The Burnett HomePlace

Seed Catalog Conspiracy

2012-01-24T13:04:00.002-06:00

Have the spring garden catalogs caught your eye? When they arrive, I pore over them for hours checking for old favorites and reading about new varieties. There’s a hidden problem in all this bounty; I think of it as the Great Seed Catalog Conspiracy.

I sit with four catalogs and map my strategy to save money on shipping and handling charges. A gardener can’t find all the seeds they need from one company, so the shipping charges add up as folks seek the perfect seeds for the best garden ever.

The dark green patty pan squash seeds are available solely from Company A. The variety grows best at HomePlace, so I will have them. Who in their right mind wants to pay $4.95 S&H for a $1.95 seed packet? I search through the pages and add three other packages of vegetable seeds. Why not get more? I need a pumpkin variety not carried by Company A.

I want to get seeds for the “thin hulled seed” pumpkins we grew last year. Company B needs $5.95 for shipping on orders up to $9.95. Seed cost: $3.25. I am not paying the larger S&H without getting my money’s worth, so I carefully add extra packets I need to the order, not to exceed the order limit and pay extra charges.

On to search the catalog from Company C; they have seeds for a tomato advertised to “…reach up to six pounds!” How can I pass that up! I probably need to add the book on growing giant tomatoes, too. I could get up to $24.99 in other merchandise for $4.95 shipping, but this company limits it selection, cutting out a lot of things I want.

Catalog D hits the trashcan with a resounding clang! Do I want to shell out $7.50 this year to ship an order no matter how small? I don’t care about the insurance included. I’ve never lost an order in shipping. I’ve been a customer of this company for ten years, but they’ve developed a talent for discontinuing the seeds I like best. Add in the extra cost and I’m severely offended!

I’ve racked up $15.85 in shipping and handling. The penny-pincher hiding in my heart wants to revolt. Why can’t a person order from a single catalog and get what they want? I think seed companies conspire in planning their catalogs just to catch stubborn folk like me.

Good Luck for the New Year

2011-12-28T17:58:00.000-06:00

Grab that grocery cart and let’s head down those aisles! It’s time to get some groceries to ensure a lucky 2012. Considering the year 2011, you may want to eat more than the usual black-eyed peas!

Greens are an excellent choice if you want more money than last year. Greens resemble folding cash, so grab some collard greens or cabbage for a bountiful New Year. Sauerkraut counts, but my husband won’t eat it no matter how much money it may bring. I guess I’ll have to eat his share.

Rolling on, don’t forget some fish. The scales represent coins, and schools of fish indicate abundance. Swimming forward, fish, indicate progress. Some folks with German backgrounds eat herring, the questionable highlight of my childhood New Years Eve. Pickled creamed herring had to be one of the luckiest foods; I felt lucky I could eat just one piece and hold it down. Instead, pass the shrimp, they’re just as lucky and easier to consume.

Fruit is on the list, too. Twelve grapes, one for each stroke of the clock, are eaten in Spain. Each grape represents a month. If you munch down on “February” and it’s bitter, watch out for that month in the coming year. Pomegranates symbolize fertility and abundance in the Mediterranean countries. You are totally responsible for the results if you take the pomegranate home with you!

Want long life? Eat some noodles, but slurp each noodle completely into your mouth before chewing. For the most luck, eat grains like quinoa, barley or rice! Chinese dumplings must be eaten without counting or you’ll face scarcity in the coming year.

Pork is high on our New Year’s list. Pigs are round (for prosperity) and root forward. Avoid chicken or turkey. They scratch backward, and your luck will fly away with their feathers. Besides, who wants to scratch for a living? Bring on the ham and pork roast instead.

Ring shaped cakes represent wholeness and completion of a full year’s cycle. I’m sure doughnuts count for this one. Buy a large assortment to please every member of your family. Whether you serve donuts or a full size bundt cake, you’ll ensure a sweet new year.

Lentils represent coins, as do black-eyed peas. I’ve always thought lentils were more coin-ish in shape than the peas. In Italy, you’ll find lentils in a soup or stew sometimes with sausage for good fortune in the coming year.

Cart full, proceed to the checkout, dish out some folding green, and haul your lucky groceries home. Prepare them with love and hope. Share them with those you love. Good luck and prosperity to you and yours for 2012.

Cleavage wrinkles? Frightening New Aging Problem

2011-09-30T09:58:00.001-05:00

Wrinkles on your face? Saggy skin under your chin? Now there’s another area of concern: cleavage wrinkles. Thanks to the Doctor Oz Show we can know the truth, and seek the cure.

When the segment was announced, I immediately did a quick survey under my T-shirt. Wow! No wrinkles evident, but I waited breathlessly for more information. Just because I have no cleavage wrinkles now, doesn’t mean I might not get some later on. I must know more!

Cleavage marring wrinkles can occur as early as age 40, and are the bane of the average to highly endowed woman. What causes them? Sleeping on your back or sides is the culprit. I sneaked another peek down my shirt to double-check. My penchant for sleeping face down must have paid off!

Before you tuck pillows under your arms and risk possible suffocation sleeping face down, know there’s a simple cure. Wish I could remember what the thing was called; I must be having a senior moment. Let’s call it the “Freedom Organizer”! Dr. Oz picked a volunteer from the audience to model the device.

Violet Volunteer strapped on a bra-like item—without the cups—over her sweater. Snuggled between her “girls”, a small pillow filled the space prone to stretching from sleeping on one’s sides. I imagine the parts encircling her mammaries would discourage slippage when sleeping on the back in most cases. The generously blessed might suffer some slippage, but the extremely endowed could experience a breast-slide sleeping in this lingerie/harness.

Want to save $56.00, fight cleavage wrinkles, and not frighten your bed-mate? Try a sleep bra or jogging bra if you worry over this problem. Frankly I’m a bit old fashioned; after a certain age sporting the cleavage is a dicey proposition at best.

Seriously, I must thank Dr. Oz for his work in the area of women’s health. His entertaining show also offers life-saving information for people of all ages and genders.

The “cleavage” segment of the September 29, 2011, program certainly improved my health. One look at the anti-wrinkle device Violet sported caused a fit of giggles releasing a flood of endorphins into my system. Thank you, Doctor!

Drought Update

2011-09-17T09:41:00.001-05:00

I've stopped counting the days without rain. I think I remember some in early May, but it might have been April.

Oaks are drying, dying and falling. Major fires are burning thousands of Texas acres, and thousands of homes. Happily none of the fires have threatened us so far (knocking on wood).

I'm glad we don't have horses or cows. It's hard enough to keep the gardens alive and take care of the chickens, duck and rabbits. We've lost 8 rabbits since July due to heat. The chickens walk around holding their wings away from their bodies and gaping their beaks to try to cool off. One day they looked so desperate, I sprayed them down with the water hose.

Art and Matthew processed 7 rabbits this week. Trying to get the feed bill down. The cheapest rabbit food is over $10 for 50 pounds, which maybe feeds them a week. There's precious little weeds and fresh grass to harvest and feed. Chicken feed has doubled in price. They get so excited when I give them a few chard leaves from the garden, then look accusingly at me when it's gone. Hay prices have doubled, too. We'll need some for winter and nest boxes in the fall.

The weather has cooled to stretches of days in the mere 90's. It feels almost cool to me. There's been thunder, but only a breif spit of rain, not enough to register in the rain gauge. Not enough to dampen anything.

Please, send us rain.

2011-08-19T10:54:00.000-05:00

You’ve got to admire a 71 year old man who traveled alone across all 254 counties in Texas riding a Harley Road King. More amazing, he completed this ride between stints of contract work. He began his feat in 2009 and finished with Milam County on August 17, 2011, this past Wednesday. My son met J.D. Massingill taking a break on the roadside, and brought him to our farm in Falls County for a cool drink and a little AC while he talked about his journey.

Mr. Massingill has been to Marlin and Falls County before. From 1970 to 1980 he worked for Tom’s Snacks in Waco, and Marlin was a regular part of his route. The day we met him, he was traveling through Falls County headed to his home in Farmer’s Branch, Texas.

He was traveling to a motorcycle rally in Daytona, when the rain on his route changed his mind. He decided to see places he’d never seen before, and make his ride across Texas. He used a1997 Road King Police bike to begin his Texas ride, and finished with a gleaming 2006 Harley of the same model.

A road map was his constant companion, but not always his friend. A few times when he referred to the map, found he’d missed a county and had to backtrack. Once in the panhandle he had to ride back 150 miles to catch a county he missed. After he returned from a stint on the road, he’d color in the counties he’d completed on a map posted on his wall. One of his best days was 400 miles and 28 counties, a lot to shade in!

J.D. mentioned riding through all of the United States in 2007, spending the nights in a sleeping bag at campsites along the way. On this Texas trip he used motel rooms for the night for their amenities. He especially enjoyed the air conditioning after a day of riding in heavy clothes and helmet in our record breaking heat. He liked riding alone because he’s a slow starter in the mornings and needed his coffee. A quick tidy-up of his room competed, he’d be off on his bike again.

Before he left, I asked him what was next; he thought he might travel all the counties of New Mexico or maybe Oklahoma. When I wished him “Happy Trails!” his face split into a wide grin. Obviously he’s a man who enjoys cruising the road on his Harley.

The Summer of Jars -- Emergency Prepardness

2011-08-09T09:15:00.000-05:00

Found some old Mason jars in storage along with some attractive antique food jars. Back in the day the manufacturers went the extra mile to decorate the glass jars containing food. Today's jars, not so much.

As matter of fact, there seems to be another problem with today's canning jars -- they seem to be a bit smaller than the old ones. The canning recipes don't quite fit the jars. The jar dinner recipes have required a bit of tamping down to fit.

Recipes from the "jar" cookie book have not fit in all cases. Especially the chocolate chocolate chip one. Layering in the ingredients, by the time I got to the chips, there was no room at all left in the jar. Good recipe, but problematical. I'll need to find some slightly-larger-than-a-quart jars.
*** *** ***
Ordered more freeze dried veggies from Honeyville Farms. Friend Maggie has gone in on the order, too. This time I'm trying the potato slices, she's trying the mixed vege, and we're splitting mushrooms and dried onions. These products are so good I use them as additions to everyday cooking out here in the boonies, when I run out of something. Next month I plan on getting the peas and carrots, and maybe the tomato powder.
**** **** ****

Drought continues unabated; the weeds even crunch under my feet. 58 days of 100+ weather, 36 days in a row. Did manage to pick a watermelon the deer didn't get to first. It was slightly underripe, but good. Leaving out water for wild birds, thinking about leaving some out for deer, too.

Please, let it rain.

If You're Having Trouble Commenting Here...

2011-07-27T19:08:00.000-05:00

Several people have complained they can't comment here. If you're having trouble, would you please e-mail me? I need to get a picture of what might be wrong.

Thanks,
Helene

More Emergency Prepapedeness Info

2011-07-26T16:47:00.000-05:00

A quick critique of my Honeyville Farms freeze dried vegetables order:
The mushrooms are excellent. I'll definitely get more. I use them in everyday cooking, too.
Potato dices are the best value for your money in terms of the weight of the #10 can. The dices are very small, like hash browns. Good for soups, breakfast, or casserole toppings. I'll try the slices next time to put in casseroles instead.
Celery and chopped green onions are great in jar dinners and everyday cooking. Lots and lots of onions in a quantity that will probably last forever!
*** *** ***
Sweating over a hot stove canning for the EP Pantry:

Pickled jalapenos, both red and green 2 pts.
Large sliced hamburger dill pickles 3 pts.
Mixed veggies-- okra, zucchini, and a few cucumbers 1 pt.

Okra-- tasty and pretty, too

Fighting the grasshoppers for veggies during this drought has affected the yield in the garden, so I'm doing small batches. The okra is still too slow producing to do full jars, so I did a mix just to get some okra pickled.

I've learned to keep extra veggies nearby when pickling. I ran short of cucumbers and had to go back to the garden in the middle of packing the jars to get more. Good thing the pickling process is more forgiving than making jam or jellies. The whole house smelled like pickles for six hours. Good thing I like pickles. Sadly, Hubby doesn't like them.

Emergency Prep. Recipes--cont'd

2011-07-17T15:04:00.000-05:00

Whether your emergency is a collapsing economy, your spouse's boss coming to dinner, or an overfilled day of errands , it pays to be prepared!

We've eaten some of the prepared emergency dinners on our shelf this summer, and I'm working on modifications of some of the recipes. Some were just too salty! I've branched out to modifying regular recipes for on-the-shelf storage. Here's my latest venture into Mexican cuisine in a jar:

Quick Chi-Rab Mole
(if you're new here, this means recipe works with chicken or rabbit)

My recope looks redder due to tomato sauce

Combine in a small baggie:

2 TBL. dried onion flakes
1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. oregano
2 tsp. cocoa powder
2 tsp. garlic powder

Layer in Jar:
1 cup uncooked rice
1-8oz. can tomato sauce
1-4 1/2 oz can diced green chilis
spice bag above
Close and label jar with name and directions

Additional ingredients needed: 2 TBL peanut butter
                                          2 c. water
Directions:

Combine spices with tomato sauce, peanut butter and green chilis.
Stir in 1 # shredded cooked chicken or rabbit. Simmer on stove top 20-30 minutes. Prepare rice with 2 cups water.

Serve mole over rice.

Optional:
* add 1can black beans to mole mixture before simmering
                            or
* serve in tortillas instead of over rice

                        ***             ***               ***
I ordered dried bulk food from Honeyville Farms this month and am very pleased. Their shipping and handling fee is only $4.99, no matter how much you buy, and the order arrived in four days!

"So long, Ready Store!"

Post Garage Sale

2011-07-16T17:05:00.001-05:00

I think I've finally recovered from last weekend's garage sale. All that beautiful folding green certainly helped. Made a few good trades, too! Got an air popper for a rice steamer, and a 6' tall shelf for a handmade quilted Christmas wreath.

Mornings were tolerable, but afternoons of 102 to 104F were a bit much. Drank so much water I thought my eyes would swim. Art went on a lunch run every day to Subway, so lunch was easy.

Not our hoard, just an example!

You'd all be so proud of Art and I. We sent most of the remaining "stuff" to a hospice resale shop. Thanks to our new friend Maggie D for taking that load there for us.

