I'm sleepy. I always get sleepy when we have a full moon. I don't howl at the moon(yet). I just lay awake for a while. So I am sleepy the next day and I fell asleep on the couch.
I finally went and picked up that registered letter. I turned out to be nothing to worry about. It was about the people across the street seeking to add a patio and letting the neighbors know about it. Then you can protest if you don't like it. I don't plan on protesting.
The tattoo artist finally moved out from next door. He put out a trash pile about six feet high for pick up. Some is shrouded with an old blanket...maybe it's a body!! He left the yard with grass growing about three feet high and small trees growing even higher. I wonder what the inside of the house looks like.
I have about nine days left until I have to get rid of the chickens. That doesn't make me happy. Who am I or the chickens bothering? The houses on each side of me are empty and badly overgrown and harboring little rabbits. My yard is neat, mowed and trimmed, with a nice garden. Up the street the man has a dog that looks like you put a saddle on him and ride down the street, it is that big. He has a junk Caddy and a small trailer loaded with trash sitting idly in the yard. Across from him is a shed that has fell in and is a hazard to the children that live there. And the city is perturbed about my chickens? I could go on and on about what I see in this neighborhood.
It is my intention to post a good recipe tomorrow if no one changes my plans for me. It seems as if the phone rings a lot..a lot more than I want.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEVERLY, even 'though I am late. I didn't forget...just to much going on.
THE END
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
COOLER
Yes, the heat wave has finally broken for the next few days, at least. The chickens are calmer, more content. Having all those feathers must be like wearing a wool coat in the summer time.
I cleaned the chicken condo. It was littered with feathers. The chickens are moulting in the heat. They got a fresh load of newly cut green grass to scratch though and a giant zucchini to munch on. I cut it up in smaller pieces so that they all had a chance to get some, rather than the big, bully boy roosters. I will cut some lettuce that is going to seed and they will have that, too.
They are well fed, but I know they have lost wt. in the heat. Maybe they will pick up now.
Lat night I got to turn off the A/C until this morning. The temp dropped to about 66 degrees, but has since increased. It is in the upper 80's now. The humidity is down and that makes a big difference in how you(and them) function.
I had it in mind to go shopping for some odds 'n ends, esp. for distilled water. It is amazing or maybe distressing, on how much the prices are going up on everything. Distilled water was selling at 00.59 cents a few months ago and now it is about a dollar a jug.
The garden is in dire need of rain. The beans are drying up. I guess I will pull the hose out tomorrow and let it flow wide open.This happened last year, too. We had lots of rain in the spring and then went right right into drought conditions.
If you are reading some of the lesser news stories there is real indications of food shortages worldwide and famine all over the globe. We, The Breadbasket of the World, are not longer producing grains and foods as we did 20 years ago. The earth has been drained of the minerals and natural green fertilizers that made this a wealthy nation. So stock up an all the organic greens and veggies you can 'cause you may really need it..
Each month I say I will buy an inverter that can supply electricity to the fridge and freezer and then I look at my bank account. I don't have debts so I don't know how Treesong does it. I guess I go out to eat too often, but it has been too hot to cook!
Now, if I make Zucchini Bread, do I peal the skin off or grind it up as well. I have never made it before, so tell me true.
THE END
I cleaned the chicken condo. It was littered with feathers. The chickens are moulting in the heat. They got a fresh load of newly cut green grass to scratch though and a giant zucchini to munch on. I cut it up in smaller pieces so that they all had a chance to get some, rather than the big, bully boy roosters. I will cut some lettuce that is going to seed and they will have that, too.
They are well fed, but I know they have lost wt. in the heat. Maybe they will pick up now.
Lat night I got to turn off the A/C until this morning. The temp dropped to about 66 degrees, but has since increased. It is in the upper 80's now. The humidity is down and that makes a big difference in how you(and them) function.
I had it in mind to go shopping for some odds 'n ends, esp. for distilled water. It is amazing or maybe distressing, on how much the prices are going up on everything. Distilled water was selling at 00.59 cents a few months ago and now it is about a dollar a jug.
The garden is in dire need of rain. The beans are drying up. I guess I will pull the hose out tomorrow and let it flow wide open.This happened last year, too. We had lots of rain in the spring and then went right right into drought conditions.
If you are reading some of the lesser news stories there is real indications of food shortages worldwide and famine all over the globe. We, The Breadbasket of the World, are not longer producing grains and foods as we did 20 years ago. The earth has been drained of the minerals and natural green fertilizers that made this a wealthy nation. So stock up an all the organic greens and veggies you can 'cause you may really need it..
Each month I say I will buy an inverter that can supply electricity to the fridge and freezer and then I look at my bank account. I don't have debts so I don't know how Treesong does it. I guess I go out to eat too often, but it has been too hot to cook!
Now, if I make Zucchini Bread, do I peal the skin off or grind it up as well. I have never made it before, so tell me true.
THE END
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Less is good
It isn't quiet as hot and humid as yesterday, but remains in the 90's. That is toasty enough for me. The chickens enjoy a stray breeze now and then.
By re-doing the tarp yesterday the chickens have more shade today. I have taken them cool, fresh water twice today. I sliced up a couple zucchinis that were to big and they have enjoyed them as their desert. The zucchini have extra moisture in them as well. So, they are happier today than they were yesterday.
As I don't have that fine motor control in my arm anymore, slicing up squash and zucchini is sometimes a raggedy task for me. Today I had a bright idea! I will use the big meat slicer to slice the veggies for me! It works! You can adjust the thickness of the slices and the speed you want to use. Just be careful where you put your favorite fingers. I, personally, wish to keep mine.
I soon had eight(8) qts. of yellow squash and zucchini bagged and in the freeze. That makes me have about twelve(12) qts. of squash put up and more coming on in the garden. I think I may try slicing cucumbers this was, too.
I intend to let the chickens out into the yard again this eve. They are pretty good about going in as it gets dark. I thought one got away last night, but they seem to be all there. They move to fast for a good count.
I am more than half-way through my book. It is too hot to do much else. I may go to the store tomorrow morning, even 'though it is Sunday. I need to go in the cooler hrs. and stock up on some things that have been on sale this week. Tomorrow is the last day to buy what I want to get, namely ten(10) packages of lunch meat for ten(10) bucks. I will put most of it in the freezer.
Big Brother Harry is doing OK and has taken himself out for breakfast yesterday and got a himself a lottery ticket. I hope he wins.
Next week is supposed to be a little cooler for a few days. Maybe I can get some things done outside. I hope.
To that end... this is THE END
By re-doing the tarp yesterday the chickens have more shade today. I have taken them cool, fresh water twice today. I sliced up a couple zucchinis that were to big and they have enjoyed them as their desert. The zucchini have extra moisture in them as well. So, they are happier today than they were yesterday.
As I don't have that fine motor control in my arm anymore, slicing up squash and zucchini is sometimes a raggedy task for me. Today I had a bright idea! I will use the big meat slicer to slice the veggies for me! It works! You can adjust the thickness of the slices and the speed you want to use. Just be careful where you put your favorite fingers. I, personally, wish to keep mine.
I soon had eight(8) qts. of yellow squash and zucchini bagged and in the freeze. That makes me have about twelve(12) qts. of squash put up and more coming on in the garden. I think I may try slicing cucumbers this was, too.
I intend to let the chickens out into the yard again this eve. They are pretty good about going in as it gets dark. I thought one got away last night, but they seem to be all there. They move to fast for a good count.
I am more than half-way through my book. It is too hot to do much else. I may go to the store tomorrow morning, even 'though it is Sunday. I need to go in the cooler hrs. and stock up on some things that have been on sale this week. Tomorrow is the last day to buy what I want to get, namely ten(10) packages of lunch meat for ten(10) bucks. I will put most of it in the freezer.
Big Brother Harry is doing OK and has taken himself out for breakfast yesterday and got a himself a lottery ticket. I hope he wins.
Next week is supposed to be a little cooler for a few days. Maybe I can get some things done outside. I hope.
To that end... this is THE END
Friday, June 26, 2009
Heat Wave # 8
- Yes, number 8 and one more for tomorrow. I went to get my hair cut in an A/C van in an A/C salon. By the time I got there my head was saturated with perspiration. Didn't matter as I was going to get my hair wet anyway. I got it cut as short as I dared without someone thinking I was on Chemo or something.
I let the chickens out this eve. They went wild for about a half hour. They have a lot of pent up energy. As it gets dark they will go back into the coop on their own. In the meantime they are feasting on bugs, flies and whatever seems like it is edible stuff.
