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By Mark Zeiger, September 11, 2015

It’s not like I didn’t have stuff to do that day.

I had five tasks on the day’s Franklin Planner page. At least three of them are “C level,” which, in the Franklin-Covey system means they’re something I want to do, rather than need to do (see The Franklin Planner: An Unlikely Homesteading Tool). This included making a couple of essential drink mixes to set us up for the autumn and winter, Russian tea (see The Secret of Russian Tea) and fireside coffee (see A Cup of Coffee That Brings Tears to My Eyes). I had some more important tasks to complete, most of which could be accomplished inside, where I would be warm and dry as an autumn storm moved into the area. Before that happened, I needed to tarp a couple of firewood piles. I even thought I might watch a movie in the afternoon while I ran the wind generator to keep it limber (see Use It or Lose It).

For the moment, though, I sat at the dining table in my pajamas, waiting for my turn in the shower. I had just poured my morning cup of coffee, and intended to enjoy it while I sealed a newly-written letter to Aly.

As I did so, I glanced casually out the window, and everything changed.

Continue reading 'Plans Change . . .'»

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By Mark Zeiger, June 26, 2013

Over the last several weeks, most of our thoughts have focused on what to do about the moose.

As I mentioned in a past post, A Close Encounter, we believe a yearling moose, recently run off by its mother, has been visiting the homestead. We know this from tracks and browsed plants in the yard—mostly wild, but a few rasperberries as well. Michelle also felt that the moose had been either entering the garden, or leaning over the low fence to browse our strawberry plants. We have also found a few of our cherry trees stripped of leaves.

She has theorized and fantasized about how to discourage these visits. Instead of scrounging used dryer sheets from the laundromat (see Decorating for Moose) she bought a new box; their heavy perfume nearly drove us off the land! She planned on taking more drastic steps when she went to town for work Tuesday morning.

Around 1:30 a.m., Michelle got up to use the facilities, and I stumbled, bleary-eyed, after her. She looked out the window and found her “moose.” A porcupine sat in our largest cherry tree, munching the leaves! Continue reading 'Night Hunt'»