Last weekend: I helped Katherine (the woman I work with) and her husband, Wesley, slaughter and butcher 52 chickens! I woke up to the realization that it had frosted overnight. Then I made my way out to the middle of nowhere (because that's where everything is here) loaded up with more ice and my weekend coffee. [About two weeks ago, I decided that I was getting a little to attached to my morning coffee. So I cut myself off. I drink tea now. Except on the weekend, because then I actually get to relax and enjoy my coffee. ] It took quite a while for us to get our rhythm. I have a beautiful 6.5 lb chicken in my freezer that I scalded, plucked, and eviscerated. Pretty neat.
This weekend: I'm going to Dallas to visit Anthony Schaeffer. He's come to my family Thanksgiving for a few years, and we no longer live 30 hours apart, so it's time for a visit. We'll see how that goes. Some big park is having their grand opening stuff this weekend, and I'm going to a free Polyphonic Spree concert.
In between: This week was our Dig Day! The groundbreaking event for our production garden (as opposed to our demonstration garden). We made lots of food, all the 5th-8th graders and even some high schoolers came out, and we prepped and planted a bed of garlic. Everyone got shirts for helping out, which was very exciting for most of the kids. That was yesterday, and a lot of them wore their shirts to school today. One 7th grade boy said at one point while digging into the virgin hillside that gardening was harder than football practice. I took that as an accomplishment and a compliment. Football kind of rules around the school, so I sometimes feel like I have to compete with it.
Next weekend: We go down to Little Rock for our monthly staff meeting. BUT more importantly, I'm going to the Arkansas craft beer festival. I'm trying to get some of my FC/DGS co-workers to join me. It will be awesome.
The weekend after that, I have an appointment with the low-cost spay/neuter mobile clinic for my stray kitty/ies.
THEN I'LL BE BACK IN CALIFORNIA FOR A WEEK.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Turkey Trot and Turnip Greens
Clearly, I'm not very disciplined....
This past weekend was the famous Turkey Trot Festival. Check the wikipedia page for Yellville if you're unfamiliar. I bought some root beer, a t-shirt, some CHRISTMAS GIFTS (yes I'm already getting on that train). It was slightly disappointing, because the event had been so super hyped.
I also spent a lot of the weekend driving back and forth between here and Mud Hollow Farm where I was dog sitting/house sitting. It's about twenty miles outside of town, but most of it is an unpaved road, followed by an incredibly steep gravel driveway. It took me nearly 40 minutes just to get from the house to the highway, especially considering the crazy storms we had most mornings. It was a super cute cabin in the hollow, hence the name mud hollow. They heat with wood and haul water. They're building a house up near the road, in which I would be way less likely to feel like I'm about to get axe-murdered in the wilderness by myself. I didn't get any cell reception. Wednesday night to Sunday morning, I tried my best to take care of three old dogs, two baby kitties (more on that later), and all the other munchkins and tasks that I'm responsible for. I think I did an okay job.
As for those kitties. Many of you already know, but a couple of white cats followed me home (with a small amount of help). I have appointments to get them spayed, and they hang out back by the wood shop. I bring them food everyday. I sit with them and pet them. I am not a crazy cat lady.
Yesterday, I downloaded the Seed Savers Exchange catalog, and I've been kind of obsessing about all the awesome stuff I could grow someday. It's getting me really excited about what project I'm going to do after this year. More details on that as they emerge.
I ate something for the first time last week. Turnip greens! Apparently, you can grow seeds that are specifically selected for the greens, where an enlarged root doesn't form. We planted those. So instead of waiting for a big old turnip, we get to harvest and saute greens all fall.
I did write a blog entry last week, for the FoodCorps Arkansas blog. Check it out! I will be writing once a month (way more realistic?) All four of us Arkansan FCSM will rotate weekly updates. That's a quick update on my life. I think that as the day light fades earlier, I might be more motivated to write.
PS If you didn't know, I'll be back in California November 16-23. Get excited.
This past weekend was the famous Turkey Trot Festival. Check the wikipedia page for Yellville if you're unfamiliar. I bought some root beer, a t-shirt, some CHRISTMAS GIFTS (yes I'm already getting on that train). It was slightly disappointing, because the event had been so super hyped.
