Both of you ladies definitely have a point. I know I'm younger, but I grew up in the country as well, the grand-daughter of two different farmers, one of whom taught me so much as he was next door. He taught my father and I about drainage, the best areas for planting each type of tree, vegetable and fruit possible. I grew up eating fresh fruits and vegetables all spring, summer and fall long, and there were several farmer's markets within a half hour's drive for everything else.
I've tried to be environmentally friendly with my plantings (my roses are a small but worthwhile diversion) - I'm even trying to bypass the chemical products for any of my plants. I'm going to mix up a chili pepper cocktail to spray my plants to keep the deer and squirrels away, and I have spinosad and neem oil for the rest. I have a small veggie/herb raised garden at the back of the property. The A/C doesn't get turned on until it is unGodly hot, and even then the thermostats are set higher than most people find comfortable. (that's why there are fans in every room!) We've also installed solar panels on our roof, and I'm working on getting a rainwater harvesting system or two.
Of course, I'll consider myself lucky if I can get my step-kids to turn off lights when they leave the room...
