Author Archives: Virtual Farmgirl

Sustainability enthusiasts will surely be following the latest developments on Chongming Island near Shanghai. The island is poised to become the first major eco-city, designed to minimize environmental impact of residential and commercial populations. McClatchy has this story on the city’s progress…and sadly, though not surprisingly, a new threat…developers. Turns out plans for battery-powered busesContinue reading “Will Money Interests Brown Promise of Green City?”

It’s a start. My Future Farmgirl said tonight that the SnapeaCrips, which look like snow peas, I handed her were the best chips she ever tasted. They’re sort of like a cross between puffed corn and a potato chip, only they’re baked. It’s the little things. The iFarmer says they’re addictive too. Even though I’mContinue reading “At Least They'll Eat Something That Look Likes Peas”

Thanks to iFarmer and his iPhone, here’s a sight…John Deere tractors crossing Harlem Ave., just south of Lake Street in Oak Park:

We have our tree already. Future Farmboy and the iFarmer bought it locally (translation, cheap bigbox store)…though the tree is from Canada. I think we’ll try to switch that around next year…drive to a farm and pick out our own…like our friends do each year, going all the way to Michigan and Wisconsin for freshContinue reading “Can I Grow Christmas Trees on Cornfields?”

I’ve been home sick today…initially to take care of my son, then just utterly exhausted. So I didn’t think I’d have much to add to VFG until I read this commentary earlier this month from Tom Bechman at Indiana Prairie Farmer. Apparently there’s controversy over expanding hog operations in Grant County. Controversy over hog farmingContinue reading “Factory Farm v. (Huge) Family Farm”

We learned recently that one of my dad’s friends and mentors Steve Perin is very ill. Sad news indeed. But the good news is the reconnection and all the memories being shared. Also, it was wonderful to explore Steve’s Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/steveperin/Loads of memories in these pieces, especially this one of Roberts. Yes, the sameContinue reading “Picture Perfect Memories”

Christmas shopping is slow going this year, but I am having fun shopping for our upcoming holiday party. I hit the jackpot at Ultra with a bunch of “local” products to add to the munchies. Ultra is owned by a family in NW Indiana, so I’m not surprised they try hard to have local products.,Continue reading “Some Ultra 'Buy Local' Finds”

I never thought I’d get to actually show off my new Bee Haven Maven apron in public. But I got my chance this morning when I was one of five moms at my son’s school for parent station day. On those days, parents help with an art project or activity. As luck would have it,Continue reading “Cooking (at) School”

Good news shoppers, King Corn is available on DVD, just in time for Christmas. I don’t know how I’m going to get all my shopping done. But my guess is that not too many of my relatives would be psyched to get a documentary about corn. Still, it’s very good and worth a few bucksContinue reading “Behind in My Shopping”