tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59228738757275468512024-03-12T16:30:30.291-07:00Bedrock and Bramblesby Andrew & Kira von ZubenAndrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.comBlogger446125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-72468424476459596192015-09-21T13:00:00.001-07:002015-09-21T13:00:05.163-07:00Chocolate Peanut Butter Spelt Cookies<div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O7yBE0PZQDM/VgBhwXk_tZI/AAAAAAAAIQs/J3AGUd95eQE/s2048/Photo%25252020150921155926929.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O7yBE0PZQDM/VgBhwXk_tZI/AAAAAAAAIQs/J3AGUd95eQE/s500/Photo%25252020150921155926929.jpg" id="blogsy-1442865603016.106" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="432" alt=""></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> These cookies are soft and gooey. Perfect paired with a glass of milk. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Ingredients </div><div> </div><div>1/2 cup butter</div><div>1/2 cup natural crunchy peanut butter</div><div>3/4 cup sugar</div><div>2 tbsp molasses</div><div>1 egg</div><div>1/2 cup cocoa powder</div><div>1 1/4 cup light spelt flour</div><div>1/2 tsp baking powder</div><div>1/2 tsp baking soda</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Preheat oven to 350F. Prep cookie sheet. I like to lightly butter my pan. </div><div> </div><div>In a large bowl beat together the butter, peanut butter, sugar, molasses, cocoa powder, and egg until smooth and creamy. </div><div>Stir in the flour, baking soda, and baking powder until smooth. </div><div>Spoon dough onto cookie sheets. </div><div>Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. </div><div> </div><div>Makes about 15 large cookies.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-59809771431356876962015-07-29T10:54:00.001-07:002015-07-29T10:54:17.826-07:00Milkweed Cordial<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aXdZNHIh6Iw/VbkS5L4F16I/AAAAAAAAIOc/qQl6KBGTMRI/s2048/Photo%25252020150729135209734.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aXdZNHIh6Iw/VbkS5L4F16I/AAAAAAAAIOc/qQl6KBGTMRI/s500/Photo%25252020150729135209734.jpg" id="blogsy-1438192456692.3213" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P3m-1wGBeJc/VbkS_r-VSmI/AAAAAAAAIOk/HdTqFv4bLwg/s2048/Photo%25252020150729135209992.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P3m-1wGBeJc/VbkS_r-VSmI/AAAAAAAAIOk/HdTqFv4bLwg/s500/Photo%25252020150729135209992.jpg" id="blogsy-1438192456648.7703" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="973"></a></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W2qb7cjh7GE/VbkTHN3D0YI/AAAAAAAAIOs/Sul5E56WSbk/s2048/Photo%25252020150729135210215.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W2qb7cjh7GE/VbkTHN3D0YI/AAAAAAAAIOs/Sul5E56WSbk/s500/Photo%25252020150729135210215.jpg" id="blogsy-1438192456658.5244" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a9rl7t8isq4/VbkTMGxfxGI/AAAAAAAAIO0/lU-DMzt0afI/s2048/Photo%25252020150729135210416.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a9rl7t8isq4/VbkTMGxfxGI/AAAAAAAAIO0/lU-DMzt0afI/s500/Photo%25252020150729135210416.jpg" id="blogsy-1438192456668.239" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="432" alt=""></a></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KN74WI37Gys/VbkTRkGvRSI/AAAAAAAAIO8/KRCKBmH4faA/s2048/Photo%25252020150729135210625.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KN74WI37Gys/VbkTRkGvRSI/AAAAAAAAIO8/KRCKBmH4faA/s500/Photo%25252020150729135210625.jpg" id="blogsy-1438192456704.1619" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="432" alt=""></a></div><div> </div><div> Our home smelled wonderful this morning while making this!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> ~Milkweed cordial~</div><div> </div><div>6 cups of milkweed flowers (stemsw trimmed)</div><div>4 tablespoons of lime juice</div><div>2 cups of sugar</div><div>6 cups of water</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Rinse flowers after stems have been removed. </div><div>Place them in a large pot with the rest of the ingredients. </div><div>Bring to a light boil over medium heat. Let boil for about 40 minutes or until it reduces by about a cup. </div><div>Strain the cordial. </div><div>Can or refrigerate. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-83455498152619605762015-07-07T05:58:00.001-07:002015-07-07T06:08:44.318-07:00The arrival of Una-Mae & Gem. <div> </div><div><font size="5"> We have been preparing for our first baby goats. </font></div><div><font size="5">Mira, one of our three Nigerian dwarf goat does, was nearly ready to give birth. </font></div><div><font size="5">With the due date fast approaching, Andrew and I have been working to prepare for the birth and arrival of new kids. </font></div><div><font size="5">On Sunday morning, Andrew put together the frame of a birthing pen in the covered space between our two goat barns.</font></div><div><font size="5">Every day I've been watching, looking for signs of Mira going into labour, but not much had been changing. </font></div><div><font size="5">Her udder grew large about a month ago and she was very round, but there hadn't been any new changes lately. The due date was another week away. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">Yesterday was hot, so in the evening we decided to go to our neighbours for a swim. We had a great visit and refreshing swim before we headed home around 6:00pm to do evening chores, starting with the goats. </font></div><div><font size="5">I went around to the goat barn behind our home and there Mira was cleaning a fresh little baby while she was pushing another out! </font></div><div><font size="5">I called to Andrew and the kids and then started to help clean the first baby. </font></div><div><font size="5">Auren ran for some towels. </font></div><div><font size="5">Mira was birthing standing up so as she pushed out the last baby I lowered it down to the ground. </font></div><div><font size="5">What a feeling! </font></div><div><font size="5">I was so excited and happy, I just wanted to cry. </font></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font size="5">And all three of our own kids got to watch Mira birth the second baby!</font></span><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font size="5"><br></font></span></div><div><font size="5">I set the second baby in front of Mira for her to clean. </font></div><div><font size="5">She did such a great job with the first kid that I didn't want to interfere too much. </font></div><div><font size="5">I sat with a towel and helped dry the kids off. </font></div><div> </div><div><font size="5">As soon as both babies were dry they started searching for Mira's udder and were both nursing in no time. </font></div><div><font size="5">Mother Nature astounds me. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"> Andrew finished putting together the kidding pen so that Mira and her new little ones could settle in for the night. </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G_tR7nQ-9wA/VZvMWD6nvlI/AAAAAAAAINM/53E3mAjl56I/s2048/Photo%25252020150707085522724.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G_tR7nQ-9wA/VZvMWD6nvlI/AAAAAAAAINM/53E3mAjl56I/s500/Photo%25252020150707085522724.jpg" id="blogsy-1436273921073.7336" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zGHYHfXRxAw/VZvMev8JOkI/AAAAAAAAINU/EhJ2jqLmzJU/s2048/Photo%25252020150707085523003.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zGHYHfXRxAw/VZvMev8JOkI/AAAAAAAAINU/EhJ2jqLmzJU/s500/Photo%25252020150707085523003.jpg" id="blogsy-1436273921066.8245" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cOimlnW720U/VZvMmmRPWrI/AAAAAAAAINc/nR80kSTCklo/s2048/Photo%25252020150707085523242.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cOimlnW720U/VZvMmmRPWrI/AAAAAAAAINc/nR80kSTCklo/s500/Photo%25252020150707085523242.jpg" id="blogsy-1436273921038.578" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rmmxmvu8rMo/VZvMvSyA2iI/AAAAAAAAINk/-at1-MXuYHM/s2048/Photo%25252020150707085523492.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rmmxmvu8rMo/VZvMvSyA2iI/AAAAAAAAINk/-at1-MXuYHM/s500/Photo%25252020150707085523492.jpg" id="blogsy-1436273921053.2031" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="6">~ Gem ~</font></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-svTF6aHFuh4/VZvM3WZ2S9I/AAAAAAAAINs/qHCDt5paKoc/s2048/Photo%25252020150707085523764.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-svTF6aHFuh4/VZvM3WZ2S9I/AAAAAAAAINs/qHCDt5paKoc/s500/Photo%25252020150707085523764.jpg" id="blogsy-1436273921022.165" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="432" alt=""></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="6"> ~ Una-Mae ~</font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="6"><br></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="6"><br></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R7lH5yvdYnA/VZvM_bOMhQI/AAAAAAAAIN0/5QA4S8BQQM4/s2048/Photo%25252020150707085524012.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R7lH5yvdYnA/VZvM_bOMhQI/AAAAAAAAIN0/5QA4S8BQQM4/s500/Photo%25252020150707085524012.jpg" id="blogsy-1436273921008.718" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="432" alt=""></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-55847561906491995212015-07-01T12:13:00.000-07:002015-07-01T12:19:19.008-07:00Easy Spelt Dutch Oven Bread, by Kira <div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BEtg7FBs634/VZQ6AWHOMeI/AAAAAAAAIMc/-Vz71TbWCMk/s2048/Photo%25252020150701150505471.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BEtg7FBs634/VZQ6AWHOMeI/AAAAAAAAIMc/-Vz71TbWCMk/s500/Photo%25252020150701150505471.jpg" id="blogsy-1435778194583.447" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ph9sM6Rd2Qk/VZQ6I-vp_ZI/AAAAAAAAIMk/Psp4WmHx334/s2048/Photo%25252020150701150505748.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ph9sM6Rd2Qk/VZQ6I-vp_ZI/AAAAAAAAIMk/Psp4WmHx334/s500/Photo%25252020150701150505748.jpg" id="blogsy-1435778194578.139" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="487"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JaFCfGfdmEQ/VZQ6ROIHS5I/AAAAAAAAIMs/AGT_cBVXo9A/s2048/Photo%25252020150701150505993.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JaFCfGfdmEQ/VZQ6ROIHS5I/AAAAAAAAIMs/AGT_cBVXo9A/s500/Photo%25252020150701150505993.jpg" id="blogsy-1435778194530.553" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PlEw6YMVIFQ/VZQ6XCwK7ZI/AAAAAAAAIM0/mPoz1KuITS4/s2048/Photo%25252020150701150506312.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PlEw6YMVIFQ/VZQ6XCwK7ZI/AAAAAAAAIM0/mPoz1KuITS4/s500/Photo%25252020150701150506312.jpg" id="blogsy-1435778194588.8823" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div><font size="5"> Easy Spelt Dutch Oven Bread</font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5">Ingredients </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5">Two cups of warm water</font></div><div><font size="5">1 tablespoon of yeast</font></div><div><font size="5">2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup ( you could also use sugar)</font></div><div><font size="5">1 tablespoon of salt</font></div><div><font size="5">6 cups of light spelt flour (this will work with a bread flour or a mix of wholewheat and all-purpose)</font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5">In a large bowl stir the honey into the water until it has dissolved. Add the yeast and let it rest for about 5 minutes or until the yeast becomes foamy.</font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">Slowy stir in two cups of flour and the salt; mix until combined. </font></div><div><font size="5">Add the remaining flour small bits at a time. </font></div><div><font size="5">Once the dough is too hard to stir with a wooden spoon, use your hands (this will be a little messy and sticky, but that is ok). </font></div><div><font size="5">Once the remainder of the flour is mixed into the dough, cover and let it set for at least 3 to 4 hours ( longer is better on cool days). </font></div><div><font size="5">There is no need to knead the dough for long. </font></div><div><font size="5">Just long enough to incorporate all the flour. </font></div><div><font size="5">As the covered dough sits on the counter, the gluten will develop.</font></div><div><font size="5">When you are ready to bake your bread, preheat your oven to 425°C with your Dutch ovens inside. </font></div><div><font size="5">I have been using a Dutch oven for years to bake my bread and they are wonderful! </font></div><div><font size="5">They help hold the moisture in for the first half of baking and make the bread perfect.</font></div><div><font size="5">It gives you a perfect crumb on the inside and a crisp browned crust. </font></div><div><font size="5">While the oven is heating, spill your dough out onto a floured surface. </font></div><div><font size="5">Separate the dough into two. </font></div><div><font size="5">Work the dough into two soft rounds. </font></div><div><font size="5">Don't knead too hard. </font></div><div><font size="5">You don't want to break all the air bubbles inside. </font></div><div><font size="5">Once you have the dough shaped, let them rest.