Walnut harvest 2

Nuts are being blow and swept with a 1983 Weis McNair sweeper operated by Suzanne Love.

Last week we talked about the first step in walnut harvest, which is shaking the trees. Next the nuts are swept into rows down the center of the tree rows to prepare for harvesting. The machine that does that is called a sweeper.

There is quite a variety of sweepers available today. Most new ones are diesel powered, self-propelled units with an air conditioned cab. A cab is nice as sweeping walnuts is a dirty job.

Sweepers can also be installed on tractors. The tractor-mounted sweeper has some advantages in that it is less expensive to purchase, as it has no engine. The drawback is that it ties up a tractor and has to be taken on and off each harvest season.

The first real sweepers were small walk-behind machines with a lawnmower engine for power. It produced a narrow sweep of four feet or less. Sweepers today commonly have sweep widths of eight feet or more. The actual sweep is accomplished by either a rotating rubber flight or a reel arrangement. They are actually much like a hay rake, only smaller.

It became apparent early on that a sweeper going around trees leaves a lot of nuts that must be hand raked. And while the original sweepers did not have them, all sweepers today have air blowers to blow the walnuts out of the tree row. As sweeper engines have gotten more powerful over the years, the blowers have also become larger.

In addition to the sweeper, or perhaps because of it, a second key ingredient in getting a good sweeper job is the condition of the surface of the ground. Ground that is flat, level and weed-free is a breeze to sweep and there will hardly be one lost nut. Sweeping in grass and uneven ground is a challenge and even the best of the new sweepers will leave little piles of nuts in all the ruts and holes.

Our sweeper was manufactured in 1983 by the Weis McNair Company of Chico. It has a four-cylinder air-cooled gas engine and makes a seven-foot wide sweep. Unfortunately, it does not have an air-conditioned cab so the operator gets very dirty. The engine has also been overhauled at least twice.

We have a spare sweeper to use in case of a breakdown with the Weis. It is an older, smaller sweeper but can get the job done.

Once the nuts are rowed up we run a stick picker through the rows to get the bigger sticks out that came down when the trees were shook. Our Sept. 28, 2007 blog on Walnut harvest talked about the stick picker.

Walnut harvest 1

A 1979 OMC Shaker operated by Craig Love.

Walnut harvest has begun. In some orchards they started more than a week ago but our first day was Monday.

The first thing to do is to shake the trees. When driving by an orchard soon to be harvested, it certainly looks like a lot of nuts on the ground. Even so, it is still necessary to shake all the trees in order to get most of the nuts.

In the past, say before 1950, most walnut trees were shook by hand. Workers would swat the branches with long bamboo poles. Other workers would climb the trees and attempt to bounce up and down on the limbs to get the nuts to come down.

In those days the orchards were generally smaller, with blocks of different varieties taking up only five or ten acres. Labor was cheap in then, which was a good thing because it took a lot of workers to shake an orchard.

The first mechanical shakers were contraptions that attached to the back of a tractor. They had a long arm (15 or 20 feet) with a hook that would catch a large branch. The power was engaged and the arm rapidly pulled back and forth against the branch, thus shaking down the walnuts.

It actually shook the trees fairly well, if the branches were not too large. But it was time-consuming to have to reposition the tractor for each branch and the hook could do a lot of damage to the branches if not handled just right. Plus, a team of workers were needed to rake the nuts out of the way so the tractor could move without running over them.

About 1965 or so the first self-propelled hydraulic shakers were produced. These were a great improvement over the older systems. They were built on pickup chassis modified to hold the shaker apparatus. They were driven right up to the tree and the limbs were grabbed with a hydraulically-operated clamp.

The shaking was done with a hydraulic motor which moved rotating weights via a long belt. The wheels had rotating sweepers to keep from running over nuts. The first ones were not too effective, but the idea has been continually improved upon since.

The shakers of today bear some similarity to the older ones but are greatly improved. The most striking difference is that the newer shaker models are on three wheels instead of four. This gives them greatly improved maneuverability. And, because labor costs today are so much higher than in the past and technology is comparatively much cheaper than it used to be, every effort is made to automate and reduce labor requirements.

The cabs are air-conditioned and sound insulated with complete stereo systems. The shaker pads are self-lubricating and water cooled so that the operator does not have to get out and grease and change them every 20 minutes or so. It is said that one of the newer air-conditioned shakers is as effective as two of the old ones. There are new models of shakers out now, one of which is called “The Bullet,” that can shake five to seven trees a minute!

