Posted on 03/23/2008 11:36:40 PM PDT by nw_arizona_granny
Americans finding soaring food prices hard to stomach can battle back by growing their own food. [Click image for a larger version] Dean Fosdick Dean Fosdick
Home vegetable gardens appear to be booming as a result of the twin movements to eat local and pinch pennies.
At the Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta this winter, D. Landreth Seed Co. of New Freedom, Pa., sold three to four times more seed packets than last year, says Barb Melera, president. "This is the first time I've ever heard people say, 'I can grow this more cheaply than I can buy it in the supermarket.' That's a 180-degree turn from the norm."
Roger Doiron, a gardener and fresh-food advocate from Scarborough, Maine, said he turned $85 worth of seeds into more than six months of vegetables for his family of five.
A year later, he says, the family still had "several quarts of tomato sauce, bags of mixed vegetables and ice-cube trays of pesto in the freezer; 20 heads of garlic, a five-gallon crock of sauerkraut, more homegrown hot-pepper sauce than one family could comfortably eat in a year and three sorts of squash, which we make into soups, stews and bread."
[snipped]
She compares the current period of market uncertainty with that of the early- to mid-20th century when the concept of victory gardens became popular.
"A lot of companies during the world wars and the Great Depression era encouraged vegetable gardening as a way of addressing layoffs, reduced wages and such," she says. "Some companies, like U.S. Steel, made gardens available at the workplace. Railroads provided easements they'd rent to employees and others for gardening."
(Excerpt) Read more at dallasnews.com ...
Thank you all for being so gracious!!!
I have the thread on my computer, in two files. Posts 1-4500 in the first and 4501-9000 in the second. I have to upload it, which I will to tonight and give you all the YouSendIt link. Sorry for the dalay... I’ve been moving and dealing with health stuff, plus my laptop won’t talk to my new internet service for some reason. Hopefully I’m getting that fixed today.
Praise God you are back!!!!!!!!! I love you so much!
Exactly right, WCG, BUY ORGANIC WHENEVER YOU CAN!!
GMO produce must carry a leading digit of “8” on its sticker. Organic has a leading digit of “9” and conventional produce has a four digit number starting with “4”.
DON’T BE FOOLED!! Nearly all soybeans are GMO. Buy organic!!!
Soros basically bet that the Bank of England would fail and then set about politically to make sure that happened. He apparently sold shares of stock and then drove the price down, and bought the shares at bargain prices. I would not be surprised if he were doing the same thing again here.
There was a lot of discussion in the late 90s about these “heritage” sites and foreign troops coming and going wearing blue helmets or black SWAT gear. The nay-sayers all denied there was anything to this story and called us “black helicopter crazies.” But the stories were very compelling. There was a guy on shortwave called Chuck Harder and then he seemed to disappear. He talked about it every night and how Clinton was going to sell out the US’s sovereignty, which he tried to do.
http://www.chuckhardershow.com/
The name rang a bell with me. Years ago when in FL for a funeral, I stayed at the B&B where the radio station was/is housed. Funny, I hadn’t thought about that since then until I read his nameAfter a quick search, I guess he’s still around. The inn was very nice although it needed some work. I love old houses and the Suwannee River State Park is beautiful.
Thanks for the link Kalee, I will take a look!
Oh but it’s all so innocent according to some who posted on that thread. Nothing to see here, just move along...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2175396/posts?page=47
Systematic Planning Will Help Your Thrifty Gardening
The Eagle.com ^ | January 30, 2009 | The Eagle Staff
Posted on 01/30/2009 19:49:17 by Diana in Wisconsin
With the economy as it is, many are talking about being thrifty. These frugal gardening tips may help save some “green.”
[Several good ideas in this thread...granny]
[I am smiling]
Wonderful to know you are still with us, thank you.
The radio says that there will be 6 more weeks of winter, as the ground hog appeared today.
LOL, OK, I admit that I forgot, if seeing his shadow said that winter was over or on for another 6 weeks.
