Home gardening offers ways to trim grocery costs [Survival Today, an on going thread]

See ya after classes.

CIDER VINEGAR

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” (the dentist too!) - is an oft
quotation which should not be considered as just an obsolete “Old
Wives Tale”, as
there is more than meets the eye in these axioms of yore. Apples are
among the
most health-giving fruits available as they contain a host of
nutritious
properties viz: Phosphorous, Chlorine, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium,
Calcium,
Sulfur, Iron, Fluorine, Silicon, plus many trace elements ....... and
all of
these are found in PURE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR.

WHAT DOES IT DO?

Amongst other things, cider vinegar is very effective in detoxifying
various
organs in the body together with the blood stream. Hence it is a
purifier,
as it has a means of breaking down fatty, mucous and phlegm deposits
within
the body. It therefore, promotes the health of the vital organs of the
body
e.g. kidneys, bladder, liver etc., by preventing an excessively
alkaline urine.

Cider vinegar also helps oxidate the blood which consequently prevents
the
blood from becoming too thick and gluey, which gives rise to a
strained heart
and blood vessels resulting in high blood pressure.

Cider vinegar also promotes digestion, assimilation and elimination
and it
neutralizes any toxic substance taken into the body. There have been a
number
of instances where people who had taken a mixture of cider vinegar and
water
before a meal were unaffected by diarrhea, or digestive upsets, whilst
their
companions who ate the same meal were. Hence the cider vinegar seemed
to
neutralize the harmful substances in the food eaten.

POTASSIUM

Apple cider vinegar has a potent supply of potassium which has become
so
widely acclaimed in the helping of various complaints including:
running nose.
Excessive mucous formation, watery eyes, and sinus trouble. Teeth
decay and
the splitting of finger nails are also signs of potassium deficiency
which are
remedied by taking cider vinegar.

Potassium is essential for the normal growth of the body and for the
replacement of worn-out tissues which depend upon the presence of this
mineral. It
is as important to the soft tissues, as calcium is to the bones and
teeth and
it also retards the hardening of the blood vessels.

As potassium is so important in the healthy growth of a plant, animal
and
human, a deficiency of this mineral will produce such tendencies as
callous
formations on the soles of the feet, or the failure to replace worn-out
tissues
as observed in the loss of hair.

Tests have proven that a soil deficient in this mineral-salt will
produce
anemic and undersized plants, however, when potassium is introduced
into the
soil the plant becomes sturdier and increases in height. This is also
the case
with animals, where potassium which was fed to livestock, in the form
of
cider vinegar, improved their appearance and stamina.

Humans too, can benefit with this increased potassium intake.
Especially
where children are slow developers and appear undersized. A few
teaspoons of
cider vinegar taken with water each morning will show tremendous
results.

The best way to introduce cider vinegar to the family, is to
substitute it
for the ordinary table vinegar and use it in the cooking.

Potassium acts as a restraining influence upon those who are
over-excitable
and nervous. It draws fluid back into the cells, for when potassium is

lacking the body cells shrink and their normal activity is restricted.

THE USES OF CIDER VINEGAR

A number of outstanding authorities have proven the therapeutic
advantages
of using cider vinegar for numerous complaints ranging from obesity
and
overweight to arthritis.

Besides the therapeutic benefits derived from taking cider vinegar
therapy,
, it can also be used for a number of other purposes e.g. salad
dressing,
pickling, a flavor in cooking etc. It also makes a very refreshing
drink, hot or
cold, with or without honey.

Try using cider vinegar where lemon juice is required e.g. in making
mayonnaise, or just sprinkle some on a salad before serving; sprinkle
on pawpaw for
a refreshing breakfast, or just use on potato chips!

EFFECTS OF CIDER VINEGAR ON THE BLOOD

When the blood is deficient in some minerals or bio chemic salt,
ill-health
is the outcome e.g. boils break out, suppurating blisters become
apparent,
pimples appear on the face etc. It has been found however, that cider
vinegar
helps with the cleansing as well as the clotting of the blood.
Oxidation of
the blood is very important and cider vinegar is again an effective
treatment
for this.

Besides introducing the important minerals into the blood stream, as
mentioned above, cider vinegar also helps in the clotting of blood.
This is of
tremendous help to those people who are commonly termed ‘bleeders’, as
they live
their lives in fear of cutting themselves due to the bloods inability
to clot,
and it will also enhance the healing process.

Herbal Scouring Powder For Sinks:

1 cup baking soda
1/4 cup dried sage leaves, ground
1/4 cup rosemary leaves, ground
1 teaspoon cream or tartar
Combine all ingredients in a plastic or glass container, preferably
one with a shaker top. Shake well, sprinkle a small amount of powder
into sink and scrub with damp cloth or sponge. Rinse well with plain
water.

Whitening Scouring Powder:

1 cup baking soda
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1/8 cup borax
1/4 cup grated lemon, orange, or grapefruit peel
(This combination of borax and citrus will kill germs and remove
stains).
Combine all ingredients as you would above, preferably with a shaker
top. Shake well, sprinkle into sink and scrub with cloth or sponge.

Lavender Soft Scrubber

(This will also make your hands really soft)
3/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup powdered milk
1/8 cup liquid castile soap
5 drops lavender essential oil
water
Combine baking soda, milk, castile soap, and lavender oil in a
squirt-top bottle, then add just enough water to make a smooth paste. Shake
it up to mix it, then apply it to your surface, then wipe clean with
damp cloth or sponge.