No more sorting through shipping containers until October when we prepare for the next garage sale. For now afternoons will find me inside under the zephyr breezes of the AC!

Scuttling Across the Desk...

2011-07-06T18:00:00.000-05:00

Minding my own business, pricing things online for the upcoming garage sale, I threw myself violently away from the keyboard this morning.

I found myself facing a bark scorpion heading for the mouse pad. I've been stung before and didn't want a repeat. Burning pain for hours, and nothing seems to help.

Yesterday I'd been congratulating myself at the lack of scorpions finding their way into the house. See if I do that again!

Art jumped up and dispatched it with the butt end of the 9 volt flashlight. "Crunch-Squish" and it was done!

I think the senior indoor cat was miffed; he loves those hot and spicy snacks. Usually he finds them, eats them, and spends a day or two with a swollen muzzle. I never understood his fascination with the nasty creatures. Maybe it's the challenge?

As for me? Crush-Kill-Destroy! Better yet, leave the scene and have someone else take care of it.

New Cultural Experience

2011-07-02T20:55:00.000-05:00

It's a wonder I've made it to 61 and never participated in a garage sale. I'll fix that this coming weekend. Maggie is holding one and Art and I are helping.

Today we spent two hours sorting through barely half of the 20' shipping container near the driveway. Amazing how many treasures we've accumulated since 1990 together, and on our own before we met. Finally able to let some of that stuff go. Making room to store things actually on the shelves! The extra cash will be welcome.
*** *** ***

I am pleasantly surprised how quickly the Texas Dept. of Transportation sent me a replacement title for my old Ford Festiva. I sent off all the required papers less than a week ago!

A good servant, that car. I drove it until it died, we graffiti'ed it, then shot it up at the "Cops and Robbers" shooting workshop we held more than a year ago. It taught writers not to hide their characters behind a car and hope they'll be safe. We'll take it across the scales at the recycling plant for cash. I hope its next incarnation is a happy one.

Still trying to get rid of the remains of the Buick Skylark. It's door-less, hoodless and trunkless. those parts have already gone across the scale. Impossible to get the title on it straightened out; I'm sure it was headed to Mexico before we bought it. "Title, Senor? We don't need a title!"

Never buy a car when you're desperate, is my advice. Too bad I can't follow it. Skylark gave up the ghost 18 months after we bought it. It's been sitting in the woods, awaiting the final recycling. How to get it in smaller pieces is the question. Hmmmmm....

What's Good About a Drought?/ Updates

2011-06-29T11:30:00.000-05:00

I asked myself this question as I slathered on sunblock, preparing to do chores outside. I looked at the can of "Off" and it flashed into my mind. What's good? Fewer MOSQUITOES! I don't have to spray myself with bug-spray!

Mosquitoes adore my taste, and flock to me. Some bug sprays are simply a condiment to improve my taste! They ignore my hubby, Art, and circle me singing their keening song.

They used to lurk in the shade under the oaks, in clumps of grass, and laid eggs in any available water to propagate. Easy to keep water dumped out of potential nurseries this year.

The bites itched, the possibility of encephalitis or West Nile disease was unnerving. I do my chores faster without crazy-woman mosquito swatting breaks. A definite plus in this blistering heat.

*** *** ***
Updates:

Rabbit herd down to 37-- meat in freezer

Pears ripened two months early, only the size of ping pong balls or a few like tennis balls.

Grasshoppers eating everything in sight -- even the jalapenos!

I'm writing a column for a local paper. Have done three so far.

Saw "Green Lantern" and enjoyed it. Waiting for sequel; you know it's coming!

Enjoying Janet Evanovich's "Smokin' Seventeen" on audio book. I always enjoy a giggle at the antics of Stephanie, Lula, and my favorite: Grandma Mazur! My sister finished the print version in one day.

Feeling cheerful. More than enough to do to keep busy. Life's good.

Deeply Sad -- Poor Bunny

2011-06-12T18:49:00.000-05:00

Lost another rabbit to the heat today. Now a total of four have died, even though they get their water checked twice a day and ice bottles in the afternoon to cosy up to.

This purebred doe was one I'd hoped to keep to breed the next season. Stupid early hot weather gave us 100F again today. This should be July weather, not June.

The rabbit I found down a few days ago nearly broke my heart. Its siblings were licking it and nudging it to get it to get up. He was cold and stiff, but they kept trying.

So many terrible things happening in the world, and I'm depressed over rabbits dying. I handled the first two fairly well, but these last two have shaken me up more than I expected. Maybe I need a reality check.

Why Couldn't I Post?

2011-06-02T17:43:00.000-05:00

Today I'll share a rant with you. Two weeks I've spent trying to get signed in to my blog or comment on other folks' blogs.

When I abandoned aol, and tried to sign in using Internet Explorer, it was mere seconds until I was signed in and blogging. To my readers, apologies.

Does anyone know what's been going on? The Blogger help section is full of complaints starting in May about not being able to access blogs.

Afternoon at the Tractor Pull -- May 14, 2011 Bremond, TX

2011-05-14T23:35:00.001-05:00

Tractor "track" in -- digital display for length of the pull

Kudos to the Brazos Valley Antique Tractor and Engine Club; I had a most entertaining afternoon at their first event. This is the first tractor pull I've ever attended.

The track was finished early this morning and was regularly maintained throughout the day.

Hitch up to the sled, and make your run!

We have a 1945 Farm-All H, so I'm partial to Farm-Alls. Many different sizes and shapes, but all International Red.

When the front wheels go up, life gets interesting

Best to keep wheels on the ground

.

I remember seeing Minneapolis-Molines when I lived in Wisconsin. Usually they smoke a lot more when running hard.

Tractors and drivers vary in size, tractors organised by weight class

Art admires Hot Rod tractor which uses dragster fuel

The Hot Rods are amazing tractors -- loud as their namesakes, powerful pullers, and fast, too. Top speed today was 19 mph, which looks a lot faster in person.

6000 class tractor and another Hot Rod Tractor

Santa drives a Hot Rod in May

Suddenly "Here Comes Santa Claus" blasted out over the speakers. Santa hitched
up to the sled, shook his hands out at arms length and settled into his seat to the roars of the crowd. What a great a great run! He fairly flew!

Deafening! Poor kiddo! I was holding my ears, too!

Nothing like the smell of diesel fuel in the afternoon!

Activities for the kids, booths with souveniers, loads of booths with barbecue and other Texas treats, a silent auction, some great emcees, and beautiful weather made the day a pleasure.

By the way, did you know there are Country Western songs about tractors?

Progress in Preparedness

2011-05-08T20:18:00.003-05:00

Apologies for the time lapse, but sometimes life just happens, you know?

Gardens now blooming and setting veggies. I watch them grow daily, chanting " I will not pick yet. I will not pick yet." Those baby squash are looking mighty tasty!

The little green peppers are whispering my name. I must not pick yet!

Scarlet Emperor runner beans are Italian type green beans

Pretty blossoms, but no beans yet.

The drought has seriously affected the dewberries that survived the herbicide applied by the electric company. We'll probably get a handful of berries this year compared to the bounty last year. Have to start watering the pear trees before the fruit drops off.

Last year's dewberry jam burbling away

I have canning jars waiting to fill with jams and preserves for those emergency shelves. Bought 32 pounds of strawberries to take up some of the slack left by the dewberries. Hubby and I are starting jam production tomorrow.

Things are so dry I'm finding it hard find wild green feed to cut for the rabbits. Have to plant more swiss chard to make up the diffference. Fifty rabbits can eat a LOT of rabbit food-- more than a pound an animal per week with small amounts of greens and handsfulls of hay to supplement. Today two disappointing does will go to the freezer, but none of the younger ones are big enough to process yet. The next group needs another month of growth to qualify as fryers.

Art's been feeding bunny poo to the wild grape vines we're culturing. They've taken off hugely with the extra food and water. We'll actually get some grapes this year.

He visits the fig trees with buckets of poo and water,too. If he isnt tired enough after that, he hauls compost, and scoops it out into the new raised beds.After that, strewing rabbit poo around established plants gives them a boost in growth and productivity. Bunny poo is nature's time release fertilizer, but he also mixes it into buckets of water for bunny poo tea to water with. 50 bunnies make a lot of poo! Therefore Art makes lots of compost, too.

Hangman and brother-in-Law, Dan,brought another load of dirt. I kid him that it'll take forever if he is going to move his family up here one cubic yard at a time. He'd offered me a choice of dirt or another dead fridgie -- so hard to choose! Two of the fridgies at the shooting range moved up to the garden line-up, so the load of dirt won. A pair of young breeding rabbits left with Dan to form the foundation of his rabbit empire. Two less for us to feed, and cash to buy more rabbit chow.

Matthew and Hangman installed a water meter (found by Mr. H.) for the spigot leading to the gardens and the animal area. Now we have an accurate measure of the water --for farm use only-- to take off on our taxes.

Self sufficiency on the increase,gardens going, canning season beginning, good friends got our back, family pitching in: life is good. Hate to be greedy, but how about some more rain? Please?

WWII Motto / Raised Bed Gardening Through Recycling

2011-04-18T14:22:00.000-05:00

"Eat it up and wear it out. Make it do or do without."

I make things do in other ways when I can. Recycling in the garden works for me! It also helps with my "the ground has gotten really far away" problems. I cant "do without" raised beds. I just can't garden at ground level very effectively on crutches (can't get down there, or especially back up!), but I've learned there's a way around just about every problem.

Raised Garden Beds a la Recycle

Take an old refrigerator or freezer, remove the door, puncture or shoot holes in the back, remove any spare parts and drag by truck or tractor next to a fence or the area of your choosing. Add rocks or fill to the bottom 1/3 and top off with the best soil and compost you can get.

Add some transplants or seed with veggies you 'll eat. The squash transplants in the fridge behind this one looked great last year, and produced well. Everything is a little less waist height and easy to plant and care for.

Seeds finally germinate; waiting patiently is tough. Plants can be trained up a nearby fence when they're ready.

I realize you can sell some fridges/ freezers at scrap yards, but this is just too handy.

Folks have started bringing me their old "coolerators", so the garden expands.

Three more gardens are down at the shooting range being aerated for drainage. I need to paint the outsides with Rust-O-Leum this year, but I'd like to enclose the lines with fence pickets for a rustic look, eventually.

If someone gives you an old truck tire, that works also. A saws-all rids the tire of some of the sidewall for more planting space. This puppy's so big I can lean my backside against it for a rest. I cant treally reach across it, either. Follow the same directions for filling a fridgie-planter.

I'm thinking of covering the tire this summer with some white cloth to bounce the sun back and keep the tire cooler. During the winter, the black color soaks in sunlight and warms the plants within.

I love it when recycling makes my life easier. I love gardening and don't want to give it up.

Reclaiming Old Gardens and Other Projects

2011-04-14T14:53:00.000-05:00

Years ago they were poultry pens, then changed to gardens, then ignored for two years. Everything beige and twig-like are the skeletons of Roosevelt weeds. AKA poverty weed. They grow where ground is disturbed and left to its own devices. The pile is the first one we cleared out of gardens B and C. More have been pulled and stacked as we reclaim these spaces.

One view of garden C

Matthew had built raised beds a long time ago, since the ground and I are not on speaking terms. Pulled the Roosevelt out, and will do grass and small weeds next.
Seedlings of squash need clear space soon to spread out and produce.

Opposite end of garden C

Paper shreds from Hangman's family and Maggie's old papers collection form a clean space to walk while choking out most weeds. Barely visible is my "settin' stool" at the upper left edge of the garden. More grass to pull, but rabbits enjoy it.

View of south fence of garden B

Not all bad news, though. This wild grapevine trained itself on the fence, and is sporting tiny grapes already. Art rewarded it with a few shovels of "bunny poo", our favorite time release fertilizer.
There's another started on the north wall of garden C, too!

Garden B nearly cleaned out and ready to go.

With our all purpose vehicle, the M-37 (Dodge), Art hauls buckets of compost from the rabbit and poultry area near the house to these back gardens to enrich the soil. Once dumped he smooths the rich blackness in place or fills holes he's dug previously.

Once done, he boards the M-37 and rumbles back to the critter area to plant fig trees (thanks, Hangman) near the old goat pasture. Meanwhile I'm planting okra , watermelon, and cucumber seedlings in another garden area, across from the tractor shed. It contains some lovely recycled raised beds, a topic for the next blog.

I've re-discovered my favorite quotation from WWII in an issue of Reminiscence Magazine that applies to these raised beds. It's a thought very much on my mind as I watch our economy. Preparedness is a garden, no matter how odd.

Cheap Cologne Saves Bunny

2011-04-10T17:55:00.002-05:00

Under the bathroom sink, an old bottle of men's cologne lurked for more than ten years. I meant to throw it out but never did. It finally got some use Thursday morning.

One of the does delivered a litter of 6, but they were dead when I found them except for one little runty bunny. Scaredy Kat had chewed on one (yes, gross, but sometimes happens). I didn't want to leave the live one, considering the mood Scaredy was in,but I didn't want to bottle feed a newborn bunny. Or collect rabbit night dung, dilute and feed with milk, to ensure the baby got the correct enzymes. GACK! Don't forget stimulating elimination, too!

Specs and her combined litter

I remembered something about fostering babies with another doe. Specs had delivered the day before, and had room for another. I needed some Mentholatum, Vicks, or something smelly to block her sense of smell until the fosterling picked up the smells of her nest and kits. Couldn't find anything smelly until I thought of that awful cologne. I snatched it up and went back out.

Usually Specs is glad to see me. After the first short burst of spray on her back she flinched, and her nose twitched. Thinking she might need more smell, I gave her another three bursts: between her ears, on her forehead, and on the area just above the nose. Whew! She began wildly scrubbing her face with her paws. I added another spritz or the top of her nest box. If she smelled the other doe on the foster baby it was a goner.

It's possible I might have used a bit too much cologne. I was feeling a little queasy from the smell, and I wasn't even wearing it. Poor Specs! She scrubbed her face intermittently for hours.

White fosterling with new litter-3days old

It worked, though. She's been nursing the foster kit, who is fat and squirmy along with the rest of Spec's litter. Going to get some Mentholatum for the vet box next time we go to town. I'll put the cologne back under the sink. You never know ....

