tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-894405054913100952024-03-13T02:45:18.993-07:00Pollo LocoNotes from our journey toward a more frugal, more sustainable life...with chickens.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-46824333937739734932013-09-10T09:49:00.001-07:002013-09-10T09:49:19.974-07:00Finns do have gardens!It has taken three weeks but I have finally found a Finnish garden! <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvQvRVOwmZBo9QvYFPtaHFR0g4FUB7ZMOSsfJXrP-EoHbNn-SpolLoxN3GHH2LFjh8JdYVYIyBYSV0nq7xZ1FMbO9YXCyGLslrwVgZOgCpE2WC8QPhUZCitBS18S9ipAuZhbxPkhY1KY/s640/blogger-image-1269631147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvQvRVOwmZBo9QvYFPtaHFR0g4FUB7ZMOSsfJXrP-EoHbNn-SpolLoxN3GHH2LFjh8JdYVYIyBYSV0nq7xZ1FMbO9YXCyGLslrwVgZOgCpE2WC8QPhUZCitBS18S9ipAuZhbxPkhY1KY/s640/blogger-image-1269631147.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We are here visiting my dear friend's Husky farm in Hetta, Finland.... far inside the arctic circle. It takes some extra work to grow veg in this climate. The nights started getting frosty a couple weeks ago.</div><div><br></div><div>I have given Anna a hard time for not growing vegetables, as she has so much space on the farm. But I think managing all the volunteers and 120 dogs takes up far more of her time, she does not get to stop working at 6pm like most of us. To be fair, she does have a potato garden this year. We even harvested some baby potatoes and ate them with fondue one night!</div><div><br></div><div>Anna's friend Marit sells lettuce and herbs to the local hotels and restaurants in Hetta. She is also growing loads of potatoes and peas... and successfully attempted squash this year! The green house you see in the background holds tomatoes, but this far North in the arctic it requires supplemental heating, even in their summer. She grows strawberries in pots in her kitchen.</div><div><br></div><div>It heartens me that it is possible to grow vegetables this far North. Most of the veg we ate while here in Finnish Lapland was frozen. Fresh veg is more expensive as it has to be shipped from the South.</div><div><br></div><div>Maybe Anna can incorporate the garden work into the farm work done by the volunteers next summer!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0Hetta Huskies Hetantie 211, Enontekiö68.381816 23.557548tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-52176641892859838382013-09-07T13:44:00.001-07:002013-09-07T13:44:11.512-07:00Fall colors in LaplandThe season has changed here dramatically in the last couple of weeks.<div>We have gone from mostly green trees to now almost all yellow and orange.</div><div>August 24th, canoeing on a lake here in Hetta:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCUEcK2R-yVFtzfNmfiyKzwdSKIX5AD_uQEdKlJobkMsi5uQHy2Bp9tTToW2wTnTpijtwgX1939VLD8E_JnDyTKfLV6kgER6fEWHKWJxXygOzov0R5BS-H-GIn2a9nLHPLa2NKTKqNks/s640/blogger-image-1714523418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCUEcK2R-yVFtzfNmfiyKzwdSKIX5AD_uQEdKlJobkMsi5uQHy2Bp9tTToW2wTnTpijtwgX1939VLD8E_JnDyTKfLV6kgER6fEWHKWJxXygOzov0R5BS-H-GIn2a9nLHPLa2NKTKqNks/s640/blogger-image-1714523418.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>September 5th just over the border in Norway:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU7uQfbj-ndU7GhYmZKhL2ajiYUYrjNyDBwnjheVwMpJtYM514dLxf9F8ciHIc6W6fSx1wWmosepdY1OswULoLISSJKncE5dOJ_3eMv1gZazwG6lHULXCl6rO6gEBhTxIGpYwwk47m14/s640/blogger-image--1850462827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHU7uQfbj-ndU7GhYmZKhL2ajiYUYrjNyDBwnjheVwMpJtYM514dLxf9F8ciHIc6W6fSx1wWmosepdY1OswULoLISSJKncE5dOJ_3eMv1gZazwG6lHULXCl6rO6gEBhTxIGpYwwk47m14/s640/blogger-image--1850462827.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The change has been dramatic. The temperatures have also plunged at least 10 degrees.</div><div>Most of the hordes of tourists head this way in the Winter for husky drawn sled rides and ice hotels, but it is definitely worth a visit in the fall for the colors!</div><div><br></div><div>We are enjoying the last few days of our travels, but will be returning to the homestead late next week. Hope everyone has been enjoying the last few days of summer.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0Hetta Huskies Hetantie 211, Enontekiö68.381816 23.557548tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-51134591247125889512013-08-26T00:58:00.001-07:002013-08-26T00:58:24.717-07:00Finnish BerriesBilberry and Lingonberry are ripening at this time of year in Finland. They are everywhere, but this far North the shrubs are no higher than ground cover.<div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33QveC9xBXZTn1S1FIgqRM8sfosqAvXyiM4dZIaxeCJcDzVw0ke6KJVYs2c-xT0Dzpqxc7NWlV1epoqHwI3V8Lux9n9CdbM08tT4gB7oI_5KZWWkDlmdG8aBw2ocyYh2tWSZ-F-cu1DU/s640/blogger-image-168728903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33QveC9xBXZTn1S1FIgqRM8sfosqAvXyiM4dZIaxeCJcDzVw0ke6KJVYs2c-xT0Dzpqxc7NWlV1epoqHwI3V8Lux9n9CdbM08tT4gB7oI_5KZWWkDlmdG8aBw2ocyYh2tWSZ-F-cu1DU/s640/blogger-image-168728903.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>The bilberry are the blue/black berries and slightly larger and sweeter than the lingonberry.</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_mpAjH8NEYoZjlmja4joK9zcT4AMz7uKr7STcPFE8Qwf5-wQd_2YFHQ1jtAxDpi3Q7BJiOhqh9Tgh_C9T18qgHeMgCquUOUzVIgEHvySCpIsHzKjP2jUa74kgrDqqZ5WjxOV5309v58/s640/blogger-image-854789057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_mpAjH8NEYoZjlmja4joK9zcT4AMz7uKr7STcPFE8Qwf5-wQd_2YFHQ1jtAxDpi3Q7BJiOhqh9Tgh_C9T18qgHeMgCquUOUzVIgEHvySCpIsHzKjP2jUa74kgrDqqZ5WjxOV5309v58/s640/blogger-image-854789057.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>We are enjoying our time here in Lapland, enjoying good times spent with friends and seeing our daughter after two months away. Today we are off to Norway for some sightseeing and will return at the end of the week. Hope all are enjoying their last days of summer!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0Lappi (null)68.381807 23.557658tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-37565837478729775322013-08-21T05:00:00.000-07:002013-08-21T05:00:02.669-07:00Much Deserved Vacation<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>We will be travelling for the next few weeks and spending time with some good friends and our daughter that has been working for them for the summer. My posts may be sporadic while we are away, but I do plan to post! Yay, for wifi in foreign countries!!<br />
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My friends own a husky farm in Lapland in Northern Finland called Hetta Huskies. You should <a href="http://www.hettahuskies.com/">check them out.</a> They raise the dogs with love and compassion for the tourist industry and also provide husky safaris from their farm in the Winter months. Winter in Lapland is October - May.<br />