</font></div><div><font size="5">When the oven is up to temperature, score the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife. </font></div><div><font size="5">You can get fancy here or keep it simple with a few lines across the top. </font></div><div><font size="5">Carefully remove the lids from the Dutch ovens and place the loaves inside. </font></div><div><font size="5">Place the lids back onto the Dutch ovens and put them in the oven for 20 minutes. </font></div><div><font size="5">After 20 minutes remove the lids and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes until dark golden brown. </font></div><div><font size="5">Remove the loaves from the oven, let cool, and enjoy!</font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-5901116285845481562015-02-07T14:36:00.000-08:002015-02-08T13:22:11.507-08:00On the Edge<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75xQQm5vvvWjA619mCKTlHEpCtJmhdJ_xuQtFcGe1ZCXwbNPRiYiOtH5E-Z_BsIr_863ffAnJiEyt5fA9_vt0NB-7W6MeD2gHAzNuAl5C80-42cFKSrKVI2FiU4gQkP4yMIwCrEnqDOM/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75xQQm5vvvWjA619mCKTlHEpCtJmhdJ_xuQtFcGe1ZCXwbNPRiYiOtH5E-Z_BsIr_863ffAnJiEyt5fA9_vt0NB-7W6MeD2gHAzNuAl5C80-42cFKSrKVI2FiU4gQkP4yMIwCrEnqDOM/s1600/IMG_0378.JPG" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Like many communities on the Canadian Shield, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Haliburton is best known for its wild highlands and countless lakes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">An economy once based on forestry now relies largely on tourism to support it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And though the local population chides the seasonal urbanites, it is the urban influx of capital that helps maintain the economic stability of the region.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The story is the same throughout much of Ontario and many other regions throughout North America.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As prosperity appears to be on the wane, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">it is the least self-reliant communities that feel the pressure most.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Having to import most of the products we need means having to come up with the capital, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">which must also come from outside.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tourism is one product that can bring the cash in, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">but then the fortunes of the community are bound to one industry.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's not unlike the towns where the one big employer packed up and left leaving the community in tatters.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tourism works fine provided there are tourists.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But as more communities turn to tourism to replace traditional industries, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the competition for market share heats up.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For those who see the status quo remaining in place indefinitely, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">there really should be no cause for concern.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Once the global economy starts producing well again, everything will go back to normal and the tourism dollars will continue to prop the community up.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But what if it doesn't?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What happens if urban disposable income collapses and the tourists stay home?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There are plenty of people in this community who would prefer to be prepared for change.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's a common movement in many small towns across the continent.</span><br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Food Energy Manufacturing</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cheap food, cheap goods, and cheap energy all come from jurisdictions far away from here.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Far away from most small communities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even Southern Ontario, rich in quality farmland, grows mostly corn and soy solely to feed livestock.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">A considerable amount of food is imported.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Manufacturing has long been gutted.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Energy is based on tenuous international relationships and unwieldy infrastructure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's no wonder that community groups have been formed and are working to fill a void should the system at large fail.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkXcG8DJhT_oayWjWsAr5WwUVA89Df9UogQaYNDNMkUSlZKfy7MAWpjHJ5r4uNct8Ahh6TIfIUh1yoOU3NHoRk0dYb7CXWEyUIt84hINyPvBOE5SpCJEpxbs-SppN1TBfB7p9jJUvnts/s1600/IMG_82351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkXcG8DJhT_oayWjWsAr5WwUVA89Df9UogQaYNDNMkUSlZKfy7MAWpjHJ5r4uNct8Ahh6TIfIUh1yoOU3NHoRk0dYb7CXWEyUIt84hINyPvBOE5SpCJEpxbs-SppN1TBfB7p9jJUvnts/s1600/IMG_82351.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Season Extension, Abbey Gardens</td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">In Haliburton, the focus has been on food and agriculture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Should the food system, as it is, be disrupted, food would be scarce at best.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even now, food is not reaching everyone who needs it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Poverty is a glaring issue in many rural communities and access to healthy food for all is inadequate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Developing food system reform has the potential to both prepare for future changes as well as address the uneven distribution of good food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The tragedy is that at one point in the past, there was at least some elements of self-reliance when it came to food, energy, and manufactured goods.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Skills were broad and well honed, good land was in production, and most importantly, the infrastructure needed to grow and process food were in place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gaps were filled by well-established inter-regional supply lines linking neighbouring communities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The push towards globalization has, over the period of only a couple generations, eroded the potential of small communities to be self-reliant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Instead, we rely on cheap labour elsewhere, and cheap energy to get the goods to us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In essence, we depend on corporate imperialism and polluting energy sources that will eventually doom us if continued on as is.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVfhbs05toR5M76oyAYW8EckoeZJlj4iLjS1_uSl4VphW-rdDdw1YdNbDiS2JHjkc6B1x-wrF7nMvBM6VwWl8kZiZQvw4uxhrFZSUo5SRGv_WFHk7wSCHUy2URYJ-4FMu-CnagdmmeKw/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVfhbs05toR5M76oyAYW8EckoeZJlj4iLjS1_uSl4VphW-rdDdw1YdNbDiS2JHjkc6B1x-wrF7nMvBM6VwWl8kZiZQvw4uxhrFZSUo5SRGv_WFHk7wSCHUy2URYJ-4FMu-CnagdmmeKw/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And for what?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To make food and goods affordable?</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Somewhere along the way we have been fooled into exchanging self-determination for convenience.</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even now, as cheap as food really is, many families still cannot afford to feed their families well.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">(Food is really a scapegoat, as the real drain on incomes comes from the predatory practices of banks, utilities, insurance companies, governments, and everyone else trying to get into your wallet.)</span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEdrcSHWdohRLSB5728IIZ_EWs7wGAURA9vXWns3pge2nMcsrSmV0naefrXstn2FwVeRaDMAwCsLU2j51rXbpICVUU0K4TRMCiznZ_GKb5erTNXHmw586k5teqe6x0RmvNb2xeQwaYWQ/s1600/IMG_82191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEdrcSHWdohRLSB5728IIZ_EWs7wGAURA9vXWns3pge2nMcsrSmV0naefrXstn2FwVeRaDMAwCsLU2j51rXbpICVUU0K4TRMCiznZ_GKb5erTNXHmw586k5teqe6x0RmvNb2xeQwaYWQ/s1600/IMG_82191.jpg" height="265" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haliburton Grain CSA Rye</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now that our vulnerabilities are becoming clear, more people are engaging in the movement to reform the food system.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The first challenge to overcome in a community like Haliburton is getting over the repetitive insistence that we cannot grow food on the Canadian Shield.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We certainly will not become a capital of corn and soy production, or known for expansive feed lots.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But an accumulation of small scale enterprises has the potential to reach a critical mass capable of feeding the community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The soil here will not withstand cash crop rape, nor is the land suitable for mechanization.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But we don't want to repeat the failures of the past.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are agricultural systems that grow soil over time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are crops that will thrive in this climate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is hope and innovation.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICTNbSoDh7vroHXg6dqro9JSG9gUddE1nbPlrzWIxdPmEHMcdSjgEJC58o31NXZ-eJsxw4b6_9x2WTkeLqKprcnT3V-YxrT70PQYqE_GNj0nBZJCiJNcBJiDxt_63GwAoLWSPBVAsbZM/s1600/IMG_84981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICTNbSoDh7vroHXg6dqro9JSG9gUddE1nbPlrzWIxdPmEHMcdSjgEJC58o31NXZ-eJsxw4b6_9x2WTkeLqKprcnT3V-YxrT70PQYqE_GNj0nBZJCiJNcBJiDxt_63GwAoLWSPBVAsbZM/s1600/IMG_84981.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a history of farming in Haliburton.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once we have found our mettle, the next step is to collaborate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reforming local agriculture doesn't begin at step one and end at the twelfth step.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It must happen concurrently.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each part of the puzzle must be put in place at the same time in order for it all to work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A storeowner cannot promote local produce if there is no supply.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The farmer cannot grow a crop if there is no market.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The bakery cannot mill flour from grain that has not been cleaned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The restaurant cannot sell meat that has not been processed in an appropriate facility.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Despite all of the organizations promoting and supporting local food, it still takes individual entrepreneurs and their families to undertake the risk of building up a new food system.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And even then, everyone must co-ordinate and take the risk together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And that is where we are in Haliburton;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">standing on the edge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lacking faith in the status quo is not enough to forge change.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Watching from the comfort zone is not an option either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What it will take is a collective willingness to step forward,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">despite the risks.</span></div>
