A new journey into homesteading "pic heavy"

[tortoise]

Congrats. You are training up the next generation: Able to think independently, and not be dependent on Uncle Sam to "take care of me." If more of us became self sufficient, debt free, and able to grow our own food, our nation would be turned on it's ear. Uncle Sam would not know what to do with a nation full of free thinking, independent, self sufficient, able to feed themselves, and armed individuals. I think that we have voluntarily given up way too many of our personal responsibilities and freedoms.

I agree 100%. 200%. Really. Everyone out here playing victim to circumstance rather than doing what's necessary to provide for oneself.

I'm in a FB group for people on a diet that require 6 cups raw leafy greens per days. Well with all the lettuce and produce recalls right now, much of that produce is unavailable or triple the usual price. There are produce recalls in USA and Canada for romaine and cauliflower. Romaine is up to $9 in USA and cauliflower it $8/head in Canada. Now this morning UK has widespread norovirus contamination in produce.

My reaction? Get my alfalfa sprouts going, plant a tray of microgreens every-other day, and buy cheap and safe frozen (cooked) spinach. I share info on how to start, how easy and cheap it is, where to buy seed cheapest. Yet they all just whine and complain. I'm saving money and on track to be independent of the grocery store for leafy greens by May 2019. (I had no motivation to do so until the romaine recall.)

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I think what you're doing is awesome. Not only are you taking charge of your health you're taking charge of the problems that would easily prevent another person from following through. You go girl!

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Several years in a row, I've offered to teach any one who is interested to do: hay bale gardening, or for that matter, any other type of gardening. I've put out notices, and have only had one person show any interest. I went to her house, looked over her property and gave her advice re: the best location to place a terrace/raised bed garden given the limitations of her property. Last fall, I offered to teach any one who was interested in learning how to do basic canning. Not a single taker. Yet, plenty of statements along the line of:

I wish I had time to grow a garden.

I would love to learn how to grow a garden.

I wish I could afford to eat better. Fresh or organic produce is so expensive. I can't afford it.

Then, there was the year I gave away free garlic sets, along with instructions. "How to plant garlic once, and have it for free for the rest of your life." The SMH dumb comment of the day: "Why would I want to do that? I can just go to the store and buy garlic."

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Then, there was the year I went and "helped" a co worker plant a small garden along one side of her foundation. She stood by and watched, while I dug and fertilized and planted. Every time I tried to engage her in the actual physical labor of it, she'd comment, "I'd better not. I'm not smart enough to do that." She who holds a bachelor's degree and supervised me in the work setting. I finally figured out who the "dumb one" was in this situation. Several weeks later, when the tomatoes were setting fruit, she laughed about the great pleasure her daughter had "picking the green balls and throwing them". She asked me to come help her the next year. I told her I would be busy that day.

 

[wyoDreamer]

I have heard the "I wish I had time to garden" from my sister - alot. She was a stay at home mom with 4 young kids who loved to play outside. They had a swingset, climbing jungle gym, playhouse, etc. to keep the kids busy. She spent alot of time sitting on the deck watching the kids play. Yet she didn't have time to plant a garden?
Now she has 2 kids in college, 1 in high school, & 1 in middle school - and she is an assistant at the school working 3 days a week. I'm sure she still doesn't have time to garden.

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Amazing, isn't it? As far as I know, unless the laws of physics have changed. The Earth day has roughly 24 hours in it, no matter what your lattitude. Now, I could say.... I wish I had time to keep a CLEAN house. But, I would be lying through my teeth if I said that! Cause, I waste just as much time as the next guy.

 

[baymule]

Congrats. You are training up the next generation: Able to think independently, and not be dependent on Uncle Sam to "take care of me." If more of us became self sufficient, debt free, and able to grow our own food, our nation would be turned on it's ear. Uncle Sam would not know what to do with a nation full of free thinking, independent, self sufficient, able to feed themselves, and armed individuals. I think that we have voluntarily given up way too many of our personal responsibilities and freedoms.

Well said.

 

[baymule]

The boy got his first doe of the season today. Cant wait for chicken fried deer steak!View attachment 9218

That is one happy boy! I know you are proud.

 

[Chic Rustler]

Well the woodchip compost under the rabbit hutches was a great idea! It worked flawlessly!

 

[sumi]

That's great! How are things going over there by you? Hope you and family had a good festive season!