Author Archives: Virtual Farmgirl

Missoula, MT, has the right idea with a film festival featuring three farm-to-table friendly films. The festival, “Real to Real Food Film Festival,” will screen three movies. I’ve blogged about at least one: The Real Dirt on Farmer John, about the exploits of a Northern Illinois farmer. But also showing is… Eat at Bill’s, aContinue reading “Reel Farming, Reel Food”

Today I learned there was a true farmgirl in my city midst, for years, and I had no idea. I also had no idea she was ill or suffering from Alzheimer’s. Apparently that’s the way she wanted it. Her passing came as a surprise to many. So here’s what I found out today at herContinue reading “Remembering a Farmgirl Hero, Trailblazing Journalist”

Thanks to some prep work last night, I came home from a long day to a full meal…Carolina Barbecued Pork. It’s frankly the best pulled pork I’ve had since I left the South. I’m only slightly embarrassed to say that this vinegar-based recipe comes from my old Rival crock-pot book. I don’t have that crockContinue reading “Comfort Food Waiting After a Long Day”

All I can say about tonight’s American Idol is that I have a suggested new title: American Elevator Musician. Seriously, as the iFarmer says, do these guys have ANY taste in music? Best of the pack, Michael Johns, who took on The Doors. As for American Idol partnering with iTunes so fans can buy theContinue reading “American Lounge Music”

I got word today from friends out working in California near San Luis Obispo. Besides the “neat, green little farms,” our friends have noticed scores of bee hives. That drew this memory: “When I was a kid, my father’s drug store used to be the main resource for bee supplies in Shelby County. It wasContinue reading “Ice Cream Co. Gets Behind Bee-Awareness Initiative”

After watching the King Corn DVD again this weekend at The Farm, the interview with the controversial Ag secretary Earl Butz had new meaning. Butz died Feb. 2. While we were enjoying the documentary, the iFarmer looked up Butz’s obit on his iPhone. And when he read out loud that Butz — in addition toContinue reading “Flipping Through the Pages of History”

When I’ve had bad days or weeks or months, there are a few physical locations on this earth that can right me in an instant… The Mountains of New Mexico between Truchas and Taos. The Lowlands of South Carolina, especially surrounding the great city of Charleston. The spectacular cities and ruins of ancient Greece andContinue reading “Travel Mission: Improve My Mood (and Get Fresh Eggs)”

Another February is passing without Grant County, Ind., (Where Cool Was Born) being named to Progressive Farmer’s list of Best Places to Live in Rural America. [I promise, Grant County is beautiful, despite the rotten photo they chose for the website.] Also not on the list, but a should-be contender? Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.Continue reading “What County Would You Nominate for Rural Best Of List?”

Lots of activity today… You would not believe the preparation for Valentine’s Day activities at the Future Farmkids’ schools. Last night we wrapped up by signing and addressing more than 85 Valentines. Eighty five…for two kids. Of course, Future Farmgirl insisted on signing and decorating all of her own. Should be interesting. Her name isContinue reading “Happy V-Day!”

I have just been sick of our menu options lately. So tonight, I knocked chili out of the lineup and we had breakfast instead. The Future Farmkids thought that was a fantastic idea. I haven’t seen them so excited about a meal in a long time. We had blueberry (imported from Chile) pancakes for FutureContinue reading “Pancakes for Supper”