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Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-70375041512422169192015-01-14T18:13:00.001-08:002015-01-14T18:13:28.517-08:00A Return to Firewood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdi2JgatwVxSyqUUmFbo9jReNd44a8hwYX8fvsr9OucLQZC4QaPMJvgLNJd2m-mjKddaVXAXZaT6nmclsM82xncu40HCJk4uvsg9xyUe7qklNQKsUKyPtUWAYt5z0dBnEuu1QzDncthdQ/s1600/IMG_8621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdi2JgatwVxSyqUUmFbo9jReNd44a8hwYX8fvsr9OucLQZC4QaPMJvgLNJd2m-mjKddaVXAXZaT6nmclsM82xncu40HCJk4uvsg9xyUe7qklNQKsUKyPtUWAYt5z0dBnEuu1QzDncthdQ/s1600/IMG_8621.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Collecting firewood was a novelty when we first moved here over ten years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was an opportunity to spend some time in the forest, exploring and hunting for dry wood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Running a chainsaw was a new experience, and splitting wood by hand for the stove made me feel like a real woodsman.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each year I would find new ways of getting the wood in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We bought an old tractor at the end of our first year and put it to work hauling wood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It pulled a trailer, a dolly, and eventually, just the whole logs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each year it took less time to do, and I thought I had everything all sewn up.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY4xt252QoygyxXX1KOHfqd-KAfIxSkCjgmM7NKaussHi3J5Nt4mh9JPdOCfw_sm9tYGVXcwfxV7ayqTw_FxzbTaAdvYcPdQTLDgZZn_gy9Rr8VHAl-1CkqzZmd5Y3jvjiE1FlLWf7x8/s1600/IMG_8620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY4xt252QoygyxXX1KOHfqd-KAfIxSkCjgmM7NKaussHi3J5Nt4mh9JPdOCfw_sm9tYGVXcwfxV7ayqTw_FxzbTaAdvYcPdQTLDgZZn_gy9Rr8VHAl-1CkqzZmd5Y3jvjiE1FlLWf7x8/s1600/IMG_8620.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But we grew.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And growing means adding more to the chore list.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Firewood could be done after all the the other jobs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So it fell to the bottom of the list.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And then it didn't get done in time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A wet Fall and rutted trails meant that the job wasn't so easy anymore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The standing dead trees and dry windfall had all been harvested.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Splitting wood by hand still made me feel like a woodsman,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but with a sore back.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZVdfCuKZ2juxIBrnJHemfoNUkj9T4QKd9XBYg0P-0pEq3HjyyarZx4W4JXIzcmxVTE3lCUdGioX0AGS15t-2qUqGSJ_OOG_SBSdi_hZ_8DN285pmDBuorhNsWuQzv3pfp3n81efs7X4/s1600/IMG_8619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZVdfCuKZ2juxIBrnJHemfoNUkj9T4QKd9XBYg0P-0pEq3HjyyarZx4W4JXIzcmxVTE3lCUdGioX0AGS15t-2qUqGSJ_OOG_SBSdi_hZ_8DN285pmDBuorhNsWuQzv3pfp3n81efs7X4/s1600/IMG_8619.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last year was by far the worst.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The time we set aside for firewood was taken up by making a living to pay the bills.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A hard choice for sure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So we gathered our wood using snowshoes and sleigh throughout the Winter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last Winter was pretty tough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I vowed to never let the firewood lapse again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I did,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">until the very last minute.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA89Cw2-FCcCoxD_CCTXvM3Kw1y0SDpniXzSugIf8upZ_UmZZyZ1ts51mU5LcE5QLHknTxxwnU4squxt-X2ZVtEu2K2V60KE9hvEs_zYqDV9atzV0mH-YAbgKR2P2gfDEHc2vY8AyBbr4/s1600/IMG_2961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA89Cw2-FCcCoxD_CCTXvM3Kw1y0SDpniXzSugIf8upZ_UmZZyZ1ts51mU5LcE5QLHknTxxwnU4squxt-X2ZVtEu2K2V60KE9hvEs_zYqDV9atzV0mH-YAbgKR2P2gfDEHc2vY8AyBbr4/s1600/IMG_2961.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Two very large windfall Ash trees, and a back route to our woodlot saved us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And so far, this Winter has been merciful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have firewood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I only hope it is enough.</span></div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6aOUkNbFVb8ZMIOJ3jW4rvAyxYi9feDgoylEkfD3q2ryqU14WJH2_bX5-xysBUH-hvo5eqHbLEycIovhyf6GgkLbRjlZ04niZ5BO8dio3zIgG_Wely8InSbvmUpffjbD6Jic-vl29BM/s1600/IMG_8617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6aOUkNbFVb8ZMIOJ3jW4rvAyxYi9feDgoylEkfD3q2ryqU14WJH2_bX5-xysBUH-hvo5eqHbLEycIovhyf6GgkLbRjlZ04niZ5BO8dio3zIgG_Wely8InSbvmUpffjbD6Jic-vl29BM/s1600/IMG_8617.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In truth, the firewood novelty has yet to wear off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Spending time in the forest gathering fuelwood is still a beautiful experience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's honest labour that you can feel really proud of at the end of the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Especially if there's a big pile of wood to show for it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fuel is of such tremendous importance on the homestead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Using our own woodlot means that we are directly responsible for our heating fuel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There's no calling the utility company or turning up the thermostat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's one of the few acts of self-sufficiency that we can manage on our fledgling homestead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Having said that, we need to reset our priorities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our Winter fuelwood needs to get done sooner than it has been.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Working for money can wait.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I need to get out into the forest.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcPFrHUVvL3x33pzuPhS309sBtsGYudPDX2oY4pw_o93G_59c6SFvLNXcMKZKaDRvblS4jWw_Qzh2fEqGfkKGfRmfZi_S1go96P8FZFZQ53pfBGfVwXSCSE_uHkThKJxBL9-wKpuSUc4/s1600/IMG_8618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcPFrHUVvL3x33pzuPhS309sBtsGYudPDX2oY4pw_o93G_59c6SFvLNXcMKZKaDRvblS4jWw_Qzh2fEqGfkKGfRmfZi_S1go96P8FZFZQ53pfBGfVwXSCSE_uHkThKJxBL9-wKpuSUc4/s1600/IMG_8618.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-53410750385596905562014-08-15T09:54:00.001-07:002014-08-15T09:54:35.282-07:00Peanut Butter Spelt Cookies with Chocolate Chips<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hfj82_x8yEg/U-47Kr3wqcI/AAAAAAAAH90/7KL8WbyK8P4/s2048/Photo%25252020140815125340.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hfj82_x8yEg/U-47Kr3wqcI/AAAAAAAAH90/7KL8WbyK8P4/s500/Photo%25252020140815125340.jpg" id="blogsy-1408121675276.3865" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><font size="5"> Peanut butter spelt cookies with chocolate chips.</font></div><div><font size="5">Ingredients:</font></div><div><font size="5">1/2 cup butter</font></div><div><font size="5">1/2 cup natural crunchy peanut butter</font></div><div><font size="5">3/4 cup sucanat or coconut sugar</font></div><div><font size="5">1 duck egg</font></div><div><font size="5">1 1/4 cup light spelt or while spelt</font></div><div><font size="5">1/2 tsp baking soda </font></div><div><font size="5">1/2 cup chocolate chips. </font></div><div><font size="5">Preheat oven to 375</font></div><div><font size="5">In a stand mixer, beat until smooth the butter, peanut butter, egg, and sugar.</font></div><div><font size="5">Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until combined. </font></div><div><font size="5">Spoon onto a cookie sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.</font></div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Ng5T2dk1NQ/U-47R36VV8I/AAAAAAAAH98/i3S2EMSXA00/s2048/Photo%25252020140815125341.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Ng5T2dk1NQ/U-47R36VV8I/AAAAAAAAH98/i3S2EMSXA00/s500/Photo%25252020140815125341.jpg" id="blogsy-1408121675286.615" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="432" alt=""></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-89745288549552546122014-08-10T12:48:00.001-07:002014-08-10T14:40:27.244-07:00The Heart of Farming<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-30SrGho4v4Y/U-fL6_FWzXI/AAAAAAAAH80/LD44ARYLX4M/s2048/Photo%25252020140810154505.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="369" id="blogsy-1407700135324.305" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-30SrGho4v4Y/U-fL6_FWzXI/AAAAAAAAH80/LD44ARYLX4M/s500/Photo%25252020140810154505.jpg" width="700" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spelt and Einkorn</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are two worlds of field crop agriculture.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The mainstream agroindustrial system, and everything else.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They blend at the edges, but also show clear divisions.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Conventional farms belong to a well managed supply and distribution web.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The business formula and methodology is spelled out with assurance and backed by government ministry.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Typical crops include field corn, soybeans, wheat, and some oats and barley.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Corn and soy overshadow everything else; significantly.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Virtually all field crops are used to feed livestock.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Farms are well connected to a predictable distribution chain.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Farmers are well connected to seed companies and government guidance.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's a well oiled, and tightly controlled system.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spelt</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then there are the others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Typically organic or biodynamic, they are run by those who farm on the margin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unconventional in many ways, these farms struggle to find their place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Alternative methods and crop choices divide these farmers from the readily accepted norm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Information is scarce.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Support is thin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the market is elusive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Most often, these are the reformists.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The dreamers; driven by passion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Outliers overshadowed by an infinity of conformity.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Swather</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Operating outside of the system often means greater risk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The incentives are elusive and failure is only one twist of fate away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Crop yields are lower when you're farming using sustainable methods.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The soil is heart and soul, not simply a growing medium.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Alternative endeavours are usually small scale ventures.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Minimal capital means working with outdated and weary equipment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It means scavenging for unwanted machines, cast away by the modern conventional farms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is no manual.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The neighbouring farms may be disdainful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Government agents indifferent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Friends and family, skeptical.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Volunteer Buckwheat</span></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Dreams</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Passion </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Commitment</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Foresight</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Hope</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Selflessness</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Tenacity</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Self Determination</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Vision</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Empowerment</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Resilience</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our blessing is to be given the opportunity to work with these people.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We play a role in making connections and offering support where we can.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And by promoting agricultural systems that will be strong and lasting throughout generations.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The real reward is the challenge of agricultural reform,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and the hope that comes along with it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We draw strength from the passion of others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Farming has always been known for heartbreak and failure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is a great deal of burden.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not everyone survives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The problem is that food is a commodity.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The farmer's livelihood depends on the the whims of the marketplace,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and the ebb and flow of crop yields.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Wisdom, knowledge and hard work alone are not enough to weather the market system.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When crops are good, prices drop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When there is failure, precious few prosper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is true of both agricultural worlds.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But that is the past.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And so it should be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Undeterred by the obstacles, more and more people dream of meeting the challenge of farming.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Young families, seasoned workers, retired professionals, all disenchanted with the status quo, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">looking for change,</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">looking for more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And there is more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have seen it.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the hard won successes.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the face of adversity.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the people who forge their own destiny.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the field.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the heart.</span></i></div>