Ok...for the toilet!
GErms-B-Gone Toilet Cleaner

The book says...”This is an antibacterial spray cleaner especially
formulated for cleaning the general surface area of the toilet and under
and behind the seat.
2 cups water
1/4 cup liquid castile soap
1 tablespoon tea tree esse ntial oil
10 drops eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil
Mix all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle and shake well. Spray
on toilet surfaces and wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge.

No Scrub Toilet Cleaner

Book says....This is for toilet bowls that have an everlasting ring
around them. You can employ this recipe just before going to bed; by
morning, even the toughest stains will have disappeared.
1 cup borax
1 cup vinegar
10 drops pine or lavendar essential oil
5 drops lemon or lime essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a plastic bowl or bottle and pour all at
once in the toilet bowl. Allow to sit overnight, then in the morning
simply flush.

Those are the best for the bathroom..I’ve got to run...but here’s one
for a kitchen sink that smells SO good!

Country Spice Scrubber

1 cup baking soda
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 drops cedar or sweet orange essential oil
Combine all ingredients in an airtight container and shake well to
blend. Sprinkle a small amount of the powder into the sink and scrub
with a damp sponge...rinse well.

Good, it helps to know that some of what I post is worth printing.

At times, I am not sure that I am still moving ahead.

At this stage, the recipes all look alike to me. LOL

This one I got from the

book “From Asparagus to Zucchini”.

Swiss Chard Pie

1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons oil
1-2 bunches swiss chard
6 eggs
1 cup shredded cheese
1 teaspoon salt
2 pie crusts
Heat oven to 400. Brown onion and garlic in oil. Trim and chop
chard, add to pan, and cook down until wilted. Beat eggs in a bowl; mix in
cheese, salt and chard mixture. Pour into pie crusts; bake until
knife inserted into center comes out clean, 30-40 minutes. Makes two
pies.

So that is the books version. I will have to have some extra chard,
for sure...and a little more sea salt. I’m also thinking that I may
chop up some nitrate-free, natural beef bacon (we dont eat pork) and
brown the onion and garlic with the bacon, and use the bacon fat. So that
is what we’re having tonight.

http://www.ecologycenter.org/factsheets/cleaning.html_
(http://www.ecologycenter.org/factsheets/cleaning.html)

_http://mlmgorilla.com/naturalcleaningrecipe/_
(http://mlmgorilla.com/naturalcleaningrecipe/)

_http://www.natural-healthy-home-cleaning-tips.com/vinegar_baking_soda_cleanin
g_recipes.htm_
(http://www.natural-healthy-home-cleaning-tips.com/vinegar_baking_soda_cleaning_recipes.htm)

_http://www.ecocycle.org/hazwaste/recipes.cfm_
(http://www.ecocycle.org/hazwaste/recipes.cfm)

_http://www.organizedhome.com/pantry-recipes-homemade-cleaning-products_
(http://www.organizedhome.com/pantry-recipes-homemade-cleaning-products)

_http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/120/diy_
(http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/120/diy)

homemade surface cleaners (spray bottle type)
> _http://www.creativehttp://wwwhttp://wwwhtt_
> (http://www.creative-home.net/Article62.htm)
>
> homemade cleaners
> _http://www.creativehttp://wwwhttp://wwwhtt_
> (http://www.creative-home.net/Article67.htm)
>
> homemade floor and carpet cleaners
> _http://www.creativehttp://wwwhttp://wwwhtt_
> (http://www.creative-home.net/Article64.htm)

> homemade bathroom and kitchen cleaners
> _http://www.creativehttp://wwwhttp://wwwhtt_
> (http://www.creative-home.net/Article63.htm)

Count the Bears
http://www.learningtreasures.com/count_the_bears.htm

Cute bear math sheet shared with me:)

Belinda

Learning is FUN! blog - Join us in the journey.
http://learningtreasures.com/wordpress/index.php

hey granny thanks for thinking of me
I am trying to garden again this year. I am trying a spot at the back of our house still not sure if there is enough sun, we will see.
GREAT BIG FAT HUGS

Nettle Leaf and Powder Profile
~author unknown~

Also known as- Urtica dioica, Stinging Nettle, Common Nettle, Gerrais, Isirgan,
Kazink, Ortiga, Grande Ortie, Ortie, Urtiga, Chichicaste, and Brennessel
Introduction

The common nettle comes by its other name, stinging nettle, honestly. The
innocuous plant, a perennial that grows in many parts of the world and that has
been naturalized to Brazil, delivers a stinging burn when the hairs on the
leaves and stems are touched. Its healing properties are as well known among
various cultures and are part of folklore and tradition. Those healing powers
are even alluded to in at least one fairy tale, The Swan Princess, in which the
heroine must weave shirts of nettle leaf to cure her twelve brothers who have
been turned into swans by an evil stepmother.

The nettle leaf and root both have medicinal properties, but each is more
effective against different complaints. Nettle leaf is used traditionally as a
diuretic, and as a treatment for rheumatism and arthritis. In Germany, a
standardized extract is sold for the treatment of inflammatory conditions and
prostate diseases. Nettle leafÍs effectiveness against rheumatism and other
inflammatory diseases is well documented, and borne out by chemical analysis of
the plant.

