the Trash vitae

Trash is the editor-in-chief of an independent Colorado micro-publisher/ design studio. I dabble in digital photography, the lost art of film image making, and guerilla digital video. DrMAC Studios specializes in books and videos on self-reliance, gardening, dumpster diving, urban foraging and living off the excesses of others.
This blog documents my daily experiences with the rest of the world

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Sunday morning sunshine

bfast- coffee and cheese sandie, fruit
brunch- leftover chinese food, cookies, water
dinner- more leftover chinese food, taco bell cinnamon twisters (daughters contribution), water.
The sun is bright this morning as I am looking out the lab window at the birds eating, squirrels gantering about grabbing the food I left for them. It truly is a blessing to see. Nature goes on even after the snow.
Anyhow I gotta dust off the jeep and the bike so that I may dumpie dive the neighborhood strip mall to see what goodies the yuppie left behind or didn't buy.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

some french folk music



featuring Robert Crumb on the banjo.. a nice melody for a Saturday morning

see ya next year S Claus

Whilst his visit was short and contrite Xmas went off with n'er a glitch..
the kids played with their goodies on thru the night.
Me and ma snuggled in for the night.
sleep sleep

Added the veggie scraps and coffee grinds, egg shells to the compost pile picked up and scattered some dog poop around the roses and lilacs. Filled the outdoor feeders for the birds and shot some pics. All in all a successful day.
And you?

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Xmas



Ho Ho Ho
to all my readers. A happy holiday from our 'stead to yours. May this day bring happiness and togetherness and love to you all.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Xmas eve morning and all thru the house....



mother and I waiting for the dubious jobs ahead.
Dont we ust merry as we await at the 'stead

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

the night before xmas eve



and its snowing ,, yippee..
It is one of the wonders of life at the 'stead to have snow on Xmas.. I filled the bird feeders with suet and seed. I left some veggies out for the rabbits .. typical yule life.
It is evening like this that make me not want to trade life at the 'stead for anywhere else.

Wednesday morning 4am

Its really winding into the Xmas season.. Fresh snow is falling outside.
We had latkas and ham for supper..
Xmas is shaping up to be one of the better ones if the missus and I can stay calm and collected. She is sewing and embroidering in her little work area while SAnta dad works in the shop in his spare time (haha)....

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Is this whats coming ?



The economy is in the tank. The guvt wants to tax us more. we dont have the income to pay the taxes. What the hell to do.. Do we live like the folks in Grapes of Wrath. Or are we living that way already..
Some say yes others no.. I thiunk a mid point of both is where we should all be striving for.
And what about y'all?

Saturday, December 19, 2009

fGuvt f-off


I am hearing all of this crap about plz guvt give me this or give me that or dont take this or that. F that.. As an individual we have to take back what is ours. Freedom, Liberty, etc. The guvt aint gonna give nuthin back. you gotta take it. One step at a time. Small steps then large ones.
Assert your independance

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

winter attire

With the onset of winter, the camo shorts and tshirts get replaced with the denim jeans with suede patches for durability. the sandal get replaced with the sneakers and or military boots and the jackets of choice are the thermal jacket under the carhardt trucker jacket and then the freebie north face expedition jacket for real cold.
The hats go from the camo ball cap to an assortment of thermal or wool stocking caps and the ever favorite arctic rabbit fur aviator for those real cold days..

As for hanging around the homestead some thiculate pants and a sweatshirt do the trick..
And y'all

Sunday, December 13, 2009

urban homesteading




You really dont need to be in the country to do this and become somewhat self- sufficient. All it takes is an intense desire and some creativity and EFFORT. Even though they live in CA there are likewise efforts succeeding in CO and everywhere.

check this out..

Dont forget to compost

Just because the weather has turned frigid you cant forget to compost. All of the coffee grinds, greens cuttings, carrot tops, potato peels, tomato leftovers, fruit leftovers etc are all good food for your compost pile. So dont forget to take all those savings out and just pour them in. add a layer of dirt over them, and throw some snow over it for moisture..
Happy Sunday

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Babylon gathering

Spent the afternoon eating and imbibing at the annual Babylon feast. Brought home about 6 pounds of assorted turkey and ham. 2 pounds of green salad and rasberry dressing. I also connived a crap load of desserts and holiday treats. The missus and the kids will be enjoying the stuff all weekend. I also rec'd a 10 dollar gift card to Chipotle and an Appalachian Trail leatherman and knife set in the gift exchange..
Since I dont eat Chipotle I will regift it out. However I will keep the the leatherman set for my own use.

Otherwise a pretty decent Friday.. And you all.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Pagan days ahead

the tree is going up.
Decorations fill the house.
Smells of sweets and niceties abound.
It must be getting close to Xmas.
This weekend the lights will go up. and the trees will get done.
MOre beer will be drunk. To keep warm.
HOHOHO.
and not the Green Giant/

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Babylon Holiday gathering



They served stale sandies and boxed cookies oh my.. YUK
What a waste of time and the goodies given away were crap.. I didnt stay but for an obligatory few and came back to the office. Disappointing

Monday, December 7, 2009

Intentional Communities

I found this link this morning by accident from a buddy in the Rainbows. There is alot of info on the main site but the link goes to a page just for IC's in Colorado

Even more cold

brunch- bacon,eggs and potatos with coffee and juice,
dinner- pawk chops, taters, salad. water

It about 12 degrees outside this morning.. We took in about 3 inches of snow.. A few more is expected.. But alas I am Back to Babylon.. Hot coffee and smokes.
Spent the majority of the weekend in front of the classic movies and the computer.
I ventured out yesterday to head over to Wallie to pick up some essentials. Took a walk thru the nature area on the way. Signs of deer tracks, rabbit tracks and even some playful bunnies frolicking in the snow
It almost makes a trip to WW doable and enjoyable..

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Sunday morning....Snow and cold

breakfast- Toast and butter, coffee fruit
lunch- ham sandies and chips, water
dinner- chips/salsa, water

FAF, thanx to CMAC for bringin the freebie hot wings Friday night.. Surprise for Junior on Saturday...

Spent the majority of the day watching movies or answering email..Trash and the Missus love classic movie channel. Also watched some action/adventure flicks on TNT
Got some freebie machines to work on or resell. SO a possibility to make a few bucks/ barter. I will go thru them this week. Son came up and brought them.
Good kid.

Anyhow Xmas preppin is slowing down as we are tired this weekend..But alas Missus T will change all that.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

BRRRRR....