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Good bye for now from the Pacific Northwest. Next stop Arctic Circle.<br />
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-33758039207064914652013-08-20T18:46:00.001-07:002013-08-20T18:46:13.811-07:00Do Not Drink the Water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>I toured the <a href="http://bullittcenter.org/">Bullitt Center</a> in Seattle last May. It is the first <a href="http://living-future.org/lbc">Living Building </a>that is a commercial office building. This means that the building supplies and treats all its own water, produces all its own electricity and nothing used in the construction is toxic to the planet or living organisms.<br />
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The composting toilet system for a six story office building was really fascinating to me.<br />
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As if we did not know we should NOT drink the water. Another item to note, there is not really any water in this system...just a bit of water to coat the bowl with the special gel that enables everything to run down the pipes to the composters in the basement.<br />
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In addition, the compost that is made is used in the city composting program....and soon I may be lucky enough to be involved in a Living Building project here in Portland.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-31907238226350380172013-08-09T08:36:00.000-07:002013-08-09T08:36:21.082-07:00Chicken Mama<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxY-kscLF3DRzOGv9qPOmCDLKMc_pZ8OvCDOOCm-RmxvubRMOHqGFvXx4o0YyUbsemoeSd8O7yPz-C04hKnpDpPILJ_o2R4_d6vqxf7K0CqnAPQFXEka-YZefWcXBQoPaayt5pqtER7g0/s1600/chickenmama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxY-kscLF3DRzOGv9qPOmCDLKMc_pZ8OvCDOOCm-RmxvubRMOHqGFvXx4o0YyUbsemoeSd8O7yPz-C04hKnpDpPILJ_o2R4_d6vqxf7K0CqnAPQFXEka-YZefWcXBQoPaayt5pqtER7g0/s1600/chickenmama.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>The hubs found this image floating around the internet and it needed to be shared with all of you.<br />
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Look at all those little legs!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-61865918622312453902013-08-07T05:00:00.000-07:002013-08-07T05:00:14.827-07:00Watermelon Redux<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>I am trying them again...they are just about bigger than a golf ball now. I am keeping my fingers crossed.<br />
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This year I am using plastic and rocks to keep the soil heated.<br />
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-15853301328126314752013-08-05T05:00:00.000-07:002013-08-05T05:00:02.073-07:00Homestead EscapesWorking full time and also growing an extensive garden, raising a couple teenagers, caring for nine chickens and two cats and canning and all the other things I do, can wear a person out!<br />
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Even I take breaks now and then.<br />
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Last weekend The Hubs, Neverella and I spent some time at <a href="http://www.pickathon.com/">Pickathon</a>. For those you out of the loop, I think this may be the best music festival ever--and you are missing out. It is held the first weekend of August every year just outside Portland on the Pendarvis Farm property. They pride themselves on being the only music festival to eliminate plastic and in order to drink on property you have to bring your own water cup or buy one of the specially made cups (with rubber holder and clip to attach to your belt loop). Local food carts and breweries provide yummy food and libations. Recycling and composting is made simple and easy. There are solar panels on one of the barn venues and the energy generated from them offsets 100% of the energy used during the festival. Alternative forms of transportation to the farm are highly encouraged and supported.<br />
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It is kind of reminiscent of Oregon Country Fair but all about the music. It also happens to be family friendly and they encourage everyone to camp all weekend on site. There are showers and free water sources open for all attendees to use.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iAp-nWjU3goJ2BuIAO3aXT5NVVztgB1cDS47jtFyDUpi7xuoTLRj9AY7kgPJxEgoQXRZjJhDfRPFDTgJM7WrJ6pWBy1jLQj4Y8vCyoiGaX5WEs5c8o9GS4gbexiHy25N-tA4s4AEMHU/s1600/pick3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3iAp-nWjU3goJ2BuIAO3aXT5NVVztgB1cDS47jtFyDUpi7xuoTLRj9AY7kgPJxEgoQXRZjJhDfRPFDTgJM7WrJ6pWBy1jLQj4Y8vCyoiGaX5WEs5c8o9GS4gbexiHy25N-tA4s4AEMHU/s1600/pick3.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feist playing The Woods stage</td></tr>
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My favorite stage is known as The Woods and it is a beautiful little stage built of bent over branches in a deciduous forest area on a hillside with hay bales for seats.<br />
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The canopy structures and lighting create a magical and intimate ambiance. A local company, <a href="http://www.guildworks.com/">Guildworks, </a>designed and installed all the various canopy structures on the property. Every year they redesign everything.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjk9qrQmeYp9yB_b2eYE0Orve4OLgkPA0Us2BLJTxxZUAt007sZnu_sLQbYlXTF1l-zfemN24SeirO6cdOxSxl75DZ43PcdKK5fohJV54MsBWKucjT15Ugm6XnZfT6XrGVAkYru5CCT4/s1600/pick6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjk9qrQmeYp9yB_b2eYE0Orve4OLgkPA0Us2BLJTxxZUAt007sZnu_sLQbYlXTF1l-zfemN24SeirO6cdOxSxl75DZ43PcdKK5fohJV54MsBWKucjT15Ugm6XnZfT6XrGVAkYru5CCT4/s1600/pick6.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mainstage</td></tr>
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We are lucky to have a good friend with an adjacent property and enjoyed visiting the festival and going back to our relatively dust free and less crowded tent area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMn4DiLnvncYAnZ0msr77ctzhFgAbu0023H0DxN1iCGmEwRCeiPbQR1zUxTw1jeWS2LYuySd5WcAgbFrkVUpySwduSFE5hq1CYermznyM7gKUnsjyehXpQWqr3Nq2wFBiwvZX-KlTRR4/s1600/pick2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMn4DiLnvncYAnZ0msr77ctzhFgAbu0023H0DxN1iCGmEwRCeiPbQR1zUxTw1jeWS2LYuySd5WcAgbFrkVUpySwduSFE5hq1CYermznyM7gKUnsjyehXpQWqr3Nq2wFBiwvZX-KlTRR4/s1600/pick2.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cafe stage</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicErzXCpQCq5V9GbRPV3fUv30bxkiXn826sbms2U4XJ5O0ZrENCbAq4rWWr0SgopYU_J9F8ak-eB613gOgszddl3SVLvfnHrI-w41RwbjjEbxZK_QhCzP1ewkXJ8cxJv72ZvTkXLwjFaM/s1600/pick4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicErzXCpQCq5V9GbRPV3fUv30bxkiXn826sbms2U4XJ5O0ZrENCbAq4rWWr0SgopYU_J9F8ak-eB613gOgszddl3SVLvfnHrI-w41RwbjjEbxZK_QhCzP1ewkXJ8cxJv72ZvTkXLwjFaM/s1600/pick4.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