Last eve. one of the chickens decided to fly straight at my face. I have a little scratch a tiny "wound." It's right on my scar so no one will notice it anyway.
I got a good book from the library. It is "One Second After." I am already well into it and it is pretty good.
I re-did the tarp tent so that the chickens will have more shade esp. in the A.M when the sun is coming up and shining directly into the chicken run.
A note for D.A. I wish I could do the things that I did just 6 mounts ago, but alas, life is an ever changing event. It remains interesting, though.
From reading other blogs I take it that Big Brother(gov.) is keeping an eye on bloggers. Hmmm, are chickens a danger to home and hearth? Well, maybe, if they fly at you in the dark of night.
The weatherman says that Saturday might be cooler, but then, what do they know. I know I am ready for a good shower or two. Nothing like what we usually get, but we now actually need the rain. I am thinking that we may have a short, hot summer.
I wish I had something profound and interesting to write about, but I don't so if the government is watching blogs with penetrating eyes they will be very bored. Yup, bored to death...LOL.
The END of a hot, humid day.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Packin' Heat
If I weren't so tired I'd be lively. It is the heat. Even the chickens are too frazzled to try to get out of the chicken run. I have taken them fresh water 3 times. The first time I put it in a dish pan, but the rooster tipped it over. Second time I put it in the waterer. the third time I put it in the shallow pan and braced it with a brick. That worked. They are off their feed and not eating well and that worries me. We need a break from the intensity of the solar stove up there in yon sky.
Not much going on and I have little to post. The garden is getting dry and I may have to water it. I have a lot of garden stuff to freeze and I don't want to work in this weather.
I need to do stuff tomorrow so I won't get much done in the house. Help, I need a maid. I don't know how one person(me) can make such a mess. The sink is full of squash on one side and a few dirty dishes on the other side, the floor needs mopping and I need to wash cloths...oh well, I guess I'll get to it eventually.
Oh yeah, a local utility employee came to the door this morning and wanted free chickens. He didn't get them.
My posting are getting shorter due to my heat induced laziness.
END
Not much going on and I have little to post. The garden is getting dry and I may have to water it. I have a lot of garden stuff to freeze and I don't want to work in this weather.
I need to do stuff tomorrow so I won't get much done in the house. Help, I need a maid. I don't know how one person(me) can make such a mess. The sink is full of squash on one side and a few dirty dishes on the other side, the floor needs mopping and I need to wash cloths...oh well, I guess I'll get to it eventually.
Oh yeah, a local utility employee came to the door this morning and wanted free chickens. He didn't get them.
My posting are getting shorter due to my heat induced laziness.
END
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Skills Lost
I have been trying to type on my old electric typewriter. It has been so long since I have used an antiquated writing machine of the 20th century that I have almost forgotten how to even put in a new ribbon. Remember when the daisy wheel came out? Now it is hard to find ribbons or get a typewriter fixed or repaired. I can't get my right margin set, but it will come back to me.
It is equally warm this day as it was yesterday. I am equally lazy and don't want to move unless I have to.
I found an easier way to blanch small portions of squash and zucchini. I use my little steamer. I am not doing big batches at a time so one basket fills up one small freezer bag. It is a lot cooler to blanch this way and the veggies are half done, than freeze and warm up in the future for a meal.
I am drnking a lot of fluid in this heat and so are the chickens. They would love to be out and under the shade tree, but they would also get into the garden where beans have just been freshly planted.
My neighbor watches every move the chickens make. As the fiends get out occasionaly I don't dare let them out to roam.
There are a couple chickens that don't want to roost at night. They want to chase and catch fireflies. It is so funny to watch them: sometimes they chase thier own shadows. They also pull on my shirt tail and try to eat my watch...on my hand.
It is too hot to write, don't cha know. END
It is equally warm this day as it was yesterday. I am equally lazy and don't want to move unless I have to.
I found an easier way to blanch small portions of squash and zucchini. I use my little steamer. I am not doing big batches at a time so one basket fills up one small freezer bag. It is a lot cooler to blanch this way and the veggies are half done, than freeze and warm up in the future for a meal.
I am drnking a lot of fluid in this heat and so are the chickens. They would love to be out and under the shade tree, but they would also get into the garden where beans have just been freshly planted.
My neighbor watches every move the chickens make. As the fiends get out occasionaly I don't dare let them out to roam.
There are a couple chickens that don't want to roost at night. They want to chase and catch fireflies. It is so funny to watch them: sometimes they chase thier own shadows. They also pull on my shirt tail and try to eat my watch...on my hand.
It is too hot to write, don't cha know. END
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
EVERMORE-HOT
The weatherman says we are having a heatwave and it will continue well into next week. It is the type of weather that is not fit for man or beast...or chickens.
I appear to be becoming well know in the city of Henderson. It is unwanted notoriety. Just leave me and the chickens alone. You don't bother us and we won't (squawk)...bother you.
I went to the farm store early this morning to get chicken feed. I was trying to beat the heat. In this kind of hot weather we can expect storms to pop up anytime. That is what we go last night. The wind is breaking branches out of the Plum Tree. We didn't get much rain with the storm, but the chickens were frightened by the high winds. Me too.
I finally went to the store and got a few groceries. I didn't need much, but I don't have a cow in the backyard(wouldn't the city like that!) so I got milk and some canning salt. Of course I got a few odds and ends to gobble. I have a list, but just got the essentials.
I know that I need to do more about the garden and freezing vegetables, but I seem to wilt. I noticed that the Topsy Turvy tomatoes are drooping even though we did get a little rain last night. It just wasn't enough because the back porch dried off in record time.
I bought a new printer, but I am having problems in getting it installed. It is supposed to be "remote'" and ideal for laptops. I don't know.....
I have books that need to go back to the library so that is on my agenda tomorrow and a trip over to Office Depot to get a cassette ribbon for my typewriter. It is an "antique" and ribbons for it are hard to find.
I just didn't realize how old I look until I saw myself on TV. My hair is just about snow white now. Of course I am also short and slightly dumpy. We never think of ourselves as "old" until we see that we are. My mind works, but my body seems to lag behind...or maybe I have just developed a behind...hmmm.
I appear to be becoming well know in the city of Henderson. It is unwanted notoriety. Just leave me and the chickens alone. You don't bother us and we won't (squawk)...bother you.
I went to the farm store early this morning to get chicken feed. I was trying to beat the heat. In this kind of hot weather we can expect storms to pop up anytime. That is what we go last night. The wind is breaking branches out of the Plum Tree. We didn't get much rain with the storm, but the chickens were frightened by the high winds. Me too.
I finally went to the store and got a few groceries. I didn't need much, but I don't have a cow in the backyard(wouldn't the city like that!) so I got milk and some canning salt. Of course I got a few odds and ends to gobble. I have a list, but just got the essentials.
I know that I need to do more about the garden and freezing vegetables, but I seem to wilt. I noticed that the Topsy Turvy tomatoes are drooping even though we did get a little rain last night. It just wasn't enough because the back porch dried off in record time.
I bought a new printer, but I am having problems in getting it installed. It is supposed to be "remote'" and ideal for laptops. I don't know.....
I have books that need to go back to the library so that is on my agenda tomorrow and a trip over to Office Depot to get a cassette ribbon for my typewriter. It is an "antique" and ribbons for it are hard to find.
I just didn't realize how old I look until I saw myself on TV. My hair is just about snow white now. Of course I am also short and slightly dumpy. We never think of ourselves as "old" until we see that we are. My mind works, but my body seems to lag behind...or maybe I have just developed a behind...hmmm.
With that said I will say...The End.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Broiling or Melting
I can't decide which; Am I melting from the high humidity or am I broiling from the heat. It was 97 degrees today with a heat index of 109. The chickens have been suffering in the heat. For that reason yesterday I ran a long power cord out the hen house and gave them a fan to cool them off. The problem is that the fan only circulated hot air. So, early this morning I rigged up a tarp to provide the chickens some shade. They got under the tarp and had some stray breezes now and then. I didn't do a very good job at my rigging because I just can not get my right arm up high enough.
We are now in the middle of a thunderstorm event. The one chicken that got out wanted to get right back in. Chickens do not like rain. The high wind gust tha came up frightened the chickens even further and they were all in a panic, not knowing which way to run. The door of the coop is open so they can shelter within.
I had another interview with another TV station. I am still at odds with the codes dept. They tell me what steps I can take to try to change the codes, but I will either give up because of the time it takes to challenge the city or die trying. I think they are counting on me to give up.
I think I will try to make some Zucchini Bread if it cools off a little. I have never made Zucchini Bread so it will be a interesting endeavor. If...it ever cools off... I will you let you know when and how it turns out.
