It's been raining since this morning. Everytime I go out to do some ranch chores. It starts to rain again. I really need to get a work shed for rainy day projects.
After morning service this past Sunday, I did some cleaning around the ranch. The Guinea rooster was reported missing Saturday. When I went to do my morning checks. I found him back there near the pens with the caged guineas. I cleaned out the drinking containers for the dogs on the perimeter. Duchess was released from her perimeter lead. She's now back on roving patrol.
I moved Stormie back up to the North Side where she used to be stationed. Cleared out the area the day before. Oreo is back with Pepsi where Stormie used to be tied off too. Pepsi will help train her. That leaves Nugget and the other pup. Nugget is out in front of the house by the driveway. Still working on this one. Will have to figure it out later.
Noticed two bunches getting ready to ripen. Will harvest them Tuesday or Wednesday.
Showing posts with label guam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guam. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Inifresi (Offering - Chamoru pledge)
Inifresi (Offering - Chamoru pledge)
Ginen i mås takhilo’ gi hinasso-ku
I mås takhalom gi kurason-hu,
Yan i mas figo’ na nina’siña-hu,
Hu ufresen maisa yu’
Para bai prutehi yan hu difende
I HINENGGE,
I KOTTURA,
I LENGGUÅHI,
I AIRE,
I HANOM yan I TANO’ CHAMORU
Ni’ irensiå-ku direchu ginen as Yu’os Tåta,
Este hu afitma gi hilo’ I Bipblia yan I Banderå-hu,
-I Banderan Guåhan.
...In English...
From the inner-most recesses of my mind,
From deep within my heart,
And with all my might,
This I offer.
To protect and defend
The Beliefs
The Culture
The Language
The Air
The Water and The Land of the Chamoru.
My heritage come directly from God,
This I affirm on the Bible and my Flag
- The Flag of GuahanMonday, December 12, 2011
Ranch: Afternoon adjustments.
I was in the ranch today after watching the Cowboys-Giants game. I walked around, overlooked the layout of the ranch, and did some work. I forgot to get a video recording of Larraine's chickens. She asked me a couple of days ago, if I would be able to. Since I am free tomorrow...I'll get do that in the morning during my morning checks.
This afternoon, I noticed that I have a lot of lemon seedlings on the ground. I'm going to transplant those along, but inside, the borders. That would be a great physical barrier to deter poachers coming into ranch, also, a lot of lemonade too. The mango tree is flowering again...after it pushed out new leaves.
The banana crop is doing really great. So many bunches for this season. The bunch I harvested the other day is now ripe. They're amazingly sweet for Saba. My mom made Turon this morning for breakfast. It was good. I'm looking forward to making Gollai Appan Aga tomorrow for the Life Cell's Party. I prefer eating cooking banana to rice in season.
I moved the ranch dogs back into the ranch this afternoon. Duchess and Stormie are now back there on rotation. Stormie got to close to Pepsi and the two of them went at it. That little rumble reminded me that the pack has not determined who is the new Alpha Female, since Lucky passed away months ago. I'm going to have them go at it to find out. Or else, I'll have control problems later on.
Stormie is on perimeter post at the South-side of the ranch, Lucky's old post. Duchess went to the East-side, her old post to guard. Once I put the fence up, I'll have Duchess back out on rover duty. I prefer her in that role. She's good at it. The three pups from Duchess: Nugget, Onyx, and Oreo will be placed around the house. Nugget went to the front of the house to Stormie's post. Oreo is at the back porch. She will not be there for long. I'm going to relocate her to the back side of the storage container next to the mango tree. Onyx is currently at the barn shack. She'll be relocated to the ranch side. I might partner her up with Scout aka Brownie to learn more.
I'm still working to schedule felling three huge trees in the ranch. I'll have to clean around them first before I do anything with them. Another chore would be to gather all the corrugated tin, stack them, then later on...use them for fencing around the garden.
One day, at a time.
ESTA...
This afternoon, I noticed that I have a lot of lemon seedlings on the ground. I'm going to transplant those along, but inside, the borders. That would be a great physical barrier to deter poachers coming into ranch, also, a lot of lemonade too. The mango tree is flowering again...after it pushed out new leaves.
The banana crop is doing really great. So many bunches for this season. The bunch I harvested the other day is now ripe. They're amazingly sweet for Saba. My mom made Turon this morning for breakfast. It was good. I'm looking forward to making Gollai Appan Aga tomorrow for the Life Cell's Party. I prefer eating cooking banana to rice in season.
