Newsletter #286 2024 Dec 9 Monday
Sort of a down week, which is to say not so much going on. The usual chores, to include firewood and snow "management" this time of year.
I’m thinking the tonneau cover will both keep snow and rain out of the bed, and improve fuel efficiency. It is an ACCESS® Original Roll-Up Cover; as it turns out the options for a 31-year old truck, a truck that has an extended cab and an 8 ft bed, are somewhat limited. Having said that, I’m very happy, so far, with the cover. It took me 2 hours to install; now I’m ready for milling jobs, and just in time.
Primal Woods
Pure Maple Syrup
The labels are complete for the Vanilla-infused Pure Maple Syrup; so I should have that product on the Shopify shelves by this Friday. Meanwhile, I needed to bottle more Whiskey Barrel Aged Pure Maple Syrup. So far the Whiskey Barrel Aged has been the fan favorite flavored syrup, but I’m guessing the Vanilla is going to give it a run for its money.
Sawmill Services
I have a 2-day job this week, and a 2-day job next week; I think that will be the end of the milling season. But, I’m very thankful for these last two jobs.
This is the “new” truck loadout; everything fits under the tonneau cover. Front is at the top. Front left is the black “Vehicle Tote” containing some maintenance and repair items for the truck; Front Right is the blue “Sawmill Tote” containing some maintenance and repair items for the Wood-Mizer and the Husqvarna 3120xp/Granberg Mk III Chainsaw Mill; between and behind the totes are a logging chain (light green bucket) the Husqvarna Rancher chainsaw, chain lube, mixed fuel, and various milling tools and supplies in the dark green 5 gallon bucket; Middle of the bed are spare Wood-Mizer blades atop a spare tire for the Wood-Mizer; Left of the blades are a cant hook, Peavy, and broom; behind the blades are my do-most-anything tool box, a spare can of gasoline for the Wood-Mizer, a spare tank of blade lube for the Wood-Mizer, and a spare can of diesel fuel for the truck.
Everything fits, but I need something to prevent things from shifting around; there are no built-in tie-downs in the bed; I’m researching solutions to the “load management” problem.
Homestead Rebel Farm
All is well with the Pigs, Layers and Oxen. Water has not been a problem, and the feeding has gone along without incident. The layers are laying very well!
Same goes for the dogs. Toby seems to be doing well, still on the carprofen, but he’s very energetic and playful, and has been eating well. Time will tell; he’s still undersized but seems to be gaining ground on Tilly.
We are looking at our coldest weather yet Wednesday night through Friday morning, when the temperature is not expected to exceed 18°F.
Farmhouse
The girls had a wonderful time, and I didn’t get a 2am “this isn’t working” call. We’ll call that a win. Actually, I’ve only had one call all year, and that had to do with needing a charge of the AC unit this summer; we had that done within 12 hours and all was well.
News
I’ve paid some attention to the news, but not my usual. This morning I heard of our latest external regime change; Assad has been ousted as Syria’s President. Mark my words, this will not end well for these United States. Our involvement has never and will never end well.
Biden credited action by the U.S. and its allies for weakening Syria’s backers — Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. He said “for the first time” that they could no longer defend Assad’s grip on power.
“Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East,” Biden said, after a meeting with his national security team.
First of all, the assertion that we’ve weakened Russia is pure dis-information; it just ain’t so. And while I don’t have anything good to say about Assad, it’s none of our damn business. Who knows what will result from a shift in “the balance of power in the Middle East?” Not Biden’s national security team, you can bet your ass on the that. Of course he won’t be around to take the blame when the blow-back hits home. Hell, he’s not even around now!
All the best, and may God bless you and yours,
John & Geri
Don’t go! You can help us to keep the wheels on this effort, by visiting the website, and buying some of our Pure Maple Syrup!
OR! I can understand not wanting to sign up for a subscription…I get it, but if you would still like to support our efforts…
OR! If you find value in our work, please do consider supporting Homestead Rebel for $5/month subscription.
All the best, and may God bless you and yours,
John & Geri
Earn rewards, free access to pay-walled content, by referring a friend!