I also spent a lot of the weekend driving back and forth between here and Mud Hollow Farm where I was dog sitting/house sitting. It's about twenty miles outside of town, but most of it is an unpaved road, followed by an incredibly steep gravel driveway. It took me nearly 40 minutes just to get from the house to the highway, especially considering the crazy storms we had most mornings. It was a super cute cabin in the hollow, hence the name mud hollow. They heat with wood and haul water. They're building a house up near the road, in which I would be way less likely to feel like I'm about to get axe-murdered in the wilderness by myself. I didn't get any cell reception. Wednesday night to Sunday morning, I tried my best to take care of three old dogs, two baby kitties (more on that later), and all the other munchkins and tasks that I'm responsible for. I think I did an okay job.
As for those kitties. Many of you already know, but a couple of white cats followed me home (with a small amount of help). I have appointments to get them spayed, and they hang out back by the wood shop. I bring them food everyday. I sit with them and pet them. I am not a crazy cat lady.
Yesterday, I downloaded the Seed Savers Exchange catalog, and I've been kind of obsessing about all the awesome stuff I could grow someday. It's getting me really excited about what project I'm going to do after this year. More details on that as they emerge.
I ate something for the first time last week. Turnip greens! Apparently, you can grow seeds that are specifically selected for the greens, where an enlarged root doesn't form. We planted those. So instead of waiting for a big old turnip, we get to harvest and saute greens all fall.
I did write a blog entry last week, for the FoodCorps Arkansas blog. Check it out! I will be writing once a month (way more realistic?) All four of us Arkansan FCSM will rotate weekly updates. That's a quick update on my life. I think that as the day light fades earlier, I might be more motivated to write.
PS If you didn't know, I'll be back in California November 16-23. Get excited.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Salsa
First things first: October is National Farm to School month, so keep a lookout for any awesome tidbits and related news.
Second things second, I suppose. I heard the other day that basically all the sugar produced in the United States is GMO sugar, so any processed food you eat that contains sugar (I definitely do!) has GMOs in it. Here I've been avoiding HFCS, which I still believe is important, and I've been led straight into the arms of another agricultural nightmare. Another reason to make more of my own food, I suppose. Although, it sure would be nice if we finally passed a labeling requirement on GMO ingredients.
Third thing, which was originally the first thing: Today, we made salsa in class. That means that I made salsa all throughout the day, either filling 25 minutes of class or unsuccessfully squeezing it into the last 7 minutes. I talked about shipping green tomatoes then ripening them with ethylene. I talked about cilantro versus coriander. I talked about how to dice an onion. Why salt makes something release its juices. I didn't realize how many trivial facts I could spin about salsa and any of its ingredients or variations. That was really fun. One kid touched my knife. That did NOT end well for him. (I just told him to never touch my knives, everyone laughed, he was shamed into submission)
Second things second, I suppose. I heard the other day that basically all the sugar produced in the United States is GMO sugar, so any processed food you eat that contains sugar (I definitely do!) has GMOs in it. Here I've been avoiding HFCS, which I still believe is important, and I've been led straight into the arms of another agricultural nightmare. Another reason to make more of my own food, I suppose. Although, it sure would be nice if we finally passed a labeling requirement on GMO ingredients.
Third thing, which was originally the first thing: Today, we made salsa in class. That means that I made salsa all throughout the day, either filling 25 minutes of class or unsuccessfully squeezing it into the last 7 minutes. I talked about shipping green tomatoes then ripening them with ethylene. I talked about cilantro versus coriander. I talked about how to dice an onion. Why salt makes something release its juices. I didn't realize how many trivial facts I could spin about salsa and any of its ingredients or variations. That was really fun. One kid touched my knife. That did NOT end well for him. (I just told him to never touch my knives, everyone laughed, he was shamed into submission)
Last week's update
Written a few days ago:
Apparently there is some sort of problem with my computer,
the internet at large, or the blogger interface. I spent all weekend trying to
log in, so that I might finally update this little ditty, but could not.
I went to a really awesome seed saving workshop at the
library down in Marshall. There is a great community of local food producers
and advocates for food security and local economies. I learned a ton, and met a
lot of people (networking? woah). I really feel like this type of thing could happen
almost anywhere, especially Santa Barbara, but it doesn't. Perhaps there isn’t that same base of
knowledge ready to be passed on. I don't know that there are small farmers who have the time to go out and give these workshops. I also think that the super high cost of land in Santa Barbara/California in general is prohibitive when beginners are trying their hand at producing food.
