Between arrival home from the home, farm and auto supply store and sunset were three hours to work outside. I did.
I watered the garden, rolled up the garden hose, repaired the bird feeder, and emptied the kitchen compost bucket.
Broccoli and kale seedlings look good. After a third day of conditioning outside, they should be ready to go into the ground. I transplanted the hot pepper plants to larger containers. Three varieties in this batch: cayenne (8 each), conchos jalapeno (1 each) and early jalapeno (23 each).
It felt like I got something done. That’s saying something in a life consumed with work.
A gardener never knows what a season will yield. We keep busy planning and doing things to grow a crop to share with family, friends and neighbors. A window of daylight and temperate conditions can be well used on a week night.
It’s where we live — on the margin between hope and despair.
After a Saint Patrick’s Day meetup with friends in Iowa City I drove home, parked my car in the garage and haven’t moved it since.
It was too cold for outside work on Saturday so I stayed in, did laundry, cleaned the bird feeder, wrote, read, and cooked dinner of bean soup, Carnival squash and applesauce cake.
The ambient temperature is expected to rise to almost 60 degrees, so I’m planning to work outside after a shift of soil blocking at a community supported agriculture farm.
I read Elizabeth Kolbert’s The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History in its entirety this weekend. Her combination of background information with personal stories of field trips is eminently readable. I can’t remember a day so absorbed in a book since leaving transportation. The main takeaway is how uncertain scientists are about changes in earth history over the long term and the consequences of our lifestyle.
Japanese Beetles
The broader meaning of words like “Anthropocene” is not settled, nor agreed. What I know after this immersion, and after reading Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Haran, I am ready to move forward with something other than narratives of how homo sapiens swarmed over the planet like Japanese beetles.
I buy more bird feed since working at the home, farm and auto supply store. Counting whole kernel corn, I have five different varieties in the garage. Each type attracts a different bird and we enjoy watching them through the French door off the dining area. Some days I feel like picking up a 20-pound bag on sale, and do. I went overboard with 50-pound bags of whole corn and millet, although sparrows seem to really like the millet. There is no science to my purchases.
Bartering is making this year’s garden planning a lot different. Part of the barter system is trading labor for a spring and fall share. Each side of the deal can be defined monetarily. I get a credit of $13 per hour for labor which is applied to retail price of the shares. I use greenhouse space and materials to germinate seeds and care for seedlings until planting in my garden. I will also acquire onion sets and seed garlic through the farms. Where there is a clear financial value, the barter system is simple and easy. This part of the exchange translates into things we can use in our garden or kitchen.
The exchange for specific produce is more complicated.
Canned Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a large part of summer. Last year I planted them in three different garden plots. This year I’ll decrease my plantings to what we’ll use fresh and rely on the farms for canning tomatoes. In 2013 the farmer provided crates of tomatoes which I canned. We split the canned goods 50-50 that year. That was a bit disadvantageous to me considering the amount of work. We haven’t finalized the split, but both farms I work on produce many more tomatoes than needed for their members. One farmer wants lots of canned tomatoes. Something can be worked out.
Bell peppers were a garden failure last year and for many previous years. I’m eliminating them completely. The farms produce bell peppers with a high frequency of imperfect fruit. I plan to trade labor for these seconds and get all of my bell peppers from them. In addition to fresh eating, I seed and freeze them to use throughout the year. We did a 50-50 split on these in 2013, however, this year I’m considering a straight trade of labor hours against a to be determined cost per crate.
There are a number of items we don’t use much in our kitchen but are abundant on the farms. I don’t plan to grow any kohlrabi or cabbage. Should be no problem getting what we need without occupying space in our garden. I’ll barter for some additional broccoli for freezing.
Likewise, I don’t plan to grow lettuce outside my small plot of Belgian lettuce. In between the spring and fall shares that’s coming from bartering.