Every time the radio says it will be 50 degrees today, my heart skips a beat, as they [gardners, here] say it is time to plant the warm weather foods when the ground is up to 50 degrees.
I like your tag line, it fits the battle to survive.
An extra hug for you.
Those are the head in the sand ostrich people :)
You’re back! *Waving*
A Marine who was on US Air flight 1549. His account. Very Interesting.
This is from a Partner at Heidrick & Struggles who was on Flight 1549.
As many of you now know, Gerry McNamara (New York/Charlotte) was on US
Airways Flight 1549 last week. We caught up with him to discuss the
harrowing incident and - in a departure from our usual format - present his
stirring account as told to us:
Thursday was a difficult day for all of us at the firm and I left the Park
Avenue office early afternoon to catch a cab bound for LaGuardia Airport.
I was scheduled for a 5pm departure, but able to secure a seat on the
earlier flight scheduled to leave at 3PM. As many of us who fly frequently
often do, I recall wondering if I’d just placed myself on a flight I
shouldn’t be on!
Just prior to boarding I finished up a conference call with my associate,
Jenn Sparks (New York), and our placement, the CIO of United Airlines. When
I told him that I was about to board a US Airways flight, we all had a
little fun with it.
I remember walking on the plane and seeing a fellow with grey hair in the
cockpit and thinking “that’s a good thing... I like to see grey hair in the
cockpit!”
I was seated in 8F, on the starboard side window and next to a young
business man. The New York to Charlotte flight is one I’ve taken what seems
like hundreds of times over the years. We take off north over the Bronx and
as we climb, turn west over the Hudson River to New Jersey and tack south. I
love to fly, always have, and this flight plan gives a great view of several
NY landmarks including Yankee Stadium and the George Washington Bridge.
I had started to point out items of interest to the gentleman next to me
when we heard a terrible crash - a sound no one ever wants to hear while
flying - and then the engines wound down to a screeching halt. 10 seconds
later, there was a strong smell of jet fuel. I knew we would be landing and
thought the pilot would take us down no doubt to Newark Airport. As we began
to turn south I noticed the pilot lining up on the river still - I thought
- en route for Newark.
Next thing we heard was “Brace for impact!” - a phrase I had heard many
years before as an active duty Marine Officer but never before on a
commercial air flight.
Everyone looked at each other in shock. It all happened so fast we were
astonished!
We began to descend rapidly and it started to sink in. This is the last
flight. I’m going to die today. This is it. I recited my favorite bible
verse, the Lord’s Prayer, and asked God to take care of my wife, children,
family and friends.
When I raised my head I noticed people texting their friends and family —
getting off a last message. My blackberry was turned off and in my trouser
pocket no time to get at it. Our descent continued and I prayed for courage
to control my fear and help if able.
I quickly realized that one of two things was going to happen, neither of
them good. We could hit by the nose, flip and break up, leaving few if any
survivors, bodies, cold water, fuel. Or we could hit one of the wings and
roll and flip with the same result. I tightened my seat belt as tight as I
could possibly get it so I would remain intact.
As we came in for the landing, I looked out the windows and remember seeing
the buildings in New Jersey, the cliffs in Weehawken, and then the piers.
The water was dark green and sure to be freezing cold. The stewardesses were
yelling in unison “Brace! Brace! Brace!”
It was a violent hit - the water flew up over my window - but we bobbed up
and were all amazed that we remained intact.
There was some panic - people jumping over seats and running towards the
doors, but we soon got everyone straightened out and calmed down. There were
a lot of people that took leadership roles in little ways. Those sitting at
the doors over the wing did a fantastic job — they were opened in a New
York second! Everyone worked together - teamed up and in groups to figure
out how to help each other.
I exited on the starboard side of the plane, 3 or 4 rows behind my seat
through a door over the wing and was, I believe, the 10th or 12th person
out. I took my seat cushion as a flotation device and once outside saw I was
the only one who did..none of us remembered to take the yellow inflatable
life vests from under the seat.