Our shaker is a 1979 model, built by OMC Corporation. It has the three-wheel stance instead of the older four-wheel types, and is fully hydraulic. It does not have an air conditioned cab, however, which at least is one less thing to have to repair.

The operator is separated from the engine only by a piece of 3/4-inch plywood. This makes this machine rather loud and hot to run. It has a hydraulic system for the shaking which also runs an older style of wheel sweeps. This shaker works out well for our trees, which are older and very large.

It takes a large farming operation to be able to afford and utilize a new shaker. We can take a little extra time and still be able to use our older shaker.

We will share more about the process of walnut harvest next time.

Adoption

Pictured are some of the brochures available with adoption information.

Adoption for some brings good memories and for others it brings bad memories. Today adoption is handled much differently than in the past. It is a unique experience for each individual birth parent and adoptive family.

There are more choices available along with help to make those choices. Bethany Christian Service is one place that offers that kind of help. We recently learned that they have a new office in Redding.

Bethany Christian Services is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan with locations throughout our nation. Their services are available to birth parents before, during and after delivery and placement. The counseling is free of charge and free from pressure.

Counselors help birth parents explore the options available to them. The move today is toward openness for those who choose adoption. This is where the birth parent and adoptive family stay in contact in some form. It could be from letters and pictures to direct contact either by telephone, e-mail or letter. It could also involve face to face visits.

The birth parents can have the joy of knowing they chose a quality life for their child. They will be able to choose the adoptive family. Also they can also know their child is growing and developing as they continue some form of contact.

The counselors are there to answer all questions as the birth parents explore what is right for them. They help them make a plan they can live with long term. The agency also handles all the legal details and there is no cost to the birth parents.

Birth parents can also meet with others who have chosen adoption for their child. They can ask questions and listen to their experiences. Families that have adopted a child are also available for them to meet with and to answer questions about how they see the process.

If the birth mother is in need of housing during pregnancy there is a home for them to live at. There is one of these homes located in Northern California.

The services provided there are all free and include: counseling, childbirth classes and labor support, referrals for community and education programs, arrangements for prenatal care, assistance in obtaining Medi-Cal coverage, clothing and personal hygiene products, bus passes or transportation assistance.

They can accommodate up to six residents at a time. There is a laundry room and supplies are provided. A telephone is available for local calls. Phone cards are required for long distance calls. They also serve healthy and nutritious foods.

Spiritual needs are also addressed. The ministry is operated and funded by local churches and individuals. Residents and staff attend weekly worship services. If a resident is of a different faith, she is welcome to attend a service of her choice. An in-home Bible study is also available.

Always be informed and make a choice that can be lived with long term.

Brochures that help answer question for birth parents are available at Care Net Pregnancy Center, 127 Main Street, Red Bluff, CA. Their phone number is 530-528-8112. Walk-ins are welcome for free pregnancy tests as well as information on all options available to pregnant women. Appointments are also available.

The Bethany Christian Services local office is at 966 Maraglia Street, Redding, CA. Their phone number is 530-224-7700. Appointments usually can be arranged as early as the day a client calls or the following day at the latest.

Gift boxes

Gift box made from facial tissue box covered with twisted paper ribbon and lined with fabric.

Customizing a gift box to go with a special gift is like giving two gifts in one. It tells the recipient that they are extra special. They are important.

One gift box we like to make is using a facial tissue box. We cover it with twisted paper ribbon and line it with fabric. Any size tissue box can be used but the larger ones are what we use most.

We started making these for fundraisers to raise money for charity groups back in the 1990s. Since then we have made many to add a personal touch to gifts we give. Another version we have seen were done around a paper grocery bag. Also the top can be left off and a handle added.

Here is a list of materials used to make the gift box pictured with this article.

Two boxes the same size plus one extra bottom.

Ten yards of twisted paper ribbon.

About one half yard fabric for the lining.

One yard gathered lace to go around the lid.

One and a half yards of quarter-inch wide ribbon to go around inside edges.

Also a variety of ribbons, silk flowers or other ordainments are used in decorating the box top.

Hot glue gun or craft glue is used to assemble the box.

To cut the right lengths of twisted paper ribbon hold one end and wrap it around the box. First go around all four sides. Cut three to this length. Next go from front top edge, around the bottom and up to the back top edge and add one inch. Cut six this length. Then go from left top side edge, around the bottom and up to the top right plus one inch. Cut three this length.

