What's Growing On?

Things are looking alive in the one flower bed I planted about 2 weeks ago. I went up to Santa Rosa last week to drop off that monster worm compost bin and a rain barrel at my buddy's place. It freed up some much needed space. While I was up that way. I had planned on stopping at Sonoma Compost in Petaluma. I love their compost and have been using it for quite some time now. I had spoken to Josh over at Boogie Brew a few days prior and decided to stop in and see him for a few things. Turns out, he has his hands on the composting business too. So I took a yard of his stuff instead. It was kind of a nightmare when I got back into Oakland.
We had lifted the compost, which was in a huge nylon tote bag. Into the bed of a little pickup on a pallet. Well..... somehow the weight of the compost shifted. Forced open the tailgate and slid its happy ass right out the back, onto busy Harrison Street traffic. Somewhat funny, but how the hell was I get this back into the truck? For being the skinny fuck that I am. I have some strength to me. So I figured I would flag down 3 other fellas to help lift it. But not a damn person would stop! Bay Area sucks for stuff like this. People are so caught up in their own stuff, they seldom help anyone out. I've experienced this on many levels. I'm not just saying this based on one experience.
I ended up using a 5 gallon bucket to shovel all the compost out of the nylon tote into the bed of the truck and once the tote was light enough to pick up. I threw it into the back.
I've brewed 3 batches of this Boogie Brew compost tea. I gotta admit, I like it better than my own compound. My plants germinated really fast and since inoculating the compost with this worm tea. Everything is looking insanely healthy.
The micro biology taking place in the veggie beds are allowing available nutrients in the compost to become easily available to the roots of the veggies growing. Essentially the soil is alive! I don't have any discoloration in leafs, I'm not noticing any aphids or white flies, and these plants have a glow to them like one has after getting laid really good.
So in conclusion. The ideal is to build soil. Not just any ol' soil either. But yet healthy, nutrient dense, and soil that is alive with trillions of micro organisms. And I did this with a few ingredients. My veggie beds are 10' long x 5' wide x 18" tall. Which will hold about 2 cubic yards of soil. The ingredients consist of: Mallard Plus & biodynamic Compost from Sonoma Compost, about 100lbs of worm castings, 6 bags of biochar, 50lbs of glacial rock dust, 44lbs of azomite, 15lbs of Oyster shell (fine grain), 15lbs of Sea kelp, and a 5lbs bag of RTi's Mycorrhizae. I mixed it all up while dumping each wheel barrel into the bed and every 6 inch I gave a good watering to make sure there was moisture throughout the entire thing. Once done. I brewed 20 gallons of worm tea. Showered the compost with that brewed worm tea. I let it sit for a day and started planting my seeds. Minus the tomato plants. I started those indoors a while ago.

Germinating your seeds

   I've read so much shit about how to germinate veggies seeds as if it were rocket science. Some sources say to use sterile soil. Some say to use some b.s soil compound. Some say to use peat moss (which is a horrible use of resources). I personally say funk all that mess.
   I throw the seeds right into the veggie bed. I get very few failures of germination. I have a higher failure rate of transplants, when I transplant from one medium to another. I have however found that using equal parts coco coir and worm castings works really well. All while using declorinated water. Don't mess up your soils biology by dumping tap water on your healthy seedlings. I know some people do. But I had always got some sort of discolored leafs and poorer results of yields and growth. There are a few really good, simple, and inexpensive items one can use. So if you're not collecting rain water (as you maybe should be). And instead are using a water hose. You might want to consider a product like this one:
http://www.boogiebrew.net/water-filter/
   Now about rain harvesting. If you have the space for a tank. Get one already! Even in the smallest of spaces. There is a tank that will work. You can even get all fancy and shit and setup a drip system off that rain tank. Assuming you're tight on space and budget. Bushman Water Tanks are great. They make a 205 gallon tank that fits damn near any where. It costs about $350. I know it's not rainy season. But maybe plan on one by the next season. The time between now and then should give ya time to save up. Don't bitch and whine how expensive things are. How much do you spend on beer, cigs, pot, hookers, burritos, petrol, shoes, etc? That 205 gallon tank on a drip system will probably last you most of the summer (results will vary on your location and some other details).
   So back to germinating. I don't get what all the overly thought out crap is about. If you're germinating indoors for crop succession to get the most amount of yields to feed yourself. I do not see why you can not use your existing garden soil in trays in the garage? The seeds will be familiar with the soil as soon as you transplant them. You have the mycrorize, soil biology, and nutrients already there. Now there are certain conditions to be mindful of when germinating. Seeds like a nice environment. So if you're smoking cigs in the garage. Stop that shit. Go outside. The seeds need a little warmth. There are heating pads and domes you can put over the container. If you've made your own germinating table and containers. You can use burlap sack to lay over the soil. It will hold in some heat. Or you can incorporate a mini hoop house like structure with some simple painters plastic. I've read some seedlings like light while germinating. I have yet to witness this. But I see my seedlings daily. It's a relaxing chore for me to peek in on my seedlings.
   My next experiment is to debunk the ideal you can not plant carrots indoors and transplant them. I've got an idear Vern. I'm going to use landscapers tubers (the ones they use for native grasses). Carrots are ass holes. They take their sweet ass time to grow. Which is why many small space gardeners don't grow them. You can grow so much more stuff in half the time of carrots and have food much faster.
   Check this out as well:
http://www.soilcube.com/

Made in America?

