Tuesday, June 10, 2014

just a quick post - nothing major!

it's been another beautiful day! this is the absolute best june we have had in the 4th june that we have been here - it's been amazing and we love it! (we sure do wish that jambaloney's parents had have visited this june, instead of june 2011, the suckiest june known to man - bahahahahah!)

check out these beautiful skies:



what a beautiful day...and we have already had so many!!! summer is just starting and we are having such beautiful days! we are so grateful! here's another pic:



i take 10 million pics of the sky every day and you are very welcome for the fact that i don't post all of them!

here's a little yellow-spotted salamander that jambaloney discovered hiding in one of our tarps - woops - i mean JUNK, laying around our yard.


and when he went out "just fishing" this morning - he caught us some more trout. imagine, free food and all he is doing is "just fishing" or something. in case any of you are wondering - i have received some nasty comments from really sad people who claim that prepper sites like ours only talk about their tiny gardens being so big and important and that jambaloney "just goes fishing". to those sad little people, i say, maybe you should pay more attention to the prepper blogs - like the ones i have listed in our blogroll. none of those people are bragging about growing their own food - they are trying to share successes and failures and they are trying to teach others to do so. so, if all you have is a bucket of freeze-dried auguson farms, you might want to back off, learn a little and maybe become a little more self-reliant. which is what we, and all of the people on our blogroll are trying to do. here's what jambaloney caught this morning when he was "just out fishing" - it's called food. really healthy food. and he did it when he was "just out fishing". it's free food from a very healthy river.


there it is served on a plate. "free food" is not "just fishing". you sad idiot.



here's another pic of the beautiful striations of our healthy and beautiful clouds and sky. we give thanks several times a day, sometimes together, mostly on our own and in our own way to live in such a healthy environment. i often feel so sorry for those stuck in a smog-filled city - but hey - it's all just about the choices we make, no?


but then sometimes you work the whole entire day in your "little garden". you work towards growing your own food and being self-sufficient. there are a whole pile of people listed in our sidebar who are trying their best and succeeding. there's a whole pile of people who comment here, but don't have blogs of their own and they are trying too! i salute all of you! but sometimes after a long day - it's all about the beans, the sourdough toast, the tomaties and the pear.



i salute all of you who try! some of you are incredibly successful, some of you are like us and just doing the best that you can. but for the rest of you who don't even try - well, i say whatever. go ahead and moan and groan about "so-called" prepper sites who only talk of their little gardens. why don't you get up off of your fat *sses and do what our friends are doing - which turns out to be something! they are doing something. and i salute every one of them.

yes, this is a bit of a rant. but if you want to make fun of so-called prepper sites.....you are simply asking for it.

again - i salute every single person who tries to grow an herb, a lettuce, a tomatoe, a tree, a potatoe. and i salute every site that shares valuable information - regardless of success or failure. i salute you all!

35 comments:

  1. Amen sister. Prepper or not, I just enjoy trying to grow our own food like my grandparents did. There weren't any grocery stores then! Some dry good stores, but they had to grow their own food. And, yes they (& their 9 children) sometimes were a bit hungry due to less that particular year, but they never starved! Even if I only get 1 meal from my green beans, it was a dish I grew myself by george! Even w/too much shade I still try. Lettuce does very well in shade, thank you. Fresh fish is the best!

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    1. thank you DFW! it doesn't matter if we coin ourselves preppers or any other term - the fact of the matter is that we are all trying in our own ways. and i take great offense to anyone who does absolutely nothing to be even a little self-reliant and calls our blogs "little prepper blogs". but i take the greatest offense when someone says that jambaloney is "just out fishing"! you are like a lot of us, trying to relearn skills that our grandparents knew. and girl, if you can get 1 meal out of your beans - then you have done SOMETHING. gotten up off your butt and done something. but you have done so much more than that! especially in regards to your future. you already have your retirement place, not an old fold's home, and you have put much energy and effort into your raised beds and trying to get an orchard going. you are DOING IT! which is why we love to learn from you, which is why we are happy to have you in our blog roll...which is why we go on the attack when sad little ninnies pop their heads up out of their squirrel holes to call our blogs down. why that sad little ninnie even reads our blog - we don't know. jealousy perhaps? girl, you keep on keepin' on and you keep counting the days. you'll be out there full-time before you know it. and you had the intelligence and foresight to get your property tickedy-boo before you even get there. i say kudos to you! thanks for stopping in and commenting. i don't usually rant. but the comments that i got from that ninnie really ticked me off. because they are doing NOTHING! but not you, and not anyone listed in our blogroll. so you keep doing what you are doing and yes - lettuce loves the shade. mine's been out in the sun for about a week and it has all bolted - bahahahahah! xoxoxo

