Tess Misch

William, are/were you part of this community?  What are some specific experiences you can give personally?  This is of curious interest to me, at least to learn a bit more from a more personal perspective of someone who has been (or is) there.  I clicked the link and looked through the site. I'd just like to get an insider's perspective, if that is possible.  Thanks!  --Tess

May Lotito wrote:I gathered enough materials from my broomcorn plants for a few years but never actually made one. I tried once but it was loose and wiggly. It was discouraging to think I need special tools for the project. Then I came across a box of hose clamps and realized they were perfect for holding the bristles around the stick. I connected two clamps to get the right length, left one end open to wrap the fibers around. Then I made sure the fibers were distributed evenly before tightening the clamp down. I added a second row for more contact area. Since the broom stick was not straight, I turned it around to find the angle most comfortable for holding. I fanned out the bristles accordingly so it would sweep right. I used hand twisted yucca twine for sewing, which was dyed black with persimmon leaves and iron.

The broom does its job on the kitchen floor. I am considering making a mop with recycled fabric strips the same way.

May, I LOVE this!!! Great job!!  My grandson and I found a cool branch today and he said, that would make an awesome broom gam!! If I wasn't running errands & hiking, I would have picked it up.  It as very long, would needed to be shortened for sure. Next time out, I won't pass up again.   Thanks for sharing!  --Tess

Eric Hanson wrote:Tess—

Ahh, ‘78.  Yes, I remember that year well, at least the blizzards.  Granted, I was only 5, but I remember the absolute mountains of snow covering the land.  The memories I have from the winters of ‘77 and ‘78 formed the basis for what I thought (and still think) winters should look like and what a real blizzard is!

Good memories!

Eric

Right!!?? Winter in Midwest when I was a kid was blustery, cold & piled with snow.  I remember once, as a child, we had a 78* day in the middle of winter, boy were we curmuddled!! Short sleeves, no coats or boots...   But most of the time we were sledding, building snow forts, and making ice rinks in our backyards.  Those were the days...  The bestest place to be was at the lake. The only sound was the ice creaking as the water moved underneath. Winters are my favorite  next to Autumn. The calm, quiet peace of winter and boy some of the most beautiful sunsets!  Miss it.  -Tess

Mike Barkley wrote:Have you met Humphrey?

Mike, thank you!!! Reading it now.  --Tess

Nancy Reading wrote:Tess Misch,
I have merged your topic into this topic. I hope that helps.

Thank you!  I'm still trying to learn all the forums and the best forums for posts.  I'll get it eventually! LOL  --Tess

I am really loving the hugelkultur principle & method!  The more information I can acquire for my soon to be mine homestead, the better.  This is truly intriguing! Question: I just may not have come across it, but does hugelkultur require mounds? OR can you simply bury the wood?  I'm getting this from the video I'm sharing, but often I see mounds. Can it be preference & what you have to work with in regards to space/land?  Thanks!  --Tess

Thekla McDaniels wrote:Tess, to keep the potato project out of the crawler’s reach maybe one of the bucket ideas, and hang the bucket out of reach.

This could be an option. It would be small, due to space, but could be doable!! Thank you, Thekla!!

Okay, so TOTAL inspiration right here!  Lots to reference for future ideas.  LOVE THIS!!!

Pearl Sutton wrote:It seems to me that a folding tripod type thing, some made for posters, some for cameras or poster easels, that are easy to find at thrift stores, would make an excellent A frame level.

A random one off the net:


A random A frame level off the net:


I'd just leave one leg folded up and use the other two. Third one is there if I want to stand it up.

This is a great idea!!!  Also, camera tripods usually come with a built in level.  I have two on hand right now I think in storage.