In today’s column:
- Native Soil Farm Growing Operation
- Toledo Memorial Day Wall Of Honor Ceremony Remembered
- Toledo Youth Football Camp Begins Today
- Coming Events
Saturday morning found me on my way to a local garage sale, though I don’t typically frequent these places unless I’m seeking something specific - a pear-shaped coffee mug, various wooden boxes, wide-brimmed sun hat size 6¾. Billie Washington greeted me with a strong hug and sunny smile; Aundrea introduced Rebecca and James, then set off to fetch her husband.
While I considered grabbing a few photos at another venue, Aundrea reappeared with Marcial in tow. Clasping my hand in a handshake, he smiled into my eyes, raised his other hand to my shoulder as is apparently his custom, then gently pulled me into airy embrace like those reminiscent of certain European and Latin countries. Stepping back, his eyes still smiling, he offered me a tour of Native Soil Farm’s natural agriculture methods at work.
While I considered grabbing a few photos at another venue, Aundrea reappeared with Marcial in tow. Clasping my hand in a handshake, he smiled into my eyes, raised his other hand to my shoulder as is apparently his custom, then gently pulled me into airy embrace like those reminiscent of certain European and Latin countries. Stepping back, his eyes still smiling, he offered me a tour of Native Soil Farm’s natural agriculture methods at work.
Several experimental methods were used with most crops, discovering whether wood chip mulch helped plants thrive (yes with blueberries, not with broccoli), greenhouse versus outdoor sowing, shade-loving plants (he delicately brushed the nettles, grown for medicinal use, with no apparent harm to himself), and two different mushroom beds. An hour passed, perhaps more, as he spoke of different cultural values, the healing power of working in nature, the busy-ness of the Western World as we know it.
Completing our circuit, Rebecca led me to the chairs where I sat in the shade of an enormous fruit tree while she shared my water, showed me her trampoline & swing, then exclaimed delightedly when her mother showed up with snacks, offering me some of hers.
After some time - I don’t know how long, really - I rose to bid my farewells, promising to stop in again soon, keep in touch, all the things one says on leaving.
Then I went home and weeded two raised veggie garden beds, abandoned last summer to the infernal wasps & yellowjackets. Sunday I did three more. Monday another two, including one particularly stubborn one requiring all my might.
Those words exchanged on the healing power of working in nature, expressed in the philosophy of natural agricultural methods, seemed to be restoring my once-robust strength. But it was more, I suspect.
Completing our circuit, Rebecca led me to the chairs where I sat in the shade of an enormous fruit tree while she shared my water, showed me her trampoline & swing, then exclaimed delightedly when her mother showed up with snacks, offering me some of hers.
After some time - I don’t know how long, really - I rose to bid my farewells, promising to stop in again soon, keep in touch, all the things one says on leaving.
Then I went home and weeded two raised veggie garden beds, abandoned last summer to the infernal wasps & yellowjackets. Sunday I did three more. Monday another two, including one particularly stubborn one requiring all my might.
Those words exchanged on the healing power of working in nature, expressed in the philosophy of natural agricultural methods, seemed to be restoring my once-robust strength. But it was more, I suspect.
Aundrea found me at the local grocery Monday around dinnertime, coming up behind me and laying her chin upon my shoulder like high school chums would do. She seemed unsurprised at the turnaround in my energy, smiling one of those knowing Cheshire Cat grins. Later it occurred to me that it’s been decades since anyone - even The Otter - has snuck up behind me without my reflexive response triggered, usually a shriek (or worse, a swing). And I never flinched.
My humble veggie beds will never match the scale of Native Soil Farm’s better-than-organic produce, though I trust working in the same earth, only a couple miles distant, will continue to help heal an important part of me.
P.S. I forgot all about that second photo op.
***
Native Soil Farm will be at Toledo Thursday Market, opening June 15. Watch also for the next garage sale. (Hint: Cheese Days?)
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This just in: Toledo Thursday Market planning meeting slated for 3 p.m. next Thursday (June 8). Applications up on Facebook. PDF doc link here.
***
Thanks to a Toledo resident for sharing photos of Monday’s moving ritual: It was a nice ceremony...very touching...brought tears to my eyes... but anything patriotic usually does. The Star Spangled Banner song, the pledge of allegiance, etc...always tears in my eyes and that choked-up feeling...
P.S. I forgot all about that second photo op.
***
Native Soil Farm will be at Toledo Thursday Market, opening June 15. Watch also for the next garage sale. (Hint: Cheese Days?)
***
This just in: Toledo Thursday Market planning meeting slated for 3 p.m. next Thursday (June 8). Applications up on Facebook. PDF doc link here.
***
Thanks to a Toledo resident for sharing photos of Monday’s moving ritual: It was a nice ceremony...very touching...brought tears to my eyes... but anything patriotic usually does. The Star Spangled Banner song, the pledge of allegiance, etc...always tears in my eyes and that choked-up feeling...
Images courtesy of Linda Bird-Sonne
...and for sharing information about CGT’s recent installations at the newly-minted “Honor Garden” as mentioned in The Chronicle’s article Tuesday.
***
Today: Toledo Indians Youth Football Camp starts 3:15 p.m. at the high school for grades 1 through 8.* Registration forms available onsite. Email Michael Christensen for details.
...and for sharing information about CGT’s recent installations at the newly-minted “Honor Garden” as mentioned in The Chronicle’s article Tuesday.
***
Today: Toledo Indians Youth Football Camp starts 3:15 p.m. at the high school for grades 1 through 8.* Registration forms available onsite. Email Michael Christensen for details.
Mark your calendars: Toledo Youth Football Pancake Breakfast fundraiser 8 - 10 a.m. Saturday at the high school.
On Facebook.
*Katie Gale says: Students going into grades 1-8 are welcome to attend (the flyer says differently but I've confirmed with the coaches - they want all kids Flag - Jr. High football).
***
*Third time’s the charm: TOT restores the missing link from last week’s mention…
Vision:Toledo linked this post from Gene Chandler, a bit of background and a plea to restore a commemorative sign at Toledo’s Fastpitch Complex.
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Also this week:
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I(heart)Logan has frequent updates on Facebook. Read his story and find out how to get involved.
***
Photos from TOT archives unless otherwise noted.
Everyday Heroes: Envisioned as a local September 11 observation recognizing lesser-known acts of kindness and heroism. Send your nominations to toledo.columnist@gmail.com.
Email your news, reviews and events to: toledo.columnist@gmail.com
On Facebook.
*Katie Gale says: Students going into grades 1-8 are welcome to attend (the flyer says differently but I've confirmed with the coaches - they want all kids Flag - Jr. High football).
***
*Third time’s the charm: TOT restores the missing link from last week’s mention…
Vision:Toledo linked this post from Gene Chandler, a bit of background and a plea to restore a commemorative sign at Toledo’s Fastpitch Complex.
***
Also this week:
- Gallery 505 Artists Co-op Opening Night 1 - 8 PM Thursday
- Scholarship Night @ Toledo High School
- Toledo Youth Football Pancake Breakfast Saturday
- Toledo BIG Cleanup Day Saturday
***
I(heart)Logan has frequent updates on Facebook. Read his story and find out how to get involved.
***
Photos from TOT archives unless otherwise noted.
Everyday Heroes: Envisioned as a local September 11 observation recognizing lesser-known acts of kindness and heroism. Send your nominations to toledo.columnist@gmail.com.
Email your news, reviews and events to: toledo.columnist@gmail.com
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