“Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country and wedded to it’s liberty and interests by the most lasting bands.” ~ Thomas Jefferson

I had to stop on my way in this morning to capture this freshly tilled field.  Although I have a 50 mile commute to work every day, it’s made more pleasant by the lovely Central Valley scenery.  The Altamont Pass, also on my route, is beautiful this time of year, since winter is the green time (lotsa rain).

I love the smell of the earth, and love having my own small garden.  I have warm memories of my Grandfather, who forced us to till, plant, water, weed, fertilize, harvest, and eat out of his garden.