How hot is it? It's so hot...

Sign posted at the Syracuse Real Food Co-op:

I thought the heat, humidity, and high dewpoint was uncomfortable for me--I never thought about how it might affect the chickens!  But I guess if it gets bad enough, the stress from excess heat would make egg laying more trying than it is.  I don't know if chickens have sweat glands (I doubt it) so I don't know how they are keeping cool in this heat. 

When I first saw the sign I'll admit that I chuckled.  However, it does make a lot of sense.  If we believe in the inter-connectedness of all creation then of course other animals would be just as prone to suffering from weather extremes as we are.  I think we've just grown used to thinking that it would have nothing to do with our food supply.

When I don't get the watering done first thing, I notice that by 3:00 pm the kale and collards are looking withered and droopy for lack of enough water--that, too, is stress.  The fact is, when the animals and vegetation don't get what they need to grow, we don't get what we need to eat and live.  I'm sure that the egg supply will be up again soon, but I appreciate this gentle reminder that once again, it really isn't all about us.

Comments

[jen]

I love this sign ...

[gracie]

You're absolutely right about how little thought we give to the interrelatedness of our environment and ourselves. I guess that's one of the main reasons I like the coop. Besides it's a great place and this sign is one of a number of things that make the food coop a cool place to visit.

[Joanne Grisanti]

Thank you for appreciating our little store and, more importantly, our values.
Please be sure to tell us how we can best meet your food needs.

As they say, "Cooperate and no one gets hurt."
Hope to see you at the co-op!

Joanne Grisanti
General Manager
Syracuse Real Food Co-op

[Jennifer]

Gracie and Joanne,

You have to know that the co-op is an integral part of my community and my life here. In fact, when I interviewed for my current position in December of 2003, I made sure folks got me to the co-op to check things out. I love our place!