Please remember I am just giving a short overview of each issue you should consider...it is up to you to go more in depth when you locate a likely piece of property!
We have covered WATER and LAND USE issues..now on to:
ACREAGE
How MUCH land will provide for your needs? For a couple, 2 acres might be good enough, if they don't intend to have livestock--beyond a few chickens. Another family may intend to raise livestock for market and will want to look for property in the 100 acre plus range. A rule my grandfather went by was to buy just a little more land than you think you will need. If you think 2 acres will be enough...make it 2 and a half or 3. Twenty acres? Add one or two, if you can afford it. If you can't use the land or have no need of the *extra*, put in an orchard or a woodlot. Either one is a good investment for your future or your kids future.
PROXIMITY
Proximity falls into TWO categories...
Proximity of your land to DESIRABLE things
and
Proximity of your land to UNDESIRABLE things
It is a judgment call.
You may have a need to be close to a military base for use of their medical or shopping as you are retired military.
You may want to be far as possible from a military installation because you feel they will be targets in event of war.
Any *good* thing can be another persons *bad* thing.
Generally, though, there are a few UNDESIRABLES that the majority will want to avoid:
EPA Clean-up sites
Large Industrial Plants, oil refineries, nuclear power plants, nuclear waste dumps, industrial waste dumps, etc.
Old mining areas (lead, silver, gold, coal, tin,whatever)
High Crime areas
Areas that flood regularly
Traditional Wild Fire areas
Areas where any sort of *natural disaster* happens regularly
Just looking at that short list should enable most people to immediately scratch a few areas off their list!
Everyone's DESIRABLE list will be different.
I, personally, HATE *flatlands*. I need mountains at least on the horizon! I like rolling hills and lots of green foliage. I like snow and cold weather and summer temperatures that don't leave me feeling like I am trying to breathe in a blast furnace. I want to live in a more remote area, yet close enough to a larger city to make my farming efforts pay off.
All that helped me figure out what states/regions to focus on in my search.
A further search of each of those states laws pertaining to water and land use winnowed my search even more.
Then I researched local building codes, crime rates and a few other items on my list and finally got down to 3 places.
Once I was able to get down to those three places...I had to get more detailed in my search:
SOIL and TERRAIN
We will go for terrain first here.
Now, suppose, like me, you have gotten your list down to 3 or 4 areas that will suit you. Start looking at real estate web sites for that area. When you see a likely looking piece of property, employ Google maps.They have satellite images and street views that can help. I saw one piece of property in a real estate ad that sounded absolutely PERFECT for my needs. I was able to locate the street view and satellite images....and discovered, to my dismay, that the "gentle rolling hills" described in the ad were actually rocky cliffs and drop offs that were totally unsuitable for my needs.
Soil is another matter...but the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) can help. They have soil maps and/or you can call the local extension agent for the area you are intending to buy property in and ask for information on local soil. If you are lucky, you will come across a chatty extension agent that will talk about various properties he knows are up for sale---that may not be on the MLS system.
If you want to do organic farming, you must find property that will be suitable...buying 5 acres of *exhausted* land that, until recently, had tons of chemical fertilizers and herbicides dumped on it every year is NOT going to be a good idea. Check, check and triple check!
PERSONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Now, we are back to this. If you have been pragmatic and logical in your search, this will be the last item on your list.
You may want to take into consideration now all those sentimental/personal priorities.
Proximity to family.
Proximity to church.
Feeling of *home*.
Now, although this looks like a short list of things to consider when looking for land for your homestead, every item, Water--Land Use Law--Acreage--Proximity--Personal Considerations, have a lot of *sub* groups under them. You may want to put MORE sub groups under one or another of them. I hope you do! The more detailed your search for your *perfect* property, the more likely it is that when you do find a piece of property, it will be *perfect* for you!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Looking for land in all the wrong places...or right places...
It was pointed out to me recently that I haven't done a post on actually looking for land for a homestead or retreat.
I mean..how do you decide WHERE to go?
I know some folks out there consider family first, or jobs they already have, or maybe they just consider a certain area as "home".
Let's toss all sentimentality aside.
Forget the job.
Ignore the feeling of "home" in an area.
Pragmatism and logic must rule when you are looking for land!
I am going to start out with an overview of finding unimproved land, i.e., there is not a house on it. Probably not a well and perhaps no power lines in sight.
First things first:
If water is inaccessible or unattainable, you are screwed. All your dreams will come to naught. You can't grow a vegetable garden without water. Livestock will increase the need for water exponentially.
Drilling a well is expensive. Drilling a deep well is MORE expensive. You need power to run the pump.The deeper the well, the more power will be needed.
Also, in these days of government intervention in our lives, you have to find land that has water that you, as the land owner, have the rights to. You would think "Hey! MY land, MY water!". Nope...not so fast there...in many states--particularly in the western United States, you have to buy "water shares" to use water from a stream or brook or even a well on your property. In some states, you even have to have a permit to set up a rain barrel for water catchment!
You may want a fast running stream for "micro-hydro" to power your homestead...in some states the rules and regulations are so burdensome it makes such efforts impossible.
Consider your needs for water first and foremost, because without a decent water supply, none of your homesteading efforts will pay off.