Constituents
formic acid, histamine, serotonin, choline, minerals, chlorophyll, amino acids,
lecithin, carotenoids, flavonoids, sterols, tannins and vitamins. Nettle’s main
plant chemicals include: acetophenone, acetylcholine, agglutinins, alkaloids,
astragalin, butyric acid, caffeic acids, carbonic acid, chlorogenic acid,
chlorophyll, choline, coumaric acid, folacin, formic acid, friedelins,
histamine, kaempherols, koproporphyrin, lectins, lecithin, lignans, linoleic
acid, linolenic acid, neoolivil, palmitic acid, pantothenic acid, quercetin,
quinic acid, scopoletin, secoisolariciresinol, serotonin, sitosterols,
stigmasterol, succinic acid, terpenes, violaxanthin, and xanthophylls

Parts Used
leaves

Typical Preparations
Steamed and eaten in salads, pastas, etc. As a tea, extract and capsule.

Summary
NettleÍs purported anti-inflammatory effects have been repeatedly confirmed by
modern research over the past ten years. It is particularly effective in
treating allergic rhinitis, relieving nearly all the symptoms of itchy, watery
eyes, sneezing and runny nose. It also has performed better than the
prescription drug furosemide in reducing blood pressure, increasing urine output
as a diuretic and increasing salt excretion. Interestingly, it had no effect on
blood pressure in studies using rats, but proved most effective with cats. It
also seems to be effective in reducing pain and producing a sedative effect.

It is important to keep in mind that the medicinal effects of the leaf and
root of the nettle are markedly different. Nettle root, for instance, shows
exceptional efficacy in treating prostate complaints in men. Nettle leaf has
some of the same effects, but not to the same extent. The leaf, on the other
hand, shows some promise in boosting immune system function and is an effective
treatment for many skin conditions.

One final use should be noted * nettle leaf has been used as a hair and scalp
treatment for centuries, and again, those uses are being supported by research
as well. Nettle leaf extract seems to promote hair regrowth and thicken hair, as
well as reducing dandruff and scalp conditions when used as a rinse.

Precautions
Because of its diuretic and hypotensive actions, nettle leaf may lower blood
pressure. If you are taking diuretics or other drugs meant to lower blood
pressure, consult your doctor before using nettle leaf. Its long term, extended
use is not recommended.

You know that I always think of you.

Welcome, it is about time that you checked in.

I am glad that you are planting a garden again this year, at least you will eat.

Big hugs to you.

The BBC page on the rising prices and shortages of food in the world:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7284196.stm

nw arizona granny -

I’m just now seeing this thread - don’t know how I missed it! Looks like a lot of good info. Bookmark for later.

nc in northeast Texas

P.S.

Is it possible to buy a garlic head at the grocery store and then plant it? I tried it once with a head that had sprouted in the fridge, but it didn’t grow. All the other herbs in the herb garden did fine, but this just croaked. What did I do wrong?

Thanks!

Northern Pecans as a Potential Crop
by Gloria Morris

Sometimes the land speaks to you. If you pay attention, it will tell
you what to grow. On our rolling land there is some remaining
woodland, and the pastures are dotted with trees. Among the trees are
some black walnuts. Our land is well-suited for nut production. One
particularly hilly portion of the farm would be perfect for a nut
grove. I have been looking for a market for the black walnut, but
Illinois does not have the well-established market that some states
have for black walnuts. However, the more I look into other nuts, the
more I am convinced that agroforestry may be an environmentally
friendly way for our farm to produce an income for us.
Pecans are an excellent seller, already extremely popular with the
public. Northern pecans are stronger tasting than the more
commercially familiar southern pecan. I like the taste of the
northern pecan much better than the pecans generally available in the
super market. There are pecan growers as far north as southern
Nebraska, which is in USDA agricultural zone 5. Since we are also in
USDA agricultural zone 5, we should be able to raise the hardier
northern pecans. At an Illinois Specialty Growers conference this
winter, I learned about university-sponsored research on pecan
growing that is taking place in southern Illinois, which is one zone
south of our farm. Unfortunately, they had no information about
growing pecans in my northern locale. However, I recently met a local
beekeeper who has a few pecan trees for his family’s eating,
including one grafted variety that is about 20 years old.

Despite the lack of information available through our extension
office about pecan production, I have been able to find excellent
sources of information. Some of the best resources I have found
concerning pecan production are:

http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/pecan.html
http://www.nolinnursery.com/Pecans.htm
http://www.grimonut.com/section4.htm

One can choose between northern pecan seedlings and grafted
cultivars. The seedlings will take about 12 to 15 years to come into
production, whereas the grafted varieties will take fewer years,
about 6 to 10. Further, as with apples, the quality of nut that you
obtain from a seedling is unknown until it finally reaches
production: it may be spectacular, or it may produce small, poorly
filled nuts with low commercial value. The grafted cultivars produce
a known quality of nut. Grafted varieties are much more expensive to
plant, however, but their earlier production should mean bigger
payback on the investment. Still, if you are going to devote acreage
to nut production, it does not make sense to pinch pennies at the
planting phase unless you are utilizing land that you would literally
do nothing with if you did not plant nuts.

Sheep, cattle, and chickens can be grazed between trees as they grow
to production size, so the acreage can continue to produce income
when the trees are quite young. Depending upon spacing, pasture will
continue to be available long after the trees enter their production
years.

