Important papers

I am fearful that as we drift away, this will be forgotten.  Here is a copy, just in case.

The Constitution of the United States
The Declaration of Independence_ A Transcription

A mini rant with some useful information at the end.

Something good happened in our community last night; the planning & zoning committee approved a request to rezone a parcel of land (from R2-B2) on which to build a Dollar General (see picture).  The family of the overpriced grocery store objected, along with a few of the affluent.  Keep in mind that out here, you can pay the inflated prices of the local grocery, drive 30 minutes South to the Walmart and Food Lion or continue driving to Roanoke to Kroger, Ukrops, etc.

Now keep in mind, both the location in question and I live on Route 220, which, before I81, was the main road to states north.  While I81 has taken most of the traffic, it has not re-routed all and 220 is popular for logging tractor trailers headed to the paper mill.  Dollar General was jacked on a request to build this business in a community north of here (Mitchelltown) and I am thankful they are pursuing a different location.

My original draft included more detail from the meeting and, well, I believe it would bore you; small town egos and illogic go a long way to creating an unsustainable community.  Yes,  I live in a logic vacuum; we are doomed to repeat the past.  I am going to fight where I can to save my little corner (you too, Pat) and sadly watch the rest slip away.  Wow, reading this now, it appears so tame; all the fire and brimstone are gone!  Guess I’ll save that for the Board of I-believe-I-am-god Stupervisors meeting (dang, it crept in anyway).

Ok, mini rant is over.

In other, more sensible news, I found this two-part series, from the American Preppers Network about lactofermentation: parts 1 and 2.  Some great information for those Nourishing Tradition’s fans (including me).

Of coops and snakes

This weekend was eventful.  Construction of the coop is complete … except for the ‘roof’ of the coop.  My  question is what is the best way to cover this coop?  It measures roughly 20’x15’; the current wire stands 4’ tall.  My concern at the moment is feral cats climbing into the run during the day.  The chickens will be locked into the coop in the evenings.  This is a wooded run so the ‘ceiling’ will be challenging.  Thoughts?

The excitement from today was the neighbor had a snake in her shop.  Freaked her out.  At the time we were unsure of what type of snake this was.  It coiled up as much as it could on the sill and it’s little tail sounded like a rattle, though there were no rattles on it (odd, yes).  We ended up having to kill it so it would leave the chickens alone.  As it turns out this was a black rat snake.  *sighs*  Wish I could have let it live; keeps the mice and poisonous snakes away.

I feel bad.

Tomato ties and splits

My tomatoes are planted not in straight enough rows for this work this year thought I like the idea for next. Posting it here means that I will not loose the information for next year and, who knows, someone might need it! I have cages for some of the tomatoes and need to create cages for the remaining ones.  The cherry tomatoes have already begun to fruit.  Last year I lost so many of them to splitting.

In searching for causes of ‘da split’  I found that inconsistent watering, improper fertilization, & temperature fluctuations can cause this misfortune.  Last year’s growing season was a big temp and water flux – sometimes hot and dry, wet and cold for the next.  Fertilization did not happen last year though this fall, the garden is getting a blanket of old horse manure.  That will hopefully correct many things for the next season.  Here is a shot of my little wonders!  

A visit

I was so excited about this afternoon;  the granddaughter of Mrs. Ward was to stop by for a visit.  I was hopeful to hear some of her growing up stories, memories of her Grandmother, etc.  The neighbor just emailed to say that the Granddaughter had stopped by her shop (that avatar is on the right side bar) to say they were heading home early.  I am sad to have missed her visit.  =(  Please come back soon!!

In other news, my friend over at Howling Hill is now writing for The Greenists; her first post is about one of my

favorite animals – CHICKENS!  Stop for a visit.

A sweet giveaway from Phat Fiber – these too cute stitch markers.

And, since some of us need a ‘gloom & doom’ fix (not really G&D), the partial lunar eclipse this Saturday portents some interesting social upheavals, amongst other things.  Serenity posted the details here. Current events seem to be right on.