Its beginning to look a lot like XMAS.
Thermometer says 7 degrees out there.. But its toasty warm in here at 68.. coffee is on and smokes are plentiful. Getting ready to head to Babylon...
The homeless numbers are rising.
If you can help them out..

BTW K-love this morning is talking about Baconmania.. I am sure the AMA is loving the fact that BAcon is becoming a fad comfort food..BAcon ice cream, Bacon lattes etc..For me a 6.5 pound slab will last for about 2 weeks. When they were on sale a few weeks ago I bought several. GONE.. I just bought another and will get more for the deep freeze// gotta have bacon..

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

lets not forget the simple things

Sitting here this morning having coffee and a few smokes I am besieged with all of the ads and the propaganda the mill is putting out regarding the season of gluttony..
Lets not be gluttonous..But lets live comfortably on the excesses of others

This past weekend while dumpieing around the Safeiway I came across a box of kids tshirts that were tossed at the top of a dumpie.. I grabbed the box, stored it in the Jeepster and went on my way. In front of Safieway the church was picking up the expired bread for their food bank so I gave the box of shirts to the older ladies to give them out to the unfortunate kids.. As the bible says, If you have 2 coats give one away.. We dont need more tshirts. SOmeone else does

Behind the Safieway I got several blueberry quarts, bags of carrot sticks, several hot house tomatoes, bags of sprouts and other fresh delights.
IN the sale bin I also picked up a few packs of organic sausage and cold cuts that had just gone the sell by date.. These are a good deal since i can eat for 49 cents a pack what the consumer pays 5 bucks a pack for. They taste real good cut up with sauteed onions and sliced Jalapenos (also free finds).

Anyhow remember to share, keep building the compost pile and filling the pantry. Recycle the cans and tin and most of all Recycle and reuse.
Happy Wednesday.

PS a good source of cheap eats is available a the SAfieways.. All thos leftover turkeys are still at the $5.88- $9.88 price point ( no limit).. If ya got room in the deep freeze pick up a few.. Be prepared..

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Dont forget the compost.



With all of the prepping for Thanksgiving Here is hoping that you remembered to turn the refuse into the compost pile. Celery stalk cuttings, carrot and potato shavings, egg shells, green bean cuttings.. lettuice and tomato and cabbages leaves, etc. All of this and more should havefound its way into the compost pile.. I even managed to save some seed from and organic zuchini. Oh yes and dont forget the coffee grinds and tea bag innards.. MOre good stuff NOw is also a good time to stir the pot or add a little more dirt over the Thanksgiving treats.. yumyum

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

who cares.


Tell me seriously.. WTHC about the Friday after Thanksgiving.. The only thing I care about is checking out the Dumpies behind the strip mall for the freebies and the damaged goods and behind the Safieway for the veggie trays, fresh veggies and the baked goods that didnt sell.

Why would any prepper think differently.. Bargins can be had on the CL and the Freecycle sites, Even more so since its the last weekned of the monnth and people move out and move on. Leavig their unwanted reasure behind for us

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

muse in the news


One of my influences in thinking and philosophy was Camus.
Author of the REBEL, the Stranger, A HAppy Death etc. he died a few years after I was born. However his writings are an inspiration. And now France wants to exhume his body and bury it in the PAntheon with the elitists of France.. How bourgeoisie and anti- CAmus..
Leave him to rest in peace

Monday, November 23, 2009

As Trash sees it



Happy Monday.
While we may be living in the "end days" as the Mrs. suggests and time will be getting tougher I am reminded of a wise old sage who suggested the "what doesnt kill us only makes us stronger' That is the advice I share.
Prep Prep and more Prep at wherever you BIL (Bug in Location) is and hold down the fort. While it is always nice to think and ponder about a better place, the place you got right now aint bad either.. It can always be made better. Remember to put the "home in homestead"..
Your home is your sanctuary from the real world out there. Keep it stocked with the essential and love and you will always get by. As for vehicles Be thankful with what you have and always try to improve them first.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Stockpile the grubbins


Times are getting tough out there. Debt is growing. People are unemployed. And of course the month of gluttony is upon us.
One of the easiest things you can is make sure the pantry is getting filled.. Bargains are aplenty as are the backdoor shopping potentials.. Keep your eyes peeled and you food stuff stocked.

Here at the 'stead Mrs Trash and I are always looking for the bargins and stocking up on the essentials
How about y'all?

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Home is where I hang my hat....

I read blog after blog about looking for the perfect homestead.. Alsa I prefer to build on where I live as the perfect 'stead. Enough room to feel spread out. Enough land to have my growth laboratory (experiments in gardening) and enough room to experiment and create.. In the present its perfect or as perfect as can be.
Now I never stop dreaming about a more perfect place than what I have. Hoever I understand that in order to have peace and contentment you must "live with what you have".. It worked for our ancestors. It works for us.
Give thanx as there are others out there who would be happy to have what we currently have. For they have alot less.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Friday.. let gluttony begin




We are now less than a week away from the beginning of the "season of gluttony". Weight gets put on. Mountains of food and liquor gets consumed. Gifts get exchanged and people we really dont want to see get seen.. Why. Because of the holiday season. HOHO f'n hO..
We at the Trash 'stead also partake of the season of gluttony.. We share share our "found" glutton with the under gluttoned. Helping them to become more gluttonous.
With the economy in the crapper backdoor shopping and curb crawling is yielding more and more.. Even some of the prices in the front door arent too bad..
Enjoy the season as we continue to live on the excesses of others..
HO HO HO

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

I blog and nobody sends me nothing




I read about these mommys who blog and the corporate world sends them goodies and even trips them to the home offices for PR Junkets. read this
I blog about survival and life if SHTF. Important stuff I want goodies too,,
Anyone interested in supporting Trash shoot me an email..
If you wanna send me goodies I am open to reviewing your product.

Monday, November 16, 2009

what happened to this program




By Rose Hayden-Smith
4-H Youth Development and Master Gardener Advisor,
UCCE-Ventura County
WINTER 2006, 20 pages

“Every boy and every girl should be a producer. Production is the first principle in education. The growing of plants and animals should therefore become an integral part of the school program. Such is the aim of the U.S. School Garden Army.”

With these words, the federal Bureau of Education (BOE) launched the United States School Garden Army (USSGA) during World War I. The USSGA represented an unprecedented governmental effort to make agricultural education a formal part of the public school curriculum throughout the United States.

While agricultural education for rural youth had been a government goal for several years, efforts to teach agricultural education to urban and suburban youth had been slower to take hold. The USSGA represented a shift in federal policy by strongly targeting urban and suburban youth.4 Using patriotic appeals (and no small degree of coercion), the government sought to enlist the aid of youth to raise food for America.