We were standing in 6-8 inches of water and it was freezing. There were two
women on the wing, one of whom slipped off into the water. Another passenger
and I pulled her back on and had her kneel down to keep from falling off
again. By that point we were totally soaked and absolutely frozen from the
icy wind.
The ferries were the first to arrive, and although they’re not made for
rescue, they did an incredible job. I know this river, having swum in it as
a boy. The Hudson is an estuary - part salt and part fresh water - and moves
with the tide. I could tell the tide was moving out because we were tacking
slowly south towards Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty, and The Battery.
The first ferry boat pulled its bow up to the tip of the wing, and the first
mate lowered the Jacobs ladder down to us. We got a couple people up the
ladder to safety, but the current was strong pushing the stern of the boat
into the inflatable slide and we were afraid it would puncture it — there
must have been 25 passengers in it by now. Only two or three were able to
board the first ferry before it moved away.
Another ferry came up, and we were able to get the woman that had fallen
into the water on the ladder, but she just couldn’t move her legs and fell
off. Back onto the ladder she went; however, the ferry had to back away
because of the swift current. A helicopter arrived on station (nearly
blowing us all off the wing) and followed the ferry with the woman on the
ladder. We lost view of the situation but I believe the helicopter lowered
its basket to rescue her.
As more ferries arrived, we were able to get people up on the boats a few at
a time. The fellow in front of me fell off the ladder and into the water.
When we got him back on the ladder he could not move his legs to climb. I
couldn’t help him from my position so I climbed up the ladder to the ferry
deck where the first mate and I hoisted the Jacobs ladder with him on
it.when he got close enough we grabbed his trouser belt and hauled him on
deck. We were all safely off the wing.
We could not stop shaking. Uncontrollable shaking. The only thing I had with
me was my blackberry, which had gotten wet and was not working. (It started
working again a few hours later).
The ferry took us to the Weehawken Terminal in NJ where I borrowed a phone
and called my wife to let her know I was okay. The second call I made was to
Jenn. I knew she would be worried about me and could communicate to the rest
of the firm that I was fine. At the terminal, first responders assessed
everyone’s condition and sent people to the hospital as needed. As we pulled
out of Weehawken my history kicked in and I recall it was the site of the
famous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr in 1804. Thankfully I
left town in better condition than Mr. Hamilton who died of a mortal wound
the next day! I stayed with my sister on Long Island that evening, then flew
home the next day.
I am struck by what was truly a miracle. Had this happened a few hours
later, it would have been pitch dark and much harder to land. Ferries would
no longer have been running after rush hour and it would not have been the
same uplifting story. Surely there would have been fatalities, hypothermia,
an absolute disaster!
I witnessed the best of humanity that day. I and everyone on that plane
survived and have been given a second chance. It struck me that in our work
we continuously seek excellence to solve our client’s leadership problems.
We talk to clients all the time about the importance of experience and the
ability to execute. Experience showed up big time on Flight 1549 as our
pilot was a dedicated, trained, experienced professional who executed
flawlessly when he had to.
I have received scores of emails from across the firm and I am so grateful
for the outpouring of interest and concern. We all fly a great deal or work
with someone who does and so I wanted to share this story - the story of a
miracle. I am thankful to be here to tell the tale.
There is a great deal to be learned including: Why has this happened to me?
Why have I survived and what am I supposed to do with this gift? For me, the
answers to these questions and more will come over time, but already I find
myself being more patient and forgiving, less critical and judgmental.
For now I have 4 lessons I would like to share:
1. Cherish your families as never before and go to great lengths to keep
your promises.
2. Be thankful and grateful for everything you have and don’t worry about
the things you don’t have.
3. Keep in shape. You never know when you’ll be called upon to save your own
life, or help someone else save theirs.
4. When you fly, wear practical clothing. You never know when you’ll end up
in an emergency or on an icy wing in flip flops and pajamas and of
absolutely no use to yourself or anyone else.
From: osint@yahoogroups.com
Everything you eat including “organic” has been genetically modified.
