Life Begins at 30

End. August.

The end of August finds me in San Francisco, with a belly full of Little Star Pizza and looking forward to September's Eat Local Month.

Are you still wondering what the mystery machine was?  The first guess, Anita's, was correct.  It was a cherry pitter -- a machine that John Lagier showed us on our tour of Lagier Ranches through CUESA's farm tour program.  It was a fascinating tour, and I want to be able to tell you more about it.  But until I get to that, check out Marc's post about visiting the almond orchards and a discussion of the new law that will affect raw almonds. 

On the same day, we visited Hidden Star Orchards, an organic almond, stone fruit and grape orchard who sells at the Ferry Plaza Farmers' Market. Johann Smit and his family have an amazing story, starting with his parents who immigrated from the Netherlands and started a dairy farm on the land where Johann now grows apples.

If you are a Flickr lover, please keep an eye on my photos, as I have been spending quite a bit of time on my flickr site.  I am doing an exciting new project called "365 days" in which I take a photo a day for a year.  I'm on day 22, and it's been a really interesting experience so far.  I am really grateful to the project as it's causing me to have my camera with me most of the time which can only be a good thing. 

I'm leaving tomorrow for a couple weeks in Los Angeles.  The timing of this is interesting, as it's the beginning of Eat Local month.  I am really looking forward to spending time there exploring the local options available to those in Southern California.  I will be going to farmers' markets and working local foods into my family's menus as much as possible.  While I won't be attempting the 100% local foods diet that I have done in the past, I think that being in Southern California while concentrating on eating local will be an interesting spin on a routine that is part of my daily life in San Francisco.  The energy of the Eat Local Challenge is always such an exciting thing, and it continues to be a very invigorating part of my life.  Thanks to all of you who support it, or at least tolerate my talking about it fairly regularly.

Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend!

Photo taken in San Francisco at August Street and Union Street, August 29, 2007.   

Mystery Machine

Mystery Machine, originally uploaded by jen_maiser.

Anyone know what this is? 

No fair answering if you happened to also see this machine today!

Edit: Still wondering?  The answer is in this post.

September 2007 Eat Local Challenge

Those of you who have been reading for a while know that the Eat Local Challenge is my baby.  It's where my passion lies, and I have had a great time participating in and helping to build a tremendous community around eating locally.  I've just posted a list of 16 ways that you can participate in the September 2007 Eat Local Challenge on the ELC blog.  Check it out, and consider whether you'd like to take part!

My picks on Indie Fixx

Jen Wallace, the blogger at Indie Fixx, has been asking readers for their top ten lists of independent designers.  I emailed her my top choices for independent jewelry, paper, and fabric designers, and she published my list this week.  Click on over to check it out. 

(Mom: please don't click through -- it's not anything bad, it will just spoil a bday surprise.)

Buy Local (Books)

Fellow blogger Noelle at the Daily Tannenbaum has a very poignant post about the closing of her parents' independent bookstore in Wyckoff, New Jersey.  Yet another reminder that our buy local efforts can go so much further than just food.  I find that when most people choose to start paying attention to buying local food that their purchases in every aspect of their life are questioned ... but this post is a great reminder of why we need to continue to question every purchase.

In the past year, almost every publisher has released at least one book about the importance of buying locally for the sake of the environment and the economy. It would be a shame if they don't make the connection that they have the power to help prevent independent bookstores from closing, and keep these vital community businesses alive. With pricing and terms that would allow independents to compete with chains, it would prevent the ever centralization of book distribution and allow local businesses to stay in business. This would be good for communities, individuals and the publishing industry itself. Unfortunately, it's too late for the people of Wyckoff, NJ, because starting October 1st, they will no longer be be able to buy their books from a local retailer.

Biggles would be proud

Mom called me last night to report on the success of a barbecue she had at the house.  "I discovered the secret to the perfect hamburger.  Put herb butter in the middle of the patty, and baste with butter.  Biggles would be proud."

New Blog Look?

I'm thinking it's time to retire the beets theme of this site.  If you want to have a say in my next blog theme, check out my sample banner possibilities and comment on flickr.  The banner look & feel may change a bit as I set in the type, but I'd be interested to hear what theme you like best.

And remember, I'm not as creative about changing my banner as Cookie or Dooce.  I've had this look for about 1.5 years, I believe, so whatever you choose is most likely going to stick for a while.