A NEW YEAR NEW PLANS

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We are also following closely the developments in heating with sun power. Our winters are too cold, snowy, and overcast to let us rely exclusively on the solar heat units that have been tried in the Southwest and the Washington, D.C. area. But as more work goes into developing more efficient plants and better heat storage units, we'll begin experimenting. I'd estimate that in a couple of years, once the diapers are turned to dust cloths and milk-spilling and egg dropping become less frequent, we'll try heating our (greatly reduced) washing water supply with a solar heater. Then, in time, the south roof of the barn may host a covering of solar panels and half the lowest level of the barn will be changed from goat quarters to a hot water storage tank. With sun-heated water flowing through baseboard heaters to provide general home and cellar heat, and with wood stoves to really warm up rooms in use, we will pretty well be able to forget Exxon, Mobil, and the Arab oil sheiks for good.

RAISING SOME INCOME

There is no question that organically grown food is growing in popularity; here's proof if you need it: the cereal makers are all coming out with "natural" cereals containing whole grains and honey. They are no more organic or really natural than the half candy stuff they used to feature, but are an indication that things are changing. And if, as we expect, food prices continue to soar till small farms run by hand labor become economically sound once again, we will be in the forefront. I am already cutting wood from a partly clear acre-sized meadow a few hundred feet back into our woods, and in time we should have about three relatively level, clear acres for field crops. Some will continue to be used for growing grain for our livestock. The balance will go into the best cash producing crop we can grow organically with the fertilizers available. Concord grapes are one possibility. Everyone loves to make grape jelly and on the rare occasions we've seen the real Concords for sale the price was amazing.

Other possible crops include popcorn. I even dreamed up what to put on the bags: "All natural, old time popp'n corn. On the cob, in the shuck. Three (count 'em) or more varieties depending on the crop. Grown the organic way, pure, plain and simple." We'd grow a half-dozen different varieties of different colors and flavors. Of course the honey operation can be expanded and will be, if the good doctors can cure me of that sting allergy. Blueberries, the delicious little native variety, can be had for the digging. Strawberries will always be a favorite, and I don't see how we could go wrong with an expanded fruit orchard, perhaps featuring the increasingly popular old-fashioned varieties. And there is always the option to get into maple syrup making or expand the goat herd. Any of these would require a considerable investment it time and equipment, though, neither of which we have in excess. So we'll take it slow.

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