Thursday, July 25, 2013

Haste in Choosing Toilet Tissue and Other Important Decisions

I’ve been up and out in the berry brambles early the last few mornings, collecting gallons of the beautiful fruit that surrounds our farm.  While it isn’t all joy, I do love picking berries.  Most of us know that wherever there are prickly brambles, there lives poison ivy.  For some reason the sight of poison ivy always reminds me of a particular childhood experience:

My youngest brother, Louie and I spent a lot of time playing in the woods.  Home was often a long way from where we were playing and returning there to take care of our bathroom needs seemed senseless.  So… we often “did our duty” wherever we were playing.  Old fallen trees worked well for a “resting” seat and leaves were often handy and useful as toilet “paper”.  Well… most of the time, that is.

One day, I was overly anxious to get back to whatever we were playing and I didn’t take the necessary time to consider what leaves I might be holding in my hand

It wasn’t long before I realized that
my hasty toilet “tissue” decision was going to result in
a long and excruciatingly painful consequence!

When the itching, blisters and burning developed, I thought I’d die of discomfort before I’d ever get better.  Needless to say, I learned my lesson about my choice of nature’s toilet “tissues!”

Have you ever made hasty decisions that led to painful consequences?  Maybe you
  • married too quickly.
  • left a good job out of frustration.
  • spent money unwisely.
  • opened your mouth too soon.

We’ve all found ourselves suffering the consequences of our haste.  What is important, however, is “did we learn?”  Most of us nod our heads an emphatic, “Yes, I learned that
  • I should have never married the jerk!”
  • I should have stayed with the great job that I already had!”
  • I should have not purchased that!”
  • I should have kept my mouth shut!”

It’s good that we all learn something from our mistakes.  But… are we missing the broader and possibly more important lesson in these experiences?  While it’s true that I should not have used those leaves, is the greater lesson found in simply gearing my pace down a notch or two in order to prevent the major “pain in the wazoo” in the first place?

It’s not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.
Proverbs 19:2

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:
             Bonnie Jaeckle
             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life
             Diagonal Progress
             505 Jefferson St.
             Diagonal, IA 50845


Thursday, July 18, 2013

An Alternative to Chemical Wormers

Our critters are important to me, so I like to protect their health as best as I can.  I’m learning about worming without harmful chemicals.  While, I’ve much more to learn, I like to share what I do know so that others don’t have to spend so much time researching, planning etc.  I’ve been buying a wonderful product for worming, but have wanted to make my own in order to save money.  Plus, I like the adventure of learning and concocting.


Let me begin by saying that it is normal for almost all animals to carry internal microscopic creatures.  When in balance, the host and the parasite can live in harmony with one another.  However, as a result of poor dietary habits, improper hygiene, poor pasture management etc., the host can develop an internal environment that breeds an over population of internal parasite.  When this happens, the parasites begin to consume more nutrients than the host can relinquish without suffering nutritional deficit.  Something must be done!  The host could die, or at the least, suffer unpleasant health problems.  However, we have a big problem when it comes to commercial wormers!

Like most herbicides and insecticides, our world is becoming more and more resistant to the chemicals available to destroy parasites.  The harder we work at developing new chemicals, the stronger the strains of parasites become.  Not only that, these chemical wormers are becoming more and more hazardous to the health of our livestock.  The key, I believe, is in prevention.  We must work at developing an internal environment in our livestock that the nasty critters have no desire to live in.

To accomplish this, we need a product that:
  • does not have adverse affects on the animal as a result of harsh chemicals.
  • builds, not destroys the animal’s immune system.
  • establishes an internal environment in the animal that the parasite is adverse to.
  • slowly, but effectively kills the parasite without consequential toxicity due to a build-up of dead parasites.
  • promotes expulsion of the parasites without developing diarrhea and nutritional imbalance.

Using my research and the ingredients of other products as my guide, I’ve developed two products that I believe meet the requirements above and are cost effective.  The two formulas are given over an eight week period and the cycle is repeated throughout the year.  Remember this is not a harsh chemical that literally blows the crap out of the parasites, causing adverse effects on the animals and is repeated a few times a year.  Instead, throughout the entire year these ingredients will establish an environment that the freeloaders do not like while causing gentle expulsion of the dead scroungers.

WORMWOOD/BLACK WALNUT WORMER FORMULA - #1

4 Cups Wormwood                     4 Cups Garlic
1 cup Fennel seed powder           1 cup Diatomaceous Earth
1 cup *Black Walnut powder (* NOT FOR HORSES)

DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY
Use right before breeding and resume day after delivery.
During pregnancy substitute with Formula #2 for 3 consecutive days

Administration: Given for three consecutive days of week one

Dosage:
Goat: 1 tbsp…………..Kids under 2 months: ½ TBSP
Sheep: 2 tsp        Llamas: 2-3 tsp         Alpaca: 1-2 tsp
Cattle 3-4 Tbsp             Horses: 2-3 TBSP
Dogs: ½ to 1 tsp           Cats: ¼ tsp
Pigs: 2-3 tsp                 Chickens 1 Tbsp to 6 chickens
**Horses: (*Carefully mix and mark container without Black Walnut)

WORMER FORMULA - #2

4 Cups Mugwort                          4 Cups Garlic    4 Cup Pumpkin Seeds
1 Cup Fennel seed powder           1 Cup Diatomaceous Earth
1 Cup Thyme                                1 Cup Hyssop

Pregnancy Safe: Substitute for FORMULA #1 during Pregnancy!

Administration: Given one time weekly for seven weeks.

