The First Class

Well I held my first organic gardening class this Saturday. Without sounding too full of myself, I'd like to say that I thought it was a smashing success. The numbers weren't huge, there were 7 people and myself, but the ones that did come out really were the exact kind of people that I was hoping to have. I had prepared to give a pretty traditional class where I would talk and the others would listen and maybe ask a few questions. That wasn't what I was hoping for, but I prepared for it as a "just in case" measure. When the people started filing in, I felt there was an immediate connection and the questions came quickly. I decided to start at the beginning as I see it, and talked about siting, sun, soil and water. We talked a lot about how to improve our poor native soil (heavy clay and sand.) with composting and double digging and about understanding our land and it's micro climates. I brought along one of my potted potato plants to make the point that as urban farmers we really have the opportunity to think outside the [garden] box; it was a big hit and solicited quite a few questions. Everyone said they definitely will see me next week, so I'll take that as a good sign! I even had a couple of them suggest that I needed to get involved with our local farmers market committee. I will admit that it's on my radar, but one cause at a time I guess.

The greatest thing that I think I was able to take from the class was the very thing that I had hoped for. I felt a kinship with others in my community that feel that same way that I do about our need to take back ownership over our food supply. I feel like it may be the beginning of a positive network of community growers. I couldn't ask for more.

Finally, I just wanted to take a second to say thank you to my wife A~. Without her believing in me, I don't think I would have had the guts to put myself out there like I did. I love ya sweetie, Thanks!

In other news, we held the wake for my uncle Ted at our home for my extended family to get together. It went well I think and I got to re-meet a lot of second cousins and great aunts and uncles that I rarely see. We enjoyed a DVD that my father put together for the event and shared some great stories. I think the closure process has begun. Thank you to all of you, family and friends, that left comments and well wishes after his passing. It means so much to me to know our family is in your thoughts and prayers.

Hope you all had a great weekend.

P~