Bruce grew up on an isolated farm where bread was delivered by the mailman once a week and other basic groceries were procured by a monthly trip to town. Most food was grown on-farm. Working in Africa allowed observation of simple but robust sustainable food production systems.
Thus a need to be always growing something, even if just some herbs and tomatoes in pots on the balcony. Now living in a house with a big backyard with plenty of scope for an integrated system of animals and plants.
Living by some principles is important, and Permaculture includes many important guides to a satisfying life. Permaculture people are warm, welcoming and sharing, cooperative rather than competitive, so playing a small role on the committee is a pleasure.