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  2. Kymber and Jam,
    You would not believe some of the criticism I get regarding some of my views, particularly with regard to prepping. We are all out here doing the best we can with the resources we have. Sometimes I am successful and sometimes I am not. If you are doing it, and it's feeding you, then you are doing it correctly !
    I have chosen not to dignify some of the things I get with a response. Take care.

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    1. sweet Jane - i have seen some of the comments that you graciously let through on your blog - i can only imagine the ones that you didn't approve! but, being as you are out there, so to speak, you know that everything comes with a learning curve and you can't do everything at once. the comments that i received are from a nasty person who normally isn't happy for anyone's successes....and who does little more than complain. i didn't post their comments, as, as usual, their comment was about attacking me and jam. me, i can handle. DO NOT TAKE POT SHOTS AT MY HUSBAND. sorry for yelling Jane, but you just simply don't take pot shots at him. if that person weren't 12 million miles away - i would beat the living crap out of them. with their tiny gun. and i wouldn't fire it once because they probably wouldn't have it on them and it wouldn't be loaded although they claim to be fully-loaded all the time - bahahahahah! now that's funny! that's why not a serious gun-lover follows their blog. anyway, we all have successes and failures...that's kind of the whole point of doing what we do is. and sharing wit others of similar interest. much love to you and yours. xoxoxo

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  3. All U'r Troutses R Belongs 2 Me....

    Had to get that out of the way :)

    Ya know I can't really think of a true prepper blog that's out there which would satisfy every aspect one can think of to be totally prepared. You kinda have to take em all as a whole and figure each is going to be a bit more specialized into one area or another. The closest blog I know of that strives to be as self sufficient as possible is Sunnybrook Farms blog and Granny Miller when she is actually blogging.

    There are many blogs that have gardens, chickens, some larger livestock but those who are actually raising their own feed in amounts large enough to take care of even 50% of their own needs are extremely rare. Those who are planting enough veggies to actually last them a full year are rare as well.

    I know I slap my forehead when I see someone post about their garden construction and then mention they are using the tap for their drip irrigation system with no backup in the works. But each in their own time. It's best to let them discover the weakness on their own because pointing it out just causes resentment and eventually they will get around to seeing it. Let them enjoy their victories as they come.

    Just get rid of those ugly tires :)

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    1. PP, would it help you change your mind if Jam painted white walls on them? :-)

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    2. You might be on to something there Mike.... Maybe Jamby could give all them ugly tires a nice wood veneer? :)

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    3. PP -ya, ya...all our trouts R belongs to you....but not according to Sci and Sandy. and buddy - you don't want them on your bad side. just trying to help a friend out with some advice.

      from what i have seen and researched - no one has it completely nailed and if they do - they aren't blogging about it. we're all just doing the best that we can and sharing it all with each other. my nasty commenter is just a cranky old person doing absolutely nothing to prepare for even next month and i really couldn't give a crap. plus, they live in the middle of zombieland and being old and fat - yep, they'll be one of the first to go. normally i just ignore her ugly ass but she took a pot shot at jam - AND YOU JUST DON'T GO THERE or i will step in. she's just a jealous old hag....i feel sorry for her honestly.

      but ya - we saw the drip irrigation system thing too...slapped our foreheads. but we really slapped our foreheads about was the fact that they didn't cut out both sidewallsof the tractor tires. and it will cause trouble in the future. i thought of sending a helpful email but the last one i sent was not received very well...some people are pro's and don't want to be told differently...even if they have only been tire gardening for a year and a half. us - we got about 10yrs under our belts now...and have lots of advice to offer if asked.

