Farmer Dan RN's
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Going to the Ranch & Lots of Work to Do



God Bless My Parents!  I am so grateful for their health.  It is late Spring gather at the ranch this weekend and both of them have been working non-stop to make sure that all of the ground work runs safely and smoothly and that the after party/bbq is a success.  The work is is up to all us but other folks will come by to enjoy BBQ and great fellowship. 

We leave early tomorrow, pick up my nephew and head for the hills.  I have been trying to convince my parents that this trip is vacation and we're not there to work but they're not buying it.  Mom just chuckles and I just thank the Lord for cool weather it keeps the flies down. 

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Meet Gus, He is Beautiful...





Gus the resident Peacock.  He perches on the porch so that everyone knows he is there.  He eats out of the dog bowl and socializes gracefully each one of them.  Gus loves grapes and bananas and will wait by the front door patiently until someone satisfies his sweet tooth.  Gus has a girlfriend Lucy.  She is very aloof but Gus is very determined and displays himself in all his glory in the hope that she might take interest.  During this season Gus is loud and acts as a watch dog crying out warnings if there is something unusual in his world.  He is better than the dogs.  Gus sleeps high up in which ever tree he picks, favoring a pine right in front of the house or a beautiful oak down the slope.  He does not venture far, the ranch has become his home.  With great meals and a girlfriend can you blame him?

 The Peacock

There he goes with his head up high,
Proudly thinking, "No creature is so beautiful as I."
He struts about with an arrogant air,
Satisfied with his beauty so fair.


The peacock thinks himself to be without flaw,
Thinks that all who see him should be in awe.
His Creator has given him a plumage rare,
Causing all that see him to stop and stare.


The peacock has a flaw not plain to him,
A flaw to his eyes very dim.
He arrogantly prances about with very ugly feet,
Proud of his beauty, but deceived-like so many we meet.


He’s not altogether what he thinks he is,
To see himself as he is would be great bliss.
But he struts about with blinded eye,
Thinking, "No creature is so beautiful as I."


The peacock teaches a lesson true,
That there are flaws in me and you.
That we are not so mighty and so high,
That we should see ourselves with the humble eye.


-GENE GRIFFIN


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Foxtails Again!

So the question is why is my poor dog's eye swollen shut.  He had been fine just this morning, but this afternoon he sneezed a couple of times and began to paw at his eye.  He really would not let us take a look at it but after some fighting with him, we were able to irrigate it. Nothing came out that evening, but it did look alot less angry.
                                    
 Unlike the foxtail which had lodged itself in Charlie's eye (What is wrong with Charlie? ) my poor dog had nothing visible in his eye the next morning when I got up early to go in to work.  All I had time to do was put some antibiotic ointment in his eye so that any corneal abrasion would not become infected.  Eyes are funny things, either a scratch becomes dangerously infected fast or it will heal fast, but either way it really hurts so I gave him some baby aspirin to make him more comfortable.


When I got home from work that evening, we once again wrestled our poor boy down and washed his eye out with copious amounts of saline.  And then there it was, it was not much of a foxtail,but it was enough.  We got it out and reapplied ointment.  24 hours later and the eye looks so much better, thank God we got it soon.  It is going to be a long foxtail season!







He will most likely have a red eye for a couple of days, but I do not think we will develop an abscess and lose an eye!

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Wildfire Awareness Week is May 2-8 - Are You Ready?


We live in a high fire area.  As soon as the grasses dry out, we become front lines for a Red Flag Warning.  Last year's fire made that statement reality as we watched the slopes of our land burn as well as all the surrounding brush and grasses for several miles. 
Through personal experience we have learned the absolute necessity of cutting the fire line.  Last year the hard work saved the farm.

Our home is set back in a cove where we get daily sustain winds every afternoon which creates a sort of swirling flow of air.  Because of where our house is situated we are required to cut a fire line of at least 100 ft. from each structure.  The property is surrounded by slopes which make the job somewhat daunting. 

The grasses this year, because of last year's fire are exceptionally lush and some grow as tall as your hip or higher.  In the past we have disturbed rattlesnake dens and have had to learn how to stand on the slope with the string-trimmer without rolling back down.  This year we have turned to a team of men that have knocked the job out in less than a week.  We are set for the fire inspectors.







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Friend or Foe? Companion Planting in the Garden




I am not expert when it comes to companion planting.  I do, however,  have several charts that I refer to in hopes that what I do put in the ground gets along and benefits it’s neighbor.  Taking advantage of companion planting does provide essential benefits in your garden.