LOCAL LAWS, BUILDING CODES, LAND USE LAWS
These are more important than you can imagine. Local or state governments can dictate what you do on your land, what and how you build on your land, what livestock and/or crops you can raise on your land and so forth.
You absolutely must investigate all of this BEFORE you plunk down a hefty sum of cash or sign away your next 30 years on a mortgage!
Even the federal government can rear it's collective ugly head and decide how you can use your land. A nature preservation area within X many miles of your property can rule out some types of livestock.
That eco-friendly off-grid house you were planning may be a "no go" if local laws insist you must be on the power grid, or connected to the local municipal water system, etc.
And for pity's sake, if the realtor tells you that there is a Home Owners Association (HOA) or there are *covenants* on the property---LOOK ELSEWHERE!
Check before you buy!
There is a book called Strategic Relocation. If you can afford it, BUY IT. It is a terrific investment if you are trying to decide where to live.It takes all facets into consideration.
Tomorrow....more on this topic
I mean..how do you decide WHERE to go?
I know some folks out there consider family first, or jobs they already have, or maybe they just consider a certain area as "home".
Let's toss all sentimentality aside.
Forget the job.
Ignore the feeling of "home" in an area.
Pragmatism and logic must rule when you are looking for land!
I am going to start out with an overview of finding unimproved land, i.e., there is not a house on it. Probably not a well and perhaps no power lines in sight.
First things first:
WATER.
A "must have".If water is inaccessible or unattainable, you are screwed. All your dreams will come to naught. You can't grow a vegetable garden without water. Livestock will increase the need for water exponentially.
Drilling a well is expensive. Drilling a deep well is MORE expensive. You need power to run the pump.The deeper the well, the more power will be needed.
Also, in these days of government intervention in our lives, you have to find land that has water that you, as the land owner, have the rights to. You would think "Hey! MY land, MY water!". Nope...not so fast there...in many states--particularly in the western United States, you have to buy "water shares" to use water from a stream or brook or even a well on your property. In some states, you even have to have a permit to set up a rain barrel for water catchment!
You may want a fast running stream for "micro-hydro" to power your homestead...in some states the rules and regulations are so burdensome it makes such efforts impossible.
Consider your needs for water first and foremost, because without a decent water supply, none of your homesteading efforts will pay off.
LOCAL LAWS, BUILDING CODES, LAND USE LAWS
These are more important than you can imagine. Local or state governments can dictate what you do on your land, what and how you build on your land, what livestock and/or crops you can raise on your land and so forth.
You absolutely must investigate all of this BEFORE you plunk down a hefty sum of cash or sign away your next 30 years on a mortgage!
Even the federal government can rear it's collective ugly head and decide how you can use your land. A nature preservation area within X many miles of your property can rule out some types of livestock.
That eco-friendly off-grid house you were planning may be a "no go" if local laws insist you must be on the power grid, or connected to the local municipal water system, etc.
And for pity's sake, if the realtor tells you that there is a Home Owners Association (HOA) or there are *covenants* on the property---LOOK ELSEWHERE!
Check before you buy!
There is a book called Strategic Relocation. If you can afford it, BUY IT. It is a terrific investment if you are trying to decide where to live.It takes all facets into consideration.
Tomorrow....more on this topic
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Some FABULOUS Recipes!
These are NOT *my* recipes. I found them while wandering through blogs one day and since that blog hasn't been added to in over a year, I figured I would share them here...just going to copy a couple of them, though...go peruse over at:
http://mormonfoodstorage.blogspot.com
for many more recipes!
I was just concerned that this blog would get closed down before everyone got to copy down these incredible recipes!
First:
Chocolate Raspberry Spread
5 cups prepared fruit (buy about 2 quarts fully ripe red raspberries)
1 box powdered fruit pectin
5 squares unsweetened baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 tsp butter (optional)
7 cups sugar, measured into separate bowl
Bring boiling water canner, half full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling.
Crush raspberries thoroughly, one layer at a time. (Press half of the pulp through a sieve to remove some of the seeds, if desired.) Measure exactly 5 cups prepared fruit into 6 or 8 quart saucepot.
Stir pectin into prepared fruit in saucepot. Add chocolate; mix well. Add butter to reduce foaming, if desired. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon.
Ladle immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of tops. Process 10 minutes in a boiling water bath. Adjust time according to your altitude.
Makes: About 10 half pints
Talk about "food, GLORIOUS food!"
Old posts on there also address the topics of food storage, preparedness, etc.
A few other blogs I would like to point out are:
http://baconandeggs-scifichick.blogspot.com/ from my friend SciFiChick in which she talks recipes, gardening, her travels, etc. Good reading!
http://purecajunsunshine.blogspot.com/ Now, I know she hasn't added to it in 10 months, HOWEVER, you would be an idiot if you didn't go over there and check out all her information. More stuff there than you will find in 10 books on preparedness. Recipes, herbal remedies, everything you need to not only survive, but prosper! Links to some of the best info out in the web world as well!
http://www.selfsustainedliving.net/ Great blog, great lady! Support her if you can! She sells soaps and cheeses and a pdf tutorial on the art of making cheese.
That should get you started.
When you are reading a blog, and you are enjoying it, take note of what blogs that person reads (if they list them). I read a great many more than what I have included in this post, but if you check the side-bar, it shows the blogs I am following.
