Chewsday: Wings Like Eagles

Generations ago, a proud Lakota people wandered the Great Plains of North America according to their own free will. The decisions to move their nomadic villages rested only with the weather, the season, and the migrating tendencies of the great buffalo herds. These people were proud and honorable and they were known to be stealthy warriors, great hunters, and nurturers of their extended families. In the years leading up to 1890, the government of the United States of America felt threatened by the nomadic nature of these great tribes and imposed extensive efforts to sequester them in designated areas, or reservations. Those who resisted or were perceived to resist this imposition were forced into submission or killed. The horrific Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890 on this reservation was a putrid testimonial to the over-use of military force implemented to accomplish this dominance. 

   

     These proud people still live on these reservations even though these designated areas of land were selected due to their undesirable nature. A difficult living, at best, was imminent for this “first Nation” as they struggled to modify their lifestyles and exist in these locations. They have existed despite every effort to weaken and dilute their rich culture. 

OK so...

In the last few years my dad has been in the process of doing some good for the Lakota people by starting a non-profit called Wings Like Eagles. As an organization, we've taken some incredible trips to the reservation, done a lot of work, and only have plans to do a lot more! The next project coming down the pipe is to refurbish the gravesite at Wounded Knee (the famous massacre that you've ever learned about in history class or will check out on Wikipedia now). Please go to wingslikeeaglesinc.org for information, and then vote for us to win the Pepsi Refresh project for a $25,000 grant to do the refurbishment. 

Vote Here! Pepsi Refresh-Wounded Knee

Monster Monday: Kola Continued

Kola Continued


Least Favorite Things To Do: Swim!-(any time I try and pull Kola into the pool, she scratches and wiggles like mad...eventually living up to her nickname "Kola Bear"). Be picked up-Kola is very independent and also very conscious of her age (teenage girl), so she thinks it is very uncool to be held and often reacts just as if I am throwing her in a pool (see above). Babysit Ryder-unless it is Kola's idea, playing with Ryder is her absolute least favorite thing to do...she is such a teenage girl.

If Kola Was A Person...: She would probably be Lakota- not only does her name mean "friend" in the Lakota language, but she has that same tenacity (she lived in a box for goodness sake), she loves nature more than any dog I know, and she is quite pretty. She would be a good nanny- Kola is a fierce protector, a tough disciplinarian, and also a good shoulder to cry on. She would be one of those "free trade"/ "feather in the hair" kind of girls-Kola prefers sticks and digging to Feeder's Supply toys any day. 

Quirks (continued): Kola will pee at the sight of any tall attractive guy (think Adam Ringo), often getting it on his shoes. Kola knows how to pick the lock to the front gate, but never does unless we are leaving anyway. Kola knows English...if you say car, crate, upstairs, eat, or momma she knows just where to go (momma is only used when I am mad that Molly gets to sleep in and I send her in for a surprise at 630 am.)

Favorite Memories of Kola: When Ryder was trying to learn to sit, Kola--already sitting and waiting for a treat--would push his butt to the ground with her paw so that they would both get rewarded.

Also, one Saturday morning Kola decided to get out of the yard for a little stroll. I saw her race back to the woods behind Mrs. Roth's house and knew for sure that she had fallen over the 100 foot cliff. I climbed all the way down, almost weeping (just like the kid in Old Yeller), looking for her body...to no avail. When I gave up an hour later and came back to the house, Kola was laying on the hood of my car asleep and I couldn't blame her.

Palm Sunday: DIY Raised Beds

Obviously gardening started in the beginning in the Garden, but for us, it started this spring. Molly has become obsessed with health and wellness, organic food, farm-to-table, and being dirty, so I decided to make two raised beds for her, for her birthday in January. This post is a sort of "DIY Raised Beds" narrative. 

Construction:

Supplies: -6 (8ft) 2x10x1 boards (per bed)

-one 8ft 3x3 rod (per bed)

-5 lbs galvanized deck screws

-square

-tape measurer

-screw driver/ power drill

-table or circular saw with sawhorses

Process: -Start by measuring out six feet on each board and drawing a line that will be your mark for cutting off the extra two feet. 

-Cut off the extra two feet

-If you want, notch out half of each board (see picture), being careful to match them up properly. 

-the extra two feet of each board will be the end of the raised bed...these need to be notched too. 

-cut the 3x3 rod into four 2 foot sections.

-fit it all together

-screw

-Now that your first layer is done, screw in the 3x3x24 rod in each corner. 

-continue to build two more layers, stacking them evenly.

-Level out the ground and install bed on it. 

**Important!-If you use treated lumber, be sure to cover the inside of the bed with plastic. Cedar wood (can be found at Fresh Start) is best suited for Raised Bedding because it doesn't need to be treated, doesn't corrode as easy, and smells good.

