The economic crisis that has spread across the globe is creating monetary circumstances that have not been seen by most of us who are alive today.  Additionally, the quality of our food products has diminished during the past few decades.

While we are not ready to sterotype ourselves as survivalists, we are aware that times are changing and we need to be prepared.  Food, clothing and shelter are our basic necessities.  For many of us food is the most uncertain.  We are not anticipating that there will be no food, although there have been reported shortages in some parts of the world.

Our suggestion is that we take control of what we can.  Our food supply is something we can control in part.  Most of us are able to grow some of the foods we eat.  Depending on where you live and the amount of space you have for a garden, you can supplement your food supply at the very least.

Container gardening is a beginning.  Most of us can grow herbs and a few fruits or vegetables on our patios or back porches.  And, being realistic one of the most expensive items we purchase when preparing our meals is herbs for seasoning.  A small herb garden is within the means of everyone who has a container.  Even if you live in an apartment, if you have a window that receives direct sunlight for part of the day, you can grow something!

For others of us with small outdoor areas, we can grow a few if not all of our vegetables during the appropriate seasons.  Others of us have enough space for a small greenhouse.  Imagine having fresh vegetables year round!

As the new year begins, we have seen the need to save as much as we can without giving up quality of food.  One of the best ways to begin is with a small garden.  Anyone can do it… anyone! 

We hope the new year will bring you happiness and prosperity… and plenty of healthy food.  To those who are committed to gardening we wish you a happy gardening new year!

Happy

We are going to be cooking and preparing the food in the cabin and serving dinner in the sun room the kids have added onto the cabin.  I hope we have enough space!

Anyway, whatever your religious preferences, we wish you a happy holiday season and a great start to the new year.  Hopefully, over the past several months you have realized the benefits of a greenhouse and a garden.  Everyone doesn’t need to have two or three greenhouses as we do now.  But, everyone should know that a garden can help bring families together, and maybe a community.

So, until January 12, 2009, all the neighbors and our family wish everyone Happy Holidays and an even happier new year.  We hope everyone begins 2009 with an attitude of gratitude and a can-do spirit.

Have a happy and safe holiday!

Happy, J.D., and all the kids and neighbors