Bunday

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Chicken Duplex

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something solar 7

Linked up the next piece of the something solar puzzle...the inverter.  Testing it out running my refrigerator via a 100' extension cord.  My only complaint so far is that the cooling fans in the inverter are rather loud - hence the name "WHISTLER", I reckon.    FYI - all this stuff is being located in proximity to the shipping container I will eventually move into - the long cord is for testing purposes only.  95,107,70,0,B

something solar 6

The tracker doesn't seem to want to work after dark but is happy to go back to work about an hour after sunrise to reset the rig pointing east.  That works for me.  93,102,75,0,B

There is no hope for this world...

https://celebrity.yahoo.com/news/nicki-minaj-delays-anaconda-release-posts-racy-bikini-000900024.html

something solar 5

Got the rig wired up by noon and test run went as advertised except for the east return function after dark. Will wait and see what happens in the morning.  Additional project expenses for Quikrete and wiring accessories came to $85.  96,107,73,0,B

something solar 4

Frame on the pole - parts gathered to wire it all up.  Update on the tracking circuit I ordered from redrok.com - I never got it and never got my money back.  A little research uncovered that Duane C. Johnson has a bad habit of accepting orders, cashing checks, and not sending out the goods...often claiming that it must have gotten lost in the mail.  Should have noticed the red flag when he said he doesn't do PayPal and won't ship orders with a tracking number.  So I found a better, cheaper, more reliable source right here in Texas.  http://www.homecsp.com/
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something solar 3

Sitting around afraid to fly only lasts so long.  Until I figure out when and where to go for additional training, I decided I should probably finish up this solar project.  Found the bottom of the hole, prepped the pipe, and 13 bags of Quikrete later - the post for the tracking rig is implanted in my desert rock.  95,102,70,0,B

what...work?

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Land Snail

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Alpine safari

82,109,75,0,B

About the size of New Jersey

New Field Lab Friends

The Adams Pittman Parker Clan

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Derksen comes through...

Got the building for my friend today...everything was "as per order" this time.  Although the first round was a bit of a fiasco - I still have to give Derksen Buildings credit.  A pretty good deal for a shell of a building if you have no time or building skills.  Less than 20 bucks per square foot including delivery and leveling from almost 300 miles away (if you pay up front with no financing).  87,97,71, .16",B

just a trace

Had a rain event overnight.  Perhaps another tonight.  Hope it is more than a grasshopper.  Rescued this little critter when I checked the gauge this morning.  86,99,72, .07",B

fair company

Almost missed out on a great day with new friends.  About a month ago, I got an email from a filmmaker wanting to come out to see TFL.  I get these kinds of offers about twice a month.  Instead of saying "no" right away, now I just don't answer the email at all and wait to see if they will send a second request.  I had almost forgotten about the recent email when I got a second one.  This time I checked out the links on the first email and discovered it was actually a person who has done a huge number videos about tiny houses, off grid, sustainability, etc. - Kirsten Dirksen.  I have watched a bunch of her videos over the last couple of years and really enjoyed them.  She and her husband run a site called  http://faircompanies.com/ - community and access to tools on sustainable culture. Kirsten's YouTube channel has 178,731 subscribers and her videos have had almost 74,000,000 views. I answered her email and invited her out. (Of course my recent house cleaning was just because of today's visit and interview.)  I'm glad she gave me a another shot so I would take a first look and get a second chance.  I was really happy it wasn't just another reality TV pitch.  Had a very pleasant visit with Kirsten, her husband Nicolas, and their 3 adorable kids. Don't know when the stuff she shot here will be added to her extensive library.  95,103,68,0,B

The Factographic

I don't know if they really have a name but this is what I am calling them.  It all started with The Most Interesting Man in the World - a character in an advertising campaign for the Dos Equis brand of beer, produced by the marketing firm Euro RSCG for Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Brewery.    The ads feature Jonathan Goldsmith as the world's most interesting man.  The idea began being co-opted to get across any number of humorous nuances about daily life and situations - by plastering bold text onto the image.  The practice took an interesting turn when instead of cute little lifeisms, the content became attacks against opposing thought.  Now our handsome beer drinking friend is rarely seen in favor of graphic images that better promote the ideal being shoved down our throat... those deep meaning messages branded onto images that are meant to represent the absolute truth about a controversial subject.  Posts like those usually make little sense, don't change anyone's way of thinking, and only serve to divide the population further. Forwarding them only serves that negative agenda. They don't give anyone an "ah ha!" moment - they only make each side think the other is an idiot.  90,101,75,0,B

Over the counter

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Faith in man over God

Saturday under the counter

Decided it was time to explore the past some more.  Cleaned out under my kitchen counter.  Found stuff stored there of no use and over 6 years old.  84,97,71,0,B

in the dog house...