I'm a huge advocate for buying American made products. I'll pay way more for a particular product just because it's America made. Even better if it's California made. Even more awesome is if it's made in the Bay area. There's a saying I really like. I don't know where I heard it originally. But nonetheless, it goes like this, "We're too poor to be cheap." I own very little. I'm not a hoarder or a collector of any sort. Maybe with the exception of furniture. But I wouldn't even say I'm a collector. I essentially own the basics. This allows me to spend more on what's important.
This will be a ongoing updated post. As I find people, businesses, products to add to the list. My all time favorite thing(s) are from Roy. He's in Oakland even! He makes the best pair of jeans for my ass. I beat the shit out of them day in and day out. That same pair of jeans I also dress up. With a pair of Yuketen boots and a nice button up from Taylor Stitch. You can't go wrong.
1) http://www.roydenim.com/
2) http://www.selfedge.com/
3) http://www.yuketen.com/
4) http://cydwoq.com/
5) http://www.aetherapparel.com/
6)  http://www.grownandsewn.com/
7) http://www.heathceramics.com/
8) http://taylorstitch.com/

Slowly saying good bye

Slowly saying good riddance to concrete! The progress lately has been kinda slow. Concrete is heavy, did you know that? I underestimated its back breaking capabilities. I got my jollies off using a jack hammer. It about rattled the few remaining brain cells I had left. I think it would have been easier had I pulled out the Remington 870 with 3" slugs and went to town on it. I once saw a fella chop down his Christmas tree using buck shoot.
Started out like this. Big slab of concrete, jack hammer, and beer (not in picture). Like usual. I did this at night. it was like 6pm. It was dark by this time. Not sure if I pissed anyone off with all the noise. Don't really care either. The last picture is of the first flush diverter setup. So the rain tank is ready for rain. But there has been next to no rain. Makes me sad.
I have yet to get to the sidewalk that still remains along side the garage. That's coming out as well. Artichokes will  be planted along side it. While on the opposite side will be an herb garden. Not the ganja kinda garden. The culinary kinda herbs. Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, and the such. I'm also thinking a outside kitchen. Not the wicked expensive type that rich folks can afford. I'll build a brick oven or pizza oven as it is referred to at times. A couple of burners mounted into a counter top surface area which will include a sink and an area for chopping and doing prep work. I'll probably source all the materials from second hand sources. Craigslist, whatever I find on the side of street, Urban Ore in Berkeley, etc.
The backyard landscape will resemble a California prairie. Tons of native flowers, grasses, & shrubs. Thick and lushious! Landscapes that aren't useful bug me. Prairies seem to warm and inviting. It begs to be walked in. To get lost in its tall blades while laying on your back in the summer sun. Bee's pollinating, birds eating seeds, and all the beneficial bugs that come with the territory. I'm not super knowledgeable of landscape architecture. It takes me a long time to gather inspiration and a know how of how to make things look. I don't want it to look like a train wreck. Though I'm sure I'd be okay in the long run. I still want some order to the madness. I'm not looking for a staged landscape. We shall soon find out how it pans out. I should be crackin on this shortly. I'm going to Sonoma Compost in Petaluma this week for compost for the veggie beds. I haven't been growing anything in them b/c they were going to be moved. Now that they are moved. I just need to get my soil compound situated. Then I'll start on the landscaping. I also ordered these horse troughs for the berry bushed. Got 3 of em. I do need to gather more cardboard. I'm running really low!

No Rain. Not the Blind Melon song

Where has the rain been? Maybe it has this pent up sexual energy and when it does finally rain. It'll be like that wet vagina. Like a Slip and Slide. Remember that from the 80's? In my optimistic hopes for a torrential downpour. I'm piecing together the first flush diverter kit, to connect to the house gutter. This kit fills up with water to catch things one does not want in their rain tank. Leafs, roof shingle pebbles, hard bird shit. That kinda stuff. Here is an example of what it is, what it does, and what it looks like.

Diez Tacos por favor

Trying to situate this new veggie bed has become quite the task for this chico blanco. The lumber is all bowed. Wont lay flat, straight, or anything to that nature. It kinda pisses me off because we've come a long way in milling technology since......1950.
So I shout out a food order through the fence to my neighbors. Who just arrived home from the Oakland piers, where they serve their food during the day time hours. I slip 10 bucks through the fence boards. Take down the last 4oz of my beer and open another one. I use these clamps that really help when I'm working solo. You squeeze the handle until tight, but not too tight. You check your alignment and level. Once dialed in. You give it that last couple of squeezes, until you can't make it any tighter. Secure! Drill the pilot hole. I don't want any wood chipping like a hang nail. I want clean holes and corners kissing like 2 horny teenagers.
Fifteen minutes later. I hear a whistle followed by, "capasa vecino! ven a comer!" 10 incredibly freshly made tacos. I bit into the first one and had to check my pants for premature ejaculation. Descriptive, I know. But I'm not kidding about these folks and their cooking. It's off the charts! When Anthony Bourdain came to S.F and he had a snipit of him in East Oakland visiting a taco truck. He missed some damn good food. I've lived in East Oakland for 3 years now. I've eaten at more food trucks then you have fucked women or men. I've gotten the shits from 3 of em. I've got my 5 trucks I go to on rotation. I like the horchata better at certain ones over the others. Some are just way too dang sweet. While others...meh! No flavor. But all 5 of these trucks have there shit on point! They know how to get this wedo coming back for more.
Anyway, it started raining on me in the middle of drilling pilot holes. I got so excited about rain falling. I dropped what I was doing. Made sure there was a 5 gallon or more bucket under every spout. Started hand carrying buckets of water to the massive rain tank, 5 gallons at a time. Got about 100 gallons in 15 minutes of rain fall. I'll see how many more beers I drink. If I end early. I'll get up early and finish drilling holes.

There's no damn television in this house

That's right! No T.V. Fuck that thing. I don't watch sports. If I want to watch reality T.V. I'll lift the blinds in the living room. I'm in the damn ghetto. There's always shit going on. Way better than what cable can provide. I got the cooking channel in my kitchen. And Pandora is my MTV. I'm not interested in liberal or conservative bias media for news coverage. Besides it's the same shit. 7am. There's traffic. And some ass clown crashed into someone. I wouldn't expect anything less. There was probably another shooting in Oakland and no suspects. What's new there? And what over paid no talent ass hat rapper got beef with who now? There's your news folks. Oh I forgot. Economy sucks, people are jobless, homeless, fat but yet starving. And the S&P is minus a few points. Maybe Toyota has another recall. That's the news. Having a T.V is like having a land line telephone. There's no need! It's obsolete.

There's the internet. All the same bullshit news, tons of porn! Music for days. Social media if you're into that time consuming, brain cell draining bullshit.
So my question is. What have you been reading lately? Personally I've read a shit load in the past 6 weeks. I read like a special ed kid by the way. I wish I could read like that robot from Short Circuit. That would be sweet! There is so much cool stuff to read. And I'm not talking about audio books you lazy ass. Put down the soda and fries and pick up a bloody book!
I Finished up Teaming with Microbes. Worms East My Garbage (for the 3rd time). Holy Cows & Hog Heaven and Folks, this ain't normal by Joel Salatin. Next on the list is one by Will Allen. He is to me as the Kardashian's are to suburbanites. The cerebral lazy if you will.