Since we will not have guests this eve, work will continue and hopefully finish on the coop.  I also hope to stitch a few more envelopes and a skirt! *crosses fingers*

Old t-shirts

Ronnie went through his drawers the other night and set out many t-shirts that he does not like/will no longer wear, etc.  This pile has been sitting by the closet for several weeks now and it is time for me to either donatethese to Good will or repurpose them into something we/I can use at the house.  Handkerchiefs are in limited supply and I like t-shirt material (jersey) so began my search for how to make a handkerchief from this material.  Typing this makes me realize that all sounds kind of silly; why do I need a tutorial to make a handkerchief?  Just cut a square of material and hem it, right?

Well, if I’d taken that attitude then this tutorial, on round and such handkerchiefs would not have been found,  nor this one on making a skirt.  You know I’m going to have to make both, like this weekend.  Yes, there will be pictures.  

Hydrogen peroxide & the Farm

Today I am writing over at Homemakers Who Work about a new cleaning friend – Hydrogen Peroxide.  Come by for a quick read!

We spent Father’s Day visiting with Ronnie’s dad; someone we do not usually see during the year.  While there, I collected the following pictures:

Eggs

Getting ready for eggs of our own, I found this  Kitchen Tip relating to eggs.  In addition to posting several recipes, Sara explained the importance of room temperature eggs when baking – something I have read and ignored.

Eggs beat to a higher volume at room temp so your cakes will bake up better.  Another factor is that a cold egg won’t incorporate with fat like butter or shortening.

Who’d a thunk!

What I found especially helpful was, when separating an egg, saving the unused part (white or yellow) is as simple as freezing it in an ice cube tray.  Once frozen, store in a baggie in the freezer.  1 white (or yellow) = 1 Tbsp.

The hard boiled egg comment reminds me of a story that Grandmother shared about when she was a young and then older woman; they hard boiled eggs to eat as a snack.  Tastey!

Sontag

I had not heard of this garment prior to reading Mia’s interview over at Aspiring Homemaker.  A Sontag (bosom warmer) helps to keep the chest and midsection warm while allowing arm movement.   Looks like something new to knit up for this winter.  From what I’ve read, both men and women wore this garment, though I am sure the mens was less ‘pretty’.

The popular pattern is found here.  Once the current dishcloth is finished, I believe one of these will be ‘on the hook’.  Pictures will be forth coming.

Gardasil

This is the newest immuno candy that health care providers (HCP) are pushing.  Yes, I’ve read the info about what it is supposed to do in a large percent of the population.  Drug companies are going to tell you what they want you to hear and what will sell their product.

The above is produced by Merck & Co, Inc.  I asked our health care prof. about the studies, how long it took to clear the FDA, side effects, how the study was conducted and she did not know.  Ok, off to the web.  A quick search brought me to the FDA adverse event reporting site.  It also includes this information:

• It was approved for use in June 2008
• Approval came after 6 MONTHS of evaluation
• safety was evaluated on 11,000 individuals
• The manufacturer agreed to conduct several studies following licensure.
• The serum includes aluminum
• The manufacturer was included in the review panel

What you say??

View this document on Scribd

See for yourself – page 4; and where are the additional studies?  Note that one page states that 11,000 were experimented on used in the experiment and then another article says 21,000.  That’s quite a difference.  The FDA also has this to say

Concerns have been raised about reports of deaths occurring in individuals after receiving Gardasil.  As of December 31, 2008, 32 deaths had been reported to VAERS.  There was not a common pattern to the deaths that would suggest they were caused by the vaccine.  In the majority of cases with available autopsy, death certificate and medical records, the cause of death was explained by factors other than the vaccine.

Umm, ok the conspiracy side of me is skeptical.

This site also notes that between 3,700 and 4,000 (depends on which report you read)deaths each year are attributed to HPV, which Gardasil is said to protect against.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published that in 2008, 34,017 people died in traffic accidents.  Hmmm, appears to be a MUCH better problem.

Yes, I know the history of vaccines has been a rocky one.  Many people died while trying to figure out what doses of which chemicals produced the best result.  I’d rather my girls not be guineas.