Also, I’ve decided that I’m going to take a practice LSAT
later this week. If I get a decent score, I’m probably going to study my butt
off and take the test December 1st, and apply to law school…. I know
I’m kind of crazy, but I think I would really enjoy law school, and the world
around me seems to need a few good strong people to work toward good.
For those of you who don’t know, I’ve been going to yoga
since I got here. I’m planning a monthly potluck group with some of the people from the yoga studio. This first theme is
going to be Indian food. I’m probably making daal and palak paneer. Hopefully
people will actually come to this, as opposed to my friends in California
(except Ryan and Matt who come to everything, thanks!).
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Two Victories: Vermicomposting and an Edible Foodshed
So, it is was a Sunday morning, that has led to a Sunday afternoon. I've had a nice breakfast, and most of a pot of coffee. I have finally found the motivation/caffeination/time to update you all on my life this week.
I had my first real experience with leading a class! It wasn't an official DGS lesson, as those will start on Monday. It was the conservation class, a seventh grade elective, taught by one of the teachers involved in the study. She has graciously offered her 31 seventh graders as free labor any afternoon we need them. Before hurricane Isaac (didn't) flood the town, we had them help us cart our load of topsoil away from the storm runoff where it had been unwisely deposited. They mostly complained about how smelly it was. (Turkey litter is nasty.) This time, we had them help us build vermicomposting bins. For those of you who don't know, vermi=worms. We had gotten some cedar 1"X8"X8' boards donated from the local sawmill. Before we could set these kids loose, we had a lot of prep to do. We measured and cut all the lumber, rewrote the abysmal directions into relatively easy to follow, coherent directions, drilled lots of pilot holes, realized the directions called for some 10 inch boards, even though the budget spreadsheet only listed 8 inch boards, so we had to recut some of the boards to be 16 inches instead of 20, and gathered as many screw drivers as we could. Turns out it takes way more work to get kids involved in construction projects than if you just did it yourself.
We also only had enough lumber to complete 3 bins in this first round. Instead of having 30 kids all working on the project, we split the class up and Katherine took some of them to go finish planting the south demonstration garden. That is how I ended up being in charge of 20-some kids. The instructions I had written were about 8 steps, including gathering the materials. I thought we could surely finish them in 45 minutes, because hey, there are like three screwdrivers per group and like six kids. We got through the first three steps.... Pam, the teacher, gave me a little pep talk afterwards, saying that a) I needed to be meaner to the kids, and that b) we might need to readjust our expectations of what could get done in a class period. By being meaner, she meant I needed to stop trying to talk over the kids and really command their attention. I'm still not sure how I can get them to listen to me, if they're busy working in groups of seven kids working on a project together. I only ever talked over them to let them know I was giving out the next set of directions.... Even though it was raining on Friday, we had the kids out again to work of the worm bins. On the second go-around, I had a new game plan. Instead of trying to set them loose in between each set of instructions and then get their focus back, I had them pick a foreman for each group who would go and figure out the next step and lead their own group. I walked around giving instructions and feedback to each group separately. It worked WAY better, and besides needing to go back and tighten up most of the screws with a power drill, they finished the worm bins by the end of the period. SUCCESS!
Another success this week was submitting my first grant proposal. It was a $1,500 grant through the Arkansas Flower and Garden Association Greening of Arkansas community beautification grants. The grant had to be for at least 50% horticulture, so actual plants, and the rest could be for whatever. We proposed this outdoor classroom foodshed project. Behind our greenhouse site is this really steep grassy hill leading to a nature trail and the outdoor classroom, which is really just a cement slab with a roof and benches along three of the sides. We asked for a tool shed, trellising materials, some gardening tools, and tons of edibles and perennials. Horseradish, rhubarb, raspberries (including red, golden, and black), blueberries, thornless blackberries, strawberries, and asparagus. We'll find out if we get the grant on November 1st, so now we just have to wait.
