THANKS FOR NOTH…

THANKS FOR NOTHING MONTH January 19, 2012 7:20 AM

59 F indoors (burr) 23 F outdoors Bad weather is coming

TODAY’S HAPPINESS FACTOR: 8 out 10

Prepare to be inspired. If you think the youth of this country are going to hell in a hand basket (as my grandmother used to love to say) then read on…

As I went through some early intern photos this morning I could hardly believe how much has changed here since our intern program began in 2007. This month has given me quite a bit of time to think about the intern program, and the amazing people who have walked down the lane into our hearts, and left their mark.

Some of them were WWOOFERS (wwoofusa.org), some of them came through high schools or university programs, and some just came because they wanted to learn more about sustainable living. Some paid to be here, while others received scholarships.

We’ve been inspired by their work ethic, and the emotion they feel when they dream up and then create their projects. Blue Rock Station would not be the place it is today without their work, their devotion and their energy.

Our first intern was Elyse Perruchon who has gone off to work towards creating an urban homestead near Cleveland and during the day she’s an environmental consultant for an international firm.

Nans Thomassey, who is doing the THANKS FOR NOTHING MONTH with us in The Rhone-Alps, joined us in early spring the next year. He designed and built the Llama Lounge, plus named the “Happy Nest”, and created the design for the Firefly – the basic building design we’ve used for the cottages. READ MORE: (http://www.wix.com/thedreamofthetree/montgoutouxpilepoele#! and you can ask Google to translate the page or just look at the photos)

And the interns kept coming to us (37 in all), bringing a passion for sustainable living that just needed a place to gain roots. I sometimes think that Jay and I might not have continued to this point in our business if it weren’t for some of our interns.

When someone came in the night and killed Michele, our llama, interns like Elyse and Nans showed up to give us perspective. When I was depressed after her death, some of them showed up to push me to take care of myself.

Sometimes on holidays, or my birthday they re-appear to share time together, or to surprise us. Some of them visit regularly throughout the year, or we visit them.

Mostly the interns have inspired us by going on to work on sustainability in their daily lives.

All of this reflection today has made me wonder about this summer’s interns. Persa Zula is our first student in the new Fellowship Program. She has been here several times so I know it will be a great summer just because we get to work with her.

The University of Dayton ETHOS club (engineers working towards sustainability) will be here a few times to build a bio-fuel station. That will be great fun too since they are usually an intelligent group of folks who are really thinking about the future.

But it is the unknown that intrigues me. The interns that will come from far off places who will bring their talents, their experiences and their dreams.

By next year at this time I won’t remember the hard work, or how tired we’ll all be. I will eventually forget how much effort it took to make the projects come to life, to build a time line, to get their dreams into reality. One thing I never forget is the hole in my heart when some of them go up the lane and back into the world beyond the gate.

What I look forward to as the winter finally turns to spring is how it will feel at the end of the summer when we’ve reached our goal of living together in peace, cooking great food, eating together, learning together, creating solutions, and moving forward.

Menu

Breakfast

Biscuits and Jam

Scrambled Eggs

Lunch

Potato Soup

Salad

Supper

Cheese Quesadilla

THANKS FOR NOTHING MONTH DIARIES – Day 18

THANKS FOR NOTHING MONTH January 18, 2012 7:45 AM

64 F indoors 27 F outdoors (feels like 18F)

Snow flurries

TODAY’S HAPPINESS FACTOR: 6 out 10

Jay at 5 AM -writing the great American non-fiction

Jay uses the coffeemaker. There, I’ve said it.

Yesterday Jay informed me that I should write about his indiscretions with energy. I hated to do it, but since I haven’t said much about his comings and goings it seems like a good way to begin my blog today.

When we first started planning the THANKS FOR NOTHING MONTH Jay was very keen about the idea. Together we made a list of guidelines we both agreed to follow.

Jay is kind of a low maintenance kind of guy. He requires cheese, coffee, pasta, potatoes, bread, butter and chocolate, plus lots of hugs and kisses. Actually these are his food groups and if the food doesn’t fit into these categories then he has the attitude that it probably isn’t good for him.

Jay is also a guy who enjoys routine. In the evening he is eager to report what film we’ll watch. After the film he takes a shower, then switches on the white noise machine. Reading comes next, and finally sleeps.

For several months now he gets up at 5 AM to write. The night before he puts his clothes in the living room so that when he changes in the morning he won’t wake me up – he’s a thoughtful kind of guy as well. Next he makes coffee in the coffee maker, and begins his day.

I personally think he needs this routine because he is a brilliant workaholic. That brain just can’t shut down.

