I feel the need to revisit the topic from a post last December called Where’s the (Organic) beef. But before I start, let me just say that yes I eat meat, and yes I also do yoga. But that is a whole other topic. I had my second “deal” go down yesterday with my organic rancher – I bought a quarter cow. Yes indeed. The amount of planning that went into this just has to resemble a drug deal (not that I’ve ever been involved in one, I’m just speculating): tons of phone calls about the goods, timing issues, the frantic purchase on my end of a new freezer after realizing I needed someplace to put all this meat, arranged meeting places for the exchange (as org rancher was worried about getting his horse trailer up our driveway), all culminating in a drive-by at the gas station yesterday. I felt, well, nervous sitting there waiting for the deal to happen. And I’m sorry, call me a “transplant” if you will, but this kind of thing just doesn’t happen in my previous neck of the woods (ie, Washington DC). At least with regards to meat. Post-deal, Morgane and I stocked our new freezer with 135 lbs. of fresh organic beef. Menus started to take shape in my mind. I put aside some to give to my neighbor (YES Anonymous if you are out there I am STILL giving and getting gifts of meat!). I took note of what space was left in the freezer for all the good stuff that I plan to make and freeze this summer with the bounty from our local CSA. And I marveled at this new, interesting facet of my life. So, why buy the cow? Because it’s better. It’s healthier. And as noted on my org rancher’s biz card, “Buying locally puts Montanans to work!” Sold.