The breezes at dawn
“The breezes at dawn have secrets to tell you
Don’t go back to sleep!
You must ask for what you really want.
Don’t go back to sleep!
People are going back and forth
across the doorsill where the two worlds touch,
The door is round and open
Don’t go back to sleep!”
― Rumi
Golden daze
Such fun today, when out in the dawn. The cattle from the adjacent paddock spied me from a distance and strode over to make their greetings in the misty golden dawn. I took so many pictures, it was difficult to select the ones to use…..but Fred and I hope you enjoy what you see here 
I did try to load more images, but there’s so much trouble getting internet to work, supposedly because of cosmic disturbances, and in the end I gave up. Sorry I can’t comment on other’s work atm either. Let’s hope things settle down again very soon.
She’s apples!
Last month, as part of a Limestone Coast Slow Food Weekend, I partook in an Orchard Walk at Kalangadoo Organic Apple Orchard. I had been purchasing their apples from the Kalangadoo Country Market, and it was a wonderful opportunity to see where and how, the delicious fruit was grown.
Here we are gathered for the start of the tour, with Michele pointing the way…..to her husband Chris, in the orchard.
I won’t go into too much detail here, but Chris explained about how apple trees are grafted onto rootstock – no, they are not all grown by seed. The graft is the knobbly bit on the trunk between the ground and the branches.
In line with their philosophy of local and seasonal, they do not use cold storage for any fruit, but spread the harvest using a range of different varieties of apples from early to late season. Surplus fruit is dried, juiced or turned into Cider Vinegar.
These are the drying racks. After much experimentation, and trials, no fruit is treated in any way whatsoever in the drying process. No preservatives, not even lemon juice. And the final product is delicious!
Bio-diversity is all important, and various herbs are grown amongst the apple trees, as an understory. Naturally, the trees are deeply mulched, and surprisingly snails are not a problem. They have found that where-ever herbicides are used, snails, in particular, the dreaded exotic white snail, will increase. Cease use of herbicides, and snails disappear……
I wish the cereal farmers on Yorke Peninsula would take notice of this. They pour thousands of litres of chemicals on their crops each year, to kill – somewhat unsuccessfully – the snails. And humans and livestock eat that food….
Next we trudged across the paddock, to meet the star of the show.
Meet Celeste! She’s a Wessex Saddleback Sow. Wessex Saddleback pigs are listed as ‘critically endangered’ by the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia. The Wessex does well when free range, and produces excellent pork. They are highly suited to small farms, and judging by Celeste, excellent good natured creatures. She makes good use of spoiled apples – although there wasn’t much ‘spoiled’ that I could see with the apples she was eating!
I wasn’t the only one who fell in love with her…
Pigs are extremely intelligent creatures. I raised a pig once, and he was smarter than my goats, who were much smarter than the dogs. He loved to go for trips in my ute too, but that’s another story….
Celeste was due to have another litter of piglets in a few weeks time, and here’s the father. He was sweet too
Back to the orchard. An electronic bird scarer is used periodically, but was turned off for the tour, and run just briefly so we could experience the noise it made. That’s it on the left, attached to the battery, which was solar powered.
By this stage, I was looking longingly at the deliciously ripe fruit, just begging to be picked…..
I think they got the message, because we headed back to the packing sheds. By this stage, many interesting conversations were taking place between visitors. Just as it should be.
Chickens are run in the orchards, as part of the pest management strategy, and what a wonderful life these hens have compared with the pitiful creatures that spend their whole lives in a cage. That practice should be outlawed. Please do not purchase eggs unless they come from certified free range farms.
Also running in the orchard, are geese, and their protector, a Maremma sheepdog.
Finally, let the feasting begin! Each bowl held a different variety of apple, some dating back into last century, and each with a different flavour and texture to the others. All very tasty, and difficult to select a favourite! Young and old consumed the apples and juices with much enjoyment!
Finally, for those of you who use Organic Apple Cider Vinegar for health purposes, this weird looking thing hanging from Michele’s hands, is what is called “The Mother” . It is “The Mother” that makes it so special. I’d known to only purchase the vinegar that had the Mother in it, but had no idea of what it really was. Now I know. I had a tasting of their Cider Vinegar, and it was the nicest I’ve ever tasted! Yes, I drank it straight, well, sipped it slowly more to the point, but I savoured every last drop!
