tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79813810833234917632024-03-14T01:51:02.132-05:00Frippery FarmMoving To A Different LifeLambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.comBlogger629125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-7180820503363192002021-01-01T11:45:00.000-06:002021-01-01T11:45:19.479-06:002021, New Year, MORE Me<p>Yes, still alive and very much kicking.</p><p>I have wearied of all the "New Year, New Me" posts and articles I see out and about the internet.</p><p>No. Just NO.</p><p>I am going to be MORE me.</p><p>A distilled version, you might say.</p><p>I am going to be 65 this year and <i>tired</i> of being cajoled/pressured/encouraged to change just because of an arbitrary date on the calendar. </p><p>I embrace growth and change, and indeed, I have grown and changed over the years.</p><p>But I have reached what can be called my *crone age* My child bearing years are long over, My children are grown and some have families of their own. </p><p>All I can do at this point of my life-cycle is pass on what I have learned, live as best I can and hope that those that come after me won't make the same mistakes I have made. (Oh so MANY mistakes!)</p><p>So, like a good scotch, I have been distilled. Like a good sword, I have been lovingly honed. </p><p>I am working on making improvements to my health, my living conditions, etc.</p><p>But these are....minor considerations when you get down to the heart of it.</p><p>EVERYONES most valuable asset is their knowledge. Pass on what knowledge you have, it is the only way humans advance.</p><p>Become more yourself. Distill yourself. Shed the unimportant and the minor, let personal biases evaporate, appreciate what you have and be grateful for those around you. Learn from others, teach others.</p><p>Happy New Year</p>Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-91334856622978851592019-08-06T13:51:00.000-05:002019-08-06T13:51:06.084-05:00Protect YourselfI refuse to be dragged into the politics of the various mass and public shootings we have recently had in this country.<br />
What this post is about is Protecting Yourself and anyone who is with you if a shooting happens where you are.<br />
I will map out, simply, what you can do to help insure your survival in a situation such as the Walmart shooting in El Paso or the bar shooting in Dayton.<br />
<br />
<br />
1) Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Get used to knowing where exits are, or areas of concealment in any public setting you go to.<br />
<br />
2) Glance around at other people in the area. If someone looks *sketchy*, casually, but quickly, get out of their area.<br />
<br />
3) If shooting starts, your first three thoughts should be CONCEALMENT, EVASION and ESCAPE.<br />
Look for anything, any place that will conceal you from the shooter.<br />
Evade the shooter by moving behind racks of clothing, structural columns, jumping behind a bar or counter, crawling under a restaurant booth, whatever you can find.<br />
If you know where the exits are, get to one as rapidly as possible without getting the shooters attention. Most retail establishments have emergency exits, loading docks, employee exits, etc. located at or near the back of the store.<br />
<br />
4) Fighting back.<br />
You may be in a situation where you will HAVE to fight back to save yourself or a loved one.<br />
You may be an experienced shooter, you may be unarmed.<br />
If you are armed, and fairly confident about your skills, do your damnedest to take the shooter out and save lives.<br />
If you are unarmed (as most of us are in these days of stores and other establishments setting themselves up as *gun free* zones), find a weapon.<br />
Fire extinguishers make an excellent weapon. You can spray a shooter and use the extinguisher itself as a blunt force weapon if you can get behind the shooter.<br />
Anything heavy you can throw. Sharp objects you can throw or wield.<br />
<br />
5) Distraction and confusion can be your friend in such situations. See a fire alarm? Pull it and set it off! A light switch you can turn off to reduce the shooters visibility? Flip that switch off! Break a window behind the shooter to distract them.<br />
Remember, you are fighting for your life in this situation.<br />
If the shooter is distracted, it gives them less time to concentrate on finding victims and gives others in the area more time to escape.<br />
<br />
It is extraordinarily sad that I felt I had to post this, but this is how we live now. Not just in the USA, but in other countries as well.<br />
In the UK and Europe, they have similar happenings. Sometimes guns, but also knife attacks and vehicle attacks.<br />
<br />
Prepare for these situations as carefully as many of you approach food storage or homesteading.<br />
Avoid crowded environments. I realize, it is very hard to avoid crowds. You have to limit attendance at concerts (Las Vegas), shopping (El Paso), a night out at pubs (Dayton), etc. It's incredibly unfair to those of us that just want to live our lives.<br />
But, unfortunately, it's the "new normal".<br />
So, continue to go shopping, go to concerts or for a night out, but please, BE MORE AWARE!Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-6752989749505750872019-07-23T12:00:00.000-05:002019-07-23T12:00:26.456-05:00Be Kind...The political silly season has started already leading up to the election next year.<br />
Being in New Hampshire, we see more of the candidates and see them more often than folks in other states.<br />
They make promises, oh, they make <i>LOTS</i> of promises! Most of which they will conveniently forget the day after the election.<br />
This go 'round it looks like it will get <b><i>very</i></b> nasty.<br />
It is not just Republicans vs Democrats now.<br />
They are<i> ALL</i> sniping at one another. Democrats at Democrats, Republicans at Republicans, Everybody at Everybody.<br />
"Acting ugly" as my grandmother used to say.<br />
<br />
Everyone is rude these days, and that applies to politicians, too.<br />
No one is kind anymore.<br />
I am weary of it, but there is little I can do about it.<br />
Except this:<br />
Be kind.<br />
Be kind to other people that are being rude, maybe they had a bad day or have worries you know nothing about.<br />
Hope that your kindness will rub off on them and maybe they will be kind to the next person they encounter. Maybe it will spread.<br />
There is a facebook page for the Bangor Police Department written by an officer by the name of Tim Cotton. If you don't follow it, I suggest you do.<br />
His *tag line* at the end of every post is perfect:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Keep your hands to yourself, leave other people's things alone, and be kind to one another.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Best advice ever!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I do wish the politicians would take this advice.</span></span>Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-48505784667719063472019-07-10T09:25:00.000-05:002019-07-10T09:25:28.157-05:00So, Changes and More ChangesI decided to focus on my health this year.<br />
I need to lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more, yada yada yada, all the things we tell ourselves all the time.<br />
Well, I started small.<br />
I decided to have one meatless day per week. Then twice a week, then three times a week...<br />
I am now down to 8 to 10 ounces of meat<b><i> per month</i></b>. I use meat as a condiment more than as a main dish.<br />
