The Ice Storm Cometh

Working in a grocery store during inclement weather is a nightmare.  What truly gets me is the panic in the eyes of the customers.  They walk through the store in a daze just pitching anything edible into their carts.  One thing I have learned is to keep a level head, panicking helps no one.  I calmly picked up a couple of things to bring home, stopped at the gas station to top off a gas can so we have enough fuel to run the generator, if needed.  I think the best thing to keep in mind is that we should be ready for anything, yet hope for the best all the while keeping your head.  You might have to think through a few things.

My biggest concern, at the moment is the livestock.  Along with this system they are calling for high winds with very cold temps., wind chills as low as 20 below.  I think the animals will be OK, but it doesn't hurt to give some extra thought to it.  Just do what we can, the rest is up to God.

A Blog Post About Nothing And The Global Warming Farce

I sit here, thinking about a myriad of things, yet I cannot seriously come up with anything to blog about.  The fact is we, as a family are boring.  And it is winter, like anything happens during the winter.  Although, we are not-so-anxiously awaiting the next snow storm, the warnings have been posted and it sounds like this could be a doozy (is that how you spell doozy?)  The forcast is for freezing rain and then 6-8 inches of snow on top of that.  To some of you, that may not sound like a big deal, but in our neck of the woods it is, trust me.  The real crummy thing is that yeterday, we spent the day doing some prep work in the garden under a sunny sky and 73 degree temps.  Today is the opposite, 23 and cloudy-and snow is a-comin'.  Global warming, climate change, or whatever is a farce of massive proportions.  I am ready for winter to be over, yet I don't like the thought of my life flashing before my eyes, I'd like it to slow down a bit. 

Thinking of spring, we are giving serious thought to purchaseing a greenhouse, just a small one to provide better in case of governmental breakdown.  I was going to build one, but, well, time is a precious commodity.  Sometimes it is just easier to buy something.  So we are leaning toward a couple different models, if any of you have some experience or suggestions, we'd love to hear them.

So here you have a blog about nothing.  Lord willing, I won't have any disasters to report after the storm.  Thankfully, by virtue of the way we live, we are in pretty good shape when it comes to natural disasters, the kids think of it as camping.  Mom and dad-not so much.

Until next time...

Getting To Know Grass

Ive done a fair amount of reading on the subject of grass, not the kind you smoke-geeze.  What are the best grass species to grow?  What is the best time to sew?  How does a specific specie perform at different times of the year?  All good questions you should be asking yourself, if you are into farming grass.  Really, it is a mindset, a belief, a different paradigm, you will need to admit it and start calling yourself a grass farmer.  To grow cows, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, donkeys-whatever, you will need to grow grass, it really is that simple-in concept.  I cannot safely say that I have this thing figured out yet.  I am still working on it.  TYo help you work on it, you can read this article, but keep in mind that we live in Missouri.  This information may not apply to your neck of the woods, but use this as a spring board to get you thinking in the right direction.  Let me know what your thoughts or ideas are.

Sheep Prefer Knapweed To Grass?

here is an interesting article, who needs herbicide?

The New Deal And Farming

The New Deal, arguably one of the nation's biggest travesties, gave hardworking farmers subsidies.  This is one thing that tipped the scale toward the entitlement mentality we now enjoy.  Now we have corporate "farmers" in three piece suits getting major subsidies from the government.  Meanwhile, small farmers are choked by regulation and red tape.  Perhaps that is the way they wanted it? 

Leasing Farm Land Is A Growing Trend

No Risk Ranching: Custom Grazing on Leased Land



Leasing farms and farm land is a growing trend.  Some are even able to do it without cash.  In other words, leasing property from urban types who just want their land to be pretty and fertile.  This can be obtained through a good rotational grazing system.  The linked story, however, is a bout a dairy in Washington state in which the farmer was able to lease his farm to another farmer and all is good for both sides, a win-win.  Kind of a feel good article, but it can be used to cause pause for thought to other farmers out there looking for a way to grow their business.

Virginia Putting Together A Sub Commitee To Start Alternate Currency?

