For Locavores, a New Breed of Farm

Reading back I see that trains are discussed. This being my favourite and the most civilized form of travel, if we're rolling, count me in! My March trip out to Pam, DC via Chicago, was a wonderful experience. A song comes to mind...this is John Hammond's straight-ahead take on the classic. 
 
Hi there, Tex, what you say?
Step aside buddy, 'cos it's my day
Lend an ear and listen to my version
Of a really solid Tennessee excursion...
Pardon me boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo
On track 29?
You can give me a shine
Can you afford to board the Chattanooga Choo Choo?
I've got my fare
And just a trifle to spare
You leave the Pennsylvania station 'bout a quarter to four
Read a magazine and then you're in Baltimore
Dinner in the diner, nothing could be finer
Than to have your ham and eggs in Carolina
When you hear the whistle blowing eight to the bar
Then you know that Tennessee is not very far
Shovel all the coal in
Got to keep it rollin'
Whoo Whoo Chattanooga there you are
There's gonna be a certain party at the station
In satin and lace
I used to call funny face
She's gonna cry
Until I tell her that I never more shall roam
So Chattanooga Choo Choo
Won't you choo choo me home.
 

Old Fashioned Good Sense Farming, Farmers' Almanac, and Good Stewardship of all we have been Blessed with ... Sooo much more intelligent and safely effective than the Corporate Farming Giants like Archer Daniles ... 
 
I enjoyed the Washington Post Article provided above, and I think I would like to go and see that place myself, one day soon ...
 
OLIVIA:  You seem to be in Good Spirits ... and thats a Good Thing !!!  We Wish You Well !!!

Hello Olivia, hope you are on the mend.
 

http://cawcawcreek.com/         since MY loca doesn't readily accommodate $4/pound hamburger and $2.50 eggs

Willie Trask,

When I go tomorrow, to the cemetery, I might see Miggins. His mother and my own share the same birthdate- last Sunday- and the same Mother's Day. An embarrassment of riches for them both this early May our being there.

Sunday, on his onboard laptop, he showed a bit of video of people shooting clay birds in a kind of ad hoc setting not unlike Peterman's complete with a huge terra cotta vessel that seemed to have taken a hit.

This time, I held my words to make sure that the twenty-eights were indeed that and, wouldn't you know it, they weren't. A nice looking selection of .410s  though.

The star of the three minute video was his intended, a tall slender beauty with honey colored long hair drawn back into a low pony tail and wearing shorts.

As tempting as it is to go on about her charms, and they were many, I will say simply that the boots she wore could rekindle that whole footwear lust thing AND she was erasing doubles like the were garbage can covers, but they weren't. They were those little lozenge-sized objects not half as big as standard.

In ten tries, she missed one of the twenty and while I never, ever envy another man's luck in the area of life-mates, having really landed on my feet as well, I do feel very happy for Miggs. Did I mention the freckles?

Olivia,

So good to see you back on your treads!

hot off the cosmic press......some farmers farm by the lunar cycles...any who...had olivia come to mind when i read the part about healing thoughts, and all others who could use some.
 
"You want to guard against a let-down following any Full Moon. It is as though
you have reached a mountain top of inspiration, but now must come down to earth.
In fact, the two days following a Full Moon are really days of distribution of
the illuminating thoughts and ideas that you received in contemplation or
meditation when the Full Moon was at its peak. Therefore, keep sending out your
healing thoughts and prayers to others throughout this weekend. Last night's
Full Moon may also be energizing antique hunters and collectible aficionados
this morning. Computer geeks and anyone into advances on the cutting edge of
science will appreciate a flowing trine between the Moon in Scorpio and Uranus
in Pisces (10:14AM PDT). Watch out for the rising tide of confusion and chaos
around the moment when the Moon squares Neptune (11:49AM PDT). This challenging
alignment also doubles as the start of a void lunar cycle that lasts until
6:50PM PDT and the arrival of fiery, upbeat and enthusiastic Sagittarius Moon.
Keep a low profile while the Moon is void in Scorpio, but it's okay to be more
in a fun-loving and celebratory mood when the Moon darts into Sagittarius.
However, just six minutes into the beginning cycle of Sagittarius Moon, the Sun
forms a contra-parallel with Pluto (6:56PM PDT). This aspect is similar to a
polarity in the zodiac and dark, extreme and unknown forces may suddenly be on
the march. Pushing a personal agenda at all cost or trying to control a partner
with manipulative behavior is a no-no. It is much better to bask in the
ebullient nature of Sagittarius and enjoy fun, games and sports to your heart's
content."
 