The lanterns hung above the main path between the main stage and The Woods. Each lantern has to be about ten feet in height, strung up among the tree branches.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZJxQeWoA5PWESGwBkff4FD1sH4iAqDOkiYRD2HI2sfX0s15YSndD5JFP_kkR5mOOikH4OhweEAHQAlt4Vbnzu3U2Y5yyPwz-6yBPHitK3Y4H4-j4ufMuC2mHBqhyphenhypheniSejFpxCYtS_OYc/s1600/pick1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZJxQeWoA5PWESGwBkff4FD1sH4iAqDOkiYRD2HI2sfX0s15YSndD5JFP_kkR5mOOikH4OhweEAHQAlt4Vbnzu3U2Y5yyPwz-6yBPHitK3Y4H4-j4ufMuC2mHBqhyphenhypheniSejFpxCYtS_OYc/s1600/pick1.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the entries (bent branches beyond) and a water station (green canopy).</td></tr>
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Hope everyone is enjoying their summer as much as we are!<br />
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-49507801490410690642013-07-31T05:00:00.000-07:002013-07-31T05:00:06.053-07:00Carrots!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw9BnvRIMTjkiTg2EWs4CAWhJTip0DaApRrRYstJLWqIknVw8_pl3sS6SYLI6uz3H-NGNIb7mGO2AXevS4ldymFiDYH-UYnRnnVBgMs33ZoPqcpN3aJoO5WCmFgEVwSFMmfM8W7NSwfw/s1600/carrots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw9BnvRIMTjkiTg2EWs4CAWhJTip0DaApRrRYstJLWqIknVw8_pl3sS6SYLI6uz3H-NGNIb7mGO2AXevS4ldymFiDYH-UYnRnnVBgMs33ZoPqcpN3aJoO5WCmFgEVwSFMmfM8W7NSwfw/s1600/carrots.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>We are growing a lovely batch of carrots in the garden this year. I planted them in the remains of the hugelkultur bed from last year...<a href="http://polloloco-pdx.blogspot.com/2012/05/garden-do-over.html">remember that</a>? This year I just moved the pile of soil and rotted logs around and made two more beds to extend the garden the length of the chicken run. The soil is nice and loose from all the compost and my carrots are getting HUGE. And delicious. Especially dipped in hummus. Yum.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-27922979177368409262013-07-26T05:00:00.000-07:002013-07-26T05:00:11.028-07:00Mammoth Sunflower<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>I have a few volunteer sunflowers growing in the garden, in addition to the seeds I planted intentionally this year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzGxRnyGN3w6No2wzRUguWEPLiuzjRBp6ObACRXdgn6sqiqYSzyFEL-LeJ5xej1L3zlEXrNYLYluoAaCCDHHr9nP0sSdYbR0CoHZ9DCkNOaqyHU7BnJKbiWurXIynKso73igXzu5zS9A/s1600/giantsunflower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzGxRnyGN3w6No2wzRUguWEPLiuzjRBp6ObACRXdgn6sqiqYSzyFEL-LeJ5xej1L3zlEXrNYLYluoAaCCDHHr9nP0sSdYbR0CoHZ9DCkNOaqyHU7BnJKbiWurXIynKso73igXzu5zS9A/s1600/giantsunflower.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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But this one is HUGE. It is probably over nine feet tall.<br />
I am really excited to see what it looks like when it blooms. It is so large it has branches growing off it with more buds than you can see here...I will post some updates as it blooms.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-41799614767901277022013-07-24T05:00:00.000-07:002013-07-24T05:00:15.974-07:00Cardoon Update<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>I am really pleased with my cardoon. I love this plant. It is huge and green and completely loaded with blooms. The first blooms are erupting in flower and the bees love them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jmiTj1we7CC5bso7NBVHhr6mlXCXmdBdo5w6bKXa7fGDl016WWbDc8zPXbzpfok5T6QAE0uUnnYCN8BOHzJ8vVFSnc6-CElVfvKHs3UFheI9VGul38rWb1T0wetCG4siZnyOGTD66E8/s1600/cardoon9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jmiTj1we7CC5bso7NBVHhr6mlXCXmdBdo5w6bKXa7fGDl016WWbDc8zPXbzpfok5T6QAE0uUnnYCN8BOHzJ8vVFSnc6-CElVfvKHs3UFheI9VGul38rWb1T0wetCG4siZnyOGTD66E8/s1600/cardoon9.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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This plant has created its own ecosystem.<br />
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The ants are farming aphids.<br />
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The lady bugs are eating the aphids and laying eggs.<br />
The lady bug larvae are then eating most of the aphids!<br />
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-16421756638655943982013-07-22T05:00:00.001-07:002013-07-22T05:00:06.224-07:00Our all natural medicine cabinet<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>We have nearly succeeded in replacing most all of our body products with all natural products that we make ourselves.<br />
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My bathroom essentials:<br />
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The lip balm and herbal healing balm recipes have been posted here before, see <a href="http://polloloco-pdx.blogspot.com/p/recipes.html">this page</a>.<br />
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The healing balm is my go to balm for everything from minor cuts and abrasions to neutralizing my skin allergic reactions to healing the dry and cracked skin on my feet in the summer. The bonus is that the essential oils in the balm smell really good.<br />
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The hand and body lotion has evolved over the years, but for now this is my favorite recipe:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Mel's Favorite</b></span><b style="font-family: inherit;"> Lotion</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/3 cup sesame oil (has a natural SPF)<br class="kix-line-break" />2 Tbsp. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">emulsifying wax</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" />1/3 cup hot water</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 tsp. citric acid (add to heated water, helps as a preservative)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Tbsp. Aloe gel (add to mixture after it starts cooling down)</span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-31aa3c45-0457-77d9-80e3-b69b96311294"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">15 drops </span><span style="text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">essential oil of your choice</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a pyrex measuring cup combine the olive oil and emulsifying wax and microwave (or heat on the stove in a metal pot filled part way with boiling water) until it is all melted. (to about 155 degrees)</span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-31aa3c45-0458-e448-282f-6a5b7cb417c4" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Microwave (or heat on stove) water for 1 minute or until about 120 degrees. While that is heating up, add the essential oil into my melted wax/olive oil mixture. Add citric acid to heated water.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then pour the hot water mixture into the wax/olive oil mixture and watch it turn milky white. Add aloe vera gel now. Stir often until it cools to at least 110 degrees. Then pour the hot lotion into wide mouth pint size jars and let cool overnight.</span></span><br />