Bought a small dog house for twenty bucks for my old hens.  They sleep right in front of my door on the porch now so I thought I would see if they would like their own tiny house.  They won't go in their coop anymore because of the new chickens.  Found a small handful of food in the greenhouse today. 84,97,71,0,B

Throw Back Thursday

Finally got around to firing up my old desktop computer.  Had a request many months ago from my Aunt Ginger for picture files from my Spencertown days including the family relatives that built that house.  I have photos of all the generations that lived there before me  Found what I was looking for then got bogged down in old files.  Like opening up an old steamer trunk filled with memories (but without the musty smell).  86,98,66,0,B

Road trip to Balmorhea

Saw lots of water - and a visit with my friend Luma.  She lives in a teepee, has a beautiful small garden, and critters (including just born last night bunnies).  83,100,66,0,B

nearmiss

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been 3 months...

...since I last flew.

86,95,70, .05",B

keep your options open

Recently, a progressive (for the lack of a better label) "friend" on Facebook posted this cute little image meant to cast doubt on the existence of God. I have seen many of these juvenile attempts to mock Christianity - most often passed on by those who have never even considered that there could be a being greater than themselves and certainly unwilling to accept rules of behavior that might spoil their fun.

What really caught my attention about this particular post was that the individual responsible for spreading this idiocy has very serious health issues and has recently undergone major life saving surgery.  My suggestion that I posted in response was a very concise heads up.

"One might think that someone who has extreme health issues would be more careful about what he mocked."

He came back with a very lengthy humanist answer making no apologies for his arrogance and included a couple purpose driven gender remarks, lots of "ifs", and a very dangerous "opt out" statement.  Without knowing for sure...just because you don't believe in something doesn't mean it does not exist.  Having almost died recently, this individual should really consider keeping all his options open.  Unfortunately, too many people don't realize how easy it is to come to know Christ and to know for sure He is real.  

"Here’s the deal: I’m a pretty good person. I don’t cheat or steal. I don’t bear false witness. I help my neighbor every chance I get. I do not hold grudges. I don’t hurt humans or animals. I try to see the best in everyone.

I don’t care what color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion or political affiliation my friends espouse. I believe in equality for all, fairness for all, opportunity for all. I don’t believe any one person walking this earth is worth more than any other.

I haven’t killed anyone, I haven’t endorsed killing anyone.

I have lied, much to my shame. I pulled some pranks in my youth I regret. I made some decisions in my adulthood that I deeply regret. I’ve held opinions that were wrong, I’m sure I hold opinions that are wrong today. I’ve made mistakes, but I’m pretty damned sure I’m a good person who will leave a legacy of decency. As will my wife, my brothers and their families, and my friends.

My main mission in life, other than making life wonderful for my wife, is doing everything in my power to leave this a better, a more-caring world. I believe in love for all mankind, I believe in the advancement of all mankind. I do not believe in elites – human or god.

I believe there is a supreme being; there has to be to explain what we our humble race hasn’t been able to wrap it’s collective brain around.

That said, if there is a supreme being and he or she doesn’t think that’s enough, if he or she is offended by something I say in pursuit of fairness for all, if he or she demands unquestioning obedience and faith, if that supreme being allows the horrors that have swept this planet during the reign of human beings, then I don’t care to be associated with that entity.

I choose to hope our supreme being is just and honorable and makes no judgments based on religious rules and regulations propagated by men with agendas. For what it’s worth, I believe in the teachings of men such as Jesus and Buddha, both of whom (and others) could quite possibly be representatives of a supreme being.

If we are being judged, I believe judgment reflects what we’ve done on Earth, not on some blind faith.

As to my health, I believe none of us gets out of this alive. I believe an afterlife is possible, but have my doubts. I don’t believe in hell. To me, hell is a crutch used by vengeful, angry people.

I believe I’m an old man who has decided I am not going to my grave saying: “I wish I’d stood firm in my beliefs. I wish I’d spoken up.”

If I’m wrong, at least I’ve been as true to myself as I can." 

