[Green] Lessons Learned from Bluebirds - the News of Blue Rock Station

[Jay Warmke]

*July News from Blue Rock Station:*

As I walked back from the barn on the first sunny morning we've had in 
ages, I was in awe of the new bluebird couple that have taken up 
residence in the house Jay made just for them.  It's way past the time 
they should be taking up housekeeping, so I have to think that something 
happened to their former nest, so they've moved in with us. They make 
such a happy sight as they swoop onto the fence posts or the roof of the 
barn.

It all makes me wonder about how much we miss when we don't notice that 
others need us to share our resources. Sometimes that means money, but 
mostly it means offering a hand at a time when things look bleak. The 
blue birds are a good, tiny reminder.  They don't appear to be 
floundering, but because I know how they usually nest, it's clear they 
are doing just that. Today I noticed that they are feeding baby chicks. 
How differently this could have turned out if we hadn't been ready and 
have the to help out.  In the world of humans it can be like that as 
well. Sometimes the needs aren't always obvious, but lending a helping 
hand at just the right time can make a big difference.

The world is full of examples that us humans ought to follow. I try to 
notice the natural world every single day. Some days it teaches me 
things.  Some days it's just pleasant to watch.

Goat Stock is the brain child of some former interns, and it's coming up 
starting July 5^th with an after dark outdoor film. Saturday, July 6^th 
is a potluck with live music, workshops and more. If you've been meaning 
to return for a visit then you're invited to spend the weekend at Blue 
Rock Station. Camp over night, or join us just for Saturday. It's 
potluck, so please bring something to share. RSVP with Annie your 
intentions – annie at bluerockstation.com 
<mailto:annie at bluerockstation.com> or text (740) 252-6295.

You can follow our weekly online sustainability podcast - /When the 
Biomass Hits the Wind Turbine/ (follow us on the BRS website to receive 
a Monday morning podcast update) at www.bluerockstation.com 
<http://www.bluerockstation.com/>. OR send us a note to update us on 
your life, or make comments about the news we're sharing.  We love to 
hear from you.


*Upcoming Workshops at Blue Rock Station:*

Check out some of our other upcoming classes.  Please register early 
because all of our events have limited space.

*July*

  * July 5th-7^th : *Goat Stock at Blue Rock Station:* Friday night is
    outdoor film night, then Saturday is the main event with something
    going on all afternoon, and then karaoke in the evening.
    Registration required.
  * July 15th-19^th : *Solar Installer Certification class* in
    Brookville PA. Register early – still a couple of spots open
  * July 27^th : *Open house tour* at 1 pm to 3 pm.

*August*

  * August 10: *Open house tour* at 1 pm to 3 pm.
  * August 12: *Solar Installer Certification class* in Zane State
    College, Zanesville Ohio. Register soon – almost full (PV install
    after the class).

*September*

  * September 21: *Open house tour* at 1 pm to 3 pm.
  * September 9^th to 13^th : *Solar Installer Certification *class in
    Green Castle Indiana at ETA International Headquarters (PV install
    after the class).

*
*

*The Critters:*

Fifi and Tczarina went to their new home near Glouster this week. Their 
mamas were certainly worried and stressed with the event.  There have 
been other changes within the herd as well.  Grace took over as the new 
Queen of the herd, with Francois and Roberto arguing over her daily, and 
it's not even breeding season yet. It is time to begin thinking about 
health for breeding for the five does and three doelings who will have 
kids this season. I'm beginning to wonder how much longer I will breed 
goats. Perhaps I will just keep a few for hiking and companionship. The 
winter of 2019 was brutal, and kidding season fell on the week of the 
worst most dangerous weather. So many things to think about this year.


*Food, the Heart of Sustainability:*

Gourmet PBJ: Peanut butter and jelly take on a new meaning at our house. 
We toast a hearty bread slice for the beginning of an open faced 
sandwich. Then on goes a heavy coating of peanut or other nut butter. We 
grill thinly sliced bananas sprinkled with cinnamon, and place them on 
next. On top of that are some fried apples with apple butter as the 
sauce. Then comes some heated raspberry jam that acts as a sauce for the 
whole sandwich. To top it off is a thin slice of fresh pear.  Any of the 
ingredients can be substituted with what's on hand... any kind of jam 
will do or just crush up some fresh fruit to make a sauce. This recipe 
will bring lots of oohs and awes at the dinner table.


*Words that Guided:*

Just for today, I will hand write my notes to myself and leave my phone 
or computer for other jobs.


Kindest Regards, Annie

------------------------------------------------------------------------


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These e-mails are sent by Blue Rock Station, 1190 Virginia Ridge, Philo, 
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