 

I'm not a vegetarian, but.... as a practical matter, having animals eat grain, and then eating animals is a very inefficient method of satisfying the human need for the 20 essential amino acids humans require.... And advanced 'tribes' like the American and Europeans eat way more meat than required by our bodies.  (Yeah, I like hamburgers, too.... I'm talking reason here, not emotions....)  The unfortunate result of having zillions of critters running around for us to slaughter and then devour is that a lot of land is being stripped bare of its original ground cover (e.g. the Amazon) to keep these animals alive and healthy. And while catttle, sheep, and so on are eating well, lots of third world kids are competing (unsuccessfully) for food, since they can't afford food when they're competing for it with said cattle, sheep, and so on.  It's not a pleasant thought, when eating a burger, to know that the grains used to generate the patty could have fed (number unknown) kids somewhere in the Congo.  But such is life... We live in an unfettered world, where we hide our essential natures under a cloak of innocence.  It's not a nice thought, but let's be truthful: we'd rather have a burger than worry about each other's wellbeing.  (And no, I'm not planning to become a vegetarian, despite the facts I've just listed... which means I'm basically a selfish, uncaring person....)

maybe the roll of the dice will land you in the next journey where you can suffer appropriately.  become a martyr. maybe you'll be a bird?  who knows, not i.
 
i think, for i do not know for certain, that humans are carnivores, according to the best scientific information delivered through indoctrination of enlightenment.  by nature we beastly, selfish(interesting word) uncaring cornivores eat meat.  logic would include a line of thought, for me, of how can i have what i naturally want.  grow grain (farming feeds not only the farmer but the food chain that follows there) and then, hey??????>.! if i feed the poor little critter i've got my design on, it'll get bigger, quicker and i can have more! then breed it, more and more food, for more.....on and on it goes.  some how we came from caves, from which ever spritual path you choose, figured out how to club a varmit and eat it....i feel for those not born in the right place at the right time to have what we have here, but none the less, if the patties already made....who am i to deny the owner a profit.  eat soy burgers.  soy beans are grown in the usa also.  proud, i say more than proud to born an american.  even though i've been made to feel bad from birth for that.....so be the big roll of the dice.,,,,,,,,who flew first birds?  yet we in our aero planes blame them for our perils.

Doc, the fact that you recognize and are concerned that there are millions of people who have not enough food, clean water etc means you are ANYTHING other than a selfish and uncaring person.
We have several farms here praticing sustainable/organic pratices. They are up againt the wall competing for tax breaks , market share etc when it comes to agribusiness. I patronize these folk whenever its feasible. Let's remember though that in countries with long term drought,displaced populations due to wars etc. it's large agribusiness that's generating the food stuffs shipped over.
Here in our country, too much good farm land has given way to spralling growth.Our county is attempting to pass Draconian zoning to prevent this in our area. It's almost funny that in doing so they will make the small home owner and property owner jump through the same hoops and large developers......you will need an engineer to design your deck and calculate how much of that water will run into the bay etc....I digress.
I am a poor writer , but that doesn't make me stupid(as Stoney has illuded on a previous post).I took it in stride,laughed it off remembering I'm just an interloper in this club.I certainly didn't accuse him of bulling me. I might have even asked for it in some quippy remark. Throwing the first punch and running crying when it's returned is actually the mark of most schoolyard bullies. Their pals pat them on the back and say there there......
I've been called many things in this life.... but NEVER a bully. In fact I'm known for my honesty and sense of fair play.This is not a personal attack, rather a personal defense.
And this is not the green Eyed monster talkin', just someone who was invited to the party only to find all the seats were taken at the table.
I'm sure to be thrown out for these remarks....just sayin...
 

on a much lighter note,
 
~happy mothers day weekend to all~
 
i think the kids are grilling burgers for the occasion! 
 
