Skills to know?

[Hinotori]

Just found this VERY INTERESTING article regarding nixtamalization- why you want to use it, and how to do it using wood ash instead of the more common lime https://ronaldthomaswest.com/tag/wood-ash-process/

It is extremely important if you're eating a lot of corn and don't want to get beri beri.

 

[baymule]

Just found this VERY INTERESTING article regarding nixtamalization- why you want to use it, and how to do it using wood ash instead of the more common lime https://ronaldthomaswest.com/tag/wood-ash-process/

VERY good article! I finally got my hands on Texas Gourdseed corn seed, after 3 years of looking for it. I didn't plant it, but will next year. My garden this year has been a bust.

 

[baymule]

I just had a thought, I soak and sour corn for pigs. If they get unsoured corn, it shoots right through them. I wonder if I should soak the corn in wood ashes for the next batch of feeder pigs I raise? Hmmmmm…….. @Britesea any comments?

 

[Marianne]

My friends say the same thing to me. "I'm coming to your house" they say. I tell them that they have to work for a meal. One tells me that she'll clean house but she wont' work outside in the dirt. That's not the way I function. Sooooo - if you can't get your hands dirty - you don't eat!

My view is that there would be plenty of work to be done in the house. Not everyone needs to be working in the soil.

 

[Lazy Gardener]

Just found this VERY INTERESTING article regarding nixtamalization- why you want to use it, and how to do it using wood ash instead of the more common lime https://ronaldthomaswest.com/tag/wood-ash-process/

Good article, @Britesea . The last paragraph raises a point that the average consumer, with "bury my head in the sand" mentality is not aware of. I urge all gardeners to buy OP, non GMO, heirloom, and OSSI seed when ever possible. And, it's also a good idea to think long and hard about the need for buying any seed that does not meet those criteria. Take the time to learn how to produce your own seed, and even learn what goes into the hybridization process, as well as how to selectively breed to produce crops that excel in your climate, with your soil.

I agree with you wholeheartedly, @Beekissed . We are both working towards self sustainability. That will help us to weather oncoming storms while we work towards the end.

 

[Beekissed]

I agree with you wholeheartedly, @Beekissed . We are both working towards self sustainability. That will help us to weather oncoming storms while we work towards the end.

I'm not working for self sustainability....there's really no such thing on this Earth. It's truly a myth of grand proportions. I'm just living like we've always done...garden and can it up, hunt and can it up, grow chickens and can them up, heat with wood because it's cheap and available to us, etc. We can because we like home grown foods and they are better for one's health, plus it's why God gave us land...so we could work on it.

I gave up on self sustaining or self sufficient thinking when I found out that we weren't meant to be "self" sufficient but to depend solely upon God for our needs. And so now I do.

These are not just words on a page, nor really good advice, but commandments on how we are to live here....


Matthew 6:19-21
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:(this whole line describes everything we try to store up or do for "in case of" scenarios)

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (this one speaks of dependency on our stuff, our feeble preparations, etc...when one puts trust in such things, they no longer trust God fully for their provision)

You've likely heard that old saying, "Trust God but keep your horse tied."? Well, that is not how it goes....it's "Trust Allah, but keep your camel tied." Allah is not God....who wants a god one cannot trust fully, so much so that one has to keep a back up plan?

 

[frustratedearthmother]

My view is that there would be plenty of work to be done in the house. Not everyone needs to be working in the soil.

Sure there is - but the person that said that they wouldn't work in the dirt is not infirm or disabled in anyway - just lazy and has never touched dirt in her life. Lazy doesn't work at my house. No free rides and even a child can pick up sticks for a fire. I'm not unreasonable but in my opinion there is nothing wrong with instilling a good work ethic in a young person.

As far as God in my life - God gave me talents and skills and a healthy body. I don't imagine he wants me to sit around and wait for him to drop food in the pot.

I'd be willing to bet that even those who put their entire trust in God - still look both ways before crossing a street. I think He'd be disappointed if we didn't!

 

[creativetwinszoo]

My view is that there would be plenty of work to be done in the house. Not everyone needs to be working in the soil.

Most definitely likely to be lots of work in the house, which I do include towards everyone works. Most those who want to stay with us if a shtf dont do housework either, their very used to fast food and having someone else do the work

Sure there is - but the person that said that they wouldn't work in the dirt is not infirm or disabled in anyway - just lazy and has never touched dirt in her life. Lazy doesn't work at my house. No free rides and even a child can pick up sticks for a fire. I'm not unreasonable but in my opinion there is nothing wrong with instilling a good work ethic in a young

Unfortunately lot of folks dont believe kids can even pick up sticks, been laughed at for suggesting such things as picking up sticks, collecting eggs, throwing out scratch, helping weed gardens/plots, sweeping floors and matching socks and loads of things I haven't listed.... like young kids are completely capable of doing things but lots of people think they can't do anything chore related until 10 or 12 for some reason then complain they dont want to???? Like duh, you taught them not to, what'd you expect?

I dont even wanna get into the amount of folks who want a free ride when they can and are fully able to do at least minimal work

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Unfortunately lot of folks dont believe kids can even pick up sticks, been laughed at for suggesting such things as picking up sticks, collecting eggs, throwing out scratch, helping weed gardens/plots, sweeping floors and matching socks and loads of things I haven't listed....

My grandkids having been doing these things since they could toddle around the farm. I can NOT tell you how may eggs they've broken! I have never - nor will ever - chastise them for that. They are trying and that's what counts!

When my grandkids were visiting me this time they wanted to experience living like the 'old days.' I promised them we would do that - but not in August in Texas, lol. I definitely enjoy my AC! I'll have to come up with a plan to make that happen - maybe next spring break.

 

[creativetwinszoo]

My grandkids having been doing these things since they could toddle around the farm. I can NOT tell you how may eggs they've broken! I have never - nor will ever - chastise them for that. They are trying and that's what counts!
When my grandkids were visiting me this time they wanted to experience living like the 'old days.' I promised them we would do that - but not in August in Texas, lol. I definitely enjoy my AC! I'll have to come up with a plan to make that happen - maybe next spring break.

Right, they dont learn less ya let them try! And unless their really reeeaaaly bad at it just give encouragement I imagine Texas is similar to Arizona a in the summer, would not be excited to live without ac at all during summer