What to Do With a Raised Bed

Raised beds are a better way to garden for a few reasons. First, they allow the gardener to use any soil they prefer...we use organic compost and potting soil from Bunton's or Fresh Start. Second, they allow crops to be contained to a special area without the intrusion of much grass or weeds. Last, they look cool and you don't have to bend down as far. 

If you do use raised beds, you will need to start by filling them with soil (if this gets too expensive it's ok to put a layer of gravel in the bottom) but you should definitely mix the soil with compost. After this is done section off the raised bed, keeping track of where you plant each different sort of seed. For tomatoes and peas construct or buy a lattice to support the growing plants and screw it into the side of the bed. 

I think that's about it, enjoy....happy planting.

Saturday Evening Post: Hammerheads

The new place of choice for Louisville hipsters is most definitely Hammerheads, located on Swan Street right in the heart of Germantown. Inconspicuously placed in the basement of an old house, in the middle of a neighborhood, perhaps the only way to distinguish Hammerheads from the surrounding shotguns is by the giant stuffed shark above the door or the constant stream of tattooed boys in skinny jeans with mad men hair cuts pushing through the door.

Known for their variety of Pale Ales and their creatively oiled French Fries--everything from sweet potato to grippo flavored, and fried in normal or truffle oil--Hammerheads is doing American food well. Served on solid cutting-board style plates, each dish is thoughtfully constructed, artistically presented, and well-made by the former sous chef of Seviche. The atmosphere is classically dive-barish, complete with a moose head (plastic and very chique) on the wall, flamingoes and christmas lights around the edges, and beachy pastel paint. Probably most striking, the patrons of Hammerheads seem to be a mix of foodies and folks who are mostly typical of Germantown--which is to say, either the aformentioned hipster variety, or the scraggly PBR (Clint Eastwood inspired) drinking Sailor Jerry types--we also saw a 10 year old boy with a feather in his hair. 

Overall, Hammerheads is about the right price for the quality of the food (around $10 per entree, side not included) and the drink selection is good. There is not a hostess so come early or ready to wait, and dress lightly...the heat of the kitchen is shared by all, especially in August. 

ByTheWayFriday: Proto Evangelion - Dimly Lit

So all day I rode around in the company car praising God and rocking out at the same time. For this ByTheWayFriday post, therefore, I think it makes sense to do our first CD review of Proto Evangelion's Dimly Lit. 

The record starts with All Creatures of Our God and King, of St. Francis of Assisi fame, beginning with a riff that would be just as fitting for the intro of a Death Cab for Cutie song. Riley Taylor's voice sounds very Seattle (in the same way Ben Gibbard's does) throughout Dimly Lit, but by the end of the record we realize that it's pep is really just a mixture of Northwestern accent and enthusiasm for the Lord.

I could really go on and on in my excitement about this CD, but I don't want to ruin it for you, so I'll only review two more songs: the old Sojourn favorite In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross, and a Proto original, I Have Seen the Resurrection of the Dead. 

In Proto's version of Brooks Ritter's In the Shadow, the listener is led into what is essentially a lyrical lament of the sinful human condition by the ghostly and mournful plucking of the classic Seattle telecaster sound. Soon after, Taylor's stark (and very enunciated) voice leads us through the verses of a song we are used to hearing be wailed. Between each chorus/verse interchange, Proto makes time to rock, and by the end of the song we are positively crying out to God and thrashing around the car...Oh wait that was probably just me.

In contrast with the indie sound of most of the old hymns, Resurrection of the Dead starts with a kind of fireside strum and leads into a very moving chorus backed up by the kind of "wall of sound" ambient guitars we usually hear on a Radiohead single. The bridge of the song positively screams "How can I serve you my master, how will I love you as I ought? O to have touched the holes in your hands, O to have seen the risen Lord!" with crashing cymbals and burning guitar lines that beg the listener to go and make disciples in their enthusiasm. 

From what I understand, Proto Evangelion is the worship band for Calvary Fellowship in Seattle. Their name means "first gospel" and comes from Genesis 3:15 where God proclaims the message of salvation for the first time: "And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."