Result?<br />
Blood sugar? Down.<br />
Cholesterol ? Down.<br />
Blood pressure? Down.<br />
Weight? Down.<br />
Energy levels? Up.<br />
Sleep quality? Much improved.<br />
Health-wise, it has improved my quality of life so much.<br />
Plus, my food budget has decreased drastically!<br />
Almost effortlessly.<br />
I eat a lot of vegetables, salads, beans, grains, etc, now.<br />
I still eat cheese and other dairy.<br />
<br />
My smoking has reduced, also without much effort.<br />
I switched to a "light" cigarette.<br />
But I have noticed that with less meat consumption, my craving for cigarettes has gone down.<br />
My beloved Dr Pepper?<br />
I am drinking WAY more sparkling water than soda these days.<br />
<br />
This may not be the answer for others, but it is helping me.<br />
<br />
<br />Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-23382258574241526212019-07-08T10:58:00.000-05:002019-07-08T10:58:16.020-05:00What a Long Strange Trip Its Been....Wow....<br />
Yup, still very much alive, still very much kickin'.<br />
House sharing with a friend here in New Hampshire.<br />
Working at the grocery store still.<br />
My health is MUCH better.<br />
Only on 2 medications.<br />
New laptop, just got internet last week.<br />
The friends I had stayed with before had so many family issues, that it was best that I absented myself from that environment.<br />
My house was taken by the city for taxes, I expected that. Actually, not having that looming over me has been a relief.<br />
Have changed my diet and my general lifestyle to help my health, and, I am glad to say, my health has improved by leaps and bounds.<br />
Changed my mental outlook as well.<br />
I have chosen to be <b><i>happy.</i></b><br />
More on that some other time, but suffice it to say, I am happy, I am content and I am surrounded by good friends.<br />
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I am still getting used to this new laptop, so bear with me.<br />
<br />Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-39762942967244350572017-05-25T08:42:00.002-05:002017-05-25T08:42:35.544-05:00WeedingYou might notice I am changing my blog a bit.<br />
I'll be weeding out some old posts, changing the format and layout some.<br />
Just a general weeding and freshening up.<br />
If I change something and you don't like the change, let me know!<br />
Or, if there is a change you'd like to see me make, let me know that, too!Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-21830219824920979232017-05-24T18:00:00.000-05:002017-05-24T18:00:03.146-05:00Hi There!Yes, I am still alive and kickin'.<br />
Mostly kickin'.<br />
I am staying with my friend Timi and her family, still working as a cashier at the local grocery.<br />
Still doing my paintings...sometimes they sell, sometime they don't.<br />
Trying to stay on my diet...ugh.<br />
I have lost weight...my pants falling off is testament to that! Hope to lose a lot more!<br />
Health is fair to middlin' as they say. Got a doctors appointment the end of June that should clarify where I am on the health spectrum.<br />
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The farm?<br />
Here's where it gets tough.<br />
The ex was <i>supposed</i> to pay the property taxes while he was living there.<br />
Another lie, of course.<br />
So, I have about 24 months before the property is seized for back taxes...which I currently cannot afford to pay.<br />
Got a few ideas to raise the money...still checking out possibilities.<br />
My job only pays $7.40 an hour. (Yeah, I know. I haven't worked a job for this small an hourly wage in <i>literally</i> 20 years) But, the store is one of the biggest employers in town.<br />
Also, our manager is not allowed to give anyone more than 33 hours a week, so I can't ask for extra hours or hope for overtime.<br />
I am looking for a second job.....or maybe I'll try and get some work here and there doing odd jobs and such.<br />
So far, nada. But, I will keep trying.<br />
****************************************<br />
Spring has sprung here with Summer right on it's heels.<br />
Both seasons go fast here, but while they are here they are intense and wonderful!<br />
So enjoy both seasons where-ever you are!Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-76375332090647506812017-01-13T11:22:00.000-06:002017-01-13T11:22:15.964-06:00Settling In for Winter"Hard" winter has arrived here in the North Country.<br />
Yes, we had a few days of 30s to 40s with some rain, but that was just Mother Nature letting us take a breath before she got down to the real business of Winter.<br />
People don't panic up here. Snow tires were put on in October, fuel oil ordered at the same time (or perhaps earlier in September) and firewood cutting and stacking is a year 'round occupation here.<br />
I work in a grocery store and the weatherman's predictions never alarm residents to the point where we have empty milk coolers or a bare bread aisle.<br />
<br />
You still live with the rhythm of the seasons here.<br />
You look forward to the first snow and the holidays, but after the New Year is past, you hunker down.<br />
Plastic or insulation is put up on most windows (if you are in an older house).<br />
You buy a little <i>extra</i> on all your shopping trips starting in September...a few extra cans of soup, an extra bag of flour, some extra stew beef to stick in the freezer...just the little extra you'll need in case you don't feel like shoveling your car out one morning.<br />
Farmers laid in extra hay and feed by the end of October as they tried to calculate how severe the Winter would be, Farmers Almanac as their guide with a bit of advice from the National Weather Service predictions.<br />
Every household has their snow supplies...shovels (always more than one!), many have snow blowers...the elderly have phone numbers of people will to shovel them out (cheaply or free of charge). Everyone has salt or Ice Melt in a bucket near the door. Gloves and mittens have a spot near the door as well.....multiple pairs (matched or not). Extra boots, in many cases.<br />
Flashlights and extra batteries are in a designated location in case of power outages and every bed has extra blankets at the ready.<br />
<br />
The North Country is prepared.<br />
Not to be *preppers*, not to be cutting edge or fashionable or *on trend*.<br />
The North Country is prepared because that is simply <i><b>the way it is</b></i>.<br />
If you are not prepared for Winter up here, you won't survive.<br />
This is Old School preparedness, something the *Prepper Movement* is still trying to get a handle on. It never went away in The North Country because Mother Nature was not defeated by modern technology up here. She still holds sway every Winter and will continue to do so.<br />
<br />
"Hard" Winter is here...and we are ready.Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-75933760544043019932016-12-28T13:05:00.001-06:002016-12-28T13:05:30.966-06:00A Little Culture Shock....So, having decided that here in The Great North Woods is the place for me, I have fully immersed myself in working here, living here, being here.<br />
Having lived in a lot of places, but mainly in The South, I was interested in the customs/superstitions surrounding holidays and other notable dates *up nawth*.<br />
Down South, it was ham or turkey on Christmas. Here, anything goes basically. Usually family tradition or preference. Lasagna, prime rib, roast beef, meatballs, etc.<br />
I can deal with that....my problem comes with the supper you fix on New Years Day.<br />
