Rainy Season Started Yesterday.

The rainy season started yesterday.  I am so glad.  The downpour of rain really helped the ranch.  Unfortunately, it shutdown our work site at the Airbase.  But, I got 3 hours out of it.  Two hours for the shutdown.  The extra hour was heading back to the shop, only to be told to go home.  That was 18 minutes past the hour.  So I logged in 3 hours yesterday.  I got another 2 hours today reporting to work early at the job site.  Called the Chief at 0710, to be told the site is shutdown, that's another 2 hours. 

Yesterday, after I got home.  I just crawled into bed and slept most of the day away.  It was so good to feel the cold air and hearing the rain hit against my windows.  Reminded me off when we used to live in a tin roof home.

It's a beautiful rainy day.  Have a great day y'all.

Keep Smiling

Lighting Strike at SmithBridge Compound knocked out my modem and PC yesterday around noon. I'm using a new modem from GTA and my sister's laptop. Hopefully, I'll be able to get the PC repaired.

That's Gonna Leave a Scar.

Didn't realize that work started 0700 this morning.  got to the shop a little after 7.  Jeff told me that I just missed the crew heading up to Andersen Airforce Base.  So I left the shop and headed to base.  I got to the gate and didn't realize that the whole crew was waiting at the Pass and I.D. Office.  After I parked and went to the Supervisors to let them know that I'm there.  A few seconds later the boss drove up.  Talk about timing.  I went ahead and applied for my vehicle pass.  Then I drove straight to the job site, Andersen Elementary School. 

While waiting for the other workers to come in from the Pass and I.D. Office, one of the supervisors asked me if I knew how to operate the Boom LIft.  It's actually called Articulating Boom Lift.  With confidence I told him,  "Yes, I know how to operate it".  So that's what I did all day.  I actually had 1 prior experience operating that piece of equipment.  But he didn't need toknow that.  So I drove that thing out of the parking lot, practicing  operating the controls, and parked it next to the school building. 

Water blasting the side of the building and trying to operate that boom lift at the same time, is not easy.  The whole morning I asked for a partner to help me.  The supervisors' agreed that I could handle it.  Well, I did pretty good water blasting the gutter and side of the building by myself.  But it was slow.

After lunch, Trevor was assigned to help me.  I was glad.  We moved a lot faster with him water blasting and me operating the boom lift.  Now, after we had almost finished today's mission.  The supervisors realized we move a lot faster with a 3 man team.  Two on the lift, one water blasting, the other operating, and one below to move the water blaster and act as a spotter. 

Anyway, I had a little accident operating  the 4200 psi water blaster set on high.  While operating the boom lift.  I lost a good chunk of surface skin on the top of my left hand,.  When the nozzle hit me.  I'm glad it's not deep.  I could have lost my hand or fingers.  It's my fault.  I wasn't wearing gloves prior to the accident.  Stupid move on my part.   I got tangled up with the hose and my life line.  I was trying to untangle myself without shutting off the wand.  Stupid, Stupid Move.  That's gonna leave a scar. 

Be Safe! 

Keep Smiling 

Rafael Frenz: Measles

Talked with Rhoda after I got home from church service this morning.  I found out my baby boy, Fren, has "Measles".  It's not the German type.  It's the other one.  I'm trying to keep my head up.  It's not easy being so far from my family, when something like this happens.  I'm trying to figure out, how he contracted measles when he stays in the house the whole time. 

They doctor had Fren move from a ward to a private room.  Which is good, so Fren will get some peace and quiet.  But it costs more.  Actually, it's so the other patients don't catch the measles.  If they don't already have the shot. 

At least now, he's sleeping.  I claim his healing. 


Happy Father's Day to all the Daddy's out there. 

Keep Smiling

Happy Father's Day!

Trailer: What's "Organic" About Organic?

Transitioning from Conventional Farming to Organic Farming.

I've been attending these organic workshops provided by the Cooperative Extension Service from the University of Guam, for a couple of months now.  The workshops are great and very informative.  The last one dealt with Organic Certification and the process to go about getting it.  It was for both the producer and those interested to become Inspectors. 

It has piqued my interest somewhat attending all the seminars and workshops.  I didn't think it would be feasible for a local producer to go into organic farming.  But when I heard Marty talk about how he transitioned from conventional farming methods to organic.  I became more interested in the process. 

Marty Mesh is from Florida and owns an organic watermelon farm there in the Galveston area.  He was brought out here by the University of Guam CooperativeExtension Service on a grant to give an organic workshop to the local producers.  I learned a lot during the organic certification seminar that Marty presented. 