1. All Creatures of Our God and King

2. Before the Throne of God Above

3. Resurrection of the Dead

4. In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross

5. Inheritor

6. What Wondrous Love is This

7. Be Still My Soul

8. The Saviour Calling

9. The Love of God

10. Let Our Voices Rise Like Incense

http://calvaryfellowship.org/audio

B.R.R.'sDay: Age 78

Age 78: “yes I would like the bold please. with a sleeve if you wouldn’t mind.” “how are you today sir?” “I’m well. thanks for asking. I’m enjoying this blue sky it seems fresher...” “I know! your coffee will be right out.” “oh. O.K.” the shop smells of stale grinds—that is to be expected—but also something like polish or oil paint. everything is surgical now. time passes like an injury to a bone or a deep bruise. each day gnaws at me if I wallow, but in retrospect, history—like a body’s broken rib—moves quickly, mending snags and setting splints. what I wouldn’t give for a fall night at O’Claire’s by the patio fountain that smelled of fish and mold, all of us acting like kids—being kids. a walk down Navajo Road each of us happy to be paired with any other for the moment, “I’m so thankful for you.” “we are always so in tune.” “live in anticipation of the dawn!” “breath of fresh air?” a fight, even, with all of the love and frustrations, graces and sacrifices wrapped into expletives that were too malicious and red-faced for either of us to take very seriously. I hope you made it to that big house you imagined, my dear, that you found my mother, that nothing reminds you of me,—you deserve a moment alone after James and Liv and my own eccentricities—that the journey has ended just as we lived for it to. the paint around the window is a standard taupe, but where the chair has rubbed, green is peeking through. I wonder if this used to be a video store, or perhaps a doughnut bakery.

Remember Whensday: Mountain Goats at Cosley Lake

So for this Remember Whensday I'd like to post about something recent that made a really big impact on us. About a month or so ago we took a trip to Glacier National Park in Montana and had one of the best experiences ever. So many posts could be done about our trip, but one afternoon in particular made a really huge impact on Molly and me and I'd just like to share it. We took a five night backpacking trip in the park and, as you'll see in some of the pictures, we stayed on a giant glacial lake called Cosley Lake. At around 45 degrees, the lake was not much of a swimming hole, but it was gorgeous! One day we took a hike to Elizabeth Lake (around 4.5 miles away) and in order to get to the mountain pass we needed, we had to cross Cosley, and because the water and air were both chilly, it made sense to get naked in order to do so. Long story short, we ended up crossing Cosley with our bums hanging out, making it to Elizabeth, hiking back the same day only to cross again, and living to tell about the experience with a video of Molly laughing hysterically as her private parts are playing peek-a-boo with the wilderness.

Nine miles two days in a row is a lot (even for us :)) and the next day we found ourselves a bit wiped out, so we walked to the crossing section of the lake again and fished and napped all day. Although I didn't catch anything, I've never had a more relaxing time--the water was so clear I could literally see my fly sinking from 30 feet away--and Molls seemed to have a very nice time reading in her hammock (I must give her props...she fished for a little while too). Just as we were about to pack up and head back for dinner, a herd of mountain goats walked up behind us and watched us as if we were from another planet. Needless to say, we took as many pictures as possible, Molly stalked them into the undergrowth, and just being close to them was awesome enough, but as we stepped back and started to leave, the goats began to cross the lake at the same point we had the day before. As a family they organized themselves into groups (babies with adults) and then doggie paddled much more gracefully than we had done. When one baby and its baby sitter were left behind (too scared or curious about us to cross), the biggest male goat stood on the cliff across the stream and bleated encouragement. Best of all, he climbed down from his perch, swam back across the freezing water, and then crossed behind his two kids (that's what I like to imagine they were). The scene reminded me so much of my own parents, our Heavenly Father, and the kind of man that I want to be some day, and this simple encounter with nature left both Molly and I equally awed, excited, sort of wanting to have babies, and sort of wanting to get a goat. We were are so thankful for such a lovely memory.

Chewsday: A Farewell To Arms

So this Tuesday I am going to present A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway as something to chew on.

A Farewell to Arms is the story of a wartime love affair between Frederic Henry and Catherine Barker. Henry, known as "Tenente" throughout most of the book, is serving as an ambulance driver in the Italian army during WWI. As an American volunteering overseas, we are immediately confronted with the reality that he is isolated and dissatisfied, different from his peers. Hemingway masterfully examines the masculine experience by highlighting Henry's relationship with his Italian friends, and uses their association as soldiers to discredit the war from with many different voices. 

While AFTA is about WWI and all of the adventures that the war effort confronts Henry with, (being shot at, being wounded, shooting someone, drinking A LOT, almost drowning, eventually deserting) possibly more important is his relationship with Catherine, a British nurse whom he meets and impregnates. As sparse as Hemingway's language is, he is able to communicate a real sense that Henry loves Catherine, and by the end of the novel we are taken on quite an emotional rollercoaster. Because I sense that mostly girls read this blog, I'll leave out the better-than-twilight details of the best love affair of World War One and tell you to either read the book or watch the movie featuring Rock Hudson. Not only is this story riveting, exciting, and lovely, but it is a classic--voted one of the top 100 books of the 20th c by the MLA--completely worthy of your facebook favorite book section and a prideful "I'm smart" smiling admission when you are next asked what you've been reading. Chew on that.

