Natural in Campbell 2012

Hello and Happy New Year to all!

So, 2011 was an interesting year with plenty of mischief, social upheaval and economic woe to go around. As far as I can tell, 2012 promises to have all that and even more. These are truly interesting times we live in, huh?

This is my first post on Campbell Patch, so I thought I'd start off with a little introduction and then an overview of the topics I'd like to write about in the posts ahead. I realize that this first post is a lot longer than what is reccomended, but I've got a lot to say! :) I will try my best to stick to one topic in future posts and keep them shorter, but I thought it important to cover this ground in the beginning.

My folks first moved to San Jose, not far from the Campbell border, in 1956. They paid $17,000 for their home back then! It was really the Orchard City at the time. The area around their home was a new development and was mostly orchards all around them. My folks have told me many times how beautiful it was when all the orchards were blooming in the Spring. Just a sea of white, pink and red! I was born and raised there and my Dad stills lives in the same house today. 

My Dad also lived in Campbell for a time as a boy around 1930. They lived in a house on Central Avenue near downtown and he still points out the location to me whenever we pass by.

I worked in the flower and plant business for a good 15 years before transitioning to my current occupation of buying, planning and inventory management for manufacturing, which I have been doing for over 15 years as well. I have been happily married for 20 years and have an 11-year-old boy that we all spoil rotten. :)

My favorite passtime is working in my garden. We have a few fruit trees on our property and we always grow a few vegetables each year. I enjoy trying out new types and varieties. Some have worked well and others, not so much, but it is all a learning experience, trial and error.

I also enjoy taking walks with my dog. Oh, sometimes the boy comes along too, but the dog is always up for an adventure! We often walk around the neighborhoods, but we also like to get out for more natural area walks in and around Campbell, often off the beaten path. There's always something interesting to see and discover. We almost always have a great time!

I consider myself to be a life-long student of the natural world. Nature always has something to teach us. I believe that technology has its advantages, but is certainly not the end all thing that will "save us" from all our problems. Real life ... is there an "APP" for that? I embrace new ideas that actually add value to our lives, but hold the old ways close as I have found that many times they are the simplest and best in the end. OK, enough about me, I guess.

I'd like to conclude this first post with an overview of the subjects I'd like to write about. These are topics that I'm interested in and I hope you will find them interesting and enjoyable as well.

First of all, I want to be clear from the beginning that I never wish to offend or anger anyone with my opinions and subjects that I write about here. I realize that not everyone will agree with what I have to say, but I am not here looking for an argument or debate, just to share my opinions. My Dad always said that "everyone is entitled to their own darn opinion" and it's true!

Feedback is always appreciated, but please keep it polite and civil. Much appreciated!

Some of the subjects I'd like to write about include:

Gardening, of course! - I could share what's going on in my garden and offer some tips, stories and ideas of ways we can all garden with the environment in mind. Other gardeners out there could share their ideas and methods as well.

Walks in and around the Campbell area - I could share some of the lesser known places that we've gone recently and post a picture or two. Perhaps some of you might be able to visit them as well or share some of your favorite places.

Buying local - What does that truly mean, why it's important and how can we best go about it without going broke in the process. I have more than a few ideas on this subject and have thought of doing an investigative piece or two on our local businesses. Perhaps some people were not aware of them or have forgotten that they're still around.

Sharing environmentally-friendly ideas and resources - Many of us would like to live "greener," but certain things may seem too difficult or expensive to do. I'd like a chance to explain why they just might be easier to do and end up saving money in the long run, or not costing that much more with many more benefits. Something, I'm sure, that many people can appreciate.

Sustainability - Yes, I know that this has become a certain "catch" word these days, but it's still important. How can we, as Campbell residents, strive to make our neighborhoods and community more self reliant ?

Our Campbell community - Much has been written on how important it is to have a strong community. In the event of a disaster or shortage of resources, the only way to survive well would be to work together. No one is an island and no one could "go it alone" for very long. We need to work together and not be so dependant on someone else to "take care of us."  How can we get to know our neighbors better? What can we all do to make Campbell a better place to live? What can we offer each other? (Ideas, help, resources) I'm willing to bet quite a lot!

Well, I suppose that's enough for now eh? Watch this space, there will certainly be more later!

Thanks for reading - Steve A.