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blackstar212 congrats and best wishes!

I have had the occasion (s) in the past to ask when is a fruit or vegetable most nutrient rich, of many USDA researchers and as you might expect their opinions varied widely. Carrots cooked versus raw, even split, same with beets, leafy vegetables etc.. All seemed to agree however: Fresh is best, stressed by pest, heat, drought etc.also adds to nutrient levels. Many bi annuals are best after a frost or freeze including: beets broccoli carrots cabbage collards kale etc. Expect different levels depending upon soils* and nutrients employed available. Drought tends to concentrate soluble solids. As does size, in this case smaller is better! Try a taste test of a smaller straw berry versus a large one. Ripeness matters as well. Least processing is best. In general frozen preferable over dried. Most modern farming occurs in dirt. Dirt is dead. Soils found where organic practices are employed thrive with life. YMMV

I plan to live forever, so far the plan has worked!

Welcome! For the most part here, like in life, what you sow determines what you reap.

A resident Red Shouldered Hawk is often heard, less often seen, at least by me. Mostly I have seen them while they are being harassed by a murder of crows. Mowing yesterday reduced rodent cover and this morning a hawk caught a vole or field mouse flew to the top of compost to eat the meal. It had seven or eight bites before flying off. Remaining low -3 feet or less above ground before soaring into and thru the trees.

dawei I liken you to a shepherd, the head shepherd if you will. There are wolves in every healthy ecosystem. Wolves change rivers, as do sheep, people and all the 10,000 things. Gratitude and blessings to one and all.

If " The biggest source of negative criticism in my life right now, by far, is Daobums " you are doing real well! Personal reflection is good but negative criticism either external or more often internal sources is rarely useful in the moment. At least In my experience. I fired my internal critic so many times its not funny!

Visit's to my grandparents included an adjustment to the flora and fauna inhabiting my gut. They relied on well water and it had no taste (like water at home). But a belly ache was common, on occasion the runs, for a few days until things sorted themselves out. Once of age I switched to beer, preferably local and cold, end of issues.

My folks were by nature very open and kind. From early childhood I would see complete strangers drawn to them for assistance, be it directions, or suggestions. In the grocery, walking the dog, shopping was always interesting to watch them draw in and help complete strangers. Often with very personal issues I am cut from the same cloth, sort of a magnet for distressed folks (if I let my guard down). I don't think my parents felt the need to have a guard be it simpler times, and or the strength of their character and or both. But I find it tiresome to be available to strangers. I limit my time in crowds, and shop do odds and ends at off times. I am often aware of real needs and am drawn to them. For example I was driving by a shopping center mid afternoon had no intention or need to go in but was drawn to an older Subaru with a women and a dog in the car full sun, windows down but its like 100 degrees. I grabbed them up and went to a small grocer and got ice water for the lady and the dog, gratis from the store keeper, whom was reluctant, but came around quickly. I went out to try to trouble shoot the non starting Subaru, no joy and the heat soon drove me back to the grocer. Women meanwhile was a bit addled by the heat. I asked if she had a tow service a trusted mechanic etc. she hands me her purse look in there she says. Her AAA membership had expired a year ago as best as I could determine. Its fast approaching 5 o'clock on a Friday no less. I get AAA on my phone they talk thru me agree if she joins the can have towed that day. Using my cc we get her enrolled. Six o'clock and tow truck arrives. we get it towed to nearest repair station now closed but closer to her home. I had her and the dog in my van ac blasting when I got an inspiration and asked for her keys. Yup her car started. You saw that coming didn't you? Lol. I followed her home just a few miles. I don't frequent that grocer often, but I do mail at the post office there 2 or so times a week. I passed the lady in the Subaru a few times no notice on her part nor the grocers either. I have been known to send others in as I am plainly ignored. Lol Yup she paid me in cash (or on edit reimbursed me for her AAA renewal) once she got home, or nearby anyway. Its second hand to me now, being ignored for the most part, and being drawn to troubled souls seeking solace (or often cash). Not so much for $ when I am out of the truck on foot as it looks like I be broke and often am low or no cash. Today at the food bank I was approached by a counselor for person of development handicaps. Could I would I use them at the farm? The season is coming to an end sadly but rightly so. So No But Thanks! Carried 358 pounds squash to the food bank today before I ran out of boxes. My practice when I can remember is simplicity, humility, and charity. Peace!