I remember my Mother making bread the hard way and I have also made it the old fashioned way. It is labor intensive, esp. in hot weather. I don't know how she did it on an old wood stove in the summer time. We are blessed with all the latest electric gadget, gizmo's and appliance. Said that before didn't I?
The weather sirens are wailing so I better shut down and unplug.
END
We are now in the middle of a thunderstorm event. The one chicken that got out wanted to get right back in. Chickens do not like rain. The high wind gust tha came up frightened the chickens even further and they were all in a panic, not knowing which way to run. The door of the coop is open so they can shelter within.
I had another interview with another TV station. I am still at odds with the codes dept. They tell me what steps I can take to try to change the codes, but I will either give up because of the time it takes to challenge the city or die trying. I think they are counting on me to give up.
I think I will try to make some Zucchini Bread if it cools off a little. I have never made Zucchini Bread so it will be a interesting endeavor. If...it ever cools off... I will you let you know when and how it turns out.
I remember my Mother making bread the hard way and I have also made it the old fashioned way. It is labor intensive, esp. in hot weather. I don't know how she did it on an old wood stove in the summer time. We are blessed with all the latest electric gadget, gizmo's and appliance. Said that before didn't I?
The weather sirens are wailing so I better shut down and unplug.
END
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Dropping Out
Several bloggers es have stopped posting. Its garden time and very hot. I imagine that they have plenty to do.
I have several squash to take care of and more zucchini to turn into something. I have thought about canning, but don't think I can lift the big canner. Later I will make tomato juice and can can tomatoes. You don't need the big canner for that.
Most of the lights are off and the blinds are set at an angle to let light in and keep heat out. I have a big fan going on the back porch to vent hot air out and away from the freezer. This morning was sweltering and now we are in the heat of the day. I noticed that in Bath, NY the temperature is in the 70's. They will pay for the beautiful weather in the coming winter when the snow blows and the winds howl in the snow belt of NY State.
I want to go shopping, but dismissed the notion due to the heat. There will be cooler days. I did run out to Wendy's for some fast food. Well, I didn't run: I drove. Normally I wouldn't drive to Wendy's just to get something to eat, but hot days may become exceptions. I don't like to"waste" gas, but will get fast food if I am shopping in an area that has fast food and the timing is near the lunch or supper hour.
I do need to get some canning salt and a few other items for preserving garden produce.
It bothers me that the chickens are suffering from the heat. The best I can do for them is to give them plenty of water. They don't have much shade. I am trying to think of how I can provide some temporary shade for them.
Big Brother Harry is now cleared to drive some. He went to the store and got his wife some Ice Tea. She just had a spinal tap is not felling well at all., but told to consume plenty of caffeine and liquids to help alleviate the side effects.
So, back out to check on the chickens.
END
I have several squash to take care of and more zucchini to turn into something. I have thought about canning, but don't think I can lift the big canner. Later I will make tomato juice and can can tomatoes. You don't need the big canner for that.
Most of the lights are off and the blinds are set at an angle to let light in and keep heat out. I have a big fan going on the back porch to vent hot air out and away from the freezer. This morning was sweltering and now we are in the heat of the day. I noticed that in Bath, NY the temperature is in the 70's. They will pay for the beautiful weather in the coming winter when the snow blows and the winds howl in the snow belt of NY State.
I want to go shopping, but dismissed the notion due to the heat. There will be cooler days. I did run out to Wendy's for some fast food. Well, I didn't run: I drove. Normally I wouldn't drive to Wendy's just to get something to eat, but hot days may become exceptions. I don't like to"waste" gas, but will get fast food if I am shopping in an area that has fast food and the timing is near the lunch or supper hour.
I do need to get some canning salt and a few other items for preserving garden produce.
It bothers me that the chickens are suffering from the heat. The best I can do for them is to give them plenty of water. They don't have much shade. I am trying to think of how I can provide some temporary shade for them.
Big Brother Harry is now cleared to drive some. He went to the store and got his wife some Ice Tea. She just had a spinal tap is not felling well at all., but told to consume plenty of caffeine and liquids to help alleviate the side effects.
So, back out to check on the chickens.
END
Friday, June 19, 2009
SCORCHER
I've been out to give the chickens fresh, cool water and to move the one waterer inside out of the sun. The chickens are moulting in the heat and breathing through open beaks. They have opened up their wings for cooler air and are staying inside in the darker portion of their abode. It is too hot for man, beast or fowl. Next week should be cooler for all of God's creatures.
I have been slicing squash up to put in the freezer. Put zucchini in the freezer, too. I have been popping smaller pieces of raw veggies in my mouth as I work. I might be sorry for eating all that fiber!
It is so hot-humid that I don't want to cook. The chickens are not eating much, either. I am thinking of running out to get something already cooked...fast food.
I decided to spend most of the day inside where it is cooler and do some odds "n ends that need to be done. Even that is too hot.
I feel sorry for Hillery Clinton. I hope her elbow heals better than mine did.
This a very short post because it is just too uncomfortable even with tw a/c's and two fans running. Whew! THE END of another scorcher
I have been slicing squash up to put in the freezer. Put zucchini in the freezer, too. I have been popping smaller pieces of raw veggies in my mouth as I work. I might be sorry for eating all that fiber!
It is so hot-humid that I don't want to cook. The chickens are not eating much, either. I am thinking of running out to get something already cooked...fast food.
I decided to spend most of the day inside where it is cooler and do some odds "n ends that need to be done. Even that is too hot.
I feel sorry for Hillery Clinton. I hope her elbow heals better than mine did.
This a very short post because it is just too uncomfortable even with tw a/c's and two fans running. Whew! THE END of another scorcher
Thursday, June 18, 2009
DITY WINE
I am going to post a recipe for making homemade wine. There are various ways and methods for making good do-it-yourself wine. You can make wine out of almost everything. I have made wine out of Instant Potatoes. You need glass containers, jugs and vegetables or fruits that will ferment, sugar and yeast. You need clean, empty bottles for the end result. It takes time to ferment wine, so don't get overly anxious. and try to speed up the process. Nature will take its own time.
A bushel of grapes will yield 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 gallons of wine. I take a short cut and use 2 large cans of grape juice concentrate.
Wash grapes well esp. if they have been sprayed with sulfur-based fungicide or any insecticide.
Stem the grapes and toss out any dry or rotted grapes. Crush the grapes and place in a fer mention chamber or gallon jugs. Again, I cheat and use a food processor..blender or juicer to do the work for me. Some use plastic garbage container for the crushing of the grapes, but I don't like the idea of using a non-food grade vessel. That is why I use a juicer. It separates the seed out of the juice concentrate. A blender works, but you will need to separate the seeds and any skins from the juice.
I am only making a small amt. of wine for myself so I use two large jugs. Make sure they are clean and sterile.
Fill jugs with juice concentrate, water, sugar, and yeast. I use 2 packets of plain old bread yeast. Add 5 to 6 cups of sugar. Use less for a dry wine, more for a sweet wine. My last batch was just a shade too sweet, but good.
If you use jugs you will need to seal the jugs with water traps or place a balloon over the mouth of the jugs. If you use balloons make sure they are one very securely or the escaping gases from the fermentation will "blow the top off" and then it is clean up time. The water traps are much easier to use. Don't fill the jugs up to the tippy top: leave room for expansion. At the end of the fermentation period(n0 more bubbles) You will need to strain your wine and eliminate the "must" and any sediment.
If you use a fermentation chamber just follow the directions. You can find all the wine making supplies you may wish to have online by just going to your search engine and typing in wine or wine making.
So, wine making is pretty basic. If you can boil watter you can make wine. Our forefathers did just fine by "guess and by golly."
1. Juice
2. Sugar
3. Yeast.
4. Water
5. Jugs
6. Water traps or balloons
7. Time(about 3 months)
There are all kinds of ways to make wine and all kinds of advice, opinions, and products to buy. I look for the easiest and lest expensive.
The chickens are out. The Animal Control Truck went down the street so I looked out the back and all the chickens were loose. The door was open and blowing in the wind. Darn..I know I will not get them back in before dark because they love the green grass and all the crawly things, therein.
And it is time to stop. Right here. END
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
90 degrees plus
It is a little warm around the edges. The heat index is 99 degrees. You can shower in "cold" water because the water is slightly tepid. No dry heat around here in the Ohio Valley.
I went out to Wal Mart and spent a few dollars. I bought a new printer because the one I have is non-functional. I hope I have a good one as it was on sale.
The house is a mess because I have been tracking dirt and grass in plus I had pulled out some boxes looking for a computer disk. You always get company when housekeeping falls behind and mine has fell WAY behind.