Folks up here had never even <i><b>heard</b></i> of Hoppin' John!<br />
<a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/hoppin_john/" target="_blank">Hoppin' John Recipe</a><br />
You absolutely HAVE to have Hoppin' John on New Years Day. And collard greens.<br />
I mean, who doesn't have that on New Years?<br />
Alas...I am even having problems locating a can of collard greens up here!<br />
I will also make southern fried cabbage ( a favorite of mine anyway, regardless of the day!) and cornbread! Gotta have cornbread!<br />
After much investigation locally and a an hour so of googling, I have come to the conclusion that north of the Mason-Dixon Line, there are no traditional New Years Day foods!<br />
Talk about *culture shock*!<br />
The only recipes or suggestions I found were all <i>SOUTHERN</i> foods that apparently have been appropriated by these Yankees. Black-eye Peas, cornbread, collards, etc.<br />
So....going to have to look around and see what I can find to make a traditional New Years Day dinner here!<br />
********************************************<br />
Another *culture shock* item that I have discovered is that the majority (like 80%) of people up here are <i><b>heavy</b></i> drinkers. As in, a minimum of a fifth of hard liquor a day (usually more) with a 30 pack of beer or "Twisted Tea" as *soda chasers*.<br />
I work in a grocery store, I sell the beer and other alcoholic *sodas* to the locals. Ninety year old ladies come in and buy two gallons of wine. Daily. Or a 30 pack of beer. We have had to refuse sales to some because they were visibly *snockered* when they came in to buy it!<br />
People I talk to don't seem to see the *problem* with this.<br />
I don't drink. The friends I live with don't drink. The majority of the folks I hang out with don't drink.<br />
With a notable exception.....<br />
A neighbor of mine who is a great guy and an excellent carpenter is a heavy drinker.<br />
A half gallon of vodka a day. Plus beer and *Twisted Tea*.<br />
He has been hospitalized (including a couple of weeks ago) from the cumulative effects of his habit. His heart, his liver, his whole body is failing at this point. He is diabetic now and his feet are constantly dark purple, almost black. His hands and feet are always cold. Last time he went to the hospital, I went to visit him. A doctor came in, looked at his chart, talked to him a bit and told him "I doubt you'll be here come Spring. You'll probably be dead by them."<br />
My friend was in ICU for two days and then checked himself out.<br />
The day after he got home I went by to see how he was. He was sitting at his kitchen table, drunk, with a half gallon of vodka on the table in front of him.<br />
And there are many more like him up here. It is really sad.<br />
********************************************<br />
I got myself a Christmas present....<br />
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<a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/assets/1/14/DimRegular/2017-Whole-Seed-Catalog-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://www.rareseeds.com/assets/1/14/DimRegular/2017-Whole-Seed-Catalog-Cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
You can order it here:<br />
<a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/the-2017-whole-seed-catalog-u-s-canada-and-mexico/" target="_blank">http://www.rareseeds.com/the-2017-whole-seed-catalog-u-s-canada-and-mexico/</a><br />
<br />
It is "garden porn", hardcore style!<br />
I WANT ALL THE SEEDS!!!<br />
Yeah, it sort of has that effect on you.....Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-63138025635520849932016-12-23T10:25:00.000-06:002016-12-23T10:25:42.444-06:00Still Here and Better Than Ever! I am still in The Great North Woods. Health is still great. Still working at the grocery, getting plenty of hours.<br />
<br />
And....I have the house and property back. <i><b>All mine.</b></i><br />
The ex and I came to an agreement. The property is mine. He has moved out of state, thankfully.<br />
<br />
Right now, I am renting a room from friends Timi and Jim in town. I have to do some fixing up out at the house since the ex (in February) and his kids moved out (in late May) got all of their things out (late November). I changed all the locks, etc.<br />
I inspected the house and wanted to cry....such a damn mess. But then I cheered up...it <i>IS</i> <b>MY </b>house, after all. I can clean it and fix it up.<br />
May have to replace plumbing. Again....sigh.<br />
<br />
But....mine.<br />
So, making plans, looking at options, etc.<br />
I'm not selling.<br />I <b>will</b> find a way to make this work.<br />
Frippery Farm will be a reality.<br />
Frippery Farm <i>IS</i> a reality!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yeah....I'm back, baby!<br />
<br />Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-61064872840891965122016-10-06T18:47:00.001-05:002016-10-06T18:47:40.013-05:00Autumn Arrives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p320x320/14494641_1149112581792516_1945461668538240959_n.jpg?oh=bec9644d9b6f07e768319bce03486fdc&oe=58A4CF36" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p320x320/14494641_1149112581792516_1945461668538240959_n.jpg?oh=bec9644d9b6f07e768319bce03486fdc&oe=58A4CF36" width="320" /></a></div>
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That's a few miles up Route 3 heading towards Pittsburg, New Hampshire.<br />
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<a href="https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/12122688_923847750985668_6456214838767364919_n.jpg?oh=87a695c3d43f13548057b2950d0f659d&oe=58618BA1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/12122688_923847750985668_6456214838767364919_n.jpg?oh=87a695c3d43f13548057b2950d0f659d&oe=58618BA1" width="320" /></a></div>
That was taken by someone canoeing down the Connecticut this week.<br />
<br />
And this...this is a scant 10 minutes from my house:<br />
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<a href="http://natbg.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/waterfalls-beaver-brook-falls-colorful-stream-forest-mountain-colors-water-nice-summer-nature-trees-fall-waterfall-beautiful-lovely-river-bushes-falling-desktop-images-1920x1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://natbg.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/waterfalls-beaver-brook-falls-colorful-stream-forest-mountain-colors-water-nice-summer-nature-trees-fall-waterfall-beautiful-lovely-river-bushes-falling-desktop-images-1920x1080.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And people wonder why I love it here so much!</div>
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The ghostly fingers of fog that haunted the early morning streets through August and most of September have given way to a cloud comforter that lays upon the mountains and hilltops until the autumn sun pushes it aside. Then bright blue skies are then revealed and the leaves sparkle like gemstones in the clear sunlight.</div>
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This is the New Hampshire that I love.</div>
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It is breath-taking during Autumn. A last hurrah before Winter closes in.</div>
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Another season I love! </div>
Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-830741553093370412016-10-03T08:50:00.000-05:002016-10-03T11:47:07.560-05:00As Elton John Famously Sang....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fB7Z3PDMRTU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fB7Z3PDMRTU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Things are happening quickly....so, expect much more in the next couple of weeks!Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-77126387723348006962016-06-07T07:38:00.000-05:002016-06-07T07:38:35.167-05:00What I Have Been Doing...So...back to life and how it tends to meander on...<br />
<br />
I got my job back at the local grocery. I had <i>intended</i> to only work part time...and they had intended to hire me for part time.<br />
But...end of the school year when their teenaged employees decide to scatter to the four winds and all...it turned into full time pretty darn quick!<br />
I got a fifth wheel camper with a little help from friends, put it on the property and <i>intended</i> to move into it immediately...<br />
But...a dear friend suffered a grievous loss of a brother and I ended up staying with her and helping her with her kids and house. Right now, her brothers widow is staying with her and I have been staying to help her cope as she(the widow) cannot stand being alone right now.<br />
I <i>intended</i> to work on the camper when I had days off from work, etc., so I could move into it as soon as possible....<br />
But...rain, other part time job opportunities and getting called into my full time job on days off...yeah, that went down the tube pretty quick.<br />
<br />
It is raining again today and I have a few hours before I go to work. So, no cutting brush, etc.<br />
<br />
It just seems that whenever I try to plan something out...the weather or the fates conspire against me!<br />
So...meander, I will.Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-23110783879112235432016-05-31T11:22:00.002-05:002016-05-31T11:22:23.738-05:00Garden Pest Deterrent This is my home made recipe for a never fail garden pest deterrent.<br />
Works on bears, moose, deer, elk, rabbits, squirrel, slugs, most insects and anyone that decides to come by and swipe some produce out of your garden...<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>WARNING:</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Wear protective gloves through-out the entire procedure. NEVER touch your face, eyes, mouth, nose, etc. Guys; no crotch scratching or ass scratching. Same for you ladies. Trust me on this.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span>
Ingredients:<br />
4 Habanero peppers<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bullbbq.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/habanero-chilies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://bullbbq.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/habanero-chilies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Habanero Peppers, aka Scotch Bonnets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
3 Jalapeno peppers<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://growhotpeppers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jalapenos1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://growhotpeppers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/jalapenos1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jalapeno peppers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
1 or 2 Ghost peppers (if you can find one. If not, find a hot sauce made from them) OR 1 Carolina Reapers pepper (or hot sauce made from it)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/assets/1/14/DimRegular/pepper-bhut-jolokia--4472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rareseeds.com/assets/1/14/DimRegular/pepper-bhut-jolokia--4472.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghost Peppers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fookinghot.com/ekmps/shops/98c330/images/carolina-reaper-powder-%5B3%5D-122-p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.fookinghot.com/ekmps/shops/98c330/images/carolina-reaper-powder-%5B3%5D-122-p.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolina Reaper pepper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
1/4 cup ground black pepper<br />
1 Cup vegetable oil<br />
3 cups warm water<br />
<br />
BEFORE YOU BEGIN:<br />
You will need:<br />
A blender with a tight fitting lid that you never intend to use again or will ONLY be used to make the deterrent and will be safely stored in a corner of the garage afterwards. Pick one up at a thrift shop.<br />
<br />
One old knife you are willing to throw away afterwards.<br />
<br />
One long extension cord.<br />
<br />
A tarp. 8 x 10 will do.<br />
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<br />
<br />
A couple of sturdy trash bags.<br />
<br />
A pair (or two) of the sturdy Rubbermaid gloves ...do NOT try doing this with the wimpy medical gloves. You will regret it.<br />
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<br />
<br />
One pair of protective goggles. (Y'all think I am joking...trust me, if you don't have them, you'll wish you did!)<br />
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A couple of empty spray bottles and an old plastic funnel or a disposable funnel.<br />
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Coffee filters or something else to filter the liquid.<br />
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<a href="https://static.prima-coffee.com/styles/uc_product_full/s3/gino-pourover-paper-filters.jpg?itok=jrK6t5iZ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://static.prima-coffee.com/styles/uc_product_full/s3/gino-pourover-paper-filters.jpg?itok=jrK6t5iZ" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A good friend or spouse with a cell phone at the ready and a car, in case you screw up and medical attention becomes necessary.<br /><br />
Make sure there are no young children, household pets or farm animals or other innocent by-standers within about 50 to 100 feet of making the deterrent.<br />
<br />
Ready? Have everything assembled? Okay...let's do this!<br />
<br />
Plug in extension cord and take it outside, as far away from the house as it will reach.<br />
Plug blender in. Have it sitting on a flat surface. (But, dear god, NOT on the patio!)<br />
Put on gloves and goggles, open lid of blender.<br />
Cut each of the peppers in half length wise and drop in blender.<br />
If you are using the ghost or Carolina Reaper pepper sauce, pour in 1/4 of the bottle.<br />
Add black pepper.<br />
SLOWLY (so it won't splash) add vegetable oil and water.<br />
Put lid on blender. Check to make sure it is on tightly. Check again. Look around to make sure no person or animal is nearby.<br />
Check lid for tightness again.<br />
Turn the blender on liquify.<br />
HOLD THE LID ON AND PRAY.<br />
Liquify that mess for 30 seconds to a minute. Make sure it is liquified.<br />
Still see chunks? Hit that button again! MAKE SURE YOU LIQUIFY THE CRAP OUT OF IT!<br />
Turn off blender. DO NOT OPEN IT!!!<br />
Unplug blender. Take it further out in the yard.<br />
A little further than that, okay?<br />
Have friend/spouse lay out tarp.<br />
Tell them to run and get back in the house.<br />
Get in center of tarp and CAREFULLY open blender.<br />
AWAY from your face.<br />
TRY NOT TO BREATHE FOR THE NEXT TEN MINUTES.<br />
Seriously. If you do have to breathe, turn your head away from the deterrent and/or blender.<br />
Place coffee filter in funnel. Pour nasty pepper liquid into funnel (which I assume you are holding in the spray bottle) It will take a bit for the liquid to filter through.<br />
