Thursday - February 27,  2003

The cool weather is helping the snow peas recover from the hot January we had.  We are not harvesting as much as last year, but that doesn't stop us from enjoying the tender sweet pods.  While we go about our plantings, our taste buds are eagerly anticipating the first crops of beans, tomatoes, corn and cucumbers...

OK, enough of that!  Here's a thought-provoking question and issue that was posted on our forum (scroll down to the last posting); Does living simply (or Back to Basics) require MORE or LESS money?  I can relate to the knitting issue that was presented in the post.  To buy yarn for a sweater would cost near $100, to buy one at a Thrift store less than $1.00.  What a dilemma!  Save money and go thrifting or learn and skill and possibly go broke?  Let's hear from you readers! What's your take or experiences on this issue?

Weather Report: Chilly

Tuesday - February 25,  2003

PATHWAYS TO PERMACULTURE

"The proverb 'the bigger they are, the harder they fall' is a reminder of one of the disadvantages of size and excessive growth. The proverb “slow and steady wins the race” is one of many that encourages patience while reflecting a common truth in nature and society." ~ David Holmgren  ~

We have been so busy of late, that there hasn't been time to surf the internet nor read any new books that are out on the market to check up on what's happening in the world of Permaculture.  There are many great resources for those interested in Permaculture practices and methods.  Here are just a few:

THE ESSENCE OF PERMACULTURE

THE PERMACULTURE ACTIVIST

INTRODUCTION TO PERMACULTURE

AMAZON.COM BOOKS ON PERMACULTURE

PERMACULTURE INTERNATIONAL

PLANTS FOR THE FUTURE

CORNUCOPIA II - THE SOURCE BOOK OF EDIBLE PLANTS (great book!)

SANTA BARBARA PERMACULTURE NETWORK

CITY FARMER

PERMACULTURE: A BEGINNGER'S GUIDE

THE PERMACULTURE JOURNEY

THE FUTURE IS ABUNDANT

More... LINKS TO OTHER PERMACULTURE RELATED SITES

The Permaculture concept has been around for ages, only now has it started to develop into a worldwide movement.   The word Permaculture was coined by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the mid-1970s to describe an “integrated, evolving system of perennial or self-perpetuating plant and animal species useful to man."

"Permaculture is a method of producing foodstuff in a closed loop that maintains a self-sufficient system. In any habitat animals, plants and micro-organisms work together in harmony.

Organic permaculture takes the closed loop one step further to include insects - both pest and predator. When pesticides are used against insect pests, both pest and predator are eliminated. As most insect pests breed much faster than predators in the food chain, the pests will return quicker than the predators, eventually causing havoc which will result in further applications of pesticides being necessary." continue reading >>

Weather Report: It's raining again... yippee!

Friday - February 21,  2003

Yesterday we had another visit from Steve of Exotica Nursery.  He brought us some more Dwarf Bananas that we'd like to put on the front porch.  Also some Dragon Fruit (a red and white one), Cherimoya and a Ruby-X Guava.  Yeah, I know what you are thinking... "where in the world are they going to put all that stuff?"  Funny thing is, we are STILL finding room... but I think we are almost done. ;-)

Weather Report: Nice warm, spring-like day.

Wednesday - February 19,  2003

  Photo of the burrow, Rearview of Moonshadow, Moonshadow & Sierra after a hard hour's work

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

We try to let the bunnies out each day or so for a romp around the yard.  Recently, they have gotten it in their little heads that they have to dig a burrow.  Moonshadow started it and now Sierra's got the diggin' fever. It's fascinating to watch, sorta like our own PBS nature show going on in our back yard!

