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The Archdruid Report comes out on Wednesdays -- mostly been in the evenings of late, but this week it's up in the morning already. The author, John Michael Greer, writes about peak oil and the environment, but generally at a higher level than anything I've posted -- long views, the market, etc. Today's post might be of interest to some folks for various reasons. He's written about how many people today seem determined not to learn anything from history, and then quickly gets into how the writing of history has changed, and a review of some of the material from a book that came out in 2005, The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization, by Bryan Ward-Perkins (Oxford UP, 2005). Some great tidbits from the book about how large-scale and widespread the Roman Empire's manufacturing and distribution was (pottery from southern France that went to Germany, for instance). I haven't gotten to the end of the article yet, but I'm sure the info in the article from the book are in support of the importance of learning from our history. With the subject matter being from the Roman Empire, including tidbits from Roman Britain though, I couldn't wait to post about it, as I know folks would be interested in at least that part of the article.
To read the article: The Specialization Trap
***
Snow's gone on the field, but still lingering in shaded areas. L and I have been chopping away at two piles by the northwest corner of the house to get them to go away sooner... some of it was still ice... L was kind enough to uncover some of the plants this morning -- it's been quite cold at night the past few nights. This is the tricky time of year for my lavendars in particular, because I can't leave them covered or they'll get damp and grow fungi and rot. But if I leave them uncovered they could get windkilled because of the wind across the field (northeast prevailing). So, uncover during the day, cover during the night on frost/windy nights for a little while longer.
Have to find places to plant the plants I got from friends this past weekend. The herbs shouldn't be a problem, but still don't have enough land cleared for the strawberries or a home for the raspberries. I may dig out a pot to stick the strawberries into, so they have more soil than they have at the moment and can hang out for a bit.
***
Also need to re-arrange things and do some vacuuming in the sugarhouse, tidy things up for Sunday's SCA gathering.
***
Starting the change-over from winter to summer clothes. Some things stay out year-round, but most of the t-shirt-type stuff goes away for the winter, and the heaviest winter goods go away for the summer. I should get my winter coat cleaned before putting it away (it's been a few years), but don't think I have time. Maybe in the fall... trying to get rid of some stuff, but still like most of it and know I'll wear it... Still, some stuff is in the giveaway stack, and I tossed a few shirts.
***
Tax forms went in the mail yesterday. Hope everyone got theirs in on time, including anybody on disability or unemployed, as you may qualify for getting some of the government stimulus package (if you didn't, you can probably still check it out at the IRS's web site). Probably the least stressful process yet, this year... including going to the post office. Ashfield's post office had some traffic, but no line yesterday :)
Small towns are great!
To read the article: The Specialization Trap
***
Snow's gone on the field, but still lingering in shaded areas. L and I have been chopping away at two piles by the northwest corner of the house to get them to go away sooner... some of it was still ice... L was kind enough to uncover some of the plants this morning -- it's been quite cold at night the past few nights. This is the tricky time of year for my lavendars in particular, because I can't leave them covered or they'll get damp and grow fungi and rot. But if I leave them uncovered they could get windkilled because of the wind across the field (northeast prevailing). So, uncover during the day, cover during the night on frost/windy nights for a little while longer.
Have to find places to plant the plants I got from friends this past weekend. The herbs shouldn't be a problem, but still don't have enough land cleared for the strawberries or a home for the raspberries. I may dig out a pot to stick the strawberries into, so they have more soil than they have at the moment and can hang out for a bit.
***
Also need to re-arrange things and do some vacuuming in the sugarhouse, tidy things up for Sunday's SCA gathering.
***
Starting the change-over from winter to summer clothes. Some things stay out year-round, but most of the t-shirt-type stuff goes away for the winter, and the heaviest winter goods go away for the summer. I should get my winter coat cleaned before putting it away (it's been a few years), but don't think I have time. Maybe in the fall... trying to get rid of some stuff, but still like most of it and know I'll wear it... Still, some stuff is in the giveaway stack, and I tossed a few shirts.
***
Tax forms went in the mail yesterday. Hope everyone got theirs in on time, including anybody on disability or unemployed, as you may qualify for getting some of the government stimulus package (if you didn't, you can probably still check it out at the IRS's web site). Probably the least stressful process yet, this year... including going to the post office. Ashfield's post office had some traffic, but no line yesterday :)
Small towns are great!
