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November 25, 2008
Beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico
On our wonderful National Review Cruise, the main stop was San Juan, Puerto Rico. I took many photos and I finally have them uploaded.
And yes, if you like any of them, you can purchase them from Exposure Manager.
Here is one of my favorites:
And another:
Posted by Beth at 10:33 AM | Comments (1)
Redecorating Advice
more animals
Posted by Beth at 6:44 AM | Comments (2)
November 24, 2008
Monday morning farm report
Here is my promised update on yesterday's accomplishments.
1. there is now lighting in the hen house that should encourage the birds to start laying again.
2. I made one nesting box out of an old plastic storage bin (not clear, they like their privacy, don't ya know!) and some scrap wood.
3. I discovered a hidden nest they have been laying eggs in. It is in the barn, the little sneaks, they are not supposed to hang out in there. So, I marked the eggs in the nest (I have no idea how old they might be, so they will be decoys) and now, if any of them lay there, I'll know the fresh eggs from the decoy eggs. I figure this counts as a nesting box, so I got two finished!
4. I decided to start a blog devoted to the farm and all the activities based on the farm. I will probably be writing there more than here, unless I get really riled up about something that I cannot relate to life on the farm.
So, the big reveal is now - The Farm at Castle Argghhh!!!, My new blog!
Posted by Beth at 6:45 AM
November 23, 2008
Running the farm
I am still learning how to do this farm thing. Some day, I would love for us to be much more self-sufficient when it comes to food and such. It is harder than you might think. It takes a lot of physical energy, and you have to constantly remember that there are a lot of living creatures completely dependent on you for food and water.
Like the chickens and Guinea Fowl. They need adequate clean water available at all times. They also have a nasty habit of getting the water all icky. Actually, I blame Mrs. Duck for that - she thinks all containers with water in them are her personal little ponds, and she plops herself in them (even in very cold weather) and gives herself a bath.
For some odd reason, Duck and Aflac do not put their entire bodies into the water - they just dunk their heads in.
Anyway, I often find that I need to change the water and clean the containers several times a day. Even the specialized waterers for chickens do not keep the water clean. They will sit on top of them and poop. Ick.
In the winter, I can't use water hoses to get the water to them, because they will freeze up, so I carry buckets of water to them.
And I need to get their lighting situation in the new hen house improved. Right now, there are two infrared heat lamps in it to keep the temperature above freezing, but because of the short winter days, and the lack of light, the hens do not lay eggs unless I install a light with a timer, to trick them into thinking it is not winter, so they will lay eggs!
If I can get them all to lay eggs, they should be able to pay for their own keep, important as the damned chicken feed has about doubled in price since last year, and this is supposed to be a money making venture at some time in the future! Or, at least a break-even venture!
And the goats, they actually prefer warm water in winter, or so I've been told. But I really don't like the idea of an electric cord in their part of the barn - the critters will munch on anything. So, I am going to put start boiling water a few times a day and pouring it into their cold water to make it a bit warmer.
The horses, believe it or not, are much easier. They are in a huge pasture with a small 1+ acre lake and a small pond and some streams. As long as they have adequate grass in the pasture and the occasional round bale of hay, they do pretty well by themselves.
Of course, the horses cost money - vet bills, shoeing, etc. can put a real big dent in my budget. And that is just for my two horses.
The other 7 horses here belong to Major and his brother, Andrew. They are supposed to be helping me out around the farm in return, but you know, I'm finding that they are too busy to help me out much. If I was charging them the average rate for pasture, I'd be making $100 a horse per month, which would sure make things easier. But they do not have that kind of money. Or if they do, they hide that fact pretty damn well!
Sometimes I know that people take advantage of us. We always try to help people out, but it in many cases, I feel like we are going broke without getting anything in return.
Except for Denizen Ry. When he shows up (sometimes with his lovely wife), he works his arse off helping me to mend fences and clean the barn, take care of the critters etc. Wow, what a great guy.
I wish he would teach Major and Andrew how to be more helpful.
