Hobbits and Extension...
My last blog was on the natural horticulture habits of
hobbits but it occurred to me that hobbits are a perfect example of the best of
Cooperative Extension Service in Kentucky. Tolkien never came to Kentucky, but
some of his colleagues did. I have read that he was inspired by their descriptions
of our fair state. You can pick out familiar sir names from rural Kentucky and
imagine the rolling hills and meadows of Lexington’s horse country in his
writings. The winding path of the deep Green River against the backdrop of
leafy trees, to the falls of the Ohio give testimony to Tolkien’s love of land and the England of his youth. So it stands to reason that his
most charismatic characters might have a lot in common with Kentuckians.
The shire is the hobbit’s homeland, in Middle Earth. From
the hills of the west to the old forest in the east, hobbits are friendly and
cooperative. Hobbits work together, with whole families sharing homes gardens
and responsibilities. They may not always agree, but most hobbits work together
and support their community. The Shire is peaceful. Cooperative Extension stands for a cooperative
effort to educate and support Kentucky residents. Our two Land Grant
Universities provide proven research- based information and specialists
prepared to answer questions from all walks of life. We strive to bring
inexpensive, practical solutions to everyday problems.
Hobbits use their heads and hearts to guide their hands in
all they do to promote the health of the land, each other and especially their
children. Children are precious to them and a child’s education is supported by
the community. That is a large part of what we do in Extension, from 4-H camp
to learning how to hatch chickens. We take an active role in the education of
our community’s young people.
Kentuckians know the future of our world rests in the tiny hands of each
child.
Many hobbit holes are the perfect example of living with
nature. Their homes have little carbon foot- print as they live underground,
taking advantage of the insulation and protection of the soil. A cozy fire in
winter and an open window in summer keep them comfortable year round. They only
wear shoes in the coldest of weather as their feet are tough and furry. Living
within the land, as well as having ones feet planted firmly in the soil,
demonstrates the close relationship that can develop in a community’s
environment. Cooperative Extension provides
relevant solutions to problems we face every day to reduce waste and pollution.
We can tell you how to avoid or prevent problems in your landscape, or crops, reducing
the use of toxic chemicals.
Then there is food, a hobbit’s first love! Their pantries
are always full, and they pride themselves on their culinary expertise. Even when
walking in the woods, far from home, herbs and vegetables are sought to
complete a meal around a camp fire. Preparing and preserving foods was a way of
life for them, while caring for the home and its contents almost instinctive. Extension
consumer science is the glue that ties all of our different department areas
together. Growing food requires ways to cook and keep it safely. Our homes need
to be clean to be healthy and every budget needs help now and then. These FCS (Food and Consumer Science) agents are
invaluable to the counties of Kentucky. They provide an opportunity for
individual, hands-on instruction in everything from nutrition to cutting your
utility bills, with free assistance in managing your home, health and emotional
well-being.
A fantasy world like the one the hobbits live in is not
practical in reality. But, it is a fine example of how OUR lives are
precariously balanced; each action we take either supports or erodes our
planet. Tolkien’s story reminds us that while Kentuckians are similar to these
characters, we can still learn a lot from a hobbit…
We wish you peace and joy for the Holiday
Season and a Happy New Year!