      Mike - thanks for the great idea. do i need to start calling you a wiener, too?

      and PP - i'll just skip yer last comment and compliment you on how good your garden is going. and thank you for all the info that you share about bee-keeping. i have learned so much from you. and i thank you for that. you big wiener!

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  4. I like your 'so-called prepper blog' ;-) Stocking up food in a can only works as long as there is a store to buy it from and you have money to buy it with. And how long can you eat dried in the can food? I like my 'little' garden. If I have an abundance of something, I can dry it or can it. But my family & I enjoy it when it is in season, fresh. And I know where my food came from and that it wasn't some engineered pesticide-ready frankenfood that was sprayed with some toxic chemical or handled improperly. It is amazing what flavor you have from fresh homegrown fruits/vegetables as compared to the tasteless cardboard they sell in the stores labeled as 'food'. Nothing tastes better than vine ripened tomatoes, fresh from the garden lettuce & a farm raised pig whose bacon cooks up nice and crisp (not the floppy bacon from soy raised hogs) on a fresh slice of homemade sourdough bread.

    Keep on with your gardening adventures because we all can learn from the experiences. Besides, you show us all that you are actually making meals with what you grow along with your catch of the day. It gives us ideas of how to use the produce we grow.

    By the way, what are the greens that you served with the trout? They look like a perfect match with the fish. And as DFW stated above: "Fresh fish is the best!"

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    1. hobo - thanks for that. we're not doing this to become internationally famous or start making millions off the blog - we're doing it because we believe in what we are doing and we want to share - kind of like you do on your blog!which is why you are listed in our blogroll! i couldn't agree more that food that you grow yourself is so much healthier and in-season food is sooo delicious when it is in season and you grew it yourself! as for the greens served with the trout - fresh from the garden mesclun-blend lettuces - oh man - they were some good! kind of bitter, kind of tender, kind of yummeh - and made more delicious with a little bit of lemon and salt and pepper! you sure know a good meal when you see it! thanks again for stopping in and commenting. much love eh? xoxox

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  5. Couple of things here. First... are those your tomatsties? If so you can probably hear me from here smacking my lips. Nice plate!!
    Those fish look pretty yummy too.
    Second, kymber and jam. You guys work so hard. It's amazing how far you guys have come in these short 4? years. Naysayers (I think) are just jealous of those of us who get up every morning and do what we have to do to make this kind of lifestyle work. Nothing wrong with it... Shoot, it makes us stronger.
    And a third thing... if this bum doesn't like prepper blogs or even know the sacrifices it's taken us all who choose this path, then all I can say is "Good Luck" you jerk. We work hard for what we have, fight hard to keep it, and put a dedication into this. The will power can sometimes be hard to find but we live this life because we CHOOSE to. If you don't like it then move your azz on down to another group of folks. We are doing fine here without you anyway. This is a lifestyle, not a race to the finish.

    P.S. You best not be messing with my canning buddy. I don't see it working out well. Not well at all.

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    1. Sweet Kymber and Jam,

      I like what SCI typed, and I must back both of you!!!

      If the person (s) don't like what's posted on the blog whether it relates to prepping or not, they should walk their happy mouse over to some other blog!

      PP......NO those fish are mine!!!!

      Sending hugs and love to you and Jam
      Your Friend,
      Sandy

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    2. hey SciGurl- sadly those are not our tomatoes. they are from the mainland and greenhouse grown so they only travelled about 45 miles and are organically grown. so they are the next best thing to nothing - bahahahah! we love to support organic farms so close to us and not buy tomatoes from california! yes, girl this is our 4th summer here and we have learned tons...just like you. you and i both took our established gardening skills, moved them to brand new places and had to learn everything FROM SCRATCH ALL OVER AGAIN! crap eh? but we're both doing it! you and Mars are doing some amazing work with your gardens and bunnies and chickens and we continue to learn from you as we always have! you have never been shy about sharing your successes and failures, you are always upfront and honest and it is those personality traits that i have always loved about you. plus the fact that you were my canning partner.