In hindsight, I have been moving towards doing organic farming.  But more towards raising organic livestock and poultry.  So instead of farming, it is organic ranching, a play in words.  Most of the local producers present at the seminar are interested in organic farming.  I was the only one interested in raising organic livestock.  Which is a lot harder to do by the National Organic Standards (NOS). 

One of my farmer friend's asked me why am I going organic.  Well, certainly not to get rich.  Although the prices for organic products are high, but affordable.  I'm doing it for my family.  I want my children to be able to eat fresh produce and meats raised on the ranch.  None of that store bought adulterated processed junk that we're all eating.  Because we think it's cheaper.  That is what we were taught.  I want to provide good clean healthy food for my family.  Any surplus, I'll sell to family, friends, and clients.  If I make money, so be it. 

A lot of the transition would be on paperwork: doing a farm plan (done that), farm map (done), and record keeping (needs improvement-working on it).  The next step is preparing my land areas.  I have gotten rid of lots of chemical pesticides and fertilizers prohibited on the NOS the last couple of years.  So the ranch area has been cleaned the last 8 years.  I don't spray chemicals for pest control or fertilizers.  So I'm good in that area.  I do need to get rid of lots of metallic junk on the ranch grounds.  That is a work in progress. 

Having gone through and reading the NOS,  I'm about halfway done to transition.  I'll have 3 fields in Transition as of today.  The other four, I can get certified this year using the 3 year rule in the NOS.  I may hold off until next year though to actually get certified.  There are no inspectors on island.  If I do pay for my certification, an inspector will have to fly out from Hawaii to inspect my ranch areas.  So in the mean time.  I'm working on my Farm History and building up my funds for the certification application.

Today, I grow "organic" Cherry Tomatoes.  All my fruits; mangoes, bananas, siniguellas, lemai, are raised organic by the NOS definition and standards.  All my livestock are organic in a sense.  But because I am not certified organic by an accredited certifying agency.  I can't use the term organic on my products.  All in time...  I'll use "Ranch Fresh" for the time being. 


Keep Smiling 

Rafael Frenz

Rafael was admitted into the hospital yesterday.  He had a high fever of 104.  But today, it's down a bit.  His doctor suspects that he has some type of abdominal infection.  So they did some tests.  Rhoda is waiting for the tests results to return and talk with the doctor. 

Rafael, Fren or Frenfren, as the family calls him, is a very active happy baby.  He easily tires out his mommy and big sister.  He's at the stage where he can crawl really fast, stand with assistance, climb, and knock things down.  He knows how to say, mama, papa, and Daddy.  Rhoda and Larraine were surprised when he said, "Daddy", a couple of days ago.  So now they're working on the word, Mommy. 

Fren loves to eat.  He loves rice, hard steamed rice, not soupy or wet rice.  Since he started staying with us in CDO.  He's been drinking lots of milk.  He loves ripe mango too.  He is an explorer, likes to get into everything.  He likes to play with his sister and mommy.  According to Rhoda, he is very smart for his age. 

Fren is also teething.  I guess that was one of the reasons why he's cranky and crying.  The cure for that is ice cold ice candy.  Let him suck on it to cool down his mouth and numb his gums. 

My mom told me to tell Rhoda to have Fren drink Guava Tea.  It's an old family herbal remedy that helps with abdominal ailments.  It does work.  I should have thought of that in the first place.  Hopefully, it will help him.  I know it's helped many in our family. 

Keep my boy in your prayers.   

Please keep my son in your prayers. Fren is very sick today. He is not eating and has a fever of 104. Rhoda is taking him to the hospital this evening. They are in the Philippines.

Got back this afternoon from The Neurological Clinic. I underwent an EMG exam on my left hand. Procedure was pretty cool seeing my fingers moving from the electrical pulses. I was told I have Severe CTS. The specialist couldn't tell me anymore. I'll have to see my primary doctor this week. Funny thing...I'm not upset about it. It's a whole new adventure.

Pruning my citrus trees.

It was fun seeing my son last night on webcam. Watching him, he certainly gives Larraine and his mommy a challenging time. He definitely has lots of energy. Trying to make my way back to help Rhoda with the baby.

Organic Certification Seminar

Woke up about 0300 to cold wind coming through the window.  It was hot before that.  So the sudden drop in temperature had me scrambling to find my blanket.  It didn't help with the fan blowing directly at me.  But I was too tired to get up to turn the fan away.  Anyway, I can't sleep without feeling any type of breeze. 

Got back up at 0600, at breakfast and got ready to go to the Organic Certification Training being held at the University of Guam Business College.  I was given the wrong information and was waiting at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences building.  It's a good thing I got word of the correct location and headed over to the Business College. 