There was a storm this afternoon that knocked out the power on the other end of town and that is when company came. I don't blame them for wanting to sit in air conditioning.
It is almost 7:30 and I still haven't had supper. You can't hardly cook in this heat.
The a lot of plums have been blown off the Plum Tree from yesterdays storm and a branch broke off as well. Thursday and Friday are days that we are supposed to have more severe storms. What else is new...
If tomorrow is less intrusive I will try to put up a recipe for homemade wine. Beverly sent me several. I like to watch the wine ferment..bubble, bubble, fizz, fizz.
Chuck picked off several squash and cucumbers. Did I say there was a rabbit in the garden? Did I say the rabbit likes tender green beans? Where there is one little cottontail there will be several more. Hmmm, rabbit is good to eat.
This will be a short post because I am gonna get something to eat now, feed the chickens and chase them in for the night. Then it is R&R time for me.
END
I went out to Wal Mart and spent a few dollars. I bought a new printer because the one I have is non-functional. I hope I have a good one as it was on sale.
The house is a mess because I have been tracking dirt and grass in plus I had pulled out some boxes looking for a computer disk. You always get company when housekeeping falls behind and mine has fell WAY behind.
There was a storm this afternoon that knocked out the power on the other end of town and that is when company came. I don't blame them for wanting to sit in air conditioning.
It is almost 7:30 and I still haven't had supper. You can't hardly cook in this heat.
The a lot of plums have been blown off the Plum Tree from yesterdays storm and a branch broke off as well. Thursday and Friday are days that we are supposed to have more severe storms. What else is new...
If tomorrow is less intrusive I will try to put up a recipe for homemade wine. Beverly sent me several. I like to watch the wine ferment..bubble, bubble, fizz, fizz.
Chuck picked off several squash and cucumbers. Did I say there was a rabbit in the garden? Did I say the rabbit likes tender green beans? Where there is one little cottontail there will be several more. Hmmm, rabbit is good to eat.
This will be a short post because I am gonna get something to eat now, feed the chickens and chase them in for the night. Then it is R&R time for me.
END
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tuesday's rain
I guess I will change my name to Noah and build an ark, buy a boat or learn to swim. Yes, more and more rain. It makes the garden grow, but not me. I am still short.
Big Brother Harry and wife lost their power in the recent storm that hit Dallas. They lost a lot of the food in their refrigerator and freezer. If they had a generator neither one could have got it going due to their present health. If they had an inverter even Harry's wife could have hooked it up with simple directions.
An inverter is a handy little device about the size of maybe a shoebox. You can run it off a car battery until the power drains after several hours. It would be best to run it from your car battery while the car is running. You can run a power cord from the inverter to a freezer or fridge. You don't have to run the car continuously, but intermittently, long enough to keep your food frozen and cold.
A small inverter is not expensive; around $25.00 and on up, depending on the size you want. Like anything else, you can get the basic small inverter or whatever size you want to buy, according to your needs. The bigger the inverter the more you can run off it. You can get them from Wal Mart or buy them on line. It would be a good investment for most people on budgets or who have small houses/apartments.
The only appliances that I would want to keep running if the power went down would be the freezer and the fridge. I can exist with lamps and could muddle through without air conditioning. My main concern would be the time, effort and expense of food in the freezer. No one wants to lose their food in these uncertain times.
I do have have one other issue to consider and that is how to power up the CPap machine and O2 concentrator that I sleep with at night, a little appliance that people with Sleep Apnea depend on. I could make it, but I would probably fall asleep in the daytime!
A lady called today wanting to buy chickens. She doesn't have a place to keep them. She said she had an old barn that wasn't usable. I don't know where she untended to put them: maybe in the stew pot?
I guess I will have to feed the chickens 3 times a day. They eat non-stop and are never satisfied. I cut a lot of Swiss Chard that was getting too big and they ate that too. They are getting really big and untied both my shoe laces this morning. They probably looked like big, white worms to a little chicken eye.
I had intended to go to Wal Mart today, but the sky got so dark that I decided not to go. Then the wind came up and started blowing. I checked my new Cherry Tree to make sure it was still standing. The Wind blew a lot of the Plums off the tree and they are just getting ready to ripen...darn, that happened last year, too.
Some of the graphics that I added to fill spaces are where I don't want them. I can't seem to delete them yet. Sometimes life is an experiment.
END
Big Brother Harry and wife lost their power in the recent storm that hit Dallas. They lost a lot of the food in their refrigerator and freezer. If they had a generator neither one could have got it going due to their present health. If they had an inverter even Harry's wife could have hooked it up with simple directions.
An inverter is a handy little device about the size of maybe a shoebox. You can run it off a car battery until the power drains after several hours. It would be best to run it from your car battery while the car is running. You can run a power cord from the inverter to a freezer or fridge. You don't have to run the car continuously, but intermittently, long enough to keep your food frozen and cold.
A small inverter is not expensive; around $25.00 and on up, depending on the size you want. Like anything else, you can get the basic small inverter or whatever size you want to buy, according to your needs. The bigger the inverter the more you can run off it. You can get them from Wal Mart or buy them on line. It would be a good investment for most people on budgets or who have small houses/apartments.
The only appliances that I would want to keep running if the power went down would be the freezer and the fridge. I can exist with lamps and could muddle through without air conditioning. My main concern would be the time, effort and expense of food in the freezer. No one wants to lose their food in these uncertain times.
I do have have one other issue to consider and that is how to power up the CPap machine and O2 concentrator that I sleep with at night, a little appliance that people with Sleep Apnea depend on. I could make it, but I would probably fall asleep in the daytime!
A lady called today wanting to buy chickens. She doesn't have a place to keep them. She said she had an old barn that wasn't usable. I don't know where she untended to put them: maybe in the stew pot?
I guess I will have to feed the chickens 3 times a day. They eat non-stop and are never satisfied. I cut a lot of Swiss Chard that was getting too big and they ate that too. They are getting really big and untied both my shoe laces this morning. They probably looked like big, white worms to a little chicken eye.
I had intended to go to Wal Mart today, but the sky got so dark that I decided not to go. Then the wind came up and started blowing. I checked my new Cherry Tree to make sure it was still standing. The Wind blew a lot of the Plums off the tree and they are just getting ready to ripen...darn, that happened last year, too.
Some of the graphics that I added to fill spaces are where I don't want them. I can't seem to delete them yet. Sometimes life is an experiment.
END
Monday, June 15, 2009
Up with the chickens
We had some "fowl" weather last evening so I shooed the chickens into their habitat early and closed them in. They don't like being closed in, but they don't like rain either. Since I made them go to bed early, I went too.
I think I have someone to take the chickens and give them a good home. The daughter of one of the elderly residents at the home will take most of them. She lives in the country and has chickens, horses, goats and a cow. She is also married to one of the Dr.'s here in town so I know she can afford to take care of them. She said she will take the roosters to a poor Mexican family with 5 kids. The father is a farm hand which means he is not getting rich. They already have roosters that they have made into pets and the kids play with them.
This morning it rained again and probably will rain throughout the week. It is certainly good for the garden. Yesterday I cooked fresh green beans and zucchini with onions .... and spam. Everything is coming on like gangbusters.
This evening I steamed lobster legs, but that stuff is hard to eat/get out of the shell. I can't find my tools for the cracking the legs either and that makes it harder to get the meat out. A lot of effort for a little meat.
On the east coast people are complaining about the cold weather in mid-June and that they can't get the gardens planted. My sister says it is more like fall than summer, but she will try to get some plants in tomorrow.
You may see some additions to this blog. I needed to fill in the empty space and I don't always have that much to write about. If I could just learn to post pictures...sigh..but I don't have the time to learn right now.
The End
I think I have someone to take the chickens and give them a good home. The daughter of one of the elderly residents at the home will take most of them. She lives in the country and has chickens, horses, goats and a cow. She is also married to one of the Dr.'s here in town so I know she can afford to take care of them. She said she will take the roosters to a poor Mexican family with 5 kids. The father is a farm hand which means he is not getting rich. They already have roosters that they have made into pets and the kids play with them.
This morning it rained again and probably will rain throughout the week. It is certainly good for the garden. Yesterday I cooked fresh green beans and zucchini with onions .... and spam. Everything is coming on like gangbusters.
This evening I steamed lobster legs, but that stuff is hard to eat/get out of the shell. I can't find my tools for the cracking the legs either and that makes it harder to get the meat out. A lot of effort for a little meat.
On the east coast people are complaining about the cold weather in mid-June and that they can't get the gardens planted. My sister says it is more like fall than summer, but she will try to get some plants in tomorrow.
