The Birthday Present

The Birthday Present

Sometimes they say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, it is with that spirit that I chose to duplicate Herrick’s web post title line today. [Please Click Here for Herrick’s Blog] Honestly it was my title line for today, created two days ago, but I did not find time to get a photo shot of the Axe.

This was a gift to me from my dear wife & my folks for passing mile marker thirty-eight, 20 years Chaz’s senior, but by all means folks if you’ve got boys and you’re so inclined, get them an axe! Don’t wait till they’re nigh to old to swing it either, as in my case, the earlier the better especially if you own a woodstove. (::wink::)

This particular axe was a definite desire of mine, a Gränsfors Bruks forged by Rune Andersson in Sweden. If you have the time it is a site worth viewing, aside from making a great product, I like their business model and philosophy. We hope to emulate their business model in many ways with the Coffee Company and our future farm endeavors. Like said earlier, Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The fast buck company is still out there, the 9 to 5 till your 65 will soon be replaced by the 6 to 8 till your 88, or some facsimile of the same for the willing or weak. As for the meek, we shall inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5) for what does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul? (Mark 8:36) I’m not so sure about Jesus as CEO, but I do know Him as King and Sovereign Lord and with that knowledge shall my family and I be content.

I mentioned to KS Milkmaid about the perplexing 10-year question I kept asking myself over and over again. To which I found my answer, and in it my course has been forever altered. My good friend Jim has a good measure for things when stretched or anxious, give it the 10,000-year test.

I.E. Ask yourself, “Will this matter in Ten Thousand Years?” and then act upon your principles and oft is said let you conscious be your guide, hopefully you’ve packed a pound of proverbs for your progress. A good reason for memorization of scripture. Now please don’t apply this measure to small tasks and petty pondering, and quip back with the “you said to” repartee, I tell you then that you have a fool for a guide, and I'd direct you to the nearest gas station to buy a map and a bus ticket one way. Save it for the heavy lifting of the souls work and unselfish service to others, for such as this it should be life’s liberal grease. Enough of my banter of the subject; thus endeth the lesson.

As I indicated above, the axe was a definite desire, see want, far from being a “need” as I did not “need” a G.B. crafted Axe. Truth be told, I do not need an axe at ‘tall! Since the wood we currently use warms our hearth and not our home. Knowing this let me make the conscious choice determining a want vs. a need. It is a lesson my wife and I are learning to live; the Conservers Lifestyle in eliminating many of our wants and pairing down our needs we get to focus in on what matters most to us. It’s a FUN feeling! Small, slow steps are beginning to feel like freedom for our souls as we wake to the reality that 99.9% of many of the proclaimed “necessities” of life are down right burdensome and apart from the singsong parroting voice of society and the keeping up with the “Jones” we need not carry the lot of them.

I hope you have as much fun with it as we are, tis good to sing a new song today (::with a bluegrass background of course!::) Regards.

Chicken Little

Chicken Little















Once upon a time there was a tiny, tiny chicken named Chicken Little. One day Chicken Little was scratching in the garden when something fell on his head. "Oh," cried Chicken Little the sky is falling, I must go tell the king." So Chicken Little ran and ran, and she met Henny Penny. "Where do you travel so fast, Chicken Little?" asked Henny Penny. "Ah, Henny Penny", said Chicken Little, " the sky is falling and I must go tell the king." "How do you know the sky is falling, Chicken Little?" asked Henny Penny. "I saw it with my eyes, I heard it with my ears, and a bit of it fell on my head," said Chicken Little. "I will go with you to the king", said Henny Penny.......................

Well we’ve been (er) busy the past few weeks. As some of you know we were in the process of incubating 18 hatching eggs of Rhode Island Reds. Some 21 days later our beginnings came to a not so glorious end. 0 Hatched. Daunted and somewhat disappointed we candled them (something we should have done about day 8) only to find out that they were mushy fellows and had no chance of hatching. Could have been the cold in shipping, viral infection in the eggs, not fertilized, and human error? Truth is we do not know. I emailed our supplier and she assured me she would ship out a fresh batch sometime soon. A generous offer on her part as we we’re not bitter or blaming the supplier in any way. As I told my wife, in life (as in death), these things happen. We’ll let you know when/if the new shipment arrives and our success or failure in that second endeavor. As I said in a previous post, not all things that end – end well, but they do end. To quote a Frenchie Say-La-Vee, “La Vee”. As you might note I’m somewhat of a backwater linguist. (::grin::)

Ok, so you might ask, “Where did all the chickens come from?” To that end my answer would be McMurray Hatchery. We received 25 baby Rhode Island Red chicks and one “mystery” chick, which they throw in free of charge with your order. (if you choose to receive it) He is the ‘odd one out’ of the bunch, so we’ll see who or what he is in a few weeks. So the house is alive with the sound of chirping, or should I say the back bedroom, now turned hatchery operations control. They are indeed ‘fun to watch’, better than television and commercial free! So soon I will begin the building of our coop for the backyard along the concrete and stone fence line. We’ll not be keeping the lot of them as we partnered with a farm friend to share in half the cost of ordering and shipping the chicks.