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I am still looking for a </span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">deodorant</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> recipe that is perfect. I found that baking soda tended to irritate my skin, so I use arrowroot powder in lieu of baking soda. I have heard that bentonite clay may work better for keeping your underarms dry, and if it works well I will </span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">post</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> that recipe later. For now, we are using this one:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pollo Loco Deodorant</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 Tablespoons shea butter<br class="kix-line-break" />5 Tablespoons arrowroot powder<br class="kix-line-break" />2 Tablespoons cocoa butter<br class="kix-line-break" />A few drops of Vitamin E oil<br class="kix-line-break" />Lemon Essential Oil (natural antibacterial) or whatever you prefer for a scent</span></span></div>
<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3dd7ec38-045c-931f-5244-3f6aa184197f"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Melt all the ingredients (except the oils) and give it a good stir. This only took about 30 seconds in the microwave or can be done on the stove in a double boiler. Then add the oils, stir again, pour it in a jar, then place it in the fridge to set. This recipe fills about two- two ounce </span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">deodorant</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> tubes. You can find them in any online supply stores. <a href="http://www.elementsbathandbody.com/2-oz-Natural-Twist-up-Tube-pr-486.html">Elements Bath and Body</a> or <a href="http://www.sks-bottle.com/340c/fin8r.html">SKS</a> carry the clear ones that I prefer.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Since I cannot seem to live without my mascara, I plan to tackle making my own make up next. Stay tuned.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calendula flowers soon to be made into infused oil</td></tr>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-30680919541918387732013-07-19T05:00:00.000-07:002013-07-19T21:13:29.122-07:00Evening Ritual<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>Every evening I go into the garden for my zen time. While I am there, I pull a few weeds, check on and water any seedlings and harvest anything that needs to be brought in.<br />
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This is the crew that greets me:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLejQRAeW16UuGHeUEoNs_2CmnlDfArrs1vDglPCd1RKtSu5OIFpelbis_K8ePcgHfo0Fr9JyBLXpCKft0y02LOMJIJMg4ySQmhLMvYaUnpk-QIhswzT_SRqQxC1cHKm-it75v8qeka78/s1600/chickrun1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLejQRAeW16UuGHeUEoNs_2CmnlDfArrs1vDglPCd1RKtSu5OIFpelbis_K8ePcgHfo0Fr9JyBLXpCKft0y02LOMJIJMg4ySQmhLMvYaUnpk-QIhswzT_SRqQxC1cHKm-it75v8qeka78/s1600/chickrun1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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They know that when I show up, so do the treats! I usually pull any kale with a particularly large amount of aphids, or a thin out the volunteer squash, or I throw them a few overripe raspberries. From their reaction, you would think it is the highlight of their day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaCKxu1ly0QZaGLnWQ8Na6dIZjHu0VgXK9q6QFPqh2TQijwUsOSo0Mud_TsjyWgtcxIZ8eTd3tvjtcFDnW9NTqQiba5_QJmt4g8zgiCjp6RivPmYuhsOrmmbqyuiyQTKTmzNw69DeVJs/s1600/chickrun3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaCKxu1ly0QZaGLnWQ8Na6dIZjHu0VgXK9q6QFPqh2TQijwUsOSo0Mud_TsjyWgtcxIZ8eTd3tvjtcFDnW9NTqQiba5_QJmt4g8zgiCjp6RivPmYuhsOrmmbqyuiyQTKTmzNw69DeVJs/s1600/chickrun3.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can see the remains of the morning treats on the ground around them....but they will always want more!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-33175182667711826762013-07-17T05:00:00.000-07:002013-07-17T05:00:02.356-07:00Sunflowers and Companion Planting<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>Another of my homesteading goals this year was to do more companion planting and incorporate more plants into the garden to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects...<br />
and to be pretty:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFScWlXzJrLe2E5jwrSVe3VEewJPTP60OtWpZFfJNAGNJE-FdU4G7BAEpuV6EQtE9qfV8hd87zXLwD3FqhyphenhyphenGCO2QGFMmWyVCyiwqgG7oCRq3jHkFSsra_BHGrdaPD1g5O2w5L0OyCDf1I/s1600/sunflowers1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFScWlXzJrLe2E5jwrSVe3VEewJPTP60OtWpZFfJNAGNJE-FdU4G7BAEpuV6EQtE9qfV8hd87zXLwD3FqhyphenhyphenGCO2QGFMmWyVCyiwqgG7oCRq3jHkFSsra_BHGrdaPD1g5O2w5L0OyCDf1I/s1600/sunflowers1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I absolutely LOVE sunflowers and the garden is loaded with them this year. I planted pole and bush beans along the chicken run and then sprinkled a few sunflowers in the row as well. The beans are using the sunflowers as well as the string trellis.<br />
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I also planted chamomile along the path edge of the beans:<br />
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It is important to allow some of your veggies to go to seed. The beneficial insects are really attracted to them:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjZTWOccdPuO1rKt7I27U0SyW3Nojq0TkVs6FgWKrbkXEbx3gVKPNxCnHSni1LlebyulYEyhkp8J6H_i2gPKCqmLYUaFBm0k72Js_q9mUWnUXyIF9wpUvvkbHgATPg9VeQS5EITpi8b8/s1600/artichokebees2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjZTWOccdPuO1rKt7I27U0SyW3Nojq0TkVs6FgWKrbkXEbx3gVKPNxCnHSni1LlebyulYEyhkp8J6H_i2gPKCqmLYUaFBm0k72Js_q9mUWnUXyIF9wpUvvkbHgATPg9VeQS5EITpi8b8/s1600/artichokebees2.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Globe artichoke flower</td></tr>
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I planted borage (blue flowers in front) near the tomatoes and allowed some of the radish (small white flowers) to go to seed:<br />