      Sci - the jerk is just that. a jerk. and i normally would just ignore them. but when they called jamie "just fishing" as if it were nothing - i couldn't help myself. you just don't demean my husband and his work that way. the jerk also said that the yard was full of junk and that we took no pride in our land. i could have strangled that jerk. i know that you understand.

      thanks for having my back. you know that i always have yours. much love to you and Mars. keep on keepin on gurl! we send much love! xoxoxo

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    3. sweet, sweet Sandy - a proper response coming to you and everyone else here in the morning. we had a full day of planting and tomorrow we are transplanting the tomatoes. we just got home from the vfd meeting a little while ago and we are bushwhacked. it's time for bed! xoxoxoxxo

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    4. Sweet Sandy - we know that you got our backs and nobody should ever want to mess with you - so PP - you better watch out. and Sandy, that's exactly it - if you don't like what is written here - then go somewhere else. why bother leaving a comment if you don't like the blog?!?!?? move along or go write your own blog.much love to you and yours always! xoxoxo

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  6. Nice catch Jam! Fish like those in the supermarket would cost $25.

    As for the nasty comments I get my share of them too. Most are anon's and they come in waves or then there's very little of them. They are the reason I have to 'approve' comments before they're posted. 99% of those comments are just plain ignorant or stupid. I sometimes spend a lot of money or a lot of time testing an item or a method (the multiple testing failures are rarely posted). I don't BS anyone, I try to teach the best and cheapest way so people who need the information can do it right the first time.

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    1. jam says thanks Mike! he's even more excited about today's catch - he caught a true and proper striped sea-run bass!!! that's his first time catching one of those as they are sneaky little buggers. they come in to the river from the ocean to spawn. he's going back out again tomorrow to try and get some more - yummeh! and free!

      and Mike, like i mentioned in my previous post - your blog is full of great information. as are the others listed in our blogroll. and i really don't like for people to refer to my friends as "so-called prepper blogs" or "little prepper blogs". especially when this person doesn't even prep!!!

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  7. You guys are so sweet I cannot believe people give you a hard time. Because of you guys, and many others listed on your blog, I am expanding ing my gardens, reusing, and thinking of a future that may be very hard. So all of you all, keep just gardening and sharing, cuz we love the information!

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    1. lw - i am glad that you are expanding your gardens, re-using and thinking about the future. i'm sorry i haven't left a comment on your blog recently - i know that you are heading off on a trip to your family and you are going alone and are a little anxious about it. i will keep you in my thoughts and prayers while you are away. and i will drop into your blog shortly - i am behind in my comments on others' blogs but will be catching up soon! have a safe and happy trip! xoxox

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  8. Don't let it get to ya, I call them "Arm Chair Preppers" or "Weekenders". If all they got to do is bash others who are trying, then they need to get a hobby.
    Who cares, right?

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    1. MDR - you are dead right buddy! this particular person really needs a hobby!!! thanks for your comment and congrats and your youngest graduating!

      thanks again Sweet Sandy!

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    2. You said it all Gramps! *wink*

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  9. I love reading about all the food you make!
    Deb

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  10. to all of you that i haven't commented to yet - a proper response is coming to you all in the morning. we had a full day of planting and tomorrow we are transplanting the tomatoes. we just got home from the vfd meeting a little while ago and we are bushwhacked. it's time for bed! xoxoxoxxo

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  11. Woman..when I grow a big fat tomato..only one thing happens to them, they get sliced, slatherd with mayonaise and black pepper, then slapped between two pieces of toast..with more mayo. Yup...a good ole mater sammich.
    I have to grow cherry maters for little ND. he eats them right off the vine.
    I think we are all preppers in our own way...I agree with my Gurl SCI...it takes a lot to do what we do, and those who don't do what we do, will certainly be screwed when the day comes and realize why we did what we did. It won't be me out there scrounged the gutter for a cup of coffee...