The USSGA exemplifies how Americans mediated competing urban and rural values during a period of rapid change and national transformation. Through the USSGA, positive values attributed to America’s rural past were recast and articulated in the largely urban milieu of gardening. Gardening itself offered a new synthesis of the urban and rural, as new techniques and methods pioneered by urban-led scientific agriculture blended with traditional rural folkways. The USSGA’s
curriculum reflected new educational philosophies that schooled urban youth in tasks traditionally associated with rural life.

After Armistice was signed in November of 1918, the National War Garden Commission, Food Administration, and Bureau of Education published “victory” editions of their manuals, revised posters to reflect Allied victory, and encouraged Americans to continue gardening. Gardening was needed to rebuild the world. However, despite these efforts, the USSGA was dismantled soon after Armistice was signed. Its cousins, the Liberty/Victory Garden and Woman’s Land Army programs, suffered the same fate, and quietly disappeared. Urban and rural Americans still gardened, of course, but Uncle Sam didn’t ask them to.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

10 Traits of a Successful Survivalist

Thanx to MD over at www.thesurvivalistblog.net for this list.. I am quite impressed and agree with it 100 per cent. Have a look for yourself.click here

By the time they learn , they are dead or too old

I saw this on an urban homesteading blog this morning.. I betcha this lady is also learning how to farm on Farmville.. hmmm
read this list

Americans are watching more TV

another interesting article for you Sunday amusement. Click Here

Apparently are web surfing and mobile communication useage is also up.. hmmmm

I wonder what MArshall Mcluhan would say about this.....

SNOW....

What started as a little snow last evening.. SO slight I was even able to take an evening walk over to Wallie for some cable and cheetos to allow Junior T to watch cable TV on his TV.. gotta love the power of splitters.
Anyhow it looks like we got about 6 inches overnight.. Nothing major.. So far.
Had some tomato soup and grilled cheese for dinner along with some juice.
Spent the majority of the day rereading Scott and Helen Nearing Living the GOod Life. Some valuable gems every time you read the book.
What did you do this week to prep?
more staples. more barter items hidden away. Also beginning to sketch out possibilities for a SHTF setup if we have to leave ghetto-urbia .
how about y'all

Friday, November 13, 2009

Bargins in the grocers




November is such a good time to stock up on food storage as there are so many sales for the holidays.
I recommend that all readers make a serious effort to have a pantry stocked so so that you have a few months of storage.

Do not overlook foods that may require a bit of effort on your side. Oranges are on sale here 10 pounds for $5!
Potatoes selling for $1.99 for a 10 pound bag. Sweet Potatoes and onions are also cheap as is celery etc. This is the time to buy and store them.
Canned pumpkin goes on sale too and you can make pumpkin soup or pumpkin bread. In addition to the soup you can make cookies, bread, rolls and of course my favorite pie.
Turkey as a mainstay is running about 5-8 bucks each this year with the stores nazi(member) card . I bought one already and have the opportunity to buy at least 3 more.
This is a great bargain because you can make so many meals from a turkey. Can the shredded turkey(or freeze) for soups, casseroles, burritos, enchiladas and pot pies. The bones can be used to make turkey stock for soups or to use to sip when ill.

Even sugar ($1 for 5lbs) flour and other things prices are dropping. JIT for the holidays. Stock up for the winter.. You cant go wrong.

BTW NEVERFORGET THE BACK DOOR SHOPPING EITHER. Overstocks and over ripe veggies, taters etc as well as baked goods are just as good for free as well as at a bargin

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Junior Trash BOM



It was only a matter of time before Junior Trash got his own B.O.M.. This is it
Lots of potential for his small family

Sunday, November 8, 2009

How to be a freegan ( a little video)



a cute little dummy video on how to be a freegan..
Enjoy

Sunday reading

As the weather goes from wet/snow last week to summer again the last few and a minor cold front coming. You neverknow when you will be inbound due to weather. A frien of mine sent out a sampling of this site which offers free downloadable books useful by the third world nations. Well Since America is on its way to third world status I thought that I would pass it on.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Does anyone read the Constitution anymore?




Here in CO people ride around the state with expired tags. According to the USC we should not have to register our cars with the state nor should we have to have a DL. The Feds shall make no law inhibiting access to the roads and highways for interstate travel.
Why do they?
Because the drones let them..The state have no biz in this. It is repressive and unwarranted
It is time to take back our rights under the Constitution.
Read this story.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

10 items most bought at the Supermarket

I guess they do use those darn cards to measure our buying habits. Who'd a guessed>

“These are the top 10 items sold at grocery stores for the 52 weeks ending June 14, 2009. They are ranked by dollar sales.

1. Carbonated beverages
2. Milk
3. Fresh bread and rolls
4. Beer/Ale/Hard cider
5. Salty snacks
6. Natural cheese
7. Frozen dinners/entrees
8. Cold cereal
9. Wine
10. Cigarettes

Sunday, November 1, 2009

compost in the fall and winter

Now that the first snow is gone.. 65 degrees today. I was able to harvest about 30 gallons of water from the roof. I also was able to get out into the compost bin and add all the coffee grinds, onion skins, egg shells crushed etc into the bin. Tomorrow I will give it a turn and turn it under.. Never think that you have to throw the waste in the trash when the bins are right outside. Gather it up during the storm and place it in the bins after the snow melts.
With all the new beds getting created I also dump cans of coffee grinds into the beds and let them set up. Same thing with the egg shells and lettuce veggie leaves. Just lay hem out.. What doesnt get composted the wildife will enjoy.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

backdoor finds this morning

lots of bags of greens for the birds.
Some over ripe corn on the cob for the squirrels,
an english cuke and a cuppla frozen carrots for the rabbits in the neighborhood.
the coup de'tat was about 6 organic lemons useful for lotsa of things.
I just dont understand why the stores throw this stuff out when its perfectly goo and useful. Given the state of the economy right now I expect to see more of us freegans out there ..

the day before Halloween




Spent the day in a stupor as I couldnt get motviated to do anything after almost 3 days off. Ate burritos for breakfast, chicken and taters leftovers for lunch and nachos with JAlapenos for snack.. After the work party in Babylon I brought home a gallon of chili, a quart of nacho chees and abut 2 pounds of jalapenos.. What a weekend snack.
Mrs Trash had gone over to the Safieway and their discounted aisle was full of deals. Pounds of coffee for 65 cents a can.. She bought 10 1 pound cans.. Whole bean coffee was $1 a pound bag.. She bought 6. They also had imported Italian pasta (high dollar stuff) for 60 cents a box. She cleaned them out..
I love Mrs Trash..
They also had 10 pound slabs of bacon for $20.. She bought one.
Went over to SOnic burger for dinner.. good treat and well deserved.
BTW the pic is of me at the Babylon party. I went as a people of Walmart victim

Thursday, October 29, 2009

its still snowing.