Funnel the vile potion into the spray bottles and cap them tightly.<br />
Get all of it you can out of the blender during this part of the procedure.<br />
<br />
Okay...all that was the EASY part.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now the clean up.</span><br />
Stay on the tarp.<br />
Carefully place spray bottles, funnel and blender (if you intend to keep it) off the tarp.<br />
Yell for your friend to get the water hose and turn it on...medium pressure.<br />
If you are keeping the blender (you poor, misguided fool) rinse it out as thoroughly as you can with the hose. Remember to rinse the lid. Wrap it in trash bag. Rinse off the outside of the spray bottles, too.<br />
CAREFULLY remove gloves and toss on tarp. The coffee filters should already be there, btw.<br />
Take off goggles and toss on tarp.<br />
To hell with it, take off everything and toss on tarp, jump off of tarp and hose yourself down.<br />
Gather up tarp by corners and put into other trash bag.<br />
Wave at the neighbors who have been watching you strip with great amusement..<br />
Leave friend/spouse to put everything in the trash for you and run in house. (Yes, the clothes, too. If those clothes are washed in your washer, the pepper oils get on every article of clothing in the wash. Wash separately you say? Ummmm...NO. It will stay in your washer for around 3 to 5 loads.)<br />
If you feel any burning or itching sensations, grab a big box of baking soda, jump in shower and use baking soda as body scrub to neutralize hot pepper oils. Shower with lukewarm water.<br />
Dress and go have a glass of wine or a cold beer. Job well done and it deserves a reward.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Using Deterrent Spray:</b><br />
<br />
It is best to wear gloves during application and to not touch face, etc.Yeah, dispose of the gloves afterwards.<br />
Spray all veggie plants on the outer rows of your garden, AND spray the ground itself around the garden...sort of a perimeter situation. If you wish, you can spray all your plants. Shake the bottles once in awhile to make sure the oil/water stays mixed up pretty good.<br />
You should spray after a rain.<br />
DO NOT SPRAY IF YOU ARE HARVESTING WITHIN A WEEK.....POSSIBLY WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF HARVEST.<br />
<br />
Please remember that the directions given above are because <i>someone</i> learned "the hard way" just how lethal and nasty this stuff is.<br />
The first time you see a squirrel or rabbit encounter the HOT spray is a sight to behold. Deer freak out and take off for parts unknown. I had a neighbors cat sit on a patch I had sprayed (they were using my garden as a bathroom)...the cat never came back.<br />
<br />
I usually make it once a year and filter it into mason jars and refill the spray bottles as needed.<br />
Good luck!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-45479524152178766182016-05-19T18:23:00.003-05:002016-05-19T18:24:16.742-05:00For Those of You That Need ThemUntil I am able to sit down and entertain you..<br />
Some of you folks might want some of these:<br />
<a href="http://www.survivalebooks.com/usmilitarymanuals.html" target="_blank">500 Free Military Manuals</a>Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-11919449682262372412016-05-05T15:06:00.000-05:002016-05-05T15:06:01.647-05:00Bear With Me A Little Longer...Things are a-changing again...hang in there...I will be back with an explanation, news and will get writing on my fiction again.<br />
Let me just say it has been a whirlwind of a month here!<br />
To those that have not abandoned hope...Thank You!<br />
<br />Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-22506510095041604822016-04-11T11:03:00.000-05:002016-04-11T11:05:33.497-05:00Crappy PicturesIt has been pretty overcast here since I arrived.<br />
BUT.....I tried to take some pictures inside the tiny house:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WiFLaw173oQ/VwvG7allI7I/AAAAAAAADcg/HTmK0A9cIF8KvLls531K8xDDOO6KrTkHw/s1600/12718081_10154075201269493_5535309949194650853_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WiFLaw173oQ/VwvG7allI7I/AAAAAAAADcg/HTmK0A9cIF8KvLls531K8xDDOO6KrTkHw/s320/12718081_10154075201269493_5535309949194650853_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old fridge built into the wall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PrMV_tPVi0/VwvG-UX3YjI/AAAAAAAADck/w3jt1q8IS-INt_vwrXxX0PrqYfmbJKBGg/s1600/12936758_10154075201394493_4139141168263969974_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PrMV_tPVi0/VwvG-UX3YjI/AAAAAAAADck/w3jt1q8IS-INt_vwrXxX0PrqYfmbJKBGg/s320/12936758_10154075201394493_4139141168263969974_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ql1JukjS6s/VwvHAv4g2ZI/AAAAAAAADco/ymTaKfa2ilw3SQ5spJibpDraYEQPMo4Pw/s1600/12938149_10154075201939493_2878097189356384912_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ql1JukjS6s/VwvHAv4g2ZI/AAAAAAAADco/ymTaKfa2ilw3SQ5spJibpDraYEQPMo4Pw/s320/12938149_10154075201939493_2878097189356384912_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corner where my bed will be</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_WRqZPwRe0c/VwvHDse6iLI/AAAAAAAADcs/UfmNSbZtjpktvWre4RU8Hqxnqyxn5nN5g/s1600/12938299_10154075201884493_8243146718223612942_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_WRqZPwRe0c/VwvHDse6iLI/AAAAAAAADcs/UfmNSbZtjpktvWre4RU8Hqxnqyxn5nN5g/s320/12938299_10154075201884493_8243146718223612942_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of windows, though!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMsvgkCc9mc/VwvHHId-fLI/AAAAAAAADcw/uLu7RLfDtcs0u0M8F1NsNmKrU2VRXXJNA/s1600/12961596_10154075202039493_6196497242477675424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMsvgkCc9mc/VwvHHId-fLI/AAAAAAAADcw/uLu7RLfDtcs0u0M8F1NsNmKrU2VRXXJNA/s320/12961596_10154075202039493_6196497242477675424_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spare windows that are destined for a cold frame project</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ef1QLlNPgco/VwvHKHDgSoI/AAAAAAAADc0/RHaGFVpd4wE5x6XlvF0HhkoI8RRLSRSXw/s1600/12994414_10154075201599493_3597048248465786480_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ef1QLlNPgco/VwvHKHDgSoI/AAAAAAAADc0/RHaGFVpd4wE5x6XlvF0HhkoI8RRLSRSXw/s320/12994414_10154075201599493_3597048248465786480_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen! But, alas, no running water or septic for the sinks.</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9jgG4AKFDQg/VwvHNVk6AeI/AAAAAAAADc4/Mj-rfJSPFrEPb2nzQSu157WH5YzDCTsTg/s1600/13001239_10154075201464493_5436385825344440132_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9jgG4AKFDQg/VwvHNVk6AeI/AAAAAAAADc4/Mj-rfJSPFrEPb2nzQSu157WH5YzDCTsTg/s320/13001239_10154075201464493_5436385825344440132_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My stove! Heat and cooking in one (once it is hooked up and cleaned off)<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's not much, but it will work for me and Siona.<br />