I had my first real experience with leading a class! It wasn't an official DGS lesson, as those will start on Monday. It was the conservation class, a seventh grade elective, taught by one of the teachers involved in the study. She has graciously offered her 31 seventh graders as free labor any afternoon we need them. Before hurricane Isaac (didn't) flood the town, we had them help us cart our load of topsoil away from the storm runoff where it had been unwisely deposited. They mostly complained about how smelly it was. (Turkey litter is nasty.) This time, we had them help us build vermicomposting bins. For those of you who don't know, vermi=worms. We had gotten some cedar 1"X8"X8' boards donated from the local sawmill. Before we could set these kids loose, we had a lot of prep to do. We measured and cut all the lumber, rewrote the abysmal directions into relatively easy to follow, coherent directions, drilled lots of pilot holes, realized the directions called for some 10 inch boards, even though the budget spreadsheet only listed 8 inch boards, so we had to recut some of the boards to be 16 inches instead of 20, and gathered as many screw drivers as we could. Turns out it takes way more work to get kids involved in construction projects than if you just did it yourself.
We also only had enough lumber to complete 3 bins in this first round. Instead of having 30 kids all working on the project, we split the class up and Katherine took some of them to go finish planting the south demonstration garden. That is how I ended up being in charge of 20-some kids. The instructions I had written were about 8 steps, including gathering the materials. I thought we could surely finish them in 45 minutes, because hey, there are like three screwdrivers per group and like six kids. We got through the first three steps.... Pam, the teacher, gave me a little pep talk afterwards, saying that a) I needed to be meaner to the kids, and that b) we might need to readjust our expectations of what could get done in a class period. By being meaner, she meant I needed to stop trying to talk over the kids and really command their attention. I'm still not sure how I can get them to listen to me, if they're busy working in groups of seven kids working on a project together. I only ever talked over them to let them know I was giving out the next set of directions.... Even though it was raining on Friday, we had the kids out again to work of the worm bins. On the second go-around, I had a new game plan. Instead of trying to set them loose in between each set of instructions and then get their focus back, I had them pick a foreman for each group who would go and figure out the next step and lead their own group. I walked around giving instructions and feedback to each group separately. It worked WAY better, and besides needing to go back and tighten up most of the screws with a power drill, they finished the worm bins by the end of the period. SUCCESS!
Another success this week was submitting my first grant proposal. It was a $1,500 grant through the Arkansas Flower and Garden Association Greening of Arkansas community beautification grants. The grant had to be for at least 50% horticulture, so actual plants, and the rest could be for whatever. We proposed this outdoor classroom foodshed project. Behind our greenhouse site is this really steep grassy hill leading to a nature trail and the outdoor classroom, which is really just a cement slab with a roof and benches along three of the sides. We asked for a tool shed, trellising materials, some gardening tools, and tons of edibles and perennials. Horseradish, rhubarb, raspberries (including red, golden, and black), blueberries, thornless blackberries, strawberries, and asparagus. We'll find out if we get the grant on November 1st, so now we just have to wait.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Ribbon cutting, staff meetings, to do lists, and treats!
A lot has happened this week!
Our garden was officially introduced to the school and community with a ribbon cutting ceremony. It was a quick presentation during first period outside with all the kids. Emily from the study introduced the garden and our goals for this year. The Superintendent and Principal both spoke for a bit about the important and local traditions of gardening and putting up food and working outside. We had the kids throw some wildflower seeds onto our double dug beds in the south demonstration garden--I can only imagine what it will be like if any of them actually make it. We're still digging in that area, and I don't really want to deal with weeding wild flowers. They'll make a nice addition and we can harvest flowers along with the carrots.
After the ribbon cutting, we had a booster training session with all the teachers about the first couple of lessons. We have only one more week to get everything in order before we start lessons with the kids. Each day, Monday through Thursday, we have about 5 classes come out. Monday and Tuesday is the same group and Wednesday and Thursday is the same group. I wish we could have gone back and forth and taught every kid one lesson, then started over to teach the next one, but apparently the teachers wanted their garden days to be together, not staggered. We're here to help them and get them excited about all this, so that's how it goes.
We've still got to build a 3-bin composting system, build a worm bin (vermicomposting), rig up some gutters for the rain water harvesting, get the plumbing figured out for the rain barrels (we already have the stand for one of two built), finish the double dug beds, lay down landscaping fabric, mulch the pathways, and hopefully have enough basil to harvest for pesto! Wow....