430am and all is well. Babylon is closed today. SO I can relax at the 'stead. Snow has let up a bit so it wont be so bad this morning. Spent the evening at home smoking and listening to classical music on the radio. Ate some roasted roadkill (chicken) and some more taters and coon gravy. Washed it down with some kool-aid. What a meal.

Snow total thus far 18 inches at the 'stead.Measured at 430am/

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

its snowing out there



Guvt shut down at 12.. Higher ed shut down at 1 so i was home before 3. Shovelled snow hit the trees and am now drinking beer and smoking.. Gonna be a restful afternoon./.

Before the storm:

Mrs Trash back went out again so I spent the day helping out around the stead. Did some dishes, cleaned up a tad inside and began to rake up all the pretty leaves which will become next years compost.. funfun.. crush them all. Coffee grinds, veggie leftovers and fruit scraps go into the pile all year. We turn once every 2 weeks and the snow/moisture keeps them wet and rotting..The heat during the day aids in the cooking.
It really helps with the soil. I cant see them going to landfills when our beds are in such dire need..
Anyhow took junior for a bus/bike ride down to the game store yesterday.. I am really beginning to like the warranties offered with game systems these days. For $15 you get a warranty with the system that if Anything goes wrong in 12 months bring it back and they wil give you a new system. Good call Gamestop. And these are on refurbished machines.
We left about 1 and came back a tad after 4.. While out we enjoyed a trip to the DOllar store.. .
By eveing mrs T felt a tad better so she made squirrel belly and taters with coonfat gravy ( haha chicken tenders and country gravey) With rooster sauve made for a yumyum dinnner.

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Sunday update

took a dumpie ride this morning back to the local strip mall..
unopened pkg of Oreo double-stuff
unopened deli hero sandie
unopened turkey pepper jack sandie
3 pounds of potatos
1 pound of onions
1 pound of carrot sticks packaged
pckg rasberries
garlic cloves
pckg diced onions

good haul

reprinted interview with the Nearings




click here

The Nearings are one of Trashs inspirations. What they did and how they lived their lives can be an inspiration to all.

Weekend meanderings

bfast- pbj burrito coffee
lunch- hoagie sandie, tater salad, iced coffee. birthday cake.
dinner- leftover fried chicken ( bought 16 pieces for $5 on clearance at Wallie Deli), chips, water
Friday afternoon I hit the old used bookstore on the hill and picked up a cuppla goodies. A Jeremy Bernstein Memoir.. Many of you might remember remember this nam as the author of our General Physics textbooks in high school and in college. good read.
I thought of a highschool buddy of mine who has gone on to develop internet science after losing patience with the academe'.
SAturday I took Junior down to DTC for a trip to grannys.. While others would drive cars. Junior and I rode bike to the bus staion , about 4 miles. Rode the express bus to the train, then the train to a local bus.. About 1 hour and 10 each way. We had a lovely little convo about how people could effect the environ by travelling like we do and not become dependent on the auto. People who consider themselves green ought to have the discourse also. Its rather enlightening.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Friday morning yumyums

breakfast-- at a seminar we had eggs, biscuits, toast, meat juice and coffee
lunch- sirloin tips, chicken breast, veggies and sweets. All at seminar
dinner-- Mrs Trash made about 3 pounds of fried tates and onions and some hot links .. yumyum. I helped her peel the taters and took the skins out to the compost bin and bird feeders.

Sat outside for a while when I got back to the 'stead about 4ish.. Relaxed the rest of the evening..
Busy weekend ahead..

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Living with Ed premieres tonight



While I am not into yuppies like Ed I like some the goodies he does do.. Watch it for some entertainment on the green channel

its chili for pasta fazoo

As the cold weather and the wet came across to the 'stead Mrs Trash decided we was goona eat chili for dinner.. yumyum All I needed to add was some kidney beans.. NOw what she calls chili I call Pasta fazoo. (an Italian goulash) yumyum

Kidney beans, turkey meat, sauteed onion, spices, elbow pasta, and tomatoes.. All mixed in for a few hours.. love it..

Anyhow it stopped snowing here and its almost 40 outside.. good sleepin weather again tonight

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

a cute little video

Somebody took my advice and potatod it

SOmebody took my advice and hit the Safeway before the sale goes off.. Good thing.. Potatos are a staple that dont go bad.. Much like onions, carrots and other crops which can be had fairly inexpensively..

Older lady came over the other day and she was telling us how during the depression she would feed the family (6kids and a single mom) on 100 pounds of potatos a week. She is the one who brought the onions and graced us with the giant cabbage which is still in the garage waiting for me to decide on Kim=chi or sauerkraut,,

Monday, October 19, 2009

Weekend update

bfast- bfast burritos, coffee dumpster fruit
lunch- vegan burritos-potato salad, MD
dinner- chicken quesadillas, potato salad, MDew

Twas a beautiful weekend here at the stead. fellowship and family. On Saturday junior came up and brought some scavenged items. Had a cuppla cokes and smokes and shot the sh-t for a few hours before he had to head south.. Fired up the grill on Saturday evening for some burgers and salad.. yumyum

Sunday we rose early, turned the fresh compost bin and raked some leaves. good compost and mulch. It is never to early to start planning for next gfrowing seaon.

In the afternoon Neighbor came over and we fellowshipped for a few hours until dark. On Friday she brought several home grown onions and on SAturday she brought a fresh, right out of the ground cabbage.. I smell kimchi or saurkraut possibilities.
All in all it was a wonderful weekend.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Potatoes galore




This week the local Safieway had an ad for 10 pound bags of Idaho potatos for 99 cents each. NO LIMIT..

Guess what I now have appx 50 pounds of potatos (3 bags last nigh and already had 2 more bags from last weekend)at the stead for the winter cooking. POtato soup, beef stew, veggie soup, and my favorite fried potatos.. I will prob need to buy more before the sale goes off . But thats ok ..

America in 2009



Thanx to MD for bringing this to our attention. I know the population is rising in Denver also along the Platte river.. As well as in many states out there.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

you tube video on freegan



The Godly thing is that what she finds she pays forward to the homeless. God will bless her

urban bikes for hauling

check out this article and pix for some creative means of using bikes instead of autos.
Down here at the steaad Trash has ol' blue with baskets and a DIY trailer for hauling stuff But these are a tad over the top.. Some good ideas though

Saturday, October 10, 2009

the week ahead



shorts weather a coming.

