Carla Burke

Jordan Holland wrote:

I've done the duck thing a few times...I know where the term "sitting duck" comes from now. I had thought about a nest box on the pond, or fenced on the bank with the only opening facing the water, but then there would still be hawks and snapping turtles to worry about. Too bad, because ducks are so much fun, and can be good layers.

I forgot to say I'm about 30 miles from Paducah. If this thing takes off some day, you may have to come see it!

Yeh, we have chickens, so have become well-versed in aerial predators, too. But, the arbor idea, if it works, might help with that. Snapping turtles... well. Anything they get close to is fair game, lol.

John and I'd love to stop in and see your homestead! That would be very cool!

Hi, Crystal! Welcome to permies! An edible yard has been my wish, for decades! I'm really looking forward to your book, and learning from you, here!

Oh, Ray. That's just not enough for a bird to live on...

Creamy veggie soups, gazpacho, soft oats, farina, polenta, salmon or other seafood mousse, pate, deviled ham, soft boiled eggs...
Almost all veggies can be cooked until soft, or pureed and added to soups, mousses, or souffles. The same goes for fruits,  but add them to a yogurt or milk kefir base, for desserts. Of you can tolerate cold, freeze bananas, berries, pureed peaches, etc and add them to yogurt, milk, or milk kefir, to make shakes, or ice, to make slushies. Curds or custards can be enjoyed at room temp, or even warm, if that works better. But, please - eat something with more nutrient density, more value, to sustain your body. You need to be as strong and healthy as possible for yourself, your chickens, and to be able to even stand up to the treatment, to get your teeth better.

Aw, Ray. I'm so sorry you're still in pain, and bored with the soft foods. Are you looking for ideas? What have you been eating?

I don't yet, but, I'd like to, so I'll be keeping an eye out. I've made them from clay, before - and I've made frogs...

If you're consistent with the diatomaceous earth, it will work.

This thread just popped back into my notifications, and I think it's time for a revival! Last year, the biggest issue was too much rain, at least here, in the midwest. This year, the troubles are worldwide, and more of a socio-political-healthcare storm. So, tell me again! What's THRIVING in your garden, this year???

It sounds like a lot of fun possibilities! We also recently got ducklings that we plan to eventually free-range, as much as possible. I'd imagine they'd also love the shade & protection of a small, floating arbor...

Hmmm...  thinking another minute here, simply creating a lightweight frame of bamboo, or lattice slats, to hold them together might be all that's necessary, sil be enough to anchor some netting to, and it could just float freely, with a light anchor & retrieval rope...

Agreed, on all counts. I used to live in south central KY, and am now in central MO, and still drive through the Paducah area to visit my mom, sister, and step kids. The areas are very similar in many aspects, including climate, soil issues, and water issues. We have a small pond, in our back yard - maybe 1/3acre? - and it's well loved by the local wildlife, both predators and prey. The deer, squirrels, chipmunks, groundhogs, armadillos, oppossums, raccoons, turtles, tortoises, various birds often get to anything we plant, before we're even sure whether what's coming up is wild, or something we planted. I think your idea of a pier or dock might also have the added benefit of a means to cover them with netting, so an actual harvest could happen!