Anyway, the bottom line is that I have got to figure out a way to earn some money. I lost my job a year ago, and that would have been fine if the market had not gone all to hell. I cannot go back to traveling all over the place and working 60 + hours a week only to be mocked for my age day in and out by the culture of youth that Cerner has developed.
I am scattered enough, though, that it is very hard for me to finish all the things I start. That does not make for a successful farm. I have got to prioritize projects and do them.
So, I am going to report each day what I plan to do and whether or not I get them done in an effort to encourage myself to NOT embarrass myself here on the blog.
Therefore, today, my goal is to set up lighting in the new hen house and to create a couple more nesting boxes in it - they don't like the makeshift one at all.
My other goal is to get two loads of laundry done and put away.
I'll update this evening or tomorrow morning!
Posted by Beth at 6:40 AM | Comments (2)
November 22, 2008
I learn to spin today
And I mean spin as in the spinning of fiber into yarn, not riding a stationary bike really fast!
So, I'll be in Spinning Class all day long. Yarn Barn is the shop that teaches it.
Posted by Beth at 7:35 AM | Comments (1)
Been working on photos
I have uploaded most of the National Review Cruise pictures with people in them.
I still have a bunch of gorgeous photos of the tropical paradises we visited that I'm working on.
Anyone know a fast way to tag photos?
Gosh darn, this is absolutely taking forever!
Posted by Beth at 5:35 AM | Comments (2)
November 19, 2008
Back to normal
We are back from the National Review Post Election Cruise and I have about 300 photos to go through and upload to ExposureManager.com
It was a wonderful trip. Meeting so many National Review writers and editors along with all the other folks who attended was just great.
And yeah, we have been home a few days, but Wendy left Kansas today to go to Colorado, so there was some hanging out to do.
Our friend and Castle Argghhh! Denizen, Ry, really helped Wendy out while we were on the cruise. He got more done in a week than I normally get done in ... oh ... umm.... a year.
Ry drove home on Monday and interviewed for a job and got it!
Oh, darn.
I have to go - later.
Posted by Beth at 4:31 PM | Comments (3)
November 6, 2008
And the stock market continues its fall into nothingness
Anyone who thinks that the Market's fall is due to anything outside of Obama's election, really needs to look at reality.
And, as an aside, I'm curious as to what defines a 'rich person' for you all?
Posted by Beth at 3:20 PM | Comments (11)
Time to regroup, rethink, restate
The election of Barack Obama has been an impetus for me to become more involved in politics. Even if it is just more political blogging and more notes to Congress and the President.
I think all Conservatives should consider the following:
1. Name calling does NOT make your case in the political sphere. Civility need not be lost forever just because it disappeared among the left during the past 8 years.
2. Attack the message, not the messenger. I think perhaps Fisking should come back into popular blogging when it comes to statements from the President Elect or his supporters.
3. Be factual. Be logical.
4. It's way past time to start talking to minorities about how Conservatism is better for everyone than Liberalism.
Most Latino and African American people I know are fairly religions and many are pro-life. If we can get them to help us in the fight to stop the so-called "Freedom of Choice Act".
5. Write letters to the editors of Newspapers. Write to CNN, FOX, MSNBC.
6. Guard against anything that will take away our Bill of Rights.
I'm sure there are more things. Please feel free to make suggestions
Posted by Beth at 7:34 AM | Comments (2)
November 5, 2008
Well, there goes the Market
As I feared, Obama's election is causing the market to tank even more. Nearly 500 points down so far today.
There are not going to be any rich people left by the time he takes the oath if the market keeps this up!
Posted by Beth at 3:02 PM | Comments (1)
Congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama
As our great country, the United States of America, has managed to do every 4 years for over two centuries, we have once again elected the next President of the United States. Even more importantly is the fact that we elected an African-American man less than 50 years after Jim Crow laws were in force. This is a very good thing. We are not a racist country, and I believe that has been true for quite awhile. This just proves it.