19 degrees this morning





I got up early to make coffee and take a few pics (posted)of the snow falling on the 'stead.. People drove by and there I was in shorts and flannel shirt taking pics.. Well the neighbors know that Trash is eccentric..Oh well.
Anyhow its a beautiful fall morning..
The heat tape and heat stick are in place and a spare connector is available JIC.
Given that it is supposed to be 70 by Wed this is a good taste..

Friday, October 9, 2009

Bananas are your friend...


bfast cheesey grits, banana, coffee
lunch- leftover fried chicken, fritos and water
snack banana chips
dinner fried chicken potato wedges, water

The missus and I went shopping last Friday and bought a lot of bananas as ourr youngins love them.. Apparently noone has been in the mood for one or more this week and they are getting overripe. Being the greenie I am I cant let them go unused to a landfill. SO I went a googling for more uses.
Beside fertilizer for roses and chunked for squirrel food I wondered what else I can do..
Banana peel chutney, banana facial masques, banana bread, and banana smoothies are useful recipes and easy to accomplish.. CHeck it out.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

baby its chilly outside

bfast- grits and cheese, banana, coffee
lunch- chicken breast with cheesey taters, veggies and water
dinner- chicken breast on toast with gravy and veggies

yesterday it was 70 today it didnt get to 40.. gotta luv CO. Anyhow the back is botherin me from this weekend still and I need a break. But its too busy.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Roger Swain giving a talk on cumquats


He used to be the host of PBS Victory garen years ago.. Another one of my influences that we have benn talking about elsewhere.. Enjoy

100 pounds of good compost added to the beds

After cleaning out the beds and turning the soil. Its time to use the compost that I made all summer.. Approximately 100 pounds of black gold.. good stuff for the add on bed and to spread around..
The leaves keep falling so even more mulch and compost layers for the making.
I love fall at the 'stead.
Prepping for the next growing season.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

good night sweet zuchs/cukes



well its finally over. I cleaned out the last of he ready zuchs and turned the soil. As the pic abve shows. The smaller of them became squirrel food and bird food. The vines are being prepped for the compost bin..I kind of liked the size of the remainders so photod them for posterity. Before storing them for later meals and seed colletion.
I thought I would savor the moment as I prep for the winter and of orse begin working on new beds for next spring.. God willing

What did you do this week to prep?

Bfast- cinnamon tortillas and honey, fruit and coffee
lunch- leftover chicken and potato salad water
dinner- baked taters with cheese and sour cream and butter lemonade

Its been a warm up here at the stead.. Instead of two nights with the heater we needed the fans again last night. And the lighter blankets.. FAll is freaky this year. Which tends to go along with thentheory I have for a wet cold winter this year..
We put the zuch bed to bed yesterday and am beginning to uncover and prep the next 2 larger areas for growing next season.. That way I have places to toss the coffee grinds and compost during the winter.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

SUnrise at the stead



bfst- oatmeal fruit coffee
lunch- chicken (roasted), cheesey taters, spinach water
dinner-- homemade past fazoo with zuchs in the sauce. lemonade

slept ok last night with the humidifier and fan on.. Warm and dry in the house. Supposed to cool off after today with first frost on Friday.
We shall see.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Saturday rantings (what did you do to prep this week)

I had to turn the water back on to the swamper yesterday as it was almost 80-85 in the afternoon. Without a cloud in the sky it was HOT. While scavenging we found about 2-3 pounds of potatos and onions and some assorted greens for the birds.
I also dug up some Yarrow from a neighbor lady who hated it in her yard . So now it will find a new home on the stead.
2 weeks ago I also got a milk crate full of unwanted Iris from the same lady. They also need to be transplanted in Gods little garden .

Anyhow the cold front last week seems to have slowed the zuchs and cukes down so we may have to dig them up soon and compost them. The sunflowers are pretty dry and gone. But the mums are doing well and I am getting lettuce coming in from the second planting. Yippee/

Friday, September 25, 2009

after the rain.. TGI Friday



The weather warmed up nicely yesterday and it loos like more zuchs are ready to harvest. When will it ever stop..
Anyhow this lil plant ws a baby at the bus stop at the beginning od spring. Now look at it..
I do every morning....

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

cold and rainy but now its 50

Parts of town saw the 1st snos yesterday.. Not us we saw rain and small hail. Since the weather was due to get into the high 30s I figured that I would shut the water to the swamper off just in case. As a precaution.. Good thing because as I turned the water off I noticed some gathered water around the bottom of the water heater.. Further examination showed a drip coming from one of the connectors on the cold water flow..
ie causing a trip over to Lowies to get a replacement.
it is getting to be that time of year whereby Trash needs to stock up on the essentials for prepping in the toolbox closet.
Anyhow Mrs Trash made a delicious dinner of chicken breast slices, rice and stir fry veggies (zuchs).. yumyum.. Gods garden is providing.. yumyum.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Yesterday 84 today 40

hmmmm. I am beginning to think the Farmers Almanac and my knees were right.
Is this a premonition of what is to come.. The mountains got snow and we see rain here. it was heavy this morning but now its a heavy mist..

zuchs and bike pics






I am testing the new digital camera to see how the pic quality looks on the blog.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

What did you do to prep this week?

Especially up here. The ants are still gathering as are the squirrels and birds. The farmers almanac is suggesting this could be a cold wet winter here and I am seeing signs of it,, The candles are ready. The ols wood stove will be completed shortly and the freezer is getting there.. Hioping to pick up a newer one this winter.. I would def like to have 2. One in the garage and one in the house.

Trash reads alot of blogs and most ore getting the paranoia ideal down quite well. They talk and talk and give up info on their goods.. What a crock? Be wary of them "false prophets".

and What did you do?

Herbs and spice and everything nice.

bfast-bfast burritos with cheese fruit and coffee
dinner- salmon fillets, grilled zuchs and basmati rice

Spent the day building a new puter for the wife and kids. Old one caught a big virus and the OS was toast. Then went over to Lowies and picked up some hardware for repairs and upgrades I am doing on the 'stead.
I ended the day treating the clan to a fish'q.. Grilled herb salmon fillets with herbs from the garden. Along with a homegrown whopper zuch marinated in red wine vinegar and olive oil along with some rosemary and thai basil from the yard. The wife made some saffron Basmati rice and some lemonade.. Also had some freebie foccaccia with butter.. yumyum

Took a walk about midnight with the Mrs to look a the stars.. We dont do that enough. It was fun.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

pinching pennies.. and nockels and dimes

With all the talk of the economy the Trash stead pretty much tokes along unscathed. Why. Because we have to.. We DD as much as possible and our motto is
"It's free for me". Free food seems to taste better than store bought.
YArd sales and Walmart are a necessary evil but we avoid the rest of commercial America as much as possible.
I barter or trade for what we need or want. Everything else God has a way of providing for us.
I have now harvested 10 pounds of zuchs from the patch and more coming.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Whos bike are you wearing?



