Many people grow gardens. Many more do not. I am one who does garden. Right now I have lettuce, tomatoes, green beans, peppers, and a variety of cooking herbs. My mom-in-law lives with us and she gardens, too. She likes flowers and herbs. My wife also gardens and grows roses. The rose bushes are in full glory. The flowers, some are blooming and some are just youngsters.
My truck garden is just getting started. The lettuce is six inches tall +/-. The “Early Girl” tomatoes are going like rockets, growing about six inches a day all having little green tomatoes. I put in some heirloom tomatoes this year, “Black Prince” and “Mr. Stripey”. I haven’t had good luck with that type out here in AZ. The “Early Girls” are 55 day toms, while the heirlooms are 70-75 day. Taking that long can get into high summer with 110+ temperatures cooking the fruit on the vine. It can be an exercise in frustration, trying something new. It can also be a joy.
The year we left Oklahoma for Arizona, I had been gardening for about two years. I put in a small crop of “Arkansas Traveler” tomatoes. As I remember, they were the only thing in the garden. I tended the plants and watered daily. I had gotten some freshly fertilized grass clippings from an older lady across the street, who needed her lawn mowed.You plant in late May/early April back there. By July when we moved, the tomatoe plants were about six feet tall and just loaded with fruit sized between a baseball and a softball. I never got to enjoy those tomatoes but I think the folks at South Lakewood Baptist Church next door did. I “willed” the tomatoes to them.
I’ve got peppers coming, too. Three types, a “Big Jim” New Mexico variety, and Anaheim, and a bell. They have flowers and seem to be progressing just fine. I like to fire roast my peppers on the grill outside. They are immediately usable or can be frozen to use and enjoy later. I may let some of the “Big Jim’s” ripen and dry on the vine and make my own chili powder. I’ve never done that, but will try. I’ve grown bells before but they came out very small. They were quite tasty but only useful for chopping. I’m hoping that this years will be better.
The Green Beans. Eating garden fresh green beans is not something that many people do. Some might occasionally buy the “fresh” green bean at a supermarket, fresh only in the sense that they are not canned. Dried out, spotted, sometimes molded beans do not lend themselves to epicurean delight and can be an unsavory chore when you throw out half as unedible. Canned green beans are the only canned vegetable I buy if I cannot get my garden fresh ones.I’ll tell you, there is nothing like eating garden fresh food. The stuff found on shelves is like another species of food in taste and texture.
You may be wondering where this is going. I realize I’m taking my time getting there but here I am. Growing some of your own food can allow you time to slow down from the frantic pace of the world, especially the world of the work environ. A plant cannot be rushed, cannot be put on a deadline, and won’t demand a meeting. You can’t approach a plant full tilt, garden hose shooting as much water as it can. Those things will kill a plant. Plants need patience, a tender hand, and yes, loving care. You nurture plants and it’s always a bit sad when, at the end of its life, the plant needs to be pulled up and mulched. The plant becomes a part of you. And no, I’m not a tree-hugger type, just someone who enjoys sharing a plants cycle. And quite literally the plant becomes part of you. As you eat the fruit of the plant, your body uses the cells and “life” of the plant to feed and nurture itself. It’s the old “you are what you eat” thing. I don’t put a lot of chemicals on my garden, just a little fertilizer and an ocassional pesticide, as the bugs here in AZ can be atrocious. I guess what I’m saying is that plants that are eaten are more than just food. They are an essential part of life, of living. Being a gardener, I will suggest that you try gardening, too. It might just help cure what ails you.
Arizona’s Governor, Jan Brewer, signed S1108, a Constitutional carry bill. What that means is that law abiding citizens of Arizona do not, repeat, DO NOT, need to have a concealed weapon permit to carry a firearm. Ladies can carry in their purses and not be committing a crime. Men can put on a sport coat, covering their lawfully “open carry” firearm and not be considered criminals. I realize that some people may look at this freedom askance, but allow a bit of explanation. Arizona has lawful “open carry. Any one eighteen years or older has the right (if they are legal) to wear a loaded firearm on their hip or in a shoulder holster or in a waistband holster as long as the weapon is visible. There have been cases (I only know this spuriously) where a policeman, not seeing an open carried gun, being on the opposite side of the carried weapon, arrested the carrier for a “concealed” weapon. An activist judge (name not known) allowed the arrest and allowed conviction, setting a precedent. This bill was created to address this and has been passed by the Az. House and Senate, and signed today by the Governor. The bill had many supporters, mainly championed by AzCDL, the Arizona Citizens Defense League, a local three thousand plus member advocacy group. The National Rifle Association has also been behind the efforts here and often publish in their e-newsletter updates on the progress of pro-freedom legislation.