Read, have fun and learn!
http://mormonfoodstorage.blogspot.com
for many more recipes!
I was just concerned that this blog would get closed down before everyone got to copy down these incredible recipes!
First:
5 cups prepared fruit (buy about 2 quarts fully ripe red raspberries)
1 box powdered fruit pectin
5 squares unsweetened baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 tsp butter (optional)
7 cups sugar, measured into separate bowl
Bring boiling water canner, half full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling.
Crush raspberries thoroughly, one layer at a time. (Press half of the pulp through a sieve to remove some of the seeds, if desired.) Measure exactly 5 cups prepared fruit into 6 or 8 quart saucepot.
Stir pectin into prepared fruit in saucepot. Add chocolate; mix well. Add butter to reduce foaming, if desired. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon.
Ladle immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of tops. Process 10 minutes in a boiling water bath. Adjust time according to your altitude.
Makes: About 10 half pints
Now, this one:
Black Forest Cherry Jam
6 cups prepared fruit (black or Bing cherries)
3 unsweetened chocolate squares
4 cups granulated sugar
2 Tbsp. Amaretto (or 2 t. almond flavoring)
1 (8 ounce) box Sure-Jell
1/2 teaspoon margarine or butter
Pit the cherries if necessary, then chop them up. Crush the remains
thoroughly, 1 cup at a time. If using frozen berries, use both liquid
and solids; they all were part of the original fresh berry. Measure 6 cups
of crushed fruit into 6- or 8-quart heavy saucepan.
Break the chocolate squares into smaller pieces and add them to
saucepan.
Measure sugar into separate bowl. Mix 1/4 cup sugar from measured amount
with pectin in small bowl.
Stir pectin sugar mixture into fruit in saucepan. Add butter. Bring
quickly to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring
constantly. Remove from heat.
Skim foam and ladle into pint or half-pint jars, leaving 1/4 inch
headspace and process 10 minutes in boiling water canner.Talk about "food, GLORIOUS food!"
Old posts on there also address the topics of food storage, preparedness, etc.
A few other blogs I would like to point out are:
http://baconandeggs-scifichick.blogspot.com/ from my friend SciFiChick in which she talks recipes, gardening, her travels, etc. Good reading!
http://purecajunsunshine.blogspot.com/ Now, I know she hasn't added to it in 10 months, HOWEVER, you would be an idiot if you didn't go over there and check out all her information. More stuff there than you will find in 10 books on preparedness. Recipes, herbal remedies, everything you need to not only survive, but prosper! Links to some of the best info out in the web world as well!
http://www.selfsustainedliving.net/ Great blog, great lady! Support her if you can! She sells soaps and cheeses and a pdf tutorial on the art of making cheese.
That should get you started.
When you are reading a blog, and you are enjoying it, take note of what blogs that person reads (if they list them). I read a great many more than what I have included in this post, but if you check the side-bar, it shows the blogs I am following.
Read, have fun and learn!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Taking Inventory
Part of preparedness is knowing WHAT you have and WHERE you have it.
Since I am planning a move in the not-so-distant future, I have been taking inventory of everything I have.
I have to strip down to the *bare essentials* and slough off the *non-essentials*.
My first priority is:
Will it help me survive?
Second:
Will it be useful on a day to day basis?
Third:
Have I used it within the last 90 days?
Fourth:
Does it have over-whelming sentimental value?
Now, last night I went through all my photos. I had, literally, pounds of photographs. I discarded duplicates, pictures of places I had hung onto for some unknown reason and the like.
I had 17 pictures of the cabin I lived in in Montana. I kept one.
40 pictures of the horses on the throughbred ranch I worked on...discarded them all.
I kept pictures of my children, grandparents, parents, and such.
When I was done, I had enough photographs to fill up one good sized album or to put in a binder (*reminds self to get photo pages for binder!)
Tonight I will be going through my clothes. I know I will need 2 pairs of jeans, 2 pairs of slacks, 4 blouses,2 warm long sleeve shirts, 4 tee shirts, 4 dresses, 2 light nightgowns, 1 pair of warm pajamas, 1 flannel nightgown, 14 pair of underwear, 10 bras, 1 shawl/wrap, 1 hoodie, 1 rain jacket and 1 warm jacket. OH! And socks--14 pair. Almost forgot the socks! Also, one pair of sneakers, 1 pair of hiking boots and one pair of dress flats. I don't wear panty-hose, so I'll find a corner of my bag to snug in my garter belt and several pair of stockings.
I have a HUGE library of books, but I plan on only taking two---maybe three. No more than that.
Not taking my dvd collection or my cd collection...okay, might keep a few of my c.d.s if I have room!
A small sewing kit will go with me, but all my fabric, threads, sewing machine, patterns and notions will not.
I hope to buy a laptop before I go, my bulky desk top computer will find a new home! (I will be using it as a trade-in on the laptop.)
The things worrying me the most are my *essentials*...I have a cast iron grain mill and a set of three cast iron frying pans. I can make do with just two of the frying pans, but that grain grinder will have to go with me!
My #10 cans of wheat, sitting snug and content in my pantry will find a new home---just not with me.
It is stressful sorting through everything I have managed to accumulate while living here in Texas, but it is important for me to *streamline. I basically, cannot take more than I can carry by myself.