For the lid cut three that measure the long way plus one inch. Then cut six for the short way plus one inch. The plus one inch is so there is a half inch on each side to fold under. Untwist all cut pieces.

Cut the top off the first box and discard. Weave the paper ribbon pieces starting at the bottom. Then weave in the sides. Glue edges of ribbon over the top edge of the box.

Weave the lid pieces and glue edges to the underside. Glue gathered lace trim just under the edges.

Cut apart the sides, bottom and top of the second box. Discard the top. From a third box cut off the bottom and discard the rest. These pieces are used to line the box and make the lid.

Set aside one bottom to make the top of the lid. The rest of the pieces are laid on the fabric. Cut one piece of fabric for each piece with about one-inch seams on all sides. Wrap the seams to the back of the pieces and glue in place.

Cut one more piece of fabric to lie on the inside bottom of the box and add one inch to each side so the edges will go up the sides when placed in the box. Notch corners of fabric to ease fitting. After bottom piece is placed glue the sides in.

Glue the covered box bottom to the bottom of the lid. Cut a hinge from fabric and sandwich between top and lining and box back and lining.

Decorate the top with ribbons, silk flowers or other desired trims. Finish off inside edges with ribbon if desired.

Every box we make is different. There is no right way or wrong way to decorate a box. We hope this sparks some ideas for many gift boxes to come.

Marriage takes three

Framed copy of “Marriage Takes Three” poem by Perry Tanksley.

Love will keep us together. We will live happily every after. Nothing will separate us. We are soul mates.

These are phrases we hear couples who are about to get married say all the time. So how come over half of marriages end in divorce? Even Christian marriages fair no better.

Christians have a better than average chance at making marriage work. That is if they remember that marriage takes three. This means to let God be a part of their marriage.

There is a poem written by Perry Tanksley titled “Marriage Takes Three,” that says it all. A framed copy was given to us as a gift when we were married. It states:

I once thought marriage took
Just two to make a go.
But now I am convinced
It takes the Lord also.

And not one marriage fails
Where Christ is asked to enter.
As lovers come together
With Jesus at the center.

But marriage seldom thrives
And homes are incomplete
Till He is welcomed there
To help avert defeat.

In homes where Christ is first
It's obvious to see,
Those unions really work,
For marriage still takes Three.

Also, if we remember to love our spouse as God loves us things would go a lot smoother. We would never be too old to hold hands and would never go to sleep angry. When things get tough we would stand firm and face the world together with God’s help.

Our circle of love would include our whole family. We would remember to speak words of appreciation and demonstrate gratitude in thoughtful ways. Best of all we would have the capacity to forgive and forget.

The question would not be did we marry the right person. It would be are we being the right partner.

In the business of life we forget to share our marriage with God. Asking for his guidance and help is a key part of having a strong marriage. There is a simple way to pray together. It includes just two steps and takes longer to explain than to do.

The first thing is to thank God for one thing that you value in your spouse. Some examples are: that they are a good cook, good provider, good with the children or even that they have forgiven you something.

Second ask God for something for your spouse. Examples of this are: to help them have a good day at work, for wisdom in dealing with coworkers, energy to keep up with the children or for good health.

Keeping prayer time with your spouse to these two things avoids many pitfalls. Some partners tend to preach to their spouse while praying. This is a big no no. It is God’s place to work on our spouse’s faults, not ours. Also, if we are listening to God, He will help us focus on and work on our own faults.

Our prayer as a couple to God is: thank you God for helping us through 28 plus years of marriage and please help us be a good example to others who want to have a great marriage.

Building a computer

Inside of custom built computer.

Build our own computer? Are people really allowed to do that? Yes and as a matter of fact building our own computer was an enjoyable way to get a good system at a reasonable price. In truth, there are a lot of ways to get a computer these days. A good computer can be purchased at just about any large retailer, computer shop or online. And the prices we pay keep going down. The same cannot be said for very many things these days. So why did we go to all the trouble to build our own machine?

We found that by building it ourselves, we were in complete control of exactly what components were used. Often mass-produced computers use the cheapest parts they can get. They may have a highly recognizable name, but inside they are usually the lowest common denominator. In building our own we bought parts specific to our needs and could shop for the best bargains on each part.