When we started thinking about THANKS FOR NOTHING MONTH though I felt like we weren’t really making many changes in our routine life. Then Nans came up with the idea that we should live with the rhythm of the earth and turn off every ounce of energy (we need a little for our business day) once it got dark.

To me this was a Eureka idea. To Jay it began a list of things that were challenges. The first item was the white noise machine. He said he wouldn’t live without it. Within a day he had discovered it would run on batteries. Whew! That was a relief because that machine was staying one way or another.

Then I mentioned that we had a large French press that would work well for morning coffee. Honestly, I don’t ever want to be responsible for putting that look on his face, but it had to be said. “No way” was his response. That coffeemaker was his best friend and he wasn’t giving it up for a whole month because his business day begins when that coffeemaker starts.

There are those who would side with Jay on these matters (and more) because after all, he does live with me, and he has to set his limits. In fairness to him, I can see his reasoning, but I refuse to agree.

I argued that the whole point of this month was to have a deeper experience at living simply. He said the purpose was to live without an exchange of money. Sigh…

Last night, as we ate supper at 9 PM (he taught his class until 8 PM) he said, “I had to spend money today – I had a 20 cent fine at the library.” I couldn’t help laughing. When I pointed out he could pay it in February, he couldn’t see the point.

He said he could have stood in front of the Newark library and asked someone for 20 cents, which I thought was a distinct possibility. The image of Professor Warmke in his expensive brown leather bomber’s jacket standing out in front of that fancy building with the folks who do ask for cigarettes or money for a cup of coffee seemed like it might be a life-changing experience. Jay said that it would be his luck that the dean of the school would show up just as he asked for the change. We had a good laugh about that.

Personally I think that this month is about stepping outside of the ordinary, and trying new ways of thinking about consumption. Jay often tells me that my approach is about the soft side and his about the basics. I tell him I’m the global thinker and he’s the local thinker.

From a distance it might make people wonder how we’ve spent more then three decades together, but for me it’s just another day with my dearest friend and the most brilliant person I’ve ever known.

Breakfast

Gluten-free cinnamon toast

Left over noodles with egg (for Jay)

Lunch

Chicken Salad

Potato Soup

Supper

Left Overs

The pizza crew:…

The pizza crew: Rachael Miller, Miss America, Jay Warmke, Ryan Evans, Mike Voellmecke, Annie Warmke – photographer extraordinaire, Keith Bowers

THANKS FOR NOTHING MONTH January 16, 2012 7:00 AM

62 F indoors 18 F indoors

A bit warmer but the wind is fierce, making it quite cold still

TODAY’S HAPPINESS FACTOR: 8 out of 10

Thank heavens Ryan and Rachael were here visiting or there might have been a major killing spree. The dog from down the road, an adorable golden retriever named Lilly, was waiting at the gate for us when we went to do chores this morning. The minute she saw us she jumped through the gate opening and tore off after a big yellow chicken. Rosie was with us, and she tore into Lilly, with backup from Cadeau and Sophie, of course.

This was how we culminated three days of cooking, working, and enjoying our time together. Mike Voellmecke, engineer extraordinarre, and a former intern arrived on Friday evening to begin the completion of his book on building a rocket stove. In 2010 he spent eight weeks with us living sustainably, and building an amazing machine out of re-used materials. We worked on the booklet (he’s written quite a bit of it already) all day Saturday in between cooking food and talking our fool heads off about anything and everything.

Ryan Evans arrived late on Saturday with two friends, Rachael Miller and Keith Bowers. By candlelight I heated some broth and dug some bits and bobs (cashews, leftover rice noodles, and cheese) out of the frig to throw into the soup. The feast included bread and butter, and a coffee cake dessert covered in pear syrup. It all came together in what seemed minutes – the woodstove can be a tool for fast food after all.

On Sunday morning everyone helped with chores – and they met Lilly, since we’re on her regular rounds now. Fortunately Nate showed up and took her back home.

Jay made waffles for breakfast, and we sat around changing the world one conversation at a time. After the day’s agenda was discussed – bring in firewood, chopping wood for the rocket stove, getting the fire going, taking photos of the firing process, washing dishes, preparing pizza dough, cooking pizza sauce, cutting up veggies and preparing supper, everyone jumped in to do their part.

By the time the sun came out in the early afternoon everyone was ready for a walk in the woods. Off they went with the dogs to discover more about the Great Beech Woods – the place we take the llamas when there are treks during the warm months of the year.

By late afternoon they had returned, and Keith was in charge of the dough making. While he’s a fantastic photo-journalist, he is also a very serious maker of dough. Rachael cooked the veggies in the antique cast iron skillet that I re-discovered down in the bunkhouse. That’s the first time we’ve used the cooking surface of the woodstove like it was a quick cooking surface, and it worked fine.