We covered the National Regulations covering organic farming.  It's not hard to read, just boring with all the legalese.  You know the saying, "There is no such thing as a stupid question".  Who ever said that, probably never heard a stupid question.  It's amazing the people asking the instructor "What if" scenarios.   I think it's just plain laziness on their part not to read the materials given to them.  But, a couple of people busted that 'no stupid question" myth today.  Amazing, and they have college degrees.  Sometimes, I wonder if they're asking questions because they have a legitimate question or just for star points. 

Anyway, the organizers broke up the class into 7 groups.  I was placed in Group 2, and our group was to solve solutions for team exercises that the instructor prepared for us.  There are 7 in my group.  It was 6 before lunch.  But a new participant flew in from Luta and came into class after lunch.  So he joined my group.  Roland Q. is the team leader for Group 2.  He was unceremoniously volunteered by the rest of us. 

I like the interaction the organizers provided by placing us into working groups.  A lot better than sitting there going through an 8 hour lecture on organic regulations.  I would have been bored. 

The temperature in the classroom was uncomfortably warm.  The AC was running but we were not getting enough air.  The smell of brewing coffee and rise in temperature was making me sleepy.  I know I drank liters of water just to keep myself awake.  The dry air was also affecting my throat, making it dry and itchy. 

This is a four day course, ending on Thursday.  I didn't realize it was all day, until I got my books this morning.  When I was talking to Ann.  I thought it ended at 12.  All this organic training will help local farmers get ready to prepare to transition their farms from conventional farming to organic farming.  I'm interested in becoming one of the first group of many local Certified Organic Inspectors on the island.  I know the testing for that is sometime in August.

Keep Smiling

Snake Lilies Blossoming.

A blossoming Snake Lily outside my bedroom window. 



This one is on the planter above the first one. 


There are more snake lilies blossoming around the house and ranch.  The stench is unbearable.  I don't like this plant.  If you have ever smelled a rotting carcass.  That's exactly what it smells like.  The flowers last for a couple of days, then dries out.  But with many blossoming.  The smell around the house is unbearable. 

Moving Forward for Something Better.

Woke up today at 0600.  I had a restless night, waking every now and then, then falling back to sleep.  I looked at the clock and decided to sleep in a bit.  No, need to rush to get ready.  Had no work to go too.   Yep, I got laid off again.  Or, placed on standby as the boss calls it.  I doubt if I want to go back anyway. 

At 0800, I finally got out of bed, went and got cleaned up.  Then out to breakfast, which consisted of a hot glass of Lemon flavored Vita Plus, 2 over hard eggs with bread, and fresh ripe mango.  The morning air was warm.  Not one bit of cool in it.  I went out to the back and moved the goats south in the jungle.  So they won't be in the sun during the heat of the day.  I really miss working on the ranch.  These weekend ranch work doesn't cover what I want to do. 

By 1100, I was back in the shower getting ready to head out to my VA appointments this afternoon.  I have two scheduled today, back to back.  The first one was at 1300 with Trish, my social worker.  It's good talking to her on a monthly basis.  We talked about the family and work, and other issues that maybe affecting me.  Same hot issues as before, but I'm learning to work with it.  Rhoda is happy with the changes and new skills I've learned to use and cope with anger issues.  Kind of funny, how pastor preached about, Anger, a couple of weeks ago. 

At 1400, I was out the door and heading into my next appointment with my primary care doctor.  Dr. L.G. went into private practice.  So now, I've been assigned to Dr. Head.  I only saw her once before, when I had the spider bite on my leg last year.  She's alright.  She listens and encourages me to try different things to cope with my chronic painful injuries.  Today, though was my annual checkup.  So lots of questions was asked.   I have many answers.

Doc:  Do you smoke?

Me:  No.

Doc:  Do you drink?

Me:  Everyday...then I laughed...because I knew what she meant.  Yes, Doc....only once in a blue moon, maybe 2 or 3 cans. 

Doc:  How's the pain?

Me:  The usual...Painful.

Doc:  Why are you taking so-so pill?

Me:  Anger issues.

Doc:  You don't sound like you have anger issues.

Me:  Thanks doc.  But other people think I do.  I thought I was being normal.


Then we started talking about my kids and Rhoda in the Philippines.  What they're doing and how they are doing?  How are things here at home and there?  I tried to answer honestly.  I think. 

Looking at my medical history.  Doc congratulated me on losing lots of weight, to keep it up, and take it slow.  I mentioned it wasn't easy.  But I'm doing it for my family.  Hard to believe that I lost more than 50 lbs.  I have to give credit to God though.  If it wasn't for Him, I would have never been able to get through Crossfit, Ranching, and Construction work. 

