When the homesteading emails arrive, I try to read them right away. There is something so utterly life affirming about the stories of your life on the farm. I don’t know where you get the energy to do what you do, but I’m thankful to vicariously share the experience. The photo of your peacock next to the tub is stunning! All the best to you both and your expanding animal kingdom!
I agree. I had a worker here hanging a new TV and saw the email come up on my phone, so I ran to my office to read it right away. (That way it appears I am working) LOL
How funny we all are, I leave them till last for similar reasons. By the way that photo of Reepicheep (aren't those books the best) could easily be sold, it is so good!
I once attended a residential dinner party sponsored by Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, featuring assorted guests of all species. At one point I made my way to the restroom, but as I cracked open the door, I saw that it was already occupied by a regal peacock standing atop the sink basin and peering into the mirror. Though I still feel it was incumbent upon the peacock to lock the door, I felt momentarily embarrassed, and quickly retreated.
I tried again a half hour or so later, and again found the peacock atop the sink basin. I must have shown a flash of irritation, because the peacock really went off on me. "Do you think it's easy looking this good? Where else do you think I'm going to find all the necessary grooming products? Perhaps you think me unpheasant, but why don't you wander behind a bush in the backyard, or else wait until I am done here." I didn't bother arguing, and just waited uncomfortably until I got back home.
One note on farm AI: if IP28 passes in Oregon, I could be charged with sexual assault for artificially inseminating my cows. That's why we're pushing to move the Idaho border to the Cascades through the Greater Idaho movement (greateridaho.org). Don't think it can't happen there. Join West Virginia if you can.
So sad. I left Oregon because of the insanity. I feel like a fish out of water outside of the west, but it became intolerable and scary to think what would come next.
How’bout talkin’ to the folk in eastern WA, my brother lives there on a small productive farm, and instead of joining ID form the free state of Columbia.
So far, the people we've talked to in eastern WA think they can fix things inside the current boundaries. We are determined to establish the precedent and let others join. Southern Oregon and Northern California have also expressed interest but haven't had the election results that we've had.
And we looked at all the paths and decided that joining Idaho would be easier for the Feds to accept. Creating a new state is a lot more complicated than a border adjustment.
Well, it won’t be long, at least on a geologic time scale 🙄, before the CSZ will give the eastern folk a chance to take back the western areas. ‘Course, it’ll come with a bit of clean up required. Portland may not be built upon kilometers of alluvial fill like Vancouver, Tacoma and Seattle but you’ve got an east-west fault that you may have to deal with and all that infill along the valley will go belly up with liquefaction - when that happens all those fuel tanks along the West Bank will rupture and burn. You’ll have a Blue Light special AND a "clean up in aisle 666" situation all rolled up in one.
The voters of Oregon won't vote for this, would they? I am one and we, Oregonians, voted 81% against Kotek's massive tax hike, so there is a little ray of hope? Trying to change hearts and minds might be easier than merging with Idaho, both state legislatures have to approve it. My county includes parts of the coast, if we voted for it and it happened, Idaho would have ocean front property.
It probably won't pass this time, but the backers have deep pockets and are looking at a long-term effort similar to the womens’ suffrage movement. Whether it passes this time or not, the fact that it's on the ballot tells us all that we need to know.
Idaho's legislature has already signaled approval, Salem won't even hold a hearing.
Xenia- Greek for hospitality “In life and literature, the Greeks considered xenia a moral obligation and an inviolable rule in civilized life.” Xenie borrowed from Xenia relates to an unusual color variant. And the homophone Zinnia represents beauty and strength in adversity “Zinnias carry a deeper message beyond their vibrant colors. They are seen as symbols of endurance through adversity, blooming steadily even in heat, drought, or poor soil.
This ability to thrive in tough conditions makes zinnias a quiet reminder to keep going during life's challenges. They represent the idea that beauty and strength can exist, even in hard times.
Because of this, zinnias are often viewed as a symbol of inner strength and quiet determination. They speak to the part of us that keeps moving forward, no matter what.”
thank you for this. Zinnias do really well in central Texas, Im going to plant some...I like what you shared about their symbolism - all of your comment is meaningful to me in this moment.
Discovered hypochlorous acid earlier this year. It has an amazing history. I use it for cuts and scrapes. It stops the bleeding instantly and immediately forms a scab. It’s another of those very helpful things that is so inexpensive to produce that the drug companies buried it.
Jill, my trick for having organic garlic year-round, is to pickle the shelled cloves in Sauerkraut juice . . . the end result is that each clove, straight out of the juice, is like a mouthful of juicy candy.
Correct me if I’m wrong but sauerkraut is a ferment using salt, water and cabbage. It’s not a pickling product. Fermented garlic is extremely good and healthy too.
Absolutely love hearing about life on the farm and all the interesting things going on with your menagerie of animals and birds...The photos bring everything to life and its almost like being there.. We live in a desert area and the temperature goes up to 120 degrees...it is hard to grow many things here, but our fruit trees are producing apricots, peaches and figs. Fruit is my favorite food, so I am in heaven this time of year.