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Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-70085582569281169552014-07-12T14:55:00.001-07:002014-07-12T14:55:02.367-07:00A Little Goat Visit, by Kira
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<div><font size="5">While Andrew worked at home preparing for our goats, the kids and I travelled to <a href="http://www.skyrivermeadows.com" target="_self" title="">Sky River Meadow</a> to visit our new babies. </font></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">The trip gave us one more chance to get to know our goats,</span><br>
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<div><font size="5">and it was time that I learned how to milk! </font></div>
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<div><font size="5">I'm thankful that Angee gave me the opportunity, and that Carmella (the goat) was very patient with me.</font></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">Milking is a very slow, yet relaxing chore.</span></div>
<div><font size="5">I'm looking forward to next Spring when I can wander out to the barn early in the morning, sit quietly and milk goats. </font></div>
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<div><font size="5">We snuggled and played with babies and mamas nearly all day! </font></div>
<div><font size="5">The bucks came out for visit and some love too. </font></div>
<div><font size="5">Even though they are a little on the smelly side, they are very gentle and friendly. </font></div>
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<div><font size="5">While I sat on the grass visiting Angee and Erica, we watched the kids strip down and play in a flooded area that was full of tiny tadpoles. </font></div>
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<div><font size="5">Tired out by the end of the day, the kids finished off the remainder of our picnic lunch on the ride home.</font></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">The van smelled of mud, buck and garlic scape pesto.</span></div>
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<div><font size="5">Our goats will be coming home in a couple of weeks.</font></div>
<div><font size="5">We can hardly wait!</font></div>
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Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-88972758787865217712014-07-12T13:33:00.001-07:002014-07-12T13:33:48.743-07:00bee balm + tarragon chaga iced tea, by Kira
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<span style="line-height: 1.3em; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left; line-height: 1.3em;">bee balm + tarragon chaga iced tea</span><br>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">In a 1.9L jar add:</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">1/2 cup of lemon juice</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">1/2 cup maple syrup</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">Fill the jar with brewed chaga tea.</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">Place a couple sprigs of bee balm and tarragon inside.</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">Refrigerate for a couple of hours and enjoy!</font></div>
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Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-86474044929614671112014-05-20T20:27:00.001-07:002014-05-20T20:52:33.457-07:00Nigerian Dwarf Goats<div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u33Ta2fc99Y/U3wcSss1KwI/AAAAAAAAH5M/NBmSaDpJtSQ/s1828/Photo%25252020140520232343.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-u33Ta2fc99Y/U3wcSss1KwI/AAAAAAAAH5M/NBmSaDpJtSQ/s500/Photo%25252020140520232343.jpg" id="blogsy-1400644124436.8162" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="844" height="300"></a></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">It's naturally assumed that if you homestead, then you must have goats. </font></div><div><font size="5">And though that's not always the case, chances are high that goats are part of your small farm. </font></div><div><font size="5">Because of their manageable size, varied diet, and efficient feed conversion,</font></div><div><font size="5">goats are preferred over cattle in most of the world, for milk and meat. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7xl1WgB9PVw/U3wcbvIYssI/AAAAAAAAH5U/hcOkxWGH4zg/s2048/Photo%25252020140520232344.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7xl1WgB9PVw/U3wcbvIYssI/AAAAAAAAH5U/hcOkxWGH4zg/s500/Photo%25252020140520232344.jpg" id="blogsy-1400644124518.6858" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="844" height="561"></a></div><div> </div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">Certainly, now that it is becoming <a href="http://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/ditcted2012d3_en.pdf" target="_self" title="">abundantly clear</a> that small scale organic farming has the potential to provide global food security, it makes sense to choose livestock that meets the need of the small holder. </font></div><div><font size="5">But thus far, for our own farm, I have been resistant. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iNVR626UGhU/U3wcf8nO-BI/AAAAAAAAH5c/k9Kv-nwl-HQ/s1754/Photo%25252020140520232344.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iNVR626UGhU/U3wcf8nO-BI/AAAAAAAAH5c/k9Kv-nwl-HQ/s500/Photo%25252020140520232344.jpg" id="blogsy-1400644124516.3975" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="865"></a></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div> </div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">There's a funny quote from a book we have here that says that,</font></div><div><font size="5">the best way to test a goat fence is to throw a pail of water at it. </font></div><div><font size="5">If the water goes through the fence, so can a goat. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5">So with vegetable gardens, herb gardens, fruit bushes, fruit trees, and other valuable perennial plants,</font></div><div><font size="5">there is a lot to lose if a goat escapes it's pen. </font></div><div><font size="5">Goats love, well, most everything. So despite Kira's insistence that we get some goats, </font><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">I have managed to convince her that it's not a good fit.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">Until now.</span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: left; clear: both;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eN0LKI9XSnY/U3wcmYY3BhI/AAAAAAAAH5k/jaVtiGqSrT0/s2048/Photo%25252020140520232344.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eN0LKI9XSnY/U3wcmYY3BhI/AAAAAAAAH5k/jaVtiGqSrT0/s500/Photo%25252020140520232344.jpg" id="blogsy-1400644124475.5068" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="976"></a></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div> </div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">There was a plan to have a family cow here to supply us with dairy and some beef.</font></div><div><font size="5">But we simply don't have the right kind of land to provide the feed needed for a cow.</font></div><div><font size="5">We would need to bring in a considerable amount of hay, and that simply isn't a good strategy for self-sufficient farming. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">Goats, however, subsist on a greater variety of feed and don't necessarily need hay if there is enough other forage available. </font></div><div><font size="5">In the short term, we will need to bring some hay in from the south, </font></div><div><font size="5">but we do have the capacity to grow goat forage on our land. </font></div><div><font size="5">And like most small farms throughout the world, </font></div><div><font size="5">we'll do best working with what is on hand. </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.3em; font-size: x-large;">So, i</span><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">n order for us to have our own dairy products,</span></div><div><font size="5">we need to have goats. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">And so goats we shall have. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yN22hOTDd7k/U3wcs56r8dI/AAAAAAAAH5s/4kHRtJCcpCg/s2048/Photo%25252020140520232344.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yN22hOTDd7k/U3wcs56r8dI/AAAAAAAAH5s/4kHRtJCcpCg/s500/Photo%25252020140520232344.jpg" id="blogsy-1400644124478.2795" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="844" height="561"></a></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div> </div><div><font size="5">Kira has chosen to keep Nigerian Dwarf goats.</font></div><div><font size="5">More commonly sold as pets in North America, Nigerian Dwarf goats are actually excellent dairy goats </font><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">that produce a high quality, high butterfat milk.</span></div><div><font size="5">Unfortunately, misguided breeding practices have diminished the working characteristics of these small goats.</font></div><div><font size="5">As a result, many passionate breeders are working hard to restore the functionality to Nigerian Dwarf goats. </font></div><div><font size="5">And we are fortunate to have found such a breeder who has hand picked a genetically diverse starter herd for us. </font></div><div><font size="5">Animals that show great promise as milkers, so that we can carry the line forward with the same intention of making these goats a prime dairy breed. </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yPt5bBXK_S0/U3wcz6u9pgI/AAAAAAAAH50/tRmv1jo3nbg/s2048/Photo%25252020140520232345.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yPt5bBXK_S0/U3wcz6u9pgI/AAAAAAAAH50/tRmv1jo3nbg/s500/Photo%25252020140520232345.jpg" id="blogsy-1400644124500.4895" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="844" height="561"></a></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">Angee Pell of <a href="http://www.skyrivermeadows.com" target="_self" title="">Sky River Meadows</a> will be providing us with five (or six) goats to start our own herd, </font><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">as well as support based on her extensive experience with Nigerian Dwarf goats.</span></div><div><font size="5">We visited Angee <a href="http://bedrockandbrambles.blogspot.ca/2013/09/a-visit-to-sky-river-meadows-farm-by.html" target="_self" title="">last year</a> to see if this breed was suitable for us.</font></div><div><font size="5">This past weekend, we visited again to see some of the animals that she has chosen for us. </font></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">We will grow our herd, and sell surplus goats in the future.</span></div><div><font size="5">These goats have been screened for disease, and registered, so that we can start breeding with a fresh start, and high quality animals. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2N8Vo96Hp_8/U3wc7LO2n3I/AAAAAAAAH58/xMZ-qPXiVC8/s2048/Photo%25252020140520232345.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2N8Vo96Hp_8/U3wc7LO2n3I/AAAAAAAAH58/xMZ-qPXiVC8/s500/Photo%25252020140520232345.jpg" id="blogsy-1400644124456.502" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">It certainly helps that goats are cute and capricious. </font></div><div><font size="5">Especially these small and colourful Nigerian Dwarf goats. </font></div><div><font size="5">It may be that breeding them for pets has improved their compatibility with humans.</font></div><div><font size="5">Our farm animals should be our friends as well as our providers, </font></div><div><font size="5">e<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">ven if we do eat them sometimes.</span></font></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">But these goats are not a dual purpose breed and it's unlikely that any will end up </span><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">as supper.</span></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><font size="5"><br></font></span></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><font size="5"><br></font></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UsZGAnZzCWA/U3wdBFR0lqI/AAAAAAAAH6E/nawd0wk9Q7s/s2048/Photo%25252020140520232345.