Throughout the history of the human species, we have been building with stone. The first stone homes were not much more than piles of rubble. Today, stone buildings can be huge and grand and complex or small and comfortable and simple.
Stone buildings and houses may be the perfect construct for modern attempts at sustainable living and farming. The reasons for this include:
Availability of Building Materials.
Sturdiness and Durability.
Longevity.
Ease of Construction.
Low Construction and Maintenance Costs.
Potential for High Energy Efficiency.
And Many More!
For the next seven days I will cover each of these reasons why you should consider building with stone. Hopefully you will consider constructing your next building with stone.
Blueberries are one of the easiest fruits to freeze. The process is as simple as removing damaged berries and stems, placing them on a large cookie sheet and then putting the whole thing in the freezer. Once they freeze, place them in a sealed bag and leave in the freezer. The natural wax on the outside of the blueberries protects the fruit while frozen. When ready to use, simply thaw, rinse and eat.
Some people switch the process and rinse first, then letting them dry before freezing. Either way is acceptable. It is reported that rinsing before freezing can lessen their lifetime in the freezer. Blueberries only last a few months in my freezer so I really couldn't tell you.
That stated, generally blueberries can last in the freezer for more than six months. Where other fruit can become quite mushy after freezing, the blueberry will still hold its shape pretty well.
Most people preserve blueberries through canning as a jelly, jam, syrup or compote. Here is a great little site with plenty of information on canning and preserving blueberries and many other fruits.
With just a little work, that wonderful summer flavor of fresh blueberries can be enjoyed throughout the year.
OK, the world is going crazy.
I am changing this blog a little. Instead of little, sporadic posts about farming and agriculture and rural life, the focus is changing. The world is going a little crazy with technology and patents and general craziness. Here will be posted the typical articles about farming, agriculture and rural life, as well as commentary and news articles about why the world just might be better if we move a bit more toward an agrarian society.
Tired of technology? Don't take up underwater basket weaving! Move back to the country and farm!!!
Growing up on an old-school Illinois farm, I learned the power and beauty of simplicity and nature. I attended Western Illinois University (WIU in the mid '80s, studying Computer Science. Since the late '80s, after graduating college, I have lived away from nature, off the farm, in cities. For brief times I enjoyed the opportunity of living in small towns (Cresco, Iowa and Bement, Illinois) but these brief respites only served to remind me what was missing in my life. I miss nature. I miss simplicity. I miss the farming life.
Throughout the history of the human species, we have been building with stone. The first stone homes were not much more than piles of rubble. Today, stone buildings can be huge and grand and complex or small and comfortable and simple.
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