tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post3613057033805604611..comments2024-03-26T10:01:18.135-04:00Comments on Living the Frugal Life: New Year's Resolutions & the 2009 WishlistKatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18017959421018964001noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-27196726203201227502010-01-18T13:23:00.340-05:002010-01-18T13:23:00.340-05:00http://howsrobb.blogspot.com/2006/08/and-reason-24...http://howsrobb.blogspot.com/2006/08/and-reason-248.html<br /><br />This may make you smile. My mango eating cat! How a barn cat from Central New York developed a taste for mango is quite a mystery.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03932975112078606231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-73168483004337155862010-01-18T08:29:46.197-05:002010-01-18T08:29:46.197-05:00Lisa/Rob, I know! If we showed a stalk of asparag...Lisa/Rob, I know! If we showed a stalk of asparagus to our cat he would literally claw his way up our leg to get it. He would eat them raw, though he preferred them lightly steamed. Don't we all? I once heard of a cat who felt the same way about cantaloupe...Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18017959421018964001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-82056990487501531192010-01-15T21:59:26.280-05:002010-01-15T21:59:26.280-05:00I have to smile, because we, too, had an asparagus...I have to smile, because we, too, had an asparagus-lovin' kitty. She would steal stalks off our plates, if we ever were distracted. Quite the stealthy hunter! No asparagus were safe!Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03932975112078606231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-80365145601970245722008-12-31T11:25:00.000-05:002008-12-31T11:25:00.000-05:00Hi, Kate:I just wanted to let you know that we use...Hi, Kate:<BR/><BR/>I just wanted to let you know that we used one of your quotes in our Blog, My Sweet Viscape. Check it out here: http://blog.viscape.com/2008/12/the-latest-and-greatest-new-years-resolutions/.<BR/><BR/>Misty Faucheux<BR/>Social Media/Community Relations ManagerMistyeyedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12535119150313529687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-54218568071161511932008-12-29T07:28:00.000-05:002008-12-29T07:28:00.000-05:00agwh, thanks for your comments. It sounds like yo...agwh, thanks for your comments. It sounds like you had a good experience with the program. I hope if I get in that I'll be able to learn at least a few specific things that I'm interested in. It's great that your county is focusing more on food-gardening this year. I think it's going to be crucial for more and more people. So what does the extension agent call the hot line?Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18017959421018964001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-24477077433751897752008-12-28T13:55:00.000-05:002008-12-28T13:55:00.000-05:00I'm a Master Gardener for my county, and, while I ...I'm a Master Gardener for my county, and, while I have learned quite a bit, the program here has a definite education---as in we teach the general public about gardening---mission. I have loved being part of the program, and have been lucky to be able to contribute a lot of knowledge about vegetable gardening through a Plant A Row for the Hungry garden. I've also worked hard! <BR/><BR/>In addition, I've learned about working in a greenhouse and about aesthetic pruning of Japanese Maples. I haven't worked yet on pruning fruit trees, but every county is unique in its goals and focus. That may still happen for me. <BR/><BR/>I think my county is going to expand its food-gardening work this year, since so many first-time gardeners ahve already called in to the office for help. Another thing we get to do as Master Gardeners is answer the Horticulture "Hot Line" (not what the Extension agent calls it) and answer people's questions. That is often a real learning experience for me and always fun.Amy W.https://www.blogger.com/profile/14108368551894382300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-607517793360915512008-12-20T09:44:00.000-05:002008-12-20T09:44:00.000-05:00Megan, I'd never even heard of a Master Naturalist...Megan, I'd never even heard of a Master Naturalist program. It doesn't quite sound like what I'm after, but thanks for the information and the suggestion.<BR/><BR/>El, thanks. I look forward to reading about your further projects in the new year.<BR/><BR/>Mommy Mia, I've heard of that book, but only in a neutral way. I hope you'll post some thoughts on it, good or bad, when you've read it. Sounds like you'll have an exciting year next year. And yes, breaking new ground for a garden is heavy work! Fortunately, you should only need to do it once for each patch of ground.<BR/><BR/>Grey, I'm thinking that I may need to protect my asparagus bed a little bit too. Chicken wire would probably do the trick. There's a slight risk that the deer might get to it. If they did, they'd wipe it out, I'm sure. All part of the process I suppose.Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18017959421018964001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-72559543591777299602008-12-17T14:36:00.000-05:002008-12-17T14:36:00.000-05:00I am also starting an asparagus bed! I am so excit...I am also starting an asparagus bed! I am so excited, and hopeful that my dog that is always looking for a comfortable place to nap doesn't disturb it. This new year, I and a friend are going to learn how to knit.<BR/><BR/>Your window quilt sewing project is definitely a good place to start. Basic curtains and tablecloths are the easiest things to create. Before you know it, you'll be making collared shirts!