Chris Bernard

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since May 26, 2021
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Biography
Procrastinator with a toddler and a few things on the to-do list. Slowly building a permi-yard in a residential neighborhood, and a food forest on a 40 acre parcel 2 hours away with many goals in mind. Background in BBQ, Electrical, motorcycle Mechanics, and Beer Production. degrees in Math and Chemistry, however, an issue with short term memory, so don't ask me for a formula off the top of my head or remember a name without meeting you more than once. Lots of ideas, but usually lacking the tools, time, materials. Looking to learn and hopefully Share a lot with this community. Cheers!
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Central California
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Recent posts by Chris Bernard

As a beer brewer, "celery wine" cought my attention. Though I suspect it might not be all about fermentation. Additionally, "saving our seeds" is the avenue I'm currently revamping so it would be a good read.
6 months ago
I do have one tiny question for the discussion;

Are there (or maybe be there is, and I just need to listen) be any needs for a Condensate trap, and/or is there a a potential to put one in to recover and use the water vapor from the heat stack. (Possibly other exhaust gases as well).

Thanks in advance.
2 years ago

paul wheaton wrote:For the people that are going to be in the event today, can you see the zoom link in the first post?




Indeed, and it works!
2 years ago
As someone who would love to have the free-time to come up for one of these (but can't seem to locate the pause button on daily life) it would be great to watch a feature film to get a snippet of insight into how the Jamborees work.

An accompanying handbook with the projects and guidelines for completing them would be excellent as well...though I'm sure those could be pieced together across the forums.
2 years ago
That's alright with me....I totally thought it was next week anyway 😅
2 years ago
Hello, Zone 9a/b here. In our garden in town we have huge Valencia Orange Trees, and Yellow Grapefruit Tree (believed to be a Duncan Grapefruit). All produce wonderful amounts of fruit. We planted Guava, Loquat, Olive, Asian Pear, Cherry, and Plum this year all of which grew about 16 inches first year in the ground, the guava almost 20" aside from being extra thirsty during the never ending 100+ heat this summer, they all survived in full sun. We started a few fig trees around the yard, we've had success elsewhere, and these so far have been ok. Blackberry did fantastic in the full sun locations, but terrible in the partial sun areas (which was opposite my expectation) blueberry produced a wonderful first year crop, but may have succumbed to a virus. We have hollyberry, Oregon grape, juniper, quince, all requiring minimal input. We've had fantastic Pomegranates at our prior home and will be planting some cuttings from those this year (same zone). From neighboring yards we get Avocados, persimmons (will plant our own this year as well), and some apples, though these tend to be on the grainy end.

In clarity, taking "Naturally" to mean thriving with little to no pampering; Fig, Avocado (once established), most Citrus, Pomegranates, Loquat, Olive, Pecan (we have volunteer Pecans everywhere, sadly often right next to the house, so they get culled). Short list, but what I have certain knowledge of.

2 years ago

Bloomah Simkin wrote:Has anyone made donuts in an air fryer?
What about fried potato pancakes/hash browns?
Did they come out as good as regular fried?

Hanukah is coming and that means 8 nights of deep frying for us. I would consider buying an air fryer if it worked for these.



I actually tried Air frying a few Latkes last year, while they were tasty, they missed a little something. I suspect, the oil itself of course ads some character. I ended up pan frying the rest of my Latkes as my air fryer is too small to do a lot in a timely fashion. I have done regular hash browns with great success, again, oil/fat is almost necessary with these as a flavor contribution, mixing a little oil or butter in with the potatoes helps.

Fries however, air fry perfectly without any oil. Lower the temp for a bit then ramp up to air fry temps. Too high too quick and they crisp up outside and then turn soggy as the middle catches up.


2 years ago
I have no input on the power usage/conservative benefits, aside from less energy when wanting to reheat something quickly and not turning on the oven, or dirtying a skillet. The biggest benefit I see for the air fryer, is the convenience of size for singular or small family meals, and an excellent reason to abolish the microwave.
2 years ago
Oranges have always filled the toe pocket of the stockings in our house. Usually huge Washington Naval oranges for Christmas. The Valencias in the back yard are usually a bit too sour still come the holidays. Can't say I have a Favorite orange, but dislike any variety that's overripe and mealy.
2 years ago
I didn't get a chance to read all the replies, so apologies if this is repeated information. Have you looked into property management gigs? Or ranch hand jobs? I know of a few people who live 'rent free' (part of their payment is housing) while maintaining a plot of land for someone; ie weeding, prepping irrigation, animal husbandry, etc.. One person I worked with has now lived on the land they maintain for 10 years, and as well as the house they live in, have 5 acres of land to work with how they wish. I believe they have paperwork drawn up for the inevitable transfer of ownership to maintain their home and parcel. Good way to develop skills, learn mistakes, and build a foundation of knowledge to the land you eventually purchase as your dream parcel.

Definitely look into all codes, state and local prior to purchase. We purchased land withing the Williamson Act. So we have strict guidelines of how we can develop our property. Not impossible to do what we have in mind, but has to be done in a methodical and painstakingly long way.
2 years ago