You may see some additions to this blog. I needed to fill in the empty space and I don't always have that much to write about. If I could just learn to post pictures...sigh..but I don't have the time to learn right now.
The End
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Stressful week
I think I am too old for the stress of fighting the codes department, doing 2 TV interviews and 2 live radio interviews. It has garnered some support for keeping the chickens; probably not enough.
The bean soup turned out well, but it could have used a bit more salt. It is easier to add salt than to take it out.
I went to the farm store and got some cracked corn and another bag of bedding. Their fruit trees were all on sale and I found the last Cherry tree they had for $10.00. It needs a little TLC, but that is OK. I think it will live after it gets some much needed water.
I should be getting more work done, but I am too tired to consider it. I guess I will wash the few dishes that need to be done and freeze the bean soup. Not all of it 'cause I will eat some more this eve.
The beans needed a lot of time in the crock pot. I guess they slow cooked for about twenty hours. I also like to take a mixer and reduce the beans down a bit...kind of smoothing it out.
I think next week I will make the Split Pea Soup for the freezer. The problem with making all that soup is that I love to eat it.
Because I am very tired I will not write much. There will be nothing on SUNDAY. I really need a day of rest...LOL END
The bean soup turned out well, but it could have used a bit more salt. It is easier to add salt than to take it out.
I went to the farm store and got some cracked corn and another bag of bedding. Their fruit trees were all on sale and I found the last Cherry tree they had for $10.00. It needs a little TLC, but that is OK. I think it will live after it gets some much needed water.
I should be getting more work done, but I am too tired to consider it. I guess I will wash the few dishes that need to be done and freeze the bean soup. Not all of it 'cause I will eat some more this eve.
The beans needed a lot of time in the crock pot. I guess they slow cooked for about twenty hours. I also like to take a mixer and reduce the beans down a bit...kind of smoothing it out.
I think next week I will make the Split Pea Soup for the freezer. The problem with making all that soup is that I love to eat it.
Because I am very tired I will not write much. There will be nothing on SUNDAY. I really need a day of rest...LOL END
Friday, June 12, 2009
Rugs and stuff
I have been thinking about my Mother and how she used to "make do" especially how she used to make braided rugs out of old cloths. I can't really tell you how to do it, but I could show how you do it. Mom would cut a branch off the Lilac bush and whittle it into a crochet hook. I wish I had one of hers now, but they are long gone. When she was satisfied with her homemade hook she would start a braided chain and crochet a rug from strips of old dresses about an inch wide. If you were to get your instructions from a book it would have you make the long braids and sew them together. I don't think my mother did that unless they were getting old and coming apart. She made several hooked or braided rugs that I can remember, some of them fairly large. After she passed away I was at home and trying to clean thing out I noticed my brother had used one of her homemade rugs to cover his boat motor and ruined it. It made me very sad to see it soaked with oil and out in the old shed being used as a "tarp."
One of these days I will try to make a hooked or braided rug like my mother used to make. It isn't hard and I could do it even with a goofy arm.
A man who had told me he would buy my chickens a month ago is now back pedaling. They are selling in the paper for $7.00 dollars each and I offered mine to him for only $5.00 each. Now he wants to"help me out" and have them for free. People don't realize or just don't care about the time, money and care that goes into raising chickens, not to mention how I feel about giving up my chickens. He will not get them for free because he is not a person of need.
I know that the process of changing city codes takes some time and can be a deliberate, drawn out affair. The results are not guaranteed. In the meantime I have less than 30 days to find my chickens a new home.
I have finally taken the time out to start a crock pot of bean soup. I will let it slow cook for several hrs. and probably have some for supper. It seems like my phone has rung far too often these past two weeks and my days slip away without getting much done. This afternoon I have taken the time to shred up some old mail and will get rid of that, maybe I will spread some in the chicken run as it is a muddy mess today. The chickens like to scratch through it. I already poured a bag of corn cob bedding in the run this morning. When it rains in KY., it comes down in buckets and sheets with a little hail mixed in for good measure.
Back to work....The END
One of these days I will try to make a hooked or braided rug like my mother used to make. It isn't hard and I could do it even with a goofy arm.
A man who had told me he would buy my chickens a month ago is now back pedaling. They are selling in the paper for $7.00 dollars each and I offered mine to him for only $5.00 each. Now he wants to"help me out" and have them for free. People don't realize or just don't care about the time, money and care that goes into raising chickens, not to mention how I feel about giving up my chickens. He will not get them for free because he is not a person of need.
I know that the process of changing city codes takes some time and can be a deliberate, drawn out affair. The results are not guaranteed. In the meantime I have less than 30 days to find my chickens a new home.
I have finally taken the time out to start a crock pot of bean soup. I will let it slow cook for several hrs. and probably have some for supper. It seems like my phone has rung far too often these past two weeks and my days slip away without getting much done. This afternoon I have taken the time to shred up some old mail and will get rid of that, maybe I will spread some in the chicken run as it is a muddy mess today. The chickens like to scratch through it. I already poured a bag of corn cob bedding in the run this morning. When it rains in KY., it comes down in buckets and sheets with a little hail mixed in for good measure.
Back to work....The END
Thursday, June 11, 2009
All wet
I just checked the Gleaner and found some really nasty opinions to the editor. Some were for chickens and some were just plain ignorant and under-educated about chickens. Chickens that are well cared for, well fed and well housed, do not make as much noise as people that tear up and down the alley on motorcycles, big trucks and people gunning their cars half the night.
I did go to the city attorney's office and get get some information on how to fight my own battle. People who said they would come out and support me did not...lip service. Americans are rapidly losing their freedoms and rights due to lip service. If Americans would put actions where their mouths are we wouldn't be in a social pickle. Do the citizens of this county really think our government is on the right path? You are quickly being led to the slaughter with a happy smile on your faces. The next four years will open your eyes widely. The past four months have been castrated and feminized...too bad America, I knew you when.
I received a call from a radio station in Atlanta, Georgia, asking me to do a live interview, which I did. The host has his own blog site trying to help people change the anti-chicken codes across the country. They have formed a group and you can sign up on the chickenwhisperer,bogspot.com. I hope I have it right, but it is easy to find through your search engine. The asked me if I could perhaps do another interview early Saturday morning. I am not sure that will occur.
Anyway, I have been out in the heavy rain trying to get the chickens in, but there is always a joker in the crowd. Of course, it was the littlest one of the bunch. It was a runt with one bad leg that I didn't think it would make it when I first got it. Every chicken I brought home has done well and survived.
Out of someones poor luck there is always someone...or several, that want to profit from the situation. I have had calls from people who were giving out platitudes, but wanting free chickens. Someone even wanted stuff from my garden. Well, wait folks, it isn't over yet.
The Sisters from where I retired from watched me on TV and were surprised that I held my own in front of a TV camera and facing 10 commissioners. When the false complaint was read I got angry and forgot all about the camera guy and ten guys on a raised podium. I am no wilting flower when pushed, lied to or about. "EAT MY CHICKEN FEATHERS " says I ...or whatever, I can get mad "nicely."
I am still asking people to e-mail... thegleaner.com, in favor of urban chickens. I wonder if anyone will. America, the Beautiful, Home of the Indentured Servants.
END
I did go to the city attorney's office and get get some information on how to fight my own battle. People who said they would come out and support me did not...lip service. Americans are rapidly losing their freedoms and rights due to lip service. If Americans would put actions where their mouths are we wouldn't be in a social pickle. Do the citizens of this county really think our government is on the right path? You are quickly being led to the slaughter with a happy smile on your faces. The next four years will open your eyes widely. The past four months have been castrated and feminized...too bad America, I knew you when.
I received a call from a radio station in Atlanta, Georgia, asking me to do a live interview, which I did. The host has his own blog site trying to help people change the anti-chicken codes across the country. They have formed a group and you can sign up on the chickenwhisperer,bogspot.com. I hope I have it right, but it is easy to find through your search engine. The asked me if I could perhaps do another interview early Saturday morning. I am not sure that will occur.
Anyway, I have been out in the heavy rain trying to get the chickens in, but there is always a joker in the crowd. Of course, it was the littlest one of the bunch. It was a runt with one bad leg that I didn't think it would make it when I first got it. Every chicken I brought home has done well and survived.
Out of someones poor luck there is always someone...or several, that want to profit from the situation. I have had calls from people who were giving out platitudes, but wanting free chickens. Someone even wanted stuff from my garden. Well, wait folks, it isn't over yet.