Also, my carry on bags and checked bags cannot exceed 50 pounds each.
I will have one carry on (a back pack) and one checked bag.
So, my worldly possessions can not exceed 100 pounds!
Think about that for a moment and look around you...
Could you reduce everything you own to 100 pounds in two bags and still survive...not just survive, but prosper?
We should all inventory once in a while, and I also feel we should all shake off all the possessions that we think we own---but frequently end up owning us!
Since I am planning a move in the not-so-distant future, I have been taking inventory of everything I have.
I have to strip down to the *bare essentials* and slough off the *non-essentials*.
My first priority is:
Will it help me survive?
Second:
Will it be useful on a day to day basis?
Third:
Have I used it within the last 90 days?
Fourth:
Does it have over-whelming sentimental value?
Now, last night I went through all my photos. I had, literally, pounds of photographs. I discarded duplicates, pictures of places I had hung onto for some unknown reason and the like.
I had 17 pictures of the cabin I lived in in Montana. I kept one.
40 pictures of the horses on the throughbred ranch I worked on...discarded them all.
I kept pictures of my children, grandparents, parents, and such.
When I was done, I had enough photographs to fill up one good sized album or to put in a binder (*reminds self to get photo pages for binder!)
Tonight I will be going through my clothes. I know I will need 2 pairs of jeans, 2 pairs of slacks, 4 blouses,2 warm long sleeve shirts, 4 tee shirts, 4 dresses, 2 light nightgowns, 1 pair of warm pajamas, 1 flannel nightgown, 14 pair of underwear, 10 bras, 1 shawl/wrap, 1 hoodie, 1 rain jacket and 1 warm jacket. OH! And socks--14 pair. Almost forgot the socks! Also, one pair of sneakers, 1 pair of hiking boots and one pair of dress flats. I don't wear panty-hose, so I'll find a corner of my bag to snug in my garter belt and several pair of stockings.
I have a HUGE library of books, but I plan on only taking two---maybe three. No more than that.
Not taking my dvd collection or my cd collection...okay, might keep a few of my c.d.s if I have room!
A small sewing kit will go with me, but all my fabric, threads, sewing machine, patterns and notions will not.
I hope to buy a laptop before I go, my bulky desk top computer will find a new home! (I will be using it as a trade-in on the laptop.)
The things worrying me the most are my *essentials*...I have a cast iron grain mill and a set of three cast iron frying pans. I can make do with just two of the frying pans, but that grain grinder will have to go with me!
My #10 cans of wheat, sitting snug and content in my pantry will find a new home---just not with me.
It is stressful sorting through everything I have managed to accumulate while living here in Texas, but it is important for me to *streamline. I basically, cannot take more than I can carry by myself.
Also, my carry on bags and checked bags cannot exceed 50 pounds each.
I will have one carry on (a back pack) and one checked bag.
So, my worldly possessions can not exceed 100 pounds!
Think about that for a moment and look around you...
Could you reduce everything you own to 100 pounds in two bags and still survive...not just survive, but prosper?
We should all inventory once in a while, and I also feel we should all shake off all the possessions that we think we own---but frequently end up owning us!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Throwing Off the Bowlines
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that
you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover."
- Mark Twain
you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover."
- Mark Twain
Okay, I am about to throw off the bowlines myself here, and get going on my own voyage of exploring, dreaming and discovering.
My turn.
I have lived life for so long in a position of waiting...waiting for the kids to start school, waiting for the kids to graduate, waiting for the kids to strike out on their own, waiting for a husband or boyfriend to get his life on track or pursue his dreams before I thought about mine, just waiting, waiting, waiting.
I will wait no more.
It.
Is.
MY.
Turn.
This lamb has roared full force and beat the shit out of the lion.
The lion, in my case, was self-doubt, years of bowing out of decision-making in favor of the man in my life, waiting for others to have THEIR turn and fear of being alone.
Why should I be afraid of being alone?
I have been alone before. I know I will be alone through this journey as well. It is just that it took me a very long time to get comfortable with myself, to truly LIKE myself and to absolutely ACCEPT myself for who I am, with all my eccentricities, habits, opinions...just everything-- "warts and all" as my grandmother used to say.
I also had to focus. My dreams and goals were a bit like an out of focus photograph...I knew what they were, there was just no detail.
Everything is sharply, painfully in focus now.
I have to make this leap and trust that I will make it to the other side---no parachute, no safety net.
Just me, and me alone.
I will have to make sacrifices.
Mainly sacrifices of my *stuff*. Stuff being those physical possessions that don't really mean that much but I have become attached to.
The biggest sacrifice is facing the reality of losing the one person in my life that I love so dearly.
I have waited for him for almost 4 years now. Supported his dreams and opinions, been his lover and partner and friend. We had dreams together, but he let our dream of being together get bogged down in a morass of family and work and medical issues. I would have stood by his side in his struggles and been there for him every step of the way, but he left me on the outside--either not wanting my help or deciding I was not important enough to bring me "into the loop".
I AM important.
At least, to me.
I.
MATTER.
I may be just one little grain of sand on a vast and endless beach, but I am just as important as every other grain of sand on that beach!
I will be there for him, if he decides to catch up with me.
But, I will not wait, unchanging and complacent, until he shows up.
So, the trade winds are starting to blow and my sails are going up.
