activists, community leaders and neighbors are coming together to help create solutions that will work for all residents. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>This past week, the Detroit Food Policy Council hosted four community forums to engage citizens in our work. The forums were held on April 19th at Gleaners Community Food Bank, April 20th at Nsoroma Institute, April 26 at Christ the King Church and April 28 at Most Holy Redeemer Church. Community residents gathered to hear about the history and goals of the DFPC and to discuss food and the food system in Detroit. Three sessions were held during the evening and one during the day where participants discussed and debated the positive progress and the challenges of creating a local food system that works for all of our citizens.<br /></div><br /><div>Citizens learned and help suggest solutions in four areas: Healthy Food Access, Urban Agriculture, Community Food Justice and Schools and Institutions. Short descriptions of each group are below.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The Healthy Food Access group focuses on access to healthy food. Access includes the ease and ability to travel to where quality food is available, as well as the affordability of that food and its cultural suitability to specific population groups within the community. </div><br /><br /><div>The Urban Agriculture group discusses the opportunities and challenges for Detroiters to grow, harvest and process fresh food in the city as an important means to creating a robust local food system. </div><br /><br /><div>The Community Food Justice group focuses on ways to ensure that Detroit’s majority African-American population, as well as Latinos, Asians and other marginalized groups, are represented at all levels and in all aspects of the food system. This group considers the impact of economic, racial and social justice issues in the food system on our community.<br /><br />The Schools and Institutions group focus on schools and other public institutions, such as hospitals, colleges and universities and the prison. These institutions provide meals to large groups of individuals and can play a unique role in educating the citizens of the City of Detroit about healthy food. </div><br /><br /><div>The input from these sessions is being used to help plan the DFPC’s first Annual Powering Up the Local Food System Summit, scheduled for May 19 and 20 at Eastern Market. The Summit will feature learning sessions, networking and resource fair and the release of the first Annual Detroit Food Report. Online registration is now open. The cost of the two day Summit is $20 with scholarships available. For more information on the DFPC or to register for the Summit, go to www.detroitfoodpolicycouncil.net.<br /><br />The Detroit Food Policy Council was established in 2009 by unanimous approval of the Detroit City Council. The DFPC consists of twenty-one members, including twelve (12) members with expertise in various sectors of the food system, six (6) "at-large" representatives and three (3) governmental representatives, each named by the Mayor's Office, City Council and the Department of Health and Wellness Promotion (DHWP).<br /><br />To register for the Summit or for more information, visit <a href="http://www.detroitfoodpolicycouncil.net/">http://www.detroitfoodpolicycouncil.net/</a> or send me an email at <a href="mailto:detroitfoodpolicycouncil@gmail.com">detroitfoodpolicycouncil@gmail.com</a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-39792743670144269492011-03-18T18:38:00.006-04:002011-03-18T18:47:35.285-04:00Food Security, Food Access, Food Justice<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xe_qk-oEb5n4OO44UHcxoM6cEbdPYFB3pAFOF4NecNEuPGh0F_W6sKel8SzZDUYJx-CeJOUQgguc1a-0X145WkrOJM6YeOOTuGp3-1LgxtpIxqv1AdCU_Yw7TAQwKSiYgWuTUs_SUwY/s1600/Simon.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 117px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585553239673147602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xe_qk-oEb5n4OO44UHcxoM6cEbdPYFB3pAFOF4NecNEuPGh0F_W6sKel8SzZDUYJx-CeJOUQgguc1a-0X145WkrOJM6YeOOTuGp3-1LgxtpIxqv1AdCU_Yw7TAQwKSiYgWuTUs_SUwY/s200/Simon.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">What Can I Do?</span> </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><em>Submitted and Published in the Michigan Citizen, February 6, 2011<br /></em><br />According to the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, the definition of food security is: When all of the members of a community have easy access to adequate amounts of affordable, nutritious, culturally appropriate food.<br /><br />Those few words describe a complex issue. Far too many people in Detroit do not have food security. Many cannot physically get to fresh food because of health and/or lack of transportation. Others cannot afford the cost of healthy food. Still others are understandably confused as to what “healthy” food means. It seems like an overwhelming topic that as an individual, any effort you make, will have little or no significant impact on your fellow Detroiters’ ability to access food. Or, maybe you think that this problem doesn’t affect you if you don’t live within the city of Detroit.<br /><br />However, this issue goes beyond accessibility to the very heart of how food is produced, distributed, sold and eaten. Our industrial food system negatively impacts every individual in every community in the U.S. It is not working for any of us and the biggest negative impact is on those with the fewest resources. Many advocates describe it as a broken system: unhealthy, unsustainable, and unjust.<br /><br />The good news: Food has become a hot topic from local grassroots activism to national political debate. From a vegetable garden at the White House and the First Lady’s initiative to address childhood obesity to urban agriculture and the rise in popularity of local and organic produce. There is a growing awareness and interest in changing the food system, from farm to table to landfill, that affects our health, our economy, our communities, and our environment.<br />Detroit has the opportunity to create a community where all of its citizens have access to fresh, sustainably grown food but we must work at all levels to accomplish our goal. There are successful efforts underway in Detroit right now. From expanding the regional food hub at Eastern Market to the Garden Resource Program that teaches residents how to grow food to the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation’s initiative to help local grocers improve their stores and fresh food offerings and the Detroit Public Schools’ success ensuring that as many children as possible participate in the school breakfast and lunch program, there are many people focused on improving our local food system.<br />You may be asking: “what can I do?” There are many ways to get involved in local, state and federal initiatives on food security. Among them are:<br /><br />Participate in the First Annual Powering Up the Food System Summit organized by the Detroit Food Policy Council on May 19 and 20 at Eastern Market. The Summit will feature opportunities to learn and become involved in community-led efforts to increase food access and build a stronger local food system that benefits all Detroiters. Attend one of the pre-summit forums. Following the Summit, join one of the task forces that will develop solutions that build on current efforts and speed up progress toward a healthy, sustainable, just food system.<br />Learn more about the city's efforts to develop an urban agriculture policy and share your thoughts with leaders about how other proposals that are being developed—such as, for example, under the Detroit Works strategy—might affect food security (positively or negatively).<br /><br />If you have school age children, encourage your child’s school to develop a Healthy Food Policy. School policies that promote healthy breakfast and lunch programs also create an opportunity for small businesses.<br /><br />Contact your representatives in the State legislature, which is considering an end to the Earned Income Tax Credit. If passed, this will have impact on impoverished households' income and further challenge their efforts to meet basic needs, likely increasing their reliance on area food assistance programs.<br /><br />Improve your own household’s food habits. Visit one of the many Farmer’s Markets that operate from June through October or come to Eastern Market all year round. And, invite a neighbor who may not have transportation to shop with you. Support your church or community soup kitchen or food pantry. Shop your local grocery store. Talk to the manager about offering Michigan fruits, vegetables and other products. Buying locally produced products helps keep money right here in our own community.<br /><br /><em>Cheryl A Simon is the Coordinator of the Detroit Food Policy Council. She can be reached at (313) 833-0396 or detroitfoodpolicycouncil@gmail.com</em>Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-77928367361574630932011-02-24T17:17:00.001-05:002011-02-24T21:14:32.147-05:00Winter Camp at the FRC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ66aGLwngVIByLnoyXeHQpDjbm-j3d5sxBBz8ePG92eV_jX7ORTDOnqfGNtxyAnohkoiH7FToJd40TDzmvhaJXBKPSnoK0GMkzxTnU5XPkCw5v7wHOrAix9tMOGRYnVehGKCL8kFoIiU/s1600/Me+and+Dr.+Ray.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576642299886631762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ66aGLwngVIByLnoyXeHQpDjbm-j3d5sxBBz8ePG92eV_jX7ORTDOnqfGNtxyAnohkoiH7FToJd40TDzmvhaJXBKPSnoK0GMkzxTnU5XPkCw5v7wHOrAix9tMOGRYnVehGKCL8kFoIiU/s200/Me+and+Dr.+Ray.