 

Thanks for sharing Stoney. I am of two minds as to women and shotguns. I find the idea completely charming ( you see guns called "Diana" but I don't know of many with men's names ) but I do worry a little about a lady who is confident with a scattergun. Will she be tempted to dispatch Large Game with it?  I trust Miggins has enough sense (or continuing good luck)  not to provoke her.      .      .       .        .         .          .           .            .             . If one believes ( as many seem to) that the time of year in which you are born makes a difference in your personality and character, we might do well to track THAT resemblance between our mates and our parents. Is it significant, for example, that a woman I was involved with had her birthday very close to both of my parents, or that another one has my grandfather's- or that a third- who is inexplicably attracted to me- is the child of a man whose birthday is close to mine?          .         .        .       .      .     .    .   .  . .  Cuukoo,  there is a tradition of planting one's spring garden on Good Friday, which is, after all, connected to the lunar cycle, too.       .        .         .          .           .            . Doc, one of the reasons I like CawCaw Creek Farms ( see my link above) is that the pigs eat malted barley that a local brewer has already gotten the good out of. For years cottonseed was cattle food, hauled away from the gin for next to nothing I imagine.  But here we return to shooting: ruthless efficiency- wasting nothing and squeezing everything to the edge- is one of the things they say has ruined quail shooting. It was the edges of fields and the untidy hedgerows that sheltered so many coveys.  There is a way to make cookies that involves a rubber spatula- no batter is left on sides of the the bowl to be licked by impatient and greedy children.      Quelle Domage.              Despite the many indications to the contrary, most of us have grown up with that kind of luscious excess and abundance: "empty" calories, non- nutritive dietary bulk, vacant lots ( aka green space) leisure time, even non-procreative intimacy.  Doesn't some of that inform our preference for wasteful food habits, instead of Soylent Green crackers three times a day?  And aren't we indeed lucky to be able to scratch that itch? I know that I am.

M. Le Correctionneur says there are 2 Ms in Dommage, usually.

i'm just a corny southern girl, i try to link topics, if only for she its and giggles.  i find the eye's.~all~ engaging, thought provoking, but not mean.  food for thought perhaps, 
 
i kept biting my fingertips,( why? i don't know,) yesterday on guns....and those lovely boots i so lust after.....back to the point, if there is one,  isn't the sound of a shot gun being cocked an univeral sound that says on any billboard of a brain, alert, alert, danger zone?
 
much to the dismay of many here, i'm not for sure, but one would think, i don't edit, correct my post.  i journal here my thoughts not underpressure of scrutiny just free birding. 

willie, the same ruthless efficiency has depleted our oceans as well. now we find it necessary to severely limit size and number of the catch. Maybe it's that there are just too many humans...

re yesterday on guns.."Jalopkin, no shots fired on this end. The other party however,did receive a call from the Commonweath's attny re: their repeated discharge of a weapon across our drive." I do not play the role of victim very well...we did the civilized thing and put it in the hands of the law and the Lord.

JS,

Were I not an idler, I would dig back and find those comments but I am, won't and  here is what you should know:

Whatever esoteric term you used and I had to look it up, it was subject to eighth grade boy style mischief. The tone of things around here on that day was either a little guttery or I was hoping to take it in that direction and used your word- a new one to me- to help.

I'm sorry that my comments were taken as a aspersion on your own because you are and should be told often and by someone who knows how, a huge asset to this community with many important things to say and you say them as well as anybody.

I would like to consider you a friend but you should know- I abuse them regularly as well.

Stoney



 

oh stoney, spank me !!!!
 
i've been afforded the opportunity to visit the eye more than normal due to a child hood bucket list, which included that i be annie oakley.Annie Oakley - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Annie Oakley (born Phoebe Ann Mosey [2] [3] [4] August 13, 1860 - November 3, 1926) was American sharpshooter and exhibition shooter. Oakley's amazing talent [5] and timely rise to fame [6] led to a starring role in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, which propelled her to become the first American female superstar.

the horse took advantage of my delusions and bucketed me off, leading to this old lady being incarcerated (lol) in a pair a dice of down time.

that being a coincedence or not, i so enjoy the train rides.  it's all good.  so far. 

light to all

tell it like it is, now have aaron neville singing, sit back and enjoy.
p.s. insert appropriate sexual preference. 
 