My garden has shrunk to pots with Tomato plants. They are not being pollinated because my backyard gives me a beautiful view of a well groomed golf course. Bugs and bees are hard to be found. When I was a kid fire flies were plentiful and we created are own flashlights in baby jars. How times have changed! Chemo man go away!
I’m not a global warming environmentalist human hater, but the fact seems to be that a lot of what humans like (huge swaths of monotonous grass preserved by zero turn gas guzzlers and weed killer) is anathema to life on this planet. I have a small band of grass I do not treat like golf course greens around my house and the rest runs wild. My fireflies light up the evening sky. My moths, bees, wasps, birds, squirrels, worms, turtles, frogs are abundant. So are the ticks… so there’s that problem. We need to bring back the aesthetic of the wild over the manicured!
I was going to suggest Xanthia, but it is not a word. Xanthian is, it has to do with the ancient town of Xanthus in what was known as Asia Minor. Xanadu is better anyway, and if my memory serves, it is also having to do with a place but I think a fictional one.
Always enjoy photos, videos, memes, and articles from both of you. I think Dr. Malone is wonderful for "walking the walk and talking the talk," regarding health and human issues and for giving his time to serve humanity. The best part is an open dialogue. Your lifestyle is admirable. Please keep sharing and keep up the good work!
When the homesteading emails arrive, I try to read them right away. There is something so utterly life affirming about the stories of your life on the farm. I don’t know where you get the energy to do what you do, but I’m thankful to vicariously share the experience. The photo of your peacock next to the tub is stunning! All the best to you both and your expanding animal kingdom!
I agree. I had a worker here hanging a new TV and saw the email come up on my phone, so I ran to my office to read it right away. (That way it appears I am working) LOL
How funny we all are, I leave them till last for similar reasons. By the way that photo of Reepicheep (aren't those books the best) could easily be sold, it is so good!
I agree! The quality of that photo is so beautiful.
06/29/26: Same here, they go right to the head of the line. Mellifluous prose, without sound. Have a wonderful 4th of July, to all on the farm..
I once attended a residential dinner party sponsored by Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, featuring assorted guests of all species. At one point I made my way to the restroom, but as I cracked open the door, I saw that it was already occupied by a regal peacock standing atop the sink basin and peering into the mirror. Though I still feel it was incumbent upon the peacock to lock the door, I felt momentarily embarrassed, and quickly retreated.
I tried again a half hour or so later, and again found the peacock atop the sink basin. I must have shown a flash of irritation, because the peacock really went off on me. "Do you think it's easy looking this good? Where else do you think I'm going to find all the necessary grooming products? Perhaps you think me unpheasant, but why don't you wander behind a bush in the backyard, or else wait until I am done here." I didn't bother arguing, and just waited uncomfortably until I got back home.
Unpheasant! 😂 gotta love it!
One note on farm AI: if IP28 passes in Oregon, I could be charged with sexual assault for artificially inseminating my cows. That's why we're pushing to move the Idaho border to the Cascades through the Greater Idaho movement (greateridaho.org). Don't think it can't happen there. Join West Virginia if you can.
So sad. I left Oregon because of the insanity. I feel like a fish out of water outside of the west, but it became intolerable and scary to think what would come next.
This is next, and it's why 13 counties have asked to join Idaho. The insanity isn't moderating, it's getting worse.
How’bout talkin’ to the folk in eastern WA, my brother lives there on a small productive farm, and instead of joining ID form the free state of Columbia.
So far, the people we've talked to in eastern WA think they can fix things inside the current boundaries. We are determined to establish the precedent and let others join. Southern Oregon and Northern California have also expressed interest but haven't had the election results that we've had.
And we looked at all the paths and decided that joining Idaho would be easier for the Feds to accept. Creating a new state is a lot more complicated than a border adjustment.
Well, it won’t be long, at least on a geologic time scale 🙄, before the CSZ will give the eastern folk a chance to take back the western areas. ‘Course, it’ll come with a bit of clean up required. Portland may not be built upon kilometers of alluvial fill like Vancouver, Tacoma and Seattle but you’ve got an east-west fault that you may have to deal with and all that infill along the valley will go belly up with liquefaction - when that happens all those fuel tanks along the West Bank will rupture and burn. You’ll have a Blue Light special AND a "clean up in aisle 666" situation all rolled up in one.
The voters of Oregon won't vote for this, would they? I am one and we, Oregonians, voted 81% against Kotek's massive tax hike, so there is a little ray of hope? Trying to change hearts and minds might be easier than merging with Idaho, both state legislatures have to approve it. My county includes parts of the coast, if we voted for it and it happened, Idaho would have ocean front property.
Southern Oregon counties have expressed interest also, but only the eastern ones have had success at the ballot.
It probably won't pass this time, but the backers have deep pockets and are looking at a long-term effort similar to the womens’ suffrage movement. Whether it passes this time or not, the fact that it's on the ballot tells us all that we need to know.
