Prepping Hyperbole
Apr 29 2013-
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- Written by Mark Steel
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Everybody hears from the government on down about being ready to “bug out”; implying if there is a disaster coming such as a hurricane, snowstorm, zombie invasion or perhaps the mother-in-laws annual visit you need to be prepared to go to a safe haven. To this end I want to discuss some thoughts on this wide and varied topic.
Only you can assess what is the danger to you and yours if given an advance warning. All your general preparations may disappear in a tornado, or flood; maybe an insurrection, with swarms of the hungry. Let us first examine one of the most popular National Geographic entertainments on the tube today: National Geographic’s “Doomsday Preppers”.
Seed Saving: Brassia
Apr 16 2013-
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- Written by Mark Steel
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After planting in the greenhouse last fall I have four good pictures for you on seed saving for cabbage family plants. The three plants show the three stages of seed development from flower to seedpod and the drop of the pod. If you have a good long season and plant early you can best do this in the sunlit garden.
Our lead in picture is what you will see in the grocery store.
Broccoli is always a child’s favorite except in my family, (pun). Actually broccoli is one of the very best flowering plants for health. Notice in the lead in picture that the “head of the plant” is spread out and there are side shoots. This is what most people steam for the plate. Yet in Asia it is more common to also slice up the stalk-tough indeed-peel it, then steam with the lighter heads. We often in out quest for delicate treats disregard what is offered us in nature’s bounty. Try the diced stems in a soup base and save the heads and shoots for steaming with cheese sauce.
Growing Grapes
Mar 24 2013-
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- Written by Mark Steel
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Growing grapes is easy, that is if you get started. At my retreat I had envisioned the legal limit for a homeowner of a ¼ acre. Unfortunately I was overwhelmed with projects, but the deer and birds had a good treat. Many of these vines are still growing. .My desire to make my own wines never diminished, but in recent years I have been researching the benefits of grape seed extracts and locating the correct non-developed semi-wild antique grapes for my new venture.
Electrical Savvy
Mar 08 2013-
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- Written by Mark Steel
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I talk a lot this year on electrical home generators. Every time there is a local DISASTER, consumers like you and me, flock to the big box stores and local small retailers looking for an inexpensive generator.
Price dictates.
Unfortunately, as I have discussed in prior articles what really dictates the generator purchase is WATTAGE. That is the total measurable electricity that is being absorbed in the circuitry of your home. This is read by the electrical power company on your outside watt meter for the month and is the basis of your monthly electric bill.
"Because I have known the torment of thirst I would dig a well where others might drink."