I moved the ranch dogs back into the ranch this afternoon. Duchess and Stormie are now back there on rotation. Stormie got to close to Pepsi and the two of them went at it. That little rumble reminded me that the pack has not determined who is the new Alpha Female, since Lucky passed away months ago. I'm going to have them go at it to find out. Or else, I'll have control problems later on.
Stormie is on perimeter post at the South-side of the ranch, Lucky's old post. Duchess went to the East-side, her old post to guard. Once I put the fence up, I'll have Duchess back out on rover duty. I prefer her in that role. She's good at it. The three pups from Duchess: Nugget, Onyx, and Oreo will be placed around the house. Nugget went to the front of the house to Stormie's post. Oreo is at the back porch. She will not be there for long. I'm going to relocate her to the back side of the storage container next to the mango tree. Onyx is currently at the barn shack. She'll be relocated to the ranch side. I might partner her up with Scout aka Brownie to learn more.
I'm still working to schedule felling three huge trees in the ranch. I'll have to clean around them first before I do anything with them. Another chore would be to gather all the corrugated tin, stack them, then later on...use them for fencing around the garden.
One day, at a time.
ESTA...
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Ranch: Working my Banana Crop.
Putting the new ranch plans to paper. It's been more than a year since that I let my fields go fallow. Mowing them now and soon to be tilled under. I'll be putting seeds down next week. Also, transplanting lots of lemon, kalamansi, lemon-china along the borders. I'll take pictures of my progress from now on. Have to start keeping pics as part of my paperwork for audits to move into organics.
My banana crops look really good this year. I've counted 10 bunches already and more flowers budding out. This afternoon, I trimmed out a lot of suckers. I only need the mother plant, one daughter, and maybe a granddaughter on the mat, The other suckers are just competing for nutrients from the mother plant. When new sword leaf suckers show up next week. I'll cut those out and plant them in the South-side of the ranch.
My Saba (cooking) Bananas are doing really well. I was able to harvest a bunch today. Looking forward to roasted banana tomorrow. I have to work more on my Macau, Manila, Fiji, and Williams varieties.
It's weird how many names each variety has depending on region. We have Lakatan bananas here. But it is a different Lakatan from the Philippines. The Lakatan variety we have is a cooking banana that looks like horns. The Lakatan banana from the Philippines is the Williams or Chiquita. The Manila banana is also known as Lady Fingers. These are very sweet dessert bananas. I prefer the Fiji variety better than the Manila.
Normally, I check on the banana crop once a week. When the bunches turn dark green to light green. I check them daily. When one hand in the bunch is light green. That's when I harvest it. Some farmer's say you'll need to people to harvest a bunch. Especially, if that bunch is big. I've learned over the years that you can harvest a bunch solo. You just have to know what you're doing.
I noticed that I have a lot of coconut saplings. I'm gonna pull those and replant them along the Eastern and Southern borders. These will make great living fence posts for the new cattle herd I'll acquire next year. That reminds me, I'll be putting up the new goat pen soon.
My banana crops look really good this year. I've counted 10 bunches already and more flowers budding out. This afternoon, I trimmed out a lot of suckers. I only need the mother plant, one daughter, and maybe a granddaughter on the mat, The other suckers are just competing for nutrients from the mother plant. When new sword leaf suckers show up next week. I'll cut those out and plant them in the South-side of the ranch.
My Saba (cooking) Bananas are doing really well. I was able to harvest a bunch today. Looking forward to roasted banana tomorrow. I have to work more on my Macau, Manila, Fiji, and Williams varieties.
It's weird how many names each variety has depending on region. We have Lakatan bananas here. But it is a different Lakatan from the Philippines. The Lakatan variety we have is a cooking banana that looks like horns. The Lakatan banana from the Philippines is the Williams or Chiquita. The Manila banana is also known as Lady Fingers. These are very sweet dessert bananas. I prefer the Fiji variety better than the Manila.
Normally, I check on the banana crop once a week. When the bunches turn dark green to light green. I check them daily. When one hand in the bunch is light green. That's when I harvest it. Some farmer's say you'll need to people to harvest a bunch. Especially, if that bunch is big. I've learned over the years that you can harvest a bunch solo. You just have to know what you're doing.
