SOLAR FOOD DRIER and COLUMBINES

Some folks will remember our over-engineered, over-sized smelter oven food dryer from 2008. We’re cutting back for 2009, with a new, improved more compact but higher capacity model.

We started with a $5 used window pane from the Re-Store here in Rapid City. Then added some lumber and screws. First-day performance is fine.

Sure is simpler than the “high performance” model in the books, with all the hardware, hinges, handles, sliders, etc. Heck, just make the darn thing, pick some vegies, lay them on the rack, and get on with life…

Oh. BTW. Here is a columbine flower growing next to the new dryer. It merits some attention. Don’t you agree?

We opened the hive at about one month old on July 4, 2009. In some spots comb was completely bridging between the tops of the three central frames. Therefore I broke some comb when pulling out the central frame. Never did see the Queen.

July 4th Picnic Hike With the Pack Goats

Some good friends joined us for an old time down home Independence Day family time. DeAnne, Jeana, July, Jolie and Alan stopped by for a quick lesson on making home made soap. Then we went for a hike, catered by The Black Hills Pack Goats. Then we opened the new Lee'z B'z (www.Leez.Bz) bee hive. July is one quite cool dude. See the next post...

Lee's B'z

One-week old hive. Wish I knew if this looks healthy. Seeking advice. Stay tuned. http://www.lees.bz/ web site is in the works.

More Great Pics of Children on Grandpa's Farm

Vanessa and Patrick's family dropped by for a visit. We inspected the new crop of baby chicks, collected fresh eggs, fed the chickens, gave peanut-treats to the goats, learned how to strap on a goatpacking saddle, and went for a short hike. Overall, a GREAT chance to get acquainted with new friends.

Goats on Parade

The Black Hills Pack Goats and I are hoping to organize South Dakota's first 4-H Packgoat group. In order to recruit young people to join the group, we agreed to enter the annual Central States Fair kickoff parade. The Black Hills Pack Goats made a fine impression. Hundreds of people smiled big, rubbed their chins and uttered things like, "Hmmm....Goats. Who'da thought. COOL!"

We just hope some folks along the parade route will check us out at the County Extension Office. If you are interested, please contact Ms. Tana Clark at 605-394-2188.

For more about the Black Hills Pack Goats, see http://www.blackhillspackgoats.com/.