* * *
Sorry for the lapse in posts. Stayed with Maggie during the first round of the TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) so I could administer small group testing at the school without driving back and forth most of the week. Thanks for the hospitality, Maggie! The truck engine is being rebuilt. Why do we need to have the engine boiled? It's always something, isn't it?

Spring with Bear-Dog

2011-04-03T09:52:00.000-05:00

Go walkies, Mom?

Bear is the organic early warning system around the HomePlace. He's the most stubborn dog we've ever had; I think there's some Blue Heeler in there, certainly some Rottweiler. However, he redeems himself daily; nothing goes on without his notice, and subsequent warning.

He's an enthusiastic companion whether gardening or walking. Just look at him grin! His stubby tail wags so hard, his entire butt shakes side to side.

With him, I'm secure against skunks, strangers, and trains. Trains??? Bear hates the trains that rumble along a mile away. He barks until the train sound wanes in the distance. As far as I know, he's never seen a train, but his past is a mystery. We adopted him from a shelter, who got him from another shelter as a pup.

Bear takes time to smell the flowers

I can excuse his irrational behavior about trains though. He saved me from a skunk last fall by growling and staring. I also excuse him when he steals and chews my garden gloves, or helps me dig. The Tree Killers hired by the electric company don't stand a chance of sneaking around unnoticed, trimming the fruit trees in the right of way.

I am such a softy for critters to begin with, regardless of their uses. Sometimes despite their behavior.

Slowly strutting temptation for Bear

He has a running feud with Antonio Banty-Deras. Antonio taunts him by clucking and screeching, then running. Bear gives chase and gets yelled at for chasing that brazen rooster. Bear ducks in false embarrassment, and waits until nobody's looking to stalk Antonio. Antonio explodes in shrieks and tears off around the feeding area, Bear's in pursuit, and in trouble again! I know Antonio is laughing at Bear. Frankly, I'm laughing, too. He just can't resist the lure of Antonio's ruckus.

Bear's the best present I ever got Art, at least in my opinion.

Muscovy Ducks Legal Again

2011-03-30T10:22:00.001-05:00

Fish and Wildlife had an idea one fine day. Make ownership of Muscovy ducks illegal. Starting tomorrow, they are once again legal to own. What on earth happened?

Yep, they're one ugly duck!

Muscovy ducks compete effectively for resources, and tend to overwhelm other species. If they mate with any other breeds of ducks, the offspring are sterile, like mules. While they are not native to the US, they have migrated up from central America and South America, which technically puts them under the control of the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Not so good for the ducks, or the farmers who raise them.

You'll see them in parks, by the water, but swimming is not necessary to their well being. Basically F&W targeted them for extermination, allowing people to shoot them on sight. Farmers who raised them needed to get rid of them.Thankfully no more problems with keeping them starting Thursday.

Why keep Muscovies? Economically they're a good meat producer, and less fatty than regular ducks. A drake Muscovy can weigh in at 14# or more. Once they reach maximum weight, they usually can't fly away. We trim wings anyway. Females weigh amazingly less, about seven pounds, but can set three clutches of eggs a year.

Babies are cute, though.

Females, however, can and do fly. In the wild, they nest in trees. They need to be confined for their own safety and that of their ducklings.

Muscovies don't require a pool, though they love them. The ducklings can actually drown if in water too long (no oils in their feathers). Your duck pen will be far less messy and aromatic without a pool. Just a deep bucket to let them clear their nostrils regularly is needed.

They are efficient foragers. One of our females saw us discover a nest of pinkie mice in an open shed. She sped up to the nest and gobbled down the entire litter, and looked for more. Bugs disappear, and small snakes, mice, and reptiles, too.

They're interesting ( males hiss; females coo) and thrifty to keep. Muscovies are a dream to process, because they lack the heavy oils in other duck feathers. Plucking is so much faster and easier.

Lastly, they have the most personality of any duck breed. When I left early from work one of our girls would open a bleary eye at me, glare with raised crest, then subside back to sleep. I felt obligated to aplogise for my intrusion on the way to the car.

I understand the responsibility involved in keeping Muscovies from escaping. We've kept ours confined to protect them from predators, actually.

I deplore those folks who get them as cute Easter babies, and let them go at the park when they discover Darling Duckling becomes large and sometimes agressive. Call a local farmer instead.

I was happy to participate in the online petition program to reinstate Muscovies as a legally kept bird. F&W was surprised how many folks keep them as meat birds. Have a place you can keep ducks? Get some Muscovies and celebrate the modification (repeal) of a regulation passed by folks with only part of their information lined up. Thanks to F&W for listening to farmers and folks and recinding the section of the regulation that had kept an excellent meat producer off our tables.

Ugly to look at, personality plus, and tasty on the table; Muscovy ducks are another source of meat in troubled times.

With a Little Help... (More Emergency Prep)

2011-03-24T10:11:00.002-05:00

The Joe Cocker version of "With a Little Help from My Friends" is playing in my head as my song of the day. Why? Hangman and family visited last weekend and he brought my traditional birthday gift and more. What was it?

Bagged and brown, it's manure! 1000 pounds of gardening richness, in bags. That man knows what to buy a woman who gardens, all right! More and better homegrown produce to can!

Not only that, but he brought the Ball Blue Book, two flats of canning jars, canning spices and mixes, and a set of canning tools! He says it's my birthday, Christmas, and all the other gifts of the year, and probably next year, too. Thanks, Hangman! I've already used a flat of the jars to bring my total of Jarred Dinners to 80!

With the pressure canner ready to go, I really needed a new jar lifter. Mine is probably antique, it falls apart when I try to use it unless I bend it first. Imagine the accidents in a canning kitchen with an undependable lifter. I shiver as I imagine the sound of breaking jars.

From the Blue Book I've learned rabbit meat can be canned with bones in. I wasn't looking forward to boning all that rabbit meat first. There's some delicious recipes for stews, and main dishes to try, and veggie recipes too.

I think I'd better re-organise my pantry soon. When I complete the Jarred Dinners one shelving unit will be full. I need another unit to hold the pressure canned items I'm planning, so it looks like a spell of carpentry looms on the horizon.
* * *
Can't get to the dehydrator yet. It's behind the insulation pile in the Hut.
Seedlings fill the porch kitchen counters waiting for us to finish one of the back gardens. Weeding has taken three days, and we're making hay of some of the wild grass we're pulling up. Rabbits seem to like it.

Presto! It's a Canner! (Emergency Prep)

2011-03-24T09:44:00.001-05:00

I found one! I found one! Why so excited? I didn't realize how much of a challenge finding a pressure canner would be. Finally tracked one down at Parker-Astin Hardware in Bryan, TX.

Remember the "oldtime" hardware stores? P-A has tools, fasteners, garden equipment, household goods, automotive and more. Visiting there is like a trip to my past: bins of hardware, not just the pre-boxed stuff. They have the weird stuff that I need, in stock, such as the spring scale we use to weigh the rabbits.

At any rate, they had one Presto pressure canner (holds 7 qts.) which they graciously held for me until I could get to town to collect it. "Presto" sits in its box on the porch, gleaming, waiting for the produce to come.

Visions of home processed stews and chili dance in my head. Lean ground beef and home grown rabbit to put up in shining jars as soon as these buns reach proper size. The home canned bacon recipe lurks in my collection, waiting for me to collect the supplies I need.

I'm cheered to view my shelves of "Dinners in Jars" ( 60 and still working on more) , but the pressure canned meals will be true luxury. Guess my next purchase will be the newest Ball Blue Book, the authority on putting up food. Safety first when canning low acid foods like veggies and meat is critical. Botulism is deadly.

The emergency preparedness program at HomePlace enters a new phase.

* * *
Order from the Ready store arrived 3/14/11 -- back to making up "jarred" dinners.

Pear trees are blooming, dewberries greening up, seeds planted, seedlings transplanted, and weeding old overgrown gardens continues. Spring is here regardless of the calendar. Thirty-five rabbit babies and counting. Four more does due at month's end. P

Venison (harvested here) for dinner 3/17, to share with Hangman, the Mrs. and son, who'll visit for the weekend. Gotta go junk out "the Hut", my office and guest house to make room. Can't have folks tripping over my excess of "stuff" trying to get to bed. I need to tame my office and craft stuff anyway.

Emergency Prep -- Finding Dried Foods

2011-03-13T12:17:00.000-05:00

Taking a break from filling jars to hunt down more supplies. Somewhere in our mega storage units is a dehydrator. I need to find it ASAP!!!
Ruth's hint to try King Arthur Flour company for cheese powder was a good one -- Thanks!

Went on an interesting shopping trip this past week. Looking for plant seedlings I was surprised to note the diminished supplies of same. Wal-Mart had fewer in number total, fewer varieties, and some of my favorites from years past were missing. Talked to the clerk in the gardening area. She said, " This is what we have left from the order we got this morning. We don't know when we'll be getting more." I noticed the Jubilee watermelon plants were just the seed leaves that first emerge, no true leaves at all; I took several home to nurture until large enough to plant.

Lowe's plants were outside as usual, but several were stressed/scalded from the sun. Lots of tomato plants (no cherry tomatoes), but again the number of varieties were more limited than last year. Even fewer types of peppers, both sweet and hot. The cole crops looked a little "peak-ed" and gangly from lack of light. Strawberry plants were outrageous in price.

In both locations, six packs have downsized to four packs. If you plan on planting any commercial seedlings, go get them now. What I can't get as plants I'll start seeds for.Too bad the greenhouse burned two years ago. I really miss it. Lots of people are buying plants and starting gardens this year. Don't be disappointed!

Brazos Valley Natural Foods stocked the "Red" lentils I wanted. The green ones and brown ones readily available were ugly! If we're eating emergency supplies, they should look appetizing, yes? Dried vegetable flakes were on sale -- $1 off per bag. They also had celery flakes and green bell pepper flakes in bulk so I could try out a small amount. In a hurry at the time, I need to go back and see what else they have available to try.

The Ready Store order hasn't come yet (3-6-11). I know they said there was a delay, but I'm trying to work out a shepherd's pie jar dinner, and getting impatient. I may try ordering elsewhere. Art loves shepherd's pie!

Found complete Potato Buds at Sam's, along with bulk rice, macaroni, coffee creamer, dried mushrooms, and large containers of spices.

Hangman sent me a link for a spice company he knows : http://www.zachspice.com/ They sell spices at many Gander Mountain stores, HEB's and a variety of locations in Texas, as well as an online store. Since Hangman is a fine cook, I'd take his tip and try out some of these products.

Price Increase/ Shipping Delays :Talked to the Preparedness Plus store, and found that prices for dried foodstuffs will be going up later this week. They have a 3 week shipping delay similar to the Ready Store. Honeyville Farms claims no delays in general, but some items may be back ordered.

My order from Ready store shipped out Thursday, but haven't seen it yet (3-13-11).
Used up all the Jars Art saved. I'll ask friends to save some and get some real canning jars, too. Now I'm buying regular products based on the shape of the jar. Art is still chuckling about the jars he would save, and I would complain about.

Emergency Preparedness -- 2 Liter Bottles

2011-03-06T10:42:00.001-06:00

As the 2 liter bottles from Diet Coke piled up around us, we recycled them, but came to the conclusion they could become part of our Emergency Plan. Here's a few uses:

Buns cooling off

Fill rinsed 2 liter bottles with drinking water, leave some headspace, and freeze them. They keep the freezers here filled when space is open and help keep things frozen when the power goes out. Then we can use the generator less. Thaw a few when you're thirsty for a cold drink. Tuck a few into an ice chest to keep foods that need refrigeration cool. Use them to ice injuries or as a cold pack to treat folks who are sensitive to heat.

Build a water filter. Warning: You must still treat the water with bleach or purification tablets. Cut the bottom of the bottle off, lay some cheesecloth inside over the neck, tuck in a layer of cotton fluff, a layer of sand, and a layer of gravel. Run muddy water through the filter to remove gross imputities, then treat cleared water with chemicals before drinking.

Cut the bottoms off some more 2 liters, rubber band some screen or loosely woven fabric over the neck, and place over tender seedlings as a mini-greenhouse when cold snaps threaten. Fill several with water and place them in a ring around tender plants and you've got something similar to the Wall o' Water at zero dollars.

In a pinch, the bottles can be used for dry storage of rice, lentils, beans,etc. Not as good as glass, but usable. Use a bottle cut in half and use as a large funnel, too!

What uses have you found for 2 liter bottles?
* * *

One day old palimino pinkie rabbits

Rabbit Maternity Report:

Silver (grey Lop) - 7 born March 1 (1st litter)
Brown-Eyed Susan (Palomino) 9 born March 1 (2nd litter, 1st to survive)
Bonnie (Black) - 7 Feb. 28 ( dependable momma)
Specs (Broken coat pattern) nothing...Think this round is a "dud"
Joyce - (grade Californian) due March 12

Weaned the first three litters of this year (Born end of January) last week. Looks like we'll need more cages soon...Art??? Cut some wire? My hands get tired way too quickly, so I assemble cages after Art cuts the panels. The herd is over 50 again, and three more does are ready to re-breed.

Emergency Preparedness --Revised-The Food that Never Spoils

2011-02-28T11:02:00.002-06:00

Honey never spoils. It may crystallize, but as long as it's pure honey, it's safe.

Grocery store honey is better than none, but go "a-field" for your honey. Local producers will appreciate your business, and their honey contains substances native to your area that may help treat allergies.

Maybe you'll be lucky enough to find a keeper that doesn't use commercial frames with cells already in place. You can get beeswax then. There is something special about the hand-dipped beeswax candles Art makes. The color is a lovely gold, and the fragrance is heavenly.

Back to honey.... and sore throats. The old fashioned brew of hot lemonade with honey is soothing, and has anti-bacterial effects as it bathes your throat. Some folks like to add a bit of something "special" to kick up the effects. Whiskey is another kind of painkiller altogether. The non-alcoholic variety is good for kids past 18 months old. Never give honey to kids younger than 18 months old; it can cause infant botulism!

In a pinch I've treated chickens sick with upper respiratory problems with honey and lemon. On a Sunday when my supply of Terracycline in the vet box was used up I figured it was better than nothing. It held them over until the feed store opened Monday morning.