The Sisters from where I retired from watched me on TV and were surprised that I held my own in front of a TV camera and facing 10 commissioners. When the false complaint was read I got angry and forgot all about the camera guy and ten guys on a raised podium. I am no wilting flower when pushed, lied to or about. "EAT MY CHICKEN FEATHERS " says I ...or whatever, I can get mad "nicely."
I am still asking people to e-mail... thegleaner.com, in favor of urban chickens. I wonder if anyone will. America, the Beautiful, Home of the Indentured Servants.
END
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
I tried...
Well, you know the old saying, "You can't fight city hall, " but I gave it my best. Tomorrow I will go to a lawyer and try to get the city to amend their ordinances. What they ruled on was pretty vague, but because my area is not zoned "agricultural" they ruled against me. According to their vague rulings you can not even have a garden or fruit trees in your yard. Is this a free nation or what.....Not.
Because I got mad about a false complaint that was lodged with the city I now have a headache. The complaint was made that my chickens were starving and eating each other. My chickens are well cared for, well fed and protected. They are so spoiled and fat. They also get scraps from the kitchen, but they don't like onions. So..now I have a headache. (I DIDN'T LOSE MY TEMPER)
Channel 14 News had come out around 3:30 PM to do a story about the chickens and attended the commissioner's meeting. I didn't see it because I was busy pleading for the city to amend their so-called code. I guess other people did see the news and some have called. It was cut and dried, as I knew it was, but I will make an attempt to change the code for the sake of others. There are a lot of poor people in Henderson that would benefit from having a few backyard chickens.
Tomorrow is another day and I will start anew. Because most of this day has been tied up I don't have much to say other than I fed the chickens and they certainly are not starving, 'though they act like it.
Maybe I will feel like writing more on Thursday, maybe I will think of something interesting to post.
END
Because I got mad about a false complaint that was lodged with the city I now have a headache. The complaint was made that my chickens were starving and eating each other. My chickens are well cared for, well fed and protected. They are so spoiled and fat. They also get scraps from the kitchen, but they don't like onions. So..now I have a headache. (I DIDN'T LOSE MY TEMPER)
Channel 14 News had come out around 3:30 PM to do a story about the chickens and attended the commissioner's meeting. I didn't see it because I was busy pleading for the city to amend their so-called code. I guess other people did see the news and some have called. It was cut and dried, as I knew it was, but I will make an attempt to change the code for the sake of others. There are a lot of poor people in Henderson that would benefit from having a few backyard chickens.
Tomorrow is another day and I will start anew. Because most of this day has been tied up I don't have much to say other than I fed the chickens and they certainly are not starving, 'though they act like it.
Maybe I will feel like writing more on Thursday, maybe I will think of something interesting to post.
END
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Soup 'n stuff
It started out HOT. The humidity is HIGH. What else is new. Well, the garden is dry for one thing. I have been trying to knock down cobwebs with a long duster and a wet sock. Spiders annoy me, but come right back.
Chuck came and mowed the yard and planted some more radishes and some parsnips. It is supposed to rain tonight, but that is what they said for last night and it didn't. We really need the rain now.
I love Split Pea Soup and make mine in the crock pot. Anything that keeps the house from heating up is a good appliance. Anyway, I am including this recipe and it doesn't have to be followed exactly.
Chuck came and mowed the yard and planted some more radishes and some parsnips. It is supposed to rain tonight, but that is what they said for last night and it didn't. We really need the rain now.
I love Split Pea Soup and make mine in the crock pot. Anything that keeps the house from heating up is a good appliance. Anyway, I am including this recipe and it doesn't have to be followed exactly.
SPLIT PEA SOUP
2 cups dried split peas
2 quarts of water
1 ham bone
(I use chopped ham)
1 cup minced celery
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 Sprig of parsley
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Place peas and water in crock pot
Add all other ingredients
Some people add shredded carrots
Trim meat from bone or add whole bone
Set crock pot for high for a couple hrs.
Turn crock pot to low
I usually let mine simmer for about 12 hrs.
I do not hurry it.
You should have about 6 servings
If you are in a hurry you can boil
the split peas for a few minutes
along with the ham bone
and other ingredients
Lower heat and simmer 2 1/2 to 3 hrs.
Slow is better.
Tomorrow is the day I go before the Henderson Commissioners(chicken police). Wish me luck.
Big Brother Harry is out of Rehab. He says his back pain is gone, but his incisions are sore. I am gonna bet he is a little bit shorter than when he went in.
I have been trying to mend things again. Mostly stuff to wear for the garden and chicken coop. The stuff won't last long, but I may get a few more wearings from my "rags."
Is anyone interested in a few more recipes? Speak now or forever eat your own soup 'n stuff.
END
Monday, June 8, 2009
Hen House
I got up at 7 AM and now I am sleepy. It was fairly cool and humid, but I decided to clean out the Chicken Condo. I got the coop pretty well cleaned out and started on the chicken run, but something was nipping at my shoe laces and tugging on my shirt tail. I did get a pile scooped up in the run. The "gleaners" thought that was the perfect spot to scratch and hunt for bugs and corn or anything they had missed in their initial hunts for whatever flew, crawled or moved. A nightmare for insects of the world as the insects knew it.
At first the chickens were afraid of the big garden cart and the wide snow shovel I was using. No, it wasn't snow that I was shoveling. The birds soon got over being scared of the Invader from Outer Green Spaces, jumped into the cart and continued with the days work of hard working chickens. Very soon the cart was full of Aliens of the Feathered Kind. I went in the house to get my camera. When I went to get a shot of their antics they became camera shy and "chickened out" for that great, one time shot. It was so funny to see a cart full of chickens doing what they do best, making scratch in the sunshine.
I quit for the day because I needed to go pay my home owners insurance, take a result to the Dr. and go aggravate the city ordinance clerks. I asked for copies of the ordinance of my "grave" violation. What I saw did not specifically mention chickens/fowl as livestock. They are supposed to copy and mail me some other stuff pertaining to the so-called code violation.
A friend came over from Evansville and we went to the Golden Corral to eat too much. They kept announcing "code twenty." Finally I asked, "What is code twenty?" It turns out that code twenty is for all the staff to stop and wash their hands. Don't they always?? Code 200 is for someone to check the bathrooms. Did they think the bathrooms were going some where?? Actually, it is all about the Piggy(Mexican)Flue at bay.. I personally think it is an airborne, virus, but washing dirty hands is good, especially after messing with chicken poo...LOL.
Several blogs have been posting about sustainability. Well, you have to fight for your right to be self sufficient in a system that is in your face from the Federal Government, State Government, County Government, and Local Government, to your neighbors next door. I wonder, when it will end? You soon won't even have the right to feed yourself because some idiot legislatures are even considering to make it illegal to raise a garden in your own backyard. "LET THEM EAT CAKE."
END
At first the chickens were afraid of the big garden cart and the wide snow shovel I was using. No, it wasn't snow that I was shoveling. The birds soon got over being scared of the Invader from Outer Green Spaces, jumped into the cart and continued with the days work of hard working chickens. Very soon the cart was full of Aliens of the Feathered Kind. I went in the house to get my camera. When I went to get a shot of their antics they became camera shy and "chickened out" for that great, one time shot. It was so funny to see a cart full of chickens doing what they do best, making scratch in the sunshine.
I quit for the day because I needed to go pay my home owners insurance, take a result to the Dr. and go aggravate the city ordinance clerks. I asked for copies of the ordinance of my "grave" violation. What I saw did not specifically mention chickens/fowl as livestock. They are supposed to copy and mail me some other stuff pertaining to the so-called code violation.
A friend came over from Evansville and we went to the Golden Corral to eat too much. They kept announcing "code twenty." Finally I asked, "What is code twenty?" It turns out that code twenty is for all the staff to stop and wash their hands. Don't they always?? Code 200 is for someone to check the bathrooms. Did they think the bathrooms were going some where?? Actually, it is all about the Piggy(Mexican)Flue at bay.. I personally think it is an airborne, virus, but washing dirty hands is good, especially after messing with chicken poo...LOL.
Several blogs have been posting about sustainability. Well, you have to fight for your right to be self sufficient in a system that is in your face from the Federal Government, State Government, County Government, and Local Government, to your neighbors next door. I wonder, when it will end? You soon won't even have the right to feed yourself because some idiot legislatures are even considering to make it illegal to raise a garden in your own backyard. "LET THEM EAT CAKE."
END
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Gone...Where?
I USUALY DO NOT POST ON SUNDAY, BUT HAVE NOTICED THAT SEVERAL OF MY RECENT POST VANISHED. I have posted them again. What's up with Google???