Then it's onto, Holy Shit by Gene Logsdon. He's actually got a few things he's written that I'm really anxious to read. I need to finish up a few John Jeavons books too. I'm thinking I want to take one of his 3 day workshops. In order to take one of those work shops. They do have required reading. Which might sound of cult like to some. But on the other hand. John has been practicing and studying his craft for 40+ years. What he is doing is completely against the grain and not common practice. The required reading is justifiable.

Here are some links that you can use as a resource. You might find it resourceful for more than one thing.
* http://www.polyfacefarms.com/books-dvds/
* http://thecontraryfarmer.wordpress.com/gene-logsdon-and-his-books/
* http://www.growingpower.org/
Note: Google the name, Will Allen. Watch read, and mentally process everything on this guy. I saw him and Joel Salatin at this farmers conference in Grass Valley. Mind blowing stuff! Will deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. And such a gentle giant. The dudes huge!
 Now, if you're going to rot your brains with T.V. Watch some shit with some substance. Sorry all you Star Wars nerds. This might not strike a cord with you.
* http://www.kingcorn.net/
* http://www.takepart.com/foodinc
* http://www.hulu.com/watch/279734
* http://www.freshthemovie.com/
* http://www.movieweb.com/movie/fat-sick-nearly-dead/HUpBMVd0dy2wsv
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-eRXuuH9AI

There! That should keep you busy for the next month if not longer.

Rain Tank is setup and roaring....well...sorta

The tank is in its permanent home. The ball valve has been connected at the lower end of the tank. This is where the water hose will connect. If you do attempt something like this. The footing needs to be taken quite serious and with a meticulous amount of detail in your work. Making sure that the sides are actually straight up and down and not at a slope. I suggest going the extra mile. If the instructions state to dig a 6" deep footing. Make it 8". 1 gallon of water weights 8.34lbs. 2,000gallons of water would then weight 16,680lbs. Just thinking of that amount of weight makes my chest hurt.
I visited Globe plumbing on Seminary. Just before San Leandro Blvd. They got me the parts needed at a reasonable price and the people there are really helpful. You'll want to use teflon tape around the treads. Now there is a correct way of wrapping teflon tape. You wrap it in the direction of how you'll be screwing on your connections. So like the saying goes, "righty tighty, lefty loosey." So imagine you're screwing in a light bulb. You wrap the teflon tape in that same direction, capiche?
I'm currently at the point where I need to connect the gutter of the house to the tank. To do this. The  pitch of the gutter needs to be found. Reason being is to know whether or not the angle will allow the water to flow into the soon to be new down spout. Which will channel water into the tank. The down spout for the cutter is currently in front of the house, while the tank is in the back of the house. Under normal conditions. The gutter should, might, outabe, at a angle to direct water to a desired outlet ie down spout. My uncle, whom use to work on houses doing gutter work. Told me that most of the time they are not angled. So I'm really hoping that mine are level, which will require far less work. A whole saw bit will be used to drill the desired diameter for the new connection. I'll just use 3" PVC pipe from the gutter to the tank and wala!
To find out if the gutter is rockin to one side or the other. Or to see if it's level. I'm going to use a leveler and get on the roof with a water hose to see how the water flows. Pretty low tech. There are fancy devices out there to do this kinda work. But no need to spend the extra coin. It will however require some effort.
I used bender board around the circumference of the crater I dug. I also used steaks screwed onto the bender board. Then filled the crater with pea gravel. And this is what created the footing or foundation if you will. This can also be done with a concrete slab. It might have been easier with the slab. But I'm really trying to eliminate as much concrete as possible. So just pick your poison.
There is a EBMUD rebate out again for converting your water thirsty lawn to drought tolerant plants. Since I missed the last one. I have signed up for the new one. Not very many folks took advantage of the last one. So they have restructured the rebate. Making the rebate more fiscally appealing. That is, if you incorporate a drip system. Which seems like a oxymoron. If you have drought tolerant plants. They shouldn't need much in the means of water. Plus with a rain tank. I can just water from that if the rainy season is as bad as it is this winter.
I'm waiting for the guy to come out to take pictures and measurements again. So I can't touch the backyard until then. And since the area where the tank is doesn't count towards the rebate (because there was no existing lawn there). I'm just going to start planing that area. Throw down card board and mulch. Start planting some natives. And maybe start building a fence between the house and garage. Just a short one. I don't want towering fences everywhere. Fences are kinda pointless in my mind. But not everyone agrees. But at least this fence will keep Hans in the backyard instead of him chasing the neighbor kids off.
Finally got to the computer that I'm familiar with to upload pictures. I'm thrown back every time I pick up a power tool. I've got two favorites right now. The all mighty miter saw and jig saw. As a complete virgin to tools. I really like the Bosch stuff thus far. Being as naive as I am to these outstanding tools. Perhaps I shouldn't have a preference in name brand. After all, I should learn how to actually use them fluidly. But hey! I'm getting there. I'm thinking a a nice 10-13 inch planer and router are next in my tool arsenal. If I had a nifty friend with a band saw. I could mill my own lumber from fallen trees near by.

Working late into the night like usual. I was making sure that things were square. At least as square would get with being a circle. I put a little more gravel in the center of the footing. I have no confirmation of my thought process on this. But I figured if I put a touch more gravel in the center of the footing. That once the tank started taking on some water weight.  That it would force some of that excess gravel outwards. Filling in any dead space. I did not use any sort of mathematical formulation for this. Purely a guesstimate.

I have since pulled the weeds and temporarily moved the raspberry bush until I get a live stock water trough. The trough will not allow the roots to grow through the bottom like these felt bags have. The felt bags were a temporary situation until I made progress. I have raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry to put into troughs. Should be enough fruit to both eat and preserve at some point.