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    1. JUGM - you and me are cut from the same cloth! that tomatoe isn't mine - i don't have any yet - just 4ft tall tomatoe plants in pots in the greenhouse that HAVE to be put in the ground!!! i can't believe how much that greenhouse has helped in getting everything established so soon - i love that thing! me and ND are the same, too, i love popping a cherry tomatoe in my mouth from the vine - and let the juice run all down my chin - bahahahah! and yes, we are all preppers! we are all aware and all trying to help ourselves and become as self-reliant as possible. PP is dead right when he says we are all at different stages, we all kind of specialize in our own things and that is all that matters. then there's the fact that we share our information be it success or failure. and you're right - it won't be us out there scrounging - it will be the idiots who don't prepare. much love to you and yours Gurlie, always! xoxoxo

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  12. Delete the trolls, Kymber. That's all they are. Either pimply faced adolescents or psychotic adults with nothing better to do. Or people who are jealous of your great blog.

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    1. Harry - that's what i've been doing. and this particular troll fits into your second category, and your third. we enjoy our blog and we enjoy the people who comment here. we also enjoy the blogs listed in our blogroll. i don't understand why someone would bother to read a blog that they weren't interested in, or thought the blog was stupid - i know i don't read blogs that don't interest me. but it takes all kinds to make a world, eh? much love to you and yours, Harry! xoxoxo

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  13. Kymber, Long time reader, first time commenting. Finally moved to our BOL last year and have spent a year doing nothing but "work in our little garden" and "just fish" and "mess around hunting". I have friends from childhood who think I've totally lost my mind. I try to give them my calm, rational explanation for why I think this is the best kind of lifestyle and they just don't get it. I no longer try to explain it for that reason.......they just don't get it. Those of us that do......enjoy reading what you have to say. You guys are doing what a lot of folks only dream about.

    Maxine

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    1. Maxine - thank you so much for your comment. i just checked and it does not look like you have a blog. you need to start one!!!! and here's why - there are so many people like you and all of the rest of us who made the decision to make the jump to our BOL's and then did it. i imagine that when you first moved everything went splendidly and you did not run into a single problem - NOT! bahahahahahah! and i know that when we first started out, we ran into a lot of problems that we thought we had nailed and it has taken years for us to figure some stuff out. for example - back in the city, we bought 6 cubic yards of mushroom compost that had been sifted 3 times. we filled our garden beds with that delicious soil, i pretty much just threw seeds around and woohoo - insta garden! then we got here to this hard-clay-packed-full-of-rocks ground and all of the sudden - i wasn't a gardener extraordinnaire anymore????? huh?

      oh we spent years learning what needed to be done and the way that we learned was from reading other people's blogs. i really think you should start a blog so that you can help other people as well.

      i am super glad to hear that you have made the move to your BOL, i am glad that you are spending your days doing nothing more than "working in your little garden, fishing, hunting" and probably eating bon-bons watching endless hours of soap operas - NOT! we know how difficult the first year is...and i hate to say it but so is the 2nd year. and the third. but it sounds like you guys know what you are doing - that's why i recommend you start a blog and if you do - please send me a link so that i can put you on our blogroll. i would love to hear about your experiences during the first year and so would many of the other readers here.

      as for "losing your mind" - sorry, your friends are right. bahahahahahah! because all of us that choose this lifestyle - all of us who make an actual choice to be as self-sufficient as possible - we all must be nuts! and i am very glad to keep the same company as you. thank you for commenting - it means a lot!

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  14. You've got the power, zap the trolls comments with the delete button. it infuriates them as no one jumps to your defence and they have no one to argue with. they need to get a life or a job so they don't have so much time on their hands.

    You keep on keeping on. If they don't like it they don't have to come here and read your blog. How rude of them. I previously closed a blog because of trolls who wouldn't leave me alone.

    I love all your pictures.

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  15. Sol - thank you for every single word! i'll keep zapping them and be thankful for really nice people, like yourself, from all over the world, who come here and say nice things. i am glad that you like the pictures. thank you Sol!

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  16. I admire anyone who grows and cooks their own food. I don't, so I'm fascinated to come here and see you two that do! I'm always impressed!

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