Monster Monday: Ryder

Name: Ryder Gray Roberson

Birthday: 8/2/10

Breed: Weimaraner

Story: While working at Rainbow Blossom Molly met two Weimaraners--Olive and Jack. We had been wanting a second dog for a few months (because we mistakenly thought Kola's mellowness was a sad yearning loneliness) and because she had fallen in love with the temperaments of Olive and Jack we looked around on the internet for a litter of puppies. Ryder had been born two weeks previously and things worked out so that we could pick him up on the way home from Paul and Cameron Jones' wedding in Chatanooga, at a farm in Whitley City KY. Adam and Sam helped us bring him home and true to form he never whimpered or even peed in the car...choosing instead to try and eat things and sleep like a log.

Hobbies: escaping (from car windows even when moving, from fences, from his crate) only to sit outside of whatever boundary he has crossed, gloating, until we find him. Eating anything and everything (including eggs shell and all, chickens...alive or dead/cooked or un, rocks, sunglasses (RIP)). wrestling with Ben and Kola. Swimming. Cuddling.

Pet-Peeves: Hunger. That is all...you could literally do anything to Ryder and he would not mind.

Favorite Foods: Living Chickens.

Sleeping Places: Crate (he does really well for a Weim, but never fails to moan like a dying old woman at 6 AM EVERY morning), anywhere...including on the sidewalk during a walk if he is too hot.

Nicknames: Pwecious (Molly's), Idiot (Ben's) (JK)

Quirks: Despite his very boyish nature Ryder is one of the cleanest things about our house. He bathes himself meticulously and if he is ever cut he somehow cleans it into healing every time. Ryder will literally follow us anywhere. Ryder hates dancing and will try to bite any dancer until they stop. Ryder feels no pain--we once tried an invisible fence and he would literally walk right over the line barely stopping to shudder...this would seem to indicate that the fence wasn't strong enough, but I tried it and almost cried, Kola yelped at the top of her voice the one time she got shocked, and Lincoln, a Pit Bull/ Lab mix frantically ran around our yard in circles whining when he tried on Ryder's collar...yikes.

Palm Sunday: Yard-to-Table

In my last year of undergrad I had the opportunity to take a break from kinesiology & physiology courses & branch out & take some anthropology electives. I was hesitant at first because I have only ever enjoyed math or science classes but Ben promised me that I would love it. Little did I know it would change my life, my way of thinking, & our home. I read omnivore's dilemma, a book that explores one man's journey of food & society. The book opened my eyes to a whole new world, I really started to think about what I was eating and where it came from. I then proceeded to watch Food Inc and began to understand big business over taking the family farm. I was quickly inspired to change my food ways starting with buying local, drinking raw milk, going to more farmers markets, growing my own stuff, and getting CHICKENS.

When I approached Ben with the backyard chicken idea he was thrown off but like always did whatever he could to make me happy. He literally built me a coop over night out of wood scraps from the fence he made. I met this lovely woman at a farm-to-table food event at Woodland Farm who accidentally ordered 24 chickens for her family instead of 6 so she was very eager to give us a couple. We started modestly with two and it was so easy we got two more!

Quick Facts on chickens:

1. You legally can only have 5 in the city.(We are a little rebellious & now have 6--don't tell).

2. You do not need a rooster to have fresh eggs every morning (hens ovulate and that process is what produces an egg...roosters just help them make chicks). 

3. Hens lay an egg on average every other day.

4. Chickens need grit--in our case oyster shells-- in order to make calcium to form the shell. We didn't know this at first and our chickens were laying shell-less eggs for a few weeks.

5. The best place to get organic chicken feed is Fresh Start on Jefferson St. Chickens also love fresh veggies or food scraps!

6. Water is essential and chickens like to peck at a bottle that has a nipple lid. We use a 2-liter Dr. Pepper bottle with a coat hanger through the bottom that hangs on the roost inside the main coop house.

7. They love to eat my weeds which is a really nice perk!But watch out...they don't know the difference between weeds and hydrangeas.

8. When you build a coop make sure it is well ventilated, has some removable nesting boxes (think wooden half shoe boxes), & elevated bars for roosting during the night. They also love to be warm in the winter so invest in a little heating light. Also, hay or cedar chips are good to spread around on the floor because they insulate, cut down on poo smells, and provide a cushion for projectile egg laying.

9.Make sure you secure the coop door at night to hinder critters who love the taste of chicken like I do! This is not a joke...be prepared, if you get chickens some will die and it is weird at first. 

10. Chicken poop makes GREAT compost!

P.S. You can get almost all the equipment you need at Fresh Start! Advice included!

The Red Wheelbarrow

William Carlos Williams

so much depends

upon

a red wheel

barrow

glazed with rain

water

beside the white

chickens.