Now that I mentioned that I'd like to spin, I did some researching on the internet yesterday.  I think it would be great to go through the complete process -- grow the cotton, spin then make it into yarn, dye it with some natural plant dye and then knit or crochet it into something to wear... OK, now I am getting excited!  There are some different choices out there.  I found a link on how you can make your own DROP SPINDLE or you can buy them at a reasonable price, there is also the CHARKHA (which Gandhi used) and of course many models of spinning wheels to choose from.  I found out that there are a group of lady spinners in our area and they meet on Wednesday nights, unfortunately us gals have guitar lessons on that night.  Meanwhile, I'll just do some reading up on the different methods....

Weather Report: Looks like it's going to be a nice day.

Tuesday - February 18,  2003

We also tracked down a colored cotton seed source (Red leaved and colored cotton), which will look nice growing along side the regular white cotton plants we have.  The cotton is a pedestrian stopper, people often come up to us and tell us that they remember picking cotton when they were young.  We have collected over 4 large bags or more of cotton balls... now if I can just learn to spin it right off the ball and perhaps knit a hat!  But first I have to get a spinning wheel or drop spindle and that's another story....

Weather Report: A bit of sun coming through the clouds today.

Monday - February 17,  2003

I think we are a bit late in our tomato plantings, but it's been a really strange year to say the least.  Check out the latest tomato happenings and lowdowns on GardenWeb's Tomato Forum.

Yesterday was spent planting cucumbers, beans, corn, peppers, squash, and peas and will continue the plant-a-thon again today. 

Weather Report: Cloudy and cool and quoting the local weatherman this whole week we'll look for the same "yada, yada, yada."

Sunday - February 16,  2003

DIRECTIONS:

Take willow branches, any variety will do. Cut them up in 2-3 inch pieces. Put
them in a big pot of water (and they suggest to not use the pot for anything else,) and keep on low heat for several hours, then let steep overnight. Then
drain, toss those branches, and save the liquid. Repeat the process with a new batch of branches cut up. Let steep 12 hours/overnight. THEN it should be a
very dark brown. Strain and keep in labeled bottle in fridge. To use, let the hardwood cutting sit in this fluid overnight before potting up.  Read more »

Weather Report: Overcast and dreary.

Friday - February 14,  2003

One bag, they say, lasts a lifetime and cleans your clothes without the use of any cleaning agent.  We were a bit skeptical at first, so we tried out a load of laundry and were pleasantly surprised!  The clothes came out clean smelling and really soft.  The clothes weren't badly soiled, but when they are we can use a small bit of eco-friendly, biodegradable laundry powder or castile soap.  This is a great find!!! It will allow us now to directly re-use the water from the machine in the yard.  (Note: this non-soapy "grey" water will only be applied to fruit trees, vines & perennials.  It will not be used on lettuces or any greens that are to used in salads.). 

We are using a solar dryer (aka the CLOTHESLINE) and have been for many years now... but are we criminals breaking the law?  Check out DOONESBRRY'S weeklong series spoofing California Homeowners Associations who ban the "unsightly" clothesline.... you'll get a good chuckle out of it.  Another good link is PROJECT LAUNDRY LIST

Weather Report: It stopped raining, but still cloudy and overcast.

Thursday - February 13,  2003

& MORE RAIN....

We needed rain and boy did we sure get it!  Perhaps it'll clear up today? Can't wait 'till Spring!

San Gabriel Nursery had some herbs that I haven't seen anywhere else -- Yerba Buena and Moujean Tea, so, sucker as I am for sweet smelling herbs, I brought some home.  While searching online for these herbs I came across MOUNTAIN VALLEY GROWERS -- a certified organic supplier of herbs and perennials.  I browsed their  listing of herbs, many of which I haven't heard of before; like Chocolate Scented Daisy - mmmm.  On the subject of herbs, another good herb catalog is RICHTER'S, they have a wonderful catalog that we use as reference guide.

A fellow Pasadenian wrote to tell me of his petition to ask McDonalds to give consumers a healthy alterative to their burgers.   If you'd like to sign, check out the petition: Vegetarian Options at McDonald's .  Also check out FAST FOOD & ANIMAL RIGHTS: McDonalds New Farm

Weather Report: The continuous rain is causing havoc around the Southland.