*Cruising the bookstore yesterday (3-2-11) I ran across an article in the February Acres USA magazine "Healing With Honey"by Nathaniel Altman. He discusses the use of honey to treat MRSA infections. Apparently the results are amazing. This excellent article is well worth reading for other medicinal uses of honey, too.

Try making jam with honey; the flavor is phenominal in pear preserves. Just remember to use sugar free pectin. It contains instructions for using honey, which may not jell using regular pectin.
* * *
Received my copy of Dinner Is In the Jar through Amazon.com. I shouldn't have been so stubborn about ordering it. It's well worth the money. The recipes are yummy, and the author gives instructions on making your own mylar food storage bags using a scissors and iron. Jars can be expensive unless youre married to a jar collector. Thanks, Art!

Shocked at the price of freeze dried meat, my next project is to can meat. First I need a new pressure canner. I'm sorry I sold mine ten years ago. I even found directions for home canning bacon!

Emergency Preparedness-- The "Outa-Backa"

2011-02-24T18:43:00.001-06:00

We had one when we replaced the plumbing and put in a septic tank (when we first moved to the HomePlace). Living outside the city limits, there were no regulations against one. Sanitation during an emergency is vital for your health and the health of those you protect and provide for.

Ours was located down a path through the woods at the edge of the back pasture, far enough away from the house to avoid nuisances like bugs and smells. It had a transparent moon roof at first. You could look up at the remarkable skyfull of stars at night, but during a hot summer day it suffered from the greenhouse effect and became an odd smelling sauna. The moon roof was covered shortly after that. Want to see the stars? Open the door! Small windows for light were added at the top sides instead.

TP was stored in a water-proof plastic box with top until needed. Rain occasionally found its way in through the ventilation.

We kept a covered coffee can of ashes from our fires next to the TP. After each visit a person sprinkled ashes over their deposit to keep the smell in reasonable limits, discourages some bugs, and help the "product" break down fast. Save those ashes!

It had a lovely toilet seat installed to avoid fanny slivers, and add to the homey atmosphere. We posted a few pictures to improve the decor, provided some reading material, and it was perfectly adequate.

Built on skids, when the hole below reached capacity, Art hooked the Outa-Backa up to the tractor and pulled it over to the new hole. Shovel a thick layer of dirt over the previous hole, mark it carefully, and begin again in the new location.

Emergency Preparedness -- Rabbits for Town and Country -- Grow Meat!

2011-02-18T12:43:00.001-06:00

4 wks. old California Black
New Zealand cross

Whether you live in the country or city, in an emergency situation a source of fresh meat is welcome. Even country land can be hunted out after a time, so grow your own meat -- raise rabbits.

Advantages:

* quiet

* efficient converters of feed

* you can gather your own feed in the country

* high protien

* extremely low fat ( add fat to recipes when living off rabbit meat completely -- the dreaded "rabbit starvation" stories may not be all fiction)

* short gestation period (28 - 31 days, multiple litters per year)

* rapid maturation

* can keep live until needed (no refrigeration)

Information on raising rabbits is available online, at your bookstore, or in my article "Makin' Money with Bunnies" BackHomeMagazine March 2010 (Brag ! Brag!). If stumped, contact Art or I through our blogs with your e-mail. We also consult by phone if needed.

Occasionally you may need to buy or trade for new unrelated rabbits to avoid inbred genetic faults such as wolf teeth, or small litters. We added two new does this fall. Now there's 11 does and 4 bucks in our herd.

grade(not purebred) broken coat pattern due Feb.27

French lop doe due feb. 28

Purebred rabbits, such as the Palominos we started raising a year ago sport ear tatoos for identification. We can get more rabbits which will be unrelated to our current Palomino doe and buck (below) from the local breeder.

Stick with rabbits from the large breeds for the most efficiency in meat production -- Californian, New Zealand, Palomino, French Lop, etc. A French lop Buck is on my "want" list: 12 -14 pounds with larger litters up to 13 in a batch.

I must admit we keep medium sized rabbits as well, for three reasons: coat color/pattern variety for pet sales, smaller bucks are best for first breedings of does - smaller offspring for easier first delivery, and the pure pleasure of seeing what colors/ patterns you get when mating two interesting rabbits. 14 genes determine coat color and pattern, so there are always surprises in store.

Lula, typical Silver Martin color/pattern, medium breed

The meat is delicious and can be prepared fried, stewed, roasted, and grilled with extra fat. Raising rabbits can provide meat for your family and extra income for sale as breeders or pets. In hard times, they make great barter items.
* * *
Ordered from The Ready Store online today. Recieved an e-mail about delayed shipping due to unusual demand. I'll let you know how long it takes, and how the dry milk and dried green beans are.

Ordered open pollinated seeds from Terratorial seeds -- my usual seed company. OP seeds produce plants from which you may save seeds for the following year. Saving your own seeds is a very good idea!

Ordered Dinner's in the Jar this morning for more meal storage recipes. Amazon also carries the oxygen- removing packets that will keep your jarred dinners very dry and fresh.

Next Emergency Prep post : "The Outa-backa"

Emergency Preparedness -- Your Pantry, part 3

2011-02-13T14:18:00.000-06:00

Hesitant to buy large amounts of cheese powder to try a recipe, I compromised on getting a generic mac and cheese dinner for 34 cents. The macaroni can go into a different dinner. Cheese powder isn't available at the grocery stores in the largest town nearby (60 miles).

Anyone have a good source for cheese powder in less than a 10# size?

Taco Rice

In quart jar place:

3 TBS. Taco Seasoning from Your Pantry, part 1
1 c uncooked rice
1 packet dry cheese sauce from Mac and Cheese dinner

To cook:
In medium pan add 3 cups water, rice and Taco Seasoning, bring to boil, and simmer 10 minutes, or until rice is tender. Stir in 2 TBS. butter (optional), and contents of cheese packet. Carnivores add meat. Top with crushed corn chips.

Serve as casserole or in tortillas with refried beans.

variations: decrease water to 2 c and add 8 oz. diced tomatoes
                           decrease water to 2 c and add 8 oz tomato sauce

Creole Rice
In 1-1/2 cup jar or bag
1-1/2 tsp Creole seasoning (Your Pantry, Page 1- add more to
                                              taste later, if needed -- HOT!)
1 c rice
from your shelves : 8 oz can tomato sauce
Tomato sauce can be sealed in a baggie (more hygenic) and placed with rice/ seasonings in 1 qt. widemouth jar, instead.

To prepare:

In medium saucepan add 2 c water, tomato sauce, and rice/ sesonings. Bring to boil and simmer 15- 20 minutes or until rice is tender.

additions: chopped celery, diced sweet peppers, fresh onions, grated cheese
Carnivores add cooked sausage, chicken/rabbit, meat, seafood (shrimp is very tasty) after rice is done. Allow to heat through.
                                       *            *                *

Check it out! Rooster tracks in the last snowstorm! Antonio is getting stealthier since my post "The Night Before Christmas--Art vs. The Rooster! Or maybe it's just too cold to go out chasing Antonio Banty-Deras.

Warm spell due! Huzzah! Next Blog on Preparedness -- Rabbits.

Emergency Preparedness -- Garden : Swiss Chard

2011-02-08T09:22:00.000-06:00

Swiss chard is one of the best vegetables you can plant for emergency preparedness. Once started from seed, it is tolerant to a variety of weather conditions with a bit of help from you. Swiss chard plants can produce for two years from your first seeding. Best results come from direct seeding in your garden, then thinning and replanting the seedlings you carefully lifted out. It can be started inside; be aware it needs much light to keep it from growing spindly. Grow it in large pots or containers if you don't have garden space.

Keep your chard production uninterrupted by seeding more in the spring of your first crop's second year. When it goes to seed, the second crop will be producing. Plant every year.

It doesn't take much room. The upright, bushy habit of growth makes it good for interplanting with shorter season plants such as lettuce. Once the lettuce is gone, the chard spreads out to take over the empty spaces.

Here in Texas, chard will grow year round, even through our blistering summers. Adequate water is key, and light shading during the worst of the afternoon heat helps keep leaves succulent. Plant them to the east of taller, bushy plants, or use row cover. Pick younger leaves in the morning for the best salad greens.

Winter temperatures below 32 degrees require sturdier covering. We use old sheets which allow some passage of light. Our chard has been covered for up to a week at a time with no problems. When the weather warms, uncover it. Toss the sheet back on it when it turns cold. In snow prone areas grow it in a cold frame or mini-greenhouse. Pick chard for greens, or to include in recipes, in the afternoon when the leaves have less moisture.

Swiss chard contains vitamins K and E, folic acid and niacin, calcium, beta-carotene, and as much vitamin C as an orange. Chlorophyll content helps with wound healing, ulcers and inflammation.

The mild taste combines well with a number of foods or with sauces. Add it when preparing soups or casseroles stored in your pantry to boost nutrition.

It's in high demand from our veggie customers, and we sell out every time we bring it to town. We feed it to our small farm animals, too, helping cut the feed bills to save more $$$. It improves egg quality in winter months.

Not recipes for shelf storage, but yummy none-the-less:

Swiss Chard with Hot Bacon Dressing
Everythings better with bacon, right?Remove ribs and tear leaves of approx. 1 gallon container full of chard
Dice 4 slices of bacon; fry until crisp.
Drain off all but 1 TBS. bacon fat
Add:
1 TBS vinegar
2 TBS water
salt, pepper and sugar to taste
stir in torn chard leaves, continue stirring until leaves are covered with dressing and slightly wilted. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Meatballs with Chard and Cheese

Use your favorite meatball recipe using 1 pound of meat (beef, venison, turkey, pork, etc.)

Remove ribs from 1 1/2 c raw chard
Use scissors to snip chard into small strips -- 1/2" x 3/4"
Place chard into heatproof bowl, pour 3/4 c simmering water over chard and cover for 2 minutes.
Drain chard (freeze water for soup later), squeeze out gently
Mix into meatball mixture with 1/2 to 3/4 c. cheddar or parmesan cheese. Cook as usual.

The chard is very mild, nigh unto tastless, if you're hesitant to try it. It makes the meatballs "prettier" and more nutritious.

* * *

I have a thing about chard ribs. I read they could be stuffed and substituted for celery ribs. I don't think so!!! GACK! Ptooi! I removed the stuffing and fed the stems to the chickens.

I've also read the stems can be cooked and served buttered like asparagus. When I work up the courage, I'll let you know how that goes.

Next Blog: Back to "Your Pantry, Page 3"

Emergency Preparedness -- Your Pantry, Part 2

2011-02-02T15:09:00.002-06:00

A special thanks to my husband, Art, the hoarder of jars!

Before I list dinner mix recipes, let's look at general storage time for selected dry foods/ingredients at room temperature (85 degrees max) :

white rice -- 1 year                  pasta -- 2 years
brown rice -- 6 months            whole wheat pasta -- 9 months
                       (whole grain requires longer cooking)
herb/spice mixes -- 1 year       ground spices -- 6 months
dry milk -- 1 year                    cornstarch -- 18 months
soup mixes -- 1 year                boullion -- 1 year

Your dinners will last a minimum of 6 months (ground spices), or longer with some decrease in flavor due to the spices.

Suppose you work through the supply of jars the hoarder has...what to do? Pack dinners in freezer weight baggies and collect in gallon glass jars. Iced tea jars appear in resale shops in the winter for around $2.00 a jar, or you might find some on sale. Deoderize glass pickle jars if available. Ball makes gallon storage jars for $12.99 + shipping. Draw your own conclusions.

Label each jar or bag with the dinner name, date, added ingredients needed, and cooking directions.

Seasoned Rice n' Pasta -- Beef or Chicken

1--1 1/2 cup jar or sandwich size freezer baggie per recipe
3/4 c rice
1/4 c. small pasta ( broken vermicelli, estrella, etc.)
1 TBS beef or chicken boullion
1 tsp mixed herbs
3/8 tsp garlic powder
3/8 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried parsley

Combine rice and pasta into container, add seasonings.
To cook:  pour jar into 1 3/4 c. water, bring to boil, then simmer 10 minutes. May add 2 TBS butter. Makes about 3+ cups.
Add cooked meat and veggies to make a one pot meal.

Chicken/Rabbit Assistant

Combine the following ingredients in a medium bowl:

1-1/2 TBS black or white pepper
2 tsp. mixed herbs
2 TBS dried parsley
1/3 c dried minced onion
3 TBS onion powder
1-2/3 c. dry milk powder
2 TBS coffee creamer powder
4 TBS chicken boullion
( change to Beef/Vennison Assistant by omitting chicken boullion and substituting beef boullion)

Combine ingredients well. Measure 1/2 cup of seasoning mixture into each of five 3 cup or quart glass jars. Add 1 cup uncooked
macaroni to each jar. Cooking directions follow.

Brown 1# boned chicken or rabbit meat cut into small pieces, or use leftover meat. Add 1 cup water, 16 oz chopped tomatoes, pour in macaroni and seasonings. Bring to a boil, then simmer 20 to 25 minutes (covered, stir occasionally) until pasta is tender.

Variations, add:
1 TBS chili powder, or
3/4 c. chopped celery,
or 1 c. mushrooms, or
omit tomatoes, increase liquid,stir in cheese
add a variety of veggies
                                          *     *     *
Still working on the rice pudding recipe, the texture is about right, but flavor needs improvement.
                                          *      *      *
Blast it! The hot water pipes froze despite efforts to drip them. Maybe they'll thaw starting on the weekend. Just collected the eggs -- half were frozen! Wed. 3:00 PM

Emergency Preparedness -- Your Pantry, Part 1

2011-01-31T10:15:00.004-06:00

I found something that's revolutionizing our pantry here at HomePlace.  Making our own convenience mixes as preparedness planning takes a bit of time, but is well worth it. Why buy boxed and bagged dinners at steadily increasing prices when you can do your own and control your ingredients?

The idea took hold when I discovered Dinner's In the Jar by Kathy Clark. She explains how to create a 90 day supply of dinners stored in Mason jars. This book is not available at our library and Barnes and Noble doesn't carry it either. Drat!

What to do? I wanted to start immediately, not make an order to Amazon and wait. I searched further and found budget101.com and recipelion.com which have extensive lists of convenience mixes. I began with making seasoning mixes.