I sold one of my veggie beds. Only because I was really unhappy with how it turned out in regards to its uneven cuts and horribly constructed corners. It was my first veggie bed I'd ever built. Pretty much the first time as an adult that I had used power tools. I also decided to smoke a joint prior to constructing that veggie bed. Not a great ideal. I became way to relaxed for my control freak nature. Therefore I learned. No harm no foul. I still have all my digits and no one got hurt. I do not endorse refer smoking and critical thinking at the same time. Especially with saw blades spinning at 4000rmps. Up with hope, down with dope! At least until all your responsibilities have been met. But things are looking decent. Not great, but decent. I am building a new veggie bed by the way. It shall have my perfectionist qualities in place this go around.
I can't remove any of the new lawn growth until the EBMUD guy shows up to take pictures. If I do remove anything. I would then void myself of the rebate they are offering. Gotta save money where I can. Oh and I chopped down that lime tree. I felt like such as ass hole. I had a connection with that tree. Not really, but it was the runt. The last thing standing after I had chopped, dug, and used explosives on every other tree. But not to worry. It shall be replaced with another. Just not in the form of a lime tree. I was thinking a money tree. Now if I can just find the butt hole selling the damn things!

Craters, Natives, & Beer

I'm straight up exhausted! I don't want to see a shovel until that mother fucker is digging my grave. Which by the way, I've got my entire burial planned out. For the whole viewing stuff. I'll be facing face down in a box (casket) buck naked. Across my ass will be tatted, "kiss my ass good bye." Then I'll be cremated. Ashes spread over either farm land of South America or the Patagonia. During the ceremony there will more than enough cannabis and craftsman brew. I want a shindig on my death day. No fuckin tears, I'm just another ass hole to bit the dust. Have some fun and remember me for the ass hat I was.
So I dug a cater behind the house last night and today. It's a ton of work! Pick axe, spaded shovel, and a wheelbarrow were my best of friends. In unison we worked the top soil layers. Working our way into the clay, which became cumbersome. Thick, heavy, and resilient. Unwilling to move even. I called in the troops,  Lagunitas IPA. Together we bared through the horror of accomplishment. Then I found myself drunk and shy of $10.Without regret, I was content with my results. An even ground and deep enough into the earth for my footing for the beast. A 2,000 gallon rain tank. None of this could have been accomplished without Hans and plenty of Rastafaria. The likings of Soja, Mellow Mood, and RasSody (Youtube it!). Now to lay down the bender board and pea gravel for the foundation. It'll be officially official. I'm about as excited about this officialness as the liberals are about gun control. Fucking stoked!
The flower beds have been acquainted to their new placement. Cardboard has met its endeavor along side native tree mulch and Hans' piss. I can feel the micro organisms growing per millasecond. My testosteronial hard on for native plant life, has taken place faster than Lance Armstrong's admise of performance enhancing drugs. Beer bottles have been "recycled" for pennies on the dollar, but I'm reminded of intoxicated late nights with bitter coldness and hard labor of my pale skin. The lack of melanin does distinguish me from my neighborly counterparts. Needless to say, the cold bothers me none.
My mere excitement of not paying a utility bill thrusts me with excitement. Enough for me to tender a hand to my neighbor friend, to share the same experience. Why pay a local utility when one doesn't have to? You do however pay some up front costs. But after that, you say a big, "Fuck you bitch!" after that investment. Therefore I lend a hand in knowledge, materials, and resources. There are many incentives with doing such an action. You're less dependent on anyone, thing, or governs. You're in control of your freedoms and desires. Which mean no harm to fellow man or earth. It's security. Not to come across all, "Zombie Apocalypse" like. But we are after all responsible for our own well being.....right? At least I hope...... If you don't think the way I do. Well here is Al Gores way of thinking about it. You'll prevent global warming. If you're just as mindless as the rest of his Scientologist followers. This should strike a cord with you. Collect some fucking water already would ya?!? I do believe in a lesser/lower carbon foot print and impact on life in general. It doesn't take a political biasness. It's mindfulness. It's respect. It's what the natives respected prior to our current arrogance. In old fashion terms, it would be referred to as, chivalry. Google that fucking word you maniacal, gamer, myopic consumerist! Name calling aside because myopic is also a clinical word for near sidedness. Fixed focal length, Asian people know what I'm talkin about. Being all minus 8 diapters in sphere power.
I'm losing track here. In the mean time. Here are some photo's for you illiterate type who couldn't make a word of what typed. Mind you. You can be rich as fuck and implement these "idears" or be broke as I am and do the best with what resources and advantages you have going for ya.

I need coffee like a crack head needs its dope. We all have our preferences.

 Since I work during day light hours. I have to employ flood lights. They do however work rather well. So I'm not entirely complaining.

I used a pickaxe and spaded shovel to create the circumference I needed for the footing. It took me 6 hours to get it right. The tank has a diameter of 87" (inches). The footing is 94" (inches). 3.5" excessive on each side to distribute pounds of pressure and to prevent the least amount of erosion over the long haul. 

  What happens from here is filling that crater with pea gravel. Pea gravel wont puncture the rain barrel and it's a small crush. So it compacts rather tight, creating a nice footing for the barrel. I hate concrete like a bad cause of herpes. Yes, a concrete slab could be poured. I want nothing to do with concrete. A gallon of water weights 8.34lbs. Times that by 2,000 gallons. That's fuckin heavy yo! I spent about 6 hours getting this right. It was labor intensive no question. But it's done and I'm happy about that accomplishment. Thursday it will be full of pea gravel and the tank will be resting on top of it.

