And Rachel had a little farm-e-i- e-i-o

[rkold]

First, apologies to jusrecht I thought I had read your last Geass fic but I realize now I've not. I hope to get to it later this week end because Suzaku is still my big anime/manga love.

Speaking of Suzaku, i bought some of those new cute notebooks that came out for Geass at Animate. You actually get 2 per set and I of course bought Suzaku and Gino. Gino's consist of his calendar picture on one and the second says "Knight of the Three, Knight of the Six and Knight of the Seven" and shows that famous picture of him hitting on Suzaku. lol Suzaku's two consists of his calendar picture and a second one that says ZERO, shows lots of Zero masks and has him and Lelouch in their calendar outfits facing away from one another. A part of me is amused and wonders what the Lelouch one says now.

I have been reading up on Spin Farming. Spin farming involves turning small spaces of land into area to grow crops for fun and profit. At the moment, I'm looking at my parent's side yard since it has: good water, lots of sun, and nothing but weedy grass there right now. I could easily make it there every day and for breaks I can use the internet at my mom's XD;; The big thing is while I like planting seeds and weeding I am not quite so fond of prepping the soil ahead of time. I wonder if there is anything I can get to cheat to help me dig up the weedy grass.... I know the soil will need a lot of compost since it currently sucks and really that is the biggest part of growing things, decent soil! I also want to get a soil PH tester. I think it would come in handy. Spin is actually about making money so if all goes well I shall have a part time job as a farmer soon, lol Yeah I know sort of weird, but if I'm not going to do anything related to my education, why should it not be something where I can make my own hours and schedule and set my own pace. I will have to invest in some more sun hats and sun screen. Supposedly one can actually make 20-30k selling produce at Farmer's Markets and I have my eye set on one already. Plus I can sell handmade baked good along with veggies and well... I always wanted to sell things I've baked. And yes, I know it is a lot of work, but I also think it can be very rewarding. There is something wonderful about seeing things you've planted come up!

I also want to look into getting some of those tunnels so I can get the hardier greens through out winter.

My other farming thought is... I am looking into chickens. Now before you tell me how bad chickens smell that is because 1) generally that involves a lot of chickens and 2) they are generally confined to very close quarters. It seems if you clean their poop out once a week there shouldn't be a smell and chicken poop is of course a great fertilizer. And I would get eggs! I would have just hens, though sadly that means no chicks. Now of course the issues I am already thinking of 1) can you keep them in a coop outside over the winter without them freezing to death. I am thinking yes but I sort of need this confirmed. 2) what do I do with the chickens when they're too old to lay anymore... >>;; 3) what would the neighbors think? I'm thinking of trying to get them for my mother's yard first. I've been looking at a website all about having chickens in NYC. They also offer classes in canning *______* I know chicken coops are illegal in Boston, but they are allowed in NYC so hopefully they are legal here, I just need to start checking.

One thing I will need to do is name my potential farm, so...
[Poll #1353128]

Comments

[kellyhime.livejournal.com]

Oh, this is such a neat idea! Years ago, R. and I read a book called something like "5 Acres to Independence" that showed how on only 5 acres of land, one could grow enough food to not only feed their family, but make a living as well. It really made an impression on us to the point that we moved to the country in Northern California for five years. I set up a garden at one of the places we lived and raised our produce for two years, but never had enough to sell. The land was under the redwoods, which are kind of tough to garden near.

While I turned my garden with a pitchfork -- oh, did my back hurt after that -- a rototiller might be what you need to dig up the weedy grass. I planted vetch on my plot for the first winter and dug it in to enrich the soil, but the grass might be enough for yours. My mother keeps offering to let me do the same thing in her backyard -- which is huge and wasted -- but I think that you must have a better relationship with your mom than I do.*_*

It would be so neat if you raised chickens too! Someday, we would like to as well.

I picked Goodys Farm for the name, because it makes me think of "Good Neighbors". We love that show!

[rkold.livejournal.com]

I think I have a pretty good relationship with my mom, I visit her at least once a week and I just like seeing her. I think it's because I remember as a child always visiting her parents and at times we're pretty similar. :) My mom has a big yard and a huge side yard which she could technically sell off to have another house built on. It's like a good 1/3 of the yard? I would probably share any money I made with her lol And of course she would get to eat lots of yummy produce.

A lot of newer books out there seem to suggest you don't even need that much land to be independent and I think I like the SPIN philosophy because its all about gardening in an urban and suburban area. I also read square foot gardening which is what we are using in the front yard.