Idaho's legislature has already signaled approval, Salem won't even hold a hearing.
You including Bend in the eastern freehold or carving out a peninsula or island of iridescent blue to include with the western no go zone
Deschutes County has declined to join us. It's their choice and they are welcome to change that decision.
How ludicrous!
Is this the same bill that shuts down fishing, hunting and even extermination of rodents?
Hunting, fishing, and animal ag - yes. Pest control, possibly/probably.
So I guess insanity is the new normal?
It certainly is in the densely-populated areas of Oregon.
Feels like a demon has slipped in like black mold. Hidden until it makes everyone sick.
Not hidden at all, it's on full display in Portland. We want no part of it.
Xenia- Greek for hospitality “In life and literature, the Greeks considered xenia a moral obligation and an inviolable rule in civilized life.” Xenie borrowed from Xenia relates to an unusual color variant. And the homophone Zinnia represents beauty and strength in adversity “Zinnias carry a deeper message beyond their vibrant colors. They are seen as symbols of endurance through adversity, blooming steadily even in heat, drought, or poor soil.
This ability to thrive in tough conditions makes zinnias a quiet reminder to keep going during life's challenges. They represent the idea that beauty and strength can exist, even in hard times.
Because of this, zinnias are often viewed as a symbol of inner strength and quiet determination. They speak to the part of us that keeps moving forward, no matter what.”
Xenia is pretty - JGM
thank you for this. Zinnias do really well in central Texas, Im going to plant some...I like what you shared about their symbolism - all of your comment is meaningful to me in this moment.
Better to have a peafowl on your shoulder than a chip!
Loved that filly video too!
Discovered hypochlorous acid earlier this year. It has an amazing history. I use it for cuts and scrapes. It stops the bleeding instantly and immediately forms a scab. It’s another of those very helpful things that is so inexpensive to produce that the drug companies buried it.
I wonder if it would be good for fire ant bites?
I suggest trying Windex. Had fire ants bad on both legs and a good spray worked for me.
Jill, my trick for having organic garlic year-round, is to pickle the shelled cloves in Sauerkraut juice . . . the end result is that each clove, straight out of the juice, is like a mouthful of juicy candy.
We never get enough juice left over from canned sauerkraut to make even a half cup. Where / how do you accumulate enough?
Correct me if I’m wrong but sauerkraut is a ferment using salt, water and cabbage. It’s not a pickling product. Fermented garlic is extremely good and healthy too.
Xochitl pronounced "so-cheel" means flower in Nahuatl (language of the Aztecs). Might fit is she is so chill--all the fillies are so cute.
I was going to suggest this name! It’s so lovely. 👍🏻
All the newborns are absolutely beautiful! Lucky YOU! How about “Xena” for the new filly?
That is a good one! Xena warrior Princess.
I too was going to suggest that.
Absolutely love hearing about life on the farm and all the interesting things going on with your menagerie of animals and birds...The photos bring everything to life and its almost like being there.. We live in a desert area and the temperature goes up to 120 degrees...it is hard to grow many things here, but our fruit trees are producing apricots, peaches and figs. Fruit is my favorite food, so I am in heaven this time of year.
Zephyr. Oops, I mean Xephyr.
My garden has shrunk to pots with Tomato plants. They are not being pollinated because my backyard gives me a beautiful view of a well groomed golf course. Bugs and bees are hard to be found. When I was a kid fire flies were plentiful and we created are own flashlights in baby jars. How times have changed! Chemo man go away!
I’m not a global warming environmentalist human hater, but the fact seems to be that a lot of what humans like (huge swaths of monotonous grass preserved by zero turn gas guzzlers and weed killer) is anathema to life on this planet. I have a small band of grass I do not treat like golf course greens around my house and the rest runs wild. My fireflies light up the evening sky. My moths, bees, wasps, birds, squirrels, worms, turtles, frogs are abundant. So are the ticks… so there’s that problem. We need to bring back the aesthetic of the wild over the manicured!
Live with nature, but unfortunately we want to change nature and mRNA is the ultimate tragedy unfolding that will be our downfall.
Xanadu
Cool... My first thought was Xanadu, too.
I was going to suggest Xanthia, but it is not a word. Xanthian is, it has to do with the ancient town of Xanthus in what was known as Asia Minor. Xanadu is better anyway, and if my memory serves, it is also having to do with a place but I think a fictional one.
Except it's a place, not an individual. Xanadu would be where the fillies live.
Always enjoy photos, videos, memes, and articles from both of you. I think Dr. Malone is wonderful for "walking the walk and talking the talk," regarding health and human issues and for giving his time to serve humanity. The best part is an open dialogue. Your lifestyle is admirable. Please keep sharing and keep up the good work!
Thank you for the update and short glimpse into heaven and hard work! Very cool to see the frantic filly with the zoomies!
Absolutely gorgeous fillies! Stay cool and hydrated this next week. We just left DC, in the nick of time it seems, back to cool rainy Alaska.