Wednesday - February 12,  2003

AND STILL RAINING....

God made rainy days, so gardeners could get the housework done.
~ Author Unknown ~

This storm is a big one!!!  The weather guys estimate those of us in the foothills (which we are) will get about 7" of rain.... though I wish it was spread out a bit, all that rain at one time doesn't really do much good. They said that more storms are on their way... pretty soon we'll be floating away... :-)

So as the rain is keeping us house-bound, we've been busy sorting through stuff in the house to get a jump on Spring cleaning -- looking through gardening catalogs, and so on.  We have a couple more plants on our 'Want List' and then we should be about done -- ya right! That's what we thought a couple months ago.  We'd like to get some 4-6 ft dwarf bananas, dragon fruit, loquat, cherimoya, dwarf tangerine, tropical cherries and some more herbs.

Weather Report: It's been raining since Tuesday night...

Tuesday - February 11,  2003

IT'S RAINING!

Rain is grace; rain is the sky condescending to the earth;
without rain, there would be no life. ~ John Updike ~

I know, we Southern Californians make a big deal when it rains here, full news coverage -- Storm Watch, Storm Team and so on.  But, we desperately need it, one can water the garden with the hose, but nothing can compare to the natural stuff.  There is way too much salt, chlorine and chemicals in it water and it does more harm than good, with the rain last night it seems like everything grew and is so much greener and the air much cleaner -- ahhh!

Yesterday the 250 Seascape Strawberry plants from Peaceful Valley along with our Chilean Guavas, Chilean Wintergreen and Elderberries from One Green World came just in time to plant before the storm rolled in.  In addition, we had another load of horse manure delivered from Tim.  Let me see now, that makes 28 yards of horse manure in less than 6 months!!!  Just seems to disappear, being swallowed up in ground.  Every Sunday the guys sift the horse manure and then walk around the yard and sprinkle the compost all over the yard.  The plants seem healthier, that's for sure!

Weather Report:  Woke up last night to the sound of rain dripping from the roof --what a much needed blessing!

Friday - February 07,  2003

Weather Report:  Nighttime temps are in the low 30's, days are sunny but cool.  Some high clouds are moving in... does that mean rain?  We shall see.

Thursday - February 06,  2003

GROOVY GRANOLA... it's grrrrr-eat!

Had a request for our granola recipe, so here it is folks. Enjoy!

2 cups regular rolled oats

1/2 cup flake coconut

1/2 cup slivered almonds, peanuts, or pecans (I personally like the pecans)

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup sesame seed

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/3 cup oil

1 tbl vanilla

1 cup raisins

1. Combine the oats, coconut, nuts, and seeds. Combine honey, oil and vanilla;

stir into oat mixture. Spread evenly in a greased 15x10x1 inch baking pan. Bake

in a 300 oven for 30-35 minutes or till lightly browned, stirring after 20 minutes.

2. Remove from oven, immediately turn out into another large plate. Allow to

cool; break into clumps and add raisins. Cover tightly and store at room

temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Note: Sometimes I like to add toasted wheat germ to the mixture.

Makes 6 cups (12 1/2 cup servings)

Weather Report:  Now, it's cold and dry.  Last night we had a light freeze.  Everyone, including the weathermen are praying for rain.  There might be a slight chance soon...

Tuesday - February 04,  2003

After reading an article in the LA TIMES that Perchlorate is in the Southland's drinking water we called the city of Pasadena to ask them what they are doing about it.  The city said that JPL was one of the major polluters in our area. Their laboratory is located right near the Arroyo Seco mountain stream which used to supply Pasadena with some of its water.  The holding pools have been closed since 1990 when they found out about the contamination.  The lady said that the city is doing their best to control contamination (only 4 parts per billion), but in the meantime, just for peace of mind, we'll be adding PRILL BEADS to our water.

Weather Report:  A bit cooler, but still no rain in sight.