Native plants

Today was one of those days where I end up feeling completely accomplished with how much I got done. Don't mind that I did laundry, vacuumed, washed dishes (no dishwasher damnit!), paid bills, and cleaned 2 guns. Sorry if the thought of guns scares you. Actually.... no I'm not sorry. Fuck you! I'm one of the responsible ones. So kiss my ass.
But I got everything done on my, "To Do" list today. And that list was long. My favorite of all the chores was visiting Water Shed Nursery in Richmond. There's this guy who I just dig so much. I've met him twice, not including today. The first time was rather insignificant. The second time he must have been bored, not much going on, or in the mood to shower me with his knowledge. Regardless, I appreciated it so much. This guy has the paws of Babe Ruth. You know this fella has seen a few soil compounds and dug a many holes. The kinda fella you wouldn't mind sharing a few beers and stories with. I went in today to put a few touches on this rather small section of my front yard. Which I haven't shared "after" pictures of yet. Not sure why. Possibly because I don't have pictures of it after I tore out all the undocumented plant life. What can I say? I'm a rather shitty blogger. I can't spell for shit, my organizational skills for blogging are ill fit, and I'm rather busy.
I picked up a fern that is native to my area. It'll be a nice fit for the space it was in intended for. I'm a sucker for native sages. The same way I am for a lady with a nice toosh. Boy oh boy! I can't keep my eye off of it and can't wait to touch it. But with sages, I can't wait to put my face into it and smell it for the entire ride home. Now if I can only learn the verbage. The scientific names for these plants rattle my head so much! I can't freaking remember these names. I know there is a thing to it though. My lack of understanding makes me unable to explain how I know. One day though! I pulled out thing outa the ground and cloned another.
I threw a shit ton of poppy seeds out about a year ago. Not a damn one has come up. And it's been almost a year. While on a walk. I saw a youngster. Pulled it outa the ground and threw it in some soil. Tap root is wicked long! I'll plant it tomorrow. All you need is one of these poppy's and they'll take over the planet! Just went you thought Latino's populated like rapid fire? Poppy's have got em topped, no question. I got a few extra grasses too. Still trying to dial in this particular section and I think I'm going to include this scrub. Just gotta wait for it at the nursery or try and clone one.
Ever since meeting my friend Cris Cruz. I've gained this insane appreciation and interest for plants. They are quite amazing and should have the attention of many if not all of us.
I've got a ton cooking in the backyard as well. I've been coming in late every night for the past week getting work done. I'll follow this up with another post and some updates on the back fence and its trimmings. In the mean time, here are a few pictures.

That damn ol' fence

I have been working away at this damn ol' fence now for quite some time. At the beginning of it all I felt great! I was making progress. But then the fence was starting to rise. Then all a sudden it became isolated. The fence looks beautiful! It's as accurately built as a craftsman style home. But it's cold. It's isolating. It's not communal at all. It defeats the purpose of life. We should be able to say, "hello" every morning to each other. I feel like I wasted my money and time. Especially time. I worked really hard on this fence. Mainly because I have this stupid thing called a work ethic. In the end. I'm not surrounded by like minded folks. Therefore it must be done I suppose. Sad really. Unnecessary even. I have nothing to hide. I don't insult the neighbors sun tanning naked. I do wish they were more well kept. Now I don't have to see their trash.
I took a day off of work to fetch a 2,000 gallon rain tank, which took me 6 months to pay off. Every chance I had. I would throw a hundred bucks towards this thing. I was fortunate enough to have this company to distributes these things, allow me to do this. I had finally finished paying it off in November. I told the gal it wouldn't be another 4 weeks until I could pick it up, b/c I had all this stuff in my driveway to haul away to make the room. She was very sympathetic to my request. So my neighbor loaned me his Toyota pickup. The small little thing. Such a nice fella. I was scared as shit retrieving this damn thing, on the drive home. White knuckles like you'd never seen!. 40mph all the way down 101 south. I was thee most hated human for 2 plus hours. Hans was in the front seat with me the entire way. He constantly looked up to me with this puzzled look on his face. "What the fuck were/are you thinking you crazy ass hippy?!?" I was smiling from ear to ear the entire time. Because I knew that this tank would see 10K gallons during a rainy season and save me a mad amount of coin and flat out be cool as shit! So what if I look goofy driving home with this thing. Everyone on the freeway was looking at me and the tank like, "what the fuck is that thing!? What is he doing with his free time?" All while I'm thinking, "You must be jealous. I'm collecting free water!"
It's still sitting in my driveway. Not hooked up. I just finished that pointless fence. Fucking around with the topography for new landscape and flower beds. I've got cardboard laid out all over the place. All the misc. non sense I can find to hold it all down, so that the wind doesn't blow it over or away.

I've been finding myself laying in the wheel barrow alot lately. It's posture is quite nice. I would design a chair after this thing. Name it my next reading chair. I dropped 3K on a Kofod Larson chair I hardly ever use. Why not make the next one a cheaper investment? East Oakland has some really fucked up things about it. But I tell you what. When it's quiet. It's so peaceful. The sky is clear. The air is crisp and the breeze keeps it moving. So the smell is so distinct. I love the winter smell.

I try my best to find peace where I can. I also try and appreciate every thing and everyone where ever I am or can. I'm not perfect. But I'm mindful. So keep that in mind.

Christmas was great. I got a few books I've been wanting. This year was minimal. Food, wine, more wine, more food and music. No one was offended. I got a few pictures to share. If you have a wheel barrow, I suggest throwing on some really comfy clothes. Long Johns, wool socks, boots, beanie, and a nice warm jacket. Point that wheel barrow in a direction you like facing. Roll a joint or not. No pressure. And relax. Hang out. Listen to what's around you. Smell the air. It's mind numbing how peaceful it is. I wish to do this nightly. And I have been. Minus the joint every night. I have responsibilities as well you know.

Winter Crop

     So many folks disregard the beautiful winter months for growing veggies. And sure, your climate zone plays a role in this. I'm very fortunate. California, bay area especially is so amazing for growing damn near anything your heart desires. I am kinda pissed off that I can't grow brussel sprouts. It just doesn't get cold enough. This year however, I'm thinking it might happen. That's a very big might.
You see, sprouts need a constant cold. They form nice tight little buds during that cold weather. Like a virgin lover you've never experienced. It just doesn't do that here near the bay. The big water ways keep temps at this even passe. Some of ya might experience this is the Puget Sound area. Though far more north than I/us. A big mass of water keeps temps lower and steady.
But not all is lost. It's that time of year to plant your garlic! Plant those sexy bitches! And do as much as you can. Garlic is like wine. There's never enough and it's plentiful! It goes with everything. Name me one thing garlic does not go with. Come on! Okay okay. So it might not be so awesome in ice cream of cake. Or any dessert for that matter. There is not one fucking ethnic cuisine that garlic does not play a role in. And when you hit the market and see that it traveled from Argentina or China and you live in America. California has a amazing garlic area of Gilroy, Ca. Gilroy might be a butthole of town to you. But they produce stealer garlic! You have to show it some fucking respect though. It takes its sweat ass time to grow. Yeah, 120 days or more is a long time for a harvest. But it prevails.
   