Summer squash is abundant and available from the farms as are many kinds of greens: collards, chard and “braising greens.” I will grow my own kale and spinach, and everything else will be bartered from the farms.
Eggplant? If Johnny’s Selected Seeds proofs and sends Black Beauty seeds I’ll plant them along with Fairy Tale eggplant. The former can be sliced thick, baked and frozen. The latter are good for the kitchen while in season. There is always an abundance of eggplant at the farms.
Yesterday was the last winter Saturday of staying indoors. Going into the planting season it will also be my day off from the home, farm and auto supply store and the farms. Yesterday was a good day, made better by a feeling of accomplishment. As humans we sometimes need that.
BIG GROVE TOWNSHIP — Sweeping sand signals the beginning of an outdoors season.
I spent part of Saturday collecting sand from the road in front of the house. I harvested more than we used this winter, so inventory is net positive by 1.5 buckets. It has been so warm we didn’t use sand at all on the driveway or steps.
Trees and lilac bushes are beginning to bud. Troubling but okay as long as a frost doesn’t return between apple blossom time and when they set. I shared my concerns about the early warm weather with a neighbor. We ended up planning a joint project for when frost is out of the ground. “Climate change” and “global warming” didn’t come up but weighed in nonetheless.
I breathed in fresh air and contemplated the beginning of things positive.
Thursday I coughed up a nickel-sized piece of phlegm. By Saturday the cold dominated my attention rendering me lethargic the rest of the day. Besides sand collection, I managed four loads of laundry and a simple dinner of cooked carrots and rice with a vegetarian “chicken cutlet.” Productivity was punk.
Calling off sick from the home, farm and auto supply store is an undesirable option. The reduction in pay for missing work is significant. Although we get 40 hours of sick pay during the year, I don’t want to use it unless I feel sicker than I do. We are incentivized by an end of year payment for unused sick pay. That check for last year came in handy.
Hopefully I can finish several outdoors chores on today’s list.
Most of my reading has been on line since September, but no more.
Instead of picking up my mobile device when I wake, I read at least 25 pages in a book.
It is a positive development, born of new habits, in the land of apparent madness Iowa has become since the general election.
I’m reading articles on paper as well. A tall stack of newsletters and magazines rests on the cocktail table next to the couch. I know many of the authors who write for Via Pacis, The Prairie Progressive, Voices for Creative Nonviolence, Veterans for Peace, The Sower, Humanities Iowa, The Iowa Policy Project, and others.
Brian Terrell reported on his recent trip to Russia. Kathy Kelly about her work in Afghanistan. Frank Cordaro reported on activities at the Des Moines Catholic Worker. Jessica Reznicek wrote an article from the Sarpy County Jail in Papillion, Neb. explaining why she vandalized the Northrup Grumman property in Bellevue, Neb., home of the STRATCOM. Veterans for Peace chapter reports from around the country laid out a broad veterans agenda exposing the true costs of war and militarism. Mike Owen, Trish Nelson, Jeff Cox, Nate Willems, and many others offered insights enhanced by our history together. Newsletter writing provides a perspective unavailable in corporate news outlets. I welcome it and want more.
It was impossible to resist being drawn into the social media drama around the president’s executive orders, proclamations and memoranda during his first week in office. 45 has gotten the attention of almost everyone I know, engaging new people in the political process. To be fluent in society one has to read related documents as well. Some say I was grumpy last week. Maybe I was. Reading and learning is the best defense against excessive grumpiness.
So many people I know feel overwhelmed by the Republican takeover of state and federal government. To deal with the aftermath of the election I read — an hour or two each day — from words printed on paper.
There are few other things so helpful in sustaining a life in a turbulent world.
We decided to keep holiday decorations up until after inauguration day.
The prospect of a new administration we won’t like has us dragging our feet.
Dregs remain of the half gallon of ultra-pasteurized half and half I bought at the warehouse club for holiday cooking.
I poured another tablespoon for morning coffee.