I noticed that I have a lot of coconut saplings. I'm gonna pull those and replant them along the Eastern and Southern borders. These will make great living fence posts for the new cattle herd I'll acquire next year. That reminds me, I'll be putting up the new goat pen soon.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
NEW Guam VA Clinic...not up to Par.
When the Veterans on Guahan were told that we are getting a brand new Veteran's Clinic. We were all ecstatic. Since that new clinic opened up last year. It's been a pain. I thought service would be better. My primary doctor and nurse are great! But, the front desk staff...for a lack of a PC word...they suck!
My primary doctor and I had a heart to heart during my last annual exam a week ago. There are only two (2) doctors at the clinic to take care of more than 2000+ Veterans. There is no pharmacists. The nurse has to also work as the pharmacists. During my appointment, my primary doctor was the only doctor in the facility. What happens if she had to call in sick while the other doctor is gone? Do they close the clinic for that day, week?
Today, I went in to get my BP checked. I had an appointment last Friday afternoon. But I couldn't make it due to work. I figured I could just walk-in like I normally do, to get my BP checked. The Front Desk Clerk called my name and told me that I have to make a new appointment for the BP clinic and that walk-ins are now closed. Instead of arguing with her...I decided to leave.
Congress spent millions of dollars on this new VA Clinic and the service has not gotten better, but worse. Make an appointment to get my BP checked?! I'm a former Combat LIfesaver. It does not take 5 minutes to pull my chart and put the cuff on my arm to get a reading. There was only 1 other person in the waiting room besides me. For the amount of time that it took for that clerk to talk to me about missed and rescheduling appointments, and that walk-ins are now closed. I would have gotten my BP checked.
I liked the old VA clinic at the Naval Hospital. Service was better, everything is right there at the hospital. Now we have to drive to other clinics for specialized care. I didn't have to make an appointment for a BP Check. I just walked in. I didn't have to drive to more than one place to get my lab work done and go to other appointments. Sometimes that grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.
This new million dollar clinic is understaffed by medical professionals to treat over 2000 Veterans.
ESTA...
My primary doctor and I had a heart to heart during my last annual exam a week ago. There are only two (2) doctors at the clinic to take care of more than 2000+ Veterans. There is no pharmacists. The nurse has to also work as the pharmacists. During my appointment, my primary doctor was the only doctor in the facility. What happens if she had to call in sick while the other doctor is gone? Do they close the clinic for that day, week?
Today, I went in to get my BP checked. I had an appointment last Friday afternoon. But I couldn't make it due to work. I figured I could just walk-in like I normally do, to get my BP checked. The Front Desk Clerk called my name and told me that I have to make a new appointment for the BP clinic and that walk-ins are now closed. Instead of arguing with her...I decided to leave.
Congress spent millions of dollars on this new VA Clinic and the service has not gotten better, but worse. Make an appointment to get my BP checked?! I'm a former Combat LIfesaver. It does not take 5 minutes to pull my chart and put the cuff on my arm to get a reading. There was only 1 other person in the waiting room besides me. For the amount of time that it took for that clerk to talk to me about missed and rescheduling appointments, and that walk-ins are now closed. I would have gotten my BP checked.
I liked the old VA clinic at the Naval Hospital. Service was better, everything is right there at the hospital. Now we have to drive to other clinics for specialized care. I didn't have to make an appointment for a BP Check. I just walked in. I didn't have to drive to more than one place to get my lab work done and go to other appointments. Sometimes that grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.
This new million dollar clinic is understaffed by medical professionals to treat over 2000 Veterans.
ESTA...
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Para Hita Todu -- Show Me the Money!!! It's All About the Money!!!
A new group has formed on Guam, called Para Hita Todu. They're proclaiming to be the "Silent Majority" on the island in "Support" of the U.S. Military Buildup. In the last couple of weeks, they have started their website, see link above, and facebook page. A couple of days ago, they garnered over 5000 signatures, 10,000 short of the 15,000 they had hoped to gain.
Most of their membership are village mayors, business managers, and others looking at the bottom line, financial gain. They're selling their soul to the devil in hopes of getting more financial resources to their institutions, and lining their pockets.
They have publicly stated they are not going to comment on any issues about the military buildup; not a word on the potential land grab via condemnation, socio-economic impacts, and environmental impacts. I guess they believe that those issues have been talked to death. So, why beat a dead horse?
But those issues have not been properly answered by the U.S. Military. Are those members of Para Hita Todu, willing to give up their homes and property to the U.S. military for this buildup? Yet, they're willing to sellout, through their support of this buildup, three families who live in Pagat on a family compound. Who have three generations living on that compound. Who actually farm that land that they are living on. The very land that is now a proposed firing range for the U.S. Marines.