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The radish help by attracting the flea beetles off of the tomatoes.<br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-0ecc4ac4-df88-702c-df52-a7fc99ba00e5">Here is a handy companion plant list-- I cannot seem to find the site I saved this from, but I think it was the local OSU extension site:<span style="font-size: 17px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br />
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<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><colgroup><col width="75"></col><col width="252"></col><col width="141"></col></colgroup><tbody>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plant</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Companions</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Incompatible</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Asparagus</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tomato, Parsley, Basil</span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beans</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most Herbs & Vegetabes</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Onion</span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cabbage</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aromatic Herbs, Celery, Beets, Onion Family, Chamomile, Spinach, Chard</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Strawberries, Tomato, Dill</span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Carrots</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Peas, Lettuce, Onion, Sage, Tomato</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dill</span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Celery</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nasturtium, Onion, Cabbage, Tomato</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cucumber</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beans, Peas, Sunflower, Raddish</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aromatic Herbs, Potato</span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lettuce</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Carrot, Radish, Strawberry, Cucumber</span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Onions</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beets, Carrot, Lettuce, Cabbage</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beans, Peas</span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Parsley</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tomato, Asparagus</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Peas</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Carrots, Raddish, Turnip, Cucumber, Beans,</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Onions, Potato</span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Potato</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Beans, Cabbage, Horseraddish, Marigolds</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunflower, Cucumber, Tomato</span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Raddish</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Peas, Nasturtium, Lettuce, Cucumber</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hyssop</span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spinach</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Strawberry, Faba Bean</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tomato</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Onion, Marigold, Asparagus, Carrot, Parsley, Cucumber</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cabbage, fennel, Potato</span></div>
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<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Turnip</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pea</span></div>
</td><td style="border: 1px solid #000000; padding: 1px 1px 1px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Potato</span></div>
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</tbody></table>
</div>
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Don't forget to plant sunflowers, I do not think there can be too many:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfBX-4nugku7uoXLrkh8Qx4_EEBrjann8R5owtq8UUoRakoCW-bN_1KX-vn_7TiQ68CgLw_5BKd9IB3QdGbqRZmsgAQNj4oqX1yGhUtl8DeeLtGy3WcnUIsMifauMlzQ7WOoiQp46FHI/s1600/sunflower4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfBX-4nugku7uoXLrkh8Qx4_EEBrjann8R5owtq8UUoRakoCW-bN_1KX-vn_7TiQ68CgLw_5BKd9IB3QdGbqRZmsgAQNj4oqX1yGhUtl8DeeLtGy3WcnUIsMifauMlzQ7WOoiQp46FHI/s1600/sunflower4.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-76569670148366318342013-07-15T05:00:00.000-07:002013-07-15T05:00:06.124-07:00Nest Box HogsFirst, lets note that I have nine hens living at the homestead.<br />
Second, lets note that there are TWO nest boxes.<br />
You might think that is not enough nest boxes, however when they all insist on using the SAME box...<br />
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Sometimes there is a back up at the nest box:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5mjwdwb48_irEeDm744kmOcZWvn9Bk0I29FmQ1u_Mmpf1s2Nid_gXxZS8Zn_nvWQLRDGK584A-NRtA_J6JF9fB8U1Lsplm4fvVUPteNmOU8CdOkOzJwliLJK-6qt2jqgPdaa8eA_0wk/s1280/NestBoxOverload2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5mjwdwb48_irEeDm744kmOcZWvn9Bk0I29FmQ1u_Mmpf1s2Nid_gXxZS8Zn_nvWQLRDGK584A-NRtA_J6JF9fB8U1Lsplm4fvVUPteNmOU8CdOkOzJwliLJK-6qt2jqgPdaa8eA_0wk/s1280/NestBoxOverload2.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eureka and Nugget in the box, Myrtle wants in.</td></tr>
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and sometimes those who go broody and therefore hog the best box are forced to share: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWys3n4EXOwmBQOComNWgRPJdxlDYEnMi6wOcRPmoGPjZ4IrN-G_n74OuVQf6EdjiWiwTQqRR-IfnkS3LhU1Q53OjRuVFnV-fg8fQa94LMm9veBRNVX3d-Kr8U66vJHkxGMroKG6YahJ8/s1600/NestBox1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWys3n4EXOwmBQOComNWgRPJdxlDYEnMi6wOcRPmoGPjZ4IrN-G_n74OuVQf6EdjiWiwTQqRR-IfnkS3LhU1Q53OjRuVFnV-fg8fQa94LMm9veBRNVX3d-Kr8U66vJHkxGMroKG6YahJ8/s1600/NestBox1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broody Myrtle forced to share with Eureka</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-87005251849318747272013-07-12T05:00:00.000-07:002013-07-12T05:00:01.418-07:00Peppers<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>Inspiration hit me this year to actually put some effort into growing some hot climate peppers. I diligently covered the ground surrounding my peppers with plastic to keep the soil temperature high--genius, I know.<br />