Understand I can't leave well enough alone and have to mess with recipes to suit our tastes. I read the ingredient lists and went to the local discount warehouse to stock up on onion powder, garlic powder, dried onion, chili powder, assorted boullions and parlsey in larger sizes. Other spices and herbs were in our spice box already, but I'd need to replenish them soon.

Secondly, you don't need to trot out and stock up on canning jars. Use what you have at home first! Chip dip jars, olive jars, salsa jars and the like are wide mouth jars with rubber where the jar meets the lid. Even freezer type baggies will do.

None of the following recipes contain sugar; if you want it, have at it!

Here's two spice mix recipes I modified:

Creole Seasoning
2TBS + 1 tsp paprika          Mix and store in air-tight
2TBS garlic powder           container. Use on seafood
2TBS onion powder           chicken, fish, beans, or on rice.
1TBS chicken boullion       Can be used in other mix recipes.
1TBS Italian seasoning
1TBS dried thyme
1TBS cayenne pepper        ( HOT - may want to modify more)
1TBS pepper

Taco Seasoning Mix

1TBS   dried minced onion          Combine in air-tight container.
2TBS   chili powder
2 TBS   paprika
41/2 tsp cumin
3 tsp    onion powder
2 1/2 tsp garlic
1/8 tsp cayenne or red pepper

Add 3 TBS to1# browned  ground beef,chicken or turkey. Add 1/2 c water or 1/2 c salsa for extra zip. Use in other convenience mixes to follow in future blogs.
Stay tuned for more recipes and hints for preparing your emergency pantry supplies.

I've made up 37 dinner mixes in jars and bags in two "sittings" of 1 to 2 hours each. The project will continue for some time, complete with culinary experiments. The rice pudding dessert mix recipe needs a lot of tweaking, for instance!

Hope to live off these during the summer with the garden, home raised rabbits, venison,chickens, eggs and some purchased meat added in. Almost forgot the home cannned fruit and jams, too!

Crunchy Snacks

2011-01-23T10:52:00.001-06:00

Folks love crunchy snacks -- chips, pretzels, pita chips, bagel crisps. To keep them crunchy you can use chip bag clips, jars, or even the humble baggie. The contents of a baggie would be self evident, wouldn't you think?

Roll back to my daughter's teen years, and her boyfriends, the demolishers of crunchy snacks in quantity. Wow, those boys could eat!

One day a boyfriend was rummaging through the pantry and found a bag with crunchy bites in shades of brown. Curious soul opened the bag, grasped a handful and chowed down. He choked out, "What's in this baggie? Tastes sort of weird!"

No kidding, guy. That baggie was full of cat food.

Embarrassing Memories of January Past

2011-01-12T16:59:00.000-06:00

The officer pulled me over for driving five miles over the speed limit ( in a famous name day care van) on my first day employed as a director, over 25 years ago.

I drove that puppy, emblazoned with company name, logo, address and phone number, downhill into a school zone too fast. I saw the school zone sign too late, and Officer Friendly saw me. I couldn't deny it; so face burning, I begged mercy.

He sent me back up the hill in the van, and watched as I came down the hill at proper speed. He smiled broadly at me and waved as I went on my way.

Some teacher in his past must have yelled, "WALK!" one two many times, and sent him back up the hall to try again.

That guy was a great teacher himself.

Annual Letter

2011-01-02T11:17:00.000-06:00

Greetings from Central Texas!

2010 was another action-packed year on the farm. We know you’re anxious for the details, so here’s our annual letter.
January began with the 2009 taxes. We brought our usual large box of assorted receipts, oddball explanations, and a jumbo bottle of antacids with a bow for Jeanne. An experienced tax preparer makes all the difference when filing taxes for the farm.

An e-mail from the hatchery sent us into poultry fever in February. Assorted ducks on sale!!! We can save nearly two dollars per bird! Are we prepared? No! Off to town for feed, bedding, hay, heat lamp and new waterers; then across town for a wading pool to use as a brooder. Don’t forget the mileage to town - 52 miles, another 50 to the hatchery, and 45 miles back home. The first receipts drifted into the 2010 tax box.

March dawned with duckling escape. We heard the splat of ducky feet exploring their new world, the porch bathroom. Something else went splat on the floor as a by-product of duckling exploration. It was followed by the anguished shriek of our son, Matthew, who had designed and built the extra bathroom on the porch. The very floor he laid on all fours in 100 degree heat was now defiled, he ranted. Brood the ducklings at your house again, we suggested. Recalling last year’s experience, suddenly the floor was less of an issue. Baby duck odor is as breathtaking as skunk essence.

Who else but Art could borrow a bulldozer? As April drew to a close, the rumble of the diesel could be tracked as it crunched over small trees and dodged the larger ones around the property. Testosterone levels rose as the menfolk regarded the driveway. “Needs scraping,” Matthew said. He roared down the drive and back, blade lowered. “You left bumps!” Art pointed out. “Let me do it the right way!” Good thing the headlights didn’t work. They’d have spent the evening turning the drive into a canyon.

In May one of the porch cats had eye problems and needed a vet. My soft-hearted hubby packed it up and took it to the land of gross indignities. Its temperature was taken, and the nurses laughed when it weighed nothing. It changed from a half wild farm cat to a clinging baby in one traumatic visit. Vet visit, meds, special food and a toy (for trauma) made that kitten as expensive as the ducks of February, so it moved inside. Art’s beard was Momma, and Momma got to itching. Surprise again! Tiny kitten; tiny fleas! Flea shampoo for two happened in the kitchen sink, and Brighty’s trauma was nothing compared to Art’s.

First cat, Ock, was appalled at our decision to add a junior cats to his kingdom when their Momma disappeared. Kitten chow was tasty though, and he became plumper and sleeker daily. Explosive hissing declined, and Ock began to lick the babies. Watching a particularly blissful grooming session I had a horrid thought: do you suppose Ock is tasting them? How many licks before he decides to go for the chewy center?

July’s scorching heat saw Art out in the duck pasture planting excess pumpkins. “I have an idea!” He said. My right eye twitched for the next hour. I wasn’t soothed by the strains of music from the duck pasture / pumpkin patch either. The ducks had become addicted to the country music we used to chase off night predators. If you turned off the music, they squawked and quacked mightily. They also stopped laying eggs as a form of feathered protest. “No music? No eggs! Turn up the volume, too. We can’t enjoy it unless you can hear it clearly from your bedroom!” I hope that jumbo bottles of aspirins are on sale this week. I’m nearly out.

I found something disturbing during a raid on the new workshop in August. You might recall how Art blew up the old one in 2007 making “Ethanol”? The plans for a catapult lay half-hidden on his desk. ”Surprise!” he said, “Think of it as an easy, fun way to spread fertilizer,” he explained. “Enough fertilizer spreading is happening right now,” I retorted. I am frequently accused of being no fun.

September’s gardens were lush and the chickens were laying well, even in the heat. Art noticed agitated chickens, and moved the plywood sunshade from the nest in an isolated pen. He was surprised for a change. No chicken, but a furry, black and white striped critter lounged on an ice bottle we’d left for chicken comfort. Eggshells were scattered about. Empty. “#$%*%#!” Art yelped, and fell backward into a water bucket. He threw everything loose in the pen he could find, including the eggs from the basket he was carrying. The skunk, startled, began to dance his special dance, then considered the madman before it, and ran for the woods and the highway beyond. I can’t believe he didn’t get sprayed. I’m grateful; tomato juice is getting pricey these days.

I woke up one October morn to the gleeful shouts of men and loud thuds. Peering out the window I flinched as a pumpkin flew by. Men clustered around the completed catapult; my husband, son, friends and a few strangers were toting pumpkins. “Remember you wanted to explore value-added produce?” Art yelled. “Buy a pumpkin and launch it free! You can’t believe how many we’ve sold! Now the catapult is tax deductible!” I chewed two antacids from the bottle I was saving for next tax season.

November first I threatened to take a chainsaw to the catapult, fearful of frozen turkey launching following a special we’d watched on satellite TV. Art turned it over to the custody of our local historical museum instead. I recognized the curator as an enthusiastic pumpkin flinger. I don’t think we’ve seen the end of this latest manly scheme.

Art started his letter to Santa early in December. A better lock for the workshop topped the list. If he thinks a lock will keep me out, he’s mistaken. He also wants two tiny flight suits, a book on the Hindenburg, seven cylinders of helium, a remote control, and a do-it-yourself crop dusting DVD.

Remember you have a standing invitation to visit. Bring a set of lock picks, and crowbar in case the picks don’t work. I didn’t like the list Art wrote to Santa, and my gear from Spy, Inc. is on back order. Anyone have a source for bulk antacids?

Love,

Helene and Arthur Burnett

Night Before Christmas--Art vs. the Rooster

2010-12-24T11:01:00.001-06:00

'Twas the night before Christmas; no peace in the air.
The rooster is coming; Art waits in his lair.
The broomstick is hung, waiting there by the door,
While Art listens quietly, waiting to roar.

The clucking starts coming from under our feet,
Antonio's coming, to the rafters to sleep.
Why can't this rooster sleep over the porch?
He paints the things under him; Art's language will scorch.

Antonio the Rooster, last name Banty-deras,
Has found the best way the humans to harass.
He's painted the trash cans and Art's very own truck,
My husband says words that rhyme the sound "Cluck."

Last season the rooster spent a night in the rafters,
He painted the washer and dryer, and for afters,
He painted the workbench, the sink and the stove,
The porch is off limits, no rafters can he rove.

Roosters don' t come encased in Depends.
Art's waiting to ensure this activity ends.
There's flapping and clucking, as the bird lands on deck.
He leaps to the rafters and settles to rest.

Art bolts from the door, brandishes the broom
While 'Tonio freaks and decends from the gloom.
He's left a deposit, but Art doesn't care.
The deposit has missed Art's shiny white hair.

The first lap's accompanied by the pounding of broom,
And the screech of the rooster as they both lap the room.
Art's shouting quite strongly as they start the next round
Till the rooster leaps shrieking from the porch to the ground.

"You idiot rooster! You'd just cover a cracker!"
While inside the house I explode in loud laughter.
"Go sleep in your tree, you're too stringy to eat!"
Art did exclaim as Antonio beat feet.

The banty kept shrieking as he sped out of sight.
Clucking and ranting from his tree in the heights.
Husband returned with a smile and the broom,
He'd saved our porch from "excremental doom."

As Antonio clamors outrage, a pain to the ear.
We wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Technology Tirade

2010-12-20T09:17:00.000-06:00

Phone Manners? Where’d They Go?

Phone manners sickened when computers came into vogue; multi-tasking sent them to the hospital. Computer gaming added a nail in their coffin. They died when texting became a national past-time. I long for the return of phone manners as I suffer confusion when someone with a “thingie” in their ear addresses the air. I think they’re talking to me. It’s embarrassing for me; poor manners for them.

I’m on the phone chatting with a friend and I hear “tappety-tappety-tap.” A bubble of offended feelings begins to rise. What? I’m so boring you need to do something on the computer while we talk? The tapping continues, and so do my hurt feelings. Maybe I should hang up if I’m interfering with your project? I’d like to feel what I have to say is as important as what you’re saying to me. Am I old-fashioned? Is the home training drilled into me in childhood passé?

The next offender is distracted by slashing an elf in some alternate universe when I call with a question. Can’t let the evil elf spoil your record as a warrior-mage? Pu-leeze! I wouldn’t have called if I didn’t need to know how much paprika to sprinkle over dish from YOUR recipe. Can’t you pause the game? Should I hang up? Nuh-Uh, I need the info. I hope the “Elf of Evil Legerdemain” has a pack of nasty friends who kick your mage-y butt! Pardon me for acting like a two year old, but I need your attention.

Hello??? We’re in a meeting, and a junior staffer is busily texting under the table. He must be moderately concerned with the reaction of those speaking to be so covert. Another is texting right out in the open showing the speaker how valued his/her input is. I’m squirming in my chair, embarrassed by the impression they’re making. You’re both reflecting poorly on everyone else here! I want to corner them for a lesson on they’ve missed, but then I might offend.

The flashing blue light in a stranger’s ear disturbs me. Is she a Borg? Does she address the Collective, or perhaps the Hive? What’s said makes no sense, but I’m the only person nearby. I answer, and the Borg has the nerve to glare at me. I was being polite, thinking she’d spoken to me. “ Bluetooth? I’m invading your privacy? I think not; if I can hear you it isn’t private.”

The technological distractions of others certainly annoy me. However, this week I found myself on the computer when the phone rang. Did I devote my entire attention to the call? No… I played a game.

Two Men and a Bulldozer

2010-12-12T14:56:00.000-06:00

Who else but Art could borrow a bulldozer? Memorable? You bet, especially when two men get down to work with one of the kings of men's toys!

In the picture, Matt is moving my office building/guest house to a new location. Anyone can get guys to move furniture; I want buildings moved!

Vehicle trails through the woods needed clearing. The rumble of the diesel engine could be tracked over the property as the dozer crunched over small trees and dodged the larger ones. After several days, however, Homeplace had as many trails as it really needed. According to me.

When it threw a track, the guys had to buy some esoteric pry bar specifically designed to muscle the track back on to the bogies. As they worked, the rise and fall of cursing turned the air smokey until the track was snug in place again. The local hardware store made more money when a mysterious glass bubble shattered as Matt backed up into something. More elaborated language. More diesel fuel. More reciepts for taxes.

Testosterone levels rose as the menfolk regarded the driveway. “Needs scraping,” Matthew said. "One day
Mom's going to high center on that puppy!" He roared down the drive and back, blade lowered.

“You left bumps!” Art pointed out. “Let me do it the right way!” Down the drive and back he rumbled in a cloud of dust.

“You call that smooth?” asked Matthew. He hauled himself into the seat and growled down the drive and back again.

“Hah!” said Art as he climbed up once more. They traded insults and turns on the dozer all afternoon. Good thing the headlights didn’t work. They’d have spent the evening turning the driveway into a canyon.

The dozer has returned to its rightful owner. I have a pile of reciepts and memories of two men and a bulldozer.

Gifts Worth Giving

2010-12-04T09:41:00.003-06:00

Think of some of the favorite annoying toys you received from grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Was there a hidden message to your parents?