I happen to be a member of both of these organizations, and often write to my state and federal congresspeople on issues that affect me and my family. Issues like healthcare reform, cap and trade, John McCain’s own abomination, S3081, and the Gov’t takeover of private industry. I am also quite proud to be a Tea Party Member, and no, we are not the heartless, slobbering Nobots the leftist media would like us to be. We are hard working people that feel we are T.axed E.nough A.lready! We are Conservatives, Liberals, and Independents working together to get government off our backs and out of our billfolds. We believe in Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Life, without bondage. Liberty, not tyranny. Pursuit, not the entitlement, of happiness. We believe that entitlement is slavery of a most subtil and evil aspect. Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, and becomes dependent on the giver. Teach a man to fish and he eats the rest of his life on his own merit and independence.
Get involved in freedom. Your own freedom and the freedom of your children. The dollar figure varies from thirty to forty thousand dollars worth of Federal debt an American child is born into. We grown-ups have the same amount of debt, too, and less time to pay it off. The leavings when we are gone will be added to the next and next and next generations unless we, now, demand that our government begin scaling back the enormous outlay of O.P.M. (other peoples money) they are so willing to spend. This problem crosses the aisle. It’s not a Democrat or a Republican habit, this spending, it’s a Politician’s habit. I’ve said before, that the only way to change Washington D.C.’s mind is to change the minds that inhabit Washington D.C. In about seven months you will be able to excercise one of the few freedoms remaining you, your right to vote. Washington insiders are already spending MILLIONS of dollars on their campaigns. Check out the ”little guys” opposing them in the primaries. It’s time to change Washington’s mind. It’s time to change minds in state governments. It’s time to change minds in local governments. Get involved in freedom. It belongs to you.
We went to a local tea party meeting last night. There were about 14 people attending. Surprisingly, we didn’t talk much about the health care fraud/crime perpetrated against the American people. We mostly listened to a pastor from Phoenix speak on the Constitutional Party – a third party alternative- and Debbie Lesko, our local State Representative. Objections to the third party were mostly about “splitting the party (GOP), hence, giving elections to the dems. My feeling on this subject is one of consideration. We should all consider the benefits third parties bring, and fourth and fifth and sixth, etc. There is nothing wrong with honest debate amongst and between candidates. Such debates can and do open doors to alternative ideas and give forum for such ideas. It kind of seems to me that the “leaders” involved with the two really do not want to see other parties gain inroads to to American processes, seeking to retain control of the government among their respective selves. Back before the last Presidential election, I too, had searched for an alternative to the Big Two, but once again found myself involved in the choice of the lesser of two evils. I only voted the McCain ticket because of Sarah Palin. I would have gone to a third party had she not been his choice for V.P. I will vote for her if she is fronted as a presidential candidate. I personally would hope she would run on an Independent ticket banking on true conservatives and Tea Party adherants as her base. What I guess I’m trying to say in too many words is the same thing many MANY Americans are feeling, that the two party system is in reality a one party system, the two appellation’s merely designating two sides of one coin. Indeed, they were one and the same until they split in 1824 over the election of Pres. Andrew Jackson. They quickly absorbed the smaller parties of like mindedness engaged in politics and quickly became the dominant factions seen today. The modern Libertarian Party has been around since 1971 and still has not made inroads into national politics. Their stances belie any attempts to ascendency as they (the stances) are often abhorrent to main line party members, being financially conservative and socially liberal, mutually exclusive ideals. The Tea Partiers simply want conservatism back into the conservative party, the Reps.
For further clarity, read my article about Compromise.