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This is the second year that my son, Theo and I have attended the BRRR Dead of Winter Camp at the Farm Research Cooperative, located in Bloomingdale, Michigan (northwest of Kalamazoo). The camp invites students in grades four through 6 for a weekend of academic sessions related to science and art.<br /><br /><br />The camp director’s name is Dr. LeRoy Ray. Dr. Ray was born in 1930 in Texas and has dedicated much of his life’s work to helping African American students graduate from college. He has been a university professor, farmer, cowboy, business owner and educator among many other things. At 80 years old, he has influenced thousands of young people to attend and complete college.<br /><br />The Farm Research Cooperative, a non profit organization that he started, and this camp is one example of the work that he has sponsored, organized and help fund for nearly 40 years in Michigan. The schedule below reflects the rigors of the weekend and the urgency with which Dr. Ray operates. We end the weekend satisfied but exhausted. Here’s what our weekend looked like.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Friday, Feb. 4, 2011<br /></strong>5:30 p.m. Registration and Sign In.<br />6:00 p.m. Assign Sleeping Quarters<br />6:20 p.m. Introductions<br />7:00 p.m. Dinner- Spaghetti, Salad, Bread Sticks<br />8:00 p.m. Orientation, Code of Conduct and Expectations (Dr. Ray)<br />8:30 p.m. Team Building Exercise<br /><br />In preparation for Saturday's campfire, we dug out the firewood and prepared the fire pit.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1hQgn6nCj-Q8JjUHJkow31UxuBrcIMNeXPqeAsS0kayYjp2Fv5FZNCaiB1PdDhbPsUsktjThcE0SlxCgI8RHRcCysUuw1bJkB-HXJlTgtdQ0F74BLjmi54YfsVoR5Lks9Ou8_XwwFTs/s1600/IMAG0146.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576645014034245362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1hQgn6nCj-Q8JjUHJkow31UxuBrcIMNeXPqeAsS0kayYjp2Fv5FZNCaiB1PdDhbPsUsktjThcE0SlxCgI8RHRcCysUuw1bJkB-HXJlTgtdQ0F74BLjmi54YfsVoR5Lks9Ou8_XwwFTs/s200/IMAG0146.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRYygErbcd-gT-rVzM14dGZ4O73soZ7TEsA8M0XpTis_eOWB_FXsVpq-jlIs4K2i7M_QQDyKp3QrrRLYbrViXNGP8V2lGUtDk9L733vb06Z5EHwbURLyn5fNYOwynG6XlzKu3knqTW8M/s1600/IMAG0149.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576644330222637762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRYygErbcd-gT-rVzM14dGZ4O73soZ7TEsA8M0XpTis_eOWB_FXsVpq-jlIs4K2i7M_QQDyKp3QrrRLYbrViXNGP8V2lGUtDk9L733vb06Z5EHwbURLyn5fNYOwynG6XlzKu3knqTW8M/s200/IMAG0149.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />9:15 p.m Writing a Proposal/ Note Taking Skills (Ms. Simon)<br /><br />I conducted a session on effective note taking skills. Each student receives a tool kit with notebook, pencils, highlighter, red pen and a dictionary.<br /><br /><br />10:15 p.m. Chemistry Experiment: Dehydrating Snow (Dr. Ray with help from all instructors)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyM_FNRQUflHHudAaXPCPqt9f1PS0o-FJ_LM9ylabNLVSi8Fm_S9ZI8sBuQQbIGhZYU6HZXDZoSIwRJl3umnBFg5XKNQX1tNdwDG7fOLUVdKRJAA0DVHeDaj3IRgvOFUNvQ4Bz7oTHbs/s1600/IMAG0144.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576644457983631122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyM_FNRQUflHHudAaXPCPqt9f1PS0o-FJ_LM9ylabNLVSi8Fm_S9ZI8sBuQQbIGhZYU6HZXDZoSIwRJl3umnBFg5XKNQX1tNdwDG7fOLUVdKRJAA0DVHeDaj3IRgvOFUNvQ4Bz7oTHbs/s200/IMAG0144.JPG" /></a> The students collected three samples of snow, weighed each one using a double beam scale and put them in three locations, including a dehydrator. They recorded the time the experiment started. On Saturday morning, they checked their samples and discussed what happened to the snow and why.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />11:30 p.m. Red Eye Research and Assignment<br />The students were expected to be able to recite the list of 17 expectations for the camp.<br /><br /><strong>Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011</strong><br />7:00 a.m Rise and Shine <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eKAn0Y48u35RO8rMOcWR8ZMOQKCZwNw6JVJF8Td2OADcx0-7dUOmoGJplKD1kGYxSYQKt6rg98qj0QTgRYJHdSS6sn_A1zSEtdDSjJVro3STLZj-5Cl6E-uJmXVo6SL420GoOIB3r6k/s1600/Saginaw+Girls.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576645633342928994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eKAn0Y48u35RO8rMOcWR8ZMOQKCZwNw6JVJF8Td2OADcx0-7dUOmoGJplKD1kGYxSYQKt6rg98qj0QTgRYJHdSS6sn_A1zSEtdDSjJVro3STLZj-5Cl6E-uJmXVo6SL420GoOIB3r6k/s200/Saginaw+Girls.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />8:00 a.m. Breakfast! Eggs, toast, bacon, cereal and juice<br />9:00 a.m. Clean Up<br />9:45 a.m. Group Assignments: The students were divided into two groups:<br />Group A: Demarion, Jayshon, Quiana, Dewan, Kwesi<br />Group B: Marcellus, Theo, Lila, Yyvennia, Brandon<br /><br />10:00 a.m.<br /><br /><br />Group A: Science: Energy: Electricity and Conservation in the Carver Lab (as in George Washington Carver)<br /><br />Instructors: Mr. Vincent with help from Mr. D and me presented a session on electricity. Students learned to convert watts to amps for incandescent bulbs and CFL's. They also learned ways to conserve energy and water at home.<br /><br /><br />Group B: Newsletter in the Red Barn (the newly constructed learning space that was opened in Summer, 2010)<br /><br /><br />Instructors: Mr. Palmore, Mr. McClendon<br /><br />Students learned how to take photos, write stories, set up a newsletter in Microsoft Publisher.<br /><br /><br />12:00 p.m. Lunch: Grilled Cheese, Fruit, Cookies and Juice<br /><br />1:00 p.m. Instuctors Meeting<br /><br />We discuss the struggle that we see students having with taking notes. We determine that our schools and teachers rely heavily on worksheets and handouts so our students are not learning these skills at an early age. The instructors decide that one way to help students is to review notes after each session and help them edit/ fill in the information they missed.<br /><br />1:00 Students Tour The Silo Museum<br /><br />Instructor: Mr. McClendon took the students on a tour of the Silo Museum, which contains photos, artifacts and stories about Black Inventors. Dr. Ray is planning to renovate the Museum in the summer. Students shared ideas for updating the museum with the group.<br /><br />2:00 p.m.<br /><br />Group A: Newsletter<br />Group B: Science<br /><br /><br />3:30 p.m. Art<br /><br />Instructor: Mr. Palmore, an accomplished fine artist from Kalamazoo, teaches students how to draw a face. They are then encourage to create an abstract piece of art with plaster compound and paint. Mama Leslie and I assist the students with supplies and watch as they create their art. Theo gives his finished piece to Mr. D, a volunteer from Saginaw who brought four students to camp, who he really connected with.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH-2MBmJK8-30xZS8U-1yUrzRbg2NRWCJmQSCey5Yx-OqRybX0Zny2Ec36_ri2FuajU0oA8kMxTNg1Bfveq-TcFqDIQod_wP4ghbhMhrB1okKrs765pi7xEt_RBluNcW8Z4tO0l6S9xY/s1600/IMAG0162.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576645567188160546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvH-2MBmJK8-30xZS8U-1yUrzRbg2NRWCJmQSCey5Yx-OqRybX0Zny2Ec36_ri2FuajU0oA8kMxTNg1Bfveq-TcFqDIQod_wP4ghbhMhrB1okKrs765pi7xEt_RBluNcW8Z4tO0l6S9xY/s200/IMAG0162.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7-SWAo1XCQzkZmsuyLB4nQekbuNbYDldrvbhX8D7nRtJBwHoIWBCC0nyLpCvZRof-YjBnJUptQ-9badodOkKuoFFXoC183iPRvdUoAymF4A5AfOFkWCei4rXumx6kBbyoEl8vHcAbsc/s1600/IMAG0156.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576644677697752098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7-SWAo1XCQzkZmsuyLB4nQekbuNbYDldrvbhX8D7nRtJBwHoIWBCC0nyLpCvZRof-YjBnJUptQ-9badodOkKuoFFXoC183iPRvdUoAymF4A5AfOFkWCei4rXumx6kBbyoEl8vHcAbsc/s200/IMAG0156.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />7:00 p.m. Outside Play<br /><br /><br /><br />8:00 p.m. Dinner- We roasted hot dogs on the camp fire and then made smores!<br /><br />9:00 p.m. Group Activity and Newsletter<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />During one of the breaks, Dr. Ray and I spend some time in his library. He has many, many books on lots of subjects. His collection of works from W.E.B. Dubois brings him special pride. He also has reel to reel tapes from his visits to the 107 Black colleges and universities located in the U.S. We discuss the need to preserve his collection and agree to talk further about how to accomplish this goal.<br /><br /><br />12:00 a.m. Red Eye Assignment<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011 </strong><br /><br />7:00 a.m. Rise and Shine<br />8:00 a.m. Breakfast<br />9:00 a.m. Clean up and Pack Belongings<br /><br /><br />9:30 a.m. Take a Stance<br /><br />Dr. Ray spends time talking about the future of FRC, his vision and hope that this group and others will continue to work on behalf of African American youth. He helps the students (and adults) connect history with the present and future.<br /><br /><br />10:30 a.m. Plans are made to create way for students and instructors to keep in touch. I collect email addresses and agree to create a secure website for this purpose. We also discuss creating a presentation for the Family Farm Conference or other upcoming meeting to showcase the students work and encourage support for the FRC.<br /><br /><br /><br />11:30 a.m. Depart for Home<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO26wOb6fR6f9M0x5zOjhHmXMT7XKL6G54GdotLVAq_uhgGnjS49usTF3URrzGqIFaGPdfphpOAVQk4Z4p01p7bAOyhreNGX_0GOllQQNggOp32QnJFHGrDw2w_rHzrZVKWv62rZtVo0/s1600/Group+Pic+2011.