Learning to live a permacultural life … one day at a time! … by Damon E. Farnham
For the last 6 to 9 months I’ve been using (selectively, periodically) the Optigard ANT product to beat down the ant population when they become overbearing in the kitchen.
I don’t find a few ants here and there … but when the SWARM the kitchen, usually after a few days of heavy rain, I’ll lay down a line of Optigard ANT gel and thin the ant herd back to acceptable levels.
Never hurts to start your day with a few (classic) laughs …
For those that may not know, Earth’s magnetosphere and ionosphere are currently at the end of an 11,000 year cycle, characterized as being in a weakened state as our magnetic poles prepare to ‘flip’ … north to south, south to north.
Those two layers protect us from the ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by our sun. UV generally comes in three forms UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. A and B are usually filtered by our magnetosphere/ionosphere, but some of that radiation makes it through the filter and strikes the surface. UV-C (the more dangerous to humans of the three) is usually completely blocked, not reaching the surface.
However, a number of researchers have recently noted that UV-C is reaching the surface now, because of our weakened ‘protective blanket’ up in the thermosphere. For example, I would encourage you to review the daily posts by YouTuber MrMBB333, who has a network of folks that take daily UV measurements (A/B and C) from around the U.S., Canada, and abroad. They have recorded a rising trend in UV-C and have been ‘alarming’ about it for months now.
The point of this video is I’ve noticed my badonkadonks ‘hiding’ from the sun lately, either under trees, or more recently by ducking into their covered geodesic dome shelter.
It would appear they know the sun’s energy isn’t good for them, not because of the heat (which they don’t usually mind), but for ‘other’ reasons.
Picked up a DEWALT DWASHRIR Impact Ready Shears Attachment yesterday and have used it to cut a bunch of 1/2″ metal fabric so far.
I’ve been VERY impressed with this tool. Very well designed (adapts to pretty much any impact driver/hammer) and constructed (like a tank!).
I haven’t fully utilized its feature set yet (e.g. heavy gauge sheet metal, rotating the cutting head 360 degrees, …), but I fully expect it will do a great job within the limits of its intended use.
Highly recommended.
I was unfamiliar with the “pocket hole” technique of joinery until this morning. Sounded like a good alternative to biscuits, dowels or complicated dovetail cuts.
Did some research and found the Kreg K4 and K5 systems to be highly rated. My local Lowes had a K4 in stock, so Hooey and I fired up the ol’ F-250 and headed into town …
I used the Kreg K4 to very quickly, and VERY effectively, construct the doors for my three rabbit cages using 3/4″ x 2.5″ pine stiles and rails.
As you can see, I really like the K4 system, and would recommend it to anybody that does a non-trivial volume of joinery, or maybe boarders on being a perfectionist in all things (like me).
Was just about to make another batch of split pea soup, and decided at the last minute to take the opportunity to make it an unpaid, unsolicited product endorsement … as that the ONLY form of endorsement I have ever done, or will do. 😉
I use my 6 quart Instant Pot at least 6 times a week, usually to make soups, stews or brown rice.
Started using the IP about a year or two ago. I plan to buy a second (backup, spare) pot soon, because I’ve become so functionally dependent upon it … I can’t imagine not having one available. Might go through IP withdrawals, or some such.
There are literally thousands of IP-specific recipes on the Internet. “One Pot” meals seem to be popular.
Similar to a crock pot or other slow cooker, you can kick off a recipe in the AM, go to school, work (or whatever), and come back later and eat … as the pot can be programmed to keep the meal warm
As described in this video Hunter (aka Hooey) suffered for years with nasty yeast infections in her ears, and on her stomach (skin). Last year, a new medication called Apoquel came out on the market, and our Vet (Animal Hospital of Mebane) suggested we give it a try.
The results have been utterly amazing. No more infections. No more vet bills. Now, that said, the medication costs about $85 for a month’s supply, but in the long run, I think it’s cheaper … and her quality of life is SO much better.
Back when the vet suggested we try it, the option was to have her tested for allergies, and he said that whatever allergy she has the was causing all the fungal infections will ultimately be traced to something on the property (e.g. weeds, grass, pollen) that aren’t going away. So, the Apoquel essentially masks that allergy and keeps her infection free.
As stated in the video, her blood chemistry is monitored every few months to make sure the med isn’t causing any sort of organ damage. So far, so good!