Dosage:
Goat: 1 tbsp…………..Kids under 2 months: ½ TBSP
Sheep: 2 tsp        Llamas: 2-3 tsp         Alpaca: 1-2 tsp
Cattle 3-4 Tbsp             Horses: 2-3 TBSP
Dogs: ½ to 1 tsp           Cats: ¼ tsp
Pigs: 2-3 tsp                 Chickens 1 Tbsp to 6 chickens

For the babies, administer a three day dose of Formula #2 beginning at 4 weeks of age, repeat every 3 weeks until they are 6 months old.  At that time, start them on the 8 week cycle.  You may have to add water to the product and use a syringe to drench them if they are not interested in eating the wormer.  If diarrhea develops, immediately administer Formula #1 for three consecutive days.

In order to make the product more palatable, I mix it with black strap molasses.  Not only do the animals love it, the molasses adds nutritional value that helps to build their health.  What a treat!  A few gulps of apple cider vinegar splashed in their water is an additional way to establish the internal environment that we’re seeking in our animals.  All of this may sound like a lot of additional work, but once you get into the routine, it goes quickly and it gives you the necessary time to closely evaluate your animals rather than rushing through chores simply for the sake of getting them done.  In my opinion, their health and the blessings that they offer to us are worth every minute!

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:
             Bonnie Jaeckle
             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life
             Diagonal Progress
             505 Jefferson St.
             Diagonal, IA 50845



DISCLAIMER:
The author of this article does not endorse everything represented on/in suggested links, books, etc.  Each of us is accountable to God to weigh everything according to His Word.

All content of this article is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. The author sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. The information herein is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.  This is best left to the Creator of the universe.  In all health-related situations, “qualified healthcare professionals” should always be consulted.  The author deems THE GREAT PHYSICIAN to be most qualified.  The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material.


Thursday, July 11, 2013

Bluegrass Festival Success

Marigold Meadows was literally humming with activity last weekend with our first annual Lloyd Loar’s Hometown Bluegrass Festival!  We couldn’t have asked for a better “first”.  We did have a brief downpour of rain, but it didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of crowd or the musicians.  At one point, we counted over 120 attendees just under the shelter.  There were additional jammers and listeners scattered around the meadow.

Festival Highlights:

  • Bluegrass Express from Elizabeth, IL showcased the event with Andy Hatfield who is the National Banjo, Mandolin and flat top guitar pickin’ champion!
  • Carol Jean (Smith) Trulson surprised me with a visit.  Carol Jean is the late Oliver Smith’s daughter.  For years, Oliver and his family hosted the internationally recognized Harmony Pines Bluegrass Festival in Gilson, Il.  Carol Jean & I were high school friends who sang together often and participated in state vocal contests together.
  • We were blessed with several local musicians who were the backbone of the festival, helping with odds and ends from start to finish, filling in when other band members weren’t able to come, etc.
  • Fred and Carol Barrett who are the hosts of the wonderful Bluegrass Festival at New Salem State Park came to support and encourage us.  They are so impressed with and excited about our festival that they offered to showcase us at the New Salem Festival!
  • Members of Bluegrass Express have assisted with other youth programs at various Bluegrass Festivals.  They have offered to help us organize youth workshops for our future festivals.
  • Phil Belcher was Johnnie-on-the-Spot offering to help as we were getting ready, being our festival photographer and offering a demonstration at the festival of his handmade mountain instruments!  What a craftsman he is!
  • Steve Hatfield’s band, Heartbreak Mountain from Peoria, IL joined us.  Andy is Steve’s son.  There’s no question where Andy’s talent comes from!
  • My sister-in-law, Marcia had an opportunity to bake in her new wood-burning oven that my brother, Art built last winter.  Known for miles for her pie baking skills, Marcia’s new oven will bake 16 pies at one time!  No one was disappointed in how the oven or Marcia performed!
  • Steve Smith from Barnyard Guitars in Macomb, IL set up a vending tent of instruments, picks, strings etc.
  • Tony Williamson owns a collection of Lloyd Loar mandolins.  While he was not able to join us this year, he sent us CDs at a discounted price to help us raise money to encourage youth in Bluegrass music.  On the CD, Tony is playing the various mandolins and explaining the history behind them!
  • Mark Wheeler, Steve Smith and Bill Kuhn were individual musicians who shared their talents with us.
  • Gary, my brother Art & I had the honor of joining in with various musicians.
  • We were astounded to have a young man show up in the meadow one day when we were preparing for the festival.  He introduced himself and said, “My wife and I think what you are doing is just wonderful and we want to do whatever we can to help.”  Pete and Stephanie Scrogum were a God-send to us from that point on and I’m sure they will be an ongoing part of our lives.  What a blessing!

Although he desired to be here, due to his traveling schedule, we missed the opportunity by about 24 hours to have the Lloyd Loar’s historian, Roger Siminoff join us.  Roger owns several of Lloyd Loar’s instrument prototypes, blueprints, compositions etc.  As everyone’s “go to” man regarding Lloyd Loar, Roger has been very encouraging and helpful from start to finish.  Hopefully, Roger will be able to join us next year with his historical presentation about the musical genius, Lloyd Loar.

There is no doubt in my mind that next year’s festival will be even better.  Musicians are already lining-up to join us on stage, as well as offering to hold workshops, etc.  Festival attendees are already spreading the word and we learned a thing or two that will hopefully make our future festivals even more enjoyable for everyone.  Mark your calendars for the last Friday, Saturday and Sunday in June.  You won’t wanna miss it and we’d love to have you!

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

P.S.  Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/.  You may also contact me at:
             Bonnie Jaeckle
             In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life
             Diagonal Progress
             505 Jefferson St.
             Diagonal, IA 50845