I hope and pray that those of us who are in the loyal opposition will not stoop to the lows of those on the Left after President Bush won his elections. I hope there will be no such thing as Obama Derangement Syndrome among the Right.
I pray that we, unlike many Democrats in the past 8 years, will pray for and support Barrack Obama's presidency. Mind you, that does not mean we should support all of his policies. But we must support his presidency. I don't ever want to hear anyone in this country comparing Obama with Hitler or wishing him anything but a long and healthy life.
The left has treated President Bush shamefully for too long. I believe that those of us on the Right can be good examples to the rest of the country on how to properly respect a President even while disagreeing with him or her.
Obama has a lot to learn about America. He is too focused on big city politics. He will have to give respect to those of us in rural areas, and he needs to do that quickly by assuring us that he will not look to remove our 2nd Amendment and 1st Amendment rights.
I have to get ready to drive to KMBZ Radio this morning to talk about the election results. You can listen on-line if you like. I'll be on from 8 am Central to 9 am Central with two other folks who are faithful listeners to the Morning Show on KMBZ.
Posted by Beth at 4:56 AM | Comments (5)
November 4, 2008
Interesting thoughts from a Polish friend
My photographer friend, Jordan, sent me this email tonight:
Dear Beth.,I keep my ′fingers crossed for America - in so important day
how it will look America for several hours ? I reflect . I do not know which choice will make americans. On its own manner every choice will be good. Because this is the democratic choice - and free election this is a holiday of the democracy. But , in a way , dead me which polarization followed. Just OK , such rights of the democracy. But is still another thing which gets on my nerves lately . The lack of the objectivism of media. They made their own hero the only one person. And where I will not look - there He is.. I open the newspaper - only about Him , open TV set - He, I am going with the street - I see his posters - even I approach to the refrigerator - I see his label. I already fear this refrigerator to open - because I seem that soon he will jump out. It is some madness and the madness. My starting page ,at my PC is Yahoo.com - whether I do not want, I begin the day from crying titles with their hero name, as not He - it is his family.- funny little bit .. .
tell me how you live these hours of elections ? How opinions your nearest environment? I am very interested.
. Of course I am working with my photography - I must even boast that last week Prime Minister of Poland bought from me 10 large sizes of photos ( the second time - as year before too).
I run to the television set that to check last results ! - if all they voted so as in
kentucky ....
I wrote Jordan for his permission to post his email - in reply, he said, in reply to a comment I made about Obama's pro-abortion/anti-life stance and also my fears of socialism
:
yes, its a problem ., but you know , Obama wants to be a kind of "flowers child" of revolution of 60' - but problem is that he did not notice that flowers in the vase sear long long ago ago - its other time , other days .. and main problem that Obama is only an instrument in other , what a paradox,rich people hands.( see his election money and great praises of Soros for example ... anyway Soros its a VERY interesting person - I would be very interesting about his role in last finance crisis - and how much money he earned..- he has a g o o d experience - he almost did not bring with speculations to the bankruptcy greatest financial institutions of United Kingdom few years ago...)
And, his last words, in regards to communism:
the socialist redistribution came true nowhere - and will not come true in america
Sometimes, I think our friends in other countries see the USA with better understanding than many of our own citizens. Especially those from former Communist Block countries.
Thanks, Jordan. I love hearing from you!
Posted by Beth at 9:09 PM | Comments (2)
November 2, 2008
If you enjoy the food choices we have here in the USA
Do NOT vote for BHO. Obama wants to change the way farming works. Yes, a guy who has lived in cities thinks he knows the way to make American Agriculture - which grows food that feeds the world - better. Or at least better in his way of thinking.