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-25581094780203461132008-12-17T11:29:00.000-05:002008-12-17T11:29:00.000-05:00I absolutely love your list! Mine is along the sam...I absolutely love your list! Mine is along the same lines. We had a small garden this past year that I want to be better prepared for this year. I also want to add some chickens and some goats. My biggest challenge will be to get the garden ready for planting. I have been reading the book "Barnyard in Your Backyard". It has some great information.Lollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14072444442030891352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-73395022621962914412008-12-17T11:06:00.000-05:002008-12-17T11:06:00.000-05:00Hey Kate: just getting around to posting; entirel...Hey Kate: just getting around to posting; entirely too busy here for my own good but I wanted to give you a thumb's up on your list. Bravo. <BR/><BR/>I have a FoodSaver and I use it primarily for our meat birds as it really does keep any frost out. You have to freeze the birds first in the unsealed bags. It's a bit of a pain as I do hate paying for the bags but they'll keep maybe 3 months longer that way.<BR/><BR/>My list? Eh...it's a long one as usual, taking on entirely more than I have time for, but let's just say it involves four-legged creatures.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-63748250236368478882008-12-16T19:35:00.000-05:002008-12-16T19:35:00.000-05:00Thanks for your response, Kate. It isn't that we ...Thanks for your response, Kate. It isn't that we don't want to invest in a chest freezer--it is on the list. We're planning on buying one in January if we find the right sale. <BR/><BR/>Eliot Coleman--any reason to have a greenhouse is a good one, lol. Add the food factor and it's a very worthy investment. Now that I've read about root cellars, I know what the humps I've seen in some people's yards are!The Country Experiencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11513942810844951239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-17983608749554588302008-12-16T14:39:00.000-05:002008-12-16T14:39:00.000-05:00Master Gardener programs are often full. This is a...Master Gardener programs are often full. This is a different concept entirely, but just as rewarding: check to see if your state has a Master Naturalist program. With this program you learn all about the natural wildlife of your area -- bird, tree, plant, animal identification, etc...Megancitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11210966430250086746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-54787839460519199102008-12-13T16:11:00.000-05:002008-12-13T16:11:00.000-05:00C.E. I have a chest freezer, so freezer burn is m...C.E. I have a chest freezer, so freezer burn is much less of an issue for me. I think chest freezers can be a valuable tool for the frugal lifestyle. I've written several posts on the issues around chest freezers. If you don't want to invest in a chest freezer, I still wouldn't recommend a special storage appliance. I would suggest you look at other storage methods such as those you mentioned. Canning, dehydrating/smoking, and cold storage in a root cellar are all great methods. <BR/><BR/>A man named Eliot Coleman also pioneered a method for eating foods fresh from the garden year round, using unheated an greenhouse in Maine. So he doesn't use any storage method other than root cellaring. Granted, it's a big investment to get a greenhouse and a root cellar up and running. But it's definitely something to aim for.<BR/><BR/>We're only headed into our third year in our home, so I can definitely relate to the overwhelmed feeling of being in a new space. Take it slow but steady. That's the best way. And good luck!Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18017959421018964001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-22310021101081704472008-12-13T14:56:00.000-05:002008-12-13T14:56:00.000-05:00Kate, our forays into freezing have not fared well...Kate, our forays into freezing have not fared well and some friends & co-workers say they love and frequently use their Food Saver vacuum sealers. I really don't want to have to buy another piece of equipment(much less have to store it or waste precious counterspace on it) but, compared to losing the majority of what we freeze due to freezer burn, I am open to the possibility. <BR/><BR/>To answer the questions in your post, my household goals for the coming year would center around food: <BR/>-plant & harvest a food garden <BR/>-practice food preservation and utilization (learn how to can, dehydrate, prepare foods, iffy on the freezing), <BR/>-begin a small fruit orchard (plant a few trees & various berries this year, more next year, etc), <BR/>-possibly try raising chickens for their eggs<BR/>-learn how to make loaf bread that is so good we will eat it before it can go stale due to lack of preservatives (I tried a recipe that tasted good but dried out after only 2 days. )<BR/><BR/>There is room for improvement (a lot of improvement, IMHO) on our grocery bill so I want to address that and figure out how to keep my husband from feeling deprived. (He has the appetite and metabolism of a teenager so he constantly eats.) <BR/><BR/>We're just getting started so there is so much to learn. This is also our first year here so there are plenty of projects we want to do to better utilize the space for our purposes. Hmm, I see another list in my immediate future, lol. Maybe I should have chosen that as a name, Queen of Lists, lol.The Country Experiencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11513942810844951239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-15774834567941397892008-12-12T10:17:00.000-05:002008-12-12T10:17:00.000-05:00Okay, everyone, I am definitely feeling the love h...Okay, everyone, I am definitely feeling the love here. I'm touched that my ramblings have found any audience whatsoever. The chance to connect with people of similar interests is what draws me to blogs and to blogging. So thank you, all of you, for letting me know you're reading!