I saw this article this morning and it really pissed me off. Biking is not chic its a sustainable form of troansportation.. Why do others need to prostitute it?
What do you all think?

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

a Tinkerers job is never done...

Monday was a day of tinkering.. The rose bed needed to be redone. It has never been worked in the 4 years we have been there/. I had to remove the layers of bark and the god-awful weed fabric underneath it. This exposed concrete soil.. Yes it was so hard and compacted it is like concrete.. It needs exposure to the rain and water and to be modified to loosen up a bit. More work for me..
I also spent part of Sunday and yesterday tinkering on the bikes for the kids and wife. We took a bike ride to the store on Sunday and spent yesterday afternoon at the neighborhood pool. Before heading home for sandwiches and lemonade for supper.
Summertime is over..
Back to Fall and more prepping.
How about you all?

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Prepping is a way of life?

OUt here at the stead prepping is a way of life not an occasional undertaking. The Farmers almanac suggested the other day that its going to be frigid winter this year. Whether its true or not we shall see. But Trash is preparing. More meat and veggies for the deep freeze. Staples under wraps. candles and the potbelly are getting prepped for use.
Though its 80-90 degress now. Winter is right around the corner.
Alternate sources of income and cash stashes are on the rise.
What are you doing to prep?

Friday, September 4, 2009

Summer is nearly over

The zuchs are beautiful. I loaded up on corn and gbeans for te fall and winter. I am prepping for the cold and gloomy winter ahead.

Friday, August 28, 2009

an innovative camper device

Friday cravings

I have been eating alot of zuchs lately mainly because its harvest time at the stead. Gathering seeds, starting some fall plantings and enjoying the bounty (though small in qty, large in quality).

I was at a frineds yesterday and enjoyed some of her high altitude tomatoes (she lives in a 42nd floor apt with balcony overlooking Denver) Yum yum
Today I had zuchs with noodles and soup. Am taking home some leftover Pho.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

back to Gardening

Its been awhile and the beds are getting overgrown with fruit and weeds. So I spent Sunday cleaning out the beds and harvesting some of the cukes and zuchs. Alot more remain. And bpy are they tasty. Had some for lunch yesterday. I also cleaned up the spinach spikes that had died back to seed and after adding some fertilizer and fish guts planted a fall sowing of spinach from the fresh seed. The joy of organic non treated seed.
I also did some research and am pulling the seed pods from the over grown hollyhocks in order to set some in a new area in the fall. I also harvested some dried pole bean pods and sunflower pods and am saving the seed for next season. Lots of work. But its a joy.
My early spring experiment in moving wild flower varieties from the natural area a few blocks away and creating a micro-community plots in my yard is working . The plants reestablished themselves quite nicely and have propagated and seeded themselves . Hopefully with some mulching and care they will will survive the winter and repopulate in the spring. We shall see.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Sunday morrning

bfast chips and salsa and coffee
lunch- tortillas and beans, chips and salsa
dinner-- Carls Jt Western Bacon burgers fries and pink lemonade

Spent the day relaxing around the stead. Picked a cuppla zuchs to use this weekend.. yumyum.. Its chili time here in Denver and the stands are getting setup to roast the chilis for winter savories. And the fruit and veggies at the stands are looking pretty good. .. I love this time of year.
Meanwhile I gotta learn how to use the new digital camera so that the pics can be brought to the site. Plus some maintenance is needed at the stead in prepping for the fall/ winter months. Its not just about food and supplies but hardware and some extra cash/ barter items around in case the SHTF.. I prefer being the miserly ant...

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Tuesday morning sunshine

Woke early this morning to finish some work on a computer I am rebuilding. It blew its hard drive so I have had to replace and rebuild .
It is so nice to be able to have parts around to quickly rebuild the machines.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Life on the stead updated

Its been awhile since i updated. Been busy. Thinking its gonna be a bad winter here I am prepping in earnest to make sure we get thru it both with supplies and cash/ barter.
Son came down from WA so been visiting with him and trying to get the realates with other son and grandson on a better framework. Really enjoy granpa hood.
Anyhow finally picked up an old digital camera and a vhs camera to use so maybe this time it will be more personal photos coming in.
Stay tuned..

Friday, July 31, 2009

finally Friday

the cigarettes are bought,
the beer is waiting
the easy chair will suffice

Come on Weekend

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

thank god im a country boy



enjoy the video

rain again ... yippee

bfast- oatmeal, coffee
lunch leftover pho and steamed rice, water
dinner- chicken and rice wth soy sauce.
life on the stead is good when it rains. More water for the cisterns and less from the faucets.

the garden is maturing nicely and is producing a health bit.. Would like more but alas.
We have been sitting out in the front in the eveings trying to attract the neighbors outside to chit chat and share.

Monday, July 27, 2009

to live and die for Pho



forget chicken soup like bubby made. Give me vietnamese Pho. Even as leftovers it is simply the next best food around.

Back to babylon

After a relaxing weekend topped with a bbq of hotdogs and junque I have come back to Babylon refreshed for another week.
Worked in the garden yesterday pulling bindweed, and thistle.. Enjoyed the last of the hollyhock blooms and am beginning to enjoy the Sunflower infestations. Cant wait to get the seeds.Yum yum.

I was reading an article this monring about the resurgence of the bicycle and its use for more than a leisureley ride. DUH, I have been doing it for years. With the trailer on back I can do almost a months worth of groceries or a weekends worth of freecycling.

Old News but it takes the yuppies time to catch up to us oldtimers

Saturday, July 25, 2009

I dont like much TV but this is good


I caught the first cuppla episodes after a buddy hooked me up and I am hooked.
Hope it lasts til I am caught up. The main character is a cross between Hunter Thompson and Dr Harry Wolper.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Getting back in focus

bfast- oatmeal, grapefruit, coffee
lunch- pasta and hotlinls with steaem veggie leftovers, water
dinner- roast cow, mashed taters, veggies, water

After a gruelling day in the lab I came home to the simplicity of the garden and the family. The rain has done wonders to the corn and the zuchs and cukes while the squirrels have done damage to my green beans. Alas they are getting fed.