No, I can’t finish without another look at those wonderful gifts of Eve – APPLES!
How can I tempt thee – let me count the ways…..
Fresh…..juiced….dried….baked….cider….. Apples……organic….delicious….delectable…..divine♥
Desolate
Last summer I was driving around the Mid-North of South Australia, and I came across this abandoned farmhouse. Now I see plenty of old ruined farmhouses, some that people walked away from during the droughts of the 1870′s, others more recently left as smaller farms merge into large holdings. But none felt as desolate as this place. The paddocks around it felt bereft of any Spirit - they felt as if all the life-force had been squeezed out by ignorance and greed.
Will we see more sights like this in the future? We will if present farming methods don’t undergo massive changes.
It’s nearly time…
As I do a countdown to Moving Day, I glance back at images of this area taken in earlier times. One of the sights I’m unlikely to see in my new location, is a field of grain. In fact, I’ve chosen my new location on the basis of there not being crops nearby, due to the harmful chemicals used by most farmers theses days. While I’m relieved to get away from the toxins, I will miss the golden paddocks of ripening grain. When I look at this photo, I’m taken back to that very day I spent an hour or more, crouched amongst the grain, keeping an eye out for ants and snakes, while trying to understand my camera enough to capture the image I had in mind. Of course, for me, the learning is an ongoing process – regardless of which camera I use.
War Notes – Victory by Greenpeace
Dear Francis,
Today I was thrilled to hear on the radio, that Greenpeace raided a property and successfully destroyed a crop of genetically-modified wheat at a CSIRO farm in Canberra. Other wheat producers, including Canada and Europe had rejected GM wheat.
“They were not convinced by global biotech companies that it would not contaminate their natural wheat crops and threaten their billion-dollar export markets” said Greenpeace spokesperson Laura Kelly.
As a child, I was told that CSIRO was a wonderful organisation, working for the betterment of the Australian community. Yes, it probably was then, but times have changed. The Government – of all persuasions – kept reducing the funding and CSIRO was forced to seek out partnerships with commercial entities….and so began the downfall….
Now it is the Almighty Dollar that drives their research.
So I thank Greenpeace for taking this action. I thank them for bringing to the notice of the Australian consumer that they are in danger of consuming food that is of dubious safety – in effect, Australian consumers are being used as guinea pigs by the likes of multinational companies such as Monsanto. If you listen to the likes of these companies, you’d believe that we’d all starve to death if we didn’t purchase their products. But the truth is, there are plenty of healthy alternatives to their toxic solutions. Dr Maarten Stapper once worked for CSIRO but was sacked for speaking out against GM wheat. Dr. Stapper is now a farming systems agronomist who’s main focus is helping farmers improve the profitability of their operations by harnessing the power of natural healthy soil processes. Peter Andrews is another who is successful in changing a degraded highly saline property into a fertile drought resistant landscape, and who invented the Natural Sequence Farming Method.
It is so heartening to know there are good people out there fighting the war against greed and corruption.
May your travels treat you well,
Blessings
Annie
NGARRINDJERI Dreaming
Dear Francis,
On my last trip south, I stopped again at the Coorong to breathe the fresh air and take in its incredible energy. It’s the land of the Ngarrindjeri people and thankfully enough have survived the onslaught of the white people to keep the Spirit of the Land alive. Their totem is the Australian Pelican. A magnificent bird that I’m still to photograph to my satisfaction. I can just see this bird walking up to you and behaving just like Mr. Percival in Storm Boy.
It’s now been finalised, I have another place to move to, and will be doing so before the end of this month. While I won’t be on the coast, at least I’ll be much closer and away from toxic farmland. I haven’t given up on my dream of a coastal place, I know it’s still lurking out there, and I’ll be better placed to seek it out. All good things come to those who wait…..
As I wait for your next visit also,
Blessings,
Annie
The War on Milk
War Notes
Dear Francis,
I received disturbing news today, about the continuing war on real milk by Monsanto. Remember the joy of drinking fresh milk, virtually straight from the cow, just as God made it? Sadly, many today have no idea of what real milk tastes like….. nor of the practices that take place in the production of milk. If only more consumers had an idea of the cruelty to the animals, I’m sure they’d make better choices…..wouldn’t they Francis? Sometimes I don’t have the faith in people’s goodness that you have…..Perhaps they need to know the real facts about milk, and instead of being scared of real fresh milk, they would know the dangers of corporate control of the dairy industry and the specific health concerns related to the use of antibiotics and rBGH in the production of milk.