 
If you want something to play with
Go and find yourself a toy
Baby my time is too expensive
And I'm not a little boy

If you are serious
Don't play with my heart
It makes me furious
But if you want me to love you
Then a baby I will, girl you know that I will

Tell it like it is
Don't be ashamed to let your conscience be your guide
But I know deep down inside me
I believe you love me, forget your foolish pride

Life is too short to have sorrow
You may be here today and gone tomorrow
You might as well get what you want
So go on and live, baby go on and live

Tell it like it is
I'm nothing to play with
Go and find yourself a toy
But I... Tell it like it is
My time is too expensive and I'm not your little boy

I'll see you folks later,....  got a train to catch, things to ponder and books to read...  ........ but something I'll be thinking about on the way to the station having read everyone's typically thought provoking comments is that it seems like we humans have always been and will always be the "wild card" in the natural order of things.  It is what it is and it ain't easy; but nothing with such great potential ever is.    I often wish for Utopia but know in my heart of hearts I'd be bored to tears living there.  I'd try it out for a weekend though..... but not the whole weekend.  Better yet, I'll check it out during the week when it won't be so crowded.
  Today might be a good day for me to just sit in the park and talk at anyone who won't listen to me. Peace out.... and Happy Mom's Day to all you Mothers....

PL, I believe it was Mark Twain who suggested that Cats had once been on top- and abdicated in favor of being cosseted and worshipped. I agree that we seem to ourselves to be the wild card and the peak of achievement, but of course, the same might be said by others. And, while  as a group we seem likely to prevail, as individuals, we are not always so certain against various mammals, reptiles and viruses. I wonder, over on the Bears' Log Blog, how frequently they worry about exhausting the supply of picnic toting tourists: Yogi: So, if we steal every picnic basket, in time, they will quit bringing them?  BuBu:Yes, after a few years, they will grow afraid and we will be deprived of that food source.  We shold practice scare and release, where some tourists are frightened, but just enough to get their adrenaline going. They will return for more thrills- and bring us more brie and Malbec.  And easy- open jars of honey.                                                                                                                                                             Yogi: But how many  years? It seems to me that stealing every third basket instead of every one only prolongs the eventual decline of our resources. And iut leaves me hungry in the meantime. Isn't it better to take three times as many now, since we don't know how much longer we are going to live anyway? I stole a basket from a cardiologist that included a copy of JAMA and it looks to me like I am in for a world of cardiopulmonary trouble soon.                                                                                                                                                       Bubu: I have asked you not to say "Stole".  Private property as a concept is not consistent with Bearitarian values.  You are halfway to the Stockholm syndrome already , my furry brother and I can't allow that. The next thing you know, you'll be posing with school children and selling their safety campaigns, like Smo- Kee. Collaboration is complicity. Remember No Cub Left Behind?  Show a little dignity.  Or should I just get on the phone to Chicago and tell them their new mascot will be on the next train?

WT - but alas it is too late.  For in Chicago it seems, the Cubs are destined ..... on no, not predertimination again!!!... make the voices stop........ to be left behind in the Fall.
 Meanwhile and far away..... Hey Bubu..... what should we do with all these Veggie Burgers and Not Dogs that are in most of the pickinickbaskets!

TRAINS. Olivia! You beat me to writing out the whole of Chattanooga Choo-Choo; y'all please read, if you will, my serious TRAIN suggestion of yesterday that we all write, on a given day, within "Where Do You Want To Go?" "A railway trip, all together, in the likes of The Twentieth Century or one of any trains Alfred Hitchcock put to fine use. All this from John's liking the sepia train I too loved...my imagination hasn't stopped since; I only yesterday got 'round to suggesting it.

ON TOPIC: What I think Willie just said. Better than I can.

Stoney, abuse me, do, please! anytime you want, as I count myself among your fortunate friends.

Of abuse, I so loved John's "tie me to the bed 'til I write bad checks" that I've used it among people not even EYEsters. (Explaining The Eye and all it means is too daunting to undertake with people who've no frame of reference, so I say only, "A friend says....")