One day I made pancakes using half and half and an old flour mixture found in a Mason jar. I made a stack with home made pear butter instead of syrup. The expiration date on the milk carton was yesterday.
Holiday cards remain in the basket, we received a call from our daughter who is starting a new job, and Saturday I plan to visit Mother in my home town. I got a haircut yesterday after work at the home, farm and auto supply store. I consulted with a friend about pruning her fruit trees. I’ll work at three farms this season. I’m cranking up a life, but the inauguration and what it represents drags enthusiasm.
Wednesday I wrote my editor:
My post about rain is scheduled for Friday at 5 a.m.
There is so much upsetting in politics this week I’m having trouble sustaining the pretense of normal. At least Obama continues to act presidential.
Bill Palmer pointed out yesterday Trump’s response to his inauguration is to put up a Jumbotron obscuring the view of the Lincoln Memorial so all can see and hear Trump. It’s a sign of the times and I don’t like it. So typical of what I expect from our narcissistic president-elect.
I couldn’t listen to all of the DeVos questioning because it was too brutal, and sad for our country. I think I liked it better when Reagan said he was going to eliminate the Department of Education rather than the idea of putting this creature of wealth and privilege in charge of it.
Then there’s the “debate” on enabling women who have had an abortion to sue their doctors. I’m going to make myself listen to the audio put up by Radio Iowa, even though I don’t want to. Not now, though. Maybe the weekend.
Sorry to be such a downer this morning, but if there is hope, it comes from knowing we did the right thing by electing Barack Obama president.
And so it goes Kurt Vonnegut famously said.
The half and half may last until the weekend when it will be time to put away decorations and embrace new life during the post-Obama reality. The best treatment is to get busy with work worth our time and energy. Read books, write articles, and plan the garden. Such activities serve as fit occupations until the meaning of the next four political years is revealed.
I won’t believe what the D.C. Jumbotrons will present and neither should any of us as we struggle against political winds.
Such struggle defines our character even though we already know who we are.
From: Paul Deaton
Sent: Monday, Feb. 8, 1999 11:52 AM
To: Libby
Subject: Happy Day!
I figured out that you would probably check your e-mail when you got home from school. I hope you are enjoying having the computer located in your room. Once the monitor gets fixed (it is in Minnesota) then you will really be set up. Remember that for now, we do not plan to get a printer, so copy to disk and we will print on one of the other printers.
Please use the computer wisely. So often, people get bored with life and become cyber worms. It is ok to use the computer for learning and fun, but remember that you have a life outside the computer. When I first got involved with a home computer, I found myself very busy with looking at stuff and installing hardware and software. I did not do as much as I would have liked with the actual software. Don’t let this happen to you.
Anyway, have a great evening, and hopefully if you are looking at this, you have your homework done.
By choosing an old car as my main vehicle I got a low purchase price and issues related to a 20-year old car.
A leaking head gasket took more resources than expected to diagnose and repair. The car went to the shop three times beginning in September, generating $3,600 in repair and rental car expense. At that price a new car can never be justified. It’s fixed for now.
There were additional highlights.
January
I began working as the receiving clerk at the home, farm and auto supply store. The dynamic of my weeks changed as I worked regular hours Monday through Friday with weekends off. I haven’t quite adjusted to the “early start time” of 7:55 a.m., which cuts into my prime writing time.
We had a brief spell of sub-zero weather, during which I pruned our apple trees. There was no fruit this year.
I spent free time campaigning with friends for Hillary Clinton before the Iowa caucuses.
February
Hillary Clinton won the Iowa caucuses by the slimmest of margins. She won our precinct easily, garnering two delegates at the caucus to one for Bernie Sanders and one for Martin O’Malley. Clinton picked up the O’Malley delegate when he dropped out of the race on caucus night.
Had coffee with Congressman Dave Loebsack and a small group of area activists at the Big Grove Brewery in Solon.