Its the middle of summer and life is good.Less drama and less stress. MOre time to recoonect and blog.

Also more time to continue prepping for the winter months. Time to begin stocking up extras as I do believe that this is going to be a bad winter. COnsidering the freak spring and summer thus far.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

no rain last night..

bfast- fried potato toast and coffee
lunch- pasta and meat sauce, hot dogs and water
dinner- hotlinks, brussel sprouts, salad and water

but alas the water from the night before overflowed my swamp cooler so I gott drain it down this morning ,, no biggie.

A nice way to start a Hump DAy. BTW the garden enjoyed the water. Not water for a few days at least. We got about 4-5 inches in an hour.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

the rain in Denver

After a week of dryness the rain is back in the evenings. Last night it felt like FL typhoon with the wind and the mass rain. Lasted about an hour and filled the water cisterns back up to overflow status. Plus the garden got some much needed FREE water. A very good soaking.
The kids enjoyed going out and getting their weekly bath/ shower outside. Enough pressure to get the shampoo out of daughters hair with the rain force. FUN FUN.

Anyhow its Tuesday and the world is a little better place.
At least from my perspective.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

garden update

While we did have a few setbacks what with the hail a few weeks ago.. The collards and spincah are maturing nicely and salads are a few. the corn has made it to knee high or better by the 4th and the greenbeans, which took a pounding are producing well.. snack time in the garden.. Also saw signs of fruit forming in the zuchs and cukes.
All in all a nice sign.. NOw if only the daily rain will continue.
Keeping the water bill down.
The experimenta wildflower garden is also maturing. desert daisies, flox qand the dianthias have settled in and are growing nicely in their mini habitat.

As for me its back to Babylon this morning, one day later than usual. Due to wifes back problems and her inability to move much yesterday morning.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Prep story of my own

Bfast-oatmeal, fruit and coffee
lunch--Pasta primavera, fruit and water bottle
dinner-- homemade smothered burritos, veggies and sweet tea.

After writing the post yesterday I came home from Babylon, grabeed an iced sweet tea and proceeded to move the trash cans to the curb for Friday pick up. I heard the not so familiar sound of streaming water coming from the hot water heater closet. I opened the door and caught a glimpse of a small spritzer leak on one of the connectors.
I put the tea down, went to the tool/ spare parts cabinet and pulled out another connector, pvc pipe cutter and a monkey wrench. Turned off the water and replaced the connector in about 15 minutes..my cost $2.00 for the parts and 15 minutes of work.. A Plumber emergency visit cost about $150.. Thats prepping.

Since it is Tras Day this morning, Trash and Junior went for a walk after dinner to see whats new and available. Brought home some pots and a long water heater box for a rain shelter for junior. He is so creative and resourceful. I asked about rain and cardboard. He said he would throw a tarp over the box. Smart kid/

Thursday, July 9, 2009

How not to prepp (a cool lil video)



If the SHTF there aint gonna be no AAA to rescue yer butt. ANd I get a n idear that the cell phone service will also be out.. As for that POS truck. Get one to keep at the stead as a spare that aint got all that fancy computer crap to go wrong..Or better yet get 2 like mind trucks or jeep that way you can grab a part in an emergency.

Otherwise the video is FTF (funnier than f***.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

back to Babylon

The weekend was fantastic. Able to score a new microwave (ours died and we werent gonna buy a new one), a new couch for the lab, and a new (old man ) bike, gonna use it as a spare when dumpie bike breaks down, along with a discarded cast iron dutch oven for the house and an electric one for the BOM.

I Was also able to pick up a package of vegan sausages (yumyum), bunches of greens and citrus and apples from behind the Safie for eats. Also got some overripe corn ears that went beautifuly for the bird feeders. If you feed Gods creatures, then God will feed you.

Blessings shared.

and how was the Independance Day for you all...
I would love to hear

Saturday, July 4, 2009

today is July 4, Independence Day

What did you do today to assert your independence?
Our country is based on the notion of life liberty and pursuit of happiness. Do you really feel free?
Take back your freedom one step at a time until yes you too can be Independent.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Anti semitism at its finest

I just read the story that today Bernie Madoffs wife had to give up the penthouse as the Feds are taking possession. What a crock of crap.
JOe Nacchio got to keep his place after defrauding all of his employees and the stock holders. Had Bernie been a WASP he would be in minimum jail or probation. But because he is a JEW he gets 150 years. Great justice we have in this country. Give an old man 150 years to live off the taxpayers.. What a crock of crap.
Who were Bernie's "victims". stupid people investing in his get rich quick scheme that went sour. AS for their money.. They lost it. TOUGH luck. Greed has its risk.

WTF-- Free America is going away

the Oabamanation is coming and we are letting it.
Another cigarette tax went into effect yesterday taking Trash's cigarettes to $4.80 a pack. Yet Gas is still arouns $2.40 a gallon. Milk is at $1.58 a gallon.. Almost 2 cheap for the producers to even shake the cows udders. Prices on necessitiy items are going down while the stuff people really want to eat is going up.
Rather an interesting paradox.
Then yesterday afternoon while relaxing in the shade the phone rang. I got a call from BlockBuster Video that my son was there and he wanted to buy a PS2 game.. Thats cool since yesterday was his allowance day. Unfortunatlely the stor couldnt sell it to him because it was rated T.. NOt R, not X not nc-17 but T..Thew game in question was Star Wars-- Revenge of the Sith.. Hell he has the movies (the whole 6-ology which we have enjoyed many times and he is now collecting the games for his entertainment.. WTF I had to go up there and be there when he buys it because of its rating.
As a youth Trash was able to go to the local store and get smokes for the folks and a six pack or two.. The store knew my folks and knew it was ok.. Another fine example of the Obamanation taking control in this country.
This Saturday we are to celebrate Independance Day..
Be smart take some Independence back.. Your country is taking more and more of it away.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Prepping for Civil Unrest





check out this article

Monday morning comes tooo fast

The weekends go by way too fast. Just as I am beginning to relax and forget the week Monday shows its ugly head.
But alas I am going to Babylon for only 2 days this week and then off. Leftover burritos are in the linch as well as a salad picked from the 'stead while having coffee this morning..
Collards, spinach, lettuce, chives, basil, and oregano.. with a little vinaigrette.

yum yum

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

pothos on the porch



bfast- dumpied english muffins and cream cheese, coffee.
lunch- leftover roast chicken, taters,green beans and water
dinner0 mac and chees bean burritos and pink lemonade.