Toy flyers and catalogs stuff your mailbox while holiday commercials on TV blare in the air. Make this holiday season the best ever for children by buying toys, but consider the most important question of the season: What is your motivation for giving this gift?

Ah, motivation! Is this gift a pure expression of your delight in and love for the child, or is there a hidden agenda included?

One year my fourth grade class had driven me crazy the first semester, so I bought the loudest slide whistles I could find. My husband handed one to each child as they left for Christmas Break. I had “plausible deniability”. I gave candy; he gave the whistles! Smiling, I tracked their progress home by the screeching and wailing through the neighborhood. I hope their folks enjoyed the chilling sounds of fingernails on a chalkboard sliding up and down the scale! Those gaudy plastic whistles were one of the finest inspirations I had as a teacher. Revenge cloaked in holiday colors!

Perhaps your own children have done something incredibly stellar in their childhood causing angst reflected in the grey hairs on your head. Remember the old adage: “Revenge is a dish best served cold?” Now’s the opportunity to get some of yours back!

Why choose a computer game sure to keep the child in question quietly absorbed for hours? Get something exciting with flashing lights and sirens! Nothing says love like a full drum kit, without batteries to remove to quell the noise. A cordless microphone would encourage the child to exercise their natural talents in singing or oration! Please use your innate craftiness; give these presents at their house, not yours. You know why!

Remember, when giving loud, thrilling gifts with hidden meaning, slip the child some extra batteries on the sly … just in case the ones included disappear! Planning ahead during the holiday season is critical, after all.

Poor Bunnies

2010-12-01T09:46:00.000-06:00

Brown-Eyed Susan had her first litter of bunnies and instinct didn't take over. The six didn't survive 24 hours. We'd gone to get kitten milk replacer (useable for bunnies), but the last four were cold by the time we got back. Depressing.

Worse yet, I remembered Butch telling me people sold "pinkies" that died to pet shops to feed snakes. I saved the babies in the freezer. Opened the freezer today, and feel even sadder. I know this is a business, and some income is better than none at all, but it doesn't help. Gotta put them in a paper bag cover until I call the nearest pet shop. The tiny paws and teeny ears are heartbreaking to see.

Time to breed some more rabbits. New babies thriving are bound to help me feel better.

Home After Working

2010-11-14T09:43:00.000-06:00

"You're" not your!!! O.K., I'm feeling better!

This expression of delight appeared on the faces of my kitties Monday night after my first day of subbing this month.

Tuesday I was punished by being conspicuously ignored. Ock sat nearby with his back turned and ears flat. The others didn't bother getting up from their naps when I came in. No cats on my lap for hours; I felt so lonely, until I fell asleep from exhaustion!

Screen Porches for Plants

2010-11-04T11:39:00.001-05:00

Frustrated to tears over the last grasshopper depredations on my newly transplanted fall garden, Art came to the rescue. He took some rabbit cage wire, clipped it into a cylinder, cut some screen, and turned the parts over to me for sewing. I whip stitched the screen onto the "sides" and top, and stitched the bottom edge around the cylinder.

Pushed into the soil around the plants, it's a hopper-proof covering that lets sunshine, air, and water through for the plants. It will hold up sheets when the weather gets cold, so the plants aren't crushed when they are covered on freezing nights.

I love this idea! The screen porches look tidy and keep those wretched grasshoppers out. This is a project that will continue as we cover various gardens to protect those lucious, tender plants.

Goldie, the Watch-Duck

2010-10-24T18:27:00.002-05:00

Goldie, previously referred to as an exotic woman, has found her role on the HomePlace. She's the assistant to Bear Dog. He barks at the meter reader; she quacks raucously at the meter reader. A car pulls up, Bear barks, and Goldie joins in. Obviously we needed a watch-duck for the farm.

She's louder than the dog, and more persistant. She just needs Bear to get her started. She goes on and on and on. Do ducks get laryngitis? Apparently not. I like the warnings, and don't want to hurt her feelings by yelling, but we need to figure out how to stop her after five minutes or so.

The racket is upsetting the chickens she rooms with. They're already angry about her swims in their water dish, and this noise has affected their laying. The chickens that came with Goldie have picked up the slack, but the Cornish Gals need to get with it. I'm hoping they'll get used to the new regime soon. Goldie has started laying and I'll put up with a lot of quacking for yummy duck eggs!

She takes such joy in quacking and she's quite good at it. Anyone have any ideas?

Voted!

2010-10-21T17:24:00.000-05:00

Went to the "County Seat", Marlin TX, found a place to park at a very busy courthouse, and entered the basement where the voting booths are set.
I wanted a paper ballot, as I don't like dealing with the computer. The paper ballot makes it feel more real to me somehow. Did my duty as a citizen, and filled in those boxes. Fed it into the computer that logs the votes. Can't seem to get away from computers, can we? The computer ratcheted, rattled and gave me the OK that my vote was logged.

Picked up my sticker on the way out, and wore it proudly for the rest of the day. I don't care who you vote for -- just get out and VOTE!

32# of Meat ; This IS a Farm, You Know!

2010-10-18T16:44:00.000-05:00

Down twelve rabbits, who are now frolicking in an afterlife meadow. Thank you, rabbits, for your sacrifice. As Juniper McKenzie would say, " We take in need, not in wantoness."

Half to go in our freezer soon, and the other half went with Hangman, who is one of the quickest processors I've ever worked with. Whew! A good days work. Thanks!

Feed bill will go down, and room is made for the next generation of rabbits -- larger, and some new bloodlines. Good things for the winter season, and the following spring.

Transplanted turnip greens and kale this morning, tough winter greens for the critters. Delights for their tastebuds and ensuring those egg yolks stay deeply colored. Now greens will stretch farther, too. Humans will also enjoy the kale. I can't get next to turnip greens for some reason. Probably don't know how to cook them.

Tomorrow I'll transplant more broccoli, kale, onions, and parsley. The winter garden is picking up! Astounding number of green tomatoes on the vines; hope they'll ripen soon!

The seasons turn and we enter cooler weather after summer's blistering heat. I am meant for cool weather, just like the rabbits we raise.

Letter to Politicians at Halloween

2010-10-11T08:52:00.000-05:00

Dear political candidates,

Your costumes above are appropriate, reflecting your actions in Washington. Holiday appropriate garb, but let's get serious! No tricks, no treats, folks.

This is not a partisan comment; both major parties are treating this campaign as a joke. Lies, half truths, arguments, and my particular favorite : voting both sides of an issue.

Can't be done you say? Let me explain. The first vote on an issue you vote" for", the second vote you can vote "against. The third time? Your choice! You can claim to have voted the way best determined when the time comes.

Don't worry though, the country is watching, and I'll be out there on the second voting after doing my research.

Oh, and don't tell me the Health Care Bill was too long to read. Take the time, people. That's akin to signing a contract you never read. Stupid, in a word. Quit sneaking in secret ammendments and attachments unrelated to bills before congress.

OOhh! OOhh! I have an idea! Let's repeal some legislation on the books and become sensible, fiscally responsible people. Whatta ya think?

Love my Constitution, Love my country! Get out and vote! Early voting begins today. Vote the clowns out of Congress

Green Tomato Jam Disaster

2010-10-08T18:57:00.000-05:00

Confident green tomato jam would be as good as green tomato pie, I decided to use up some of those tomatoes hanging around stunned into non-ripening by the heat. I picked what I could find and hauled them to the house in an ice cream bucket. Tomatoes rinsed and draining in a collander, I set off on an internet search for a recipe.

Green tomato jam with cinnamon? No, I don't think so.
Green tomato jam with allspice? Nuh-uh.
Green tomato jam with citrus? Maybe, but not orange.

Searching, searching, searching...

Green tomato jam with lemon... Maybe? I don't have enough tomatoes for this one, and where's the pectin in this recipe? How will it thicken?

I know! I'll make up my own recipe! Please note the directions with the pectin powder specify to use the exact amount of sugar to cause the jam to jell. Seven Cups?

I must follow the directions, I must follow.... Gads! This stuff tastes like 100% sugar! Maybe if I add more lemon juice? I trickled in 1/4 cup, stirred and tasted. Marginally better. More lemon? I poured in another 1/2 cup of lemon juice and tasted. Much better, but still too sticky sweet. One whole cup????? Glup! I dumped in a full cup of lemon this time. Ahhhhh, perfection! Tangy, fruity and delightful!

I packed and processed the batch according to package directions with the help of my hubby. We removed the jars to cool overnight. Such beautiful emerald beauty gleaming in gem-like jars, standing on the towel.

The next morning I lifted one of those stained glass beauties and tipped it. Did it remain in place, even across the jar, fully jelled?

Did I follow the recipe?

Eight half-pints of green tomato syrup leered at me from the towel. Looks like I'll have to get more tomatoes and remake the whole batch. The directions say to do a sample test before redoing the entire batch.

"Begin with with one cup unjelled jam...."

"Hmmmm...?"

Exotic Woman joins HomePlace

2010-10-01T10:09:00.001-05:00

An exotic woman lives here in a cage. The Russian Orloff roosters told me so.

"She speaks a foreign tongue! Her feathers are golden and smooth. She has no comb, and her feet wear water waders. No wattles, no clucking; we've never seen the like. But female and quite attractive.!

"There's no roosters in there, we looked. We can handle her and all her friends, too!"

Fat chance boys! She's a duck, and you're staying where you are. I'll get a replacement picture ASAP. This'll do for now.

A Man and His Cat ( Post Gout Attack)

2010-09-28T11:51:00.001-05:00

You may sing songs of a man and his dog,

Companions in work and in play.

But consider a tale of a man and his cat

Together for hours each day.

The man is book-writing, his cat's in the way.

She's hungry for notice, just won't let him be.

Fluff-Ums needs petting and now would be best.

"Pet Fluffs, Sir, and I might just cease."

"Fluff-Ums, I'm busy, I'm writing," he grumps.

"I'll pet you when this chapter ends."

"Now," she says, " Now, I simply can't wait!

I thought you and I were best friends"

Fluff-ums attaches herself to his shirt.

A wet spot appears on his chest.

She's nursing for comfort, and smacking aloud,

When kitty needs solace, this man is the best.

They dream of a time when Fluff was quite small,

An orphan who needed his care.

When life gets too hard, and the stress is too much,

Fluff knows that her man will be there.

If her man is dead tired, is hurt, or not well,

She's busily kneading his chest,

Repaying his kindnesses present and past.

She's purring him better, then best.

Fan Season Almost Over -- Impending Cold Front

2010-09-23T13:30:00.000-05:00

Pure truth, that!

Get ready to celebrate! Pack those fans away (OK, not too far away yet), because Mother Nature is sending us a gift this weekend. A cold front is on its way. Weather guy says nights will be in the 60's for a few blessed days. Not really too cool,though, he reports.

Hah! I'm cheering for a Blue Norther. I want a 30 degree drop in temperatures in a few minutes! I want it all! I'm willing to cover the gardens, willing to winterize the animals!

Fall has arrived; let's show off some fall temps, Please. I know heat will return, but thrill to the thought of steadily declining numbers until maybe the 70's in the day.

Come on home to Momma, cooler weather! My sister sent me some sweatshirts I'd love to try out!

Farmers Almanac Swimsuits / I Am Soooo Tired

2010-09-20T11:46:00.000-05:00

I'm glowing like ladies do (not sweating); I think I could use one of those swimsuits pictured above! I changed into dry clothes and put the "dewy" ones in the wash as soon as my breath steadied down to normal. Gloriously cool out, but when you weed, shovel dirt, pick veggies, collect critter water bottles, and pick up recycled cans that were strewn all over the place, you raise that old heart rate.

Then walk a little with the dog! I'm logging my progress on Route 66 on the AARP site. Today I reached Springfield, Illinois. One mile credited for every minute of exercise logged in; the gardening counts too.

Has anyone out there developed an allergy to fire ants over time? I know the stings are painful, but now they itch and swell, too. Took some store brand anti-histamine tablets. Waiting for my left palm to stop itching -- am I allergic or going to get some money (per superstition)?

Be Careful What You Ask For (from Cats)

2010-09-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

The porch cats did their Keystone Kats routine underfoot when we returned from the Brazos Writers meeting. Usually I think it's funny as they race about crashing into each other and the porch furniture, but tonight I glared at them and snarled. It was eleven P.M. and I had to sub for a teacher the next morning. I wanted my bed, they wanted fresh cat crunchies, not the stale crumbles in their dishes.

Soooo... I said," Why don't you supplement your food yourselves? Shouldn' t somebody teach the rest of you to hunt?" The two momma cats must have taken the advice to heart. Especially after I closed the front door.

On my way to their food dishes this morning, I saw something like a hairball atop a storage box, except it wasn't exactly like that. I leaned over for a closer look. Hmmm. Soggy,furry, disheveled looking....

I sucked in a gust of air and jerked my hand back. I identified dainty pink feet and a naked tail just before I poked at it. Three-quarters of a mouse, proof that the hunting lessons had begun. The cats "Keystoned" their way to the food dishes and chowed down eagerly. Who needs rodents when you have crunchers!

I praised their mouse-catching, in case the cats could hear me over the crunching. I left it in place though; maybe they'll snack on it later. Besides, varmint disposal is a manly job. Art can make much of them again when he does the rodent removal. I don't want to cheat the cats from their due.

Woman Seeking Employment

2010-08-26T12:14:00.001-05:00

She's big, buxom, and has applied for a position in the Federal government. What will she do? I have an idea, but think you might come up with something better. Let me know! Is she a new Czar perhaps? A unique cabinet position just created?

Continuing to be Blessed with Pears

2010-08-26T11:55:00.000-05:00

Update : HE-HE-HE! We are DONE with pears! Except to eat fresh ones until they're gone. The post I wrote last week when I was still working on pears follows.

Pear and Honey Preserve
Orange Nutmeg Pear Butter
Frozen Pears in Juice
Cinnamon Pear Sauce
Pear Nectar

Looks like two more pickings of Asian pears to go, maybe one more from D'Anjou tree. We're down to freezing them to turn into delecacies later. Such bounty due to unusual rains in June, I'm sure.

Think I'll mix some pears and berries to make some more jam. Apple and berry turned out lip smackin' good.