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The soaker hose is running underneath the plastic---I was really thinking this year and accomplished some advanced gardening thinking ahead. (Basil seedlings in front)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2uIJ5dN6PdTOLml_JmvbW_m3Zvevda-UWjckVEFpt3IKya4yIvSFrkyPhFoIBtrufHm3V6u3RL0B1bAx8eiOk3bA1b7wvZsVM7XjPq0ipUk8IbmPCE8rf5IdXMnox6nMs2hohLZSdBQ/s1600/Pepper2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2uIJ5dN6PdTOLml_JmvbW_m3Zvevda-UWjckVEFpt3IKya4yIvSFrkyPhFoIBtrufHm3V6u3RL0B1bAx8eiOk3bA1b7wvZsVM7XjPq0ipUk8IbmPCE8rf5IdXMnox6nMs2hohLZSdBQ/s1600/Pepper2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdn4iNFbnQmyY0n22cUzyEnLENSi_JxMtVAsM_F2hdq43UDtCebZhyrcn6fhY8t_SuozgHacY2B6OU0KZWaRYfPmHFOgQ9jBL8fQuFTh4ll1miqMz5XnjtEaEU2Af39_tDfEviuJ-JzI/s1600/Pepper1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdn4iNFbnQmyY0n22cUzyEnLENSi_JxMtVAsM_F2hdq43UDtCebZhyrcn6fhY8t_SuozgHacY2B6OU0KZWaRYfPmHFOgQ9jBL8fQuFTh4ll1miqMz5XnjtEaEU2Af39_tDfEviuJ-JzI/s1600/Pepper1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am hoping for some heat from these babies to add to my salsa's this year. We will see.<br />
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-82281701184417513442013-07-10T05:00:00.000-07:002013-07-10T05:00:09.446-07:00Cardoon <a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>I was given some cardoon seed from a friend that described them as beautiful huge flowers. I had no idea what it was, and in fact waited a couple years before I even planted some seed.<br />
I planted it last year in a sunny bed under my young cherry tree. It grew 3-4 feet tall (and no flowers!), but as soon as the chickens were given free reign of the yard in the later fall, they decimated it in a few hours down to nothing.<br />
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Turns out cardoon is edible. It is also known as artichoke thistle. See <a href="http://www.yougrowgirl.com/2010/11/26/growing-and-eating-cardoon/">You Grow Girls post</a>. No wonder the chickens loved it so much. However, the process is pretty long and drawn out with a lot of direction on wrapping the stems up with string and burlap for weeks (ouch, those thorns are a couple inches long!) and then a very complicated cooking process. Not something I am planning to spend my time on anytime soon.<br />
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To my dismay, last year, it never bloomed.<br />
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This year it is covered with blooms! Despite the chicken destruction, it came back with no prompting from me. Hopefully the blooms are glorious.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWASqPCmwBRfuuEXW_R8MEgtWL3aJ6_8l9ysDUgLpRgKwPBQj_yr5iSrd6dunZzAwEreUIY0ZN1htzAr4GPoJnqOjLlNVUQWvnDGDqTf8DmiXmIjKjN9kOR9EwzUdqFC1DcdydgCZVxgo/s1600/cardoon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWASqPCmwBRfuuEXW_R8MEgtWL3aJ6_8l9ysDUgLpRgKwPBQj_yr5iSrd6dunZzAwEreUIY0ZN1htzAr4GPoJnqOjLlNVUQWvnDGDqTf8DmiXmIjKjN9kOR9EwzUdqFC1DcdydgCZVxgo/s1600/cardoon.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the long thorns</td></tr>
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-25441460917284272932013-07-08T05:00:00.001-07:002013-07-08T05:00:06.630-07:00Chocolate Brown Eggs!<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>Thelma or Louise laid their first egg! They are Black Copper Marans, known for laying dark brown "chocolate" eggs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY8-X7wjZ75hsER-IEfjQqpM_WprWgQ2o0KNWY4xXVsHoHYb5nr1FXcVZcCtVbXWpLG-1vRsCAAH7pZoaVMozTeunFUCZmW1pI0FYCSclTBP6JQlrtQbEVi3-gGiKTJFyNEsr1w3mleg/s1600/newegg1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY8-X7wjZ75hsER-IEfjQqpM_WprWgQ2o0KNWY4xXVsHoHYb5nr1FXcVZcCtVbXWpLG-1vRsCAAH7pZoaVMozTeunFUCZmW1pI0FYCSclTBP6JQlrtQbEVi3-gGiKTJFyNEsr1w3mleg/s1600/newegg1.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is another view with context for size. The comparison egg is a medium sized egg, so you can see how her first egg is pretty small.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfXDSPiL5o1FZAtc7DTDqGRnntZ43-AJ3giBcamtmLwYwUOsNCgN_yoQW0iUBcWCazv7cqS8CIp7LsoNwgKPbblD-ykn8fXuVYee41ITGpdfChyphenhyphenHQP32q9YdwZvLbBaUUVn_iNeT7wYU/s1600/newegg2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfXDSPiL5o1FZAtc7DTDqGRnntZ43-AJ3giBcamtmLwYwUOsNCgN_yoQW0iUBcWCazv7cqS8CIp7LsoNwgKPbblD-ykn8fXuVYee41ITGpdfChyphenhyphenHQP32q9YdwZvLbBaUUVn_iNeT7wYU/s1600/newegg2.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I really need to figure out how to tell them apart....hopefully I will find another dark brown egg today!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-24442985071306496732013-07-05T05:00:00.000-07:002013-07-05T05:00:06.888-07:00New Girls in the 'Hood<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>At the end of February Thelma and Louise joined the ranks at the convent:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4RDhG5AhtMtaBuUbr86fGN6Sp94EwpacW00q0PXkjjIkrNb23Wr4GBpux56jg8-XEGcPgZeQ1K_xGeoxtxXVmh96Moq0vdxQGJIPGPgLEeXSfxLnQ1eVRoiet9zhmUK3bD5GofFtcOk/s1280/thelmalouise3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4RDhG5AhtMtaBuUbr86fGN6Sp94EwpacW00q0PXkjjIkrNb23Wr4GBpux56jg8-XEGcPgZeQ1K_xGeoxtxXVmh96Moq0vdxQGJIPGPgLEeXSfxLnQ1eVRoiet9zhmUK3bD5GofFtcOk/s1280/thelmalouise3.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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There were some mishaps with the fact that Louise was actually a Louis issue, but we got it all resolved. Naomi (of <a href="http://naomisorganic.blogspot.com/">Naomi's Organic Farm Supply</a>) let me switch out Louis. Thank you Naomi!!<br />
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The girls have grown up and have integrated fairly seamlessly into the flock...well I did say fairly...you can see Ebony is keeping a close eye on the little girls:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-Vx56tH2DfsrSBoz2mSmv7v1AxAUtYJhPdmAxpu16R8EwcvKDYkEPi3rr-ptuuRNNsnpqgwNr2FeTpvsijWUgM-NpJWpDWj-Q982u5FQvkSpRC5L78b6_AB3bxWQQ33i7lzCf-NOF_4/s1280/BabyGirlsIntro2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-Vx56tH2DfsrSBoz2mSmv7v1AxAUtYJhPdmAxpu16R8EwcvKDYkEPi3rr-ptuuRNNsnpqgwNr2FeTpvsijWUgM-NpJWpDWj-Q982u5FQvkSpRC5L78b6_AB3bxWQQ33i7lzCf-NOF_4/s1280/BabyGirlsIntro2.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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Here they are a couple weeks ago:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnc1eZ1dviyMT9iB5o_oPv9Z5n4rp-m1cec8XvHNpZjJbaCK7klcQXtG50TShC-b9MDAT_gvCdNyqrw9u6onXrAIIKJnS56gCu6xoUtN9b_5YgzHkfFWvyLu78HTAqg4Jf0GlFZfJXkNA/s1600/ThelmaLouise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnc1eZ1dviyMT9iB5o_oPv9Z5n4rp-m1cec8XvHNpZjJbaCK7klcQXtG50TShC-b9MDAT_gvCdNyqrw9u6onXrAIIKJnS56gCu6xoUtN9b_5YgzHkfFWvyLu78HTAqg4Jf0GlFZfJXkNA/s1600/ThelmaLouise.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Getting their fair share of the weed treats.<br />
