The recession coupled with a rising interest in increased self-sustainability is sparking a wave of motivated do-it-yourself-ers. Every time I walk by the window of my local bookstore it seems as though a new book on Urban Homesteading has popped up in the window. Blogs like UrbanGardenCasual provide inspiration, tips, and humor. Urban beekeeping societies are sharing their knowledge with an increasing number of devotees and making more honey than I ever imagined. (This is something I would love to explore myself - only I'm afraid of heights and thus scared to go up on my own roof.) Did you know that eating local honey builds up immunity to allergens and boost your immune system? What an easy way to do something good for your health - incorporating something delicious and local into your diet.

I have to say that I find all of this activity very heartening. Sure, I can go out and buy a jar of  bread and butter pickles but it is far more satisfying to open one up that I made myself. In doing so I am also opening up a treasure trove of memories - the mild smell and prickly feel of the freshly picked cucumbers, the tangy scent of the brine, the delicate alchemy invloved to get just the right combination of ingredients. On a gray day it brings back a slice of the summer.

More homesteading please.