Yesterday I adopted a pothos plant loaded with unruly vines and clutter tha had been making its home in the office space... I took some clippings from it to creeate some new plants and will repot the original plant in a deeper more inviting home.

I also brought it home and it is resting in the shade until I can get to the repot process. All in all a successful day. Oh yea and I did do some work.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Bike to work is down to 1 day



I love Bike to Work week.. For one week a year Denver recognizes the environmental impact of getting out of our cars and using altie transport. Every morning regular commuters will get downtown and enjoy a free bagel, juice, water and assorted other niceties and be able to join in the comraderie with our brother/ sister bikers.

Except this year. NOw we are down to a Bike to Work Day.. Thats right 1 friggin day. Denver is glorified with the yuppie scums.. Either that or the economy is so bad the envies are only able to offer 1 day.. We shall see.

None the less dumpie bike is in the shop with me today, after having given her a nice tune-up and oiling this morning.

If older boy ever reads this yes this is the same bie you built for me several years ago.. Thanx son

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Trash is gonna be a grampa again

My little girl called me last night and informed us of her upcoming event. Words of empathy and support emanated from the missus and myself at the hearing of the news.
So to start prepping for the event and collecting extras for what can be a bittersweet journey unto who-knows where.
But alas, it is Saturday and Trash needs to work outside whilst providing for his ever growing brood.

God has blessed me...

Friday, June 19, 2009

one of my favorit movies of all time





and an even better book, by Jeremy Levin.. I have an autographed copy in my collection.
Here are some priceless quotes from the film.

One in particular.
Boris: You have two labs?
Dr Harry Wolper: Each has its place. At the university, I try to please the Federal Government. Here, I negotiate with God.

the bicycle lifestyle




As most of you who read this blog know, Trash does most of his travails on the dumpie bike..

I guess the yuppies are taking some advice and starting to use the bike as transportation.. So much so that they have now created a self published book on how to do it..

http://issuu.com/cicle/docs/bicycle-lifestyle-guide

I didnt need a guide... I just prefer the bike as a means of minimizing my carbon footprint and as a negating effect to my other vices.. ie I still havent found an efficient way to put an ashtray on the bike..
Enjoy.. its Friday

BTW, next week is Bike to Work week here in CO.. SO you can guess how Trash will be getting to Babylon.. Much the same as he does everyday..

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

an inside scoop




Anyone who know the Trash's know that we have a fondness for the birds.. We have several. A friend of ours sent this to me in humor.. but I loved it so much I thought I would share it with the clarifier

garden update

Its been 3 days since the big hail and life is coming back in the garden. While most of the mature greens (spinach, collards) leaves are gone, there are signs of tender fresh leaves underneath which is giving me hope for recovery. The daisies and sage are coming back just fine as is the freshly planted Sunday morning lemon thyme.
The transplanted morning gloriy seedlings are coming back to life from the pelting. The corn stalks show no sign of wear ot turmoil.
No signs of life yet from the germinating nasturtiums, and camomile but its only been a few days..
I pray for recovery in Gods garden..

Monday, June 15, 2009

Hail hail go away.. come back.. tomorrow

I didnt post much this weekend as the kidets were having fun in the pop-up camper.. Friday night the boys took it over. Saturday the girlies got there share and last night, after airing out the fingernail polish and perfumerie smell me and junior spent some quality time in a sleepover. farting and belching and talkin about survival stuff.

After working diligently in the garden most of the weekend. Yesterday afternoon it began as a slight rain and turned in to a dime size hailer storm. The yard was white and some of the annuals and lettuces might not make it.

Will know more as the week progresses.

Otherwise it was a bountiful weekend and I created another small bed for G-ds transplants ( an experiment in Perma culture whereby I cull assorted wild flower plants from the native surroundings, within walking distance from the stead, and try to recreate nature in the man-created controlled environment as a means of self- propagation.... Will write more as the experiment gains momentive. Te true benefits of this system wont be known until we go thru a winter cycle and see if the plants actually come back and reproduce next year.

Friday, June 12, 2009

words of wisdom from or Appalachian compadres

A healthy thriving plant isn't as apt to be attacked as an unhealthy one.

Same with the human body:
if we put the good stuff in our bodies and leave out
the bad stuff, we won't as likely eat pills nor spend much time flat on our
backs.

Companion planting also helps ward off attack just like who our friends are
oftens will steer us out of harms way not into the path of it.

early sabbath



bfast- oatmeal, toast and lox, coffee
lunch- hamburgers and ham, fresh salad (spinach,chives and basil from the garden) with lettuce and bottle water
dinner ham sandies, chips and dip, coke

It rained during the day and last night with a brief few hours of let-up so that I may work in the garden. Planted some of the daisies that we got last week and checked on the lil seedlings. This weekend I am goin to plant some red and multi-colored nasturtium seeds in planter boxes and pots for some more salad greens.. yumyum

This morning I made Mrs Trash a little happier with fresh coffee and a lovely salmon rose fresh cut from what we now call "Gods garden".

Thursday, June 11, 2009

iced coffee and Capote




Summer mornings are a wonderful time.. LAtely I have been seeing the rabbits, squirrels, birds and other assorted wildlife on my way to Babylon. Gone are the winter coats and sweats ans the noise of the ipod.. Welcome are the return to the written page of my favorite books and my old friend authors.. Not that I have met many of them but I have enjoyed their muses just the same.

However what really makes summer summer is the habit of having 2-3 cups of hot coffee on the way in and satisfying my coffee addiction with iced coffee in the office.. What a great way to enjoy the leftover swill in the Babylon break room. Simply put about 4-5 ice cubes and 3 packages of sugar into the cup and pour the swill over it.. Stir lightly and enjoy..

BTW that is my hand and my cup
salut'

whirlwinds and applesauce

bfast-oatmeal, toast and coffee.
lunch- diceds chicken, rice and oriental veggies. water
dinner- wheat pasta with turkey meat sauce, and water

I saw my 1st tornado on Sunday afternoon. Pretty awesome sight as long as its not near you. I had biked over to Lowes and then to WallieWorld and there she was . About 10-15 miles north of me, Heading slowly down-wind and east.. Within minutes she rolled back up into the heavens as if she hadnt been there. Only to come out another day.

All the rain in the afternoons has been good for the garden. Saves me from using the city water and keeps my rain barrels heavy with water. The beans are growing, the lettuce and spinach we have been munching on intermittently. The corn rows are beginning to stand up tall, like soldiers coming to formation.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Permaculture in New Zealand



good stuff for the morning..
If you or nature cant eat it.. Dont waste the time to grow it.. A few ornamentals are good for the eye candy but strive for food production