Saturday, June 6, 2009
YOU HAVE JUST WON....NOT
I am always getting theses surveys in my e-mail or as pop-ups. I have gotten a lot from Wal-Mart, Dell Computer and other mercenaries of the net. They say all you need to do is fill out their surveys and you will win a new Dell Computer or receive a gift certificate from Wall-Mart or Red Lobster. The surveys go on and on, "just a few more questions" and you will be done. It is a promise put out to everyone on the Internet and I have filled out my share. In the meantime those sites are packing in the information to feed into their demographics and swear that your information and e-mail address will not be sold and remain private. Yeah, right. I have never, ever received the promised gifts or gift certificates. I have never even heard of anyone getting anything from these surveys, have you? I do get e-mails and sales offers from places I have never heard of or done business with.
My "chicken shoes" are drying in the sun. I put my old joggers through the wash to get the chicken poo off them. I didn't want to put them in the dryer and listen to them go "clunk, clunk, clunk."
Today was a miracle day. Not one chicken got out!
There are small cucumbers on the vines and they will grow fast. I had a lot last year, but this year I am sharing the garden. I am still waiting for the potato vines to die back so that I can see how well they grew in a bucket. There are small tomatoes appearing here and there, as well. I believe I will make onion soup out to all the green onion tops, as the tops need to be cut back or bent over anyway in order to make BIG onion heads.
I have another pitcher on Sun Tea on the back pouch. The nice thing about making tea this way is that you get all the flavor, but none of the bitterness or oils because it brews naturally.
I have tried my new b/p medicine today. I am not sure I like it. It has many side effects and warnings, so we will see.
Someone just called to tell me there was a letter to the editor about the chickens, so I guess I will go look at it.
END
My "chicken shoes" are drying in the sun. I put my old joggers through the wash to get the chicken poo off them. I didn't want to put them in the dryer and listen to them go "clunk, clunk, clunk."
Today was a miracle day. Not one chicken got out!
There are small cucumbers on the vines and they will grow fast. I had a lot last year, but this year I am sharing the garden. I am still waiting for the potato vines to die back so that I can see how well they grew in a bucket. There are small tomatoes appearing here and there, as well. I believe I will make onion soup out to all the green onion tops, as the tops need to be cut back or bent over anyway in order to make BIG onion heads.
I have another pitcher on Sun Tea on the back pouch. The nice thing about making tea this way is that you get all the flavor, but none of the bitterness or oils because it brews naturally.
I have tried my new b/p medicine today. I am not sure I like it. It has many side effects and warnings, so we will see.
Someone just called to tell me there was a letter to the editor about the chickens, so I guess I will go look at it.
END
Friday, June 5, 2009
Salad Days and stuff
I just got back from wherever I was and whatever I was doing. Yes, I was shopping and spending a little money. I went and got my new blood pressure medicine, too. Yea, I'm gonna live another day!
If you have chickens you probably have eggs. My Mother used to make home made salad dressing/mayonnaise for us, so I thought I would post this recipe. It is pretty simple.
1 whole egg
1/4 cup of salad oil
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash of cayenne red pepper
(use reg. pepper if you wish)
2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar
1 cup salad oil
Place 1/4 cup of oil, the whole egg and
remaining ingredients in a blender
Mix on high speed 5 seconds and then turn off
Now beat on high speed adding remaining
salad oil very slowly
Turn off blender occasionally and clean the sides
with a rubber scraper.
You can make variations of this salad dressing by adding your favorite condiments, such as horseradish or onions. It's not hard to make and it's good.
While I was at the Drug Store I had to sit and wait and just look around. I noticed that plain old rubbing alcohol was About $2.69 and peroxide was just about as expensive. Because I use both for various applications I bought them at the Dollar Store for $1.00 each.
Six of the "pretty birdies" managed to zip past my feet this morning. They are no longer afraid of the swishing broom, because I have never used it on them, just swished it at them. I managed to grab two by their legs and "toss" them back into the run. The other four are still roaming about the yard. I did put out water for the renegades so they wouldn't suffer in the heat. They came running for the back porch and the rooster tried to follow me into the house. So, you can see how spoiled and fearless they are.
My niece called to tell me that Big Brother Harry will be released form the Rehab. Center this week-end. My niece is the "Family Clarion." LOL!! I wonder if he just wants to get going.
Let me know if you try out the recipe and/or if you like it.
I have another pitcher of Sun Tea out on the back porch and I am about to go get it, bring it in and put it in the fridge. Then drink it when cool!
End
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Cool for Global Warming
Yup, a pretty cool day for June. When I got up the temp. was only 53 degrees, good sleeping weather. It hasn't really warmed up much either. I like it. Air conditioning or heat not needed.
I have been to the Doctor. He seems to think that I have a large bone chip in my elbow. As it doesn't hurt I will leave it for now and not worry about it. B/P is up, but weight is down slightly.
He also signed my petition to amend the codes pertaining to poultry.
I am sleepy because I get up too early and go to bed to late. Got to stop that.
I need a bigger feeder for the chickens. They are getting so big that they are crowding each other out and fighting for the fed. I need a good day to clean out their condo.
I wanted to paint their condo, but will wait for the outcome of Me vs. the City. I have heard that a petition is not worth much, but I continue to try to think of war tactics in my battle with the Commissioners..wish me luck..cluck, cluck.
I am saving water in soda bottles for various weather related contingencies. I also need to get some more kerosene, for my lamps and lanterns. I already have plenty of candles and a wood/barbecue smoker. What I don't have is a small generator for my freezer and refrigerator.
Last winter when we had the ice storm I was one of the few that had heat, electricity and phone
service, 'though intermittent occ. You can't count on being that lucky very often, so it is best to be prepared.
Kentucky seems to be in the Tornado Alley in spring, summer and even into late fall. We often have some really severe thunderstorm, too. I need to check the "Go Bag" to make sure that I have everything I may need. Yup, got toilet paper. You know, I even keep heavy duty Kotex in my bag because they make really good wound compresses. I have also saved my arm slings for my "go bag." I think I need to replace my batteries and some of the food that I have...ahem...delved into. Yum.
Tonight I will eat boiled eggs and some chili. I cheated on my way home and stopped at Wendy's and got a Frosty and Fries. Now, it is time to bite the bullet..er egg.
So, that's it folks. The End for today.
I have been to the Doctor. He seems to think that I have a large bone chip in my elbow. As it doesn't hurt I will leave it for now and not worry about it. B/P is up, but weight is down slightly.
He also signed my petition to amend the codes pertaining to poultry.
I am sleepy because I get up too early and go to bed to late. Got to stop that.
I need a bigger feeder for the chickens. They are getting so big that they are crowding each other out and fighting for the fed. I need a good day to clean out their condo.
I wanted to paint their condo, but will wait for the outcome of Me vs. the City. I have heard that a petition is not worth much, but I continue to try to think of war tactics in my battle with the Commissioners..wish me luck..cluck, cluck.
I am saving water in soda bottles for various weather related contingencies. I also need to get some more kerosene, for my lamps and lanterns. I already have plenty of candles and a wood/barbecue smoker. What I don't have is a small generator for my freezer and refrigerator.
Last winter when we had the ice storm I was one of the few that had heat, electricity and phone
service, 'though intermittent occ. You can't count on being that lucky very often, so it is best to be prepared.
Kentucky seems to be in the Tornado Alley in spring, summer and even into late fall. We often have some really severe thunderstorm, too. I need to check the "Go Bag" to make sure that I have everything I may need. Yup, got toilet paper. You know, I even keep heavy duty Kotex in my bag because they make really good wound compresses. I have also saved my arm slings for my "go bag." I think I need to replace my batteries and some of the food that I have...ahem...delved into. Yum.
Tonight I will eat boiled eggs and some chili. I cheated on my way home and stopped at Wendy's and got a Frosty and Fries. Now, it is time to bite the bullet..er egg.
So, that's it folks. The End for today.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
June bugs...chickens like 'em
This has been a quiet day. I got a phone call from an elderly lady who said that the city had harassed her husband over raising game bird and that he had raised them all his life. She said he died of cancer and the city came with a warrant to arrest him. She told them that they would have to go to the funeral home to haul him off. It turns out that the elderly lady is the mother of my Dr.'s nurse I have an appointment with my Dr. tomorrow and they said they would sign a petition to abolish or amend the code. I have been asking people to support my "cause" and some say they will, but you know how that works.. I have asked people to e-mail the local paper and support my effort, also. If anyone could or would, please e-mail www.TheGleaner.comI. I need any and all the help I can get and no one has to say who they are or where they are located.
I stayed in today and did some things in the house, like wash and dry cloths. I also steamed more mixed greens and added some onions for flavor.