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UsZGAnZzCWA/U3wdBFR0lqI/AAAAAAAAH6E/nawd0wk9Q7s/s500/Photo%25252020140520232345.jpg" id="blogsy-1400644124472.4868" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="751"></a></div><div> </div><div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><font size="5"><br></font></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Our kids are enamoured with the goats and having heard about other families' </span></font><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">experiences, </span><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">the novelty doesn't easily wear off. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">Goats are known to play, even in adulthood.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">In fact, they need playground toys to help keep them entertained.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5">Things like merry-go-rounds, teeter-totters, and climbing structures; </font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">pretty much the same stuff that children like.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5">Our hope is that our kids will develop a strong relationship with our goats, and will </font><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">be eager to help care for them.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3hoK5aO-UF4/U3wdGYsTaVI/AAAAAAAAH6M/AoC5V-eCQ84/s2048/Photo%25252020140520232345.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3hoK5aO-UF4/U3wdGYsTaVI/AAAAAAAAH6M/AoC5V-eCQ84/s500/Photo%25252020140520232345.jpg" id="blogsy-1400644124525.7434" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="976"></a></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div> </div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">It is still going to be another two months before our goats will be ready for us. </font></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">And though it'll be a long wait for Kira and the kids,</span></div><div><font size="5">I still have fencing and buildings to put up. </font></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">I have to admit though,</span></div><div><font size="5">that they are pretty cute. </font></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">And that maybe I'm just as excited to get them home.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rLgD5RfS7lU/U3wdKmEvSHI/AAAAAAAAH6U/Lc9LaPtoYJA/s1434/Photo%25252020140520232345.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rLgD5RfS7lU/U3wdKmEvSHI/AAAAAAAAH6U/Lc9LaPtoYJA/s500/Photo%25252020140520232345.jpg" id="blogsy-1400644124504.9988" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="844" height="599"></a></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-33641119027427485742014-05-13T08:45:00.001-07:002014-05-13T08:47:21.021-07:00Enchanted Forest , by Kira<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JyUqIVllXUA/U3I9gyg_-8I/AAAAAAAAH4E/v-80iUeBErE/s2048/Photo%25252020140513114231.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JyUqIVllXUA/U3I9gyg_-8I/AAAAAAAAH4E/v-80iUeBErE/s500/Photo%25252020140513114231.jpg" id="blogsy-1399995955926.858" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Fairy Spud</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V6YyOM5q8Rg/U3I9mq6Mw5I/AAAAAAAAH4M/Xnzh4Qy9rw0/s2048/Photo%25252020140513114231.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-V6YyOM5q8Rg/U3I9mq6Mw5I/AAAAAAAAH4M/Xnzh4Qy9rw0/s500/Photo%25252020140513114231.jpg" id="blogsy-1399995955960.699" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Red Trillum</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_g5OR-WSTuA/U3I9sT3H0kI/AAAAAAAAH4U/atc2naOVObc/s2048/Photo%25252020140513114231.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_g5OR-WSTuA/U3I9sT3H0kI/AAAAAAAAH4U/atc2naOVObc/s500/Photo%25252020140513114231.jpg" id="blogsy-1399995955888.5793" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Maiden Hair Fern</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JO3TUrbx4Kk/U3I9y4gWcfI/AAAAAAAAH4c/4qxLIgoQtY8/s2048/Photo%25252020140513114232.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JO3TUrbx4Kk/U3I9y4gWcfI/AAAAAAAAH4c/4qxLIgoQtY8/s500/Photo%25252020140513114232.jpg" id="blogsy-1399995955981.6199" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Yellow Bellworts</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aORTndI7BhY/U3I964qheJI/AAAAAAAAH4k/yO_72z9rrqg/s2048/Photo%25252020140513114232.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aORTndI7BhY/U3I964qheJI/AAAAAAAAH4k/yO_72z9rrqg/s500/Photo%25252020140513114232.jpg" id="blogsy-1399995955948.2056" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Caped Fern</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zWA5wA1dR3Q/U3I-AcSTcoI/AAAAAAAAH4s/MGuDWnmr9A0/s2048/Photo%25252020140513114232.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zWA5wA1dR3Q/U3I-AcSTcoI/AAAAAAAAH4s/MGuDWnmr9A0/s500/Photo%25252020140513114232.jpg" id="blogsy-1399995955911.5007" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dutchman's Breeches</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PiVFY74UTpM/U3I-GDhMv8I/AAAAAAAAH40/CXo4ymiSsCQ/s2048/Photo%25252020140513114232.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PiVFY74UTpM/U3I-GDhMv8I/AAAAAAAAH40/CXo4ymiSsCQ/s500/Photo%25252020140513114232.jpg" id="blogsy-1399995955909.7258" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Leeks</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ECgaaG474Mk/U3I-MGgcOhI/AAAAAAAAH48/M_EAck7Yu9Y/s2048/Photo%25252020140513114233.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ECgaaG474Mk/U3I-MGgcOhI/AAAAAAAAH48/M_EAck7Yu9Y/s500/Photo%25252020140513114233.jpg" id="blogsy-1399995955975.6096" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="432" alt=""></a></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Leatherwood</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-72338203799574750312014-05-12T18:52:00.001-07:002014-05-12T19:00:54.100-07:00The False Morel, by Kira<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DJYUqQytD1Y/U3F6S8iBY_I/AAAAAAAAH3M/0Ax9M6lSgD4/s2048/Photo%25252020140512214935.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DJYUqQytD1Y/U3F6S8iBY_I/AAAAAAAAH3M/0Ax9M6lSgD4/s500/Photo%25252020140512214935.jpg" id="blogsy-1399945967282.953" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Cvxdc0H9h_w/U3F6ZdsvPUI/AAAAAAAAH3U/SUvX5EE-X2c/s2048/Photo%25252020140512214935.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Cvxdc0H9h_w/U3F6ZdsvPUI/AAAAAAAAH3U/SUvX5EE-X2c/s500/Photo%25252020140512214935.jpg" id="blogsy-1399945967242.4219" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="434"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xnXn4ujRKQw/U3F6iD_OKzI/AAAAAAAAH3c/8OLJ1m0tb5I/s2048/Photo%25252020140512214936.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xnXn4ujRKQw/U3F6iD_OKzI/AAAAAAAAH3c/8OLJ1m0tb5I/s500/Photo%25252020140512214936.jpg" id="blogsy-1399945967266.6606" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AbKBknAYhFM/U3F6qNcPOnI/AAAAAAAAH3k/bXLHgVCFjG0/s2048/Photo%25252020140512214936.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AbKBknAYhFM/U3F6qNcPOnI/AAAAAAAAH3k/bXLHgVCFjG0/s500/Photo%25252020140512214936.jpg" id="blogsy-1399945967299.9402" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Oz-P3wY81o4/U3F6xEoUNcI/AAAAAAAAH3s/gSy3MgvlFp8/s2048/Photo%25252020140512214936.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Oz-P3wY81o4/U3F6xEoUNcI/AAAAAAAAH3s/gSy3MgvlFp8/s500/Photo%25252020140512214936.jpg" id="blogsy-1399945967310.8875" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r9HpTBe8Ae4/U3F66zRHowI/AAAAAAAAH30/h8AiBtXEN9U/s2048/Photo%25252020140512214937.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r9HpTBe8Ae4/U3F66zRHowI/AAAAAAAAH30/h8AiBtXEN9U/s500/Photo%25252020140512214937.jpg" id="blogsy-1399945967264.8276" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="432" alt=""></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5">Hoping to forage our favourite mushroom, </font></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.3em; font-size: x-large;">we went out into the forest in search of morels.</span></div><div><font size="5"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">We found some, but not the edible kind.</span></font></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.3em; font-size: x-large;">These mushrooms are the false morel.</span><br></div><div><span style="line-height: 1.3em; font-size: x-large;"><br></span></div><div><font size="5"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">This particular variety is the </span></font><span style="line-height: 1.3em; font-size: x-large;">Beefsteak Morel (<em>gyromitra esculenta</em>).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5">A look inside shows a stem that is filled with a cotton-like fibre.</font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5">True morels, like the Black Morel (<em>morchella elata</em>) or Yellow Morel (<em>morchella esculenta), </em>are completely hollow up the middle of the stem and throughout the inside. </font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Also, t</span><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">he stem of the false morel is attached at the very top of the cap only,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">but the edible morel has a cap that is fully attached to the stem. </span><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5">To be sure about eating any wild mushrooms, t</font><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">ake a wild mushroom workshop, get comfortable with mushroom field guides, </span><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">or have a seasoned mushroom forager help in identification before heading out to collect mushrooms.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5"> </font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5"> </font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5"> </font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5"> </font></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-29260088116105718392014-05-09T05:25:00.001-07:002014-05-09T05:25:53.969-07:00No Till Gardening, by Kira<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mvlxoOiGWgQ/U2zJTaBkQQI/AAAAAAAAH24/bct-DX5e1fE/s2048/Photo%25252020140509082516.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mvlxoOiGWgQ/U2zJTaBkQQI/AAAAAAAAH24/bct-DX5e1fE/s500/Photo%25252020140509082516.jpg" id="blogsy-1399638354474.513" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="432" alt=""></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><p><font size="5">All of our gardens over the past 5 years have been built hugelkultur style. Hugelkultur is a raised bed garden filled with logs, sticks, compost, and other organic materials; much the way a forest floor works. </font></p><p><font size="5">I no longer till any of my gardens.</font></p><p><font size="5">I rarely weed, and seldom need to water. </font></p><p><font size="5">I mulch heavily in the fall and spring with leaves, compost, straw, or anything organic that will break down. </font></p><p><font size="5">Once my planting is done I will mulch once or twice in the summer.</font></p><p><font size="5">This supplies the soil with lots of nutrients and holds moisture longer so I rarely need to water. </font></p><p><font size="5">The mulch covering also keeps weeds at bay. </font></p><p><font size="5">This link illustrates <a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/ruth-stouts-system-zmaz04fmzsel.aspx#axzz30z7bbiTG" target="_self" title="">Ruth Stout's</a> method for no till gardening.</font></p></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-9421377455074974002014-04-14T18:07:00.001-07:002014-04-14T18:12:09.150-07:00Homestead Flat Bread Recipe, by Kira<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_7XCPvol7wM/U0yF-QIyg6I/AAAAAAAAH18/zzu6sutpN3w/s2048/Photo%25252020140414210536.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_7XCPvol7wM/U0yF-QIyg6I/AAAAAAAAH18/zzu6sutpN3w/s500/Photo%25252020140414210536.jpg" id="blogsy-1397524054609.113" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="434"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QqW13Qif4fs/U0yGIWH8wAI/AAAAAAAAH2E/DtjPqjRfYiA/s2048/Photo%25252020140414210537.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QqW13Qif4fs/U0yGIWH8wAI/AAAAAAAAH2E/DtjPqjRfYiA/s500/Photo%25252020140414210537.jpg" id="blogsy-1397524054636.3376" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H7Lk4LC6-4U/U0yGPAvNu2I/AAAAAAAAH2M/m_Jd0VLmDBE/s2048/Photo%25252020140414210537.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H7Lk4LC6-4U/U0yGPAvNu2I/AAAAAAAAH2M/m_Jd0VLmDBE/s500/Photo%25252020140414210537.jpg" id="blogsy-1397524054641.0342" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"><u> Ingredients</u></font></div><div><font size="5"><em><br></em></font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5">6 cups of flour</font></div><div><font size="5">2 cups liquid (water, milk, buttermilk, or whey)</font></div><div><font size="5">1 tbsp salt </font></div><div><font size="5">1 tbsp</font> <font size="5">honey </font></div><div><font size="5">1 tbsp yeast</font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5">In a saucepan, heat the liquid until it is warm to the touch. </font></div><div><font size="5">I like to use water or the whey that is left over after making cheese. </font></div><div><font size="5">Once the liquid is warm, pour it into the bowl of a stand mixer, </font></div><div><font size="5">stir in the honey and add the yeast. </font></div><div><font size="5">Let it stand for a couple of minutes for the yeast to awaken. </font></div><div><font size="5">When the yeast has started to foam, start adding flour. </font></div><div><font size="5">I usually use a light spelt, but lately I have been doing a blend of about five cups light spelt and one cup whole buckwheat. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5">Note: </font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5"><em>Liquid and flour measurements will vary a little depending on the type, and moisture content of flour used. </em></font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">Add a couple cups of flour to the liquid and mix.</font></div><div><font size="5">Then add the salt and slowly continue to add flour until it has formed a soft sticky dough.</font><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">(Most of the dough should stick to the dough hook,</span></div><div><font size="5"> but the dough should still be moist and sticky).</font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">In a cool place, covered, let the dough sit for the day or overnight to ferment. </font></div><div><font size="5">When you are ready to cook you flat breads, pour the dough out onto a floured surface. </font></div><div><font size="5">Divide and shape the dough into small balls. </font></div><div><font size="5">Let them rest for a few minutes and preheat a cast iron pan on medium heat. </font></div><div><font size="5">You can fry the flat breads in a dry pan or use a fat such as butter or lard. </font></div><div><font size="5">We like to use lard since we have some left over from our pigs and it gives the breads a great taste.</font></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">Roll the balls of dough out flat and add them to the hot pan. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">Fry them until bubbled and browned, flip and fry the other side.</span></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5">Store them in a sealed container to help keep them fresh. </font></div><div><font size="5">But they're best eaten right away. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">Here are a few ways that we like to use our flatbreads. </font></div><div><font size="5">For dipping in soups, stews, chillis, and dips.</font></div><div><font size="5">Open face sandwiches, topped with cheese, sprouts and hummus or steak. Spinach, melted cheese, and lemony pepper sauce. </font></div><div><font size="5">Topped like a pizza and broiled in the oven. </font></div><div><font size="5">Toasted with favourite butters and jams. </font></div><div><font size="5">For breakfast, serve them with poached eggs and avacodo. </font></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R2VBwWsoGvM/U0yGUzGfEAI/AAAAAAAAH2U/8t3wvs4xExo/s2048/Photo%25252020140414210537.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R2VBwWsoGvM/U0yGUzGfEAI/AAAAAAAAH2U/8t3wvs4xExo/s500/Photo%25252020140414210537.jpg" id="blogsy-1397524054649.0518" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="434" alt=""></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-39296492570882394192014-04-11T18:43:00.001-07:002014-04-11T18:43:57.497-07:00Spring Chicks! by Kira<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wz-9PHb4ZOQ/U0iZ6QTNmSI/AAAAAAAAH1E/1upwzmUBkDU/s2048/Photo%25252020140411214139.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wz-9PHb4ZOQ/U0iZ6QTNmSI/AAAAAAAAH1E/1upwzmUBkDU/s500/Photo%25252020140411214139.jpg" id="blogsy-1397267037964.209" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LiQZkRTvpIQ/U0iaAy3wBVI/AAAAAAAAH1M/ilB7gp7_nwY/s2048/Photo%25252020140411214140.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LiQZkRTvpIQ/U0iaAy3wBVI/AAAAAAAAH1M/ilB7gp7_nwY/s500/Photo%25252020140411214140.jpg" id="blogsy-1397267037908.3708" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TnUs1L517Lk/U0iaHBBYpvI/AAAAAAAAH1U/3rhvRiFeWgo/s2048/Photo%25252020140411214140.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TnUs1L517Lk/U0iaHBBYpvI/AAAAAAAAH1U/3rhvRiFeWgo/s500/Photo%25252020140411214140.jpg" id="blogsy-1397267037933.0903" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="434"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zG0YrrpyVAU/U0iaMX0NHDI/AAAAAAAAH1c/sCaxgE17PbI/s2048/Photo%25252020140411214141.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zG0YrrpyVAU/U0iaMX0NHDI/AAAAAAAAH1c/sCaxgE17PbI/s500/Photo%25252020140411214141.jpg" id="blogsy-1397267037942.1514" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AjPrGZg_UcI/U0iaRIQUXgI/AAAAAAAAH1k/rtfMQfE0Xfk/s2048/Photo%25252020140411214141.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AjPrGZg_UcI/U0iaRIQUXgI/AAAAAAAAH1k/rtfMQfE0Xfk/s500/Photo%25252020140411214141.jpg" id="blogsy-1397267037921.8013" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xhiYfsGqL7c/U0iaWpeWecI/AAAAAAAAH1s/BIqhkvUCt00/s2048/Photo%25252020140411214141.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xhiYfsGqL7c/U0iaWpeWecI/AAAAAAAAH1s/BIqhkvUCt00/s500/Photo%25252020140411214141.jpg" id="blogsy-1397267038006.9402" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="432" alt=""></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">Spring has finally sprung! </font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">I am so excited!</font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">The snow is melting and the phoebes have returned. </font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">It has been a long winter and so I'm eager to share some pictures of our first hatch of chicks.</font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">Spring is all about renewal, and chicks really help us get over Winter and ready to grow. </font></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-61358552256192636722014-03-29T18:32:00.000-07:002014-03-29T19:53:15.246-07:00The Auction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWGYymGK8nBjG-4DeiNz-SC1LOQ3M1WZmasD9LRNwW832F7jc01tFrPchE1CYGRfg7jaD1UDRYSifTClyUDpJemnTZhww4IlwIsT7MEHuJuXWI5Yay5ifqRcoSpIRgbVp2euQ38EawcE/s1600/dmitchell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWGYymGK8nBjG-4DeiNz-SC1LOQ3M1WZmasD9LRNwW832F7jc01tFrPchE1CYGRfg7jaD1UDRYSifTClyUDpJemnTZhww4IlwIsT7MEHuJuXWI5Yay5ifqRcoSpIRgbVp2euQ38EawcE/s1600/dmitchell.jpg" height="228" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">I have an addiction.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Since going into business for myself and leaving the daily grind behind,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">most days bring something new into my experience.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Different places, different people, and different adventures.</span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">I need this.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">I need to experience more.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">I need to learn more.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">And the world rarely disappoints.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">In our quest to acquire tools and equipment for our business,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">we've had to do our best to keep costs down by bargain hunting.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Online classifieds have been excellent,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">but the ultimate bargain hunting can be had at an auction.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I had never been to an auction before.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">So my friend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vinegar-Hill-Farm/547017735321492">Carmen Lee</a> took me to a farm auction,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">so I could get a first-hand look at what it's all about.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A full-on, fast paced, country auction.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">This was a farm dispersal auction.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The owner retired and has sold the farm.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">So everything must go.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Absolutely everything.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">There were boxes of hardware.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hammers and shovels.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Half-full jugs of herbicide.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Firearms, furniture, farm machinery, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">and pitchforks...lots of 'em.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And so much more.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It felt savage to rummage through someone's possessions,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">picking through piles for some bit of treasure or valuable antique.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But the fervour was hard to deny.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The greatest challenge is to keep from buying too much 'stuff'.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was hard not to imagine my own lifetime's worth of valuables being auctioned off to a rabid flurry of eager bargain hunters.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Before I knew the reason for the auction, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I wondered if it was a foreclosure.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A failed personal economy,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">fed to the wolves to satisfy the greedy banks.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It wasn't the case today, but I had a frightening glimpse of what it could look like;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hordes of scavengers scrapping for the leftover bits.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The auctioneer was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arsBdNr4gQE">Doug Mitchell</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">He was funny, kind, and helpful.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And yes, he called the bids as fast as you can imagine.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's a blur at first, but you don't need to keep up.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The auctioneer sweeps you into the bidding.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The excitement is heart stopping.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Even with rugged characters, the mud and biting wind,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">there was style and culture at the auction;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tradition and savvy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And camaraderie; even amidst the bidding rivalry.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Before having been to the auction,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I imagined it as is; a market style.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But an auction is more than that,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It is a cultural experience,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">not to be missed out on.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwpqo3kHV6S5a96y_ziPARW2Jq0EUKIrhuGcRwMYvZ6x8rSAFNsCNYIHfxLoBsr6-lZEsiNzqGA9UWEDBDDpjv1XoAwdOTUZTG2j4CLtd04GsoiNBkTk1ES-QTs_Sx36TbMZTmx8cTXU/s1600/auctioncrowd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwpqo3kHV6S5a96y_ziPARW2Jq0EUKIrhuGcRwMYvZ6x8rSAFNsCNYIHfxLoBsr6-lZEsiNzqGA9UWEDBDDpjv1XoAwdOTUZTG2j4CLtd04GsoiNBkTk1ES-QTs_Sx36TbMZTmx8cTXU/s1600/auctioncrowd.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-20542746818684131302014-03-15T15:20:00.000-07:002014-03-15T15:24:35.698-07:00Survival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDgnViBT2ZlkRmOoLUkc7CY9IlK4u6tibzBoLLnNII3zflmNzdmHvlZn0_X8HDBSUG726piDBsK9OUyCef90ekxsJwahdCdHTralXsw4b7OkkX878U46JsB0IWpw0ug134d9eyzlh22g/s1600/survival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDgnViBT2ZlkRmOoLUkc7CY9IlK4u6tibzBoLLnNII3zflmNzdmHvlZn0_X8HDBSUG726piDBsK9OUyCef90ekxsJwahdCdHTralXsw4b7OkkX878U46JsB0IWpw0ug134d9eyzlh22g/s1600/survival.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Let's not argue about how much snow there was this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It was cold, but there's no point in going back to the records.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The fact is that Winter is a challenge every year, in one way or another.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
The animals have it right.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Most take it easy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Many hibernate.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some leave outright.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