Their subtle misinformation about those who are not part of their organization, are labeled as unpatriotic, anti-military, anti-buildup, and fear-mongering. They now use detractors, as a new label for those against the buildup. Will they also call us anti-christian to demonize us? Time will tell.
Lee Webber in today's newspaper article states that people on welfare should not be protesting the buildup. They're practically biting the hand that feeds them. The article implies that only the rich can protest. Mr. Webber, why? Why cannot anyone who sees the wrong in this buildup, not protest it? Isn't that our right, as citizens of this country, we call the U.S.A.? Don't we have the right to Freedom of Speech and Assembly to voice our concerns. It really surprises me that a military veteran and former publisher of the Pacific Daily News would now invoke Socialist's Filth! I forget, most media are now socialist trumpets.
For those who are members of Para Hita Todu,"Ti Maigu Si Yuus"!
They are now the immediate arch rival to grassroots group, "We Are Guahan". We Are Guahan was started by concerned young adults on this island. Most of the active members are in their 20's to early 30's. They are a courageous group of young men and ladies who are taking a stand against this buildup, especially the possible land grab that may take place. They have taken the time to do research on the buildup and the socio-economic and environmental impacts that will affect this small island. They are not in it for the money.
"We Are Guahan" and the many grassroots groups who are against the buildup, or who prefer a limited buildup, are the Silent Majority.
Most of their membership are village mayors, business managers, and others looking at the bottom line, financial gain. They're selling their soul to the devil in hopes of getting more financial resources to their institutions, and lining their pockets.
They have publicly stated they are not going to comment on any issues about the military buildup; not a word on the potential land grab via condemnation, socio-economic impacts, and environmental impacts. I guess they believe that those issues have been talked to death. So, why beat a dead horse?
But those issues have not been properly answered by the U.S. Military. Are those members of Para Hita Todu, willing to give up their homes and property to the U.S. military for this buildup? Yet, they're willing to sellout, through their support of this buildup, three families who live in Pagat on a family compound. Who have three generations living on that compound. Who actually farm that land that they are living on. The very land that is now a proposed firing range for the U.S. Marines.
Their subtle misinformation about those who are not part of their organization, are labeled as unpatriotic, anti-military, anti-buildup, and fear-mongering. They now use detractors, as a new label for those against the buildup. Will they also call us anti-christian to demonize us? Time will tell.
Lee Webber in today's newspaper article states that people on welfare should not be protesting the buildup. They're practically biting the hand that feeds them. The article implies that only the rich can protest. Mr. Webber, why? Why cannot anyone who sees the wrong in this buildup, not protest it? Isn't that our right, as citizens of this country, we call the U.S.A.? Don't we have the right to Freedom of Speech and Assembly to voice our concerns. It really surprises me that a military veteran and former publisher of the Pacific Daily News would now invoke Socialist's Filth! I forget, most media are now socialist trumpets.
For those who are members of Para Hita Todu,"Ti Maigu Si Yuus"!
They are now the immediate arch rival to grassroots group, "We Are Guahan". We Are Guahan was started by concerned young adults on this island. Most of the active members are in their 20's to early 30's. They are a courageous group of young men and ladies who are taking a stand against this buildup, especially the possible land grab that may take place. They have taken the time to do research on the buildup and the socio-economic and environmental impacts that will affect this small island. They are not in it for the money.
"We Are Guahan" and the many grassroots groups who are against the buildup, or who prefer a limited buildup, are the Silent Majority.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
GCA's 16th Annual Safety Conference.
Walking into the the Holiday Resort to help setup OSH Solutions table at 0700. I ran into Primo Al at the parking lot. He had just come from Matapang Beach trying to catch Manahak (juvenile rabbit fish), a delicacy to Chamorros and Guamanians alike.
Upstairs I looked around for the OSH Solutions table. I figured I should arrive early to help Ann Marie setup the table. Instead, I met the ladies from GCA; Chantel, Desiree, and Francine. They were setting up their registration table and sponsor banners.
After I secured my bags at the table in the banquet hall. I went out to meet and greet the other Safety Officers arriving. I greeted Anthony Quidachay and Tony Andersen from OSHA On-Site Consultation Office. Samoan Joe, Safety Training Officer from Black Construction; Tony Shioli and Patrick Rivera from NAVFAC.; Terry Badley from AMPRO Safety; Chris Pantino from CMS. There were more people coming in who I didn't know. But we all had one thing in common: we were there for Safety.