<BR/><BR/>Country Experience, I'm not really sure what you mean by a "food saver device." I use several methods for preserving things I grow, including canning, dehydrating, and freezing. A few vegetables can simply stay in the ground too, even into early winter. I would like to have some sort of root cellar eventually, as that would provide a very low energy, low effort means of preserving the harvest. Please do follow up and clarify your question. I'm happy to help or offer whatever advice I can.<BR/><BR/>Jessica, thanks for the encouragement with sewing. I am steeling myself to start a little project. I'm just very inexperienced, not naturally talented with such things, and not terribly patient with my own mistakes. Not good traits for someone who wants to learn sewing.<BR/><BR/>Risa, thank you for the tips on tree planting. Unfortunately, our space is so limited that we need to plant the fruit trees at least *exactly* where the other trees were cut down. And I know some that we cut down are in fact regenerative. But I will keep what you say in mind for future plantings. Nice blog you've got too, by the by. The hydraulic jack felling was pretty impressive.<BR/><BR/>Kate, I wish I had a sister. As a child I probably wouldn't have chosen to share the same name as a sibling. But as an adult, I really wouldn't mind. Thanks for stopping by.Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18017959421018964001noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-84944509367227176752008-12-12T09:02:00.000-05:002008-12-12T09:02:00.000-05:00Goodmorning Kate--I've read your blog every few da...Goodmorning Kate--<BR/><BR/>I've read your blog every few days now for the past couple of weeks, and just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy it! In the years I've been doing computer-stuff, blogs are something I've not had much dealing with. I came across yours in the process of a search -- I can't even remember what I was searching for, now. So many of the things you talk about are things that interest me.....I'm quite amazed....are you my sister?:) (And I'm also a Kate...) Anyways--thank you for the work and time you put into sharing your life, I really enjoy reading about you. <BR/><BR/>--kate.kateShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01087082646273181427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-47909775906933491362008-12-11T19:32:00.000-05:002008-12-11T19:32:00.000-05:00If it's any help, trees love to eat dead trees. I ...If it's any help, trees love to eat dead trees. I cut stumps down to the ground and if they are not regenerative like ash or maple or willow -- Douglas fir, for example, is nonregenerative -- then I plant the fruit tree right by the stump. Over the years, that's a good fruit tree as it has a long-lasting supply of dead roots to snuggle up to and draw sustenance from.<BR/><BR/>I also like to give prunings back to the trees they cam from, for the sanme reason. Snipped short, added to the mulch. If you're in frequent snow area, keep them back so that mice don't nest there and then gnaw on the tree when they get hungry; otherwise, they're fine right where they are.Doyu Shoninhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00148504542232844586noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-57115806852024282552008-12-11T18:37:00.000-05:002008-12-11T18:37:00.000-05:00Now now, sewing isn't so bad. I even manage to sub...Now now, sewing isn't so bad. I even manage to subsidize my habit by getting paid to hem other people's pants. <BR/><BR/>My list for next year also includes rabbits (building the rabbit ark now - very slowly), and I really need to learn pressure canning for low-acid produce. Keep posting!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-12520103781465218782008-12-11T12:40:00.000-05:002008-12-11T12:40:00.000-05:00I just found your blog and love it! My h and I ju...I just found your blog and love it! My h and I just moved and are anticipating planting our first garden in the spring, with all the produce that will hopefully result. Reading about your experiences has been educational and pointed out some things I hadn't fully thought out yet. <BR/><BR/>One thing I am curious about that I didn't find in your blog(it is possible I missed it): how do you get around needing a food saver device? A number of people I know say we shouldn't try to not getting one, but it's not a cheap purchase. But if I've gone to all the work of preparing something, I do want to preserve it....The Country Experiencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11513942810844951239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-70729266477176700742008-12-11T09:54:00.000-05:002008-12-11T09:54:00.000-05:00I am so inspired by your achievements in self suff...I am so inspired by your achievements in self sufficiency. I can only hope to be like you one day. I look forward in the upcoming year to teach my children how important it is to be more independent in all areas. Everytime I read your blog I get excited and can't wait for the warmer months. Good luck with all your new endeavors. You can do it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7237633934633144064.post-13554707854050926732008-12-10T11:52:00.000-05:002008-12-10T11:52:00.000-05:00Kate - Surfing and ran across your list. I love...Kate - <BR/> Surfing and ran across your list. I love it! I blog about my resolutions too. Stop by sometime. Good Luck :)<BR/>Best,<BR/>Kim Simpson<BR/>IResolveTo.Comresolutionistahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15482542358282388801noreply@blogger.com