I completed two separate online training sessions in human subjects and research ethics. One was about an hour; the other one was about eight. Most of it was review from my own human subjects IRB days doing my Comps research in college. It felt like I was doing driver's ed. again. Read a long passage. Take a short quiz. Repeat. For eight hours.
I went to Little Rock on Friday for our monthly staff meeting. It was the first time I had been with all of the DGS staff at once. On the one hand, any meeting with a full front and back page agenda stresses me out. On the other hand, it's only once a month? Honestly it wasn't that bad, but I have a special place in my heart for meetings that aren't run as efficiently as I would like. The meeting was scheduled for two hours, and I spent three hours all told at ACH (Arkansas Children's Hospital). Part of that time wasn't for the meeting, but it was more than I thought. I did get a treat of Indian food and Kombucha for my good behavior. Katherine already knows that I'm highly motivated by treats and snacks.
On a personal note, I finally got a working phone! You can text me, call me, email me, any form of contact, and I can probably receive it on my new-fangled phone. I'm still learning all the fancy gadgets, but I've come to the dark side of smart phones. I also sent out my first round of letters/packages. If you have a desire to sample the fine barbecue sauces of Arkansas, or try and read a handwritten account of what's going on here, get me your mailing info, and wait eagerly by your mailbox every afternoon. It's what all the cool kids are doing.
Our garden was officially introduced to the school and community with a ribbon cutting ceremony. It was a quick presentation during first period outside with all the kids. Emily from the study introduced the garden and our goals for this year. The Superintendent and Principal both spoke for a bit about the important and local traditions of gardening and putting up food and working outside. We had the kids throw some wildflower seeds onto our double dug beds in the south demonstration garden--I can only imagine what it will be like if any of them actually make it. We're still digging in that area, and I don't really want to deal with weeding wild flowers. They'll make a nice addition and we can harvest flowers along with the carrots.
After the ribbon cutting, we had a booster training session with all the teachers about the first couple of lessons. We have only one more week to get everything in order before we start lessons with the kids. Each day, Monday through Thursday, we have about 5 classes come out. Monday and Tuesday is the same group and Wednesday and Thursday is the same group. I wish we could have gone back and forth and taught every kid one lesson, then started over to teach the next one, but apparently the teachers wanted their garden days to be together, not staggered. We're here to help them and get them excited about all this, so that's how it goes.
We've still got to build a 3-bin composting system, build a worm bin (vermicomposting), rig up some gutters for the rain water harvesting, get the plumbing figured out for the rain barrels (we already have the stand for one of two built), finish the double dug beds, lay down landscaping fabric, mulch the pathways, and hopefully have enough basil to harvest for pesto! Wow....
I completed two separate online training sessions in human subjects and research ethics. One was about an hour; the other one was about eight. Most of it was review from my own human subjects IRB days doing my Comps research in college. It felt like I was doing driver's ed. again. Read a long passage. Take a short quiz. Repeat. For eight hours.
I went to Little Rock on Friday for our monthly staff meeting. It was the first time I had been with all of the DGS staff at once. On the one hand, any meeting with a full front and back page agenda stresses me out. On the other hand, it's only once a month? Honestly it wasn't that bad, but I have a special place in my heart for meetings that aren't run as efficiently as I would like. The meeting was scheduled for two hours, and I spent three hours all told at ACH (Arkansas Children's Hospital). Part of that time wasn't for the meeting, but it was more than I thought. I did get a treat of Indian food and Kombucha for my good behavior. Katherine already knows that I'm highly motivated by treats and snacks.
On a personal note, I finally got a working phone! You can text me, call me, email me, any form of contact, and I can probably receive it on my new-fangled phone. I'm still learning all the fancy gadgets, but I've come to the dark side of smart phones. I also sent out my first round of letters/packages. If you have a desire to sample the fine barbecue sauces of Arkansas, or try and read a handwritten account of what's going on here, get me your mailing info, and wait eagerly by your mailbox every afternoon. It's what all the cool kids are doing.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Two weeks, and not too much to show for it.