Root crops are in full effect son. Carrots, beets, & parsnips. Lettuces grow damn near regardless. Bok Choy, spinach, kale, fisee, what ever strain of lettuce's you can think of. Onions, all different kinds of onions! And leeks. What the fuck is there not to like about winter?! It's wet as a motha fucka out. You don't have to use water you have to pay for! Get some rain boots. Throw on some ugly ass jeans or canvas type bottoms. A long sleeve and a rain coat. Maintain your crop. Maximize your yields as if your life depended on it.

Maybe you don't have a official garden space. You're planting in containers on a balcony. Great and kick ass for you. Grow what you love to eat. But I encourage you to grow something new. Shit you wouldn't normally cook with. Seek out recipes for collard greens or rainbow chard. What's the worse that could happen? You have a running shit in the morning after your cig and coffee and it's done with. Show that lady you finally convinced to go on a date with your sorry ass that you can man the fort and cook with food you've grown and respected.

Grow more of what you darn well know you'll cook. But also grow stuff you're either intimidated by or think is gross. Grow enough of it to experiment with. Try........I don't know..... like 6 different recipes with that veggie or ingredient. Then you can eliminate it. You can honestly say, "I tried that, this and this ah way." You're over it and you'll move on. No harm no foul. Just a leaking butt hole and some smelly shit in your toilet. Nothing a shower can't cure. Wash your ass clean and it done!

And that is my talk about winter crops. Stop being a bitch about it raining. Watermellon is not in season. Neither are tomatoes. Now grab your balls and push on to what is in season. Carrots, Leeks, Beets, and a shit ton of weed since Humbolt has trimmed, cured, and shipped. Eat, Smoke and be merry ass holes! Don't forget your favorite seasonal beers either. And don't forget to treat each other well and with respect.

Picture time

I got the memory card which has pictures of how things have been moving along. That speed is slow and steady wins the race since I'm going the work solo. When I pulled the sod out I came across some more weird shit in the ground. A poker table. 22" Weber BBQ, a child's doll, what use to be 2"x12"x10' board. I'm not surprised by what I pull out of the ground any more. I've about seen it all at this point. What I want to know is what the hell was going on back here at those times?

 

Some of these pictures will show you the fence that I have taken down. Two layers of cinder blocks acting as a retaining wall with only a 2" footing and no rebar. The  retaining wall had pressure from the back neighbors yard pushing against it, so it was starting to buckle onto my side. While the fence was leaning a cool 30 degrees into their yard. There was 4-5" thick nails that were exposed as well. Pretty dangerous had a kid or a family pet been back there while the thing fell down. I'm still really confused by that neighbors lack of participation in addressing this fence.                                            

It kills me to walk out to my backyard and see it in this condition. It looks like Sanford and Son's       backyard. I'm still debating on whether or not to yank out that lonely ill looking lime tree. I don't use lime enough to justify it's existence. I'd find a Lemon, apple, pomegranate, or a avocado tree far more useful. I do have 3 neighbors that already have a lemon tree. So pomegranate might be more up my       alley. If I did a avocado tree, it would be the dwarf version. Avocado trees can get freakishly huge.    

I've been building new axles for my Jeep so they can handle 35" tires for rock crawling. There is also a Bushman 205 gallon water tank to the left. I rather like my local representative, Barbara Lee. She scored our area a grant so that Oakland residents can get up to 620 gallons in rain tanks for cheap. I chose to get a few of the 205's. Once the fence is rebuilt. I'll be relocating the veggie beds to the back towards the new fence. Its great southern exposure and I'm really hoping that it'll all blend in really nicely with the new native landscape I'll be putting in. Along the new fence, I'll be creating a living wall with herbs. I'd really love to use these cool felt sleeves, but they cost way too much. So I'm thinking I'll go shopping for some of those shoe organizers that you'd hand on your closet door and string them along the entire fence. Cheap and readily available at any discount box store (Ross, TJMax, etc). One of the 205 gallon tanks will sit back there on a drip system. I can't wait to get this all going either. I kinda dislike my current watering regimen. The other 205 I'm undecided about where to place it. I'm thinking up front of the house to make it visual and easy access. I think if rain harvesting had more of a resents, it would be the norm. No one would bitch how ugly it is or wonder what it is. It would just be as normal as seeing trash can. I also plan on washing my car with rain water. You might be thinking I wont get much done with 205 gallons. However I just ordered a 1550 gallon Norwesco tank. I wont be able to pick it up until I clear the driveway, it's full of the remnants of the fence I took down and the veggie beds are in the way. I'll be placing it where the beds use to be. As well as blending in more native landscape, organizing my berry bushes better, creating a sitting area with strawberry patches, and possibly putting up a waist high fence between the house and garage, so that I can leave Hans out back and not have to worry about him chasing off the local kids. The concrete slab where I'm working on the axles is also going away. I think it breaks up the flow of how I'll have the landscape done. Besides, I fucking hate concrete. I've been looking for someone to take it off my hands to be repurposed as urbanit. I don't want to see it go to waste. I'm making a really small 3'x3'x6' tool shed to store gardening tools. I have a Reel mower which I'll probably never use again, a few rakes, shovels, and hand tools that will fit beautifully in it. The big worm compost bin will be worked into it all as well. So that is where I'm at. This is the time of year you want to be doing landscaping. The first few rain falls have come. New plants should establish easily and putting them in their place will be much easier as well.                                                                  

What it use to look like

Backyard, a photo by zero7negative on Flickr.

When I bought the house. This is what the backyard looked like. It looked "normal." I would have saved myself a ton of time, work, money, and effort had I just left it like this.
The bamboo screen against the crappy fence. That roof use to be a chicken coop. I couldn't stand those lava rocks. I cursed those things from day one.

Politics and voting

I hope you people vote. Some of my friends say voting is stupid. I actively listen to their points. And sure, the electoral college is a shame. I think we should be able to have every single vote count towards a president. We can put man on other planets, we can destroy another country with a few bombs, so why can't we get away with this primitive voting process?

