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1. This week we killed three snakes; one poisonous and two non-poisonous. A county road crew scared up the copperhead but my son killed it before it made it inside the fence line. A big black snake had been feasting on chicks when we killed it. The last snake was hanging out near the rabbits and tried to strangle one of the young smaller rabbits. I found it before it got big enough to kill a rabbit and chopped its head off. All part of living in the country, but when they get within the compound, they get chopped up with the shovel or weed eater!

   Eleven new chicks hatched and were moved to the protection of the “transition” coop. Now that we killed the chick-eating snake, these should make it to pullet stage.

   Harvested basil, lavender, rosemary, parsley and the last of the dill. They will be drying this week. FD 8 dz scrambled eggs, stuffed hot peppers and 10 pds of link sausage. Made 1 qt of jalapeno hot sauce and 1 qt of cayenne pepper hot sauce. Dehydrated 1 dz habanero peppers.

   My son has processed 4 cords of fire wood in the last 5 weeks and has one more cord to go. Depending on the temps, we use between 2-1/2 to 3 cords each winter to supplement the propane heater. Our goal is five cords in place by October.

   Made a run to the closest city with big box stores, filled up empty diesel and high octane containers. Got lime, DE and found seed starter mix at 60% off and got 8 evergreen trees/bushes half off. The evergreens will go along the front edge of the compound as a privacy screen.

   Finally, the usual garden chores,harvesting and preserving the fruits and veges. It has been a good productive week!

2. The peach cobbler sounds wonderful, but then again I am partial to it as I live in a peach growing area where the orchards span over the horizon in some places. Still, it is far better to grow your own and have the pleasure of eating what you’ve grown and produced. For me this week I purchased a Kahr 9mm to add to my collection. I also got to test it out on a timber rattlesnake that decided to stretch out in our back year. I must say it was very accurate as with one shot I took the viper’s head off. I also went by the gun smith to check on a shot gun that I am having shortened and re-threaded as well as my antique 9mm VIZ Radum. The guns have been there for three weeks and I found that they had not been started. I had to re-explain the need of having the shotgun back prior to Labor Day as the dove season comes in and I was intending to use it. Looks like I may have to go with the old standards I normally use. I can’t complain much as the guy is active reserve and has to go do the reserve thing that limits his time in the shop. This reminds me of one other thing, not really related to prepping, that I did Friday. I took my team from work to the National Infantry Museum http://nationalinfantrymuseum.org/ where we watched a movie about the War of 1812 and the National Anthem, toured the museum, did a simulation run in a Humvee, ate lunch there and then took off the remainder of the day. I personally could spend days going through the museum reading and learning the history. I think they all really enjoyed the outing.

3. We studied all week, took the test this morning ( and passed!) for ham radio licenses,

4. It’s been too hot or rainy for the garden this week so we studied and took the test for our ham radio license- we passed!

5. Wow, great hearing of all the ham tests takers blessings on your tests. look forward to hearing new folks on the air,
   getting older takes it’s tole. maintenance takes longer, I find hiring youngsters is now important. replacing older equipment and maintaining equipment is very important now. my brush hog needed new belts, the gas started gelling in the log spiltter carb cleaning was the order of the day. Not this OLD one, but the mechanical one. seems the Ol’ back cant do much anymore. Had a new stove installed and converted to propane. That’s something to keep in mind when purchasing new equipment. Oh and it’s time now to perform all the maintenance on the generators and snow blower.
   Oh, yes and the wood splitting will be a priority while I have family here to help. Looking to stack at least 5 cords, for the house and two for the shop.
   Good luck to all you ham test takers. even if your just going for tech, take the general if you pass the tech. you may just surprise yourselves.
   Blessings to all Dave of Oregon

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