Matthew 7:21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

How To Be Independent For Dummies

from theorganicprepper:

• Question absolutely everything you hear on the news.Always be a skeptic. All major media goes back to just a few conglomerates The “news” is now all a propaganda ploy to help the rich get richer and the powerful remain in power.  The media can make or break a candidate with unholy zeal in less than a week.  These people and others like them are the ones that decide what “we the people” get to see.  If they feel like a candidate or a news item might upset the status quo, they black it out by refusing to cover it.
• Call out the media.  Let everyone know that the mainstream media is the enemy of the people.  When you see coverage that is clearly biased, take a moment to call out the media about it.  Take the time to comment on mainstream media websites and point out the unbalanced coverage.  If you use social media, share this information and post on the media outlet’s social media pages as well.
• Get out of the banking system. By opting to “unbank” or “underbank” there is a limit to what can be easily stolen from you.  When you have physical control of your financial assets, you are not at as high a risk of losing those assets, and therefore, less likely to be dependent on “the system.”
• Turn your savings into precious metals or tangible assets.  On the same note as unbanking, you definitely don’t want to rely on a 401K or savings account to provide for you in your old age. Ask the people of Cyprus how well that worked out for them.  Diversify with assets you can touch.  Purchase tangible goods like food, land, ammo, and seeds. Once you are well supplied, move on to precious metals to preserve your wealth.
• Educate others.  At the (very high) risk of people thinking you’re crazy, it’s important to let people know WHY you do what you do. If you are an anti-Monsanto activist, teach others about the dangers of GMOs.  If you object to a municipal policy, speak at a town meeting or send a letter to the editor of your local paper.  By ranting incoherently or by keeping your mouth shut, you influence no one. By providing provable facts, you can open minds and awaken others to tyranny.