Back to the store for more jars and pectin soon.

Melons will ripen soon; wonder what I can do with them. Watermelon pickles anyone?

Next year I want to plant ground cherries. I found several intriguing recipes. Maybe Honeyberries, too?

Planting fall seeds; planning spring garden; canning, canning, canning; and freezing whatever I can. Selling and saving, the farm gives us as much as the work we put into it and more.

I Gotta Get One

2010-08-18T18:21:00.000-05:00

Wanted:

Small fan blowing big wind. Electric or battery powered. Price no object;weather too hot!

Will this summer ever end?

O Watermelon Divine!

2010-08-15T12:11:00.001-05:00

Oh, watermelon, apple of mine eye!

Hiding 'mongst the leaves so shy,

Waiting for a passing shower

Lurking in your leafy bower.

Hauling water, pulling weeds,

We cater to your daily needs.

Gazing daily as you grow

Time does pass exceeding slow.

We turn you gently seeking yellow

Upon your belly, jolly fellow.

A thoughtful thump. Listen! Hark!

You'll be chilled before it's dark.

Ma-Moo's old tub, galvanized,

Holds you, drawing all our eyes.

You're cradled, tubbed in icy cool,

Crisp and sweet, provoking drool.

Hurry melon, we await!

We yearn for you upon our plate!

A flash of silver; you split apart.

Green, and white, and sweet red heart.

Crunching, slurping, spitting seeds,

We worship summer in the weeds.

Friends and family, smiles divine.

The day we pluck you from the vine.

Wanta Tickle?

2010-08-13T11:34:00.000-05:00

Jammin'

2010-07-13T08:45:00.000-05:00

I'm making dewberry jam today, from the bumper crop of berries picked from our HomePlace bramble. An unusually humid (and always hot) July in Texas, I work out in the porch kitchen so I don't heat up the house. A real sense of accomplishment to see the jars set out to cool, glowing purple-black; a reminder of things past.

I learned many things from my mother as I grew up -- needlework, cleaning, cooking, freezing and canning food. All valuable things I hope to pass on to my "Grands."

Mother was a difficult person to deal with inside the family walls. I left home carrying a whole lot of baggage. She had gone on (to paraphrase Janet Evanovich) to "the great casino in the sky" two weeks ago. Mother did the best she could with what she had. We were estranged , but I have enough distance now to appreciate the things she taught me....

The jars on the towel sparkle, and sound softly as the lids seal. I swipe a finger along the side of the stainless steel jam pot for a taste, then toss it into the soapy water. I stand, scrubbing the pot, staring out into the woods, as memories roll across my mind.

Bringing Up Kittens

2010-07-05T20:36:00.000-05:00

Boat and half of her kittens gobble breakfast with Pepperoni. Sadly Pepperoni lost her kittens, but she's taken to wet nursing Boat's brood. Boat couldn't be happier, she'd already weaned the babies, but they try to mug herfor milk. The babies are overjoyed because milk still flows, just at a different dairy bar.

Peppi has taken to protecting the kittens, much to Bear-dog's dismay. Now two irritated female furies clean his clock when he tries to play with the kittens. Puffed up and growling in their protection mode, I'm even put off at their displays for Bear. Today he ignored the Momma duo and was beaten roundly until he ran away yelping. He can't understand what happened to his friend Peppi, she used to bat at him without claws, now she's developed sharp edges.

Boat generously shares her kittens with Peppi, for which I'm glad. Nothing's sadder than a Mom-cat calling for babies that are gone. I'm happy Peppi has some babies to mother. No doubt the kittens will grow to enormous size with all the extra milk.

Ice Cubes

2010-06-27T10:38:00.000-05:00

Ice cubes have been my constant companions for three days.

It's an involved story starting with me out chopping fresh grass for the rabbits and a dog that won't come when called.

I let Bear loose as usual when we're outside.
The porch kittens had finished eating breakfast and went down to the ground to play in the jungle. Bear proceded to chase them up a tree for their first time. I yelled. Bear ignored me. 'Boat, the Momma Kat, rushed to their rescue. I'm still shouting, and throwing down my Ko Gama, I go for the dog, now under the porch being whupped on by 'Boat.

The two explode out from under the porch and shoot across the ramp. Yelling more, I turn and my foot slips into one of the holes Bear has dug when he's bored. Of course I end up on the ground, no longer yelling because the air's been knocked out of me.

Ok, on the ground isn't my favorite place; it's hard to get up on my feet. Stupid dog comes to see what I'm doing on the ground. I seize his collar and give him a good shake. Deciding I wasn't hurt enough to cry, I pick up on the yelling where I left off.

Art found me, head resting on the steps, dog by the collar, feet in the hole, fuming. I can't bear to be helped to my feet, so I have to do it myself. It wasn't pretty, but I did it.

Three days of ice on my knee and I'm up and at it again. Still some pain when bending the knee, but happy to be up. I found my exercise bands and am working on building upper body strength. This is the second time I've found myself on the ground since spring. I don't like it, but I must be really relaxed (or incredulous) when I hit the ground. Fortunately, I don't get hurt much. Getting up needs to be easier -- I need to be stronger. Or maybe I shouldn't have put the crutches down to chase the dog.

Stupid dog! When we go to town next, he's getting a training collar. Momma needs to teach Bear to come when called -- especially when he's in trouble. As for Momma, where can I get an old fashioned ice bag?

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T08:02:00.001-05:00

HomePlace critters wish you a Happy Father's Day. Feed us-- NOW!

You hug us, kiss us, make us cry.

You think you are a funny guy.

We sit our butts where you rest your head,

and cough up hairballs on your bed.

The House Cats

You bring us "Viennas" for our snacks.

You rub our bellies and our backs.

We love you, Dad,without a doubt.

Let us in, and the other cats out!

The Porch Cats

(We love you best!)

I am your dog, I love you dearly,

Even when you yell so clearly:

" Stop chasing chickens; no stealing the cat food!"

I'll come to your call if I'm feelin' the mood.

Bear Dog

"Bring me food. No! I am first!"

" Hurry, water me; I thirst!"

I'll have a tantrum and throw my dishes

If you don't cater to my bunny wishes.

The Rabbits (all 37 and counting)

Lean down and reach for eggs, we beg.

We'll peck you sharply on the leg.

Feed us now and make it snappy,

Kitchen scraps might make us happy.

The Roosters and Hens

(You know better-- chickens aren't ever satisfied!)

Have a busy, yet happy day.

The woodland creatures decline to comment! Too much with the shooting and traps!

Watermelon!

2010-06-16T12:57:00.000-05:00

Summer roared in early this year on tongues of flaming temps. Usually late May and most of June are moderate. Too may days in the 90's already. Working up a sweat in the garden daily, slugging down plenty of water, but...

Planting Jubilee watermelons was yesterday's chore, to ensure a ready supply. Nothing soothes a parched mouth like watermelon, chilled to perfection. Most everyone enjoys the fruit that embodies summer.

These geese-of-the-past (found while browsing pics in an old file) loved their melon once they decided it wasn't an enemy. We had so many melons that year we could sacrifice half a melon for our Embdens' enjoyment.

Never trust poultry around melons. Ever. This Silver Dorking

hen convinced me to either eat melon in the house or

pen up opportunist chickens before eating melon outside.

I looked away for a moment to talk to Art. When I turned

back, I faced beady, glaring chicken-eyes. She was standing on

my watermelon slice, on the plate on my lap. GAAAH! I know where chickens walk! Those feet were sunk claw deep in my melon!

Reflexes propelled the plate, melon, and attached chicken into the air. I was done! Finished!

Took me nearly a week of 100 degree plus temps before I could look at watermelon again without feeling queasy.

Beer for Callie

2010-06-11T17:50:00.001-05:00

Bought a beer yesterday to kill the slugs in the garden; it was Callie's favorite brand.

Callie, a Spanish goat, lived at HomePlace for many years.

Some of you met her here, and knew she was sometimes amusing, occasionally aggravating, destructive when unsupervised, and always her own "person".

Frequently stolen from a living history museum to attend frat parties in Waco, her owners gave her to us before she decided to join the fraternity full time.

At those parties she developed a taste for beer (and cigarettes, which she ate). Free grazing one day she discovered Butch visiting us. He liked beer too. She snuck up and stole a long-neck off the ground by his chair. Tipped it up and finished it, before he knew what happened.

He became a special friend as long as he let her have the dregs from a bottle. Providing it wasn't that cheap, nasty beer. She had her standards, even though she was a goat.

Age crept up on her, and she's been grazing in Heavenly pastures for almost two years. She's been eating their gardens and dancing on the tops of their cars, too. But, as the old song goes "In Heaven there is no beer...."

After we fill a pan in the garden to exterminate those slugs, I've asked Art to pour the last of that "barley pop" over her grave. I can see her licking her lips, and flicking her tail, working to get those last few drops from the bottle. Enjoy, Callie!

Orphan Kitten Update-- The Gift

2010-06-06T11:58:00.000-05:00

"Boat" gifted us with four kittens three weeks ago.

They're chow hounds just like their momma. She used to grab onto the bottle fiercely when we hand fed her and her sisters after their momma, Halloween, disappeared last year.

Poor Boat, thinned out badly from kitten nursing, breathes a sigh of gratitude as babies learn to eat Kitten Chow. KC works well for Momma Kats, too.

Quite mobile now, babies try to help humans do laundry. Perhaps they search for scorpions, a favorite snack of our older cats. Small kitten-people need to be bigger before they try hot and spicy snacks!

"OOOOH! This shirt smells like the lady who brings the food!"

Another generation of porch cats joins the HomePlace. Invincible mousers, they work to clear the farm of rodents, keeping the number of snakes down, so "The Lady that Brings Food" will be safe. Thank you, Boat, for these beautiful and useful children.

P.S. Should anyone desire to adopt one, we would not stand in the way of a kitten's life of leisure in someone's home.

One Last Video ( of THIS Event)

2010-05-23T10:59:00.001-05:00

One last video of the Cops and Robbers Event at HomePlace, on May 8, 2010.

http://animoto.com/play/YlQY8bEQcwME0eLaLuAqHg

My first full legnth Animoto video! I am so Proud!

An Explosion of Heavenly Sweetness and... YOW!

2010-05-21T10:19:00.001-05:00

I couldn't resist. I looked over at the berry bramble while harvesting veggies, and I heard the siren shout of ripe dewberries. Usually Art brings them to me to savor, so I avoid the thorns, weeds, and other hazards. Not today; I was out early, and my usual impatient self decided to get them on my own. On crutches.

Carrying a plastic shopping bag, I picked my way through the obstacles mentioned above. The bag tore, but I stubbornly knotted it instead of going back to the house for a berry bucket or an obliging husband.

Collecting berries in bag (and belly), I discovered a few just past the glossy prime of fully ripe. A shame to waste them, yes? Distracted by a batch of berries just out of reach I popped an overripe one into my mouth as I stretched to pick the last few ready-ripe berries.

A heavenly burst of musky sweet flavor flooded across my tongue and...YOW! PAIN! FIRE!

If you're a Texan, you've already figured out what I did. I didn't look before I reached for -- or ate-- the berry with a fire ant garnish.
It had me by a single taste bud and wasn't letting go! I scraped my garden grimed T-shirt hem down my tongue. ARGHHH! It held on tightly!

No other options available, fire ant stinging viciously, I clawed my tongue with dirt encrusted fingernails. The ant came away in my fingertips, clacking its mandibles at me as I peered at it. It rared up, ready to latch onto my finger to punish me further.

It didn't stand a chance; I wiped the fire ant remains off my fingers onto my jeans. Standing in the bramble, I selected one perfect berry from my bag, scrutinised it closely, and placed it on my poor, injured tongue. Ahhhhh! Heavenly!

Farewell Festiva!

2010-05-15T15:45:00.000-05:00

This Ford ferried me to my education job daily until she gave up due to a frozen engine. She sat inthe woods for several years until her swan song last Saturday at our event for writers: Cops and Robbers. Folks learned about weapons of the 1920's and '30's. They got to try some, too.

After the writers finished decorating the Festiva, The M-37 hauled her to the shooting range. Set into position the old car gave her all for the winner of the raffle for the first shot.

Jean-Marie took aim...

...and blew the windows away!

More shots followed, delivered by eager writers.

"STOP! STOP! OMG!!!! Where's my cell phone?" Stacy searched while writers waited. "I dropped it when I was steering the car into place!" Despite the hail of bullets earlier, the phone was rescued intact from under the driver's seat.

Proudly, JML shows the results of her shooting.

What can be learned by "tagging" and shooting up a car? Writers discovered:

* spray painting cars is FUN

* side windows shatter more easily than windshields

* hiding behind a car in a shoot out might not be a good idea

* bullets penetrate both sides of a vehicle at a 75' distance

* cell phones lodged under the seats are protected from gunfire

I'm hoping to see some of this information incorporated into someone's novel someday.

As for the Festiva, it's off to the recycler to become something new, but she'll live in the imaginations of the writers and their readers.What more could any teacher's car want?

The Harbinger

2010-05-11T17:05:00.001-05:00

Busy mandibles, armored, less than a half inch long, it was perched on a leaf. They'd be coming along bigger soon, nearly two inches long by the end of summer, but this one was the first grasshopper of the year.

No songs of rejoicing, no roll of drums for this harbinger of the plague to come. Now until November they'll be eating their way through my garden. It's the Burnetts vs. the hoppers.

Three life processes take up a hoppers life:

Eating

Excreting

Breeding

Everything green and tender is hopper fodder. Beans, lettuce, small seedlings, tops on their menu, are crunched, chomped, and chewed to rags. Tiny baby squash are gnawed if hopper mandibles get a hold on the tender skins.

What goes in, must come out. By the end of May everything will be peppered with grasshopper poo: rabbit cage tops, feed bins, vehicles, the ground itself. Don't hang the sheets out for that wonderful clean smell; I swear the hoppers balance on the clothesline just to besmirch the bed linens. The evil deed accomplished, they fling themselves away, laughing the mechanical gnashing that is grasshopper laughter.

The dog eats them, the chickens eat them, the cats pounce upon them and eventually dispatch them. We pick them off the plants, and take them to the chickens ourselves. No effect is apparent on the burgeoning hopper population.