Ms. Lesko gave us a “guided tour” of the legislative process, from fund raising to voting on a bill, plus the path a bill takes to a) become law, b) to get quashed, plusplus strikeouts, amendments, and all the other wonderful things it takes to be an active, responsive Arizona Representative. Her presentation was clear and consise, prompting at least one attendee to ponder (in himself) if he might run for congress one day. Others pondered (in themselves) if their choice to run for an elected office was, indeed, a good idea. However, I don’t believe any one of us will consider withdrawing, each of us having a passion and sensing a calling to serve. Ms. Lesko also explained some current, pending legislation regarding firearms carry freedoms, Illegal border entry, and what the federal health insurance act will do for, for, and to us, respectively. As is often the case, federal mandates go unfunded, leaving the states to pick up the tab. It seems that most Washington politicians are addicted to OPM (other peoples money) and like meth users, do what they can to get their younger brothers and sisters (the states) addicted, too. It’s time for us, you and me, to say enough. Actually, we need to shout it, loudly and clearly, and more, talk to our neighbors. Help them get involved, teach them to say no, no more. Ask them if they like having 40% of their paychecks taken from them as taxes. Ask if they will like it more when the number is 60%. Ask them if they have ever wondered why it takes until April or May to be “tax free”. Will it be better when they have to work until August or September? The health care reform debate was never about your health, it is about control. OF YOU. I’m not trying to frighten anyone, this is just how it is, at the moment. The American people have it in THEIR hands to change Washington’s mind. Replace the mind. Vote for responsible, responsive, constitutional Representatives and Senators. Join the Tea Party. Join the Heritage Foundation. Join the NRA. Be informed when leadership is abused. Equally, be informed when leadership is used honorably.Write to your local and national Congress people. Let them know that you are watching closely and that you stand behind them, or that they have done constitutionally incorrectly. Read and know the U.S. Constitution, your state Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the other seventeen amendments to the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, Common Sense, and countless other worthy works regarding the American way of life. Yes, doing these things will take of your precious time, but on an (to me) interesting side note, I find political activity to be fun and rewarding. I no longer have to say, ”I wish”, I can say, “I did”. It’s a good feeling
It seems I’ve been remiss in adding posts to this blog. It has been a really busy month or so. I am a musician and perform at retirement facilities on a regular basis. It seem that this has picked up considerably and I am enjoying singing for the elders. I have also been working on some home projects, getting the pool ready for summer (it’s a salt water pool and requires a little bit more maintenance – or maybe just different, eh), cleaning the place for my mother-in-law’s 80th birthday (that was on March 1st), and I have been repairing and painting a gazebo that stands over the hot-tub. That’s been nearly full time for a couple of weeks now, but the end is in sight. My early a.m. job is getting very slow and I soon will need to seek other avenues of geetus control. (That’s money to you younger folk who have never seen and studied the incredible slapstick comedy of Moe, Larry, and Curly.
A local redio personality was trying to alliterate the trio to Nancy Pellozi (sic) Harry Reed, and Joe Biden. I must admit that I took great offense that The Nearly Famous Barry Young would defame the Three Stooges by comparing them to those other named ones. It did, however, get me thinking about the Stooges and the great pleasure they gave me. And not just in my younger years, either, I still laugh to pain when I see their skits. I honestly believe that the only thing I’ve ever seen that was funnier than the Stooges, was Jim Carrey as Ace Ventura in, “When Nature Calls”. The scene of Him exiting the rhino made me (and my wife, Brenda) laugh so hard, I nearly passed out. Tears rolling, me rolling on the floor… I don’t remember how many times we watched and rewatched that scene. I still guffaw when we see it.
I think it’s very important to laugh long and hard, especially in these times we are in now. It’s ok to be angry at congress, whichever side, but a person cannot live with constant anger. It’ll kill ya, ‘s’what it’ll do. Try to find something to laugh at. You’ll live longer.
God Bless You
I’ve been struggling with a skin condition for several years now. I believe it is the result of sin that I committed as a Christian. I am forgiven, and God will not view it any more. However, there are physical consequences to our actions. My wife and I pray constantly for the affliction to be taken away, but I am prepared for the humbling from the LORD.
The first dermatologist I went to gave a rather cursory examination of the affected area and pronounced with doctorly confidence, “It’s hand eczema.” It still presents that way but has morphed into something else. The last skin dr. believes it to be psoriasis. Now, bear in mind. In between these doctor visits, a couple of years, has been a daily regimen of creams, lotions, ointments, etc., etc. We have finally found a combination of things that do help, these being, Luxiva, an expensive Merle Norman product, Jergens Shea butter lotion, tea tree oil, and ice packs. Perfumes, multiple chemicals, dyes, all contribute to the irritation of the skin and these items seem to have the fewest irritants. Even now as I write I have an Ice pack draped over my foot, cooling the incessant itch.
At my primary care Dr.’s the other day, she mentioned that as I had been diagnosed with psoriasis, that, possibly, I have what is called psoriatic arthritis, as I do have arthritic pain in my hands, feet, hips, and possibly my neck. I’ll go to the arthritis specialist later this month and be checked out. My Dr. thought that some autoimmune suppressant drugs might be called for to help. I don’t know. I’ll just have to wait and see. Until then My wife and I will keep praying to the LORD, as He is the first line of defense for Christians, and our sovreign LORD.