On the smaller scale that we are considering, selling the nuts
wholesale is not really an option. However, if one sells direct to
the consumer through farmers markets or a roadside stand, a few acres
in pecans could be well worth one’s while. Also, with only a few
acres devoted to pecans, one can care for them with minimal equipment.
Agroforestry with pecans and pasture seems to be a promising
utilization of hilly farm ground. It is an environmentally sensitive
use of the land, and there is a good market for the end product.
Further, at least on a small scale, no extremely expensive equipment
is required. All in all, I am glad that I paid attention to what our
land had to tell us about what it is suited to grow. I strongly
believe this will be an excellent use of a portion of our farm.

Surviving “The Great Depression Years”

“The Great Depression” was a time of great economic disaster for our
country. It began in 1929 and was still going on when I was born
in the 1930s. Our country was producing more goods than were being
sold.
For instance, the average wage for hard labor was about $10-$15 a
week and
a lady’s coat sold for about $28. Wages were low and the cost of
living
was high.

Jobs were hard to find and Daddy was always looking for work, in the
mines, on the railroads, building highways or wherever he could make
a few
dollars. People took care of their own and every family member was
expected
to do their share of the work. Their survival depended upon working
together. Lou and I helped Mama with household chores, cleaning,
washing,
ironing, cooking and bringing in water from the well. My brothers,
Ben and
Russell’s responsibility was to bring in wood and coal for the
fireplaces and
the cook stove. Lou and I helped them too. We were always able to find
plenty of driftwood by the river or from nearby woods. One of the
neighbors
who lived up the road above us owned a coal mine near a creek. When he
washed the coal some always came down the creek near our house and we
were
able to get some coal from the creek. Sometimes the creek would
freeze over
and we had to use our hands to dig the coal out of the icy water. Our
hands
would be numb with cold when we got home. But we never complained,
just
done what needed to be done to survive. When Daddy was able to get
work in
the mines, he would buy a load of coal {usually a ton) from his boss
and
that helped a lot.

Sometimes we didn’t have enough to eat during the winter. That’s
the way
it was when we had a bad crop year and Daddy couldn’t find a job. I
remember one time in particular when all we had to eat for three days
was
“parched corn.” Mama shelled corn off the cobs, put it in an iron
skillet
with some lard. She held it over the fire in the fireplace and shook
the
skillet back and forth until the kernels were browned. She called it
“parched corn.” It didn’t taste too good but it was better than going
hungry.
We gathered the corn from the fields in the fall. Some of the corn
was
taken to the nearby mill to be ground into meal for cornbread. The
rest was
saved to feed the farm animals through the winter. Sometimes our
supper
consisted of a pan of cornbread and a gallon of milk but we were very
grateful to have that.

Most of the time we had enough supplies to do us through the winter
months. We made jelly, jam, canned fruit, pork, beef, and chickens.
We
“holed up” our potatoes and apples. Just dug a hole about three feet
in the
ground, layered it with leaves or hay and put the potatoes or apples
inside, covered them with a layer of more leaves or hay, put a wooden
lid
over them and covered that with dirt. They would keep nice and fresh
all
winter or until they were all eaten.

My brothers, Ben and Russell hunted and trapped for wild animals
along the
Clinch River. They brought in deer, wild turkeys, rabbits and
squirrels to
eat. I couldn’t eat any kind of meat, because I made pets out of all
of the
farm animals. I always ran away to a neighbor’s house when “hog
killing
time” came. This usually happened during the Thanksgiving week.

Thanksgiving was a pretty special day around our house. We
usually had chicken, canned vegetables and fruit. Mama always made
pumpkin pies that would melt in your mouth. We always had fresh
pumpkins
from the garden in the fall. If the boys had good luck hunting we
would
have wild turkey instead of chicken for Thanksgiving. We were all
grateful
for the food that we had. Anyone who came to our house was welcome to
share
our meals with us no matter how much or how little that we had. Mama
would
say “We ain’t got much, but you’re welcome to “such as tis” (such as
it is)
Mama made sure that we thanked God for our meals.

Our clothes were mostly homemade or hand-me-downs. Mama made Lou
and I
dresses out of flour sacks until we got too big for the sacks. Flour
was
sold in beautiful cotton print sacks. Lou complained a lot because
she had
to wear my “hand-me-downs” (things that I had outgrown) Mama bought
some
second hand clothes from neighbors who had girls who were our age.
Daddy
and our brothers wore overalls that had patches on patches. It seemed
like
Mama was always patching clothes for some of us.

We went barefoot to school until it got too cold. We only got shoes
in
the winter time. Shoes were expensive and were only worn to school or
to
church. When the bottoms wore out daddy would put new soles and heels
on
them until the tops wore out. Shoe soles and heels could be bought at
the
general store.

Times were hard, and the outside world considered us as people
living in
poverty. If we were we didn’t know it because all of our neighbors
lived the same way that we did. We had some good times too that I will
share with you in another story.
After all, happiness comes from people not material things.
I respect my parents for their endurance and their struggle for our
survival. They did the best that they could and I am proud of them.

-Detta

They were not caught in the pan handle of Texas, we did not have it this good.
granny

Welcome and we intend to keep the thread growing with good information, do join in and post any information that you care to add.

I have bought them and had them grow for me, but not always.

I suspect they have been treated with a non sprout chemical, as they do with sweet potatoes.

Or some of them are so old that they do not have the strength left to grow.

If it came in a little box, then the odds are it was too old.

Watch for the first shipment of garlic to the store and choose the largest and plumpest cloves/heads.

