Newest project

Today we worked on a queen size platform bed frame.  A couple of hours of thought and materials from the barn, we had a nice bed frame for the total cost of 0$!!!.  Pictures in a couple of days.  And maybe a how to article shortly??

An excerpt from an article

 

In my everyday building, which almost always incurs the use of reclaimed lumber I have amassed an amazing store of used nails. In olden days I've read of farmers burning their cabins to gather the nails to use on their new farms further west. I always thought it would be cheaper to sell the farm and buildings intact and just buy new nails to carry to build the new home. Since nails were hand made then I guess not.

A short while back while sitting under my favorite shade tree with a cool drink I start to think of uses for old used nails.

The first thing I came up with was a flaker that I use to flake stone and glass arrowheads with. As my life long interest has been experimental Archeology and Anthropology this was quite in line with wanting to make some arrows on the cheap. Have you priced knapping kits? They start at 50 bucks and go into outer space. But to the point I sifted through my “stash” of old used nails and pulled out a dandy. I had a piece of then fresh cut green hickory. I drilled a smaller hole into what became the handle or shaft. Then I cut the head of the nail off and tapped it into the flaker handle till it was seated, After a couple of months it is well stuck in the handle. So I flaked two arrowheads, one from chert, and one from a bottle bottom. Since there is a wealth of info on the web about making arrowheads I wont repeat it here.

Owl Creek gazette

I discover this paper early this year,  it is centered in Bond county Illinois and to date I've had 3 submissions published in it.   Here is a link to the current issue   http://www.owlcreekgazette.com/p/current-issue.html   The August and October issues are the other two that have submissions.  I would encourage folks to check out the paper and listen to the podcast.  Should you like the content send them a like.

Blake.

Writing entry

I have my little oven in a essay writing entry  here, 7 days till the winner is announced,   http://www.thesurvivalistblog.net/how-to-make-a-10-can-oven/  I hope every one enjoys it.

Pioneer Days in Moutain View.

This past Saturday my wife and I went to Mountain View Mo. for their version of Pioneer days.   She got her first lesson in crocheting from a member of the Mountain Man Rendezvous Club.  While she done that I wandered about and visited the other vendors and demonstrations.  Actually there was a lot to see, soap making, cider making, fiber arts, musical instruments,  turkey calls, An Amish couple were present with basket wares, and a couple who were making straw brooms.  We spent several hours enjoying the street fair before leaving to head to Rootin' Tootin"Alpaca Ranch.  I would highly recommend that if you haven't been to it, to go next year.

Modot,

So Thursday afternoon we were on hiway 17 east of Houston Mo. and came across a modot mowing crew.  My wife in her ever great mood waved at the workers,  most just stood and stared.  Not a single idle worker bothered to wave back.  I guess being cranky is a prerequisite to working for Modot.   Often I pass the workers they are usually standing idle with their hands in their pockets.  So I don't see why they couldn't return a wave.

Day off from working

  So today I decided that all work at the farm should be suspended.  Why?  Today is the love of my life's birthday.  We spent the day rambling about and doing what she wanted to do.  Her birthday present was a tool box of crochet supplies and tools with some paracord stuff.   We had lunch in Mountain View Mo, at el Campos restaurant.  Lunch was good, the margaritas were really good.  So tomorrow will be a work day.

Later y'all,

Blake. 

Fall Garden

The last 2-3 weeks I've been planting my fall garden spots,  I plant about 5 times what I think I will need.  Why?  The deer and rabbits visit my garden year round, this year turkeys have moved into the area and joined in "all you can eat buffet frenzy" that occurs on the Bramble.  But I get to harvest deer and rabbit each winter so it is not a total loss.

Nice stand of Yucca plants,  I harvested blades from them to make cordage for an article in the august issue of Owl Creek Gazette.   Since then I have been gathering seeds and roots for a planting at the Bramble.  The cord was surprisingly strong.  One of my projects is to make a bow drill with the cord already made.   So if you get a chance check them out!!!!  And tell them I sent y'all over.

HEY!!!!  I finally manage to get back into my blog page.   so hopefully there will not be any issues soon.

Just a note, if you get a chance check Owl Creek Gazette  it's a great little paper in Bond Co, IL.