Friday Musings about Nothing Much...

This is a percipitation/temperature gradient of what's hitting the Hawaiian Islands. It's coming straight down from Alaska. Pretty rare...

It’s Friday! Since we haven’t been living our lives around a schedule, remembering what day it is has its challenges. Not complaining…just sayin’. It'll change soon enough.

Becky from the Pirate Coast magazine wrote and, after four years, is still after me to do an article about my dad. I don’t know what it is. I love to write. I’m not a good writer but I don’t care anymore. Such as it is with music – I don’t care if I don’t sound like Joss Stone. At my age, I’ve figured that it’s "doing it"and not always acquiring that “goal of perfection” you’ve set for yourself. One could find oneself "void" of any talent if you freeze up because you think “It sounds horrible” or “I can’t believe I just wrote that”. Yet, when it comes to dad…words just don’t come for me. Not even bad ones. Not yet, anyway.

I just read an article on Tony Hubble’s site about a soldier who escorts another soldier home ~ in a flag draped casket. The story wasn’t necessarily about our fallen brother, himself…but rather how he affected the people around him.
As the escorting officer accompanied the fallen soldier to the gravesite he wrote (regarding the moving casket):
“…I felt that, as long as he was still moving, he was somehow still alive.”
I guess I believe dad’s still moving…

Last night, we watched Horton Hears a Who! It was good to hear Ron chuckle and, I have to say, was a funny DVD. We needed it. I’m the one in charge of ordering Netflix movies. There are times when Ron rolls his eyes but our mutual agreement is that we watch what the other likes. I can only watch “blow em, crash em or shoot em” up movies for so long and he can only watch comedy, romance or science fiction movies for so long. Both of us liked Horton.

I hope you have a delightful weekend. I’ve included an opinion piece from the Kauai Garden Isle News regarding Urban Cheeekins. I thought it was a cute perspective on the issue:
Jen

The Garden Island - Cock-a-doodle-doo

I believe it was Hamlet who speaketh “To eradicate the chicken or not to eradicate the chicken, that is the question.”(Perhaps he did not.) Anyway, isn’t it a valid question, worthy of debate?

There are piecemeal solutions: with a humane rooster trap, an area can eventually be cleared of chickens (if emptying your trap of doves and java sparrows doesn’t wear you down).But once a void in a biosphere occurs, roosters and their harems would consider such an area as prime real estate and migrate to it. There are businesses that have come into being to rid us of noisy, disease carrying, environmentally degrading, noisy, noisy roosters.

But unless the county organizes an island-wide eradication program, the rooster will rule.Now I realize there are some rooster positives as well: fertilized, free-range, organic eggs without growth hormones and other potentially harmful chemicals; a source of organic meat without much fat (a bit thinner than the Costco chicken-on-a-spit); a natural and, for some, a pleasant wake-up call; and for those who are inclined, an outlet to satisfy one’s bloodlust and betting on the outcome of the illicit cockfight.

Most people would not much mind if the roosters disappeared; as a matter of fact, block parties would erupt in celebration. Stamp out the tyrannical rooster! Perhaps then we can enjoy a good night’s sleep.

But the other day, coming home from Big Save, I stopped in time — as did the large-tired truck coming toward me — to allow a clucking hen and a dozen chicks to pass.

Charles Cushman, Koloa
http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2009/02/26/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/doc49a632669e516992304869.txt

Our Own Revolution

Last night, the police hauled away a guy from our marina. They arrived in full SWAT force and dozens of police officers. This fellow, Mark, called Ron an hour or so before the police came. Whenever Mark’s in an agitated state, he calls here. Ron talked to him for about a half hour but, apparently, didn’t calm Mark’s anger. Believe me, both Ron and I appreciate many of the perspectives that Mark is so passionate about.

He served his country, which resulted in a lifetime of physical pain due to his injuries. He attends every meeting that concerns this marina, is an active participant in local government and can quote the Constitution at the drop of a hat. He’s an angry man. He’s mad at our Federal and the State governments for a multitude of reasons…many of which might ring a bell in each of us…

Now, I’ll admit that Mark is rather irritating. He’s combative, cranky as hell and does not listen or play well with others. And…sometimes, I’m just not up to his anger. He lays it on me like an oppressive, invisible blanket ~ smothering me until I just have to walk away. But, deep in heart of hearts, Mark’s mostly right about things. His pain and his anger are just the outward appearance of a frustrated soul ~ the message is still righteous no matter how badly promoted it is.

But last night, Mark broke that frail piece of thread that held him together. Something happened. They pulled him off of his sailboat and took him away.

