I made for breakfast today three “naturally grown” eggs. They were different in two minor respects: the yolks were slightly darker and “solid” and the packaging (shell) was not of uniform conformity; they were more bullet shaped than “egg” shaped (now there’s a paradox, for ya).
The taste was comparable to “normal” eggs. Perhaps I’m not an egg aficionado.
To accompany my eggs, I had a hunk of sourdough, olive oil based bread. That was delicious, but again, nothing approaching the realm of spectacular.
For lunch I had some pita bread and the hummus I got the other day. Again, nothing to write a blog about. Maybe my palate is simply too simple.
This afternoon I drove to Publix to buy a baking potato to eat with the trial T-bone steak I purchased at the Farmer’s Market on Wednesday. And therein lies a bit of a problem with this whole “buy local” shtick – you can only buy local what is grown locally and it has to be “in season.” Potatoes are not in season. They can’t be found, unless you choose to get them in a grocery store (where you can get anything, any time of year, eh?).
Here’s what’s in season: leafy vegetables (kale, arugula, and soon, lettuce) and root vegetables (turnips, parsnips, etc.). Those of you who know me are aware that I have not eaten a turnip since 1968 and I have no intention of starting now.
I’m a bit stuck. Faced with a food “shortage,” I have but a few options: I can learn to eat turnips (not on a bet), I can abandon my pursuit of healthier foods, or I can expand my culinary skills and my willingness to try “different” things. Given my proclivity to rebel against any decisions which are forced upon me, I’ve had to engage in introspection to ascertain my motivation for this life change (wow, this took an entire week to fall to pieces). Here’s what I’ve decided (unilaterally).
I started this to eat healthier, but I think the real impetus behind this is to take a small step toward going back to a better time, a better place, and a better country. It’s nice that I may end up healthier, thinner, and better looking (as if) as a result of this enterprise, but I’m really trying to cast a vote (just one, but one nonetheless) against industrialized food and, in no small measure, against the government which promotes and supports a system which tilts decidedly against farmers and their families. I think I’m pissed. Nah, I KNOW I’m pissed.
No Luddite I, I just want to “take back” what has been taken from us. Freedom to choose from whom we buy our food, freedom to support our neighbors, freedom from having some asshole pick winners and losers. I’ve pretty much had enough of that from my government. I’m buying American, and I’m buying from my community. No matter how hard it becomes. So, I’ll be learning to cook and eat new things. I’m Gumby, Dammit! I can be flexible! Now that Twinkies are not an option, why the hell not?