At my table, I met Mila from Westin, Leah and Fred from Outrigger. There was one more but I have already forgotten his name. I'll find out tomorrow. We talked a bit just before they opened the conference. They attended the Intro to OSHA Course. I was there to observe the speaker from Region IX. After the morning's opening conference, it was time to head downstairs for lunch.
I know most of the topics that I'm attending today and tomorrow. I didn't realize I knew the topics until I saw the Conference Itinerary this morning. Now, I'm just there to network and observe the other trainers for those courses. The Safety Professional Development will be interesting. I'm looking forward to that class on Friday.
Being at the Safety Conference is like being around the "Who's Who in Guam's Safety Industry". My time is well invested. None of my training group was able to attend the safety conference. Hopefully, I'll see them at the open house on Friday.
ESTA...
Upstairs I looked around for the OSH Solutions table. I figured I should arrive early to help Ann Marie setup the table. Instead, I met the ladies from GCA; Chantel, Desiree, and Francine. They were setting up their registration table and sponsor banners.
After I secured my bags at the table in the banquet hall. I went out to meet and greet the other Safety Officers arriving. I greeted Anthony Quidachay and Tony Andersen from OSHA On-Site Consultation Office. Samoan Joe, Safety Training Officer from Black Construction; Tony Shioli and Patrick Rivera from NAVFAC.; Terry Badley from AMPRO Safety; Chris Pantino from CMS. There were more people coming in who I didn't know. But we all had one thing in common: we were there for Safety.
At my table, I met Mila from Westin, Leah and Fred from Outrigger. There was one more but I have already forgotten his name. I'll find out tomorrow. We talked a bit just before they opened the conference. They attended the Intro to OSHA Course. I was there to observe the speaker from Region IX. After the morning's opening conference, it was time to head downstairs for lunch.
I know most of the topics that I'm attending today and tomorrow. I didn't realize I knew the topics until I saw the Conference Itinerary this morning. Now, I'm just there to network and observe the other trainers for those courses. The Safety Professional Development will be interesting. I'm looking forward to that class on Friday.
Being at the Safety Conference is like being around the "Who's Who in Guam's Safety Industry". My time is well invested. None of my training group was able to attend the safety conference. Hopefully, I'll see them at the open house on Friday.
ESTA...
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Baby Rabbits
Here are pics of the new kits, about two weeks old. I'm using an old USPS plastic box as a nesting box, shredded paper for nesting materials, and a 2x4 locked in place with a concrete block to keep the kits in the nest. It'll be awhile before can tell the genders. The pic above is from last week. The nest box is no longer in there. The kits are moving around on the wire.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
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
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
Monday, June 7, 2010
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
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
Sunday, June 6, 2010
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.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
GUAM-Chamorro favorite KADON AYUYU/Coconut Crab Soup
I love Kadon Ayuyu. Check out the video below ->
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Saving Hercules.
I was cutting trees again today. The tree that I chose to cut today was a typhoon damaged tree. That was laid down by a typhoon years ago and just happened to grow again laying on the ground. I had made sure the goat herd was pastured on the Southern end of the ranch before I started to cut down trees. This was to keep the kids from getting into the area accidentally. I had prepped the tree I had chosen to cut down. It had 3 shoots of branches from it's laid down trunk. Cutting the vines and nearby shrubs, and making my escape route took little effort.
I had already cut off one branch shoot and was already cutting the 2nd and 3rd shoots together. I checked the drop zone area to insure it was clear. Then I commenced to doing the final cut on the the last shoot. Just as the branch trembled as I was cutting into the final cut, I heard a kid cry nearby. I looked up to the drop zone area, and I see Hercules eating the water vine from the first branch shoot that I had cut earlier.
Everything slowed down...the branch shoot that was starting to fall was a good 14 inches across and 30 feet high. I immediately stopped what I was doing and with the chainsaw still running. Instead of running along my planned escape route, I ran towards the buckling, Hercules, jumping over the big branches that I had cut earlier, grabbed him by his right hind leg, pulled him up with my left hand, with the chainsaw running on my right hand, and still running away from the falling tree. I had barely cleared the drop zone when I felt the air brush the back of my neck from the falling tree's leaf filled branches as it hit the ground behind me. That was inches to close for comfort.
