I must say, one thing I’m realizing is that I truly love the
area of NY where I live!!! Yes, as much as
I dislike the political BS of this state, all the freakin’ high taxes and
insurance rates we pay, the cold weather, the fact that I’m supposed to pump my
own gas (Hey, I’m a Jersey girl and never had to pump my gas before moving here since it’s
illegal to do so in NJ!!!), not to mention how
expensive it is to live in my particular area of the state (Orange County), I actually LOVE all that surrounds me here :-) In
particular, the farms and all the locally-grown produce, eggs, meats, and other
locally-made nommy goodness!!! Even though I’m only about an hour from New
York City, there is an abundance of wonderful farms in my area. Today is a great example. Went to one of the local farms where their farm “stand”
(rather a large barn/building) is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during
the winter months; plus they host a larger farmers market on the last Saturday of each winter month which includes
vendors from the surrounding area. This
is when I definitely stock up on my grass-fed beef; pasture-raised bacon, sausage, and
ham steaks; yummylicious goat cheeses; and other delectable items I can find :-) Today I was able to purchase a dozen
farm-FRESH eggs; a nice chunk of Peppercorn Colby goat cheese; organic whipped
butter from pasture-raised cows; plus some delicious whole milk from a nearby
NY farm that also pasture-raises their cows.
This is the kind of old-fashioned milk that comes in glass bottles and
you either scoop off the cream layer on top and use it or shake it up so that the
cream can incorporate back into the milk.
Had I not done a big food shopping yesterday, I could have gotten some
produce, too, that they grow in their greenhouses/hi-tunnels during the winter
months so one can have fresh greens/veggies year round! It really is a blessing to be able to
purchase such wholesome, nutritious food ten minutes from where I live. I feel so spoiled when I tell people about it!!! Don't get me started about all the wineries in the area, too ;-)
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| Produce from springtime farmers market. |
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| Grass-fed/pasture-raised beef from Lowland Farm. A staple in my home!! |
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| A delicious and healthy veggie/fruit smoothie. Love my VitaMix!!! |
In April my home will be put on the market, as part of the
marital separation agreement between me and my son’s father ("Legally" he’s
not my ex-husband since we’re not divorced, but I also cannot and will not
refer to him as my husband by any stretch of the imagination, either). Once the house is sold, I’ll need to find a place
to live (rent) with my son. As I
mentioned at the beginning of this post, this area really is expensive. Especially for me since I cannot work due to
my Multiple Sclerosis and have to live off of my SSDI income and what child
support/temporary maintenance we get. Since we
have to live within a “reasonable distance” (whatever the heck that means - LOL) from my son’s father, I’m just
hoping I can stay in the town we now live or one of the surrounding ones so I
can take advantage of all the markets near me. During the Spring, Summer, and Autumn months I can go to a different farmers market each day of the week!!! But in my heart and soul, I honestly believe and trust in that things will work
out for the best. A positive mind and positive energy are
always the first steps in a successful journey!
Wishing you peace, love, and happiness,
Kristyn
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