We’ll have enough layers, Lord willing, to produce between 18-28 eggs a week when grown. A friend of ours already enquired about how much we’d charge for a dozen? I hadn’t really given much thought to that, though, I know round these parts the local “stupor-market” charges between $3.29-3.89 a dozen of noncommercial raised eggs. I’ll have to do the math for acquisition, feed, shelter and general maintenance – sans labor to produce a price to cost ratio that will give us a break even target & poultry profit for an annualized (ROI) return of investment capital. I guess this is where our Farm Operations begin, today.

After all, as I remarked to Farmer John, this ‘isn’t no Hobby Farm’ a word I loathe to some degree, as it is 180 opposite of our operations, aspirations and goals. As I said to one fellow “we’re serious & we mean business”. And by the by, we mean to have some serious FUN with the thing! Some of our greatest joy over the past several months has been in the discussion and future preparations for our family farm. We are a few years out from large (micro-scale) endeavors that we hope to implement with the acquisition of more land, but we work with what we’ve got and the Lord has provided. It’s the faith in small things that builds greater trust and responsibilities for the larger endeavors. As a bean counter, counting the cost is second nature, and first priority before proceeding in any endeavor of capital or resources ~ time or fiat currency notes. Something I aim to spend more time in discussing over the next several months of web-logging. I think that in principal and practice a solid understanding of economy is of great benefit and oft neglected as ‘taboo’ in today’s modern society. Dispelling myths and opening eyes is a forthright endeavor to bettering our society, community and nation. Stay tuned.


Chickens aside for the moment, we are bedding out the back of the house in preparation for a larger planting this year. Several new crops will be planted from heirloom OP seed stock. Our worm farm population is growing and the ‘herd’ has about doubled. You might say I have some caffeine-nated critters, as the majority of feed for the red wigglers has been coffee grounds from our Company’s castings. From coffee ‘castings’ to worm castings, nothing goes to waste. I’d dare say we recycle more than most surbanites do in separating tin cans, glass jars and the lot of various bins to “save the earth” and assuage their ailing conscious. Not to poke fun at our “environmentally friendly friends” but the only tree I’d feel comfortable hugging is the one I’d cut down for firewood to fuel my family’s hearth or a fruit tree to fuel my family’s dearth. Trees are a renewable resource if forested and properly managed. It’s the consumptive lot of the mass of men leading quite lives of desperation that lead to our dwindling resources not the logger & axe of a local woodsman or cabinet maker.

Regarding peak oil, we, Lord willing, will have our first ‘alternative’ fueled vehicle on the road by this fall. A delay in scheduling put this project to the back burner for 2005, but we are going to make another ‘go around’ at it this year. I have an old 1980 Mercedes 300TD diesel wagon that I purchased to be converted to bio-diesel & WVO operation. Just for the record WVO and bio-diesel are two different processes altogether, and oft confused by the mainstream media & press when discussing “alternative” fuels. Originally Rudolph Diesel designed his engine to run on peanut oil and was interested in providing a means to reduce cost for farmers in their agricultural operations. There is a company close to us called greasecar that sell a conversion kit for straight WVO operation and I am working toward more involvement with a local group who produce and process bio-diesel using an appleseed processor. I’m anxious to hear about Tom’s endeavors with corn-esters for farm operations there in MN.

Like it, love it or loathe it, big oil is going down deep into the pocketbooks of everyday Americans like never before in the history of this great nation, the ripple effect of their actions will be nigh miss the economies of the US from Food, Fuel, Jobs, Housing, lives and what ever you like to the list, as we have enjoyed a season of long suffered cheap fuel and the “piper is calling” and the season is changing. Lest you think this is some ‘doomsday sonnet’ it is not, far from it. With great challenges there is great reward, whether the glass is half empty or half full is a matter of perspective, our greatest challenge may be to keep our consumeristic neighbor from drinking the other half of the glass! I hold firm in my belief that this great nation founded upon the bedrock of principled men and watered by the blood of patriots is not easily ripped asunder or plundered beyond repair or rebirth given that we who may act upon principle, steadfast and like flint look to the betterment of society by first bettering our homes. Lest we sacrifice another generation to the soul sick tendencies that have diverted our path and our purpose, let our standard and practice be something greater than ourselves, and so claim a noble birth right for our children. It can be done, it shall be done, so let it won by the victor of time immortal Him alone.

