I have tools and skills, and I have to remain home to take care of my wife. A small list of thing that are paramount, while meeting my goals. I can list everything all at once, confusing myself, but I’m not that crazy. Take the first item on the list. I have tools. Garden tools, art tools, writing tools.

Land to put the garden on is a tool, there are tools to work the garden with, and tools to save the food with. And I’m using the word "tool" loosely. A hunk of land is a hunk of land, but to me it’s a tool. Rakes, shovels, hoes, and all the drudgery and hard labor that implies. Why else do you think I look so good? Glass jars of all sizes, rings and lids, are more tools. Shelving to place the jars on. Tools. Green tools. People powered green tools. Gardening is green. Green does save money, but like that instant can of soup, it takes some considerable prep time.

My wife and me, we like to garden. Each year we put out a small garden, and I process as much food as possible. Small to me is 50' long by 30' wide, give or take. Onions, beans, tomatoes, peas, carrots, more. If I can grow it, it tastes good, can become part of a soup, it’s in there. I mow an acre of lawn with a push mower, and it has a bag. All those clipping get added to the garden. I turn the clippings under, and I use them as mulch. Everything I can use as compost, becomes compost. Shredded newspapers and junk mail confetti. Chopped up weeds and old plantings. I add as much compost to the garden as I can, all year round. Compost is 100% natural, and doesn’t cost much at all. Gardens thrive on compost. And you can compost anywhere, using containers to garden in. Apartment dwellers take note. You can grow a lot of food on a balcony, and you can compost. I work as much compost into the garden as I can, all summer long, and replant items that have run their course, like radishes and onions. Nothing says lovin’ like a green onion kiss.

I’ll post some photos of my garden before the week is out. I forgot batteries. I’m a busy guy; what else can I say.