Like the proverbial grasshopper,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">our goal throughout the Summer should be preparing for Winter.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Growing and preserving, hunting and gathering.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">All to ensure survival through the Winter months.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
Perhaps it's a lesson that we have lost hold of.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Have we become the ant?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Certainly the Summertime is easy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And why not relax after a hard Winter?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
Or maybe it is the drive and ambition foisted on us by our society.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Coercion for the sake of a robust GDP.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The expectation to produce year round, regardless of the seasons.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Western work ethics demand consistent productivity.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I don't expect our gardens to grow food for us in the Winter.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Why should my own progress be measured any differently?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
<br />
This Winter has been a reminder,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">of just how harsh the environment can be.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Even modern solutions fail when faced with a few more degrees of cold,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">and an extra layer of snow.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
On the homestead, the first victim of Winter is progress.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Short days.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sub-zero temperatures.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Heavy clothing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Snow depths.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Winter conspires to halt the drive forward.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
And where it should.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The ebb and flow of Nature should dictate our actions.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Long days of Summer serve to give us the extra time we need,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">to grow alongside our crops.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
To survive is to live in spite of danger or hardship.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Memory gives us the foresight we need to prepare.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yet Winter is a needless struggle,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">as we treat each season with indifference.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
Each snowfall, and every frigid night weighs me down.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I struggle forward, only to fail.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Each footfall, and every frozen extremity undermines my determination.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I curse that which I should be thankful for;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The steady breathing of the biosphere that supports my family.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It is not easy to break free from industrial society. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We are dangerously entwined by it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But we ignore the whisperings of Nature at our peril.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It harbours a greater certainty than the ephemeral state of modern life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
There is no honour in the battle to impose progress.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It is against Nature.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I will find peace in Winter,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">when I put my tools down...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">...and survive.</span><br />
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<br />Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-26903597909957150072014-02-24T17:24:00.001-08:002014-02-24T17:31:15.197-08:00Poplar Bud Infused oil, by Kira<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">In a few weeks I am going to be making poplar bud oil.</span></div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">If you have poplar trees around your home you will recognize the sweet, woodsy smell of their buds opening in the spring.</span></div></span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">This is one of my favourite scents.</span></div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5"><br></font></div><font size="5"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The buds are picked in early spring before the leaves have started to come out. This is when the buds are rich with sticky medicinal resins.</span></div></font><font size="5"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Poplar buds contain salicin and populin.</span></div> </font><font size="5"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">These glycosides are similar to aspirin and are effective at reducing pain, inflammation, and fever.</span></div> </font><font size="5"><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div></font><font size="5"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The infused oil is used to treat chapped lips, dry cracked hands,</span></div></font><font size="5"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">minor scrapes, and cuts.</span></div> </font><font size="5"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">It is great for deep massages and relief from arthritis.</span></div></font><font size="5"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">If you have little ones in diapers you can use it to prevent or treat diaper rash.</span></div> </font><font size="5"><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div></font><font size="5"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The hardest part of this project will be retrieving the poplar buds!</span></div> </font><font size="5"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">We have many poplar trees, but most of them are very tall.</span></div> </font><font size="5"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">The best time to hunt for buds is after a wind storm.</span></div></font><font size="5"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Look for fallen branches on the ground.</span></div> </font><font size="5"><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div></font><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n8Eyf5W_1L0/Uwvw20SHuHI/AAAAAAAAHy8/nBB3M7bjDAw/s2048/Photo%252520Feb%25252018%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525201%25253A39%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font size="5"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n8Eyf5W_1L0/Uwvw20SHuHI/AAAAAAAAHy8/nBB3M7bjDAw/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252018%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525201%25253A39%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1393291488057.764" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="432" alt="" style="text-align: justify;"></font></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-89581125296374227872014-02-21T05:33:00.001-08:002014-02-21T05:37:33.759-08:00Fresh cheese! By Kira. <div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mf8Bi6a4ymE/UwdVPuPdbsI/AAAAAAAAHyM/u62r4ouPSbk/s2048/Photo%252520Feb%25252018%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525205%25253A05%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mf8Bi6a4ymE/UwdVPuPdbsI/AAAAAAAAHyM/u62r4ouPSbk/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252018%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525205%25253A05%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392989592937.5298" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-82Nkfdungbs/UwdVVS_qdwI/AAAAAAAAHyU/EdcqQGRUFkY/s2048/Photo%252520Feb%25252018%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A09%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-82Nkfdungbs/UwdVVS_qdwI/AAAAAAAAHyU/EdcqQGRUFkY/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252018%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A09%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392989592896.668" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5zMVkfmZQio/UwdVbLAh0PI/AAAAAAAAHyc/mdbWLKoeCp4/s2048/Photo%252520Feb%25252018%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A19%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5zMVkfmZQio/UwdVbLAh0PI/AAAAAAAAHyc/mdbWLKoeCp4/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252018%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A19%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392989592935.938" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BCgfycKMfD8/UwdVgL1QffI/AAAAAAAAHyk/h7AL8vixXOE/s2048/Photo%252520Feb%25252018%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BCgfycKMfD8/UwdVgL1QffI/AAAAAAAAHyk/h7AL8vixXOE/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252018%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525202%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392989592924.9146" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eozcvFaYPD0/UwdVlwcrvFI/AAAAAAAAHys/y_TqZKf_wy8/s2048/Photo%252520Feb%25252018%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525205%25253A06%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eozcvFaYPD0/UwdVlwcrvFI/AAAAAAAAHys/y_TqZKf_wy8/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252018%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525205%25253A06%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392989592911.0366" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="432" alt=""></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><font size="5">On my sixth attempt, I finally succeeded at making simple farm cheese. </font></div><div><font size="5">This cheese is made by heating milk and then adding an acid to separate the protein. </font></div><div><font size="5">My past attempts weren't total failures; I got some cheese, just not as much as I should have. </font></div><div><font size="5">The cheese wasn't clumping together properly and I would lose most of it when I strained it through the cheese cloth. </font></div><div><font size="5">I was talking with my friend the other day about making cheese and she told me she was cooking it on the cookstove. </font></div><div><font size="5">So that's what I did yesterday.</font></div><div><font size="5">I cooked the milk on the woodstove and it worked out. </font></div><div><font size="5">It may have been that I was heating the milk too hot and too fast. </font></div><div> </div><div><font size="5">Here is how I made cheese.</font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">You need:</font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">- 4 litres </span><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">of whole milk</span></div><div><font size="5">- 1/2 cup of vinegar or lemon juice ( I used lemon juice)</font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5">On low heat, slowly warm the milk. </font></div><div><font size="5">The milk was on the woodstove for about an hour while I stirred frequently. </font></div><div><font size="5">I </font><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">brought the milk up to about 170F and held it at that temperature for about 15 minutes. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">Remove the milk from heat and gently stir the lemon juice in. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">The milk will separate almost instantly into whey and curd. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">Strain the curd with cheese cloth lined in a colander. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">Once most of the liquid has drained, tie the ends of the cloth together and hang it for about an hour to finish draining.</span></div><div><font size="5">Add salt to the cheese and it is ready to eat! </font></div><div><font size="5">We feed </font><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">the whey to the dogs and chickens.</span></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-57169059744564903602014-02-11T11:47:00.001-08:002014-02-11T11:50:56.034-08:00Butchering in the Kitchen, by Kira<div><font size="5"> </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8DcqaBe-ogU/Uvp-NomlWkI/AAAAAAAAHxw/L7kdVhan7vQ/s2048/Photo%252520Feb%25252010%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A12%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font size="5"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8DcqaBe-ogU/Uvp-NomlWkI/AAAAAAAAHxw/L7kdVhan7vQ/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252010%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A12%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392148050834.363" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="650" height="432"></font></a></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">Yesterday we processed some chickens. </font></div><div><font size="5">When the weather isn't cooperating I clean the birds inside. </font></div><div><font size="5">It's not a fancy affair. </font></div><div><font size="5">Once Andrew kills the birds and lets them bleed out,</font></div><div><font size="5">he brings them in for me to clean.