I got some Red Snapper Filia's out of the freezer to cook later. I have never cooked Red Snappers before, so I am hoping they turn out well.
I have a new follower! Yea! Come on Beverly, you need to jump in, too. Welcome to the Crazy Chickennut!
I fed the chickens melon rinds again. They are crazy about the rinds and even devoured the outer skins. I continue to grind up egg shells and add them and coffee grounds to their feed. It irks me to see so much hemp seed is in the chicken scratch because the chickens won't eat it, therefore it is wasted money for something they don't like. However, them be healthy looking critters. The roosters need to be separated soon and they are making funny noises not unlike some else...ahem. They are also getting pretty large. They will make good roasting roosters, but I will not be the one to commit the dire deed. Not after they hop up on my knee and give me the chicken eye. Nope, not me.
I need to go back to The Dollar Store and get more freezer bags. I don't know how much I will get done tomorrow as I have only two speeds; slow and slower. I will close my eyes, give the day a whirl, open my peepers and see and see where I land. In reality, I have a real bad phobia for falling again...no fun in that.
End
I stayed in today and did some things in the house, like wash and dry cloths. I also steamed more mixed greens and added some onions for flavor.
I got some Red Snapper Filia's out of the freezer to cook later. I have never cooked Red Snappers before, so I am hoping they turn out well.
I have a new follower! Yea! Come on Beverly, you need to jump in, too. Welcome to the Crazy Chickennut!
I fed the chickens melon rinds again. They are crazy about the rinds and even devoured the outer skins. I continue to grind up egg shells and add them and coffee grounds to their feed. It irks me to see so much hemp seed is in the chicken scratch because the chickens won't eat it, therefore it is wasted money for something they don't like. However, them be healthy looking critters. The roosters need to be separated soon and they are making funny noises not unlike some else...ahem. They are also getting pretty large. They will make good roasting roosters, but I will not be the one to commit the dire deed. Not after they hop up on my knee and give me the chicken eye. Nope, not me.
I need to go back to The Dollar Store and get more freezer bags. I don't know how much I will get done tomorrow as I have only two speeds; slow and slower. I will close my eyes, give the day a whirl, open my peepers and see and see where I land. In reality, I have a real bad phobia for falling again...no fun in that.
End
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Tired Out
Getting up early for the past couple of months has tired me out just a bit. So, I got up and fed the chickens and went back to bed and slept until 11 AM, or tried to. The phone kept ringing with a some one taking a survey. "Do you heat with natural gas?" Hmmm, don't they know that where I pay my utilities. No, I didn't get up to answer the phone.
I have been to Evansville and back. Someone read the story in the newspaper and called with a donation of several dozen eggs for the Little Sister of the Poor, where I had worked until retirement. The Sisters were happy to have the eggs, to say the lest.They are a non-profit home for the aged and rely on the donations of good people and business. I happen to know first hand the residents are well fed and cared for...and spoiled, too! Some of the time "generous donations" are unusable or unfit to serve and gets tossed out. They are happy to get good stuff.
My weather arm is playing havoc with my comfort zone today. It is clouding over, looks like rain, and I didn't get more seeds planted because I was gone to Evansville. Maybe tomorrow. I can plant in mud. Seeds planted in mud seem to do well and early to germinate.
I had sent away for an Egg Genius, an appliance that cooks your eggs in about seven minutes. It works pretty well and I don't have to heat up the house boiling eggs on the stove. It was 94 today and has dropped back to 79 degrees. I don't like cooking when it gets that warm. And that is why I have an electric stove for the summer and a gas stove for winter. At times I use them both at the same time when canning. I know that I have mentioned that before so that is old news.
I don't have much news or items of interest to post. I will stop here. Besides, it is time to feed the beasts again.
End
I have been to Evansville and back. Someone read the story in the newspaper and called with a donation of several dozen eggs for the Little Sister of the Poor, where I had worked until retirement. The Sisters were happy to have the eggs, to say the lest.They are a non-profit home for the aged and rely on the donations of good people and business. I happen to know first hand the residents are well fed and cared for...and spoiled, too! Some of the time "generous donations" are unusable or unfit to serve and gets tossed out. They are happy to get good stuff.
My weather arm is playing havoc with my comfort zone today. It is clouding over, looks like rain, and I didn't get more seeds planted because I was gone to Evansville. Maybe tomorrow. I can plant in mud. Seeds planted in mud seem to do well and early to germinate.
I had sent away for an Egg Genius, an appliance that cooks your eggs in about seven minutes. It works pretty well and I don't have to heat up the house boiling eggs on the stove. It was 94 today and has dropped back to 79 degrees. I don't like cooking when it gets that warm. And that is why I have an electric stove for the summer and a gas stove for winter. At times I use them both at the same time when canning. I know that I have mentioned that before so that is old news.
I don't have much news or items of interest to post. I will stop here. Besides, it is time to feed the beasts again.
End
Monday, June 1, 2009
Newspaper
Well, I made the papers, front page and back page. Had my picture in it even though I said I didn't want to have it taken. I don't take very good pictures: short, fat and almost snow white hair. The article was OK, but I don't know how much good it will do. After the paper came out I got a couple calls from people who wanted them for free. "No, we won't eat them." Yes, they will.
Anyway, when I went to give the chickens fresh water several got out, scooting right past my feet. So...might as well let them all out to feast on big juicy bugs, chiggers, flies, worms and whatever they can gorge upon. As I was filling the water containers a city car came cruising down the alley, ever so slow. I should have giving him the finger, but my mother taught me better. I ignored the presence of the Chicken Patrol/Police.
I got a new knob for my washing machine which doesn't fit and is the wrong color, so I have to go back and re-order. I got a new inner tube for the back tire of my 1960 Rambler. Then I went to Captain D's and stuffed myself.
I tried hard to get the feathered fiends back in their humble abode, but they were as usual, defiant and stubborn. I got most of them back in just before dark, but four were interested in having a bug fest. So, I gave up for the moment. I waited until dark. When I went out the last time four feathered creatures came tearing across the yard straight for me. I swear the were making little noises like a baby crying. Now they want in, scared of the dark and wanting to go home. Open the door and in they fly, as fast as they can go. I have to figure a way to get into the run in the daytime without them getting out and going AWOL.
I picked off some more mixed greens from the garden this morning and stuck a bag full in the refrigerator. I will clean them and steam them for the freezer tomorrow. I am thinking about planting more beans and radishes if it doesn't rain. However, we now need the rain. There are tiny little squashes all over the squash plants and cucumbers, too. For a small plot is is really looking like it will be fairly productive.
Big Brother Harry is making progress at the Rehab. Center. He doesn't like therapy, but he has to go through it. He says they are " really working" him. He wanted me to send him a bottle of home made wine, but I am sure that it would get smashed in the mail or just "disappear." He will have to do without. Life is tough.
END
P. S. To D. A. I was not successful in uploading any pictures. Will try again another time.
Anyway, when I went to give the chickens fresh water several got out, scooting right past my feet. So...might as well let them all out to feast on big juicy bugs, chiggers, flies, worms and whatever they can gorge upon. As I was filling the water containers a city car came cruising down the alley, ever so slow. I should have giving him the finger, but my mother taught me better. I ignored the presence of the Chicken Patrol/Police.
I got a new knob for my washing machine which doesn't fit and is the wrong color, so I have to go back and re-order. I got a new inner tube for the back tire of my 1960 Rambler. Then I went to Captain D's and stuffed myself.
I tried hard to get the feathered fiends back in their humble abode, but they were as usual, defiant and stubborn. I got most of them back in just before dark, but four were interested in having a bug fest. So, I gave up for the moment. I waited until dark. When I went out the last time four feathered creatures came tearing across the yard straight for me. I swear the were making little noises like a baby crying. Now they want in, scared of the dark and wanting to go home. Open the door and in they fly, as fast as they can go. I have to figure a way to get into the run in the daytime without them getting out and going AWOL.
I picked off some more mixed greens from the garden this morning and stuck a bag full in the refrigerator. I will clean them and steam them for the freezer tomorrow. I am thinking about planting more beans and radishes if it doesn't rain. However, we now need the rain. There are tiny little squashes all over the squash plants and cucumbers, too. For a small plot is is really looking like it will be fairly productive.
Big Brother Harry is making progress at the Rehab. Center. He doesn't like therapy, but he has to go through it. He says they are " really working" him. He wanted me to send him a bottle of home made wine, but I am sure that it would get smashed in the mail or just "disappear." He will have to do without. Life is tough.
END
P. S. To D. A. I was not successful in uploading any pictures. Will try again another time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)