I’m writing about this because I know how frustrated EVERYONE is. Your message is righteous. You are right! The system is failing – crumbling. I don’t think there is much we can do about it or it would have happened. I know we express our thoughts in the written word and, somehow, it’s a release for most of us. I’ve learned to let Ron yell at the television and radio. It’s his way of venting. Better he argue with a talking head on teevee or an idiot on the radio then let it boil up like Mark did.

My own revolution is just beginning to to take shape. However vague it is, I sense that it’s not what we’ve been previously doing…it would have worked by now.

Maybe we should let the old ways crumble. The anger and frustration we all feel is righteous and it’s what fueled previous generations to become pioneers…to set out to create their own futures and leave the old ways behind.

We’ve spent our energies throwing blame at the “bad guys” – delivering that invisible blanket of anger to anyone who’d listen or read or comment. What does it accomplish? The previous systems of economics, science, politics and lifestyles deserve to fall under their own weight of selfishness, corruption and greed. Let them go. Don’t feel sad.

Perhaps the way to “ultimate non-violent revolution against a corrupt system” is to not depend ON that system. Somehow, as a country, we need to rise out of the ashes with hopes for the future. Sharing ideas on how to do it is important, I think. Let’s decide to be those pioneers once again and use the initiative and open-mindedness that Americans are so well known for.

The rhetoric is beginning to emerge about revolution. I worry about those who instigate these ideas while all the while working for the bad guys who have various agendas. Yes, we are a far cry from the Constitution that our forefathers created…but don’t let the emotional fervor get you hauled away in a police car. Learn to fight the battles we can win…quietly and peacefully by making certain institutions and bureaucracies irrelevant in our daily lives.

Turn off the teevee for one! Start sharing ideas at a grassroots level to create community gardens, barter systems and networks to help one another. Form networks of like-minded individuals. If the economic system falters and brings us into the 1860 financial level that economists have warned about, let’s be innovators and leaders in our community. If we are lucky to pull out of our economic chaos, none of us will be made less for it. It will have only made us better individuals. What say you?

Swamp Rabbit Recipe for Doug (Tantra)

Muskrat Fricassee ~

Don't laugh...When I was a little girl, my brother would trap Muskrat for their fur. Dad only allowed him to trap as many as we could eat....ugh....

my brother was a pretty good trapper....

Ingredients:
3 Servings
-------------------
1 1/2 LB Dressed muskrat - (1 1/2 to 2 lbs)
Water
Salt
1/4 cup Flour
1/4 Tsp Freshly-ground black pepper
1 dash Red pepper
1/4 Tsp Paprika
1/4 cup Bacon fat
1 cup onions, Sliced

Method of Preparation:
Soak muskrat in brine of four cups water and 1 tablespoon, refrigerated, overnight. Drain, rinse thoroughly in fresh water, and drain again. Cut into serving pieces. Shake with flour, 2 teaspoons salt, pepper, red pepper, and paprika to coat well. Brown meat slowly on all sides in bacon fat; add onions and cook until onions are soft. Add 1/2 cup water. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, adding more water if needed. Thicken gravy with leftover seasoned flour if desired. This recipe yields 3 to 4 servings. Recipe Source: THE HUNTERS GAME COOKBOOK by Jacqueline E. Knight (c) 1978 Published by Winchester Press, New York, NY Formatted for MasterCook by Joe Comiskey, aka MR MAD - -or- 06-09-1997

Urban Chickens

In the islands, wild cheeeeekins are plentiful. After Hurricane Iniki hit Kauai, caged birds got loose and began their lives in the jungle. I've never eaten one but I'm sure they're being harvested and there's probably a fair amount of roosters being silenced....cough, cough. Ugh! Those noisy critters kept us awake all night on Kauai. At any rate, I found this article this morning regarding cities and towns beginning to allow rural chickens.

Goody Goody!!! NO ROOSTERS ALLOWED! well....they can visit. Has anyone ever viewed a chicken tractor? If I was going to have chickens, that's how I'd do it.

Cities in Colorado, Washington, New Mexico, California and Wisconsin have approved ordinances allowing urban chickens, MacLean said.

And as a way for people to cope with the current tough economic times, Fifth Ward Alderman Paul DesCoteaux said he will bring up the idea of approving an ordinance to allow city residents to keep chickens as a hedge against rising food prices.

http://www.kcchronicle.com/articles/2009/02/16/36191528/index.xml

Wanna See a Pretty Girl?