• Get others involved in the fight.  For example, if you are fighting with the city council that wants to rip out the vegetables growing in your front yard, let  your friends and neighbors know, post a notice at the grocery store, and write a letter to the editor.  When injustice occurs, use the power of social media to spread awareness. Often a public outcry is what is necessary to get the “authorities” to back down.  Look at the case of Brandon Raub, the veteran who was kidnapped and taken to a mental hospital for things he posted on Facebook. Raub was not charged, but he was detained in the psych ward involuntarily. His friends and family immediately mobilized and spread the videos of his arrest all over the internet.  It snowballed and alternative media picked it up – soon Raub was released, and all because of a grass roots and social media campaign to bring the injustice to light.
• Grow your own food.  Every single seed that you plant is a revolutionary act.  Every bit of food that you don’t have to purchase from the grocery store is a battle cry for your personal independence.  When you educate yourself (and others) about  Big Food, Big Agri, and the food safety sell-outs at the FDA, you will clearly see that we are alone in our fight for healthy, nutritious foods.  Refuse to tolerate these attacks on our health and our lifestyles. Refuse to be held subject to Agenda 21′s version of “sustainability”.
• Take control of your health.  It is imperative that you not blindly trust in the medical establishment.  Many members of this establishment are merely prostitutes for their pimp, Big Pharma.  Millions of children are given powerful psychotropic drugs to help them fit into the neat little classroom boxes, and the numbers are growing every day.  Americans spent 34.2 BILLION dollars on psychiatric drugs in 2010. (Source) Big Pharma is an enormously profitable industry that only pays off if they can convince you that you’re sick.  Learn about the toxic injections and medications, weight the risks and benefits, and always look for second and third opinions before making a medical decision.  Maintain your health by avoiding toxins, exercising, and ditching your bad habits to reduce the number of doctor’s visits that are necessary.
• Refuse to comply.  If you know your natural rights, which are guaranteed under the Constitution and its Amendments, then it makes it much harder for “authorities” to bully you.  You don’t have to let them search your home without a warrant, you don’t have to answer questions, and you don’t have to comply with laws that are in conflict with the Constitution.
• Don’t overlook the little things.  Governments like to chip away at rights a tiny bit at a time, until one day you wake up and realize that all of those little things add up to a really big deal.  Today, the bulk purchase of ammo might limited. Tomorrow, you might not be able to buy it at all. Today, home births might be subject to a set of rules. Tomorrow, those rules might be expanded to the point that the birth of your child is totally legislated.
• Learn.  Every day, spend time learning. This shouldn’t stop once our formal education ends. Fill your mind with history, with current events, with constitutional law, and information about the natural world.  Learn about health, study economics, research things that interest you, and unravel the complicated conspiracies that are afoot.  To pursue unbiased knowledge is to free your mind from the prison of propaganda and indoctrination.
• Don’t consume chemicals that cause you to be dumbed down.  Avoid chemical-laden food with brain-killing neurotoxins like MSG and aspartame.  Don’t drink fluoridated water.
• Embrace your right to bear arms.  Be responsible for your own safety and security.
• Don’t be in debt.  No one can be free if they are in debt. If you are in debt, you are forced to work in whatever conditions are present, for whatever amount is offered, complying with whatever criteria is necessary to keep your job.  in order to either pay your debt or face penalties. As well, the high interest rates that you pay only serve to make the bankers more wealthy.  Instead of borrowing, save until you can afford something or realize that if you could actually afford it, you wouldn’t need to borrow money to have it.
• Be prepared for disaster.  Have enough food, water, and supplies to take care of your family in the event of a natural disaster. Don’t expect FEMA to take care of you.
• Be involved in your children’s education.  For some, this means homeschooling or unschooling, and for others this means being on top of what they are learning in a formal school setting. Join the PTA and actively volunteer if your child goes to school.  Be an advocate for your child and insist that the teachers teach. If your child goes to school, supplement this at home with discourse about current events and outings that help them learn about the world around them.
• Be the squeaky wheel. If you see something wrong, don’t just ignore it. Say something about it, and keep saying something until it changes.  Whether this is some process that infringes on your privacy, a job requirement that impedes your health, or another injustice, pursue it relentlessly. Ask questions publically, write letters, and use social media to bring pressure to encourage a change.
• Reduce your consumer spending.  Spending less helps to starve the beast by reducing the sales taxes you pay and withdrawing your financial support to big conglomerates. If we vote with our dollars, eventually there will, of a necessity, be a paradigm shift that returns us to simpler days, when families that were willing to work hard could make a living without selling their souls to the corporate monoliths. A low-consumption lifestyle reduces your financial dependency, which allows for more freedom.
• Ditch popular culture.  If reality TV isn’t a tool for dumbing people down, I don’t know what it is.  My daughter recently begged to watch an episode of a popular reality TV show that “everyone” was watching.  She managed about 15 minutes of it and then said, “This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen.”  She decided to read a book instead.  Popular entertainment is a media tool used to change our perspectives about our personal values, and to tell us how to think and feel about issues.
• Buy locally.  Support local small businesses to help others who are fighting for independence from the system.  You might pay a little bit more than you would at your big box store, but the only people benefiting from your purchases made at the corporate stores are those with the 7 figure annual bonuses.
• Develop multiple streams of income.  Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.  Figure out several ways to bring in income.  Not only does this free you from being a wage slave, but it allows you to hire friends or family members.  You are less entangled in the system and not subject to corporate whims.  If one business fails, or becomes subject to regulations that make it no longer worthwhile, you are not forced to comply just to keep a roof over your head. (Learn more HERE)
• Say thanks, but no thanks.  There is no such thing as a benevolent hand out.  Nearly anything offered for free (particularly by a government entity) has strings attached.  Maybe there is a handy-dandy registration form that you need to fill out. You might be influenced to vote a certain way just to keep the freebies coming. You might have to pee in a cup every two weeks. Perhaps one day you’ll need to have a microchip embedded in your hand.  Either way, by accepting handouts from those in “authority”, you become beholden to them or you need them, and someone who is free is neither beholden nor needy.
• Collect water. Either harvest it with rain barrels, store it in a cistern, or create a source for it on your property (digging a well, for example.)  Water is life.
• Don’t take the easy road.  The PTB like to seduce people with simplicity.  ”If you just sign this paper, it will be much easier,” they say.  ”This chip is for your convenience,” they tell you.  ”By giving up this, it lets us take care of you and you will be much safer.”  The easy road only gets you to Slave Street a whole lot faster.  Take the difficult road and be responsible for yourself.  Don’t take shortcuts that compromise your beliefs. Go to court to fight a ticket, read the laws and defend yourself.
• Know that anything you give up, you will never get back.

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the 4th

It is still the same good ol' USA we all remember as children...it's just that the illusion is wearing off.  96,100,71,0,B

No Deal

Helping out a friend with some financing on a Derksen building.  http://www.derksenbuildings.com/  It arrived today.  Just when we thought we were situated...turned out it had a wrong door, wrong siding, wrong stud spacing.  Three strikes and you're out.  Offered to go ahead and accept it with errors if they would take some money off - no deal.  This one is getting dropped off at Green Desert Living on 118 and they will try to correctly build a second one and send it out in about 2 weeks.  They had a very explicit work order...this aint rocket science.  A fine example of why I chose to do all my own building here at TFL.  91,96,71,0,B

off duty

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Happy Birthday Ben!

2 years old and 53 5/8" tip to tip.

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