Those who are concerned about food safety and rely on the FDA to guide them, are being deliberately misled - there is nothing independent about the FDA’s decisions! Because farmers have no recourse through access to federal courts as a result of S.510 (another “conspiracy theory” proven to be fact), the FDA is now allowed to act with total impunity. The fact that humans have a basic God-given right to eat the food of their choice does not apply here. Neither does the fact that humans have been eating small farm food and drinking raw milk for virtually all of recorded history.
I’m sorry the news isn’t better Francis, but Daisy and I wait for the time we can give you some more of her milk which is fresh and real and wonderful!
Blessings,
Annie
War Notes
War Notes
Dear Francis,
Just a few days ago, while I was sitting out with Sally, a bird came within a few feet of where I was sitting, and hovered, as it searched for food. I could have almost reached out and touched it but instead sat in rapt admiration of its beauty and power of flight.
While I know you loved all creatures as they loved you, my strongest memory of you, is of the wild birds perched on your outstretched arms. Perhaps this images stays with me because of all creatures, birds symbolise freedom. When there is freedom, there is choice. It is this lack of choice which grieves me much, since the Occupation. The Enemy is insidious, invading silently and stealthily to the extent that it’s impossible to evade their presence. Sadly, those afflicted with Greed, are oblivious to this, and continue with the Enemy’s work believing the False Promises.
There is a ray of hope however, with the formation of an Underground Resistance Movement called the Canary Club. Their meetings are ostensibly to discuss the keeping of these caged birds – a very clever ruse I’m sure you’ll agree! The membership is growing, as more begin to suffer from the effects of the Enemy, and then question why. After all, when there is no clean air left to breathe, what use are the fancy cars and houses?
I miss you and hope your travels bring you this way again.
Blessings,
Annie.
Looks like a Gold strike!
A Eureka Gold strike that is…….another chapter in my article The not-so-golden fleece – shortly after this sheep was shorn and dosed with the organophosphate insecticide it lay suffering and by the following morning, this was the result. At least the poor animal is beyond suffering now…….
(Apologies for the poor quality of the image – but the best I could manage under the circumstances)
Organic wool?
Further to my post on The not-so-golden fleece I’ve found a great article about organic wool on another WordPress blog. Read what the great ladies on O Ecotextiles have to say about it. In fact, read what they have to say on a variety of subjects!
It will provide you with excellent information so you can make more informed choices. Such as their article – What YOU can do . Happy reading!
The not-so-golden fleece
Farming these days is far distant from its origins. Farming used to supply people with food and clothing, farming used to provide nourishment. Now, it’s just another factory – run only to profit the owners. Fresh air in the country? Ha! A thing of the past……
My neighbour commenced shearing yesterday. After the sheep have been shorn, they are squirted with Eureka Gold to control lice. There are a variety of chemicals used for this purpose – all are toxic. Read about them Here Eureka Gold is an Organophosphate. Sheep treatments are very hazardous to the person applying it – read about the worker who was poisoned by Organophosphate Pesticides
Possible Health Effects of Organophosphates
- Runny nose
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Muscle twitching
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Death
Further information on this subject can be found here.
This morning, after a brief encounter walking past the treated sheep the previous day, I suffered from
- shortness of breath
- sweating
- nausea
- muscle twitching
- confusion
- violent headache
Now I need to wear a mask as soon as I step out from the house. Fresh country air? Ha!
Can wool be produced without these extremely hazardous chemicals? YES!
The Organic Trade Association in North America clearly states why organic wool production is important to the long term health of the planet.
Australian farmers also grow organic wool. Read a case study here. Plevna Downs has not only organic wool, but organic beef, lamb and mutton. These are just two examples of farmers who are doing the right thing – earning a living that is not at a huge cost to the people and the planet.
Now, for all the knitters out there, you can purchase fantastic organic wool from this great family company. Look at their range here And yes, they do ship internationally!
So don’t let anyone tell you that producing goods ethically and organically cannot be done.
It can!
Meanwhile, my search for another place to live continues……
Wirrabara Producers Market
As promised in an earlier post, I have more images of the May Wirrabara Producers Market. This community-minded monthly event is where authentic regional produce is available with a real country feel. Third Sunday of the Month.
