Sustainable Saturday - Tall Tunnels

We woke up this morning to our first true snowfall, here in the Susquehanna River valley near Johnson City/Binghamton, New York.  Not only had snow fallen, but winds were gusting.

It was a good day to visit our twice monthly indoor farmer's market in downtown Binghamton.

Several baked good vendors were there, along with a couple of meat/poultry vendors, plus people selling honey, herbal products and fudge.  One vendor still had, amazingly, fresh produce.  This indeed was all local, produced via a farming technique called "Tall Tunnels".  This basically is a smaller version of a greenhouse, which, from what I've read, can extend the growing season 4 to 6 weeks or even longer.  They do take, however, a lot of work.

We purchased one of the butternut squashes (other winter squashes were also available) and the last local garlic we will have this year.

This same vendor normally has beef available, but his is in short supply because his slaughterhouse has shut down beef processing for deer processing.  Once deer season is over, his beef will return.  That, of course, is part of the sustainable lifestyle - sometimes you just can't get what you want.  That was a normal part of my childhood back in the 1950's - you didn't have year round fruits and veggies flown from all over the world.  We are fortunate that we do not have to depend on hunting for our meat, as so many of our ancestors had to.


Meanwhile, in my front yard, conditions were a bit chilly. Peeking above the snow are the remains of basil, oregano, lavender, and other herbs and perennials.  Sleeping underneath is thyme.

Sleep peacefully, herb and flower garden.

Sleep in wintery peace.

See you again in the spring.