Any Slower, and this big boy and that young buckling would have gotten crushed or been seriously injured. Thank God, I'm still fast when I really need to be. I surprised me, today!
I know some of you are probably thinking, should have let the kid go. That's hard. I've lost 3 kids this past season; 1 at birth, 1 weeks ago to a centipede, and 1 yesterday to another centipede. I was not going to lose another kid today, let alone my only replacement buckling. Hercules and Alinnah are the two kids I have left from the kidding season.
You're probably also wondering why I had still had the chainsaw running while I was running to get the buckling. I don't know. It was like it was a part of me when I started running. Good thing I didn't chop my leg off with the chain running. Everything just happened so fast. I was literally shaking after I put that buckling down and shut off the chainsaw.
I thank God for keeping me safe today, even with my unsafe actions. Whew! Don't know if I'll do that again.
After all that excitement, I realized that I had sprained my left ankle. I don't know how I did it. I don't remember spraining it. It has been throbbing since pulling that buckling out of danger. But like a hardcore paratrooper, I went and finished my planned project for today. Cutting up the trees I felled a week ago and stacking the limbs and trunks on the hedgerows. I know, I'm going to feel it when I wake up tomorrow morning.
Keep Smiling
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Ranch Log: Catching up on Ranch Chores and Projects.
It's been 3 days since I've done any ranch chores while I was a the Marianas Grazing and Livestock Academy Workshops at the university. After I did my morning checks this morning and pastured out the goats to the South Side. I looked over my chores and projects list. There's a lot. Work on the ranch never stops. I finished off the chores in the morning and after lunch, worked on some emergency projects.
I fixed my wind damaged canopy to my ranch shack. I didn't use bungees to stretch it out and resecure it to the poles. I just used some 1/4 inch plastic yellow rope to secure it to the poles. It looked good with the weaving going back and forth from the canopy to the poles. I'll have to get more yellow rope to finish off the arched ends.
I planted another Saba Banana tree on the South Side. I had pulled this sucker from it's mother on Tuesday. I meant to transplant it that same day but had other issues to deal with. So I placed it under the ranch shack for the mean time. Today, I planted it or else I may never get to it.
I cut some brown coconuts open for the free range poultry and the two ranch pups. It's amazing how fast the chickens, guineas, and duck come over when I start cutting open the coconuts with the axe. I opened about 8 and placed them at strategic locations on the ranch. So all of the poultry will get a chance to get their fill. I gave the two pups their coconut halves. Yes, my ranch pups eat coconuts. I don't know where they learned to eat, but they like eating it. So when ever I cut coconuts open, I make sure the pups get their share. Or, they'll be chasing the poultry away to get their coconuts. Strange dogs, I have.
I scouted out the South Side, looking for a place to plant my improved Tangantangan trees from Australia. I think their called, Lucena Tambara. A new develped species for livestock forage. The seeds I have are not going to be for forage. It's for me to collect seeds to plant. I'll have to protect these trees from the goats. I'll plant it tomorrow.
Keep Smiling
I fixed my wind damaged canopy to my ranch shack. I didn't use bungees to stretch it out and resecure it to the poles. I just used some 1/4 inch plastic yellow rope to secure it to the poles. It looked good with the weaving going back and forth from the canopy to the poles. I'll have to get more yellow rope to finish off the arched ends.
I planted another Saba Banana tree on the South Side. I had pulled this sucker from it's mother on Tuesday. I meant to transplant it that same day but had other issues to deal with. So I placed it under the ranch shack for the mean time. Today, I planted it or else I may never get to it.
I cut some brown coconuts open for the free range poultry and the two ranch pups. It's amazing how fast the chickens, guineas, and duck come over when I start cutting open the coconuts with the axe. I opened about 8 and placed them at strategic locations on the ranch. So all of the poultry will get a chance to get their fill. I gave the two pups their coconut halves. Yes, my ranch pups eat coconuts. I don't know where they learned to eat, but they like eating it. So when ever I cut coconuts open, I make sure the pups get their share. Or, they'll be chasing the poultry away to get their coconuts. Strange dogs, I have.
I scouted out the South Side, looking for a place to plant my improved Tangantangan trees from Australia. I think their called, Lucena Tambara. A new develped species for livestock forage. The seeds I have are not going to be for forage. It's for me to collect seeds to plant. I'll have to protect these trees from the goats. I'll plant it tomorrow.
Keep Smiling
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