My biggest thing is local voting. I know most people who vote only vote for a president b/c they lack the knowledge on prop's that are on the ballet. I think that's weak! People put all this effort into other useless bullshit like TV, Celeb gossip, and facebook (I deleted my FB account almost a year ago). So why not take a couple of hours to read through local issues? What's so hard about it? It seems people put more effort into purchasing a pair of shoes. It makes no sense to me.

I personally am a registered independent. I don't care what anyone says. Whether it be a Republican or a Democrat. They all spend a shit ton of money, they just justify it differently. Republicans love war and Democrats love giving our money to even poorer and lazier people. I understand we have a standard of living in this country. I also understand being humane and addressing social issues. But I do not care for being a welfare state. I know that probably pissed someone off.
I'm not a gung-ho democrat or republican. Living in the bay area democrats think voting democrat is the right way to vote. How is that being a informed voter? Little arrogant is it not? Same applies to Republicans. And if voting voting Democrat is the right way to vote, shouldn't Diane Finstein have done a shit load more in her 20 years in the same seat? Most of us would lose our jobs had we been that non productive.

I don't see a difference between the two ass hats running for President. I also think Californians are dumb asses for putting that failure Jerry Brown back as Governor. In case you didn't know. The state budget was passed only in hopes that Prop30 passes. Nice gamble huh? I voted yes for the tax increase. But I swear to fucking god, if the state comes back asking for more taxes I'm going to personally kick Jerry Brown in the dick. Especially after that high speed rail system non sense got funding. Sure its going to create jobs and be ground breaking for our state in the sense that we'll have the first thing like it in the country. I still think it's a joke of a project. Starting in Fresno of all places and ending in LA. At some point it will make it's way to San Francisco.

I also think Prop37 is stupid. If these so called "Organic" farmers wanted this kind of legislation. Why don't they take the liberty of labeling their own products? Isn't that being proactive? I'm 100% against GMO and Monsanto and it's affiliates. So don't get me wrong on that. I'm also a advocate for a food system that isn't tampered by man. USDA calls it, "Organic." I dislike that word too. All these bay area people puke the word organic like it's a new thing. I find it to be a excuse to charge an arm and a leg for produce and that's fucked up. Talk about separating classes. And I don't wanna hear a sad song about how farmers are broke. I've never met a broke farmer. And if they are indeed broke. Then stop ridding the coat tails of the government and work your farm. I come from a farming family and have known many.

I'm for the death penalty. I say put in a car pool lane. That's on the ballet as well. Not sure of the prop number, but California is trying to abolish it. Three strikes law is majorly flawed. How the hell is a dude going to be doing life in prison with no chance of parole over pizza? That is a non violent or sexual crime. Logic!
I would never claim to be a political scientist. Nor do I read through every little detail of legislation. I try to use as much logic possible and to ask questions about what is going on. So if you have a adult comment leave some words. And remember, opinions are like ass holes. Everyone has one and they all stink.

More obscenities and no pictures

Yep, just jibber jabber in this post. I gotta make it look like I'm still alive and kicking. I'm back to working at a real job 6-7 days a week. I'm still broke as ever, but at least I'm contributing to all my neighbors on welfare.
I have pictures to post. They are on someone else camera though..... I've got yet another fence to rebuild because it was about 50 or so years old. I say, "was" because I have now tore it down. This fence is what divides me and my back neighbor from one an other. That property is about foot taller than mine. So there was a cinder block retaining wall with a Jimmy rigged fence in place. You can tell it wasn't entirely original b/c it wasn't very uniform. There would be 5 or so normal fence boards then some plywood to cover a hole from once upon a time ago fence boards.
These knuckle heads that moved in have/had this dog that would jump through the fence. Shit all over my yard. Scratch at my side door. Dig up my recent redone front yard. And since Hans is a Rottweiler. These folks would freak out and ask me to take my dog inside b/c they were scared of him. Hans is pretty well trained and he minds me quite well. He was on my property not there's. So to have them tell me to take my dog inside, while they sit on their fat lazy asses, kinda pissed me off. I gave these people a chance at first. I was cordial at first. But after telling them to keep their dog outa my yard and not to throw things over the fence. I started to get irritated. So I became a little less friendly. I was just shorter and didn't gab it up with them if they were outside like I did at first. Then one day the lady sings me a song about how she's on section 8, a single mom of 4 kids, don't have a job, yada yada yada. Then my respect for her fell even lower. Before the fence started leaning 40 degrees to her side. I kindly asked to have the landlords contact info. She refused to give it b/c she said she felt weird giving it out. But this dude needs to help me flip the bill for this fence. And well. Now I've been stuck with footing the bill for it so far. The guys info is public record, so it's not like it's too hard to get. I just have to put in the extra effort.
Now after taking this fence down. I was shocked to see how filthy these lazy bastards yard is. Man I'm talking trash bags all over the damn place. There is MinuteMaid bottles, soda bottles, soda can boxes and trash bags everywhere! So one night I'm trying to big out some of the concrete from the retaining wall and all a sudden I'm surrounded by 8 fucking ninjas! Raccoons! I'm no stranger to raccoons. I'm from the sticks of Iowa. And in East Oakland we got some crazy things going on. But urban raccoons are no fuckin joke man! I'm not scared of the vato locos down the street with their assault rifles (they can barley hit a damn thing with it). I'm scared of these damn raccoons! They are freakin ninjas! And they have thumbs! Urban raccoons don't give a damn about humans. They don't just run away and find a new trash can. They stand up a little and do this hiss, that if they were English words would say, "Hey ass hole. I'm hungry and I have no problem fucking you up! Now make me a sandwich."
After the raccoons left I typed up a letter asking that they pick up the backyard b/c it was inviting to unwanted visitors. My only concern was whether or not if they could read. It took a couple of days to get done, but finally most of the trash was picked up.
Now don't get me wrong. I know while reading through this post it could be mistaken that I've become a judgmental and non sympathetic prick. I am opinionated, sure. My sympathy stops at laziness. People who don't seek out the better in themselves. And just plan ol' stupid! And that is where I'm at. East Oakland has weathered me a touch, just a touch though. California as a whole is a topic of in its self.
As for the fence. I'm workin on it. I still have prep work to do. Clearing space for the new footing for the cinder blocks. Acquiring the cinder blocks and rebar. Minor acquisitions, but very key in building a fence to last longer than the prior fence.
I'll post up pictures later. In the mean time. Have fun, read some books, make someone smile.

