Seeds of discontentment

I have not posted any comments over the past few weeks because it has been much of the same—squash abound, severely bruised produce, and the usual CSA illuminati antics—however, a recent event has driven me to the keyboard.

The CSA is slowly imploding. I kid you not. A few of the new members expressed concern over the safety at the pickup site. I cannot go into further detail here as a more in depth description would certainly enable the reader to pinpoint the organization and the “problem”. While, I am dissatisfied with the CSA, I have no desire to embarrass or bad mouth a particular individual or institution. I am comfortable with lobbing criticism at the group as whole or at certain subsets within the group, but disclosing particularly embarrassing details that would no longer allow an individual (or individuals) to maintain his or her (their) anonymity is not my thing…at least not my thing for this particular blog. Now, if you say something about my mama, all bets are off! As a new member, I agree with many of their concerns. Frankly, ALL members new and old should share the same concerns about safety. What I did not expect was the response from some of the core group members. They were shocked and dismayed—yes, shocked and dismayed—that some Johnny-come-latelies had the audacity to air their dissatisfaction publicly. Are you serious?

If I had any reservations about discontinuing my membership, I have none now. Since when can’t members of a group air gripes publicly amongst its members? Nobody receives free shares. We all PAID to be members, and as members, we have the right to express our feelings, contrary to your beliefs Mr. and Mrs. Fidel Putin Bush. And for the record, there are no A and B shares, no common stock and corporate stock, so save your unwarranted displays of disgust for the meek and easily intimidated. This is not a laboratory. We are not a controlled experiment. It sickens me to know that you do not value open dialogue, especially since the comments were not malicious and mean-spirited.

Well, you do not have to worry about me or others like me in the group. We will not be back next season. Guess what? Our money is accepted wherever we go. Game over. You lose. Now, go kick rocks…….

Alas in Wonderland

I was sprung from the job earlier than usual this Thursday because of our company picnic. Having arrived in the Bronx at a quarter to five afforded me the opportunity to pick up my share earlier than usual. I dropped my work gear off and headed to the pickup site. Not too muddy today; however, someone “planted” several varieties of plastic flowers in the mud garden. Nice. Whatever, I was really too tired to care. I am surprised I even noticed the faux foliage since I was exhibiting a mild case of heat stroke—agitation, high body temperature, disorientation, and rapid pulse—from all of that company picnic “fun”.

Anywho, the truck must have been late because some of the veggies were still cool to the touch. Wow, not bad at all I thought to myself. Most of the stuff looks pretty fresh unlike the limp, bruised, and battered produce that is usually available. Maybe Farmer Monotony packed the crates better. As I was weighing out some cukes, one of the co-op leaders began picking through the veggies and sorting out the beat-up ones. The leader then signaled a minion and instructed the cohort to organize "the others’" shares. Without delay, the underling joined the vetting process, separating the comeliest of the lot. The leader reeled off a list of about 6 families, obviously all part of the CSA Illuminati, for which the subordinate was to pack the shares. And only the flawless of the species were to be bagged. Who does this guy think he is? The Food Führer? What next? Blonde-hued squash are deemed acceptable, whilst the fate of the dark green ones is unknown? It is not my intention to offend anyone by my possibly poor choice of analogy, but I thought that this behavior was not only unjust, but downright sickening. Only the best for the elite. And for the rest? The commoners. Let them eat cake!

If the CSA elite are too lazy to drag their butts to the site, then they should receive the dregs. First come, first served. Period. After watching the duo, it also became clear to me that the CSA Illuminati have dual membership. They are both part of the Illuminati and the secret society of purloiners. An extra perfect pepper here. An additional unblemished carrot there. What have I gotten myself into? What is wrong with these people? Oh, why did I follow the white rabbit?

BTW, a good portion of last week's cucumbers grew fuzzy in the crisper. As for the squash, I was able to save some and made a squash torte courtesy of Des' Home Ec-O blog. She's got some pretty awesome recipes...tell her I sent you.