Yeah, I think we are going to look into getting a roto-tiller as well as an actual seeder. It will make planting so much easier and faster! If you weed often, weeding isn't so bad and if I win out with chickens they will actually help with the weeds and pests! :D We planted some vetch and sweet pea this year to over winter but it didn't grow much before it got really cold. I want to look into some of those nylon protector things for next year since I hate having to get my winter greens from CA when I live in NY. >>;;

My sister in law wants a goat! I would like to start small with just a few chickens but it seems like if you have a few hens, you should be able to get a few eggs a day! :D

Heheheh actually the name comes from my parent's last name. XD; But I want something that makes me want to buy from us if we are selling! :D

Thank you! *hugs*

[kellyhime.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's neat that it is from a family name and I'd definitely buy from you! You've seen "Good Neighbors" though, haven't you? It's a British series from the 70s about a couple who quit their jobs and turned their suburban home into a farm.^_^

And *hugs* to you too! I owe you and email and have other news too, so you'll hear from me soon.

[rkold.livejournal.com]

Yeah my grandparents had a liquor store called Goody's at one point lol My dad is not as keen as the farm idea, so if that name is chosen I'm hoping to use it to help convince him. :D

I've not seen it but it sounds like something I ought to look into seeing since it sounds very us lol

*hugs* I hope the news is good! :D I'm trying to apply for the Volks evening Sato event in March and figuring out my last few hotel nights. and praying the $ either stays where it is or gets better lol

[kellyhime.livejournal.com]

I keep meaning to send you a link to a clip from that program. Evidently, it was called "The Good Life" in Britian, but "Good Neighbors" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxtQW2EzRUM&feature=related

[jusrecht.livejournal.com]

Aaaah, what apologies? Now you're making me all blushing >///> Please don't feel like you HAVE to read. A fanfic is to be enjoyed, so please read it whenever you want.

I've been out of loop too this week. And I'm glad to hear that your grandmother-in-law is better now.

The notebooks sound really cute XD I'm going to have to check the anime stores here to see if they have the stuff too.

[rkold.livejournal.com]

Nooo I want to read it and feel bad that I am behind. I thought I read it last week end but then realized I forgot when I got caught up in things with my grandmother in law. ^^;;;

I love reading about my darling Suzaku, though I really need to work on writing and drawing him myself, GAH!

Though I prob will not be reading your Reborn stuff since I can only sort of recognize the characters and that is about it. >>;

Yeah, it's a huge relief. I was really scared I was going to be in an airplane come tomorrow or Monday.

They are cute! They're small and not overly expensive but I like anything with Suzaku lol They came out in January since they were pretty new when I was in Japan.

[dilettantka.livejournal.com]

Seed Mode Farm!! XD

[rkold.livejournal.com]

Heeeeee that would be so hilarious. I swear if I get chickens I will want to name them Asuran, Kira, Rey and Shinn.

Hopefully Rey will not prove to be a clone XD;;;

[spiderlace.livejournal.com]

piyo piyo farm!

I wish you the best of luck if you take on this endeavor. I would adore having a chicken farm ... have you ever seen that episode of I Love Lucy..?

[rkold.livejournal.com]

Awww that is an adorable name, but only works if I end up with chicks/hens. >>;;; Though I am still hoping it pans out!

Nope, I never watched I Love Lucy. I have been looking at a friend's blog about their chicks :D

BTW, hope you had fun in Japan!

[jougetsu.livejournal.com]

Suburban farming yay!

Re: Chickens
Not sure how it goes in New York State if it's by county or township. I've seen some chicken coops in my town and the next town over in residential zoning, but I never knew the owners that well so I didn't ask about the legality of it all. If you can't find the info online I'm sure city hall or the county office could tell you.

[rkold.livejournal.com]

Yes, I think it could be fun! :D

Yeah I know NYC allows hens in small flocks so now to start looking into Westchester and the town where my Mom lives. I think it might be a yes since a house not so far away use to have ducks and a rooster and hens are much quieter! The big thing is also figuring out what they eat and of course how they survive the winter. I think the vegetable part of the garden will be worked on first. >>;;;

[chocolate_chip.livejournal.com]

Ticky Box Farms sounds pretty cool.

Rolo got his elastic tightened today! He's looking forward to seeing you again, though. ^^ (As am I!)

[rkold.livejournal.com]

Rolo wishes that he could get his "brother" to drag him home and moan through the night lol

I loved that picture of Rolo with Candide. I miss Rolo too and he should be pleased since I'm thinking of sending out Nunnally to get a new face up. I entered for a white skin Yuki and to attend the event. I so hope it works out, I shall name her Euphie and she will be a ghost >>;;;;

I'm hoping we can meet sometime on Thurs if you don't have something. I feel so relieved to have Kyoto all booked! ;;_;;

Ticky box!!!