From HatChat.net:
Just days before farmers will be going to vote, Democratic candidate Barack Obama made a major slip when he criticized American agriculture. In an interview with Time Magazine he said, “I was just reading an article in the New York Times by Michael Pollan about food and the fact that our entire agricultural system is built on cheap oil. As a consequence, our agriculture sector actually is contributing more greenhouse gases than our transportation sector. And in the meantime, it’s creating monocultures that are vulnerable to national security threats, are now vulnerable to sky-high food prices or crashes in food prices, huge swings in commodity prices, and are partly responsible for the explosion in our health care costs because they’re contributing to type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease, obesity, all the things that are driving our huge explosion in health care costs. That’s just one sector of the economy. You think about the same thing is true on transportation. The same thing is true on how we construct our buildings. The same is true across the board.”
Which leads me to wonder - is Obama going to ban tractors, combines, tillers, plows, anything that uses diesel or unleaded gas? Are we going to be forced to use horses and oxen to till our fields?
And, it's nice to know it is all our fault that Americans can be obese. Is Obama going to force farmers to only grow arugula? I know he was unhappy about the price of Arugula at Whole Foods.
But I do not know any farmer who shops at Whole Foods, or even where a Whole Foods may be. Does he think arugula grows on trees? Does he know that temperature, moisture, sun and wind all affect the prices of anything grown by farmers?
Gad. I've already voted - for McCain. Please, vote for McCain/Palin. At least they have a decent chance of understanding farming.
Obama has no chance at all. I am hopeful that he does not want to point to third world nations as prime examples of how American Farmers should be farming!!!!!
Posted by Beth at 1:13 PM | Comments (4)
By the way
First time voters in Kansas must produce identification. That is good. All states should do the same.
Posted by Beth at 5:52 AM
Dear Mr. Obama from Sgt. Joe Cook
Posted by Beth at 5:51 AM
November 1, 2008
I voted yesterday
Here in Kansas, we have advanced voting for general elections. I have used it every year since it came into being.
Normally, I'm the only one there when I vote, but this year, I had to wait for a good 45 minutes. Many, many voters were first time voters and had to be taught how to use the voting machines.
I'm all for people voting. If Obama does nothing else, he did the country a favor by getting people who have never voted to get up off their rears and get involved in the Democratic process.
I was quite shocked by the number of people in their 40's and 50's and older who had never voted before. Never.
Not voting is almost beyond my comprehension - why have these people never voted before? Do they only want to vote because there is an African American running for President? I hope that is not the only reason.
I want all of these people to vote in school board elections, local bond issue elections, etc. I may disagree with a lot of them about their choice for President, but I applaud the fact that they are finally taking part in society by voting.
Naturally, I hope a lot of these voters will vote for McCain/Palin, but chances are, they are voting for Obama and Biden.
If Obama wins, I hope these folks are not so disappointed that they never vote again. I hope they start to follow Congress and the Courts and the Executive Branch and realize that their vote can make a difference.
Posted by Beth at 5:53 PM | Comments (2)
This is becoming a busy weekend
So I'll have to write more than one post. Today, I learned how to use an airless paint sprayer. I bought it a year ago, with high hopes of painting all the outbuildings something other than rusty aluminum.
But depression, laziness and bad weather got in my way, and I never set the airless sprayer up - even to just try it out.
So this morning, I got it out of the garage, had John help me find the hose that goes with it and set it up.
Incorrectly, of course. I did not tighten the gun part enough, and half a gallon of Kilz primer dribbled down my hand, arm and onto my blue jeans and sneakers.
So I figured that out, and started painting, but it didn't look very good. John came out and demonstrated how to do it correctly. I tried again, and still did not get it. Sweet husband showed me at least 10 times. I finally figured it out - and in the meantime, John painted an entire exterior wall teaching me how to do it! I almost feel like Tom Sawyer - LOL!
But really, I wasted a lot of paint, and I don't think I got the hang of spraying the paint until the last 1/2 gallon.
However, it is just the primer, and it is just a hen house, so it can be quite imperfect.
Major and his sister arrived to put the roof on the hen house, and John is out helping them now. I'm better off not watching people on high ladders using the nail gun to attach a roof, so I'm drinking a margarita and wondering how I'll get all this paint off my skin, hair and clothing.
Posted by Beth at 5:40 PM | Comments (1)