Bargaining with the rain gods  

OK, give us some rain, not too much, not too little, just enough and when convenient…for us. With crazy weather patterns becoming the norm I’m not sure what totem offerings to make to whomever is listening. But I’m willing to try. Just clue me in big guy.

The folks in the UK, I hear, could stand a dry spell. The good people of the Gulf coast could use a month or two to dry out from Noah like deluges, just not too long…. And we’ve been running low for the year. Not a drought, yet. But edging into the scary zone where you know what can happen. So when a major system kicked up and started firing moisture northwards from the Gulf of Mexico and along a frontal line, we were hopeful.

But after a misting over 24 hours and by yesterday afternoon a mere measly 10th of an inch was in the rain gauge. So late on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, with the skies having parted I was glued to the computer watching stray storms popping up; calculating wind directions, intensity and whether the gods were going to play fair.

For a couple of hours we watched what appeared to be a promising cell fire up on the Cumberland Plateau. An agonizing drift eastward at a glacial pace and it finally crested the ridge of our valley around 6 pm. A nice round ½ inch dropped into the gauge. We’ll take what was offered. Do I need to slaughter a lamb or offer burnt offerings?

So after the rain of yesterday I piddled about the farm today, did a bit of fishing, mainly as an excuse to smoke a cigar. And I mulled over an email we had received. Someone wanted advice on leading a more self-sufficient life. I disclaim any authority to answer adequately. But apparently I can’t seem to resist the siren call of thinking I have something to say (see below).

So, while I’ve been a bit useless today, Cindy has been her usual industrious self. She has been cleaning our hive bodies and getting frames ready for our two new bee nuc’s. These are ones to replace the four hives lost last year to bad weather and poor management.

5 Guidelines to greater self-sufficiency

Lesson #1: Garden

Start by getting your hands dirty. Plant a garden. Grow what you like to eat. Plunge your hands into the soil, make some notes of what you did and repeat next season. It is not hard. At the end of the season you have some fresh produce, don’t waste it. Eat it, save it or compost it.

Lesson #2: Livestock

Start small and raise for your own home consumption. Raise only what you like to eat. It doesn’t take a college degree or permaculture certification to raise a hog out for nine months, butcher it and eat well for the next year. Chickens or ducks, a hog or a lamb, can all be raised successfully on a small bit of land.

Lesson #3: Work

We all have more time than we realize. So, use it. You are going to feel better at the end of the year when you have some food in the freezer and in the pantry, I promise. Knowing you can produce food for your family is simply the best feeling.

Lesson #4: Killing and cooking

Get over your squeamishness. You got an extra rooster, learn to butcher. Do it cleanly and humanely and honor it with a really nice dinner with some sides of fresh vegetables you grew.

Lesson #5: Intelligence

Use your brain. Educate yourself on the best ways to do any of the above. Our ancestors have been providing for themselves for thousands of years. Hey, how hard can it be?

 

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3 thoughts on “Bargaining with the rain gods  

  1. How hard can it be? I can think of a few folks I know for whom it would be nigh on impossible. And that’s a pity. But for someone who has asked for suggestions I imagine they’re ready to have a go and you’ve provided a nice little list.

    The more I roll this ‘self-sufficiency’ over in my head the more I wonder how far off the grid some are wanting to go. Going from no garden to as much garden as you have patience for is a great first step. And I agree the rewards are incredible. Some folks will take to it like ducks to a pond. And others – not so much. Oh well.

    • Clem,
      Yep, self-sufficiency covers a wide territory. And, it is as prone to coopting as the term sustainability. And what does one want to be self-sufficient in: mechanical skills, sewing clothes, money in the bank?

      But considering our focus and history on the farm it was clear they were asking for some basic info on food production. And, although I have a great appreciation for expertise (including plant scientists)… I also think a lot of people overthink the basics. I have had one too many visitors who were paralyzed into inactivity in raising chickens based on what they had read. Like I say, get your hands dirty and get to work.
      I am frequently amazed by the number of people in my own little valley who don’t garden, much less raise out some chickens. Knowing a bit about their lack of income, I can’t fathom the inactivity. Which I guess brands me as a curmudgeon. Sigh.

      We sponsor a number of workshops each year at a very modest price ($10 usually) to teach some of these basic skills.

      Cheers,
      Brian

      • Upon further reflection, I have been unduly harsh in my assessment of my kith in this valley. The valley certainly contains plenty of examples of families who should, but do not provide for themselves. But a drive yesterday through our area of the county and was struck by how many gardens I spotted.
        Brian

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