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576645739682365954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO26wOb6fR6f9M0x5zOjhHmXMT7XKL6G54GdotLVAq_uhgGnjS49usTF3URrzGqIFaGPdfphpOAVQk4Z4p01p7bAOyhreNGX_0GOllQQNggOp32QnJFHGrDw2w_rHzrZVKWv62rZtVo0/s200/Group+Pic+2011.jpg" /></a>We take a group photo outside before we all go our separate ways. I am grateful for a wonderful experience for Theo and myself.Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-86420799904747800882011-01-28T09:37:00.000-05:002011-01-28T14:06:53.695-05:00Lacuna<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35vxnAC3Om-z3aYTCLxMpiLTGkywyEGtSMC2-JXwmpGWT227RZArxYakSZSvkUAi9WMa86gS0nmofTnV74Emizyy7ndgxLOiL7ubaNMN09PHvalFVsaD4914Ry4qghYCfov2MK6dXOqE/s1600/Lacuna.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 98px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567314647694103266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35vxnAC3Om-z3aYTCLxMpiLTGkywyEGtSMC2-JXwmpGWT227RZArxYakSZSvkUAi9WMa86gS0nmofTnV74Emizyy7ndgxLOiL7ubaNMN09PHvalFVsaD4914Ry4qghYCfov2MK6dXOqE/s200/Lacuna.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />According to the Webster's dictionary, a lacuna is "an empty space or gap"<br /><br />I am a big fan of Barbara Kingsolver so when she announced the publication of her newest novel, I pre-ordered it from Amazon. I don't usually buy new books. I borrow and trade with friends, go the used book sale at the Detroit Public Library, hit our church's annual garage sale and regularly cruise the thrift stores. But...I knew that I wanted to add Lacuna to my Kingsolver collection.<br /><br />So, I read it when it came out. When I finished, I have to say that it was not my favorite Kingsolver book. As time went on, and frankly, after talking with a friend about the book, the concept of a lacuna has stayed with me.<br /><br />There are several meanings of lacuna in the book. The empty space or gap is both physical and emotional and spiritual for the main character.<br /><br />So, thinking about where I am in the cycle of life. I have several close friends who are turning 50 this year and I'm not far behind. Still feeling young but realizing that nobody lives forever. Signs of aging... grey hair, a few wrinkles, creaky joints. I'm in that space between youth and middle age (or middle age and old age!?).<br /><br />Between worlds... physical and spiritual. I try to focus on what is important and lasting. Not an easy task in this ME, ME, ME, NOW, NOW, NOW!! culture that we live in but I have to say, I am getting better at filtering out the noise.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-8861035859867798602010-09-15T10:00:00.001-04:002010-09-15T10:36:37.381-04:00Late Summer Harvest Pasta Recipe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3G2ezwAH8a2XmXVdYQKSFQgNme_n487M966akA4Lm7gHeZp3hYAdonC82Esa98LgOI7bkZCWNAipmDOSA82WZa0bdutrsTtKEF27fX-ElvjJEhbZCxuwfw6uiZ1VtBbXwim5iR34kOo/s1600/011.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NTdfi8pEk4PpSk4yJCanB-oiodelgQmPr2RO1pAYxnVgy6XLmkFTqquQdjRYSzdssq1b7Vg8pkpXXEZUNRspXHXqt_MbohLE5lwaAZaqz2cNOTEYoA3H08T_gkHAZIOj4vvS_2ffGu8/s1600/July+2010+001.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497829061798602882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NTdfi8pEk4PpSk4yJCanB-oiodelgQmPr2RO1pAYxnVgy6XLmkFTqquQdjRYSzdssq1b7Vg8pkpXXEZUNRspXHXqt_MbohLE5lwaAZaqz2cNOTEYoA3H08T_gkHAZIOj4vvS_2ffGu8/s200/July+2010+001.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><div>Onions! Sweet onions. I grew Alisa Craig's this year after getting them in our Maple Creek Farm CSA box in the past. They are sweet and are meant to be eaten right away. For storage, I grew Copra's and Red Spanish. I still had some left in March from the summer before.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHeaZy0mVuWICFUsegjK0brZtKfzxcXxnBgyUbjwPt6o_cSf2b45-Q9ByYEqQ3difNSOlP7BQAC95thFVJHDU_XVzQ5EYgMXBJJQkk3hswpha4QzT4kBRT7utE5qwUtvJdJ6P93Btg3g/s1600/Garden+%26+Tour+August+2008+008.jpg"></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCooyyGP84-AEFSR278z6VHgX9z_OO0tu4LfAmcOAnci5lqJq2FR9janzwTzmwjIRmQ4djWsKAobbV_gkyJ7kEk5HSTg8qBPf5tJd5friDkHOXEkS7tBIoPWKj2tFrgd6UisJfetPZUA/s1600/Late+July+Harvest+002.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497826335551091554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCooyyGP84-AEFSR278z6VHgX9z_OO0tu4LfAmcOAnci5lqJq2FR9janzwTzmwjIRmQ4djWsKAobbV_gkyJ7kEk5HSTg8qBPf5tJd5friDkHOXEkS7tBIoPWKj2tFrgd6UisJfetPZUA/s200/Late+July+Harvest+002.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>The heat and humidity have really kicked my garden in gear. Fresh garlic, kohlrabi, cabbage and broccoli on the table at the at the top of the photo. In the bowl, green beans, cucumber, various peppers, yellow and red cherry tomatoes, large slicing tomato and ground cherries. Ground cherries are <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8wynQltGHgcItwAYam2wWN19aEPfSYaBtOlS2UulGut2zSxd-jA67Dwy6qnVBD_iN9C_GF6o6m33gj1FrxkWDliEKj6xVgJpNstWIDwicqdHYM5jCaqpHVa__peE7qnaoGIqV4M3aLs/s1600/P6190009.JPG"></a>small yellow fruits with a papery skin that you remove before eating. This is a new item for us. They are sweet with the consistency of a tomato. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rC-XwuViGlV35s8h18YjapLCATAVoc248xBgaJXhg8bbjD5RKuut5Ydw7F9-EYQRGq1sPIGWK3wplSXajkjJhFTXX-Tqd7OQJnhJJ5eSiV2L7gJqYD1AnmGU6Ml4R-ooxD8wN3HXryc/s1600/Garden+Aug+2008+014.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497828594685070498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rC-XwuViGlV35s8h18YjapLCATAVoc248xBgaJXhg8bbjD5RKuut5Ydw7F9-EYQRGq1sPIGWK3wplSXajkjJhFTXX-Tqd7OQJnhJJ5eSiV2L7gJqYD1AnmGU6Ml4R-ooxD8wN3HXryc/s200/Garden+Aug+2008+014.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>A favorite tomato to eat right out of the garden. These little cherry tomatoes are sugar sweet. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>My eggplant did not do too well this year. I started them from seed them put them in pots but I think they needed more room. Better luck next year. Lucky for us, Farmers Randy and Shirley of Hampshire Farms sell beautiful, organically grown eggplant at Eastern Market. The Grown in Detroit table had some, too. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Here is the recipe for one of our favorite summer supppers. Enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><div><strong>Summer Pasta Sauce</strong></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>1 onion, chopped</div><div><br /></div><div>4-5 cloves of garlic, smashed</div><div><br /></div><div>1 large eggplant, peeled and cut into 1" pieces</div><div><br /></div><div>2 large zucchini, cut into 1" pieces</div><div><br /></div><div>3 sweet peppers, cut into 1" pieces (I used green, yellow and red ones)</div><div><br /></div><div>About 4 lbs. tomatoes, cut up (I use whatever I have on hand from the garden)</div><div><br /></div><div>A couple of handfuls of fresh herbs-- Basil, Oregano and Thyme </div><div><br /></div><div>Olive oil</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Saute the onions and garlic in the olive oil until tender. Add the peppers and saute for 5 minutes. Add the zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes. Let cook for about 10 minutes, then add the herbs. Simmer the sauce for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve over pasta of your choice.<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div></div></div>Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-52155715118616759602010-08-10T11:55:00.005-04:002010-08-10T18:24:47.353-04:00We Bought A Cow!<div><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494206732216454082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC52NSNOzszTV955albuTsQPAV2-go2J4UUFPgXiQX9hLEmvFruZH44X2xHAaT5cJFjbh2uEYEm4IwTM8kuPVvhoqc2jwOgWQxizjw_gnZya4sjIRlZ0FVaKA1SU-MOJu_X4aKj9Z3zx0/s320/July+09+Vacation+016.jpg" /><br /><br /><div><br /><div>Her name is Amy and she lives in Kington, Michigan at Hampshire Farms, a family owned, certified organic farm in Kingston, MI. (The photo at the left is not at Hampshire Farms, but it was the only one I had of us with cows in it.) We met Randy and Shirley Hampshire several years ago when they began selling their certified organic grains, flours, cornmeal, beans, popcorn, bread, eggs and other products at Eastern Market. In June 2009, we were among the first families to invest in their cow share program. We had been thinking about switching from organic to raw milk for some time and when the Hampshire's started their program, we knew they were the people we wanted to invest with. Check out their website at <a href="http://www.hampshirefarms.com/">http://www.hampshirefarms.com/</a> and be sure to stop by their stall at Eastern Market in Shed Three.<br /><br /><br /><div>My family and I have been on a journey that started for me, in 2000 when my older son joined our family. I was a vegetarian for three years and started eating meat again when I was dating my now former husband. I made my son's baby food and started my own backyard garden in 2004. We have made a concerted effort in the past six years to be more thoughtful about what we eat... leaning toward local, in-season food. When I adopted my second son, I did a lot of reading about traditional diets. The Weston A. Price Foundation and the local Healthy Traditions Network have provided a lot of information to consider. Their website is <a href="http://www.htnetwork.org/">http://www.htnetwork.org/</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Some of their strongest recommendations are related to animal products-- grass fed meat, unprocessed (raw, real) dairy. etc. Unfortunately, in Michigan as in many other states, it is illegal for farmers to sell unpasteurized dairy products directly to consumers. So, we bought a share in a cow. We pay a monthly maintenance fee that covers Amy's room and board and every week we pick up a gallon of milk at Eastern Market from the farmers.