This captain is at the helm now and there is no navigator.
Where we are going, there is no map...just a notation "There be dragons here"
That's okay.
This captain has a sword of her own and is willing and able to fight off any dragons that rear their heads.
We have minimal provisions for the trip, so tighten your belts a little and ration the rum.
They may be vast treasure to be found...or nothing at all.
The joy is in the journey!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Me, the chicken house and an ATV...
A friend over on this blog wanted folks to post stories about their adventures on motorcycles. She is getting ready for her annual *blogathon* to raise money for the Downed Bikers Association (a very good cause).
I don't ride motorcycles. It was hard enough for me to learn to drive a car. Then, a few years later, a very foolish boyfriend tried to teach me to operate his motorcycle. I don't remember what kind it was, all I knew was it was big and threatening looking and he freaked out when I dropped it.
Flash foward many years.
I was living on a dairy farm. A very happy, busy life.Married to my 2nd husband.
I had 4 small children and a fifth *soon to be* had been confirmed the week before. We worked for the dairy farmer to pay the rent PLUS got cash and milk and a side of beef once a year.
I was constantly busy, but blissful.
The dairy farmer had a couple of ATVs to round up the cows with. My husband piloted one confidently across the fields in the mornings and evenings when he was scheduled for the milking parlor. On my days milking, I hiked the mile to the milking barn from our house. I enjoyed the walk. Didn't really bother me. Along the way, I would check our chicken house, stop by the pigs pen and generally just observe all that was going on with the various livestock and wild animals that called the farm home.
This was, apparently, not a good situation according to my husband and the dairy farmer.They decided I needed to learn to operate one of the three-wheeled ATVs "to make it easier" for me to get to the barn.
Walking IS easy!
Operating that little three wheeled monster---not so much.
On a Saturday morning, after milking, my lesson began. The children tore themselves away from their cartoons to watch with wide-eyed interest.
There was a hill above the farmhouse where we lived. The top of it was fairly flat and, if pointed in the right direction, I would be able to s-l-o-w-l-y putter along on the ATV until I got across the large field.
My husband demonstrated to me several times the complexities of using my hands to brake and throttle and using my foot to change gears. I watched attentively (though nervously) and finally thought "I had it".
I sat on the Atvs broad seat---Hey! This thing is actually comfy! For a split second I imagined barreling across the field, my hair flying in the breeze and the dog running beside me.
Then my husband turned the damn key to the *on* position.
I turned the throttle as he had shown me and the mechanical beast sputtered to life. I sat there frozen as he yelled instructions.
"More throttle, MORE THROTTLE!"
Okay, okay...I throttled it more and the ATV roared.
"RELEASE THE BRAKE SLOWLY!"
Okay, maybe I didn't hear the "slowly" part, although he swore later that he DID say it.
Now, I was so busy concentrating on what I was doing with my hands that I think my feet decided to do their own thing until I could figure out what to do with them.
My foot jerked...or something. I am still not quite sure what my foot did while left to it's own devices.
All I know is that the ATV suddenly leaped forward like a bull out of a rodeo chute.
Instinctively, I put my other foot on the ground to steady myself.
Big. Mistake.
I felt the big rear tire of the ATV start rolling over my foot.The only thing I could do was try to dismount the jerking and jolting mechanical beast in an attempt to save myself.
I jumped off and the ATV drove over my foot AND my leg.
I laid there, heart pounding, and watched as the ATV continued--riderless.
It turned, yes, TURNED, as if some invisible rider were now in control and began careening down the hill towards the yard, our house, the chicken house and the pigs pen.
The children stood there, their little mouths agape with surprise.
The ATV, finally determined it's course of action, swerved and headed directly for the chicken house.
I heard a muttered "Oh no!" from my husband.
All the chickens scattered---except one.
Jessica (named after Jessica Rabbit from "Who Framed Roger Rabbit") stood between the chicken house and the mechanical monster.
Jessica was a lovely chicken. Black and white *barred* with a slightly over sized red comb, she was the "head hen" in the chicken coop. She was fiercely protective of her chicks and even the rooster backed off and let her rule the roost. I always let her set any eggs I wanted hatched, as I knew she would be a good mother. She also had successfully chased off dogs, raccoons and a few other predators with her ferocity. I was even wary of her when I went to collect eggs as she would attack and peck any exposed skin if she didn't want you near *her* hen house.
Jessica stood her ground as the ATV closed in on it's target.
I cringed.
The ATV crashed through the chicken wire fence and then hit the chicken house with a loud bang.
There was chaotic screeching clucking from the chicken coop and we saw a few feathers floating through the air.
I got to my feet and followed the children as they raced down the hill.
We assessed the damage.
I limped for a few days and the bruising faded away after a week.
The ATV would be fine...a few dings and dents, but fine.
The chicken house sustained no major damage, although the fence would have to be repaired.
But Jessica....ahhh, stubborn, ferocious Jessica.
She lay, dead, next to the front tire of the ATV, defiant to the last in protecting her brood and her home.
I never tried again to operate that ATV. I have never tried to operate any motorcycle.
Just seems too risky for me to attempt it, considering my one experience resulted in a busted fence, a run over foot and a dead chicken...