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They should be laying by the end of this month!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-28086703117914097762013-07-04T11:26:00.001-07:002013-07-04T11:29:45.280-07:00Testing testing 1 2 3 - Artichokes<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am testing the blogger mobile app to see how this can work while The Hubs and I travel around Scandinavia later this summer. Here goes:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So this lovely lady has appeared. I harvested two little artichokes from this plant... But left the largest a bit too long so I am letting it flower. Artichoke flowers are huge and beautiful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEO1GVCA6beaqMRjZkN-Rqpf6gdptuoiHS9SmIGUaRdlqtsN96nYE_2llfQrIyZ2FdaGm3l8wPBMytS3NNmZEjqFCO4PndLWQn6oMT9u4D2m0EBz39JqJiVFXd3DVVNVtMXC3FSOth3A/s640/blogger-image--556826067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEO1GVCA6beaqMRjZkN-Rqpf6gdptuoiHS9SmIGUaRdlqtsN96nYE_2llfQrIyZ2FdaGm3l8wPBMytS3NNmZEjqFCO4PndLWQn6oMT9u4D2m0EBz39JqJiVFXd3DVVNVtMXC3FSOth3A/s640/blogger-image--556826067.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-55804832378569533332013-07-03T05:00:00.000-07:002013-07-03T05:00:13.321-07:00Oregon Berry Tribute<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>I would venture to say that the berries are the best reason to live around here. We withstand the long rainy Winters and Springs and Summers even just so that we can go and pick berries fresh off the bush or the vine. This season is no different.<br />
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Below are a peek into what I have been harvesting from my garden:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuS0X94pL2d3zUmgrczIM6_69sJfkuFUeZ18oh7CH2QB8FqibGnJMM1a4r8CdYMNwujXu6n9lKcaGFOHtrwtKhehyphenhyphen1t_fIF8aJ6j2DAH2vbPKeODntuOP69ViWMFqSg095z3ukqBbN51o/s1280/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuS0X94pL2d3zUmgrczIM6_69sJfkuFUeZ18oh7CH2QB8FqibGnJMM1a4r8CdYMNwujXu6n9lKcaGFOHtrwtKhehyphenhyphen1t_fIF8aJ6j2DAH2vbPKeODntuOP69ViWMFqSg095z3ukqBbN51o/s1280/photo+1.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpi_0tppEQakatBSwV6ieJzCCGv6nYcajW-QZRjNnNqlPtqeEUXfdlzwNqHYKGSpGz28_ALwakhywXVqUvsv6I46zW7A161VSCkKEmWgQymBgQLH_IXmPH-uTS5lRZ6Ho-AdjqgKOONY/s1280/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpi_0tppEQakatBSwV6ieJzCCGv6nYcajW-QZRjNnNqlPtqeEUXfdlzwNqHYKGSpGz28_ALwakhywXVqUvsv6I46zW7A161VSCkKEmWgQymBgQLH_IXmPH-uTS5lRZ6Ho-AdjqgKOONY/s1280/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, so the ice cream is not from my garden.</td></tr>
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-6482186825503510342013-07-02T19:47:00.003-07:002013-07-02T19:47:48.229-07:00I'm back - and so is the garden<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>I know, I know, I KNOW!<br />
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It has been way too long since my last post. I apologize to the entire group of <b>five </b>of you that were actually reading regularly.<br />
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So here goes, I have big plans. BIG PLANS. Hopefully I will get posts up a few times a week regardless of whether I have put together a few paragraphs of garden, chicken or frugality tidbits. I will at least post photos of what is happening in the Pollo Loco homestead - cause I do take photos almost every day.<br />
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So this is what the garden looked like back in March when we actually did install the permanent chicken run -- the first item on my 2013 goal list -- DONE.<br />
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This is what it looked like in May with the radish, kale and beets coming up:<br />
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Here is the garden in June, a couple weeks ago:<br />
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I have been harvesting loads of peas, kale, radish, raspberries and blueberries. Even invited friends to come over and help pick the raspberries!<br />
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How does your garden grow this year?Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-70863710466425342762013-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-23T06:00:03.952-08:00Homesteading Goals for 2013The world has not ended and the zombies did not invade and 2013 is here, therefore we will list our homestead project goals again this year. This remains a list of things I am very interested in doing, but is also a list that gives and takes with all the ups and downs of the years coming events. Our oldest graduates from high school and starts college this year and the Hubs and I are actually going on VACATION this summer so I anticipate less accomplishments.<br />
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Our goals from last year:<br />
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<li><strike>Build a top bar hive and get some bees! </strike> <i>Did not happen last year, the financial investment for a new hive was too much and I did not get organized enough to jump on the swarm list action.</i></li>
<li>Build a new roof for the chicken coop. <i>CHECK! We replaced our little plastic roof with a nice metal corrugated roof complete with <a href="http://polloloco-pdx.blogspot.com/2012/04/new-roof-for-chook-palace.html">gutter and rain chain!</a></i></li>
<li><strike>Start an herb garden in the front yard. </strike> <i>Well, not in the front yard, but I did start one in the back!</i></li>
<li><strike>Make more wine. </strike> <i>Did not get around to it, but we made cider!</i></li>
<li>Make more cider. <i>CHECK! </i></li>
<li><strike>Expand our water collection system.</strike> <i>I am re-thinking the entire system and its location, so this was postponed.</i></li>
<li><strike>Build a root cellar. </strike> <i>This is a much bigger project than anticipated, and the Hubs and I are still trying to decide how to allocate the basement.</i></li>
<li>Learn to make mead. <i>Well, I did learn to make it, just haven't made it myself yet..need the bees!</i></li>
<li>Grow some artichokes. <i>CHECK! </i></li>
<li><strike>Use the pressure canner. </strike> Turns out I did not have much to pressure can this year, so I ended up freezing our green beans instead.</li>
</ol>
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Hmmm.... so 4 out 10 is not too bad..... is it? I did accomplish some things that were not even included on this list.<br />
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<li>We built and planted a hugelkultur bed, and it was very much a success after I figured out how to keep the chooks out of it <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=89440505491310095#editor/target=post;postID=5480721176282797119">again </a>and <a href="http://polloloco-pdx.blogspot.com/2012/05/hens-of-anarchy.html">again</a>!</li>