<br /><br />This past week, I made a soft cheese with our milk. This is a cheese that my mom (and Situe and other members of our family) made on a regular basis when I was a child. It is unbelievably simple and even more delicious with raw milk.<br /><br />Here is how it is made:<br /><br />Put 1 gallon of milk in a stainless steel pot and add 1 teaspoon rennet. I use vegetable rennet purchased online from <a href="http://www.leeners.com/">http://www.leeners.com/</a><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494207205720002930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKjk2FyT4w7-pCDKzezXCfYk3bGK3AfyTvSQwFNqsTMqWr5wojez5tTV7SdnFm2nFPO0P4iMrk21ik9TrFxVklNTLpAitKesaA_A7yQzLY7TOxIXyFnXXXbzNhWOXW6b01-7xBwpCoWA/s200/001.JPG" /><br />Heat the milk over medium heat. As the curds form, push them down into the milk. Once the liquid is cloudy, scoop the curds into a small strainer and press the whey out of the cheese back into the pot. One gallon of milk should yield about 6-8 patties of cheese.<br /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494208144571237778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWco48xyHo0CqgncYMaCQGRXb4hsGGlOKtGTbsY2bE2uJU517vIwASftg46ZOiAEs5vkql7A2UoVrdmtpz14SlesTt5nLcf4U6ZOtF4a_mC8ZV22tdBktxL3aKEYvDuU__uDWKjTvGhJs/s200/002.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div>Sprinkle the cheese with salt and add about 1 teaspoon salt to 4 cups of the whey (remaining liquid). Place the cheese and the whey in separate glass containers and chill in the refrigerator for several hours. Store the cheese and whey together once both are chilled.</div><br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494209706727285042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmUFbjPcyYuV-eJaOOm7s4kveEvcJBQFZYt8seLC7NyExTO-anx2uA7ka0YhQAfNdT49O1rPNMJKrvH2tQPMvOYcgs78_9-l7DiooXjYKjkTfnUeHy1umSwPqoDEp5GkjCbp7cNNgDkY/s200/004.JPG" /><br /><br /><div>We enjoy our cheese with calamata olives and pita bread.<br /><br /><td style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" unselectable="on" height="1"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494210114662378722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jy5GeiOAZaxUHGe1Wvs20hlxuNppNgaaPmSms003fgRsLUXzAKjitHSh5c1qyDTciOGDEd7033DQXAoQjOF2__SsvjadXBuuCXeF3EF9XtnwEIozLIJSRlAVWNGai69jiXlg-wFs_xs/s200/015.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div id="hotbar_promo"></div></td></tr></tbody></div></div>Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-7592983758755649032010-07-12T21:00:00.000-04:002010-07-13T20:30:02.047-04:00Grandpa Ed was right...My maternal grandmother's name was Dessie Mae Tucker. My grandfather's name was Ed Hall. She was tall and raw boned and plain spoken- some would say ornery. He was tall and thin, quiet and patient. They lived in Paris, Tennessee so we only saw them for about 10 days in the summer when we were kids. I always think of my grandparents this time of year when my garden really gets going and I start thinking about the process of canning, drying and freezing produce for the winter.<br /><br />Every summer, my family would drive down in the family's station wagon to spend a couple of weeks with my grandparents. My sister and I would always sleep in the back bedroom when we would visit them. The double bed was against the wall so when the sun rose, the light would come in the window behind us. The opposite wall was lined with canned goods from their farm-- tomatoes, green beans, pickles, beets, carrots, pickled watermelon rind, corn, okra. It had a certain smell that I now recognize whenever I can my own garden surplus.<br /><br />Their farm was considerably smaller by the time we were born but still way bigger than anything we ever saw in Detroit. At one time, my grandpa raised animals as well as vegetables and fruit. What are now called "heirloom" tomatoes were the same ordinary, sliced tomatoes that my grandmother served at every supper, still warm from the garden. We always loved going out to the garden after the evening meal where Grandpa showed us how to pick a ripe watermelon. (It falls off the vine when you tap it.) There was nothing like it!<br /><br />It's amazing what has happened to our country's food system in the last 50 years. I remember hearing Grandpa Ed talk about the dangers of pesticides and herbicides, factory farming and genetic engineering (I seem to remember his saying something like "I reckon them scientists think they can tinker with nature") back in the 1980's. At the time, I didn't really understand the scope of the issues or the impending disaster but I certainly got the message that Grandpa thought it was a bad idea. I am sure that he would not be happy to see how our environment, our economy and yes, our national security, is being destroyed.<br /><br />So, what can we do about it? First, we have to recognize that the current food system is broken. And, many of us do. There are more and more informed consumers making the choice to buy locally produced food that is raised in an environmentally responsible way. From this position of engaged consumer, we need to become enraged activists. This is a little tougher but we don't have to sell our stuff and move to a commune (now called intentional communities, more on that at some other time) or handcuff ourselves to the gates of Monsanto Corporation. But, we can do more than Know your food, Know your Farmer as the slogan goes ... in other words, go beyond shopping at the Farmer's Market and growing our own food.<br /><br />A couple of organizations that I support are:<br /><br />Organic Consumer's Association. The link to their website is <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/">http://www.organicconsumers.org/</a>. They work to keep organic standards from being watered down and will help you keep up-to-date on federal and state legislation affecting our food system. They send email action alerts when legislation is being considered with clear ways to make our voices heard.<br /><br />The Farm to Consumers Legal Defense Fund. They actively support family farms and work on policy issues related to our right to purchase raw milk and other nutrient dense foods directly from farmers. In the State of Michigan and in many other states around the country, it is illegal for farmers to sell unpasteurized milk. My family has owned a share in a dairy cow for more than a year now as a way to get access to real milk. The milk is wonderful and it is our way of being both an engaged consumer and an enraged activist. The corporate food companies feel so threatened by these farmers that they have launched aggressive campaigns to defeat any legislation that would loosen the current restrictions. Their website is <a href="http://www.ftcldf.org/">http://www.ftcldf.org/</a><br /><br />So, from my little corner of the world, we will keep gardening, shopping at the Farmer's Market, canning, freezing and drying our own food. I will also write letters and emails to our elected officials, spread the word to friends and family, donate money to organizations like OCA and Farm to Consumers Legal Defense Fund and pray that the changes will be made.Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-47871150398837209952009-12-27T09:11:00.000-05:002009-12-27T09:11:37.669-05:00'Night, 'Night, GardenI am looking out my back door at approximately 800 square feet of space that is my garden. It is blanketed a layer of shredded leaves, grass and straw topped with a little snow that fell over night. I still have a few corps in the ground: carrots, kale, parsley, celery and collards. We ate the last of the arugula at Thanksgiving and I'm planning on pulling the rest of the stuff in the next few days. There is nothing like fresh greens to go with the black eyed peas that we will eat at the close of Kwanzaa and the beginning of the New Year. This time of year is the lull between the end of this season's garden and planning for 2010. Although I started getting seed catalogs before Christmas, I put them away until January.<br /><br />As I look back on this, my sixth season of growing food for my family, I am grateful. I had always wanted to have a garden. Every summer as a kid, my family would pile into the station wagon and head to Paris, Tennessee to visit Grandma and Grandpa Hall. Grandpa Ed was a farmer and as the years went by, the size of his farm shrank, but as a kid from the city, what he thought of as a garden, we viewed as a farm. It was big enough to require a tractor to cultivate.<br /><br />In the spring of 2003, after 11 years of marriage, I had just filed for divorce. I needed to immerse myself in something new. I decided that I would start of garden. I had recently purchased a book about Vegetable Gardening at a used book sale for, like $5. It is still one of the best books I own. I staked out a 40' x 15' plot in the backyard. Not knowing any better, I dug up the lawn manually (with a shovel and a hoe!). Since that time, that initial plot has been reduced to 25 x 15 with traditional rows. I have added three 4x6 beds for potatoes, two 5x5 beds for strawberries, one bed for beans, two for onions and carrots, one for tomatoes, and two 4 x 11 beds for various other crops. I also dug up a plot on the side of the house for "extras"-- extra transplants or seeds that I don't have room for in the backyard. This past year, I put a couple of squash plants in the front of the house!