Devonviolet Acres

[Devonviolet]

Well, I don't consider myself knowledgeable enough to debate the issue. But, I have read articles, by scientists, that say high levels of the five deadliest forms of radiation leaked from the Fukushima reactor, are highly carcinogenic.

Here is a small portion of one such article, just published this year, by Dr. Helen Caldicutt:

No dose of radiation is safe. Each dose received by the body is cumulative and adds to the risk of developing malignancy or genetic disease.

This accident is enormous in its medical implications. It will induce an epidemic of cancer as people inhale the radioactive elements, eat radioactive food and drink radioactive beverages.

Like I said, I am not knowledgeable enough, to debate the issue. However I have read enough articles (blogs excluded, I don't read those) to feel confident in our decision to not eat food produced in the vicinity of Asian ocean waters. What others do, is their choice, and fine with me.

 

[Devonviolet]

We have a 1/2 mile stretch of road that leads back to our tiny country church, that was started back in the middle of the 19th century. The graveyard there is on the historical registry of Texas.

Anyway, we drive on the road, that ends in the church parking lot, several times a week. Just about every time we do, there is at least one or two Roadrunner birds. They are SO cool!

The other day, we saw FOUR Roadrunners at the same time!


This time I got my phone out & was able to get some photos.

Usually, when we drive down the road, the birds runs into the roadside scrub, and disappear. Since I already had my camera out, I stopped when I got to where the Roadrunner went. It turned out it had stopped to watch the truck go by. So, I rolled the window down & got this amazing shot!

 

[CntryBoy777]

Those are some good pics!!....I just love nature and observing animals in their habitat. Creation has always astounded me and it is mind-blowing the detail that went into each design......

 

[greybeard]

I am somewhat fairly familiar with Dr. Caldicott. Read her book on nuclear weapons proliferation. She's made quite name for herself and a 7 figure income selling books and thru speaking engagements.
She's also quite the admirer of recently deceased fidel castro according to her own words.
A good gig, if ya can get it.

 

[Devonviolet]

Amen, CntryBoy!!! I totally agree!

I am an artist, and now that I have pretty bad hand tremors, I can't draw or paint. So, I take photos instead. My best shots, with my phone, are when I can rest my hand or phone on something. Two hands are better than one. My very best shots are with my Nikon CoolPix on a tripod.

I love taking photos of nature, and consider some of my shots, to be art. When we lived in PA, we used to go to Washington DC, I always made sure we had time to go to the National Arboretum. The gardens & plants there are amazing! I ended up with some great photos.

I was just looking at some of them recently, and am thinking of getting them printed, in large format, and framing them to sell.

 

[Bruce]

The only shellfish that I eat is crab and shrimp...and I can eat my share of either, but clams, mussels, oysters, or scallops don't cross my lips.........I get the willeys just thinking about em.

So if it doesn't have legs, it won't be on your plate.

 

[Mini Horses]

Devonviolet, how's the turkey hen, Edith? I haven't seen her mentioned since the egg sitting fiasco. She still around?

A flock of wild turkeys crossed the road in front of me the other day ... sleek and dark not fluffy & big ... but, brought her to mind. I'm still thinking I may grow a few out next Spring, most for freezer but hope to get a pair to raise & let hatch eggs. I have a hut and big pen that I'd like to use for them. Plus a friend & her sister will help with butcher day in exchange for turkey.

 

[Devonviolet]

Edith is doing fine.

She didn't eat a lot when she was setting on the nest, which had us concerned. But, once she was off the nest, her appetite was voracious! DH thought it was fun to give me a small cup of scratch, to feed her, after I finished milking. That was fine, until I didn't to that. Where ever I went, she was right at my feet, looking for her cup of scratch! So I had to put a stop to that!

Shortly after she got off the nest & started eating again, she started molting & looked a bit moth eaten. Here she is trying to look purdy, so I would feed her some scratch.

Here she is outside the duckling pen, keeping an eye on me, hoping I might have a cup of food for her.

Originally, Edith was supposed to go to freezer camp. But she has become a pet. So she is safe.

However one of these days, I would like to get some turkey pouts & raise them for food. Our local farm stores (Atwoods & Tractor Supply), sell turkey poults. Buying them there, I can buy 5 or 6, and I wouldn't have to pay shipping fees. So, I'm thinking next Spring, I might just get some turkey poults too.

 

[Bruce]

Maybe she figures you'll feel sorry for her looking like that and give her a bit extra. Though, I suppose, scratch isn't the high protein feather builder. But we do need our treats don't we!

 

[Mini Horses]

We have to designate them as freezer bound, or like Edith, they become huge pets. In years past I have raised a couple & butchered. Being 30-35# it's a bit more than a chicken to handle. Plus, if several to do it's a big job. I feel good with these two ladies as they WILL/DO butchering of chickens & ducks. They just have no space for turkeys. I do. It will work nicely.

This has also opened the door to some broilers for the freezer, since I won't have to work harvest day alone. That has always been one reason I hesitated on more than the usual excess roo.

The year I had those two big toms ready & planned for Thanksgiving dinner, the thought hit me that they may be tough. So, I ALSO bought & cooked another. Talk about a big meal!! The one I raised was tender, moist & tasty! #2 was used at Christmas...with no "backup" purchased.

Thanks for the Edith update!

Hey, I got a magazine with an elderberry pie recipe yesterday. Though of you........and your big score on those.