let's talk local

before i talk local, i'll just say that work on 14 and 17 january was uneventful...more watering in the greenhouse and working on this year's plan. things are looking great in the greenhouse. we should have lots of salad greens for february's markets. the planting plan is coming along, slowly but surely. i don't know why it seems to be taking me so long, but it is. there is a lot to think about and since i've never done this before, i don't really have a system down. but i'm working on the seed order and hope to be done within the next day or two.

now...local. i went to my local, neighborhood cafe sunday morning, chestnut hill cafe. this place is great. i am not sure what this neighborhood ever did without it. the coffee is great (thanks to counter culture), the food is good and the atmosphere is friendly, fun, relaxed, familiar. everyone seems to know everyone else. you might run into someone you know there, or plan for a meeting. you might see someone you haven't in awhile. you might go because you know someone who works there. you might be stopping in on your break (ie - mail delivery guy, EMS guys, etc). it is great to witness the interactions that happen. it was a happening place sunday morning. i had to wait for a sit. yet, saturday evening was quiet and more relaxed. local bands play on sunday afternoons. local artists display their work. this is not a plug for chestnut hill, as wonderful as it is, this is a plug for all local establishments. they provide a unique and inviting environment with unique and cool things to offer. i imagine every local coffee shop like this. why would anyone go to starbucks when you have something like this?? their coffee sucks, their serve sucks and every location looks the same. please, tell me, what is the draw to a place like that?! the same goes for clothing stores, gift shops, restaurants, jewelry stores, etc. supporting local business is more fun, more interesting, more unique, does more for the local economy, is better for the environment, gives you a sense of community (i am sure there are more reasons i am forgetting), than going to any big, national chain ever could. LONG LIVE THE LOCAL, INDEPENDENTLY OWNED BUSINESS