Here's a link to the blog that got me to admit my defeat at the hand[le bar]s of that horrible demon inspired mechanical killer:
http://a-homesteading-neophyte.blogspot.com/2010/07/win-trekker-72-hour-kit-from-emergenct.html
I don't ride motorcycles. It was hard enough for me to learn to drive a car. Then, a few years later, a very foolish boyfriend tried to teach me to operate his motorcycle. I don't remember what kind it was, all I knew was it was big and threatening looking and he freaked out when I dropped it.
Flash foward many years.
I was living on a dairy farm. A very happy, busy life.Married to my 2nd husband.
I had 4 small children and a fifth *soon to be* had been confirmed the week before. We worked for the dairy farmer to pay the rent PLUS got cash and milk and a side of beef once a year.
I was constantly busy, but blissful.
The dairy farmer had a couple of ATVs to round up the cows with. My husband piloted one confidently across the fields in the mornings and evenings when he was scheduled for the milking parlor. On my days milking, I hiked the mile to the milking barn from our house. I enjoyed the walk. Didn't really bother me. Along the way, I would check our chicken house, stop by the pigs pen and generally just observe all that was going on with the various livestock and wild animals that called the farm home.
This was, apparently, not a good situation according to my husband and the dairy farmer.They decided I needed to learn to operate one of the three-wheeled ATVs "to make it easier" for me to get to the barn.
Walking IS easy!
Operating that little three wheeled monster---not so much.
On a Saturday morning, after milking, my lesson began. The children tore themselves away from their cartoons to watch with wide-eyed interest.
There was a hill above the farmhouse where we lived. The top of it was fairly flat and, if pointed in the right direction, I would be able to s-l-o-w-l-y putter along on the ATV until I got across the large field.
My husband demonstrated to me several times the complexities of using my hands to brake and throttle and using my foot to change gears. I watched attentively (though nervously) and finally thought "I had it".
I sat on the Atvs broad seat---Hey! This thing is actually comfy! For a split second I imagined barreling across the field, my hair flying in the breeze and the dog running beside me.
Then my husband turned the damn key to the *on* position.
I turned the throttle as he had shown me and the mechanical beast sputtered to life. I sat there frozen as he yelled instructions.
"More throttle, MORE THROTTLE!"
Okay, okay...I throttled it more and the ATV roared.
"RELEASE THE BRAKE SLOWLY!"
Okay, maybe I didn't hear the "slowly" part, although he swore later that he DID say it.
Now, I was so busy concentrating on what I was doing with my hands that I think my feet decided to do their own thing until I could figure out what to do with them.
My foot jerked...or something. I am still not quite sure what my foot did while left to it's own devices.
All I know is that the ATV suddenly leaped forward like a bull out of a rodeo chute.
Instinctively, I put my other foot on the ground to steady myself.
Big. Mistake.
I felt the big rear tire of the ATV start rolling over my foot.The only thing I could do was try to dismount the jerking and jolting mechanical beast in an attempt to save myself.
I jumped off and the ATV drove over my foot AND my leg.
I laid there, heart pounding, and watched as the ATV continued--riderless.
It turned, yes, TURNED, as if some invisible rider were now in control and began careening down the hill towards the yard, our house, the chicken house and the pigs pen.
The children stood there, their little mouths agape with surprise.
The ATV, finally determined it's course of action, swerved and headed directly for the chicken house.
I heard a muttered "Oh no!" from my husband.
All the chickens scattered---except one.
Jessica (named after Jessica Rabbit from "Who Framed Roger Rabbit") stood between the chicken house and the mechanical monster.
Jessica was a lovely chicken. Black and white *barred* with a slightly over sized red comb, she was the "head hen" in the chicken coop. She was fiercely protective of her chicks and even the rooster backed off and let her rule the roost. I always let her set any eggs I wanted hatched, as I knew she would be a good mother. She also had successfully chased off dogs, raccoons and a few other predators with her ferocity. I was even wary of her when I went to collect eggs as she would attack and peck any exposed skin if she didn't want you near *her* hen house.
Jessica stood her ground as the ATV closed in on it's target.
I cringed.
The ATV crashed through the chicken wire fence and then hit the chicken house with a loud bang.
There was chaotic screeching clucking from the chicken coop and we saw a few feathers floating through the air.
I got to my feet and followed the children as they raced down the hill.
We assessed the damage.
I limped for a few days and the bruising faded away after a week.
The ATV would be fine...a few dings and dents, but fine.
The chicken house sustained no major damage, although the fence would have to be repaired.
But Jessica....ahhh, stubborn, ferocious Jessica.
She lay, dead, next to the front tire of the ATV, defiant to the last in protecting her brood and her home.
I never tried again to operate that ATV. I have never tried to operate any motorcycle.
Just seems too risky for me to attempt it, considering my one experience resulted in a busted fence, a run over foot and a dead chicken...
Here's a link to the blog that got me to admit my defeat at the hand[le bar]s of that horrible demon inspired mechanical killer:
http://a-homesteading-neophyte.blogspot.com/2010/07/win-trekker-72-hour-kit-from-emergenct.html
Monday, July 12, 2010
Snidely Whiplash, Nell Fenwick and Corn--BUT NO DUDLEY!
Today, there is a new Snidely Whiplash and this scourge has ventured worldwide...Nell is not the only one in danger...WE ALL ARE.