Getting Creative

http://survivingthemiddleclasscrash.wordpress.com/

Posted by Barbara Peterson
If you are a collector like me, you have tons of stuff squirreled
away such as jelly and jam jars, those huge Vlasic pickle jars, and
all sorts of useful stuff that seemed like such a shame to throw
away. Well, just when you thought that you might as well throw the
stuff out, think again. Take inventory and use your imagination to
discover new uses for what others might call junk.

Those glass jars that you have been saving and your husband has been
stuffing under the porch for years can be used to can fruits and
vegetables. You can also tack the lids of the larger jars to a
ceiling beam and place beans, oatmeal, dried fruits or vegetables,
etc. in the jars and screw them onto the lids on the ceiling if
storage space is an issue. Remember that paraffin you bought at such
a good price when you decided to make candles, yet never got around
to actually doing it? It can be used to not only make candles and
save on electricity, but to seal odd-sized jars that you can use to
can your harvested vegetables, jams, and fruits. The worn out clothes
you would normally throw away make good patches, purses, wallets,
curtains, comforters, and more. If you plant root crops such as beets
and potatoes, use your saved store-bought potato bags to store them.
These bags typically have holes in them to allow your harvested
goodies to breath. Most sheep farmers here get rid of their wool
every year at shearing time. They give it away in bags. Even if you
don’t spin, raw wool can be washed and felted in the bathtub to be
used as insulation for things such as water pipes and muck boots. I
make little round felt coasters from leftover wool to protect my
tables. Rita, the head Macaw of the family, gets a half-round of pine
or juniper on the bottom of her cage. She loves to chew it, and while
she does, trims her beak and creates shavings for the catch-tray
under her cage. I also save things such as bread crusts, over-cooked
cookies and waffles, and dry them under the fan. When they are
sufficiently dry, I save them in a jar for Rita’s treats.

Being a packrat is not such a bad thing. In fact, it can become quite
useful when going to the store to purchase another whatzit becomes
less than cost-effective. What I am suggesting is a new way of life
that dates back to our great-grandparents’ days, and it is good.
Conservation needs to replace the “use once and throw away”
philosophy that we are bombarded with on T.V. This wasteful
philosophy is not only bad for the environment, but also promotes
laziness, and we can no longer afford that luxury. So instead, when
you go to the store, look for items you need that are in containers
that you can use again, such as pickles in the huge glass jars, glass
jelly jars with handles, or any other useful items. This way you are
killing two birds with one stone, and can recycle to your heart’s
content. It’s time to get creative.

“You can use vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to disinfect your kitchen
counters, produce and even your cutting boards. All you need is three
percent hydrogen peroxide, the type you buy at the drug store,
vinegar (white or apple cider), and two clean sprayers, like the kind
you use to mist plants. Fill each sprayer separately, one with
peroxide and the other with vinegar (don’t mix them together in one
bottle - that makes peracetic acid, which isn’t safe and can give you
a bad chemical burn). Spritz the item you want to disinfect, first
with hydrogen peroxide and then with vinegar, then rinse off under
running water. University tests show that this technique killed more
potentially lethal bacteria, including Salmonella, Shigella, and even
E. coli, than chlorine bleach or any commercially available kitchen
cleaner.” (C. Gupta)(LINK)

Got Milk?
Posted by Barbara Peterson
So, you’ve decided to get a goat. Here is some advice from Kathryn
Smith, Certified Herbalist, along with some tips for delicious milk:

A) Goat’s milk contains approximately 50% of the fat content of cow’s
milk. In addition, the fatty acid chains in goat’s milk are shorter
than the lipids found in cow’s milk, making those fats much easier to
assimilate than cow’s milk. So not only does one have half the fat
content, but whatever fat is there is less likely (though not
completely unlikely) to cause arterial blockage. Goat’s milk also
resembles human milk biochemically, making it tolerated by many
people who are allergic to cow’s milk.

B) Goats are browsers. Thus, they will be inclined to be nature’s
lawnmowers but also to be tree-strippers. Any trees that are valuable
to you should be tall and well established before you get a goat.
Because the goats will browse the leaves right off those trees, on
branches which are low enough to be accessible to the sweet
creatures. (”Sweet” because goats do make loyal pets and they are
cute, in their own way!) Lawns should be spacious, because you might
find that a goat causes your lawn to disappear if it is there for
long enough. If you have enough space, the thing to do might be to
rotate grazing areas to allow the grass time to recuperate from the
previous browsing.

C) Be sure to check with your local city for zoning regulations.
Neighbors of ours had a sheep that was taken away from them, due to
some pesky neighbors who complained about the incessant baa-ing of
the animal. Sad, because I think people deserve to have whatever pets
they want on their own private land. But to avoid any possible loss
and heartbreak, do check in first. (K. Smith)

I prefer Nubians. They are good milkers, and have a good personality.
After determining that you can have a goat, make sure that the goat
you purchase has a good milking background, and is free of problems
such as mastitis, which will interfere with milk production. It is
best to get a veterinarian to examine the goat and draw blood before
purchase to determine if the goat is healthy. When you go to the farm
to purchase your goat, ask if you can be present while the goat is
milked. You will then see if she is a good producer, and if she is
easy to handle. My goats Susie and Stevie gave me about a gallon of
milk each per day.

