Friday, March 5, 2010

Get Cooking


To kick off Friday morning with a funny thought, we’ll borrow a bit of levity from George Carlin. “I put a dollar in one of those change machines. Nothing changed.” So let’s get out of this winter slump and think spring. When the bigger things in life seem to kick you in the shorts, those things you don’t really have control over, think of what you intend to change this year in your garden.

Russ Faulk of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet wrote a recent article about the rise in outdoor kitchens. “Fully functional outdoor kitchens are now the norm, featuring refrigeration, sinks, prep areas, and pizza ovens in addition to the grill.” Although this is over the top for most folks, creating that outside space where you can entertain friends and family is an important extension of one’s home.

There is a lot of hard labor and energy put into creating beautiful outdoor spaces but a fire pit or pizza oven (*remember to check your town or city’s local codes) can add an area that keeps your guests entertained well into the wee summer evenings. It doesn’t have to be elaborate and it can be done on a shoe-string budget. It takes a bit of Yankee ingenuity and elbow grease.

So if you want to put a dollar into the change machine and see change, then roll up your sleeves and get cooking! The inspirational thought for the day is by Lin Yutang. ““If man be sensible and one fine morning, while he is lying in bed, counts at the tips of his fingers how many things in this life truly will give him enjoyment, invariably he will find food is the first one.” Naturally, gardening should be a close second. Have a great weekend. Annie

(Photo of pizza oven - from the internet)
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About Me

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My gardening influence starts with my Italian grandmother and mother. Their passion for gardening and fresh food has led me to my love for the earth. My Dad taught me my appreciation for nature and my border collies keep me grounded, staying in contact with it daily, whether I want to or not. My husband, Greg's passion for agriculture, horticulture, naturalistic landscape designs and travel have kept us busy in our time together. It's hard to work with and live with your husband but we manage to do it and still find laughter. I think it is because we love food, gardening and nature.

© 2009

© 2009 Ann St. Jean-Bilowz/Bilowz Associates Inc. (including all photographs, unless otherwise noted in Annie's Gardening Corner are the property of Bilowz Associates Inc. and shall not be reproduced in any manner nor are they to be assigned to any third party without the expressed written permission and consent of Bilowz Associates Inc.)