A range of images of the market can be viewed at my Flickr page - HERE
The township of Wirrabara sits in the Southern Flinders Ranges – an area well worth spending time in, with spectacular gorges, well marked walking trails, abundant wildlife, and slow-paced delightful townships. 
The patterns of farming
Farmers are generally thought of as fairly prosaic people, not given to fancy thoughts of art. Yet, the patchwork patterns of ploughing a paddock give rise to an artscape. Is it Life imitating Art or Art imitating Life?
Dust in the golden hour
The Golden Hour is the first and last hour of sunlight during the day, when the light has a different quality.
I had to do a trip into town to check my mailbox, so timed it to coincide with the golden hour. As it turned out, a local farmer was out in the paddock with the plough, preparing the ground for the next planting season. Hence, the air was full of dust. More precious topsoil blowing away……but I’ll leave that topic for another post. 
Organic, fresh and delicious!
While I grow some of my own food, on this property I am not able to provide for all of my needs and I like nothing more than getting a box of certified organic produce from O’Reilly’s Orchard at Wirrabara. I first met Jackie many years ago when I purchased a milking goat from her. Later I moved away from the region, she also moved, and now many years later we’ve reconnected. Life can be like that, moving in circles….
Yesterday I managed to remember to take a photo of my box of goodies, albeit minus some plums I couldn’t resist scoffing into first! There are onions and carrots hiding underneath the broccoli. Beats supermarket food hands down!
If you’re ever in the Southern Flinders Ranges, call in at the Farm for fabulously fresh food, and you can even advance book a tour of the property and a Hosted Meal. It will be memorable.
Look what the emu oil did to my hair!
Time for some fun!
I was out exploring a few months ago, and came across a mob of emus on a farm set up especially for them. Whether in the wild or in captivity, emus are extremely curious birds so it wasn’t long before the birds came over to where I was standing – on the other side of the fence. I like to keep a safe distance from these creatures – one kick from their powerful legs can break a man’s leg and their beaks are at face height – well my face height anyway.
Back in my 20′s I worked for a time on a hobby farm, and there was a pet emu, that often used to ambush me. It was my first experience of dealing with emus, and I have to say I didn’t handle it very well……..give me wild horses in preference any day!
Emu oil is becoming more widely used these days, although Aboriginal people have long known the benefits.
This image can, as with many others I post here, be purchased from my RedBubble site 
as a postcard through to a framed print.
First of the season
This week I picked the first zucchini of the summer from my garden. Always a very satisfying thing to do, harvesting one’s own food especially when it’s been grown without artificial fertilisers and other poisons.
While the area I live in hasn’t been subjected to the floods affecting a great deal of Australia, there has been more rain falling than is usual for summer. This results in germination of weeds in paddocks and farm chemical supply places must be rubbing their hands together with glee, as farmers are out in force spraying very toxic chemicals on their paddocks. Of course, the chemicals don’t all go just on the paddocks but drift with the wind. The volatile chemicals saturate the air at times even when there’s no local paddocks being sprayed. I’ve been told by one farmer that he’s not had a crop off his home grape vine in 3-4 years, because of the chemicals in the air affecting the growth.
It was a beautiful world. Once upon a time.
A hunting we shall go….
Each evening since the wheat was harvested from this paddock, I see at least one fox out hunting for mice in the stubble. I think the mice are a combination of native and feral ones. Of course, the fox is a feral creature in Australia and responsible for a decrease in native species. 
Already, experts are predicting another mouse plague for later in the year, due to an above average harvest. While this paddock will have stock on it later, many cereal farmers these days do not run any livestock at all. Hence, nothing to consume the grain spilled during harvest leading to an increase in mouse numbers. And then they wonder why we have plagues……
Watch your fingers!
Harvest time, the header moving down the paddock, reaping the wheat. Not a place for careless fingers…..
Dust
It’s been a difficult season for the farmers. At first, their hopes were high with good winter rains bringing estimates of a bumper harvest. Then, as the grain was ripening, a threat of plague locusts loomed. But most damaging of all, were the unseasonable summer rains and storms which flattened many crops, and/or downgraded it from prime to stockfeed, resulting in a considerable financial drop. Finally however, many are able to reap the grain, and I’m sure with each truckload sent off to the silo, they breathe a little easier.
Unless of course, they are downwind from the dust……