TRAINS -- more detail about the train we need is on Yesterday, which isn't Today, nor yet Tomorrow, but in this world could be either.... Love it

Georgia, as Stoney has said..... you are indeed a peach.

I think I'd like to see the great Southwest thorough the domed observatory car ona Santa Fe Chief ..... just for starters.

i'm coming outa time out.  i'm on the patch
 
i'd like a bright cherry red caboose on the train please. 

Willie, I did not ask the train schedule be changed or the train be impeded on its journey in any way.It does not matter that i may not have been quick enough to chase after it or unable to read the schedule.I don't care who gets to ring the bell or wear the cute hat.If it pulls away from the station without me, so be it. My loss and my problem.
 I do not like name calling. I just wanted the chance to defend MY dignity. And by the way,I am the mother of a child with mild spatial issues .Things are sometimes very tough in school for her. We have opted for a private school with college prep curriculum. She needs to learn the ways of the world and deal with them...no special favors or breaks. She was NOT put into public education BECAUSE of no child left behind.But, there are kids at school who like to call her stupid. That, I will not tolerate. I have forbidden her association with these kids and have refused them rides to parties etc .I will not let them profit at her expense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03jwHrO7ubI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toGhAmRekqk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbTBk4pDIHA&feature=related
 
 
 
 
 
and if there are tickets still available, I would LOVE a seat on this crazy train....

JS:
 
Children are better off Home Schooled, no matter what their particular situation might be ... Nurturing and development of Self Esteem, as well as necessary Self Awareness are better served in a Safe, Caring, and Threat-Free environment ... I Home Schooled Eight ... Five of them College Graduates with Honors, and the other three on their way ... Children are cruel and unthinking, but thats just the way it is, as they are learning as well ... Proper Partental Guidance precludes a lot of those social disasters, and a proper dose of Spiritual Guidance as well ... All children need to know that they Count ... It is OK for them to understand that they might be, Different ... but they should NEVER be made to feel that they are, of Lesser importance, in ANY aspect .......

JS,

Good for you. Kids can be nasty.

I had a friend in grade school, Martha. I liked her for her blue eyes and sharp wit but not many knew about that. You had to talk to her to find out.

She was not too attractive, kind of lumpy in fact but she laughed at everything I said and some things I didn't.

A big doofus of a kid a year or two ahead of us, Terry, tormented her and one day as we were walking along trying to ignore him, she listed all of the psycho-babble methods that she had been told to employ in her own defense.

"Or," I suggested, "when I say- Bingo- you could just turn around and knock him on his ass."

He never even thought to flinch. Down... for the count actually and with an army of witnesses to boot. A golden moment that changed everything.

Ironically, they both went into police work where he became a plodding, indifferent patrolman and she, his boss. I wish it had been in our town.

They are both gone now, to different places I shouldn't wonder.

janet i'm taking it upon myself to step out. to repeat myself for some.   my beautiful daughter @19 year old, perfect in every way, the elected captain of every thing she ever endeavored, cheer, debate, advanced curriculum from 1-12 4.+, soccer, basketball, modeling, etc, etc. etc. full scholarships of any school she chose is now   even more beautiful, deep, and grounded after suffering from a simple fall off of a sled.  crushing her c2-c7.  that equals quad.  far id  plegic.  with her injuries she should be on a breathing machine, she's not.  go figure.   i too circled with the prowess of a mother lioness.  she's had so many surgeries i can't count, it started on feb 6th 2003.  she graduates this month with a degree from harding university.  wheel chair and a c+ average.  i couldn't be proud enough.  the turning point, are you with me js.  the turning point of releasing to the journey, came from that childs own mouth........this is my journey mom, what makes you think your worthy of what is mine.......i know no one is intently hurting your feelings....it helps to talk....find someone, anyone, find peter on the bench.....let it out..  
 
sometimes the lioness misses what really needs to be scratched. 
 
this might not make a hill a beans to you, but i have to extend emphathy.

that all folks about as arm chair as it gets.