<br /><br />Who knows what next year will bring... but for now, we are enjoying all the good food that I have put up for this winter. In addition to the potatoes, onions, garlic and winter squash stored int he garage and the fresh tomatoes in the basement, here is a partial list of what we've added to our basement cellar:<br /><br /><br /><br /><em>For the freezer:<br /></em>11 half pints garlic scape pesto<br /><br /><br />5 half pints sunflower garlic scape pesto<br /><br /><br />5 quarts asparagus<br /><br /><br />5 quarts strawberries<br /><br /><br />6 half pints garlic scapes and olive oil<br /><br /><br />2 quarts blueberries<br /><br /><br />5 quarts sweet peppers<br /><br /><br />4 quarts onions<br /><br /><br />6 half pints basil pesto<br /><br /><br />3 quarts cabbage<br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Canned:</em><br /><br /><br />18 quarts tomatoes<br /><br /><br />7 pints and 6 half pints roasted tomatoes with garlic and herbs<br /><br /><br />9 quarts cusa<br /><br /><br />4 quarts chicken soup<br /><br /><br />14 quarts pumpkin<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Dried:</em><br /><br /><br />2 quarts blueberries<br /><br /><br />4 quarts cherries<br /><br /><br />5 lbs. apples<br /><br /><br />8 large zucchini<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Living in Detroit, we are fortunate to have Eastern Market open all year round. I can buy tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers from Smitty, who brings these veggies from Ontario greenhouses. I can also get root crops grown in Michigan in the winter as well as eggs and fresh milk from Hampshire Organic Farm (from our cow share-more on that another time).<br /><br /><br /><br />Finally, the mainstream media has decided to cover the deplorable state of the U.S. food system. In a country with very high rates of obesity and lifestyle related illness, we are a people who are by and large, undernourished because of the "food" we eat; (fast food and pre-packaged stuff full of fat, salt, sugar, chemicals and preservatives as well as devoid of nutrition- just read some of those labels!) I am determined to feed my family real food...and support local farmers and my own community whenever possible. It may seem like a lot of work to cook, garden and preserve your own food, but like many things, once you start down this path, you realize that it is worth the effort. And, I actually enjoy it immensely.<br /><br /><br /><br />So, for your own health, your family's health and for the local economy, take steps this year toward preparing and eating real food. You won't regret it.Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-55704048878275128272009-12-16T12:11:00.010-05:002009-12-17T11:25:48.000-05:00Handmade, Local Christmas GiftsIn the past few years, I have really focused my purchases on local businesses- whether it is local food directly from farmers or the local hardware or book store. Gift giving is no different. This year, I have made many Christmas gifts myself-- sweaters, scarves, satchets, sunglass cases. I have also shopped at Detroit's independent retailers. Below is a list of some of my favorites. So, for all of you who need a last minute gift, check these out:<br /><br /><br /><br />Avalon Bakery- Always yummy, organic bakery goods, coffee, tea, gourmet Michigan foods. Ann and Jackie have been in business for 13 (?) years. Wonderful breads, cookies, muffins, etc. They also support many, many local causes. Located at 422 W. Willis just west of Cass.<br /><br />City Bird- new studio opened by siblings Emily and Andy Linn. They have their own line of Detroit street map themed soaps, jewelry, votives, etc. and carry items from other local artists. <a href="http://www.ilovecitybird.com/">http://www.ilovecitybird.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><p>Bureau of Urban Living- Great housewares and other unique items.<br /><a href="http://www.bureauliving.com/">http://www.bureauliving.com/</a></p><p>Both the Bureau and City Bird are located at 460 W. Canfield<br /><br /><br />Spiral Collective- Actually four women-owned businesses in one space. The Source Bookstore, Del Pryor Art Gallery, Textures by Nefertiti and Tulani Rose. Pick up rare books, natural skin and hair care products and wonderful art. 4201 Cass Avenue corner of Willis<br /><br /></p><p>Flo Boutique- Eclectic, funky clothes and accessories for women and men. Felicia has a great eye for unique items. Located at 404 W. Willis. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.flowingflava.com/">http://www.flowingflava.com/</a></p><p><br />City Knits- Another jewel. I love the wonderful yarns, books and great, helpful staff. Check out the sale yarns at the back of the store. Located in the Fisher Building.</p><br /><a href="http://www.cityknits.com/">http://www.cityknits.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Detroit Artist Market- Always something new from the many talented artists in Detroit. Located at Woodward. 4719 Woodward Avenue in Midtown.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.detroitartistsmarket.org/">http://www.detroitartistsmarket.org/</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Biegas Gallery- The owner, Christine B. is retiring and the gallery will close soon. She has some wonderful items left-- all on sale. Located on GrandRiver east of Woodward, around the corner from the Boll YMCA.<br /><br /><br />Pewabic Pottery- Detroit's historic pottery located at 10129 E. Jefferson. Tiles of all sizes and designs, vessels, mugs and ornaments.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.pewabic.com/">http://www.pewabic.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Pure Detroit- Detroit themed shirts, bags, sweat shirts and books. Three locations: Fisher Building, Guardian Building and Renaissance Center.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.puredetroit.com/">http://www.puredetroit.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Merry Christmas and Peaceful New Year!!Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-89654568424248341852009-08-08T14:32:00.012-04:002009-08-08T15:36:30.095-04:00It's a Farm Thing- Summer Vacation 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZBU_EDBIsCAgwmjpMDScIWdPihxr7DmTIJAYFQxrdmTeZrtldQCshUj-sLp7DRsMo2kDVy7Wnh-jQu2ZrygFHjzmaanPlGnkoXwo-ZOABzgSXhqGZHJxtDG3ySU3Zdrybci0zW8M79A/s1600-h/July+09+Vacation+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367678418366127554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZBU_EDBIsCAgwmjpMDScIWdPihxr7DmTIJAYFQxrdmTeZrtldQCshUj-sLp7DRsMo2kDVy7Wnh-jQu2ZrygFHjzmaanPlGnkoXwo-ZOABzgSXhqGZHJxtDG3ySU3Zdrybci0zW8M79A/s320/July+09+Vacation+018.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVtiZMa2xK4i2irf_OrV6cJBaWEgoxEZfC8SP4JYIZoGAPzemLM16PkEF50I7Rasm8YX0JIOVFuLz4uRx6JNv6y8XbLzoSTm7OsYQOZsVxwyyMkA-BqGO85SBcs_g8bKdVFm8mtP2LMk/s1600-h/July+09+Vacation+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367678410876039234" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVtiZMa2xK4i2irf_OrV6cJBaWEgoxEZfC8SP4JYIZoGAPzemLM16PkEF50I7Rasm8YX0JIOVFuLz4uRx6JNv6y8XbLzoSTm7OsYQOZsVxwyyMkA-BqGO85SBcs_g8bKdVFm8mtP2LMk/s320/July+09+Vacation+007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><blockquote id="3c97dc11"><br /><div>I love living in the city, but always enjoy vacationing up north in Michigan. We have such a beautiful state and I want the boys to appreciate how people live in other parts of the world, so we are starting right here in our home state. Thanks to my friend, James, we have had access to his cottage which is about 3 1/2 hours from home. It is in Oscoda County and most of the surrounding area is rural. The boys can fish right off the dock on James' property. Theo did a great job of teaching his little brother how to fish. Khairi caught several fish with his "Lightening McQueen" fishing pole, including a 14" small mouth bass (we threw her/him back in.) </div><br /><br /><br /><div>Last year, I became friends with Jill, who lives across the road and this year, she invited us on a field trip. She took us to an Amish bakery and country store. The bakery was a small house that you entered through the front screen door. On the counter were these wonderful breads, pies, cookies and cinammon rolls. All the items had price stickers on them. There was a can on the counter with a sign that said "Put your money in the can." We bought some cinnamon rolls and then headed down the road to the country store. Now, if you are not familiar, the Amish are a close knit community that shuns many of what we would consider necessities (cars, electricity, phones, etc.) The country store is a little unusual because it is open to the public. Although, unless you know someone who lives nearby, you would not likely find it on your own. I purchased a 10lb. bag of unbleached flour and some chocolate. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>I asked Jill if she knew where I might buy farm raised chickens. My family and I do not eat strictly vegetarian, but we don't eat conventionally raised meat. (Read Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan or Fast Food Nation by Eric Schosser or Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver for more on that topic). We spotted a postcard on the board in the store that stated "Chickens. Call Mary. Phone Number" I called and Mary indicated that she raised chickens on her family farm and had dressed and frozen birds available. We headed over to meet her at her home. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>We arrived about 15 minutes later and were greeted by a young Menonite woman and her dad. This part of Michigan is also home to a large community of Menonites, who also live very modestly. (Although many do drive, have phones and electricity, etc.). I purchased three chickens. Mary's dad offered to show us around the farm. I'm not sure who was more excited... me or the boys. Mr. T took us out to the cow pasture, where about a dozen cows moseyed over to us. A couple of them even let us touch them. Mr. T explained that he raised cows, pigs, chickens for meat and he processed animals from the surrounding farms. We met a couple dozen pigs that were outside in their large pen. Inside the barn were the most beautiful Rhode Island Red Chickens. Mr. T went into the chicken area and brought out two warm, just laid eggs for the boys. He then took them into another area of the barn where they could see and hold two-day old baby chicks. We talked about the work of the farm, how the animals were cared for, etc. He also told us about his missionary work to Haiti. We finished our visit by admiring Mrs. T's garden. She came out from the house to harvest some onions for something she was cooking inside. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>Mr. T invited us to come by again and we said our good byes. I got the feeling that Mr. T does not generally give "tours" to people who come to buy chickens from his daughter. I felt definitely felt honored. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhShNc3BruB-49_3bz94yN_OpREAvo0lDvmzYs87CfFdMBeEwafGjN9swonmtP5NcZ7dJQMnwl_OoADUQDGcSVfH9OAcZT4TnnQ5Z3Ta-Fr59MN7eJXX2niYLOXLWljDmk9HlIbMPLRc/s1600-h/July+09+Vacation+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367665283915915346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhShNc3BruB-49_3bz94yN_OpREAvo0lDvmzYs87CfFdMBeEwafGjN9swonmtP5NcZ7dJQMnwl_OoADUQDGcSVfH9OAcZT4TnnQ5Z3Ta-Fr59MN7eJXX2niYLOXLWljDmk9HlIbMPLRc/s320/July+09+Vacation+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote id="9f26af17">Theo, Khairi and me hanging out with Mr. T's cows.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA_4qjFqBx1XQMiyLH3bhR4oUUVkKrBdsDAqy0CMtuIMK2lrEtjgZVZsxe0mEkMr52DGDY51gyAHXAPPxPOQg-B6mERfue6pf61AjbaU2T66EcpvzjpFGqv1SUFdqWLlN8cBdH1-wNps/s1600-h/July+09+Vacation+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367665276885030802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA_4qjFqBx1XQMiyLH3bhR4oUUVkKrBdsDAqy0CMtuIMK2lrEtjgZVZsxe0mEkMr52DGDY51gyAHXAPPxPOQg-B6mERfue6pf61AjbaU2T66EcpvzjpFGqv1SUFdqWLlN8cBdH1-wNps/s320/July+09+Vacation+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVXDqveqDD7ivS7D7PJqC9AamHFCur3qE55MAmMfIYq5wN3QaosLgWPTo1C0E3r01Wgd9UsmAj-E8jn-2V9mQ0UxjCx_sd7ZsVsLy0c4L9vLwJcy2wKf2eVwqz6n64m_73TrdHXlx4k8/s1600-h/July+09+Pics+008.jpg"></a><br />Fishing at dusk on Moon Lake.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid12n3T9DferqYjzYMVa_gwl13jz6r0-jjq_vMNqDMo3lFlVpHjGY9zvAqEKG5-9VsI5UmGZ4sibBJzhA1hxhfEWNgEuU9ykS_KC_aBDCWXKuRItUvXKGd8owccWwQ-ZVl3ASnbBb6tZU/s1600-h/July+09+Vacation+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367665261805067682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid12n3T9DferqYjzYMVa_gwl13jz6r0-jjq_vMNqDMo3lFlVpHjGY9zvAqEKG5-9VsI5UmGZ4sibBJzhA1hxhfEWNgEuU9ykS_KC_aBDCWXKuRItUvXKGd8owccWwQ-ZVl3ASnbBb6tZU/s320/July+09+Vacation+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The view of Moon Lake from the back deck.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table id="HB_Mail_Container" height="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0" unselectable="on"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><tbody><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><tr height="100%" unselectable="on" width="100%"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><td id="HB_Focus_Element" valign="top" width="100%" background="" height="250" unselectable="off"><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></td></tr><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><tr unselectable="on" hb_tag="1"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><td style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height="1" unselectable="on"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div id="hotbar_promo"></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div><br /></blockquote></blockquote></div></div>Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-2980104301622876182009-06-11T07:17:00.004-04:002009-06-11T07:26:30.599-04:002009 Garden Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeGqsKM-8uKgAEQrIkPzgGs8AFZuwLkx2XpPwoj5zpsoywEVgVsDo4WoD7oVZszKDvwYoj1d8wLCmNwPy-bPzAS-xDkIKV40WuC9R8ngQYryFBMGHkiIv76mgqaRfq-7Dlo6Lsaw7u9Q/s1600-h/June+09+Fava+Beans.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346029850929854450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeGqsKM-8uKgAEQrIkPzgGs8AFZuwLkx2XpPwoj5zpsoywEVgVsDo4WoD7oVZszKDvwYoj1d8wLCmNwPy-bPzAS-xDkIKV40WuC9R8ngQYryFBMGHkiIv76mgqaRfq-7Dlo6Lsaw7u9Q/s320/June+09+Fava+Beans.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirysdkClPorEhQ6Pz2MDc7EHnqbEvaw0cdOvlgvK3GZKuLi4HffipBamfI5S2Mv3IKS2XjDgge-NuGquKynwzLJo88MkqOawvxCqxUHCTABOc5jCj3_i4jXSd97lFz2P9IzMA3hOAcXGk/s1600-h/June+09+First+Strawberries.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346028816906430242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirysdkClPorEhQ6Pz2MDc7EHnqbEvaw0cdOvlgvK3GZKuLi4HffipBamfI5S2Mv3IKS2XjDgge-NuGquKynwzLJo88MkqOawvxCqxUHCTABOc5jCj3_i4jXSd97lFz2P9IzMA3hOAcXGk/s320/June+09+First+Strawberries.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwhnaj2CNV7O8xl8Ef0BMB-DE-J1Na2X_OLQM01xFpHx27QxQWiUHrXG3RGYXFJw_gwdRrmMKp86-EruipiWgEU4Ht9zNHNuOsSzZngpu7v4sW-iWAxDubFpZBULtBaxOWqUwjM41jqQ/s1600-h/June+09+First+Garlic+Scapes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346028811475592610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwhnaj2CNV7O8xl8Ef0BMB-DE-J1Na2X_OLQM01xFpHx27QxQWiUHrXG3RGYXFJw_gwdRrmMKp86-EruipiWgEU4Ht9zNHNuOsSzZngpu7v4sW-iWAxDubFpZBULtBaxOWqUwjM41jqQ/s320/June+09+First+Garlic+Scapes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><table id="HB_Mail_Container" height="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0" unselectable="on"><br /><br /><br /><tbody><br /><tr height="100%" width="100%" unselectable="on"><br /><br /><br /><td id="HB_Focus_Element" valign="top" width="100%" background="" height="250" unselectable="off"><br /><div>I can't believe that my last post was February! Oh, well. Life has been busy with two boys... working, school, living!! Here are a few photos from this year's garden. Last night, I harvested our first crop of garlic scapes and a huge bowl of strawberries. What could be better??</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am also excited about the fava beans that we planted. They have these beautiful black and white flowers on them.<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></td></tr><br /><br /><br /><tr unselectable="on" hb_tag="1"><br /><br /><br /><td style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height="1" unselectable="on"><br /><br /><br /><div id="hotbar_promo"></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-68819584821141367322009-02-03T20:58:00.001-05:002009-02-03T20:58:00.780-05:00Give us this day our daily bread<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdl0ZR_3TxUlyaz3SEh34DSXuFZ1zaNQRk0Q4rJcBpJ7dnJpjV61vzIeL2KgLwUihpXqpyEjLMe7HC51NLFhmjcKLvwp2ahEunC1wv2fWXbVYyHihBY6miqOPOFqLlKSVFxZLp5cAL64/s1600-h/bread.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298745343418569010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdl0ZR_3TxUlyaz3SEh34DSXuFZ1zaNQRk0Q4rJcBpJ7dnJpjV61vzIeL2KgLwUihpXqpyEjLMe7HC51NLFhmjcKLvwp2ahEunC1wv2fWXbVYyHihBY6miqOPOFqLlKSVFxZLp5cAL64/s320/bread.jpg" border="0" /></a>Last year, my bread machine conked out after ten years, so for my birthday, I splurged on a new one. It is one of those convection bread makers that can handle a wide variety of recipes. <br /><br />Shortly after getting my new machine, I received the latest issue of Mother Earth News, which if you are not familiar is a terrific resource for living simply. Topics include everything from organic gardening and homesteading to baking bread. This particular issue contained a recipe for NO KNEAD BREAD. Although it does require some planning ahead, the results are wonderful. Below is the recipe, as written:<br /><blockquote id="fba532e6"><br /><strong>No Knead, Dutch Oven Bread</strong><br /><br />1/4 tsp. active dry yeast<br />1 1/2 c. warm water<br />3 c. all purpose flour, plus more for dusting. You can use white, wheat or a combination of the two. *<br />1 1/2 tsp. salt<br />Cornmeal for dusting<br /><br />Dissolve the yeast in the water. Mix in the flour and salt until blended. The dough will be sticky. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest for at least 8 hours, preferably 12-18 hours at room temperature, about 70 degrees. The dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles. Lightly flour a work surface and place dough on it. Fold over on itself a couple of times, then cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest for about 15 minutes. Coat a clean dish towel with flour or cornmeal. Put the seam side down on towel, dust again. Cover with another towel and let rest 1-2 more hours or until the dough has doubled in size. At least 20 minutes before the dough is ready, preheat oven to 475 degrees and put a 6-8 quart covered pot in the oven as it heats. (I use my Club dutch oven: an ebay find that I now can't live without.). When the dough is ready, carefully remove the pot from the oven, lift the lid. Slide the bread off the towel and turn it over into the pot. Give the pot a firm shake to settle the dough. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake 15 minutes more until the loaf is browned. Remove the bread from the dutch oven and cool on a rack for at least an hour before slicing.<br /><br />I have made this bread many times now and have experimented with the ratio of white to wheat flour. My boys prefer a lighter bread, so I usually use half white (King Arthur Organic Flour) and half wheat. By the way, if you are looking for a local, organic source for flour. Randy and Shirley from Hampshire Farms began selling their own flours, grains, beans and produce at Eastern Market a little more than a year ago. They grow and mill their own grain and always have whole wheat bread and pastry flours as well as spelt flour. They also sell eggs and chickens when they are available. They are a family farm that is also certified organic. <br /><br />Enjoy!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></blockquote>Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-33203635990719307402009-01-26T15:07:00.015-05:002009-01-27T08:52:46.175-05:00Knit One, Purl Two...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDeEC06-M2hpfntQCOe2s0NeaDnltYMd_ww4_WmolAOOSV_JV1B365V823tj-sLeZElPL7m_u3AweB9BjlDm05l0A4OehNQ_7MpdGZvL_pzFpplXa3GgTjO_ZIuszWafTXfN-miIAe2g/s1600-h/Knit+Projects+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295697194025626802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDeEC06-M2hpfntQCOe2s0NeaDnltYMd_ww4_WmolAOOSV_JV1B365V823tj-sLeZElPL7m_u3AweB9BjlDm05l0A4OehNQ_7MpdGZvL_pzFpplXa3GgTjO_ZIuszWafTXfN-miIAe2g/s320/Knit+Projects+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />When I was in middle school, my mom taught me how to knit and crochet. I don't remember anything that I made at the time, but I did like it. Last year on my annual camping trip with a group of women, I was re-introduced to knitting. Several of the women were in the process of knitting sweaters, socks, baby hats, etc. When I got home, I bought a "teach yourself to knit" kit, yarn and a set of needles.<br /><br /><br />My first project, a scarf made with a boucle' and eyelash yarn together, was beautiful. I still wear it often. Excited, I bought more yarn, needles and a couple of knitting magazines. Then, I got busy and did not knit again until I put my garden to bed in October.<br /><br /><br />Then, I knit my sister a scarf (like the one I made for myself). Mary, one of the women on my camping trip, was making a felted purse during the weekend. Felting involves knitting then putting the item in the washing machine to create a tightly woven fabric (like felt). I had a book called "One Skein Wonders" that I had bought last year. I found a pattern for a felted bag and decided to try it.<br /><br /><br />My first bag was made with a brown, super bulky yarn and it came out great. (Thanks, Brenda from City Knits for your help!) By the way, a great place to learn to knit, pick up great yarn, books, needles, etc and support a local business is City Knits in the Fisher Building in Detroit. Their website is <a href="http://www.cityknits.com/">http://www.cityknits.com/</a><br /><br /><br />To finish my new bag, I added some beaded ribbon and bought some fabric to make a lining. I am not very good at sewing. Anyone who knows me will tell you, I can hardly get a button on straight. My first attempt was a little clumsy, but everytime I carry this bag, I get compliments.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzXzo8Mm-ngnBcY1ximRQWSM26QhOJFF-qAfoiDPlNKcFeo0g9GfULYqHqkTI_3lgPir6Tz-vXtprzVak-WcuAE2UNVeHRK9hMBu874W126qiAGj-L0_CxyLt69d1wcolK0VXQ-1_Sl8/s1600-h/Knit+Projects+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295697190532645330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzXzo8Mm-ngnBcY1ximRQWSM26QhOJFF-qAfoiDPlNKcFeo0g9GfULYqHqkTI_3lgPir6Tz-vXtprzVak-WcuAE2UNVeHRK9hMBu874W126qiAGj-L0_CxyLt69d1wcolK0VXQ-1_Sl8/s320/Knit+Projects+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJW_y5GsoaQ01G5xczrxhd2UGq-VW-aFuGYgDCCnFnbpG0r8E3PPMdeUbyzaBg6fafGS4dpey-omwXZHbfvbimd6TEVQB9I6wZqBn3MA89uC_DtIkxr-5-8bOttyuWiPHmfH85uOp9H2k/s1600-h/Knit+Projects+005.jpg"></a><br />Since then, I have made two more bags. I have had several offers from friends, family and total strangers to buy my bags. I have also had requests to make various items. (Several of these offers have come as a result of knitting in public). Recently, I was offered $65 on the spot for the red bag (pictured at the left), which was made with Shepherd's Wool, from a Northern Michigan-based company, a mohair blend yarn, and two leather straps cut off a purse I bought at a local thrift store.<br /><br />I have also made a big purple totebag from a wool sweater that I felted in the washing machine, then cut and sewed. The strap and buckle is a repurposed belt.<br /><br />I have always loved creating things. I love the satisfaction of baking my own bread, culturing my own yogurt, growing fruits and vegetables. It must be the relatively immediate results and sense of satisfaction of finishing something. Knitting has the added bonus of creating something that has the potential to stay around for a long time.<br /><br />To enhance my kniiting projects, I have decided to learn to use a sewing machine. I found an old one on craigslist right after the holidays and purchased a user's manual. The last time I used a sewing machine was in high school and the resulting skirt was unwearable. Hopefully, this time will be different.<br /><br />With encourage from several friends (Hey, Sonji!), I am now looking at how to turn my latest obsession into a business opportunity. Who knows?Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-63084052596357388762009-01-21T11:45:00.004-05:002009-01-21T12:34:04.486-05:00An Extraordinary DayMuch will be written about the historic inauguration that we witnessed yesterday. I had the good fortune of spending time in several places with many friends and members of the Detroit community in which I live.<br /><br />For most of the day, I was at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. (<a href="http://www.maah-detroit.org/">www.maah-detroit.org</a>). The Cass Tech Marching Band, an awesome choir from Inkster and a packed Theatre created amazing energy in the building. As members of the community streamed in to the Theatre to watch the inauguration, I was particularly moved by the reaction of the elders, many of whom had fought and struggled during the Civil Rights movement and had personally experienced racism. I spoke with a gentleman who was a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen who had tears streaming down his face as he spoke about how he felt watching our new President take the oath of office. It was a day that he did not expect to see in his lifetime. It was also exciting to see the faces of young children and hear them speak the name of our new President; the name Barack Obama rolling off their tongues as if he was a beloved family member.<br /><br />Mid-morning, I went to my sons' school, University Prep Academy, to watch the swearing in ceremony with my 8 year old son. We had just spent the MLK holiday at a breakfast event the day before. The program included a short play performed by students from Detroit Public Schools' Spain Middle School. It was a dialogue between Martin Luther King and the Obama family. The keynote speaker was Rev. Byron Moore from Ebenezer AME Church in Detroit. He was awesome-- drawing biblical references to current events. My favorite message from his speech... The Joshua generation needs to sit at the feet of the Moses generation (listen to our elders), but the Moses generation cannot lead the Joshua generation (we need to step up.)<br /><br />The school was decorated in red, white and blue. The student's were allowed to wear Obama shirts, etc. over their uniforms for the day. As the students gathered in the gym, it was clear that they knew this day was important. I am talking about kindergarten through fifth graders here. When the ceremony began, the children were silent. Everytime the crowd in Washington cheered, they cheered. I overheard a couple of little girls talking about what it would be like to be Sasha or Miela. One of the boys interjected, " I am going to President someday." How awesome that these African American children will grow up really believing that anything is possible.<br /><br />Sometimes, as parents, we aren't sure if the messages and lessons that we are trying to teach are getting through to our children. On our way home from school, my older son was picking at his younger brother about sucking his thumb and dragging around his blanket (He's 3) I told him to "stop being so critical of your brother. Nobody's perfect, including you." My older son then responded, " Yes there is. God is perfect. Jesus was perfect, wasn't he?" I told him that, Yes, God is perfect and that Jesus was the most perfect human being to walk the earth" He then said, "And Martin Luther King was perfect." I told him, " Martin Luther King was a great man, but he wasn't perfect either" He then said, "Yeah, but he tried to make it perfect." We talked about how MLK did what he knew was right and that he lost his life trying to make things better for everyone." My son then said. "Just like Jesus did." (Yahoo!!)