After a round of photo taking, we sat down to a candlelit table weighed down with individual pizzas, kumbucha (a gift from Ryan’s personal stash), and conversation. Afterward we played the card board game Tripoly, and I am pleased to report that I was the big winner. My only regret is that we didn’t take a photo of my winning stash of poker chips. Since I don’t normally win I would have liked to have a photo to prove the outcome.

As we were playing the game I was drinking in how it felt to sit in a room with such amazing young people. I try never to miss such an opportunity.

Miss America was to my left, and full of instructions and advice (aimed primarily at me). Apparently I have grown quite a bit younger and need some assistance now that I am having a challenge with my hearing. She really enjoyed herself during the pizza making and the rest of the evening in spite of her periodic bossing of me.

Mike Voellmecke was also to my left. He’s a brilliant guy, with a certain grace about him. He also seems to have great luck at games, mainly because he’s patient and pays attention. I value his opinions immensely.

To my right was Ryan Evans, a gifted man in many ways. He’s brilliant, on top of being an artist. I think he’d like to cheat, but only to see what he could get away with, but then it’s all done in a way that endears him to me. He loves to think about many things and I value his ability to talk to people, and to lead them – and his opinions.

Rachael Miller is Ryan’s special friend. She’s clever and has a charming quick laugh. It’s clear she’s intelligent and gifted too. I am sure I will come to value her opinion as well.

Keith Bowers has declined to play. He would rather sit quietly with the dogs and cats. Keith has the energy of a guru at some moments, and the massive energy of a thinker who has the passion to make things happen. I am sure I will come to value his opinion as well. Eventually he fell asleep on the couch, even though we yelled and cussed and carried-on rather loudly.

Over breakfast this morning we solved quite a few of the future world’s problems over raw granola and a proper cup of tea. Sustainenace that we would need for dealing with Lilly as their final activity before driving back to Cincinnati.

As I told them on their way out of the door – I will be waiting for their next visit. They teased that they would come without Ryan next time, which I objected to in a loud voice. Out the door they went – taking with them their breath of fresh air. I WILL be waiting for their next visit.

Menu

Breakfast

Raw Granola with peanut butter

Lunch

Potato Cakes

Fried Cabbage

Supper

Baked Chicken

Potatoes

Carrots

THANKS FOR NOTHING MONTH DIARIES – Day 14

THANKS FOR NOTHING MONTH January 14, 2012 7:00 AM

60.9 F indoors 17.9 F outdoors

TODAY’S HAPPINESS FACTOR: 5 out 10

When I saw the goats shaking like little children who have just climbed out of the swimming pool I realized I had better rummage through my closet for some warm ski vests or they were going to be in trouble. This is the first year I’ve had 11 goats so I did my Coco Channel imitation and now all of the goats finally have their own ski vests.

Tina Fey, the smallest spring goat (73 lbs.) has on a very nice tan knitted vest with a ski vest over top of it. Trisha, Tina Fey’s sister (78 lbs.) is wearing one of my favorite blue vests. They all look adorable, and snug as a bug in a rug.

As each goat came out of the milk room with her vest snuggly in place, the other goats were waiting in a line to sniff and admire her new “look”. I wonder if they are critiquing my choice or just trying to figure out if there was a male involved in the process.

When I called Kati to cancel my lunch date because I really needed to be here to check on the critters throughout the bitterly cold day, she couldn’t stop laughing when I mentioned the need for the ski vests. I’ve had that reaction before when I’ve talked about using vests to keep goats warm. On the other hand I’ve never heard anyone laugh about seeing a horse wearing a horse coat.

Last night it was bitter cold again, and the wind was blowing hard. Isabella, the hen that decided it was not too late to set on eggs in October, refused to go out to the dog kennel in the chicken run. She’s been living in there at night since the chicks were tiny, but this night she announced in a rather loud manner that she and her eight chicks would be staying inside of the barn. I’ve learned to listen to animals when they feel so strongly about something but I was none too happy about having to dismantle the cage and put it inside of the barn.

Just as I was trying to take the cage apart – in the bitter wind – Nate pulled up to the gate to feed and water the baby bull, Ernest. Their yellow lab, Lilly, followed him and was eager to get inside of the gate. Cadeau caused a big fuss, growling and jumping at her. She does not listen to anybody so she was pushing and jumping and enjoying the fuss she was creating.

After Nate left, I was still struggling to get the cage apart when I looked up to see Lilly waiting at the gate. She was very keenly interested in the two small male goats that are housed next to the entrance. I’m concerned that Lilly is far too intrigued with in any of the animal’s movements, which means she has the potential to kill them.