All I can say is, WOW!  Go Virginia and may a bunch of other states follow suit.  Please read the entire article to get a good picture of the causes of Viginia's move.  Read more...

Constitutional Authority To Limit Gun Magazine Capacity?

Sorry, but I have to get political on y'all again.  The tradgedy of last Saturday has sparked renewed debate, as I suspected it would, on the Second Amendment.  In this case, it is one of those neo-con gun rights "activists" saying that limiting magazine capacity "makes sense".  I tend to think it would make more sense in making it easier for law abiding citizens to arm themselves.  Think about it, how many people would have been killed or wounded if someone, or more, would have pulled a gun on the assailant as he was approaching with his weapon in broad daylight?  There were 19 people killed or injured, I say if 20 of the 30 some people there pulled a weapon, maybe-just maybe, one person would have been hurt, that being the assailant.  Or, how about this, if it was easier for law abiding citizens to carry, bad guys would not even attempt such things, because they know that at least a few of those people over there have a gun and might shoot back.  Folks, our right to free speech is under attack because of one knuckledhead.  Our right to keep and bear arms is severely in peril, because of one knucklehead.  Limiting the magazine capacity on a hand gun will do nothing to stop criminals, they will always have high cap mags.  What it will do is limit your ability to protect and defend yourself and your family, think about that.  Read more...

Will Cows Eat Snow?

Call it crazy, but I was watching the snow fall last night here in southern Missouri and I got to thinking about my years growing up in Wisconsin.  Stay with me here, I have a train of thought that, rather strangely, comes to a point (this is how my brain works).  So, thinking of snowy Wisconsin got me to thinking about one of my all-time favorite pets, a beautiful, blue eyed Siberian Husky.  I always had a ball with her in the snow, she just plain loved it.  As we would play in the snow, as all dogs (especially sled dogs) do, she would eat some snow as she got thirsty.  That got me thinking about cows (here comes my point), strange, isn't it-how my brain works?  Anyway, I began to wonder if cows eat snow when they are thirsty.  A quick search on the internet later, and I got my answer.  Yes, they do.  There are even some benefits to it, like:

• They will intake an adequate amount for their health
• Snow will not make them sick
• It does not affect the birthweight of calves
• Using snow as the water source can lessen production costs

One thing to keep in mind is that a newly lactating cow needs lots of water and, in this case, snow will not be adequate.  Read the linked article for more info.

Are Free Thinkers Sick?

According to this article they are.  Thus, I must be very ill to try to think outside the box.  It is an illness to question one's authority, so "they" say, or to be disgruntled in any way.  Perhaps what they are after is for all us "little people" to start toeing the line and stop fighting.  After all, "they" know what is best for you and I, right?

Farmer Aquitted In Raw Milk Sale

This happens to be about some people we know, you might even call them friends of the family (the whole family).  We have been praying for them for a long time and watching closely the incredible act of criminalizing the sale of raw milk.  I am glad to say that our friends have been aquitted, however, after you read this article, I think oyu might agree that it is a mixed blessing-at best.  They still face charges at the state level and the reporter just HAD to mention that the FDA says the consumption of raw milk is not healthy.  HOGWASH!  As Armand says in the article, people have been drinking milk strait from the cow for centuries.  Whay do we continue to trust the FDA?  Ask yourself, what have they really done, and done well?

Demand For Bison Is Soaring

Bison ranchers are having a hard time keeping up with demand as more people are seeking heathier meat.  Bison grow slower than beef animals, making things difficult for bison ranchers.  Maybe we just need more bison ranchers?

Gold Might Skyrocket In Times Of Hyperinflation.

I shudder to think of times like these, in which, $20 might buy a loaf of bread.  Gasoline at $5 per gallon.  These are very real things we could face in the very near future.  If you are preparedness minded at all, use what time there is to get ready.  Plant a BIG garden, raise some animals for meat and learn all you can about wild foods.  If you don't have the space, or property for such things, start buying canned food in bulk-enough for a year.  Another thought, if you thought Ron Paul was a kook for wanting to audit the Fed, think again, we have no idea how our government spends our money.  With the imending rise of inflation, gold should go through the roof, if you can you might invest a bit.  Read more here...