(to be continued…)

Money Matters

Money Matters











(but not all that much)

Economy is one of a subject that tends to drive the human psyche of ‘economic man’ into, at times, fits of derision or contemplative joy. It’s components of time and labor, not to mention material sustenance and its excesses of consumption (see consumerism) is a varying vice or virtue depending on the context of the conversation or topic at hand.

It is a subject that one such aware, can devote the better hours of given days attending to its attributes or function for want, worry or in pursuit of gain.

Haggai 1:5-7

This is a doorpost verse for us as we enter in and exit again our dwelling. It is one of contemplative care, which in tending to daily matters, economic or otherwise, we know the importance and the function it provides us in what we do and for whom we do it for each day.

It’s facets are poorly taught by either standard education, family governance, or church doctrine, as an informal “taboo” that might give cause to offend the mass of men living equal lives of desperation. It would be a remarkable understatement to say that I doubt it is something that can be justly treated in one brief post. I hope that in touching upon some various facets of this bedazzling jewel we give light to areas of our lives we have not gazed…………………



Food Economics 101: Bringing it Home

In hopes to produce a more local and sustainable food system for my family we have endeavored to look into and study out that which we consume in the food chain to sustain us. The concept is somewhat simple, buy and eat locally produce products, the process is somewhat daunting, at first.

Growing local or going local may be the single most effective thing we can do to effect a change or a shift in the economy of our households, neighbors and friends. Given the widespread havoc reaped through globalization of our food systems here in the US and abroad. The evils of such mega corporations such as Monsanto, Wal-Mart and their ilk are apparent as the noonday sun if one is inclined to remove their government issued ‘rose’ colored glasses if only for a moment. It is only through sloth and self-imposed ignorance that we can today claim or remain unaware.

One does not need the postulations of a doomsday prophet, consult the oracle of Omaha or a Wall Street wizard to know that centralization and specialization brings destruction to local economies. We only need ask ourselves whether it is realistic to continue pulling the entire global population into a single economy?

What is Localization?

Localization is essentially a process of de-centralization - shifting economic activity into the hands of thousands of small- and medium-sized commerce markets instead of concentrating it in fewer and fewer mega-corporations. Localization doesn't mean that every community would be entirely self-reliant; it simply means striking a balance between trade and local production by diversifying economic activity and shortening the distance between producers and consumers wherever possible. In a growing concern for our (not so) recent ‘addiction to oil’ here in the US, this proposal appears to be the sane and logical alternative to the growing anxiety for economic stability in our country today. Again there are other factors at play in this, but this is one.

It is not unrealistic to suggest that the first step towards localization should take place in our food consumption. Since food is something everyone, everywhere, needs every day, a shift from global food to local food would have the greatest impact of all.

Most people are unaware (or simply do not care) that the ‘lions share’ of what they spend on food does not reach or go to the producer, but to the middlemen or corporations that process and package the end product. For example here in the United States distributors, marketers and input suppliers take 91 cents out of every food dollar, while farmers keep only 9 cents. (*) With the marching aggression of global operations of companies such as Wal-Mart who price dictate their costs to the middlemen it would not be unrealistic to see this margin decline in the future. Regarding retail food sales, Kroger is currently the number one retailer in the United States, after acquiring Fred Meyer in 1999. It is estimated that 10 cents of every supermarket dollar in this country is spent at a Kroger store. Kroger’s sales of beef and pork products tie it to the Monsanto/Cargill food chain cluster. (*)

Local food systems have enormous rewards; local food is usually far fresher, more nutritious needing fewer preservatives or additives, and organic processes can eliminate harmful and costly fertilizer and pesticide residues for diseases and production not native to it’s local sources. Using non-GMO seed stock local farmers can grow varieties that are best suited to local climate and soils; animal husbandry can be integrated with crop production, providing healthier, more humane conditions for animals. Even food security would increase if people depended more on local foods, eliminating the need for such economically burdensome and intrusive programs such as NAIS and the various ponzi schemes created by the USDA and Big-AG.

From local production at home to CSAs’, farmers' markets and food co-ops, we can begin the hands-on work needed to build and fortify our local food systems and our local economy. Shortening the links between farmers and consumers may be one of the most strategic and enjoyable ways to bring about fundamental change for the better. How satisfying it is to know that by taking steps that are good for our families, neighbors and friends we are also making a very real contribution to preserving diversity, providing jobs and rural livelihoods that benefit us here in the US and all over around the globe. Now that’s a global vision.


How it Began Here

What began as a garden experiment with our new (old) home, blossomed into something that is larger that the task begun. Wife says to husband: “Let’s plant a garden this summer and grow some tomatoes.” Husband obliges stirring in him the God given desire to till and to toil. Once begun, Pandora’s Box was opened and we came to know the challenges that lay before us. Now the expanse of our plot and the introduction of new varieties of seed is one way of how we measure progress and change. The work is of benefit not only in terms of monetary economics, but also in health of mind, body and soul. After all, what is the price of a man’s soul these days?

