Ode to Allelon

Ode to Allelon

The photo posted above is my (uber-obsessive) ideal of organized gardening gear. No folks, please, no self help web links – this photo is a display at the Chicago Botanical garden and not my garage. (Though come to think of it, I do have a blank brick wall……) Ok, so it’s that time again, as all would-be, old world and neo-agrarian (sorry I always wanted to try that neo-something - or – another) farmers and gardeners rejoice for the days & rays of sunshine and warmer earth return. Where spring is sprung and all things green return, why should we reserve it to just one day for the Irish? Our garden gnome is ready to return from hibernation with the rather large pond frog he’s been vacationing on the shelf with this winter and building plans for our new coop-de-ville (no not an auto or a chicken tractor) but the new resident home of our fowl friends residing in their cardboard commune located in an empty back bedroom of our home for the past three weeks. The Rhode Island Reds are feathering out, healthy and attentive, a bit on the hungry side as they are learning to flock toward the feeding hand rather than away from it as days pass. I not quite sure how much or little I should be feeding them to think of it, perhaps a bit of sagely advice from you veteran chicken farmers out there would be in order. We have 14 birds all total, and I would say it’s just the right amount, any more and we’d be overwhelmed, any less and we’d miss the ‘madness’ of daily feedings and cleanings of the circle pen. We’ve learned a lot over the past few weeks and I am quite proud of my wife and her diligence and care for the animals. Faithful in the little things is important first steps toward accomplishing any thing you set to doing, and she’s done well.

If you’ve wondered where I have been as of late – no I’ve not been beamed up – or assimilated by the borg. (Gratuitous Star-trek mentions)…. to keep my good friend Jim interested enough in reading through these posts. I have not taken Lenten as our good farmer Tom (we miss you Tom!) I have been doing due diligence for getting things inline for a successful spring season for our family, farm endeavors and fiduciary duties for our Company and personal assets.

A note of thanks to Herrick for his links on page to the Daily Reckoning and mentions of the Money Changer (we’ve put some of that knowledge to work) as well his mention of the Book entitled “Crunchy Cons”. It was a wonderful read and worth picking up if you have the notion, it’s helped us in forming a more apolitical definition of our terms and what we stand for as Constitutionally and Culturally Conservative Christians in a post-industrial age of amoral attitudes, actions & ideals in a time of irresponsible and overreaching governmental authoritarianism that borders on global fascism and not the freedom and democracy (as if we ever were one) that the founders of this fine republic once shed their blood and treasure for in principle and honor.

Ok, so a bit of a rant, but I wanted to make the point clear, as not to be misunderstood.

I personally enjoyed the commentary on the greening of the conservative mindset as an idea whose time has come. After all the root wording to conservative is to conserve - which is to preserve, safeguard and protect that which is of inherent value, to the agrarian our fields – to the people our posterity, in Russell Kirk’s conviction that “the institution most essential to conserve is the family.”

Another book (finishing soon) is “Empire of Debt” which is enlightening as it is frightening as the author takes you through a historical look at the history of empires and their demise, a timely tome and insightful work, whether you agree with his premise or otherwise.

Well, a tad bit more to write, but that will have to wait for another day as I have some catching up to do with some responses and inquires, as well to read some of the generous writings of other fine folk in the agrarian blogsphere………….good nite, and good luck………..