Today is a work day and I have both an eye infection and what feels like a kidney infection this morning. One of these days I may have to give up wearing contact lenses.<<<
Are your feeling better?
Did you remember to drink cranberry juice for the kidneys and bladder problems, it does work.
I had a good post to you almost ready for mailing and the program crashed....
Before I got back up, Scott came and I have my computer back, feels slower, LOL, but you know how old memories go.
It will take a few days to get caught up and tell stories again.
Like you, I was given a wake-up call many years ago as to what it’s like to have to do without. I have been poor and I have been comfortable but the lessons learned while poor are more valuable than a great paycheck.<<<
Yes, poor is valuable training for the rest of our lives.
Thank you for your prayers, they can be used and will be.
Your grocery store trips make me smile, as when Mary and I went to Yuma once a month for our shopping needs, our last stop was for the boxes of vegetable scraps at Safeway, for the Chickens, goats, etc.
We did share with them, but first, we went through the boxes for usable items. We rarely bought celery, as they toss it at the first sign of age and the animals got the outer stalks the rest went in the freezer.
Within a day or so, we would have a fine meal of the goodies.
Yes, it helped the budget, but it also gave us a goal of using something that was going to be wasted.
It is more fun to find something usable, [to me], than going shopping.
I envy you your compost, it does not do well here, but in the past, I found where a stable dumped the cleanings from the stables and would go and get the old for the garden.
LOL, they have covered about an acre with it, all nicely dumped in piles.
You are right about starting with a good soil, the natural soil here will grow a pea plant about 6 inches tall, which might have one pod on it, with one pea in it.
What a shock, my first garden was.
The compost does not stay in the soil here, as the wind blows it away.
How large is your greenhouse?
If it is too small, it will heat and cool too fast and not work as well.
I would add a little compost to your seedling mix, not a lot.
It was impossible for me to be totally organic here, so I do as well as I can, the best seed starter that I have used, is Walmarts Pro-mix potting soil /mix.
It makes the seed jump up and start right off, excellent starting material.
If you need more heat, consider those large soda and juice or milk bottles filled with water, the sun will warm them in the day time and they will release the heat as they cool, I have used barrels of water, with the seedlings on top of them in my greenhouses, for years.
I also sit a few bottles of water in with the young plants when I plant them out.
Don’t let the water collect in the seedling pots and rot the seeds. At night you can lay plastic over the top of the pots and take it off with the first sign of moisture collecting on it.
It is best to water from the bottom, or do as I learned to do, I use mostly styrofoam coffee cups to start seeds in, poke 3 small holes in the bottom, but when I plant, I leave a small area free of seed and put a mark on the lip, so I know where to water.
Like posting, a few is never enough, so there was no way of knowing where to water if I felt the need to pour it in the pot.
And you can write with a good ball point pen on the cup.
I always gathered up the used cups at meetings and rarely had to buy new ones, as they are usable for about 3 years.
Sun, heat and water and you will do fine.
On the small seeds, just barely cover them, 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch of soil on top, not as deep as you would outdoors.
Good luck and have fun.
We have posted cheese making several times, Tenth Amendment Champion, did a good one in December or about then, with photos, as my memory recalls.
Like planting seeds, it is easy, once you learn the tricks of it.
Hold out for your goats, they will laugh at you, my love of goats goes back to a rank billy goat, that I considered my friend, when I was only 3 or 4 years old.
I remember bringing him in the house, we were both looking at ourselves in the tilt mirror on the dresser, when all hell broke loose, my mother had found us and she did not like goats, and LOL, not in her bedroom.......
I asked my aunts several times and could never get them to stop laughing and tell me the rest of the story......I fear the billy goat attacked the mirror to get at the other goat.
Fortunately all the farmers for over a mile from me all are very cautious to also avoid GMO and particularly the Terminator Gene type. There have been several lawsuits over this<<<
Thanks to DelaWhere, all the information that I was thinking of is here in her post 9479 about the lawsuits.
Welcome to the thread DelaWhere, and thank you for the
“rest of the story”.
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