One thing that most people do not know about goats is that the milk
will taste like what the goat is eating; much more so than cow’s
milk. If the goat eats sage, you will have sagey-tasting milk. If the
goat is left in a small area and comes in regular contact with her
own feces, the milk will taste like…well, you know. Kind of like the
taste of store-bought goat’s milk. I never knew goat’s milk could
taste so good until I did these things:

Make sure the goat has a large enough area to roam so that contact
with her own feces is minimal.
Supplement her usual diet of weeds and such with leafy alfalfa hay,
and don’t forget a corn ration. Molasses is good if you like really
sweet milk.
Use the following procedure for milking:
Take a bucket of warm water, and mix in just a little bit of bleach
or something like Shaklee’s Basic H. Try it on your own skin before
trusting it to your goat’s teats. This will be your cleaning
solution.
Take your cleaning solution with you in your stainless steel milking
bucket, along with 2 soft cotton cloths, and a bucket of clear, clean
water when you milk your goat.
While your goat is up on the stand enjoying her corn ration, gently
clean the teats and entire bag with the cleaning solution. This will
take any urine/feces/dirt off. Rinse the teats with clean water, and
wipe off gently. Make sure your own hands are clean also. Anything
that gets into the milk alters the taste.
Dump out any cleaning solution left in the bucket, and rinse the
bucket out with clean water.
You are now ready to milk your goat. Fill your bucket and quickly
remove any hairs that have fallen into the milk.
Take the milk into the house and strain it through cheesecloth into a
freshly cleaned glass container, and refrigerate immediately.
When it is nice and cold, take out and enjoy!
Learning how to milk a goat is not difficult. Here is a site that
will give you instructions: http://www.wikihow.com/Milk-a-Goat-by-
Hand.

The main thing to remember about goats is that their milk will always
taste like the things around it. That is why controlling what your
goat eats, making sure that contaminants do not enter the milk, and
chilling immediately, will result in a milk that you can tailor to
your own taste. I like mine on the sweeter side, so I feed the corn
ration with a bit of molasses. It is up to you!

Sustainability
Posted by Barbara Peterson

If you’ve taken my advice in previous columns and prepared for hard
times, then you have ample food to last for a while, and an adequate
water source. Kathryn Smith has some good advice regarding an
emergency preparedness kit. Here is a LINK to her article.

Keeping the shelter where you have everything stored, whether you
live in a city or the country, is now a high priority. If you need
money to keep your house, consider renting a portion of it to a
family that has lost theirs. If you live in an apartment, consider
getting a roommate. Unless you like living under a bridge, in a car,
or under a tree, make these arrangements quickly. While food storage
is essential, when it is gone and there is no way to replace it, you
go without. Therefore, our attention must turn to inexpensive ways to
keep our food supply re-stocked. Here are some suggestions:

If you have a large enough garden, you will be able to can and dry
your own vegetables and fruit. When you harvest your crop, make sure
to harvest some seeds also. You will need them for the next planting.
Consider getting a couple of chickens or geese. Geese love free
ranging, are easy to keep because they eat grass and weeds, and love
stormy weather. They are also good watchdogs. Don’t be afraid of
stocking up on the eggs. Eggs can be dried and kept in the cupboard
for a long time. The shells can also be dried and ground up for a
good calcium supplement.
If you like milk and cheese, consider that goat’s milk is some of the
healthiest milk you can get. Goats are easy keepers, and will eat
your brush and weeds. This milk, if processed carefully, is very
sweet and you can make various flavors of cheese from it just by
adding a few different ingredients. It is not a difficult process.
All it takes is a bit of vinegar, the goat’s milk, cheesecloth, and
whatever flavorings you want to add.
What one person doesn’t have, another will. When money and
commodities are scarce, bartering is the way to go. Start networking
with others, and let the trading begin.
With the looming financial crisis, it is necessary for us to be as
self-sufficient as possible. By growing and raising most of our own
food and getting together with others that are doing the same, we can
make it through hard times and be healthier for it.

When the Money is Gone
Posted by Barbara Peterson
Okay, now let’s say that you have woken up with that sinking feeling
that you have just been had by your government’s economic warfare on
the middle class strategy. Don’t expect a kiss or a cup of coffee.
When you realize the money is gone and most likely not coming back, I
could say don’t panic, but let’s face it, that is simply not
reasonable. So after you’ve had a good panic attack, set it aside and
clear your mind. Remember, now is not the time to whine. It is self-
destructive and no one wants to hear it. Focus instead.

It is time to break through the delusions of what you think you need,
and what you actually do need. Take stock of your assets such as your
abilities, the material possessions you have that you actually need,
and the things you don’t really use that you can sell. It is also
time to connect with others who may be willing to barter. Now is the
time when you find out who your true friends are. If they disappear
at the first sign of distress, and most will, they were never your
friends to begin with. Get over it.

Hopefully, you still have some money coming in, or have some stashed.
If you don’t, be prepared to accept a job that pays considerably less
than you are use to, if one is available. EBay is a good resource for
an online garage sale to get some extra money while you sort things
out. If you do have some money left, use it wisely. In either case,
it is time to set your priorities and draft a budget. This budget
should be realistic, and not include any income you think might be
coming in, just what is on hand. Remember, the best budget in the
world will not be helpful if you do not stick to it.

