Newsletter #285 2024 Dec 3 Tuesday

This one's a bit different, a bit more personal, perhaps.

This snowfall emphasized the need for some sort of bed cover on the F250. I had already decided that I don’t need a “topper,” per se, but I did order a tonneau cover, which God willing I will install yet this week.

On another note, I did test “Low Range” 4WD for the first time; it’s good to know that both 4WD High and Low work as designed.

Primal Woods

I’m late, two weeks and a day to be exact, radio silence; for that I apologize. I needed some time to be still; I took the time and it was worth it. Busyness is a powerful enemy. The Thanksgiving holiday afforded me the time to be still, which allows those uncomfortable thoughts, and yes, feelings, to surface; the same thoughts and feelings we subconsciously bury in busyness.

There’s a little book I recommend, and give to friends often, titled the IMPERSONAL LIFE. The title of Chapter 2 is “Be Still and Know.”

Now, in order that you may learn to know Me, so that you can be sure it is I, your own True Self, Who speak these words, you must first learn to Be Still, to quiet your human mind and body and all their activities…

Do not succumb to the societal and cultural pressures that equate being still with “not getting anything done.” For me it means the 5 cats and 4 dogs also need to be still. Ha! That’s a rare enough occurrence. The chores need to be done. And so on. In effect, I need it to be quiet, and to be alone with my “True Self.” This usually means either early early morning, or late evening. Regardless, regular periods of stillness are a prerequisite to keeping your head right, and more importantly, keeping your heart right.

This is the book you are looking for.

I came away with a near-term plan, that doesn’t end at the end, but hopefully allows me, and Geri, to establish what it is that we want the end to look like. Call it a goal, or an objective. But here is a thought-starter; what do you want your legacy to be…to look like? I will give you a hint; it probably doesn’t look like a bunch of money piled up somewhere in this world we live in. All manner of “rich” people commit suicide; money is no salve for the soul. Once you have the end firmly in your mind’s eye, and heart, then everything you do should be aligned with bringing about that end. Your vision of that legacy becomes a touchstone. Easier said than done, I admit.

Pure Maple Syrup

As fate would have it, we had guests in the Farmhouse over the Thanksgiving weekend from Monterrey, Mexico; no better taste-testers of the Jalapeño Pure Maple Syrup we decided. Of course I tasted it, too! For me, I thought it was too mild, but the several experts disagreed. So, we will be marketing it as developed, as soon as we get labels.

Homestead Rebel Farm

I love winter. But it does mean more chores (keeping the heat on and snow-moving among them), and more time doing the year-round chores of feeding and watering the animals. I took the lazy way out, and made short videos regarding the Pigs, Oxen, and Chickens, hopefully for your enjoyment.

Pigs

Oxen

Chickens

Dogs

Lena and Tilly hunting voles through the snow cover; I saw them get at least three.

How they do that has to do with their ears, and even the earth’s magnetic field has an impact on the hunt, according to videos I’ve watched in the past. I’ve taking to calling Tilly “snowdog,” she absolutely loves the snow. I know Lena has hunted like this for years, I don’t know if Tilly is hunting, or just eating what Lena is catching; I don’t think this is a “learned” behavior. Check out the video below for more on this form of hunting.

Fox Dives Head First in to Snow | Planet Earth II | BBC Earth

Toby’s recovery is ongoing; we tried to wean him off the anti-inflammatory meds, but within 18 hours he was again lame in his left front leg. We will keep going with the meds, carprofen in case anyone is interested, for another 30 days.

Snowmaggedon

Not really, but it’s enough.

Lesson learned from Year 1 with the solar system; it’s hard to generate electricity when there is a foot of snow on the panels!

Another winter chore…”raking” the snow off of the solar panels. I used the new EVERSPROUT Never-Scratch SnowBuster 6.5-to-18 Foot if you’re interested.

Yesterday Geri’s route home was impacted by an accident on I-94 at Exit 46 to Hartford.

Suffice it to say that this stretch of I-94 in the “lake effect” zone is treacherous. I-94 was shut down as a result of this accident. If you are coming out here in winter AWD or 4WD are mandatory, in my opinion. And better yet, just stay off the roads, especially the interstates, in these conditions.

Farmhouse

There is some sort of “girl’s weekend” going on at the Farmhouse this weekend, which means yours truly will steer clear! Unless something is required of me, of course.

News

I’ve paid zero attention to the News.

Books and Such

Almost done with Boone.

Before the age of retirement homes and hospitals and nursing homes, the old died at home. If they were lucky to have a large caring family, children and grandchildren, friends and cousins, gathered around in a death vigil…

On his last day, Boone, who knew he was dying, said, “I am about worn out…” He expressed pleasure in his long life and health, his attempts to do good and not harm others, his faith in the mercy of God.

As Nathan and Jemima held a hand on either side, he said, “I am going; don’t grieve for me, my time has come.” He died just after the sun had risen, September 26th, 1820.

All the best, and may God bless you and yours,

John & Geri

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All the best, and may God bless you and yours,

John & Geri

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