And more time has passed

Crazy things, crazy things. Its not that I forget to type or update. It's more a matter of whether or not if I feel there is a, "Wow" factor too post. I've had so many ups and downs this past year and personal challenges, I just don't post. I know it sounds like some pussy ass excuse. But I'll ride on it until it runs out. 
I've been continuously working on the landscaping. I did the front yard. The title on that was, "Are these plants citizens?" I tied the concept of what we as a society consider citizens into the titled because I live in a hood which has a heavy concentration of non documented humans. I personally don't give a fuck about those families statuses in regards to that.  I'm here to only tread as lightly and as respectfully as possible. So to make myself feel better about my existence, I plant native plants.

I have since my last post dug up the backyard, made a new worm compost bin, and went further into my Jeep build than I thought I'd ever go into. The latest compost bin is 4'x8'x18" and stand on 4' legs so I don't have to bend over as much. Equipped with a lid and dividers so that I can manage the compost better.

I was unemployed for such a long time that I had figured I should figure out my own means of a living. So I dove more and more into the vermiculture world.  There is a decent amount of info out there. I've been reading tons! "Worms Eat My Garbage." I read a few things from Charles Darwin and his observation on worms. I even got my neighbors, who own the taco truck, to do a garden share.They asked me what I used for fertilizer. I told them, "gusano mierda!" That's Spanish for, "worm shit." So I gave em 30lbs of mierda. It threw his hair back. Even for being bald headed. I showed em what i do with air rated compost tea. Dude thought I was off my rocker. The shit works wonders! I've been geeking out over teas lately too.

The beginnings of the new worm bin. Hans freaks out from the sound of a circular saw.

I didn't put as much effort into the garden as I had wanted to. I was really hoping to be done with the landscape, but a friend of mine completely flaked on me to do the design. I've got squash crawling out of my ass and belly button. I made the mistake of letting grow to about the size of a toddler. Had some awesome leeks, carrots, onions, beets, kale, beans, artichoke, berries, Parsnips, and all the lettuces under the gene pool.

Are these plants citizens?

   The word "citizen" is a entertaining topic of discussion. I suppose we're use to non documented workers. And I guess you can say the day labor verity is the most discussed or topic of conversation. Many consider such non citizen. But has that same fella looked at his landscape? Everything they are surrounded by is not a citizen. That Bermuda grass is not a citizen. It's been here for 200+ years now. Thought to be from either Africa or the UK. It takes a beating. It does well in the states (in many regions at the least). But we've been trained to think it should look a certain way. We throw all this SHIT on it to make it look its part year round. But it should be far more natural and easier than that process. Not to mention the negative side effects it has on the cool dudes making other things happen below the surface.
When we treat our turf grass with "shit" to make it look its part. We are in return messing up the soil below for the unnamed cool dudes. My favorite, worms. Worms work harder than anyone you'll ever know. You think your great great grandfather did cool shit? Fought wars, married a awesome woman, had kids, built his own home. That's all great stuff too. But worms build the ground that fella built his life on. So did a bunch of other critters. So without one your less likely to get the other. I'm not going to get all technical wennie on ya about the details of the microbes and beneficial bacteria that takes place in a natural process of life. That's just boring right?
   Landscape is simple. We over think it. Put way too much money into it. Waste resources over shit that doesn't fucking matter. Your spraying Round Up like air freshener after taken a fat shit. You wouldn't really have to if you kept it way more simple. I also find it ironic how a dude woudl make such a claim, "I love going into the woods and I love nature." But they could essentially have that in their backyard... literally! Have you ever camped out in your backyard as a kid or either with your kid? That was cool! You can take it a step further and make your land and make it look like nature. Amazing I know.
   Living in California. People really don't realize we are in a desert. The coast only takes up about 20% of the states landscape. The native plant life you implement on your space wont need watering or that other time consuming maintaining time eater nonsense. All that equals money! Water = Money. Time = money. Time and money saved = living life. Hopefully not in front of a television. But maybe hanging out in the kitchen or with the kid(s) or friends. Or in the garage trying to figure out how to rebuild that NP 231J transfer case you fucked up on the Rubicon.
   And then you get all the benefits of that native landscape. The bugs, birds, bee's, butterflies, etc. If you have a veggie garden. Shit man. Aphids will most likely be a thing of the past.
   So a friend of mine is this bad ass who knows shit I don't. We went to a nursery the other day. I experienced a whole new level of geek I've never seen. I've got fucking books, my girlfriend is a nurse, most of my friends are wicked fuckin smart. But this was outa control nerd shit. Listening to two dorks talk plants and the vocabulary was mind numbing. I was trying to pronounce the bloody words like a foreigner learning English. But I geeked out too. We picked up quite a bit of native plants. And yes some are grasses. If you do some reading. You can take a hike with your dog and take some clippings from plants in your area that are native. Plants are wicked. They survive like no other. And this leads me to the next statement. Get to know some fucking stoners. Preferable ones that grow pot. They know shit too. Let me rephrase that. Some pot growing stoners know shit. I'm sure they would be more than happy to hang loose at the jaw about plants. But the information is universal. And while your at it. Smoke a joint already! Lately I've been preferring hash. Maybe try that.
Hold on. What was I gonna type? Oh yeah. Think about it. Try it out in a area. Don't be afraid your friends will make fun of yeah. You probably need new friends anyhow. They only come around because you have beer or pot and your the only one that doesn't live in his mothers basement.
Do understand life takes time. Anything! And I mean anything in life takes time to establish. Be patient and be kind.
Fuck! I'm starting to sound like one of these Berkeley hippie type. Hurry! Where's my Remington 870?
Hopefully these images show up. I'm using a new computer and camera phone to give you losers that don't read pictures.

After ripping it out

photo(1), a photo by zero7negative on Flickr.

I have to mention the 50 plus dope bags I found while digging all this shit up. I woulda been rich had there been dope in the bags. But no dice. Instead I found spoons/forks, enough glass to fund another project, I think I found a new STD. But that was sent out to a lab for reports.

Non Citizen

House, a photo by zero7negative on Flickr.

So this is what I took out. All the things you see are undocumented residents. The landscape you fuck, not the people living in the house!