The first step in drafting a workable budget is to set your
priorities. Food, shelter, and heat should be on the top of the list.
If you have not already gotten rid of your credit card debt, be
prepared for harassing phone calls. Remember, once you give the
collections agencies written notice that you do not want to hear from
them, they are legally obligated to stop calling you. They may use
written communication methods, but cannot constantly call you to make
your life miserable once they have received written notice to cease
and desist. If you don’t know how to cook from scratch, learn
quickly. Make payment arrangements with the power company if
necessary, turn your thermostat down, and bundle up.

When the money you are use to having come in stops or is drastically
reduced, it is easy to succumb to depression and just give up. Don’t
do it! If you’ve ever needed to dig into your reserves of inner
strength and character, now is the time. Others are experiencing the
same things that you are. Hold your head up high, vow to overcome,
and look at the bright side. If you are a bit chunky, count your
blessings. When you lose weight because you cannot afford the junk
food, your friends will tell you that you look wonderful. You can
smile and thank them for the compliment.

In the next column, we will talk about making the most of what you
have, with some solid tips about doing things inexpensively.

The Time to Prepare is Now!
Posted by Barbara Peterson
What if you woke up in the morning to discover that your bank account
had been wiped out, your cupboard contained food for only a week or
so, the electric bill was due as well as the mortgage payment, car
payment, and credit card bills, and you had no idea how to cope?
Think about it. This scenario is not as uncommon today as one might
think, and will become more common-place as people lose their jobs,
prices go up, and interest rates rise. In fact, this is the type of
scenario that must be prepared for if we are to survive the middle
class crash, and the time to prepare is now!

Some of the things we can do to prepare are:

Purchase a used vehicle and pay cash. You now have a car without
payments.
Pay off your credit cards. Late payments incur charges that will
quickly lead to an increase in the balance of your loan that will
become impossible to deal with.
Invest in solar for your home.
Start a garden.
Start a food storage program.
Some of these things are more expensive than others, and thereby cost-
prohibitive, so do the things you can. Prioritize according to your
abilities, then start working on completing the items on the list.

What is more important, a shiny new vehicle with large payments, or
an older vehicle that will not end up in the repossessor’s lot when
the money runs out? Credit is not the way to go. If you cannot afford
it now, don’t buy it. Just stop shopping! Solar can be put together
one piece at a time. Here is a link to a site that shows you how to
make a solar generator for $350 or less. A garden is not difficult.
Even if you do not have a yard, herbs and some vegetables can be
grown indoors in pots. Food storage consists of collecting staples
such as wheat, dried fruits, canned vegetables, and any other things
you can think of that will store safely, and that your family will
actually want to eat. Just remember to rotate your supplies so that
they do not go bad, and don’t forget water. Here is a link to a site
that will calculate what you need for the number of people in your
family.

It is time to spend our time wisely by planning an alternate
lifestyle. We need to become more independent and wean ourselves from
going to the grocery store every other day and shopping for things we
simply cannot afford. By becoming more self-sufficient, we not only
become healthier and stronger, but better-prepared to meet the coming
financial crisis.

In the next column we will start to talk about what happens if a
catastrophe hits before you have had time to prepare. Believe me, it
can happen and does, every day. My husband and I are experiencing
this right now! You are welcome to join us as we learn to cope and
share our experiences.

From Blinded Sheep to One Eye Open at All Times
Posted by Barbara Peterson
Who I am is not important. I am simply one of the many former middle
class Americans who has been forced, due to economics, to take a long
hard look at where this country is going, and where I want to be next
year, and the year after that. It is clear that things in this
country are changing, and we need to prepare for the future.

My journey down the rabbit hole began with the following
thought: “What if nothing is as it seems, and everything I have been
told is a lie.” This thought kept rolling around in my head until I
was compelled to act. I started dissecting every scrap of information
I heard on the news, and went to the Internet to do my research. What
I found was that I had indeed been lied to, and was going to continue
to be lied to by the mainstream media because it is bought and paid
for by large multi-national corporations who do not want us to know
the truth behind genetically modified terminator seeds, or anything
else of importance. We are mere consumers. The heads of these multi-
national corporations, whose only goal is to make money, are bleeding
Americans dry. We the people are expendable. Until we realize that,
we will continue to act as if nothing is wrong until we get flushed
down the toilet.

Our country is being sold piece by piece to the highest bidder by a
few powerful elites who have turned our economic system into an all-
out grab for money and power, man the torpedoes, full steam ahead! A
declaration of war on the American people has been declared, and we
are in for the fight of our lives.

At this point, some of us are having a difficult time making ends
meet. Maybe we are cutting down on our fuel consumption, or making
other sacrifices to save money in order to hang on to what we have.
We `aint seen nothin’ yet. Hanging on is going to get harder. To
combat the forces of evil and take back our country, it is time to
make a change, one person at a time.

I invite you to follow me down the path to take back my independence
and break away from the corporate teat. It might not always be
pretty, but I can assure you, it will not be dull; and just maybe, we
can learn from each other.

Houseplants That Remove Toxins

The following plants will remove the following toxins....

Aloe Vera: 90% Formaldehyde

Elephant Ear Philodendron: 86% Formaldehyde

English Ivy: Benzene 90%

Fichus (weeping fig): Formaldehyde 47%

Golden Pothos: Carbon Monoxide 75%, Benzene 67%, Formaldehyde 67%

Janet Graig (corn plant): Benzene 79%

Peace Lily: Benzene 80%, Trichloroethylene 50%

Spider Plant: Carbon Monoxide 96%

A 9x12 foot room with an 8 ft. ceiling is 864 cubic ft., you would
need 72 plants to duplicate these results- a jungle!!!

