"Thinking will not overcome fear-but action will." ~ W. Clement Stone
Before COVID-19, most of us had no idea what fear the word, "Pandemic" would evoke in our minds and how drastically it would alter our normal routines. The 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic had little relevance for most and a 2020 pandemic seemed as unlikely as a blizzard in August! The Weather Channel did, however, report an "unprecedented August snow event" in Great Falls (8.3 inches) in 1992. Yes! August snowstorms and pandemics do occur- albeit, infrequently.
Our reaction to such events may be wrought with fear and panic but our feelings of being ill-prepared need not paralyze us. Long grocery store lines, hoarding, empty shelves and production chain issues may have many of us battling anxiety and fear but helping to overcome that fear is often found in developing a plan of action.
For those of us following "stay at home" guidelines, these last few weeks and months for some, have been full of new adventures in Zoom, garden design, long distance learning, mask-making, closet cleaning, baking, reading and watching hair cutting tutorials. Our new found "can do attitude and make-due mentality" are reminiscent of our grandparents and great grandparents who decades ago faced the 1918 pandemic and two world wars. Knowing that this too shall pass, we continually search for creative and productive ways to get through the day.
This year, gardening might take on a new significance for many. Not only is it a good way to boost your family's food supply, it also provides opportunities for kids or grandkids to get some great outside time by getting the soil ready, planting seeds, weeding and watering. Many flowers and vegetables can be grown in pots if a garden plot isn't available. The feeling of accomplishment that results from having carefully nurtured a few tomato plants, some carrots and lettuce from seeds to salads is beyond compare! Just having taken an active role in securing your own food source, is empowering in itself!
Learning new techniques and finding new recipes for foods that you find to be less appealing, can also be, a game changer. A kale or spinach shortage is far less likely and these are nutrient dense vegetables packed with Vitamins A, K, and C. A fresh kale pesto just may become a family favorite! (Contact the Missoula County Extension Office, 258-4206 kmoore@montana.edu for more tasty recipes and ideas for your garden produce).
Canning classes and information are also available at your local Extension office or online. If your pressure canner gauge needs to be tested (annual safety test is recommended), Missoula County Extension can do that as well. This quick Extension Office check-up is vital in helping ensure safe canning for meats and vegetables.
"The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself", Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said in his 1933 inaugural address. As we continue to search for new ways to " grow" ourselves and our families during these challenging times, remember to use this time to become more knowledgeable, more pro-active, more generous and more involved. Stay safe everyone!
Kale with Nuts and Raisins (University of Maryland Extension - Makes 5 servings)
Ingredients
• ¼ cup nuts, chopped
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup kale, stems removed and chopped (1 bunch)
• ½ cup raisins
• salt (optional to taste)
Directions
Heat oven to 350 F
On a baking sheet toast nuts for 5 minutes
Heat oil in frying pan on medium heat.
Add garlic and kale to frying pan and cook for 4 minutes.
Add raisins and nuts and cook for 1 minute more
Add salt to taste (optional)
Reader Comments(0)