Aj Hans

In my neck of the woods, I don't see much in the way of fruit from a new tree for the first three to five years. So, were I you, I wouldn't count on much fruit for a while. Trees are a long term investment.

Yes. CV-1 rather.

I put my CV-2s in the ground a week ago or so. I may just start a thread on them when they start doing something worth talking about.

Blackberries definitely do well here.

I'm interested in a few bulbils.

We're in zone 8a here. The apples, peaches (veteran and frost), cherry, and asian pear trees that I've planted all struggled for the first 2-5 years and then took right off, growing foliage and producing fruit very well. The three varieties of plum that were on the property when I bought it are almost unmanageable in their growth and propagation.

For digging holes, moving logs and whatnot, I'm a big fan of machinery. This is the second excavator I've owned. I have a hard time imagining life without one. However, a small tractor, like the little Kubota in the background, will drag logs, smooth driveways, mow grass,  and dig holes just fine if you are patient.

I went through and reviewed this discussion, and kind of wanted to add a couple of things, what with retrospect being what it is and all. I try to re-evaluate my viewpoints from time to time, either due to the input of new information, or just from reflection, or a combination of the two.
One thing that has changed is my thought on the term "weapon". For the most part, when it comes to desribing an inanimate object, I really prefer the term "tool".  All tools have a proper use and function, and it is the job of every tool user to use the proper tool for the task at hand.
A handgun has a proper, moral, legitimate function. As do rifles and shotguns. As do knives, machetes, axes, cigarette lighters and so on. The individual tool user must bear the brunt of using said tool in a moral and responsible manner.
Choosing tools for survival requires some thought ahead of time. Where are are you going, and what will you be doing? A night on the town will typically involve carrying different tools than a hike in the woods or a camping trip. Select them carefully, according to your situation, skills, weaknesses, strengths, knowledge, and company you keep, and you will probably be OK.
I guess what I'm trying to say, upon reflection, is that there is no universal "best" tool. Only that the best tool depends upon the task at hand. For example; the best tool for dealing with a two-legged predator isn't the same as one for dealing with a two-legged nuisance. or four legged in either case. Or cutting firewood in the relative comfort of your backyard vs. 10 miles in the brush where everything you have is what you carried in, and you had to choose wisely and sparsely. Experience, awareness, and planning are the primary tools that allow you to choose the best physical tools for an excursion away from home.

Dogs. I absolutely love dogs.
For me, having a dog is as necessary as having human companionship. They just make life better.
I don't necessarily want one as a protector. A dog capable of attacking a human is a very dangerous thing. IMO, more dangerous than any firearm.
However, there are scant few animals, and even fewer humans that can put the sneak on a dog. I don't need it to protect me, just to give me some advance notice that there is potential danger present.

Hopefully I've added some perspective, and not just a bunch of rambling.

A gun is by far the best weapon for defense against wild animals, however many legs it might have, but only if the bearer of said gun has the wherewithal and skill to use it. Same with any weapon, in virtually any situation. Whether the weapon is a knife, club, machete, sharpened stick, shotgun, rifle, bow, etc.; it isn't going to especially useful to someone who can't be bothered to take the time to learn to use it competently.

The most completely bonkers potato plant on my hugel mound came from an ordinary bag of grocery store spuds. Since it was grown without pesticides or fertilizers, it is totally organic.