Unfortunately, Dudley appears to have ridden off into the sunset, probably to retire with his beloved horse somewhere beside a small remote lake, so we are going to have to untie ourselves from this particular railroad track!
Who is this new Snidely?
A multi-national corporation that has poisoned the environment--but not BP!
A company that has sent *agents* to trespass onto to private property to commit theft and they are held to less legal responsibility than government agencies!
A corporation that has INTENTIONALLY altered gene sequences in corn, wheat, and other food plants without fully testing the side effects of their actions!
MONSANTO.
If you know little or nothing about this company, it is past time for you to learn!
WATCH THIS!
You might also want to spend some time watching THIS
There are least a dozen more films out there explaining how one corporation---Monsanto---has *patented* seed. That's right they have PATENTS on seeds...and at one point, they attempted to patent livestock. Not livestock they created, but livestock that carried a gene that had desired attributes (faster maturation, more meat, higher milk yield, etc)
There's a movie about that as well. Patent For a Pig explains quite well the situation.
Take some time out from your busy schedules and attempt to watch these documentaries, if you haven't seen them yet.
Now...what do I intend to do about it?
I am attempting to boycott corn. Almost every grain of corn in the USA is GMO. "Frankenfood". Also in South America. The EU hasn't started licking Monsanto's boots just yet, although I am sure the boots are squeaky clean considering the attentions the US gov't. gives them!
Corn is in damn near everything in the US. I think one of the films said that about 75 to 80% of all foods on American grocers shelves contain corn in one form or another.
I intend to buy organic or from trusted sources ONLY for beef, milk, fresh produce, etc.
We know SOME of the damages GMO foods can cause:
Decreased fertility
Insect death (Hive Collapse Syndrome and the death of hundreds of thousands Monarch Butterflies in the past few years)
Obesity
Early-Onset Puberty (there are now examples of girls starting menstruation at age SIX---usually in poor third world areas where Monsanto has so generously donated grains!)
Less crop per acre than non-GMO or hybrid plants.
Increased resistance to herbicides (by noxious weeds)
Increased resistance to Insecticides (by damaging insects)
Less disease resistance of food crops
Monsanto is NOT trying to "save the world and stamp out hunger"! They are out for a profit, no matter whose life it costs!
We are all Nell right now, and Snidley has the upper hand---for the moment!
Dudley is no longer around, so, boys and girls, it is time to be your own Dudley!
Grow and can/dehydrate/save all you can from good non-hybrid and non-gmo seed. (I recommend www.rareseeds.com as a good source of organic heirloom seeds)
Buy from trusted sources.
Go organic as much as you can. Yes, I know it is more expensive--but it is worth it.
Buy local. Go to local farmers markets, pick your own farms, etc.
ASK the farmer or produce manager or other source what pesticides they use, what kind of seed, etc. STAY INFORMED!
Do not use canola oil, corn oil, corn syrup or any products with corn syrup. Check labels.
This is your health we are talking about. Your children's health. Even the health of the planet is involved.
Be vigilent.
Be Dudley!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
American Preppers Network: I'm Calling Your Bluff Sale - Major Discount on Bill and Janets It's a Disaster book!
American Preppers Network: I'm Calling Your Bluff Sale - Major Discount on Bill and Janets It's a Disaster book!
I am waiting until my bank account is a bit healthier to order this book...I have seen a bit of it, friends that have it are very pleased with it.
Order it in hardback if you can, in paperback if you can't, or go for the e-book for the ultimate budget saver!
Info is good.
This much info shoved in one book is even better.
A book written by preppers for preppers...what more could you want?
Proceeds ordered off the American Preppers Network help pay for the web site, domain name and all the expenses of keeping it going. (And if you don't belong to the forum, I strongly suggest you join! Great info, great people!)
I am waiting until my bank account is a bit healthier to order this book...I have seen a bit of it, friends that have it are very pleased with it.
Order it in hardback if you can, in paperback if you can't, or go for the e-book for the ultimate budget saver!
Info is good.
This much info shoved in one book is even better.
A book written by preppers for preppers...what more could you want?
Proceeds ordered off the American Preppers Network help pay for the web site, domain name and all the expenses of keeping it going. (And if you don't belong to the forum, I strongly suggest you join! Great info, great people!)
Thursday, July 8, 2010
A Bit of a Change Here...
I usually don't get too much into personal issues or my personal life here, other than prepping and recipes and such...but that is going to change a bit. I am also going to be able to take more photos, as my room mate has a camera that he is willing to let me borrow.
Now, I said I will be having a few changes in my life, and I will. The main one was advocated by Thoreau:
"Simplify, simplify, simplify!"
That is what I am doing with my life. Some may choose to call it *down-sizing*.
I won't be disposing of those things I consider prudent for me to keep, of course. But I have noticed, since moving to smaller quarters, that I sometimes have too much of many good things!For example, I have about 45 home made tote bags...good for shopping--I carry home my groceries in them! Great for tossing in the car for going on long trips--attractive little trash bags or to put sandy beach clothes in, etc.I have baby quilts I made simply for the fun of it, or for gifts--and I didn't get them finished in time...by the time I was finished with one, the child was out of diapers!
Anyway...those are a few of the items that I will have up for sale starting the second week of August.
I am just starting to get over-whelmed by the sheer volume of stuff I have!