<br /><br />We capped off our day at a potluck hosted by the Garden Resource Program at Focus: HOPE. If you live in the city and love to garden, you MUST join the Garden Resource Program. It is a partnership of the Greening of Detroit, Earthworks Garden, Capuchin Soup Kitchen and Michigan State Universtiy Extension. I have been gardening for 6 years and this group, with its terrific, generous people and lots of resources have helped me grow a substantial amount of food to feed my family. (if you want to learn more, go to <a href="http://www.detroitagriculturenetwork.org/">http://www.detroitagriculturenetwork.org/</a> )<br /><p>There really is a new sense of optimism in the air. I don't believe that this is a "pollyanna" view. Most of us recognize that things are not going to change over night and that it will take all of us to work and sacrifice to create a better city, nation and world. </p><p>Let's get busy!!<br /></p>Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-48719114012587349432008-11-14T13:06:00.007-05:002008-11-20T11:59:17.154-05:00My Situe"You can't live two lives."was advice from my Situe that I heard many times. So, true!<br /><br />Situe is (was) my paternal grandmother and the last of her generation. At about 5 a.m., November 14th, Situe quietly slipped from this earth. She has gone home. Gone home to Popue (my grandfather who passed in 1990). Gone home to her seven sisters who preceded her. Gone home to the Lord.<br /><br /><p><br />I will miss her dearly. I feel fortunate to have known this wonderful, generous lady for forty five years. I am grateful that Theo and Khairi, my own children, had an opportunity to know her. My brother, Greg, spoke very eloquently about Situe and Popue's legacy. They were totally devoted to family. Looking around at those who were able to attend the funeral mass, their legacy was obvious. I see it in how my parents raised us... dinner together every night, with home cooked food, at the table, with no tv... Something I do in my own home, but has become a rare practice in today's world. Church on Sunday... Living within your means... quietly giving to help others...leading by example.</p><p>I have so many memories...</p><p>As children, my sister and two brothers spent a lot of time at Situe and Popue's house on Fleetwood in Harper Woods, Michigan. My dad and Pop started an auto parts business together around 1958. My uncle joined the company some years later. My mom worked from home and handled all of the finances, payroll and legal issues. At least once a week, Situe would arrive, goodies in hand (usually cookies and as my brother, Greg, mentioned at the funeral, Heavenly Hash ice cream), to help Mom with the banking. </p>Sunday dinners at Situe and Popue's. The dining room table would be set with china, table cloth, cloth napkins- all her best things. The meals were elaborate... standing rib roast, grape leaves, kibbee, salad, mashed potatoes, and homemade pie. Situe rarely sat down for long. Always getting up to grab something from the kitchen... milk for Uncle Roni, olive oil for the kibbee, more bread, Vernor's ginger ale for us kids.<br /><br /><br />This weekend, my mom mentioned that she was Situe's favorite. We all felt that way. She was the most loyal and fair person in the world. She had a spirit of service and wanted everyone to be included. If she gave one of us something, she always made sure that she gave the same to the others. At Christmas, she would give each of us money and a gift to open. One year, we all recieved gloves, another year, it was scarves and still another, umbrellas. As we got older and moved into our own houses and apartments, it was a soup ladle or kitchen towels.<br /><br /><br /><br />I loved her way of greeting us when we entered her house. We always entered through the side door into the kitchen. Situe would usually be wearing an apron and would be wiping her hands from washing them as we came into the kitchen. Her hands would still be damp as she took our faces into her hands and kissed us.<br /><br />We used to tease her about the index finger on her right hand, which was crooked... "which way are you pointing?" we would say. She would good-naturedly join in the laughter. As I held her hands in her last days, I thought about her hands... strong, sturdy, always outstretched to help others.<br /><br /><br />In order to distinguish between Situe and my great grandmother, we would call Situe "Good Situe" and my great grandmother "Old Situe"<br /><br />Situe loved gardenias. She loved to play poker (and win!). She and Pop loved to have parties.<br /><br />She would bake this incredible, triple layer german chocolate cake once a year-- for my birthday. I remember purposely eating as little dinner as possible so I would have room for a whole piece of that cake!<br /><p>Last night, I dreamt that we were back at her house on Fleetwood. I remember every room of that house. After Pop passed, some of her furniture was moved to her apartment. Whenever I was there, I would always remember where a particular piece had been placed in the house. The little rocking chair with the crushed velvet seat that my great grandmother used to sit in was in the living room next to the couch. Her coffee table with the green, covered glass dish that was always filled with Brach's candy (butterscotch, peppermints, coconut neopolitans). The marble-topped table that was in the living room against the wall that led to the bedrooms. </p><p></p>She lived almost 97 years and was healthy the vast majority of it. Her mind had been slipping in the past couple of years and she had arthritis, but many times when my boys and I would visit, she was happy and alert.<br /><br />She came to me in a dream the other night. She was wearing a turquoise sweater and looked so beautiful. Situe, I miss you already, but I know you are still with me and I love you!Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5636258581207111316.post-51091003284292891752008-11-03T13:01:00.025-05:002008-11-03T14:59:08.158-05:00I voted for Barack ObamaI voted for Barack Obama. I cast my absentee ballot in person at the City Clerk's office on October 30-- I waited almost 2 hours! I have to say, this is the first time I have voted for a Democrat for President. Colin Powell really said it best when he endorsed Obama a few weeks ago. He called him a "transformational figure." Before you jump to conclusions, hear me out...<br /><br />As a freshman in college in 1981, I was taking political science classes , witnessing the newly elected Ronald Reagan's presidency unfold and decided to get involved in the political process. I joined the College Republicans. For those of you too young to remember (did I just say that?), the GOP was much different in the 80's. I chose the Republicans because although they best represented my views at the time--socially moderate, fiscally conservative with strong libertarian leanings.<br /><br />It was only recently--the late 1980's-- that the evangelicals began organizing politically and then pretty much hijacked the Republican Party. I have come to believe that government plays an important role in our country, but have seen the devastating effects on our families, our food system, our environment and our standing in the world when public policy is driven by money, power and greed. This greed is not the domain of one party-- they are all wrapped up in it to some degree.<br /><br />I have either voted for a third party candidate or in the case of the last two elections, written in a candidate for President. The candidate whose name I wrote in was John McCain. I had been following his career for quite some time and had a lot of respect for him because he was not afraid to take on some of the rightwing zealots who were in control of his party.<br /><br />In November, 2007, his presidential campaign was pronounced DOA. Somehow, though, he was able to come back, but he was never the party favorite and if you listen to talk radio, the religious right was furious that he won the nomination. Then, instead of being true to who he is, someone convinced John McCain that he could fire up the Republican base (i.e. the religious right, who gave George Bush victory in 2000 and 2004 because THEY VOTE). Personally, I think this strategy is backfiring and I don't believe the religious right is going to come out for McCain. What clinched it for me was when he picked Sarah Palin as his VP. I knew that I could not vote for him. The question became-- now, what? Vote third party again?<br /><br />Living in the city of Detroit, in the most segregated metropolitan area in the country, and being the mother of two African American boys, I feel like I have a perspective that many white folks do not, either because they have not had an opportunity to understand or just don't give a sh*t a.k.a. willful ignorance.<br /><br />Colin Powell said it best when he endoresed Barack Obama a few weeks ago. Powell said on NBC's Meet the Press: "We've got two individuals, either one of them could be a good president. But which is the president that we need now? Which is the individual that serves the needs of the nation for the next period of time? And I come to the conclusion that because of his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities — and we have to take that into account — as well as his substance (he has both style and substance) he has met the standard of being a successful president, being an exceptional president. I think he is a transformational figure. He is a new generation coming onto the world stage, onto the American stage, and for that reason I'll be voting for Senator Barack Obama."<br /><br />I have my reservations-- mostly about the fact that the elected officials are beholden to those with the cash to support their re-election. But in the end, if the "only" thing that Barack Obama's election accomplishes is to help us resolve some of the longstanding divisions between races, that will be a miracle.<br /><br />Stay tuned...Tomorrow will be an historic day!Detroit City Chickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921487509534142090noreply@blogger.com0