That is my idea of Food Freedom, you might wish to stop by Liberty Farm and say hi to Joe. He’s new to the blogsphere, but a guy who likes Dexter Cattle is good in my book.

Bread Circuses

Bread
And
Circuses

Offerings, such as benefits or entertainments, intended to placate discontent or distract attention from a policy or situation.

Bread and circuses became the method that the ruling class of ancient Rome used to maintain their power and control of the people. This method kept their sheep fat and happy, even as they fleeced them and sent them off to plunder, I mean protect, the free world.

The circuses have changed from the gladiator contests live in the coliseum, to the good vs. evil games on our modern televisions. No longer do we need to leave our homes to watch the games in person, as they are delivered to our homes in full color and surround sound, if one is so fortunate a plasma screen, 56 inches of faith.

Every four years the power brokers of politics put on an audience interactive game, where (in theory) the sheep have a chance to direct the path of government and decide who will be their master for the next four years. This guise is referred to as a Democratic Election, when in truth it is nothing more than smoke and mirrors, a former shadow of its original self.

It is all a big prearranged chess game, and the moves are carefully planned. As with the citizens of Roman, the sheep have become more interested in the game itself than their own freedom. In these modern times, a football game draws more attention than a protest against an illegal war, where our children are being slaughtered for dubious objectives and false pretense. Give a 19 single mother a WIC Card and you’ve won her for life – “Don’t worry kid, the first one's free…” Big daddy government enslaves another economic labor unit in the post-industrial service economy and its progeny without the use of force.

Ancient Rome has fallen and been replaced by the power brokers in Washington who control the nation state in fascist fashion, but the game is the same: keep the sheep fat, happy, and stupid as you send them off to die for the enrichment of the State. Our next scheduled conflict coming to a theater of operation near you, the title of our made for the movies blockbuster “I Ran”. There seems to be no greater honor than sacrifice for the State, as long as it is someone else’s son or daughter.

Nothing has changed in 2,000 years, and nothing will change in the future. The sheep are stupid and will never see the boot on their face, as they are too busy watching the games. As long as the State never attempts to take away their football or beer, the mind-controlled sheep will continue to be content.

It is time for those who can see and feel the boot to choose a path that will end their slavery. It is time to leave. Although some will undoubtedly be labeled traitors and un-American for leaving the “protection” of the police state and the confinement camps of the cities, it is the only possible option. Pay off your debt is a Godly endeavor. Release ones mouth from the suckling teat of the new Ano-Roman rule is another.

As one put it “Get Small” as another said, “Simplify everything a person can.” “Pack light and learn to carry your own water”, that translated means be prepared and learn to do for yourself rather than depend on others to provide for your family. Carry the gracious gift of God and the hope of eternity in your hearts, that neither man nor government can take away. As well, pray and with fervor, for the government that oppresses you, for wisdom and discernment, for the safety amidst the storms and trials that follow.

Know contentment and be satisfied with that which is earned as Godly gain, give generously to those who lack or are in need. A helping hand is a hand up not a hand out. For who could refuse someone who walking by the way sees his neighbor in a ditch saying “lend me your hand, help me out of this hole!”, and walk by to the other side and ignore his plea? Yet refrain from seeking to save that one who has found his “rut in life” and furnished, for when you say “neighbor let me help you from that hole your in” will he not strike your hand and curse you? Saying, “ I am well satisfied and my soul is fat and fulfilled. Why do you bother me?” This is the crux of wisdom and the root of the verse in Matthew.

These are wondrous days, upon the earth we walk on, so much to do, learn about and laugh. Never loose sight of objectives, and never grow weary in doing well. May the Lord greet you and keep you.

Soap Box

Soap Box

After letting loose the ‘media hounds’ on the USDA, I thought I might take repose and focus some commentary on that which brings me joy, a topic of a Simple Life, quite memories shared over warm bread and hot coffee on a cold night by fire light. That which recounted time and time again, never bores or wears my mind.

So I’ll leave of with this reminder for those ever-vigilant constant gardeners of society progress:

The roots of our culture like the taproot of a dandelion, goes deep in to the soil of our souls.

Take care of the altar offerings presented to you in our technologically advanced post-industrial modern era. Lest like the false Shepherds of societies sacred cows lead you stray………

Channel 23
The TV is my shepherd; I shall not want anything else. It maketh me to lie down on the sofa. It leadeth me away from the Scripture. It destroys my soul. It leadeth me in the paths of sex and violence for the sponsor’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will enjoy the evil, for blood and sex they excite me. It’s cable and remote they comfort me. It prepares a commercial before me in the presence of my children. It anoints my head with humanism, my coveting runneth over.

Surely laziness and ignorance shall follow my family all the days of our lives, and we shall dwell in the house watching TV forever.


Thanks to Dave Black for posting this parody from his sons congregational challenge.