Speaking of which.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s262NnCU0QE/VwvIhuFfADI/AAAAAAAADdI/TFyySpIqbMY8uK7M3T26Y2XgA40FUCImw/s1600/12974283_10154075195934493_5506948676335405973_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s262NnCU0QE/VwvIhuFfADI/AAAAAAAADdI/TFyySpIqbMY8uK7M3T26Y2XgA40FUCImw/s320/12974283_10154075195934493_5506948676335405973_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siona checking out the snow and her new neighbors...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6tjr1l-y7CQ/VwvIoM6m3II/AAAAAAAADdM/NG8ZTqB9yxMNPnHDfDLKCtTxEfdrt2aCg/s1600/12993545_10154075201079493_8779676018823985651_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6tjr1l-y7CQ/VwvIoM6m3II/AAAAAAAADdM/NG8ZTqB9yxMNPnHDfDLKCtTxEfdrt2aCg/s320/12993545_10154075201079493_8779676018823985651_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New neighbors. Named Cheese and Quakers.</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0zoNUUseIQ/VwvIssXg7MI/AAAAAAAADdQ/ASJn_8P1tW4GNyTvscWSbQRzOEbGFWfjA/s1600/fasinwinter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0zoNUUseIQ/VwvIssXg7MI/AAAAAAAADdQ/ASJn_8P1tW4GNyTvscWSbQRzOEbGFWfjA/s320/fasinwinter.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The local waterfall in it's frozen Winter glory!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today will be a busy day. After I finish this post, I will go out to do some more cleaning in the tiny house, try to hook up the wood stove myself and possibly get that king sized box spring and mattress the heck out of there!<br />
<div>
I have been staying nights at dear friends, Timi and Jim's house, but I feel bad imposing on them...besides...I want to sleep in my own dang house as soon as possible!</div>
<div>
So...off to cleaning...and I will try to take a few pictures while I am at it!<br />
<br /></div>
Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-30753211448941304632016-04-09T11:38:00.001-05:002016-04-09T11:38:47.623-05:00Contentment Level Dial Turned to 11 !Since last Sunday morning, I have driven a total of 2300 miles.<br />
I am back in the Great North Woods of New Hampshire. I took a detour through Virginia where I saw two of my sons and one of my daughters, and my lovely daughter-in-law and my grandson.<br />
<br />
I have a tiny house now. It needs fixing up and there's no running water and power comes from an extension cord hooked up to a pole in the yard, but it is enough for me.<br />
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I took these pictures last summer when the friend that owns the tiny house was considering selling it and wanted to place an ad on craigslist. It didn't sell (thankfully) and my friend said if I wanted to move back up here, it was free for me to use as long as I needed it.<br />
<br />
So, 10 x 15 feet. There is a rudimentary kitchen. A bathroom just big enough to put a composting toilet in. A closet (!). A few shelves. Room enough for a full sized or twin bed, a chair or two, a couple of small tables and a few book shelves. It has a tiny wood stove for heating and cooking.<br />
<br />
Perfect for me and Siona the Wonder Dog. (Siona was an absolute angel on the trip up here and behaved perfectly!)<br />
<br />
I love it up here in northern New Hampshire. I feel so at home here, anywhere else just feels wrong.<br />
I adore friends Tina and Bill that I was staying with....but Missouri is not the place for me.<br />
I would love to live closer to my kids in Virginia, but the Shenandoah Valley lost it's charms for me a long time ago.<br />
<br />
My ex has fled the area as he quit his job the day his boss was going to fire him for stealing from the company. He now splits his time between 2 different *partners/fiances* in Stowe, Vt. and another one in Burlington. And he is working at a bowling alley in Stowe. So, he is too busy to come up here and bug me. That's a good thing! His son and d-i-l and their 2 kids live in the farmhouse now and have taken in a renter to help pay the bills, so I am still getting the payments.<br />
<br />
I checked at my old job when I got back and they may hire me back. I'll find out for sure on Monday.<br />
<br />
My health is excellent and I am feeling better every day. Especially since I got back here!<br />
I was thrilled when a snowstorm came up here the day I arrived!<br />
SNOW!<br />
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<br />
So...now my blog will switch focus a bit. Still out in the country, still going to be prepping, gardening, food storage, etc. No animals.......yet.<br />
<br />
<br />
But I am going to be turning a kinda grubby tiny house into a home. It needs work. I'll be taking pictures...before and after.<br />
<br />
So...my next great adventure is here! Come along for the ride if you like!<br />
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<br />
<br />Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-62627300723241640582016-03-31T00:37:00.000-05:002016-03-31T00:37:36.166-05:00Updates Coming Soon!Things are happening and I seriously haven't had the time to post.<br />
MANY surprises coming soon!Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-55282377854857914842016-02-18T10:59:00.001-06:002016-02-18T10:59:29.779-06:00Plans SolidifyingI have a place to stay once I get back to New Hampshire!<br />
It is a *camp* with no electricity or plumbing. No running water at all on the property, you carry water from a spring about 2 miles away, in fact.<br />
The *camp* has been used as storage and a tool shed, it is only about 8 x 12 feet. So, a tiny house for me!<br />
It will need a lot of cleaning up and a few things fixed, but I think I can make it work.<br />
I plan on joining the gym in town, I can take showers there. And, if I need, there is a laundromat in town as well. I can always find a washtub and use a clothes line.<br />
I think I can put in a fairly cheap rain catchment system and some passive solar hot water heating by the end of June to alleviate the water hauling/heating issue.<br />
I'll have electricity via a couple of extension cords from the other house on the property initially.<br />
I'll have to find a small wood stove for heating in the winter. So, there's that. But I think I can find one fairly cheaply.<br />
I have some room to garden there. And have chickens, too! I may even be able to eventually (hold your breath) have a couple of goats!<br />
I'm actually pretty excited about this! I plan on going up there in around a month, month and a half.<br />
A new adventure!<br />
<br />
Now, I know some folks will be confused as to why I would even want to move back to New Hampshire. Bad memories and whatnot, you are thinking.<br />
Here it is:<br />
I LOVE New Hampshire. I LOVE New England.<br />
All the places I have lived, all the places I have visited, it is the ONE place that when I first went there I felt <i><b>This is HOME</b></i>.<br />
I don't know how else to explain it.<br />
I find it absolutely magical there. In EVERY season (yes, in Winter, too). I made loads of good friends there. I love the way the air smells of spruce in the mornings. The beauty of the lupine and other wildflowers that bloom outrageously in the Spring. The deer and moose that casually wander through yards...they really know it is their land, not yours!<br />
Everyone has a place that their heart calls "Home".<br />
New Hampshire is that place for me!<br />
<br />Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-50048804880173916022016-02-14T11:11:00.000-06:002016-02-14T11:11:10.311-06:00The Political SeasonWhile across the country most dream of Spring, the political season is in full swing. Some call it The Silly Season.<br />
If you watched the Republican debate in South Carolina last night...wow. I haven't decided which political candidate to support or vote for. But last night, it was made patently clear who I would NOT support or vote for.<br />
Those men squabbled like<b> <i>children</i></b>. It became actually embarrassing to watch!<br />