Between Lilly pacing around, the bitter cold, and the cage not cooperating I was really frustrated. At one point I threw part of the cage over the fence because I was afraid if I opened the gate the dog would race right in to the young goats. It was getting dark so I was working against time.

Eventually Lilly left – there was no getting her to leave earlier because she doesn’t obey any commands. Miss America showed up to save the day by helping to put the cage back together inside of the barn, and all was well except I was in a bad mood extraordinaire by this time, and that’s how I wasted my evening. Enough said!

As I got into bed I was miserable. It’s colder in our bedroom with this bitter weather and my new strategy for the winter was to use a little copper heater to bump the temperature from 55F way up to 60F. Since it’s THANKS FOR NOTHING MONTH and the heater runs on electricity I have sworn off of using it until February. Jay, the other really best heater, is off to the Green Energy Ohio board meeting. A bad mood, being cold, and thinking about how much work I have to do over the next few days did not contribute to feeling any better this morning. As I was falling asleep I made myself a promise – no bad mood today. I am hopeful.

Breakfast

Warmed up waffles

Blue berry syrup

Lunch

Cheese noodles

Stir-fried vegetables

Supper

Pizza

Salad

THANKS FOR NOTHING DIARIES – Day 13

THANKS FOR NOTHING MONTH January 13, 2012 6:45 AM

66 F indoors 16 F outdoors

The wind speed is 25 mph – it’s frigid

TODAY’S HAPPINESS FACTOR: 8 out of 10

Chores with my supervisor Cadeau Persa kissed by a goddess

The wind is howling but the house is cozy and warm. That’s exactly how I want to live my life…no matter what is happening outside of I want things to be calm and even so I can savor the moments.

Yesterday was a calm dreary day. It drizzled off and on, but the house was full of interesting people. Persa finished her practice survey with us so she can begin to put together her plan for the new privy. Jay and I bickered back and forth about how many tires to put into the building, and how many straw bales. Persa got the idea that even though people want to create a building they aren’t going to agree on all of the aspects, and we got the idea that Persa’s in charge. She’s going to be great to work with as our first “fellow” in the BRS Fellowship Program.

The afternoon visitors from Hawaii were full of wonder at the house. We discussed how to ferment coconut juice, and the bottling process. I can’t imagine living in Hawaii. When we lived in Florida I loved life during March and April. The rest of the year I was yearning for Ohio. The tropics were never home – no good soil, fierce wind when it was cold, lots of bugs, and it was too hot in the summer. Although we had 19 great years of financial success in the south, and great friends, we never felt attached.

It’s great fun to spend so much time with younger generations. I don’t recall a time with them that I wished I were younger. For me, I’m interested in the things they know – their views on the world, and learning things from them that I don’t know. Younger folks bring energy and inspiration. They have passion and wonder.

Before Jay left for his teaching gig he looked at the electric meter up at the barn. It turns out that by not running electricity, except for our business (during daylight hours), we are using one third of what we normally use in a month. That’s amazing to me. In fact, I don’t believe it’s true just yet. I’ll need more proof later in the month.

After everybody left I checked my emails and someone had written to say they are worried that I don’t eat enough (based on the menu) and that’s the reason I’m so svelte. That brought a big smile to my face since I’ve never considered myself to be a small eater or svelte (oh, if it were only true). What made me laugh right out loud was the writer’s inquiry about Jay – I surely am not feeding him enough. I assured the person that if we had anymore to eat we wouldn’t know what to do. Miss America might not agree since there are no potato chips or McDonald’s take away.

At the end of chores I checked on Ernest, the Holstein bull. He’s enjoying the field, and toying with the dogs when the little juvenile delinquents go racing over to the fence to check on him – they love to give him a hearty bark. I hate that they do this, but the minute I call them back they come running with the same eagerness they used to get over to Ernest. The minute I’m distracted they race back to Ernest, and then I yell, then they race back. They know how to savor life.

When Miss America came home she opened a box that someone had sent to her through Amazon.com. Jay and I had guessed correctly that it was from Paulo DaSilva, one half of Miss America’s guardian angle team (Lucilia Silva is the other half). We had a great laugh when we saw it was 150 tea candles. Those Brazilians have a razor sharp sense of humor.

After Jay arrived I was relieved that everyone made it home safely before the ice formed and the snow started to fall. These are the things that make life grand – the little things like good conversation, new stories, hugs, kisses, a good laugh, and a warm house. The Happiness Factor was 10 as I went to bed last night. Not because I was literally “happy” but because everything in life was calm and even for those moments. I am truly rich.

Menu

Breakfast

Fruit

Cottage Cheese

Bagels

Lunch

Kati and friends (my first away excursion since December)

Supper

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sautéed Vegetables