<li>We grew three watermelons! Okay, they were less than 3" in diameter and I ended up feeding them to the chickens...but I grew them!</li>
<li>I planted a new pear and an Italian plum tree, and kept them watered through the summer and they survived, even grew three pears!</li>
</ul>
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Pollo Loco 2013 Homesteading Goals:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Build a permanent chicken run.</li>
<li>Add two more <a href="http://polloloco-pdx.blogspot.com/2012/02/urban-farm-challenge-2012.html">hugelkulter </a>beds.</li>
<li>Layout a planting plan utilizing companion planting and actually follow it this year (this is started!).</li>
<li>Build and use a cider press (with our friend that has a farm with apple trees).</li>
<li>Intermingle more herbs and beneficial flowers into the veggie beds.</li>
</ol>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznxhf0c0RTHXvJXQS2eM3_51UwHXkhC-XdTNqsR95KoeVsLtcaKKWybj35yNOjIGbKGJ3c5_0cK_sLUWauw6pj3V3tU_YyZtMI2W4eQmHwbL9R9piI8pGpqMjbVKk9pbfj6fSiKYFJcE/s1600/PolloLoco-Pano.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznxhf0c0RTHXvJXQS2eM3_51UwHXkhC-XdTNqsR95KoeVsLtcaKKWybj35yNOjIGbKGJ3c5_0cK_sLUWauw6pj3V3tU_YyZtMI2W4eQmHwbL9R9piI8pGpqMjbVKk9pbfj6fSiKYFJcE/s640/PolloLoco-Pano.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pollo Loco circa 2012 - "Before"</td></tr>
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This is a good before photo of the homestead, note the sticks and plastic fencing for the chicken run. Stay tuned to see the transformation!<br />
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<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-62759971266533325412012-12-31T15:43:00.000-08:002012-12-31T15:44:02.254-08:00Out with 2012 - ResultsHarvest season this year really took it all out of me. Between preserving the harvest, Fall high school Volleyball and Cross Country and the holiday's the time flew by, and I find myself here on New Year's Eve realizing I have not posted in three months!<br />
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Despite the flea beetle fiasco, I did manage to can 67 pounds of tomato's into Jars of Joy, plum salsa, regular salsa and ketchup. With my bumper crop of cucumbers (45 pounds) I attempted some spicy pickles and some lemon pickles, despite my dislike of anything fermented. We were lucky enough to have two large boxes of plums sent our way from a couple of local backyards; these were made into salsa and jam and the rest dried for snacking. My Aunt's friend supplied us with well over 30 pounds of fresh Dungeness crab, most of which is long gone and thoroughly enjoyed freshly cooked and dipped in butter, the way nature intended. The rest we have frozen to add to chowder soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOwsr1DsRtNI_2YxSTl1F1ub8iFsXx1rSHDXuVKdoAjXpPi6L5UT_QmcfBmt4xgRkrA_G8ZsZshbcnSQjL5XlV9FEthrmjEbIeghm-5H5CgB1jwcA8_If1MpZNWSbrOTdBYA12Z_72A0/s1600/2012-11-12_1352686094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOwsr1DsRtNI_2YxSTl1F1ub8iFsXx1rSHDXuVKdoAjXpPi6L5UT_QmcfBmt4xgRkrA_G8ZsZshbcnSQjL5XlV9FEthrmjEbIeghm-5H5CgB1jwcA8_If1MpZNWSbrOTdBYA12Z_72A0/s640/2012-11-12_1352686094.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This last year I resolved to track the results of our efforts here at Pollo Loco Homestead and my mission was accomplished!<br />
<b>Below are the results of our labors for 2012:</b><br />
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<b>Harvested produce- 345 lbs.</b><br />
<b>Total eggs - 961 (80 dozen)</b><br />
<b>Total meat - 38 lbs. (rooster and Dungeness crab)</b><br />
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<b>Savings - $1,511.03</b><br />
<b>Expenditures - $655.01</b><br />
<b>Total savings - $856.02</b><br />
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Since adding to the flock in Fall 2011 (for a total of 8 hens currently), our egg production was way up this year, with a peak of 144 eggs in the month of July. We only had a barren couple of weeks this year at the beginning of December. Now that the solstice has passed, the young girls have already started laying again!<br />
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Tracking the production of the garden and chickens proves to me that the effort is definitely worth it, time well spent to feed my family gourmet, organically grown fruit and veggies.<br />
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Happy a happy and safe New Year!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTA_TNnKlT3hUsfGTCZpIbZ0hWyZHIDE5KhGWmw8pmTGKJkDoMVYz3Xq8ctnbUEKorkkrQR1VWlOfHZHRV2B9ODBvQ0RAMxUTqdZDBs4L70w_mC9bxLlvJK4wyn1s_jM0tEu5rlW82HI/s1600/Sunriver-Snowscene.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTA_TNnKlT3hUsfGTCZpIbZ0hWyZHIDE5KhGWmw8pmTGKJkDoMVYz3Xq8ctnbUEKorkkrQR1VWlOfHZHRV2B9ODBvQ0RAMxUTqdZDBs4L70w_mC9bxLlvJK4wyn1s_jM0tEu5rlW82HI/s640/Sunriver-Snowscene.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter wonderland in Sunriver, Oregon</td></tr>
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89440505491310095.post-10329666199695692542012-09-04T06:00:00.000-07:002012-09-04T06:00:12.912-07:00First Tomato?This is the first tomato harvested from our garden this year:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rMyGcYOgleIBAZsCUgHgmGWt8QtcitLx8XCqSjJO5PPJ_UoU3Ln5oWhOMB7qJI1snTH3YTKkImoJPmTiZ0v6khvd3d9nsu-fvHb-98QVsv5IlJ6Sd2BnFfCIBV4VgS8pIjLaebQ-skM/s1600/firsttomato2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rMyGcYOgleIBAZsCUgHgmGWt8QtcitLx8XCqSjJO5PPJ_UoU3Ln5oWhOMB7qJI1snTH3YTKkImoJPmTiZ0v6khvd3d9nsu-fvHb-98QVsv5IlJ6Sd2BnFfCIBV4VgS8pIjLaebQ-skM/s640/firsttomato2012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Think this is an Oregon Spring--which should have ripened in July.</td></tr>
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THIS IS SEPTEMBER 3rd!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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Those little <a href="http://polloloco-pdx.blogspot.com/2012/07/friday-farm-flea-beetle-tomato-pest.html">flea beatle</a> buggers really did a number on my young plants. This is the only ripe tomato in my garden. The plants are laden with fruit, but nothing is rip yet. I am hoping for a few more weeks of warm weather.<br />
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I planted some radishes next to the plants and they did seem to attract the flea beatles....and although they did not succeed in killing the plants, they did stunt their growth long enough to radically affect the growing season. I may have to buy (gasp!) some tomato's this year if I am going to can them.<br />
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<a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01102374420032718872noreply@blogger.com1