Why? They breed. Prolifically. Hoppers must be the best creatures in the world at replacing themselves.

I'm desperate. I'm thinking of poisoning the rapacious devils, if I could find one that worked. I don't want to kill ourselves or any animals in the process, though. What to do??? Got any ideas?

Walking With Mr. Bear

2010-05-02T16:05:00.001-05:00

Going for a walk, Mom? Can I go too? I promise to be good!

The wild grapes are blooming! Too bad the deer will get them before you do, Mom.

C'mon! Lets go check out the flowers! Let's go! Let's go!

These smell great! Can I eat them?

Why are you yelling, Mom? Oh, poison oak is not for eating -- or smelling.

Bad plant! You make Mom itch.

She HATES Virginia creeper.

Oooh,

I protected Mom from all the bad things ( coyotes, cougars, hogs, other dogs) that might hurt her on our walk. I'm a "gooooo boy", so I got a Pupperoni! Don't forget to take me next time, okay, Mom?

Spring Stroll

2010-04-20T20:54:00.002-05:00

Spring Stroll

I hope you enjoyed this stroll with me through the HomePlace today.

No S##t?

2010-04-14T08:17:00.000-05:00

Yes, a continuation of a previous post. Hangman and family made another visit, and this time he brought DIRT!!!! Just as wonderful as his last visit. He filled one freezer with paper shreds and dirt and topped off another freezer from his last visit. The line of recycled "coolerators" (fridges and freezers) demand lots of filling before being turned into raised garden beds. Fabulous for folks not personally aquainted with the ground because they'd never get up again if they got down there. Like me.

Check out these veggies! Nero De Toscana kale.

He also brought another batch of fig twigs; if they all take root, I will have 18+ fig trees. For some reason, I have trouble starting fig trees, so Hangman brought extra for insurance. 10-Q, Hangman.

I like figs, but am only one person. Art doesn't eat figs. I will need to get seriously creative with figs. Anyone need some fig leaves? Regular streaking is "so last season". This would add a classic/Biblical flavor. No leaves available at this time,so dont start shedding your clothes yet, folks. The twigs are still green and hanging in there.

This fig twig from last year is ready to plant, and I have just the spot. It'll replace the plum tree burned in the fire last year. Just look at those healthy leaves!

While it grows, I have plans to plant pole beans around that poor plum tree if it's sturdy enough to hold the vines.

Transplanted squash last weekend with the Grandbabies, and we started cucumbers and pattypan squash. I never cease to be amazed at the miracle of planting seeds.

Keep that dirt coming, Hangman. I have another freezer, and there's tires to start filling, too. Thanks for the effort you put forth digging, hauling it up here, and off-loading it. I still have some of those seeds left you brought last time and am eager to get them planted!

Bunnies for Sale

2010-03-24T12:00:00.001-05:00

Bunches of bunnies being handled daily; it takes hours of holding and cuddling in the fresh air to ready them for sale. Unlike most sellers we offer a flyer with contact info in case the bunny needs help or doesn't work out. We do take them back, but offer no refund.

We never got to the 100 rabbit goal, and I'm glad. We did get to 50, however, and caring for those appropriately kept us busy enough. Need to contact some folks that want breeders before we sell out.

It's amazing how many folks want bunnies for food stock. A sign of the times, no doubt. Looks like we'll also be tapping into the 4-H Rabbit Project next year, thanks to our tax accountant.

Give a thought to sustainable living, and raise rabbits; if they don't sell they'll keep your "backbutton and belly-bone separated".

Oh, S**t!

2010-03-16T09:02:00.000-05:00

A month early exactly, Hangman arrived with my traditional birthday gift. Yes, that's right! 400 pounds of composted cow manure! How many men would give this gift from the heart knowing it would be appreciated, and not scorned? Or possibly misinterpreted?

Yeah, I gotta admit he looks a bit scary in his pic above, but what a sweetheart! My favorite gift every year! S**t, something he knows I can use in the years to come. I can look at the brown gold and think of his generosity. Most folks might interpret that to mean his gift wasn't worth s**t, but not me. You should see those bean plants growing!

Squirrel kisses to ya, Hangman, and thanks!

Bunny Marco Polo

2010-03-01T10:47:00.000-06:00

Another great explorer joins the annals of history!

We brought a baby inside to treat it for an eye infection. You'd think a large plastic storage tub could hold a bunny less than two months old. It certainly looked deep enough! Never underestimte the wanderlust factor in a rabbit, especially one getting eyedrops.

Last night we came home to an empty tub. No sight of the bunny anywhere, but a cold trail of "rabbit raisins" strewn across my desk. "Yoo hoo, Bunny!" No answer. She's not in the corners under the desk, not in the closet, not behind the large plant, and not in the pantry shelves. Shake the food dish? No answer.

Sooner or later someone hears the call of nature and treks to the bathroom. Who is huddled next to the potty? White rabbit in camoflage, that's who! How long was she there? Who knows. A regular miracle with five cats in the house roaming free. Like Peter Rabbit she squeezed under the gate (door). "Lipptey lippety" up the hall she went. Had she gone to the bedroom, site of kitty afternoon naps, the story may have ended differently.

Cured, with eyes shiny bright and back to normal, the great rabbit explorer found herself snatched up and delivered back to her littermates outside. I wonder, what tales did she tell of the Tub of Isolation and her journey to the Great Porcelain Ediface?

Update: New School Days

2010-02-26T09:12:00.000-06:00

Completed my first week of substitute teaching last week. Actually subbing feels pretty good; at the end of the day I walk away without the crippling-to-carry-takes-hours-to-check student work. Just me, the truck keys, and my lightly packed bag ( lighter still 'cause bottled water and lunch are gone). No prep for the next day either!

I stand amazed at the current crop of high school students in the small nearby town I've signed on with. I'm not used to students sporting beards and moustaches! The "young folks" are polite and well-spoken, save for two I met that day. Quite a difference from my old school district.Not saying that some of the students in my old district weren't polite, but overall, I'm very impressed with these kids from a town that has to remain nameless for security's sake, and ethics reasons, too!
The only problem Friday was concerning water fountains ( "bubblers", for the northern readers); where are they hidden in a modern school? I checked several hallways to no avail. Maybe in the bathrooms? That sounds too awful for words. I did find the teacher bathroom, and was very glad of that.

Next time at the high school I'm going to locate them, just for information's sake. I prefer bottled water in a school situation; you never know what germs lurk in the fountains of public schools. Everything seems to be spotless,though, wherever I look. Whatever germs lurk, I'm avoiding them. My resistance isn't as current as it used to be, out of teaching two years.

I found everything at the elementary school just fine. Seems like home, except you have to be "buzzed in" like at a jewelry store, and all outside doors must be opened with a key card. Don't get between buildings without one, or you'll be making a trip to the office -- probably from the far end of the campus, besides. Security sure has improved in the schools.

Next week is pretty well booked, no problem my being on crutches as far as the schools are concerned. Friday is open, so I'll decide what to do if called on that day. Maybe I'll work, and maybe not. I get to choose these days!

How Much Hay Fits Into a Rabbit's Mouth?

2010-02-21T11:41:00.000-06:00

More hay than you think fits in a bunny mouth. Bonnie is building her nest rapidly in these photos. Her kits will be born in just a few hours. Unlike every other rqabbit we've had hers were born in the afternoon. She did manage to get them in the box, but Art had to snuggle them into her fur-lined nest, and cover them. Apparently she's a first time momma, despite her large size. When Art was through settling her babies, she hopped into the nest box to check on his work. It seemed suitable to her, so out she leaped. With the female's litter in the next cage (born Thursday), the baby bunny count is at 40. Two more does due next week Friday, and we'll have close to 50. Then the re-bred does due in two more weeks, but not soon enough to wean for Easter.

I'm actually relieved, in a way, even though I'd aimed for 100 bunnies. The Kleins (wire cutters) have disappeared, and we need some time to build some large holding cages for weanlings. After the sales, the rest will be grown up for meat. Momma needs a new freezer!

Waiting for the next two does to build their nests. No matter how many bunnies we have, it's still exciting!

Happiness is...

2010-02-16T09:55:00.000-06:00

...seeing another of my articles published in BackHome magazine!

Note the blue box with "Earn Bunny Money" next to the title? Inside this issue is "Makin' Money with Bunnies". The adorable grandson, "Spud", has his picture at the start of the article. He's clutching a bunny, hanging on for all he's worth, with a strange smile. I think he's saying to himself, "Don't drop it, don't drop it. Hang on until Nana gets the picture."

Just a short blog today. Computer is acting up again, so hang in there with me readers. I may disappear, but count on my being back ASAP.

Today is my first subbing job; I have 1/2 day at Reynolds Elementary, grade 4. Wish me luck!

More Baby Bunnies

2010-02-10T11:46:00.000-06:00

This morning Buttercup has birthed seven in her first litter! Good going, girl! These will be palominos, golden with white feet, tails, and undersides. She pulled an amazing amount of hair,as you can see. I pulled it off them to taker the pic and covered them quickly. It's cold and getting colder. Poor "pinkies", hope their fur grows in quickly!

Two other does have kindled (given birth) in the past two days. We have a total of 27 babies now, and six more does due in the next week and the week after. Will we get 100 bunnies to wean and sell by Easter? Stay tuned for developments!

Speaking of Ducks

2010-02-07T12:18:00.000-06:00

Bird Fever Strikes Again

Indian Runner Ducks, originating in long ago Indonesia, appear caged in the photo above. I really liked watching our "Runners" as they zoomed about their pen. They looked like wine bottles, standing tall and elegant. They also provided numerous delicious eggs for baking-- especially cornbread. We also enjoyed those eggs fried, scrambled and as omlettes. I miss those runner ducks.

They're used frequently to train sheepdogs for trials because they move as a flock; they moved as a flock the day they got into the green bean patch, and the crazy lady came out and chased them. The beans must have been delicious, there were only leafless twigs left when I found the gate open. They laughed as they ran from the arm-waving maniac. Not funny, I thought at the time. The resulting eggs had yolks so orange they made me chuckle. I got to eat those beans secondhand, so to speak.

Francois was a crested Runner. His pom-pom would bobble crazily as he ran. Crested birds are almost as good as feather footed chickens as far as I'm concerned. The crests range from a tuft of feathers to a tophat like Francois'. If his technique with the lady ducks had been better, he would have been a ladies' man, but he was just eager. Annoyingly eager, according to the females as they ran from him, shreiking duck epithets.

The "bird fever" calls me (see prior post). I must have ducks... Muscovy, spotted Magpie, Campbells, Pekins, and Runners.

No, I Didn't! Really! I Didn't! (yet)

2010-02-04T11:59:00.003-06:00

Up front, I need to tell you these are chicks from a past order. Maybe eighteen months or two years ago, OK? So, Art and Matthew, heave a mighty sigh of relief, I'm not hiding any chickens at this time. Or ducks. Or Guineas. Or geese, either.

Aren't they cute? Look at the grey one with feathers on it's feet; I love feather footed birds. How adorable they are as they speed around their baby enclosure, bright-eyed and alert. Remember how happy I get watching baby birds, guys?

Menfolk of HomePlace! Gird your loins and prepare for spring! The hatchery price list has arrived. Color plates of the birds are available online at http://www.ideal-poultry.com/.

Our current crew of chickens are laying again, its true, but what will happen next winter? We will be eggless again, feeding gluttinous chickens on sabbatical. I know, I picked them, but they were examples of breeds we didn't have. I knew they weren't known for their laying abilities.

Let's get some good layers, Please? Australorpes, Rhode Islands, Barred Rocks, Americaunas, Silver Dorkings? Something?

What about ducks? We have no ducks, either. I miss having geese, but it may be too late for them. Don't worry, I'll check online!

OMG. I have "bird fever" again. The source of contagion is that price list, sent in an innocuous white envelope. I've got it bad. I could be cured with an order of birds, though. Awww! Look at them in that brown shipping box....

Godzilla, Another Chicken of the Past

2010-01-31T16:10:00.000-06:00

Another walk down Memory Lane -- meet Godzilla, another porch chicken. A perfect name for her, as she had a similar temperament to that famous Japanese star of science fiction.

She had a convenient habit. Each morning she left an egg in her nest in this corner of the porch. Want an egg for breakfast? Open the door, lean out, and reach for that freshly laid, glowing brown egg. Some day it was so fresh the bloom (protective coating, applied just before egg is laid) hadn't even dried on it. Perfect eggs, at least AAA Grade, orangey egg yolk standing high and proud in the frying pan. Until one terrible morning....

I reached out and found her on her nest wearing a most curmudgeon-like look on her face. Not moving, she dared me to reach under her. Does she look friendly in the picture above? No, she had gone "broody", and she had plans for this egg and the subsequent ones. Each day she laid a new one, until she had a clutch of ten. Those eggs were hers, and violence was the preferred method to deal with the kidnapper of her future children. She pecked like a coiled snake striking. Drawing blood made her happy. I could tell by the way she smacked her beak after she connected with my hand or wrist. She never lifted off that nest as long as I was visible.

She developed such an evil mood it was dangerous for the grandbabies to come to the door. The solution was a cage. How to move vicious and violent Godzilla? We waited until she went to sleep; while in chicken sleep-stupor, she and her nest were scooped up and placed into a cage on the porch.

Notice how "Spud" (Grandbaby Matthew) kept his hands out of her reach? Her chicks had hatched and she was Super Mom, able to reach through cage wire in a single strike. Banties are well known for their mothering, and Godzilla was a first-rate example. One very scary chicken. You might see a Coke bottle of water hung on the back of the cage; we couldn't reach in to water her, so she had to drink from a bunny bottle. Food was poured through the top.

This chick is not one of Godzilla's, I wouldn't have tried to take one away from her. It's from a hatchery order we made a year ago. This chick is the same size as Godzilla's hatchlings on day one. The coin is a quarter, to give some scale to the size of the chicks. Some even had the feathered legs like this one, as the rooster back then was feather-footed and feather-legged.

Sadly, free ranging porch chickens have a limited survival rate, even though they have strategies to avoid predators. She hated being caged, and slept high in a tree to avoid capture ever again. Godzilla came down and set on her next nest somewhere on the ground out in the woods or goat pasture. We never found her or the nest. I miss my morning egg from the porch, and I miss her, too.