It was good finally meeting with my primary care doc.  My last check up was two years ago.  That was long.  I have several up coming appointments with a hand specialist and nerve specialist, and the dermatologist later...when they call me for my appointment.  I may have carpal tunnel.  If I do, it may require surgery on both hands.  Looks like my construction days are coming to an end, really fast. 

After leaving the VA Clinic, I went to HomeDepot and did some I wish shopping for a while.  I went from the far right of the building where they had the ladders, down every aisle, and into the garden section on the left side of the building.  Lots of things I want to get for the house and ranch.  Taya Salape (No Money).  I did buy some bar and chain oil, and 2 cycle engine mix for the chainsaw.  I'll do some timber work this weekend, after the fiesta at St. Paul-North Compound. 

I went to the shop, to see if my check was ready.  I didn't say anything to the boss and GM as I walked in.  Just went to talk with Rita, who told me, the checks weren't ready for another 45 minutes.  I went back outside and talked with Roque and Rick.  Roque asked me if I was off.  I told him that I was for the last 3 days.  He told me to not hang around here.  Go look for another job.  I kind of gave him the nod that I was.  I found out through talking with Roque earlier this week.  That he's my primo (cousin) from the Pedan side of the familia.  When Marie, the payroll clerk, came back.  That's when the checks were issued.  I didn't say goodbye to the guys.  I guess they'll figure it out when I don't show up anymore.  They're a great crew to work with. 

I was referred to a hospice company to work as a Caregiver.  I'll check that job out on Monday.  I was told they actually pay more than what I was getting at the Construction Company.  More money is good news to me and my family. 

Roque told me to check out Core Tech and Nippo Construction.  Both companies are hiring.  I'll do that too, on Monday.  I'm not sure if I want to go back to construction.  But I'll apply just to be safe.  Have to keep all options open. 


Have a great weekend Y'all.

Keep Smiling

Ranch Log: Getting back into the Ranching Lifestyle, not that it ever left.

Posted a couple of cherry attempts at video blogging aka vlogs.  It's not easy as I thought.  Camera is okay, not top of the line type.  But it'll do for now.  I still prefer writing.  It's a lot easier to back space to delete.  Than to figure out how to erase or start over on the video camera. 

I finally got the tarp up to the ranch shack.  Which is now located behind the house.  It's a lot bigger than I thought it was.  I'll take a video shot of it after I'm done cleaning under and around it.  At least I have some shade to work in, out of the sun. 

The heat has been unbearable the last couple of days.  I am now praying daily for rain.  My ranch is turning brown and fruits are drying up on the branches.  I love the sun and heat.  But this is unbearable.  I shower at least 3 times daily, jump in to cool off and out again to work.  I should build an outside shower and just wear quick dries as I work the ranch.  Whenever I get hot, just jump in and cool down. 

The goat kids are getting bold.  They've walked into the house through the back door numerous times.  Mom thinks it's funny.  I don't.  Hercules knows when I actually feed the poultry.  So he comes over and waits until I open the feed bin to get feed out.  Then he tries to force his muzzle into whatever I have that is carrying the feed.  Alinnah, Larraine's goat, is still shy with me.  But now comes close, especially when I have feed in the bucket. 

The Guinea Keets are feathering out nicely.  They are approximately 3 weeks old.  Soon they'll be molting their feathers again to the beautiful pearl design.  I heard 3 females so far in that brood.  That is great news to me.  I'll have a bunch of new eggs next season to grow my flock. 

Kyle loves to catch chicks.  He has a black one in a box.  Soon that will grow to big to be kept in there.  He still wants to buy or catch more poultry chicks. I'm glad he's active though.  I just need to dial down his enthusiasm a bit.  I need him to start thinking, "Safety First" when  working or playing in or around the ranch.  Other than that, he's a good ranch hand. 

I have so much ripe mango in the kitchen, refrigerator, and freezer.  I'm going to have to start cutting them up and making bunelos manga (mango doughnuts) and or cake.   Lots to do in the next couple of days. 

Vietnam Mango aka Russian Mango

Larraine's Chicks...Well, sort of.

Guinea Keets

Two week old Guinea Keets that hatched out from my Hovabator Incubator. 

Ranch Shack

My first attempts at Video Blogging.  Not as easy, as I thought it was. 

My nephew Kyle placed an empty bottle back into the freezer after he drank the water out of it. Then tried to blame me, that it was mine. Not realizing that I still had my water bottle next to me. Then he inadvertently ratted himself out when he tried to explain his story. LOL...Kaduku!

Took time off this morning, to take mom to the doc/pharmacy. She changed her mind this morning. Might as well, use the time off to pay, "BILL". Have a Blessed Day, Y'all. Keep Smiling :)