Just have a few things I wanted to share with you guys today.

This is a sample of one of my CSA newsletters. It changes week to week, hope you like it.

Rain!!!

Wow!I can't remember the last time we had this much rain in July. Now I've only been farming for the last 5 years or so, but still the rain has been plentiful for the month of July. No complaints here, the garden is looking luscious thanks to the showers!

Helpful Hints

I got my recent issue of Mother Earth News in the mail today. What a nice surprise! This month's issue features the 28 all time best simple living tips. I came across four hints I'd like to share with you guys!

"A Dash of Seeds for the Garden"

Next time you are wanting to plant some seeds, but the seeds are so small they are difficult to handle... use a saltshaker. Just pour the packet of seeds inside the empty container, close, and shake it out! I know it's pretty simple, but its a good idea for someone who gardens. :)

"Easy Furniture Scratch Removal"

If you have minor scratches on wood furniture or paneling, a teaspoon of instant coffee dissolved in a teaspoon of water serves as a scratch remover.

"Repel Critters with Dog Hair"

(Sounds interesting, haven't tried it cause usually my dogs chase these critters away anyway ;)After you brush your dog's hair, save it, bag it up, and distribute the hairs in a garden plot you want to protect from grounhogs, raccoons, and squirrels.

"Super Seed-head Scrubber"

Now I am gonna give this a try! Check it out! "Need a stout scrub brush for a really messy cleanup job? Use a de-seeded sunflower head! Once all the seeds have been rubbed off, the dried flowerhead makes a surprisingly effective scouring pad, and its biodegradable. When your finished with it throw it in the compost pile!"

Easy, Yummy, Healthy Recipe

One of my dear friends got me a great gift for my birthday this past year ... a subscription to Cooking Light Magazine! This is where I found the following recipe. Keith and I love it!!!

Garlicky Spaghetti with Beans and Greens "

Canned Beans are a great pantry staple with lots of protein and fiber. To help reduce sodium in regular canned beans, rinse and drain them."

Ingredients 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper2 cups of grape or cherry tomatoes, halved5 ounces of arugula - or we sometime substitute baby swiss chard, any spicy leafy green will work2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice1/2 cup of grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions: 1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain pasta in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Place pasta in a small bowl. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt, tossing gently. Set aside and keep warm. 2. Return pan to medium head. Add oil, garlic, and pepper; cook 2 minutes or until garlic is lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Stir in remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, tomatoes, and beans; cook 2 minutes. Add pasta; cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add reserved pasta water and fresh greens (arugula), tossing gently to combine. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and cheese. Serve immediately. Yield: 6 servings.

Hope you guys are having a great week thus far!!! Cheers Friends!!! Buy Local Forever!!!