Trump made the cardinal sin of insulting Jeb Bush's family including his mama in the SOUTH! In public! Personally, if Bush had punched Trump at that point, or invited him to a *private conference* in the parking lot, he would have been justified. (Hell, in some communities up *in the hills*, Trump could have been shot and nobody would have said *boo*)<br />
Trump came across as a full, complete ass. With his attitude and arrogance, he <i><b>completely</b></i> lost the entire South last night.<br />
I did get a laugh when Rubio said Cruz didn't speak Spanish, and then Cruz immediately started speaking to Rubio in Spanish. Rubio looked like he wanted to crawl under a rock.<br />
<br />
Kudos to Carson and Kacich for not getting drawn into the verbal melee.<br />
*************************<br />
My opinion, for whatever it is worth?<br />
I think our next President has already been <b>selected</b>.<br />
I hope like hell I am wrong.<br />
I think it will be Hillary.<br />
Before you scream and shout...look at what is happening. She committed crimes as First Lady. (Remember her fingerprints all over FBI documents? Perjury in front of Congress?), she committed crimes as Secretary of State (top secret documents in her emails...).<br />
If ANYONE else of any party had done all that she has done, they would have been charged with massive felonies.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She is being protected</span>.<br />
<b><i>Why?</i></b><br />
Because the powers behind the curtain have made the deals and they want her in the Executive office.<br />
This may change if she breaks the deal she has made or pisses off the wrong people, but, as it stands today, yeah, I feel she has been selected.<br />
<br />Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-49005377032103717082016-02-02T09:30:00.002-06:002016-02-02T09:30:53.262-06:00Fermenting (Ideas and Foods)A lot of people are fermenting foods right now. It is great for your health and (apparently) easy to do, once you get the hang of it.<br />
It started with sauerkraut and kimchi, German and Korean fermented cabbage dishes. I have made both and, trust me, homemade is VASTLY superior to store bought!<br />
Recently I have seen way more fermented foods than I thought possible. There are whole <a href="http://www.wildfermentation.com/" target="_blank">web sites </a>and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fermentation-Beginners-Step---Step-Probiotic-ebook/dp/B00H27GE5O/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1454423895&sr=1-3&keywords=fermented+foods" target="_blank">books </a>devoted to it. Carrots, fennel, onions, ginger, apples, you name it, somebody out there is fermenting it!<br />
Some people use vinegar.<br />
Some use a salty brine.(Or just salt)<br />
Some use whey from cheesemaking.<br />
Some use honey.<br />
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Then there is kefir, kombucha, water kefir and fermentation to make natural fizzy sodas.<br />
There is a whole dictionary of terms used by the fermenting crowd.<br />
Here's a short glossary:<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>AAB</strong>: Acetic acid bacteria</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>ABV</strong>: Alcohol by volume, usually calculated as a percentage</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>ACV</strong>: Apple Cider Vinegar</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>BABY</strong>: When a batch of Kombucha grows a new SCOBY it is called a Baby.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>CB</strong>: Continuous Brew. A large crock used to ferment kombucha. Fermented kombucha is drawn off in small amounts through a spigot at the bottom. Fresh sweet tea is then added to the top.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>GBP</strong>: Ginger Beer Plant - a SCOBY that ferments sugary water with ginger.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>GRAINS</strong>: The SCOBYs for kefir and tibicos are called GRAINS due to their granular appearance.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>JUN:</strong> A drink similar to Kombucha, but dominated by bacteria. A SCOBY is used to ferment green tea with honey.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>KEFIR:</strong> A cultured dairy beverage made with kefir grains.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>KOMBUCHA:</strong> A cultured beverage made by fermenting sweet tea with a SCOBY.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>KT:</strong> Kombucha (Tea), also "Buch" or "Booch"</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>LAB(s):</strong> Lactobacillus Bacteria</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>MESOPHILIC:</strong> Cultures that work at room temperature, usually in regards to yogurt.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>MOTHER:</strong> Name for the gelatinous glob that forms in raw vinegar. Also used to describe the SCOBY for Kombucha.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>MK:</strong> Milk Kefir</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>MKG:</strong> Milk Kefir Grains</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>MOV:</strong> Mother of vinegar, a.k.a. mycoderma aceti. It is acetic acid bacteria suspended in cellulose.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>SCOBY:</strong> Acronym for "Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast." Kombucha, Kefir, and Tibicos are cultured using a SCOBY. The SCOBY is comprised mainly of cellulose, with live bacteria and yeasts trapped within its structure.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>THERMOPHILIC:</strong> Cultures that need to be incubated at a warm temperature to function, usually in regards to yogurt.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>TIBICOS:</strong> A cultured beverage made by fermenting sugar water or juice with tibicos grains, also called "water kefir" or "sugar crystals".</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>WK:</strong> Water Kefir</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>WKG:</strong> Water Kefir Grains</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>1F</strong> or 1st Ferment: When you ferment a sweet liquid with SCOBYs it is your first ferment.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>2F</strong> or 2nd Ferment: When you strain the fermented liquid into a bottle, add flavoring, and let it sit until bubbly that is a second ferment. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, I have made my own vinegars, so I know the process. I have made pickles. I have had kefir before, and found it delicious. It is kinda like a thinner yogurt that you drink. Never had Kombucha, but, this morning I have some to try! I found it in the organic section of the store I went to yesterday. It was pricey...2.78 for one 16 oz bottle! So, hang on for a minute while I try a sip....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh yum! That is pretty good! </span></div>
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<div>
That's the one I bought. They had several other flavors, but hey, I love ginger! . It says a serving size is half a bottle, but I will probably only drink a quarter bottle this first time and see how it sits on my stomach for a few hours before drinking the rest.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Fermented foods are supposed to be super healthy for you because of the probiotics they contain.</div>
<div>
Most of us already eat some fermented foods...</div>
<div>
Cheese, yogurt, buttermilk, cultured butter...all fermented foods!</div>
<div>