With the first real week of service behind me, I'm finally getting a feel for this town. There are a few dynasties--those families who everyone is related to somehow. There are the Davenports, the Duffys, and a few others. This is a weird phenomenon, and as I meet new people, I'm mentally putting them within this web. Everyone is someone's cousin. People I meet at the school are the same people I see in the courthouse or on the square, or I've met their kids. Really with only 1,213 people, I should have expected this.
One of the main goals of my service, in my opinion, is to connect people to their local food economies. Growing food, understanding the work that goes into it, learning how to cook what they've just harvested, it's a pretty neat cycle. Being in Arkansas, I'm in the homeland of Walmart. The company was founded in Northwest Arkansas, and it seems like every town has a Walmart and a Sonic Drive-In. I have always tried to avoid Walmart, because I don't agree with their labor practices. It's hard to do though, when it's the best stocked grocery store within like 100 miles. I did go to the Walmart pharmacy the other day in Flippin (best town name ever?) Yellville used to have 3 pharmacies, but now they only have one. I chose to go to Flippin to get a prescription filled for two reasons: I get cell phone reception in Flippin (so frustrating! it's only 6 miles away, and equally small, so T-Mobile, You suck!), so I could talk to family, and because it was simpler to have my prescription transferred there than the small backwater pharmacy and I was in a hurry. We'll see if convenience trumps local very often.
I try to keep as much of my spending power in the local economy, because it really does make a difference. Harps, the local grocery store is actually pretty neat. It's employee owned, and it has pretty much the same stuff as a Vons or an Albertsons. So far, the things I haven't been able to buy there are super foofy California type things. They don't have coconut milk flavored creamer (Why do I need that? I blame Jacey) They don't have flavored sparkling water, like they do at Trader Joe's. None of these things are basic staple grocery items, so I don't fault them for not carrying them.
There are no bars in Yellville. There's a liquor store and a beer barn, which I've heard cover all the bases. I was hoping for a bar, because that seemed like an obvious place to meet the younger crowd. However, I did help Lyn (the really awesome fifth generation local who I'm staying with) bottle his first batch of home brew last weekend! It was an IPA, so hopefully it will turn out tasting great. I was excited to realize that homebrewing is pretty much everywhere.
Yesterday I started lots of seeds and built a rain water harvesting system! We'll eventually have two set up down by our outdoor classroom. I'll have more pictures as soon as more projects get finished.
One of the main goals of my service, in my opinion, is to connect people to their local food economies. Growing food, understanding the work that goes into it, learning how to cook what they've just harvested, it's a pretty neat cycle. Being in Arkansas, I'm in the homeland of Walmart. The company was founded in Northwest Arkansas, and it seems like every town has a Walmart and a Sonic Drive-In. I have always tried to avoid Walmart, because I don't agree with their labor practices. It's hard to do though, when it's the best stocked grocery store within like 100 miles. I did go to the Walmart pharmacy the other day in Flippin (best town name ever?) Yellville used to have 3 pharmacies, but now they only have one. I chose to go to Flippin to get a prescription filled for two reasons: I get cell phone reception in Flippin (so frustrating! it's only 6 miles away, and equally small, so T-Mobile, You suck!), so I could talk to family, and because it was simpler to have my prescription transferred there than the small backwater pharmacy and I was in a hurry. We'll see if convenience trumps local very often.
I try to keep as much of my spending power in the local economy, because it really does make a difference. Harps, the local grocery store is actually pretty neat. It's employee owned, and it has pretty much the same stuff as a Vons or an Albertsons. So far, the things I haven't been able to buy there are super foofy California type things. They don't have coconut milk flavored creamer (Why do I need that? I blame Jacey) They don't have flavored sparkling water, like they do at Trader Joe's. None of these things are basic staple grocery items, so I don't fault them for not carrying them.
There are no bars in Yellville. There's a liquor store and a beer barn, which I've heard cover all the bases. I was hoping for a bar, because that seemed like an obvious place to meet the younger crowd. However, I did help Lyn (the really awesome fifth generation local who I'm staying with) bottle his first batch of home brew last weekend! It was an IPA, so hopefully it will turn out tasting great. I was excited to realize that homebrewing is pretty much everywhere.
Yesterday I started lots of seeds and built a rain water harvesting system! We'll eventually have two set up down by our outdoor classroom. I'll have more pictures as soon as more projects get finished.
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