For instance, if more video processing is needed, such as for video editing or gaming, a more powerful video card can be purchased. Most low cost computers are going to perform average at most things. We found that the end result in building our own was a computer with the performance of a much more expensive model at the price of a low end one.

To start we researched the various types of computer parts available and decide what kind of computer we wanted. Our decision was to make one that had good video processing power, as well as a fast Central Processing Unit speed. There is a huge array of computer parts available, mostly from online retailers.

One of the better sources for information that non-engineers can understand is a web page called My Super PC. It is located at http://www.mysuperpc.com. It is written by a person who has built several computers and has extensive information about various components, prices and the best place to purchase them.

Next we went online to purchase our parts from a well-known retailer. They arrived in about a week well packaged in a huge amount of foam peanuts. Nothing was damaged, so we could begin the fun part – assembly. The first thing to do is to read the enclosed information cards and manuals for the various parts, especially the motherboard. They provide step-by-step directions for putting everything together. It does not require a computer programmer or engineer to do this.

Everything is laid out in the directions and most things just plug together. The one thing that can easily mess up an otherwise good computer assembly is static electricity. Such discharges can run many hundreds of volts and can instantly fry sensitive computer parts such as the motherboard and memory sticks. An anti-static wrist band that connects to the computer frame is a must. They can be purchased at most electronic parts stores.

After assembling the parts and making all the connections, it was time for the first power up. It is always exciting to see what was at first just a disorganized assortment of parts come to life and do something. We then loaded the Operating System. For that we selected Windows XP, which is not the latest but has proven to be a good and stable OS. Next we loaded all the “drivers” necessary for the various hardware components, such as the video card, CD drive, etc. A driver is a small program that the computer runs in order for it to know how to interact with the different parts. There can be quite a few of them, but they are all included on the component manufacturer’s disks.

That is all there is to it! We are now enjoying our custom built computer that does just what we want it to.

The lawn obsession

“The Lawn: A History of an American Obsession” written by Virginia Scott Jenkins.

Many American people are obsessed with their lawns. Homeowners spend billions of dollars not to mention countless hours and energy on their lawns every year. Some so much so that they have riding mowers that they drive back and forth across acres of front lawn.

Author Virginia Scott Jenkins was so curious about these facts that she researched the history of the obsession with lawns and then wrote a book about it titled “The Lawn: A History of an American Obsession.” In her research she went back to before people had lawns. She also found the definition of a lawn has changed over the past 400 years.

In the 16th century the term “lawn” was used to describe an open space or glade in the woods. By the 17th century it was used to refer to a stretch of untilled ground covered with grass. Then in the 18th century it came to mean a portion of a garden covered with grass and kept closely mown.

In the United States in the 1950s “lawn” was redefined as land covered with grass kept closely mown, especially in front of or around a house. Grassy yards today are so familiar and common that many Americans find it difficult to imagine an alternative residential landscape without them. Our yard is an exception to this as we have geese and they ate every blade of grass there was.

The book is divided into two parts. The first is that Americans have adopted the front-lawn aesthetic. The second is on the democratization of the lawn.

In her research Jenkins found that before the Civil War very few Americans had lawns at all. Houses in town were built close to the street with perhaps a small fenced garden. Farm houses had tended to be surrounded by pasture, fields, gardens or just bare ground. Many old paintings or woodcuts produced during that era do in fact illustrate that houses had no lawn.

Domestic front lawns are unique to the United States. People in other countries have only read about lawns in books or seen them when they visit the United States. The closest comparison is in Europe where a lawn may be an element of a formal garden behind the house or in a walled garden.

Jenkins book has a section with pictures, most of which are of advertisements for lawnmowers. The earliest advertisements showed young women pushing the lawnmowers in the hopes they would appeal to male customers. Other advertisement posters were for grass seed, chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Mother Nature was not mentioned.

The first lawn mower was patented in 1869. The industry grew to be a multibillion-dollar venture serving homeowners from coast to coast. Lawns are used to beautify everything from graveyards and factories to highways and parks all the way to the White House.

Today some changes are being made in part due to the amount of water needed to maintain a lawn. Another consideration is more privacy is desired and so more fences are going up making lawn areas less accessible to the general public.

The conclusion seems to be that it is yet to be seen if lawns will become a thing of the past. Either way it is interesting to read about the growth of the idea of a lawn to the industry that makes millions from the effort to maintain them.