</font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">I start with a clear working area.</font></div><div><font size="5">Over the counter is a big window facing the duck coop where I have been watching the blue jays quarrel over the ducks' feed. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">The sinks get cleaned and one emptied while the other is filled with hot soapy water. </font></div><div><font size="5">The draining tray off the sink is cleaned and ready for use as well.</font></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">I have clean cloths, sharp knives and a bucket (for inedible parts) by my side. </span><br></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;"><br></span></div><div><font size="5">Sometimes we skin the birds and other times we pluck. </font></div><div><font size="5">Yesterday I just skinned them since we were working indoors. </font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5">I start by skinning the bird and removing the wings, feet, and head, all of which finds it's way into the bucket. </font></div><div><font size="5">Sometimes before the skin and feathers make their way into the bucket,</font></div><div><font size="5">we pick feathers for crafts and feather hair clips. </font></div><div><font size="5">At this point, the kids like to gather around the bucket and examine the remains. Next the viscera are removed from the carcass.</font></div><div><font size="5">We keep the liver, heart, and gizzard, then eat these fried in butter after the butchering is done. </font></div><div><font size="5">Once everything is removed, I rinse the carcass in cold water, bag it and freeze it. </font></div><div><font size="5">The leftover parts are either buried in the garden or taken out back into the woods for the forest animals to enjoy. </font></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">Nothing wasted.</span><br></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><div><font size="5">Here it is. </font></div><div><font size="5">A Gold Laced Wyandotte ready for the freezer. </font></div><div><font size="5">Grown out, they weigh about 4lbs.</font></div></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div><font size="5"><br></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mjm_dCM7JJs/Uvp-T-d1E5I/AAAAAAAAHx4/jZf_MWSSkjI/s2048/Photo%252520Feb%25252010%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A44%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font size="5"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mjm_dCM7JJs/Uvp-T-d1E5I/AAAAAAAAHx4/jZf_MWSSkjI/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252010%25252C%2525202014%25252C%2525201%25253A44%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1392148050859.3435" class="aligncenter" width="650" height="432" alt=""></font></a></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div> </div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-13849639557676748162014-01-31T13:40:00.001-08:002014-02-01T06:32:06.047-08:00My Favourite Breakfast, by Kira <div> </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5"> This has been my favourite breakfast lately, savoury, spicy and fresh. </font></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">Three fried eggs</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">A little sharp cheese, grated</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">A handful of <a href="http://bedrockandbrambles.blogspot.ca/2014/01/sprouted-lentils-by-kira.html" target="_self" title="">sprouts</a> </font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">A tablespoon of organic extra virgin olive oil</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">A dash of <a href="http://www.mybitofearth.net/2014/01/sriracha.html" target="_self" title="">hot sauce</a></font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">And a pinch of sea salt</font></div>
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<div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-61019548335831851272014-01-23T14:23:00.001-08:002014-01-23T14:26:05.240-08:00Sprouted Lentils, by Kira <div><font size="5"> </font></div>
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<div><font size="5">I do a lot of sprouting, especially at this time of year. </font></div>
<div><font size="5">We try to hibernate during the Winter and trips to town are few and far between. </font></div>
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<div><font size="5">Lentils are an easy way to eat something alive and fresh. </font></div>
<div><font size="5">I have been buying organic dried lentils bulk so I always have them on hand.</font></div>
<div><font size="5">They are easy and quick to sprout. </font></div>
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<div><font size="5">All you need is:</font></div>
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<div><font size="5">a large glass jar (I like the 56 oz size) with the lid ring. </font></div>
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<div><font size="5">A piece of cheese cloth or other loose cloth cut to cover the jar opening.</font></div>
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<div><font size="5">Organic lentils.</font><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">I like to use green lentils, but french lentils work well too. </span></div>
<div><font size="5">Note that red lentils will not sprout because they are normally processed. </font></div>
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<div><font size="5">Rinse your lentils.</font><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;">I usually rinse enough to fill the jar one third of the way.</span></div>
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<div><font size="5">Put the lentils in the jar and fill it with water to cover the lentils by about 3cm.</font></div>
<div><font size="5">Place the cloth over the jar and screw on the ring. </font></div>
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<div><font size="5">Let the lentils sit overnight to hydrate. </font></div>
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<div><font size="5">The next day, pour the water out through the cloth. </font></div>
<div><font size="5">Fill the jar with fresh water and pour it back out to rinse the lentils. </font></div>
<div><font size="5">Let the jar sit upside down for a few minutes to drain. </font></div>
<div><font size="5">You don't want extra water sitting in the bottom of the jar as the lentils may rot.</font></div>
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<div><font size="5">Rinse the lentils once a day. </font></div>
<div><font size="5">They should sprout within a day or two. </font></div>
<div><font size="5">I keep my sprouts on the kitchen counter. </font></div>
<div><font size="5">If your house is on the warm side you may want to keep your sprouts in the fridge once they have reached the sprouted size you want. </font></div>
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<div><font size="5">We eat sprouts on sandwiches, in stir frys and one of my favourite ways to eat them is tossed with a little roasted sesame oil and salt. </font></div>
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<div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-76134706888414161682014-01-21T13:04:00.001-08:002014-01-21T13:04:24.534-08:00Perfectly Roasted Garlic, by Kira<div> </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5"> <u>Perfectly Roasted Garlic</u></font></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">Preheat the oven to 375 deg.F.</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5"> Cut the tops off the garlic bulbs.</font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">Place the garlic into a cast iron frypan or similar oven safe container. </font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">Drizzle all the heads with lots of olive oil. </font></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">Cover lightly and roast for 40 minutes or until the bulbs are golden brown and the cloves squeeze out easily.</font></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">Squeeze the garlic out of it's paper and store it in a glass jar along with the left over olive oil in the bottom of the pan.</font></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">We have been enjoying our roasted garlic on pizza!</font></div>
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<div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5922873875727546851.post-1340121292038332942014-01-14T18:24:00.001-08:002014-01-14T18:24:42.062-08:00Spiced Honey Spelt Doughnuts, by Kira<div> </div>
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<div><font size="5"> We usually make doughnuts when we are <a href="http://bedrockandbrambles.blogspot.ca/2012/02/chewing-fat.html" target="_self" title="">rendering lard</a>. </font></div>
<div><font size="5">This past year we didn't have pigs, so there was no fresh fat to render. </font></div>
<div><font size="5">But we did have some in the freezer from last year.</font></div>
<div><font size="5">And every doughnut should be cooked in lard! </font></div>
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<div><font size="5">So simple; I just added some sweet goodness to a basic bread dough recipe. </font></div>
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<div><font size="5">Spiced Honey Spelt Doughnuts</font></div>
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<div><font size="5">6 cups of spelt light flour (you may need a little more or a little less)</font></div>
<div><font size="5">1/3 cup of honey</font></div>
<div><font size="5">1 3/4 cup of water</font></div>
<div><font size="5">1 tbsp yeast</font></div>
<div><font size="5">2 tsp sea salt</font></div>
<div><font size="5">2 tbsp of grape seed oil</font></div>
<div><font size="5">1 tbsp true cinnamon </font></div>
<div><font size="5"> 2 tsp freshly ground nutmeg</font></div>
<div><font size="5">1 1/2 tsp cardamom </font></div>
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<div><font size="5"> Heat the water and honey until the honey dissolves. </font></div>
<div><font size="5">Place the liquid in a bowl.</font><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></div>
<div><font size="5">Put the liquid into the bowl of a stand mixer.</font></div>
<div><font size="5">(Or just a bowl if you mix it by hand.)</font></div>
<div><font size="5">Add the yeast and let it sit until it starts to bubble.</font></div>
<div><font size="5">Slowly mix in half the flour, grape seed oil, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon,</font></div>
<div><font size="5">and salt. </font></div>
<div><font size="5">Slowly add rest of the flour until the dough forms a soft ball.</font></div>
<div><font size="5">Cover and let the dough rest for an hour.</font></div>
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<div><font size="5">Spiced coconut sugar</font></div>
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<div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><font size="5">1/4 cup coconut sugar</font></span></div>
<div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><font size="5">1 tsp cinnamon </font></span></div>
<div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><font size="5">1 tsp cardamom</font></span></div>
<div><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><font size="5">1 tsp nutmeg</font></span></div>
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<div><font size="5">Grind all four ingredients with a mortel and pestle and set aside. </font></div>
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<div><font size="5"><u>Cooking</u> </font></div>
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<div><font size="5">Heat enough lard in a cast iron fry pan to generously cover the bottom of the pan.</font></div>
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<div><font size="5">Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. </font></div>
<div><font size="5">Cut off small pieces and shape them into little balls and lightly flatten them. </font></div>
<div><font size="5">(Try not to work the dough to much.</font></div>
<div><font size="5">Overworkng will cause the air bubbles to burst and your doughnuts will be flat.)</font></div>
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<div><font size="5">When the lard is up to temperature ( about 375 degrees) you can start frying.</font></div>
<div><font size="5">Fry for about a minute or until the bottom is golden brown then flip them and fry until that side is golden.</font></div>
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<div><font size="5">Put the spiced sugar into a paper bag or a container with a lid. </font></div>
<div><font size="5">Once the donuts have cooled slightly, place them in the bag and shake them up with the sugar to coat them. </font></div>
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<div><font size="5">Doughnuts are best eaten when fresh.</font></div>
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<div><font size="5">They are also tasty dipped in coffee or along side a glass of fresh milk.</font></div>
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<div> </div>Andrew von Zubenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15029076202802686416noreply@blogger.com2