First, your plants will grow better when they are next to another with similar nutritional requirements.  The plants often will yield more fruit than those planted Wtih not companion or with an antagonist.  Produce will taste better.  Tomatoes, especially like basil and oregano, a ready made fresh pot of marinara sauce right there in the same box.  Second, and more important, is the benefit of pest control.  For example, onions are not favored by most pests and therefore, planted along with a companion they will help deter pests that would normally enjoy your hard work.  Many of the Aromatic herbs act as repellents because they release volatile odors.  Plant the strongest of these with your pest friendly veggies and they will help to disguise the growth of your plants.  This is veggie camouflage and a militant approach.  Another great way to take advantage of companion planting is to plant your butterfly, ladybug, and lacewing friendly flowers within the beds.  The more beneficial insects that you can draw into your garden the better off your garden will be.

This year I have put sugar snap peas with eggplant, tomatoes with parsley, cucumbers and chives. Spinach is partnered with strawberries and habanero peppers alongside oregano.  The bush beans get along well with potatoes so they live together in harmony.
 
Remember:

Companion planting is the pairing of plants for the mutual benefit of the garden and of each other.  Benefits include a higher, better tasting yield and Natural pest control.  It is important to know which plants are intolerant of one another in that you don’t want to undo your hard work or waste your time by the outbreak of disease or other pests.  The chart attached gives you an overview of compatibilities.  This is a basic chart as many other plants can be companions or foes to the ones listed.

Companion Planting Chart - Friend or Foe?



Copyright 2010 by Dan Courtois

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Advanced Childhood Thinking.

What do you think your mom and dad have in common?  "They both don't want anymore kids." - girl, age 8


"Never trust a dog to watch your food." - boy, age 10


"When your dad is mad and asks you, 'Do I look stupid?' don't answer him." - boy, age 14


"Never tell your mom her diet's not working." - boy, age 14


"Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a Tic Tac." - boy, age 9


"Never hold a Dust Buster and a cat at the same time." - boy, age 9


"Stay away from prunes." - boy, age 9


"You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk." - boy, age 9


"If you want a kitten, start out by asking for a horse." -girl 15


"Felt markers are not good to use as lipstick." - girl, age 9


"Don't pick on your sister when she's holding a baseball bat." - boy, age 10


"Never try to baptize a cat." - girl, age 8


How can a stranger tell if two people are married?  "You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids." - boy, age 8


How do you decide who to marry?  "You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff.  Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and then she should keep the chips and dip coming." - boy, age 10 

"No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry.  God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with." - girl, age 10


Is it better to be single or married?  ""It's better for girls to be single but not for boys.  Boys need someone to clean up after them." - girl, age 9


When is it okay to kiss someone?  "When they're rich." - girl, age 7 

"The law says that you have to be 18, so I wouldn't want to mess with that." - boy, age 7 

"The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them.  It's the right thing to do." - boy, age 8


What is the right age to get married?  "23 is the best age because you know the person forever by then." - girl, age 10 


"No age is good to get married at.  You got to be a fool to get married." - boy, age 6


What would you do on a first date that was turning sour?  "I'd run home and play dead.  The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all of the dead columns." - boy, age 9


What do most people do on a date?  "Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other.  Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough." - girl, age 8

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Charlie's Garlic Garden Update.


I really enjoy growing garlic, maybe it is just in my blood; I know that my great grandfather (may he rest in peace) used to grow a lot of it.  My family uses A LOT of garlic in everyday cooking so it seemed only natural that I start growing it as well.  I guess that I started growing it about 10 years ago and have steadily increased  my production.
Garlic is a really interesting crop to grow and that is part of the fun in growing it for me.  Garlic is unusual in that it takes about nine months to growth maturity and it is almost never grown from seeds.  This hardy plant is probably one of the oldest crops known to man and has been grown in various forms through out the world.  One of the things that I find most interesting is that since garlic has not been grown from seeds for probably a thousand years.  People grow garlic by planting individual garlic cloves and this in turn produces a whole head of garlic.  What is really neat about this though, is that the garlic cloves that you are planting now is genetically the same as the clove planted several hundred years ago!
Garlic is a hardy, relatively easy to grow crop that everyone should try.  There are a couple of books below that you should check out to help get you started on your own garden growing journey.  Who knows, maybe if you are lucky enough, our little dog will help you!

 
































Copyright 2010 by Dan Courtois

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Why I Love Mom.

Mom and Dad were watching TV when Mom said, I'm tired, and it's getting late.  I think I'll go to bed.


She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day's lunches.  Rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took out meat out of the freezer for supper the following evening, checked the cereal box levels, filled the sugar container, put spoons and bowls on the table and started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning. She then put some wet clothes in the dryer, put a load of clothes into the washer, ironed a shirt and secured a loose button.  She picked up the game pieces left on the table , put the phone back on the charger and put the telephone book into the drawer.  She watered the plants, emptied a wastebasket and hung up a towel to dry.

She yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom.  She stopped by the desk and wrote a note to the teacher, counted out some cash for the field trip, and pulled a textbook out from hiding under the chair.  She signed a birthday card for a friend, addressed and stamped the envelope and wrote a quick note for the grocery store.  She put both near her purse. 

