Book excerpt: Turn the doom and gloom into a better, more enjoyable way of living. Want to eat better, save money, work those muscles without the treadmill, know where your food comes from? This could be the new, recession-proof you! Five years ago Michael Kelly chucked in the corporate life to try his hand at 'the good life'. It's been the most rewarding thing he has ever done – and you could do it too. Make your back (or front) garden work for you; or maybe an allotment? Based on his own, sometimes hilarious experiences, Michael shares what he's learned, taking us through the year on his small home farm. Included: What to grow and when. What's worth it? What's not? Hens and pigs – the ups and downs Cooking and storing your bounty The health benefits – physical and mental Linking up with others - food swapping and markets, and the return of the meitheal