Sauerkraut and kimchi, fermented foods.</div>
<div>
Here's a list of fermented foods that are pretty darn good and where to buy them, if you don't ferment your own:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/tasty-probiotic-fermented-foods" target="_blank">Prevention Magazine fermented foods list</a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I plan on fermenting my own once I get in my own place. This might be something that could be sold at a local farmers market, too.</div>
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*********************************</div>
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For those of you reading the story i am writing, please be aware I am continuing it. I add a little just about every day. I hope you are enjoying it!</div>
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<a href="http://waitingforplenty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Holly and The Ivy</a></div>
Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-2428142326752910682016-01-28T03:13:00.002-06:002016-01-28T03:13:38.706-06:00Okay...Here is the Start of My Book AnywayAs promised...here is the link to my book. I am in the middle of Chapter 4 (and about to get in some technical stuff but not so technical that it can't be easily understood), but I hope it is enough that you can see where I am going.<br />
I hope you enjoy it.<br />
<a href="http://waitingforplenty.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://waitingforplenty.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
I have noticed that I have lost about 20-25 followers recently. Just out of curiosity, if you are going to leave, leave a comment to let me know why. I won't publish it, and my feelings won't be hurt (unless you insult my wonderful dog!). Just curious.Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-70065369111881273282016-01-27T13:33:00.001-06:002016-01-27T13:33:21.537-06:00And How's the Weather Where You Are?No snow here. Some of my family lives in Virginia and they got hit pretty hard by Winter Storm Jonas. (When did they start naming Winter storms?) Almost all are dug out now, so all is good.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLtQ409k0rI/VqkNrINyIGI/AAAAAAAADa8/T5clkQuhMZ0/s1600/12647645_653837638088304_724862783_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YLtQ409k0rI/VqkNrINyIGI/AAAAAAAADa8/T5clkQuhMZ0/s320/12647645_653837638088304_724862783_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son and grandson enjoying some snow fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We didn't get any snow here, and though it got chilly, it never got what I consider <i><b>cold</b></i>. Of course, cold is a matter of perspective and experience. So, what they consider cold here...I consider "not so bad".<br />
By Friday it will be in the 60s here (or so the weather report says). In the 60s...at the end of January, start of February! Wow. While that may sound pleasant, I think of apple (and other fruit) trees coming into bloom too early and then a later freeze killing the blossoms and therefore the fruit. I have seen it happen before and then seen the corresponding rise in prices in the grocery store. So...keep an eye on that!<br />
***********************<br />
I have applied for some jobs locally. I feel fine and strong and am sure I will be able to work with no problems. The doctor says there should be no problems, too. So...time to get some income coming in!<br />
I plan on going back to NH, so I feel it is prudent if I have a little nest egg.<br />
<br />
I am also doing more paintings in the hope I can sell some of them as well.<br />
Since I am indulging my creative side while here, I also started writing a book. I have been hesitant to share it with my readers, but I think I may be just about ready to unveil it. I will do so tomorrow and post the link on this blog, so watch for it! It is what is called "PAW fiction" (Post-Apocalyptic World). I hope you guys like my work in progress when you get to see it.<br />
***********************<br />
Have been thinking a lot about what kind of farming I am going to do when I get back to NH.<br />
My first consideration is (of course) going to be expense.<br />
I don't think I should shoot too high.<br />
Gardening, of course. And chickens.<br />
Goats may have to wait until I get more established, so, I have been thinking of raising other poultry/fowl.<br />
Geese and ducks.<br />
Right now I am researching the best breeds for the climate, plus the markets that already exist for them and markets that could be developed in the region.<br />
If you haven't had roast duck<br />
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<br />
<br />
Or roast goose<br />
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<br />
<br />
You have REALLY been missing out!<br />
<br />
Not many people in the US include duck or goose in their diets, unless they have an avid hunter in the family.<br />
A lot of it is the expense...if you look in the grocery store, either one is <b><i>wildly</i></b> expensive!<br />
The expense is due to there being a <b>small</b> market, therefore fewer farmers raise them making the ones that do make it to market a rare and precious item. If more farmers raised them, the cost would come down and people would buy more, making them more affordable for everyone.<br />
Try ordering duck at a restaurant (IF they even have it on the menu). WHOA!!! At most places it makes the lobster look cheap! And the only places I have even read about serving goose is *period* type restaurants at Christmas time. (City Tavern in Philadelphia being an example).<br />
So, maybe, there is a niche there that small farmers can fill.<br />
Ducks and geese are not more expensive than chickens to raise and process for meat. Their eggs are just as delicious and, geese eggs, with their thicker shells, can be used in many art projects.<br />
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So...looking at various breeds to see what will suit the climate the best, which are best for meat, which are best for eggs, etc.<br />
The biggest expense will be getting the initial breeding stock or eggs, an incubator and the initial feed to get them started.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WHAT DO YOU MEAN.....EAT MORE GOOSE!?!</td></tr>
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So...doing my research, getting all my ducks in a row, so to speak....<br />
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<br />Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981381083323491763.post-27171600579093147402016-01-23T07:55:00.001-06:002016-01-23T07:55:35.354-06:00Wonderful Things on Youtube For the Homesteader/FarmerI found some marvelous videos on youtube for homesteaders and farmers.<br />
A great series is the Victorian Farm series.<br />
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That is the first episode. If you watch it, it is easy to find the other 5 episodes plus the Christmas episode.<br />
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If you want to go back a bit further, check out the Tudor Monastery Farm Series:<br />
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Besides being fascinating and generally entertaining, both of the series do show practical things that can still be employed today by homesteaders. (Brick dust and vinegar to polish pots and pans? Didn't know you could do that!)<br />
<br />Lambhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04083153173061255844noreply@blogger.com1