Monthly Archives: February 2012

Draw knives and spring chickens

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Greg

Even though it’s been t shirts some days of recent the soil temperature is still 20F or lower. I will research tonight, I think I need 40F for snow peas but I might plant some trials just to see. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabin Construction, Canning, Gardening, Winter Activities | 1 Comment

Burning fallen tree limbs and debris

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Greg

I spent the morning picking up small limb piles and bringing them back to the burning area. These are little branches that fall from trees during winds. We leave them in the woods and pick them up on any area … Continue reading →

Posted in Land Improvement, Winter Activities | Leave a comment

Homestead Beer

Posted on February 26, 2012 by Greg

I drink beer I’ve made myself. By the end of the year I hope to need only malted barely. By end of next I hope all beer ingredients are grown and produced from this property. Beer has three ingredients: yeast, … Continue reading →

Posted in Beer Brewing, Poetic Thoughts | Leave a comment

Warmer days ahead. Let’s hope this is all the wood we need until spring.

Posted on February 26, 2012 by Greg

Yesterday I wrote about how we ran out of well seasoned wood. There were two larger piles of old wood that I had been avoiding since I knew they would be harder to split in relation to my recent activities. … Continue reading →

Posted in Winter Activities, Wood Heat | Leave a comment

Sunset against tomorrow

Posted on February 26, 2012 by Greg

Late winter sunsets are promises of carry. Snow peas grow proudly and owls begin their mating calls. As dim roses turn to beautiful burnt oranges one sees the arc of the sun purposely rising into a gainful March. Cold layered … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetic Thoughts | 1 Comment

The cheapest alternative fuel for Zippos

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Greg

I was trying to save some money on my Zippo fuel by using kerosene and it didn’t work. Kerosene has a flash point that is too high for the spark to auto ignite and burn. It appears the best solution … Continue reading →

Posted in Saving money | Leave a comment

Last of the Walnut

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Greg

As winter is ending we are running out of well seasoned (very dry) wood. There’s only 24 days until spring and daytime temperatures in the mid 40s mean a short morning and five hour evening fire is all it takes … Continue reading →

Posted in Wood Heat | Leave a comment

Late February skies – the moon, Venus, and Jupiter!

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Greg

These celestial beings are so bright right now! The moon is waxing crescent lower right. It is the new moon in the hands of the old moon too. Venus is very bright higher on the arc. Jupiter is the top … Continue reading →

Posted in Night Sky | Leave a comment

Our stove & cooler fronts move in

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Greg

We moved the stove in today. I hope to hook it up later I’m the week. I am glad we got the next model up as it seems very well done. I split and staked some more wood. If it … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Lanterns, Seeds, Wood Heat | Leave a comment

Spring Tilling – Our First Try in Hope

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Greg

I took the tiller out today with the single goal of breaking sod for spring peas. This I did and completed much more. First I tilled a 20 x 60 section that lays in the morning and most afternoon sun. … Continue reading →

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