Jalopkin, Stoney...now you know the reason for my taking such offense at being called a bully. And kids I have found learn curelty and biggotry at home.
I do not consider myself equiped well enough for home schooling. And, my lovely daughter has lots of nice friends. She gets respectable grades( except for geography) and is quite the little equestrian. She has no problem attracting little 14 year old boys either. (much to our concern)We do not allow dating at this age and I spend a lot of time keeping her distracted with horse shows etc. Hopefully, if the money holds out, we will send her to a nice girls' college somewhere in Va.
Stoney, my daughter was thrown out of montessori school at age 4( or rather asked not to return by the head mistress) for doing just what you little friend did. seems the apple doesn't fall far....
The head mistress was let go from the school the following year by the board for not disciplining her own child and for her actions with mine.

cuukoo, you hurt my feelings...you called me a bully and you also called jalopkin one... even after he made an applolgy.

i'm sorry you feel as though i called you or jalopkin a bully, i did not intend to do so.
 

i'm getting on the train.  later gaters.  got my patch.  heading to the drinking car...which one is it.?
 
relative to what i know, i'm requesting a window seat.
 

know what....on second thought, yep raised with brothers.....i ain't no sissy either.....your pretty much the bullie today....going down the line, rolling one by one...nothing is going to satisfy you, your angry, much more angry than about some web site.  go ahead hunt me down.  come back?

i don't actually drink but i do believe virtually it can have the same effect of loosing ones inhabitions.  i'm back here on the caboose, pick your poison,

i might have a bloody lip and a shiner, broken arms, and ribs, but at least i'm standing up, yes pun intended.

you asked, I answered. i can't help you don't like the answer. I was just trying to clear the air and possibly establish a cordial dialogue. i guess that makes me the SOB...I'm not some sicko predator.I will not pursue you in these posts or elsewhere.Do not imply otherwise!!!!! My universe is a lot bigger and a hell-of-a lot kinder.Reread your own alice and todd piece from my perspective and MAYBE you will get it.
I was offended and I guess that is MY problem.I am not an angry person....how dare you judge. I did removed my pics and full name from this website though,just incase there were some out there.
I would STILL like to ride the train if you'll will have me...i guess I'll just be careful where i sit.
I don't want to offend anyone or hurt any feelings.

You all should be glad I'm not up to speed, or you'd get the diet rant again. I'll reiterate the short version-we have the digestive system of an herbivore overall, but we can tolerate a bit of omnivorousness. The consumption of animal products and tobacco, and the lack of exercise constitute the etiologies of the primary killers of Americans today, period. This is non-controversial, and anyone who doesn't recognize the decades of research is in denial. I've had many people tell me "I'll eat what I want, drink what I want, smoke what I want, and die happy". I've treated the results for 30 years, and happiness is not part of that ugly, protracted, and painful death. You cannot abuse your body for decades, and then, when it fails into illness and decay, expect our limited and often clueless medical system to wave a magic wand and make you better. Americans are indoctrinated from birth to avoid personal responsibility for their own health, because we have a medical system that is designed to profit from illness and misery. Powerful interests will continue to fight for your right to die a horrible death from your own bad habits, because they make money from your pain and ignorance. We are the only so-called 'developed' country with such a backward and incompetent way of practicing medicine. We do surgery and emergency and some diagnosis and a few other things well, but at basic preventive care, where any society gets the most value for money, we fail miserably, allowing children and old people here to die miserable and unnecessary and undignified deaths.
The bottom line is-you are what you eat. Eat death and die in pain. Eat what you're evolved to eat, get off your ass, and be healthy and happy, live long and prosper. Deny the facts and suffer. Practice moderation and thrive.
 
I am currently being told daily that due to my level of fitness and preoperative health, I have made a 'miraculous' recovery and an extraordinarily quick return to functional levels. Horseshit. I have responded normally because my body is at the normal state of health for an adult of median age. It's not rocket science or magic, but simply taking care of oneself.  
 
All concerned deserve a good paddling for this spat of misunderstanding. I know these people and this site, and NO ONE here indulges in name-calling or meanness. If one thinks that is the case then there is undoubtedly a misinterpretation, and I want it sorted out this minute or you will see an even crankier lady very shortly.
 
Make it so.

Peter, Jalopkin, Stoney, Willie, Georgia ...  my appology. The last thing I wanted was a fight.

 
 cuuk...