Began soil blocking at Local Harvest CSA very early on February 7.
March
Had a work-related injury at the home, farm and auto supply store requiring a clinic visit and five stitches in my right hand.
Attended the Johnson County Democratic Convention in Tiffin.
April
Our daughter visited for a few days.
Hello Spring! Potluck hosted by Local Harvest CSA.
Had breakfast in Coralville with my friend from grade school. It was the first of several meals together this year.
May
Read and reviewed Connie Mutel’s book A Sugar Creek Chronicle: Observing Climate Change from a Midwestern Woodland.
Kurt Friese, candidate for county supervisor, meet and greet at Big Grove Brewery in Solon.
June
Participated in a signing ceremony for the new agency established to manage emergency services for the City of Solon and three townships.
Attended a wedding in the Soulard District of Saint Louis.
July
Attended Congressman Dave Loebsack’s annual Brews and BBQ event where I met Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.
Campaign kickoff event for Amy Nielsen’s bid to represent Iowa House District 77 at her home in North Liberty.
Read the book Methland: The Death and Life of an American Small Town by Nick Reding.
Began seasonal work at Wilson’s Orchard. This commenced 100 straight days of work.
August
Met with Kate Edwards of Wild Woods Farm to arrange a job trimming onions.
Covered editor’s job at Blog for Iowa.
September
Filed initial enrollment application for Medicare.
Viewed the first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump on my hand-held device.
Beginning of car trouble and repairs.
October
Mom fell out of bed and had to be hospitalized.
November
Participated in holiday gatherings for the home, farm and auto supply store and Wilson’s Orchard.
Thanksgiving at home.
December
1997 Subaru finally repaired.
Medicare coverage began.
Christmas at home.
We made it through the year with some new experiences. For that I am thankful. I’m also ready for 2017 to begin.
My birthday trip to the county seat included these real-world variations from yesterday’s plan:
Ordered a voter list for my precinct from the county auditor to start organizing for the 2018 election and beyond.
Noticed the new Zombie Burger and Shake Lab opened next to The Mill. It seemed wrong.
Renewed my library card. Rural residents can take advantage of the Iowa City Public Library. I check out eBooks from home using my card.
Walked past children playing on the pedmall. They were laughing.
Walked past Schaeffer Hall where I spent much time attending classes 45 years ago.
Viewed the Hawkeyes in Space exhibit at the Old Capitol Museum. It is a history of the University of Iowa Physics and Astronomy Department and their contributions to the national space effort beginning in 1951 with the arrival of James A. Van Allen.
Went to Prairie Lights Book Store and bought copies of The Last Love Song: A Biography of Joan Didion by Tracy Daugherty and Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen. I also read some remembrances of Burns Weston and called out a friend on her use of what I felt were excessive exclamation points.
Stopped at the HyVee grocery store on North Dodge Street to buy a few items for my birthday dinner. I also returned cans for deposit.
I arrived home in time to read and fixed a dinner which included a test run of a noodle kugel recipe I got from a Des Moines blogger’s web site. The recipe came out well and there are enough leftovers to last a week. Intended to be a side dish, noodle kugel includes a lot of protein which is needed in our vegetarian household.
The president-elect was busy on twitter again yesterday. Here’s my nascent idea on how to handle him from a Facebook post I made.
Donald J. Trump throws tweets out to media the same way chaff was used to foil radar in WWII. We are seeing what he wants us to see about his incoming administration. All the noise is obscuring the signal, which many of us are not going to like once it comes into focus.