I want...no, I NEED a Zen quality calm in my life. All this stuff just feels chaotic.
I went through this before when I was managing the rooming house...pretty bad when I consider that *just* as I got my room absolutely perfect for me, I lost my job there!
Ah, well, I do hope whomever got the room is enjoying the pale gray walls and white trim I so carefully painted!
So, tonight, I continue *weeding* the un-necessaries from my living space and putting them in a storage closet under the eaves so I can catalog them in preparation for my *virtual garage sale* as a friend of mine has taken to calling it!
Now, I said I will be having a few changes in my life, and I will. The main one was advocated by Thoreau:
"Simplify, simplify, simplify!"
That is what I am doing with my life. Some may choose to call it *down-sizing*.
I won't be disposing of those things I consider prudent for me to keep, of course. But I have noticed, since moving to smaller quarters, that I sometimes have too much of many good things!For example, I have about 45 home made tote bags...good for shopping--I carry home my groceries in them! Great for tossing in the car for going on long trips--attractive little trash bags or to put sandy beach clothes in, etc.I have baby quilts I made simply for the fun of it, or for gifts--and I didn't get them finished in time...by the time I was finished with one, the child was out of diapers!
Anyway...those are a few of the items that I will have up for sale starting the second week of August.
I am just starting to get over-whelmed by the sheer volume of stuff I have!
I want...no, I NEED a Zen quality calm in my life. All this stuff just feels chaotic.
I went through this before when I was managing the rooming house...pretty bad when I consider that *just* as I got my room absolutely perfect for me, I lost my job there!
Ah, well, I do hope whomever got the room is enjoying the pale gray walls and white trim I so carefully painted!
So, tonight, I continue *weeding* the un-necessaries from my living space and putting them in a storage closet under the eaves so I can catalog them in preparation for my *virtual garage sale* as a friend of mine has taken to calling it!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
New Shiny Button!
If you noticed, or even if you haven't, there is a cute picture of a wee lamb over to the left.
<----------Thataway.
I am going to put up some items for sale in the near future and I may be making a major life change the End of August, Beginning of Sept. and I am going to need all the funds I can get to do it! (More about that in a post--coming soon!)
I used a *donate* button rather than a *merchant* button just in case some good hearted person out there feels generous enough to toss me a few bucks to help.(I know, I know, we are ALL broke right now--but I figured it wouldn't hurt!) No, donations are NOT tax deductible.
Some of the items I will be putting up for sale (no auctions, everything will be reasonably priced!) will be baby quilts, books, artwork, attractive (I hope to others!) wall decorations-room accents-bric-a-brac, clothes,fabric, first aid supplies for your FAK or BoB and gear. By "gear", I mean useful items for camping, hiking, hunting preparedness, etc. I will figure in the cost of shipping on each item when I price it. A few items I will send via UPS or Fed. Express due to their size or fragility.
The first items will be posted the second week in August. It will be first come, first served!
So wait and watch for the explanation and the items!
<----------Thataway.
I am going to put up some items for sale in the near future and I may be making a major life change the End of August, Beginning of Sept. and I am going to need all the funds I can get to do it! (More about that in a post--coming soon!)
I used a *donate* button rather than a *merchant* button just in case some good hearted person out there feels generous enough to toss me a few bucks to help.(I know, I know, we are ALL broke right now--but I figured it wouldn't hurt!) No, donations are NOT tax deductible.
Some of the items I will be putting up for sale (no auctions, everything will be reasonably priced!) will be baby quilts, books, artwork, attractive (I hope to others!) wall decorations-room accents-bric-a-brac, clothes,fabric, first aid supplies for your FAK or BoB and gear. By "gear", I mean useful items for camping, hiking, hunting preparedness, etc. I will figure in the cost of shipping on each item when I price it. A few items I will send via UPS or Fed. Express due to their size or fragility.
The first items will be posted the second week in August. It will be first come, first served!
So wait and watch for the explanation and the items!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Kind of a blue day...
I am having one of *those* days.
My urban gardening is going crappy.
I am behind in my sewing.
I haven't found a new job.
The ride to the store today has not yet materialized.
I have WAY too much housework to do today.
And I just feel grumpy.
Isn't much I can do about the ride or the job (other than go out and put forth another dozen or so applications) and my poor plants are struggling despite my best efforts.
I can get the housework done...maybe some of the sewing.
We all have days like this, when we get into a *blue mood* and can't seem to struggle out of it.
My solution today will be:
Allow myself one *treat*...for me, that will be a horrible-for-my-health soda, play some bouncy music REALLY LOUD and take the dog on a long walk.
Tomorrow...back to the grind...
My urban gardening is going crappy.
I am behind in my sewing.
I haven't found a new job.
The ride to the store today has not yet materialized.
I have WAY too much housework to do today.
And I just feel grumpy.
Isn't much I can do about the ride or the job (other than go out and put forth another dozen or so applications) and my poor plants are struggling despite my best efforts.
I can get the housework done...maybe some of the sewing.
We all have days like this, when we get into a *blue mood* and can't seem to struggle out of it.
My solution today will be:
Allow myself one *treat*...for me, that will be a horrible-for-my-health soda, play some bouncy music REALLY LOUD and take the dog on a long walk.
Tomorrow...back to the grind...
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