A Great Green Gift Idea - Rent a Maple Tree!
We may be all out of syrup for this year - but we have lots of trees! And you can rent one for 2009 - and reap the maple sweet rewards!
A long time ago, my dad told me about a farm that used to lease out their maple trees for the maple-syrup making season. We are doing something similar on the farm. For the last few years, we have had a “Rent a Maple Tree” program. I’ve never offered it online before, but have had increased interest - so I thought maybe readers of this blog might like to give a great, green gift - for the holidays - or anytime!
In your Maple Lease package you get a sexy, parchment paper lease agreement; at least one gallon of pure Vermont maple syrup (or more if your tree makes more); three newsletters updating you on the trees, Vermont and the maple season - as well as historical tidbits and maple recipes!
Here is the link to the Etsy site where you can get all the information you need for purchase.
The Bakery is Online…and Open!
Oh yes! It’s true! Michelle’s amazing baked goods, that have only been available through local Vermont stores and farmers’ markets for the last 15 years (give or take) are now available online - right here!
Pastries and breads - including her world famous Buttery Garlic Knots - are now up for purchase and will be shipped to you in a lovely little box with a seasonal bow - and a gift card, if you like.
Everything Michelle bakes is made from local and organic (when possible) ingredients - and always all natural!
Check out the pages as they are posted - and if you’d like something custom-made, just email...we’ll see what we can do!
Consume Less
An End to Poverty in America?
Appeared in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer – Sept. 2006
We can end poverty in America. And in no way do we need help from the government to do it.
Lately, everywhere I look – books, radio, television – there is someone telling me how to “eliminate debt” or “build wealth.” And the majority of these programs are geared for people who have high-paying jobs, huge homes and new cars and are feeling the “burden” of too much debt. What I don’t see a lot of are books or shows dedicated to helping people live – and live well - off $10 an hour. In order to be on a “debt diet” one needs to be able to acquire debt. I dare say that most financial experts would argue that you can’t live well off $10 an hour. Those families who make $10 an hour are impoverished and should be educated as to how to make more money. And that’s where the help ends: “Get a better job, get some debt and then I can help you.”
So what is poverty? Is it families who try and exist on Mom’s salary of $10 an hour? Or is it not having food in the house? Or is it not having the house? Is it not having electricity? Running water? Heat?