A few plants can do a lot to freshen the air depending on the level
of pollutants present.

More good plants to use include: Bamboo plant, chrysanthemums,
philodendrons.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES OF SOME COMMON EDIBLE PLANTS
This information is from Miriam Kramer’s book entitled “Wild Plants to Eat.”

1. Rose - One handful of rose hips provides the vitamin C of almost 60
oranges. Rosa rugosa contains from 2,275 to 6,977 mg ascorbic acid per 100 gms.
This would equal 100 times the daily requirement in an amount like half an
orange. They are richer in iron, calcium and phosphorus than oranges.

2. Dandelion - Dandelion is said to be four times as nutritious as lettuce by
weight. It contains 25 times as much vitamin A as tomato juice—14,000 per 100
gms, and .19 mg of thiamine, .26 mg of riboflavin plus 35 mg of ascorbic acid
(vitamin C). Dandelion also contains good amounts of calcium, phosphorus, iron,
sodium and potassium. The protein is good and the availability of calcium and
phosphorus is superior to spinach and lettuce.

3. Clover - Clover is very high in protein. It is also high in fat.

4. Stinging Nettle - Stinging nettle is high in protein (6.9% green, 42% dry),
and carbohydrates (7.8 % green). Nettle (Urtica urens) shows 65 calories per 100
grams, the highest of green plants, wild or cultivated.

Discover the Nutrients in Herbs
by Lucinda Jenkins

We know herbs are used to flavor our foods and used to treat mild to severe
illnesses. Have you ever considered the fact that herbs also provide nutrition
to the body? Herbs do provide important vitamins and minerals but yet this
wonderful fact is overlooked. I have listed below some of the nutrients found in
herbs. Keep your eyes open for herbs that appear in more than one listing such
as alfalfa, dandelion. This tells you what a powerhouse these plants are. Many
herbs have several minerals and vitamins. This week we have listed the A and B
vitamins, next week more vitamin and mineral information.

Vitamin A
This helps to prevent skin diseases, night blindness and even skin cancer
because it acts as an antioxidant.It also helps to repair mucus membrane cells
and skin cells. It helps the body to use protein and slow down the aging process

Herbs with Vit A:
alfalfa, black cohosh,borage , burdock root, cayenne,chickweed, comfrey,
dandelion, echinacea, elder ,eyebright,fennel, goldenseal, hops, kelp,
lemongrass, nettle, oat straw, paprika, parsley,peppermint, plantian, raspberry
leaf, red clover and rose hips

Vitamin B1
This is also known as thiamine which supports healthy circulation,helps with
carb. metabolism and helps to create stomach aids such as hydrochloric acid.
Anytime you see “helps with carb. metabolism” that is a key to weight loss.

Herbs with Vit B1
alfalfa, bladderwrack, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed,
dandelion, fenugreek, hops, nettle , red clover, sage, yarrow

Vitamin B2
This is known as Riboflavin and plays an important part of antibody and red
cell formation. It also aids in the metabolism of carbs, fats and proteins.
(keyword!) Consuming enough riboflavin can prevent cataracts and birth
defects.

Herbs with Vit. B2
alfalfa, bladderwrack , burdock root, catnip,cayenne, chamomile, chickweed
dandelion eyebright,fennel,fenugreek, ginseng, hops, nettle, oat straw,
parsley,peppermint, raspberry leaf, red clover and rose hips and sage

Vitamin B3
Vit.B3 or Niacin is needed to support healthy circulation and skin, and again
this nutrient helps with breaking down carbs,fats and protein. The B Vitamins
are very helpful in regulating the metabolism! This also helps with memory and
mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.

Herbs with VitB 3
alfalfa,blue cohosh, burdock root, catnip,cayenne, chamomile, chickweed,
eyebright,fennel, ginger, hops , licorice,mullein, nettle, oat straw,
parsley,peppermint, raspberry leaf, red clover ,slippery elm

Vitamin B5
This is required by all the cells of the body and is known as Pantothenic
acid. It helps with proper nerve function and is called the “anti-stress
vitamin” again like most of the B vitamins this one also helps with metabolism.

Herbs with VitB5
Black Cohosh, Catnip, Eyebright, Red clover

Vitamin B6
Pyridoxine is a very important nutrient. It helps to retard the formation of
homocysteine a toxic chemical which attacks the heart muscle and causes
cholesterol deposits around the heart. A lack of Vit B6 has been found to be a
contributing factor to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, This vitamin also helps to
maintain the potassium and sodium balance.

Herbs with VitB6
Alfalfa, Catnip, Oat Straw,Hawthorn Berries,Licorice

Vitamin B12
This is needed to combat anemia, by helping to create red blood cells and
utilizing iron. It also helps to protect nerve endings and is linked to the
production of acetylcholine a neurotransmitter that assist in memory.
Alzheimer’s victims have a lower amount of this neurotransmitter.

Herbs with Vit.B12
alfalfa, bladderwrack,dandelion, hawthorn berries, hops, mullien,white oak
bark

* The information in this article should not replace the advice of your
medical practitioner. Lucinda Jenkins is an LPN & HC as well as a Reiki
Practitioner. She is the owner and Master Soapmaker at Glenbrook Farms Herbs and
Such, an on-line herb and tea shop. Copyright © 1998, Lucinda Jenkins