For my fellow water people ~ This came into my email box this morning. Isn't she pretty? I can't believe it's selling so cheaply. She's nice and wide in the beam (ours is only 12 feet & she's 14' even though we're two feet longer). She holds 200 gallons of both fuel and fresh water. A good home and exploring vessel. Anyway, I thought you might like to check her out. There are lots more pictures and specs here >>>>>

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1974/Gulfstar-Motorsailer-2031224/Seattle/WA/United-States

2/18 ~ Morning Coffee

Most insurance companies are now basing the cost of your insurance policy on your credit score. Missing as little as two payments on credit cards or other financial obligations could lead to your insurance premium possibly doubling.

http://personalinsure.about.com/od/whattoexpect/a/aa041206a.htm

Urinary Tract Infections are treated safely and quickly without the use of antibiotics. The problem with traditional antibiotics is that they kill bacteria indiscriminately. There are over 1,000 species of "good bacteria" in the human body - each with their own "job" to do. UTI Slip D Mannose treats urinary tract infection (UTI) quickly and safely by causing the bacteria to be flushed right out of your body. No bacteria, no infection.

Personal note: This stuff works wonderfully. No more antibiotics for me! Check your favorite supplement store.

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/bladder_infection5.html

Federal obligations exceed world GDP
Does $65.5 trillion terrify anyone yet?

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=88851

2/12/09 ~ Coffee With Jen

Willie's quote of the day:

"I have outlived my pecker"

(I would have said outgrown my "willie") LOL!

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Below: Graham McCumber, 24, and Silka Strauch, 38, are both in a Big Island hospital, comatose for weeks after contracting rat lungworm disease.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090208/NEWS01/902080359/1001

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New CFL bulbs could cause sun burn

Updated Mon. Feb. 2 2009 12:16 PM ET

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are quite environmentally friendly, long lasting and popular in many households, but one British study says they could be dangerous for some people.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090202/wpg_cfl_bulbs_090202/20090202 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

George Ure’s Financial Blog for Dummies (my quote) ~ I like his site because he explains economics in terms I understand. He used to live on a sailboat for years and is now homesteading in Texas.

http://www.urbansurvival.com/week.htm

2/10/09 ~ Coffee with Jen

Speaking of older women…Girls, put down those multi-vitamins and step away slowly…

CHICAGO (AP) - The largest study ever of multivitamin use in older women found the pills did nothing to prevent common cancers or heart disease. The eight-year study in 161,808 postmenopausal women echoes recent disappointing vitamin studies in men.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20090209/D968BGTG0.html

This form of gardening is what I did in Colorado ~ Stealth Gardening ~ Sometimes having a big, beautiful garden just invites theft. Check out Robert Hart’s videos on Forest Gardening.

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=robert+hart+forest+garden&rls=com.microsoft:*:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GWYE_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=xnyRScKYIpaitgfRkrjUCw&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title#

Reading material: http://www.edibleforestgardens.com/

Windows XP's Days are Really Numbered Now

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/159151/windows_xps_days_are_really_numbered_now.html

Another Whale Calf Found Dead Near Kauai!! That's TWO!!

February 9^th

BREAKING NEWS: Dead whale calf reported off Kokole Point

By The Garden Island

Published: Monday, February 9, 2009 11:42 AM HST

KEKAHA — A tour boat captain reported a dead whale calf in the vicinity of Kokole Point in Kekaha at about 8:45 a.m. today.

At around 11 a.m., water safety officers from the Kekaha lifeguard tower had confirmed the sighting. They spotted the reported whale slowly drifting west some 300 yards off the point.

Tom Clements, the public information officer at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Mana, said Kokole Point is at the border of the base and Kekaha. He, too, confirmed late this morning that something is in the water offshore and said PMRF will remain on standby as NOAA checks into it.

Lifeguards said it is unlikely the whale will wash ashore at Kekaha Point, but there is a slight chance it could at Major's Bay.

There have been no reported links to the fish kill last week on Ni‘ihau. The cause of that incidenct remains under investigation.

More information to follow.

http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2009/02/09/breaking_news/doc49908df6079d9678439508.txt

Morning Cyber Travels 2/9/09

She thanks him for rescuing her....

Is Australia under a Fire Jihad? Northeast Intelligence Network   

http://homelandsecurityus.com

Redoubt Volcano in Alaska in “imminent” eruption

http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Redoubt.php 

John Moore’s site with downloadable e-books about alternative energy sources  http://www.subjects.ruralsurvival.info/ae.shtml 

Hawaii to require new businesses to go to business management classes! 

Wait…shouldn’t that be required for politicians?

http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2009/02/09/story1.html?b=1234155600^1774610