in pursuit of generalism

I keep meaning to post final pantry pictures, but I've had a run of annoying lower-back issues that made sitting for long periods quite uncomfortable, and I saved that for work.  So at home there was short, drive-by internet browsing (hello twitter), and things that involved standing--which meant, more canning!  Well, and fall cooking, yoga, dishes, and some mild yardwork.

The entire spread (sans freezer): we had to add an extra shelf for fruits and wines!

I almost titled this post "in praise of mediocrity" because it isn't lost on me, even when I take pictures of my annual triumphs, that preserving food isn't anything new or special:  it's just what people have done since the beginning of civilization.  There's nothing more humbling that hitting a garage sale full of awesome canning or fermenting gear and being told by the former owners of how they used to do that years ago (and often how they grew tired of it).  It makes for some lovely neighborhood camaraderie, but it reminds me that my generation of gardeners and preservers are not pioneers, just very late adaptors.

homegrown dry beans and peppers/spices

But I decided to be more positive:  with friends and family currently in job searches, I see regularly that what modern-life is looking for is totally laser-focused pursuits.  Job seekers are expected to have years of specific experience with one topic/skillset/gadget/software whatever.  Generalism is totally lost at times.  But me (and my crowd) are pretty content to be good--or even mediocre--at lots of things!

D's wine:  all sorts including dandelion, rhubarb, mulberry, and elderberry, and grape.  He started a batch of raspberry today.

Call me crazy, but I like doing math, using tools, hacking away at dry earth, engaging in a little chemistry, exchanging information, and using my imagination.  Too bad you can't making a living doing those things...hey wait:  You can make a life.

The first stone wall we ever built, still sturdy going on winter 2