It is impossible for any culture to be sound and healthy without a proper respect 

and proper regard for the soil

-Andrew Nelson Lytle

Dear Friends,

  Our big push right now is  spreading fall compost over bulbs, shrubs and crops.  The farm is located on a bluff near Torrey Pines Park which means it's basically hard sand and needs to be continuously fed.  I've always felt 'rich' when I see piles of sweet smelling compost waiting to be incorporated and stacks of firewood for the winter.  The main house is basically a 'Kleenix' box..no insulation but a trusty fireplace.  When I read how many billions of tons of petroleum fertilizers and pesticides on the majority of the farmland left in the US, it saddens me.  We've taken the richest most potentially productive land, destroyed the natural contours and poisoned it with massive mono-culture.  The loss of top soil takes generations to replace.  So for now, let's celebrate and enjoy the fruits of this little plot of land that so generously feeds us..and we're happy to feed her back.

I'm pleased with the ingredients going out to you all this week.  As always, please feel free to contact me with concerns, questions or recipe tips.