If I don't mind it, it don't matter! So if a tree fell in the forest ... I didn't see it, or hear it, so it didn't fall. Meanwhile the theme song from The Twilight Zone is playing softly.

Thanks to one and all whom support the bums!

Vacations are or aren't escapism. Has one earned it? Or is it financed? The past is past and should have taught us something. The future holds many lessons as well if we are aware. Likewise now is a lesson and a gift. If we can enjoy the moment the rest comes easy. The struggle lies in this moment, or not. That's our choice. Moment by moment choices ...

The fruits, vegetables and seeds of my labor all turn to crap, my goal / preference is human crap!

May I have a cake? And eat it too? When does the cake become me? What if I give the cake away? A tasty healthy organic squash & chocolate cake. I the donor want to lose 10 pounds of weight (only 25 to go and reach that goal). The person receiving the cake is celebrating an occasion. Happy to enjoy the cake. After all food is love!

Sorry, but that just ain't gonna happen.

Congrats Mh! I aspire to achieve that specific distinction, as I am abnormal in many other areas. It just comes naturally to some of us.

Turn about is fair play!

Michael, Thanks for your hard work! That you (and the other moderators) last so long is remarkable. It bears repeating: Thanks for your service!

Thanks to one and all whom contribute to this site!

I was resting in the shade watching my squash patch grow. The patch is about 30 feet square and expanding out at a foot or two a day in all directions. The largest leaves are a foot and half long and wide. The patch has some weeds going to seed, some in flower. First I noticed a humming bird zooming in about 5 feet above the plants hovering for just a second the darting away, feeding on mosquitos. In one area the squash leaves began to flutter, I suspected a whistling pig. But much to my surprise a juvenile cardinal emerged to capture a moth. The cardinal startled the doves which were feeding on the grass going to seed. Also got the resident mocking birds attention. The hawk sounded off and a murder of crows arrived over head in pursuit of the hawk. Moments like that are pure joy.

Acceptance and gratitude are always appropriate. And appreciated. At least by me!

I often rely on Oh but for the grace of God there go I!

Thanks to you and all who serve.

Its a sad that neither of the two candidates has more than 50% popularity. Both are pandering to our fears. He of others. She of him.

I once stepped into the middle of a dog fight. One neutered male, playing roughly with a bitch when the bitches mother intervened and attacked the male. I threw my hat at the mom who distracted long enough to let go of the males ear, only momentarily, and then her attack resumed. I spotted a length of 2x4 lumber and employed It to separate the dogs, using it as a lever. It was over extremely fast. The dogs were neighbors and had played together on a regular basis. My neighbor watching at the time, and clapped afterward stating that my actions were incredibly appropriate. It was for me an example of wu wei. I truly had a dog in the fight! The neutered male, a lean 85 lb. Rottweiler, three years old named Dude was resident dog at the farm at that time. The mom was a Golden Retriever 8 or so years old. The pup was a solid 50 pounds of sass and muscle. I didn't want anyone injured canine nor human. I and the neighbor were chatting when the fight broke out. Dude had a few teeth punctures in his ear (an awful lot of blood) but was back to his happy go self in no time. A great ground hog hunter, with a soft mouth, Dude is truly missed. Does your dog bite I was often asked? Not without reason or notice. And not with any malice. I was known to allow and enjoy the local dogs playing with in reason. Still would but the neighbor hood is being developed. I find myself acting without thought from time to time with no regrets,