The positive side here is no pretense of being a “compassionate conservative” like Bush II pretended he was. I expect Trump to throttle down immediately to rollback progressive reforms dating back to FDR. I’m keeping my powder dry until we know more specifics of his agenda
I’m taking my advocacy lead from Friends Committee on National Legislation. Diane Randall laid out an agenda which seems practical and makes sense. Her outline of how to deal with appointees who require U.S. Senate confirmation is spot on:
In these confirmation hearings, senators ask the nominees questions that establish a public record. One of the most effective ways FCNL can influence the public record is to encourage senators to ask particular questions. FCNL, along with many of our organizational partners, is preparing questions for senators to ask the nominees. These questions are specific to each nominee, concerning their positions on enforcing current laws and their positions with regard to the safety and well-being of specific populations, or on past statements they have made about the role of the agency they will be heading.
Based on the past public statements, or votes for the nominees who have served in Congress, we are particularly concerned about nominees who have stated their opposition to environmental regulations, full access to health care and protection of voting rights and religious freedom.
Following FCNL’s lead isn’t mutually exclusive, but would be a bit of sanity in what appears to the egregiously brazen impetus of the president-elect’s nominees who have track records running against the grain of progressive values.
It’s two days at the home, farm and auto supply store for me, followed by a three-day weekend. Stay tuned.
Picasso with Harry Truman in 1958, Vallauris, France Photo Credit – Truman Library
Today I celebrate my 65th birthday.
Some baking will be involved — maybe homemade pizza for supper or an applesauce cake. Maybe both. Maybe something else.
I plan a trip to the county seat, a tour of our yard and garden, and a walk by the lake — the beginnings of a late winter to-do list.
It’s all about anticipation in 2016’s pre-dawn darkness.
Yesterday historian Michael Beschloss posted this photo in social media. Seeking a copy for my birthday present, I searched the internet for the Harry S. Truman library and found the file. An 8 x 10 colored, glossy (or matte) copy could be mine for $20. Now that the image is posted I satisfied the urge and can spend my birthday money on something needed more.
In yesterday’s newspaper author Anne Keene wrote about the U.S. Navy Pre-flight School and Iowa’s participation as one of the sites during World War II.
“Before cadets could fly they had to graduate from ground school, where the Navy used hard-hitting sports such as football to build speed, agility and power for combat,” Keene wrote. “Pilots learned to swim and to survive in the outdoors along the wooded shores of Lake Macbride.”
In May 1942 John Glenn swam in the same waters I later did. My outing to Lake Macbride with a church group fixed Father in memory. He drove a group of us in a caravan from Davenport to Lake Macbride. He was also a fan of Glenn and the U.S. space program, taking us outside to watch the Telstar satellite pass over in the 1960s. I now see the same lake, which like all Iowa waters feeds a river of memories and experience into the vast gulf of commonality.
Mom sent me some birthday money, just as her mother did. It would be too plain to spend it all on groceries, fuel or sundries. I hope to spend part of it at a shop in the county seat later today on something I wouldn’t normally buy — a fit birthday project.
Wearing My Blue Shirt
I may buy a new blue button-down shirt since there is only one in my closet. It is my go-to garment for attending events and eventually it will wear out. I need socks which I last bought at the discount store on Highway One near the airport. If I feel up for a drive, I could visit Stringtown Grocery near Kalona. I want more dried chervil leaf and it’s the only local place that sells it. It would be a shame to use maternal gift money to make a payment on the credit card or buy dairy products.
It’s still dark outside.
Writing is brief respite and today’s birthday gift. Something to engage a mind resident in an aging frame, preparing for the day.
Would that writing were all that needed doing today. For now, it serves.
Rain fell from the roof to the downspout then to the semi-frozen ground below. The sound of trickling raindrops was background for Christmas Day at home.
We did things together, and talked, sharing ideas, sharing video clips from the internet, and deciding a menu. Christmas dinner ended up being bowls of vegetable soup with cornbread left from our special Christmas Eve supper. We had Christmas cookies for dessert — Nestle Toll House cookies made with the recipe on the bag. Simple fare for plain folks.
It was a peaceful day in a dark year. Nonetheless, days are getting longer. New hope springs, bringing with it growth, new life, and new work beginning today.
I embrace the new days ahead and so should readers. What else is there to do?
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