Mom then washed her face with 3 in 1 cleanser, put on her night solution & age fighting moisturizer, brushed and flossed her teeth and filed her nails.  Dad called out, "I thought you were going to bed?"  "I am on my way."  she said.


She put some water into the dog's dish and put the cat outside, then made sure the doors were locked and the patio light was on.  She looked in on each of the kids and turned out their bedside lamps and TV's, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks into the hamper, and had a brief conversation with the one up still doing homework.


She set the alarm; laid out clothing for the next day, straightened up the shoe rack.  She added 3 things to her 6 most important things to do list.  She said her prayers, and visualized the accomplishment of her goals.


About that time, Dad turned off the TV and announced to no one in particular.  "I am going to bed."  And he did without another thought.


Anything extraordinary here?

Wonder why women live longer?

CAUSE WOMEN ARE MADE FOR THE LONG HAUL! (and they can't die sooner, because still have things to do!!!)


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Amazingly Simple Home Remedies

1). Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold the vegetables while you chop.



2). For high blood pressure sufferers - simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure on your veins.  Remember to use a timer.



3). A mouse trap placed on top of your alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.



4). Avoid arguments with the females about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink



5). If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives.  Then you'll be afraid to cough.



6). You only need two tools in life - wd-40 and duct tape.  If it doesn't move and should, use the wd-40.  If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.


7). If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.


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Infamous Southern Fried Chicken



"A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday does not know where it is today."
   --Robert E. Lee



Out here one the west coast there is a generation that has grown up without the benefit of experiencing their early heritage.  By the grace of God I was able to spend time in North Carolina on many occasions with Granny, family, and the many other names that salted the area of Swanns Station with all of the quiet, slower pace of living that is so easily taken for granted.  The Land is still covered in beautiful woods occasionally carved out to provide room for the crops that for two centuries has been the livelihood of the community.

In North Carolina, as I am sure most of the Southern States, country churches were established by the families in the immediate area.  My Granny's Church was no exception.  The church began as a Red School House in 1845,  in the 1860's more land was acquired and a house of worship was built.  This structure was replaced in 1904 and remains standing.  This church maintains a cemetery on the land where a majority of the church family has been buried since the setttlement and continuing today.  The country community, though simple, paints a deep picture of our heritage as a nation and has bound together not just families for generations.

I have had requests for a Southern Fried Chicken Recipe.  After poking through mom's old cookbooks I finally found one that is much older than me.  One of Granny's life long friends is responsible.  In addition to the fried chicken recipe, I have included a recipe for slaw, biscuits and an OLD Apple Cake recipe, a complete meal. 

Mrs. Cameron's Infamous Fried Chicken

Chicken Pieces (skin on)
Salt and Pepper
Self-rising Flour
Sage
(These are simple ingredients and if you prefer the flour may be seasoned according to your taste)

Soak the chicken in salted water for about 30 minutes.  Coat the chicken with self-rising flour which has been seasoned to your taste.  I like to use salt, pepper and sage.  Put the chicken back in the salted water long enough to thoroughly wet.  I allow just a couple of minutes.  Return the chicken to the seasoned flour for a final coat.  It might be a good idea to leave it in the flour so as to give achieve a good coat.     Fry in your usual manner.

Marinated Slaw

1 Med.cabbage
1 Sm. onion
1/2 green pepper
Combine & Set Aside

Dressing

3/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp. salt
1 cup white vinegar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon dry mustard

Bring these ingredients to a boil;  let it cool.  Pour cooled dressing over the cabbage.  DO NOT mix the cabbage and dressing until you are ready to serve.

Lucille's Biscuits

3 cups self-rising flour, sifted
3/4 cup lard or shortening
1 cup buttermilk

Mix together flour, shortening and buttermilk.  Knead with hands until firm enough to roll into biscuits.  Cook at 400 for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Buttermilk biscuits can be tricky, practice &  have fun with them.


Apple Cake


3 cups plain flour
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
3 cups diced cooking apples
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 teaspoons vanilla


Cream together oil & sugar, add well beaten eggs.  Sift together flour, soda and salt.  Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and beat well.  Add apples, nuts and vanilla.  Pour batter into a bundt cake pan.  Bake in a preheated oven at 350 for 30 minutes or until done.

Icing

3/4 stick butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/4 cup carnation milk
2-2 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Melt the butter in a pot, add brown sugar, stir and bring to a boil.  Boil for 2 minutes.  Add milk and bring to a boil.  Remove from heat and cool. Add confectioner's sugar and vanilla, spread on cake.

You can not have a good country fried chicken chicken dinner without slaw, home grown slices of tomatoes and all the leftover greens and beans that are in the fridge.  Finish  dinner with homegrown watermelon and apple cake.


My Southern heritage is one that I hold close to my heart.  It is a treasure, steeped in history as rich as land and as rooted as the people.  Enjoy these recipes and when you do remember Our Country and all those who have poured their blood and sweat into the land to make it what it is today.






Copyright 2010 by Dan Courtois

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