they hold alot more than you think

This was an interesting and familiar link. It was brought to my attention by the Sustainable Ypsi folks. I have been known to collect things. And, like my black T-shirts, action figures, fridge magnets and coffee cups, one can never have enough tote bags.

Last week when Z was bagging up the recycling a brown paper bag he was using to encase the newspapers ripped. Big surprise eh? What was worth mentioning is his reaction, "WHY do you get paper bags from Hofoods? You know they will rip. WHY? do you go there?? their produce is more expensive and their parking sucks! This coming from an 11 year old boy; who-- granted was mostly frustrated that he had to do his chores and was being distracted from RollerCoaster Tycoon3 on the 'puter. I was surprised at both his vehemence and his concerns, who woulda thought he tuned in that much?

One more quick grocery bag comment--the bag packers (if you get one) never quite understand how efficient my canvas bags are. Seriously, 2 canvas bags hold as much as 8-10 plastic bags (which I detest) or 4-5 paper bags which will at some point rip.
So I take my three canvas bags and then any overflow goes into paper. Unless I forget the canvas, then all paper. I don't care for string bags--they are just too--wacky and stretchy and tangley uppy.

mushrooms

At Hiller's last week I noticed they have a new spin rack in the middle of the produce section. It had a variety of dried things, like chili peppers, herbs and spices. It made me smile to see a little package of dried morels (all withered and desiccated like a cat poop that had fallen behind the litter box). I picked up the four by four cello package and flipped it over in search of the price tag... $14.99. I dropped it like it was steaming warm cat poo. SWEET JESUS JOY OF MAN'S DESIRING!! What the f@$* were they thinking?? Holy shite! I can walk out in my grandpa's woods and pick two pounds for free! Like venison and raspberries, smelt and cherry tomatoes...some food should just be "free" in my head--or at least so cheap you can gorge yourself on it. I dreamt last night about my grandpa's blackberry bushes. Berries the size of a grown man's thumb, purple black and bursting with sunhot sweet. Blackberry crumble with vanilla ice cream-- I would eat two pounds and bring home two pounds for free--NOT $3.99 for a half a cup. pathetic.

my imaginary farm

This morning in the Freep (gods-- I love saying that!) there was a lovely article about the butterfly house at the the Detroit Zoo. Longtime readers will remember my discussions of butterfly terrorists from previous entries; but, in sharp contrast--this morning I was pleased to see that Entomologist Palombi is growing lupines (in a bunch!) to feed baby butterflies. Apparently, the little 'Karner Blues' are endangered (the only other Michigan native on said federal list is the 'Mitchell's Satyr') and so the raise and release program. Pretty spiff eh?

I couldn't help but draw a parallel (in my pre coffee haze) between a comment she made about the ecosystem and the book I finished last night. I really enjoyed "Robbing the Bees". It was very inspirational. I think I want a bee hive. There are at least two in the neighborhood already, Deb & Beth have one down Grant St and Brooke's backyard neighbor has one. So there is a precedent set, unlike Simone's poor chickens. ): We mustn't upset city council now must we? (gleefully rubbing my hands together ala John Ashcroft & Mr. Burns---bwa ha ha ha ha) No..No *I* would never insult my city elders! (cackling like General Grievous)--Can't you just see me and my imaginary farm? Right out back by the bike shed--a beehive, four hens and a cock (of course) and a goat! and maybe even a hedgehog or a golden goose! No-- now I am just being greedy and trying to reference Willy Wonka because I haven't ever done that here!

Silliness aside --I have registered for an 8X16 plot in the community garden for two reasons: 1.) so the current livestock (ie., Stoopiddawg & Jarvis) won't trample this year's tomatoes. MASSIVE ASIDE ALERT: ooh I Gotta tag Jim next door-- because prior to Boomer (his Great Dane) digging graves in their backyard, Jim always shared his extra produce. Now we can have our gardens out of the doggie traffic pattern and finally, REASON 2.) out of the shade cave!

I am looking forward to starting seedlings. Matt was even intrigued by the grow lights in my Burpee catalog. SNORT!