Nobody has ever put better what it must be like with a child on the ropes. We'd all take a bullet or worse for them but sometimes all you can do is standby as asked and hope all that pressure and heat make strong bricks and in your family, it seems to have done so. You are right to be proud.

BTW, when I was thrown from a horse, it was because she stopped for something I didn't see until I landed on it. For the record, even cute little skunks can be fully functional.   That wonderful spot, always a bit late in the train, was known as the "Club Car" and it was as congenial as it sounds.

i'm done olivia, mam.  was wondering how big ole girl she was anyway.  i'm scrapping size, kinda old too!  spit.  rofl.
 
heading to the club car.  pretty peterman's jacket on and all.
 
 

You know what we don't have enough of in Lake Arrowhead?  Thunderstorms.  I'm hoping for lots more thunderstorms in any future home environs. 

i'm thinking i'll be dorthy in kansas tomorrow, then move on to debbie in dallas. 

jonathan Isles, we have some building to the west, ready to move in. It's been a stormy week here, but we really need the rain. This is the firat spring in 3 yrs we have actually had some spring rain. How is your garden progressing? I'll up load some pics for you of mine one day soon.I firmly believe we all  should grow at least SOME of our own food. This goes for city dwellers too. A couple ofpots of fresh parsley, thyme etc will go along way to freshen up even store bought foods. Parsley especially the Italian flat leaved kind. When I lived in a city i kept some out on the fire escape.

don't make me pull this train over to the side of the track....... let's all head to the Club Car instead..... drinks are on the house for everyone...... Peace out

Drinks?  Got any drinks with butter in them?  Drinks with sides of Twinkies?  Yup, JS, the garden is doing well, but at the same time we're trying to close on 200 acres in Cape Breton where we intend to have a MUCH BIGGER GARDEN.  It might work out, it might not, but we're trying.  Now, about those drinks...

Jonathan, you will need some short season crops for up there right? Of course the current warming cycle....who knows, maybe grapes again. Maybe you are Leif reincarnated?
Hot buttered rum.....
A friend/ neighbor just brought me a botthe of their wine for tonight.
http://www.hollygrovevineyards.com/
They are on property that was once part of my husband's family's estate.

cuukoo-this is the hug you should have gotten a long time ago, when you brought the saddest of news.  Our Mother's Day Hearts and wishes go out to you and your daughter from this family. 

I don't think anyone needs to ask 'how's Olivia?' anymore ;-)  .  She's back, tearing up the keyboard and putting everything right where it needs to be: in its place... Heh, heh.

hey ! thank you.  every day is a gift, i offered up only as an empathy, not for sympathy.  it will make you stronger or break you down.  it truely is a choice. we're all good!!!as life is good!
 
kind of stuff that makes you look out side the box alot.

http://www.flixxy.com/wildlife-film-cougar-bear.htm

JS,  y'know there's grapes growing up in the place now.  I was pretty enthusiastic.  Lots of mature vines just perfect for taking cuttings from.  There's a good wine grape and them some ordinary table grape vines.  Depending on how aggressive I want to be with clearing and planting new vines, I could have quite a good winery on my hands with practically no expense up front (except for buying the property, of course).   But what I really want to plant is apple trees.  Cider.  Lots and lots of hard cider.  But there's nobody saying I can't do both...

jonathan, we have some big bad doodoo commin our way across the Chesapeake, so my time here is short.....What type of grapes....wild or Vinifera...whit or red? You can make your own cider for the hot buttered rum!  I love the stuff in cool weather.

uhoh.....twister sign on radar...might have to power down fast. Thses thing do one of two things over the water. Either die down to nothin' or blow up bigger-n-hell.

NICE to see Mz Olivia back and typing!  Your presence really is a present :)  

Thank you all. Love you all...

Olivia...... Lovely to read you again my friend!!!

Meanwhile, as the great iron horse know as the "Peterman Express" sits idling on the tracks at the station, waiting for all those who wish to ride it, the Conductor walks through each of this mighty beast's leather and gold trimmed passenger cars with his index finger raised high and in a circular motion indicating another round of beverages for everyone will be served courtesy of the Engineer. Cheers!