My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer on June 30th of this year. WOAH, "the big C". It's a scary word, a word that no one wants to hear. EVER. It takes a while to stop being afraid of the word. I still have to look at my toes when I say it. Though, just about every man, when they get to a certain age develops prostate cancer. It's a natural phenomenon. Nonetheless, when it happens to someone near and dear to you, it is very sobering.
All you can do is your best, of course. You have to change your whole lifestyle practically. All the books say, "NO RED MEAT", "NO DAIRY", "NO EGGS", "NO THIS", "NO THAT". It's all very restrictive, so he reacts very negative. Stubborn man, he's a leo after all. As am I, so, I've been working feverishly with my dad to change "meat and potatoes" into "homegrown veganlicious fruits and veggies". Needless to say, it's been quite a challange.
Unfortunately, we live in Wrightwood: in which the soil is harsh and full of minerals and rocks; in which there are four distinct seasons; in which there are lots of miscellaneous creatures scavenging though your yard - all of this, essentially meaning, it's extremely hard to grow voluptuous veggies. So, we generally have to settle for store-bought organics.
On a side note, here's something to think about: gardening as a self-sustainment activity. We could look at the term "self-sustainment" in several ways, and that's my intention. I mean "self-sustainment" to mean both physical and emotional/mental sustainment, as well as the traditional definition of relying on oneself. Grow plants that produce a particular fruit or veggie or herb that you take an interest in eating. In my case: tomatoes, blackberries, oregano, etc. Not only will they be a healthier dietary choice, but it can be a very satisfying moment when you get to taste the "fruits of your labor" - so to speak - AND it has been scientifically proven that being involved in a garden is better than being involved in a white room. First, you have the exposure to the sun: vitamin D; second, you have exposure to O2, oxygen; lastly, you realize you are not alone and these plants need your care and tenderness in order to thrive.
That being said, as I was helping my mom cook dinner tonight, I went into the garden to gather some herbs to add to the veggies we were BBQing. I thought, "bingo! this is something I have to think about all the time now!" So I decided to photograph some of the edibles that can grow up here in the mountains, specifically that can be found in the forest that I call, "My Mother's Garden". And this was our dinner:
Blackberries
are full of antioxidants and deliciousness.
To pick a good blackberry, it essentially
has to roll off of it's little branch.
Otherwise, you can be sure that it will be a
sour little bugger.
Cactus:
Now, I don't know what is particularly special
about a cactus, but it's edible and perfectly sweetened.
To cook a cactus, well, you can cook it however you want
to. Just make sure to take the pricklies out and peel it
before you do anything.
Chard:
FIBER!! It helps to keep your poo together.
Oregano:
I just read an article, sent to me by my dear mentor:
David Flaten, that Oregano oil helps kill the bad
bacteria in your body. Neato!
Steak:
I did say my dad was stubborn.
He sneaks meat into the house, and my mother
condones it. Well, perhaps I'm a bit lighter on my dad
than I should be.
Beautifully written Teresa.
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