You could do this at home with one of those ant colony devices they sell in hobby stores.  Ants love sugar. Soak fools gold in sugar.  This is called Iron Pyrite.  It is fairly easy to aquire. The colony will import the fools gold into their nest as food.  Notice how it is stowed in the nest.      With this knowledge, go to gold country and search for an ant colony.  You do the same training exercise.  Soon enough, the ants learn to find gold along rivers thinking that the color is associated with sugar. They begin gathering flakes of gold and stowing it in their nests.  You return to this nest with your trusty metal detector many months later.  After a few digs you might uncover enough gold to make it interesting.  A new hobby is born.  Goldmining with ants. There are other animals that one could trained much like a dog in the same way. Bait and Switch is what its called.  

     How about a search and rescue moose? With those incredible scent detection nostrils a moose could locate lost hunters carrying a pack and supplies to the distressed.  Horses also have uncanny ability to find lost children.  One just has to trust the animal to search in his own perculiar way.  He could carry water and food, medical supplies and warm clothing to the lost. The horse could be taught to kneel and allow a person to mount  thus performing the rescue entirely on his own.  That's a good boy.

   Birds of prey like the bald eagle could be trained to find the lost and disabled in wilderness areas. Their keen eyesight and ease of flight could aid human rescuers in locating children who have wandered away much more rapidly than the technique used today. One well trained eagle could circle the disabled until the rescue party arrives. Even Golden Eagles could be used. Look to the Saudis for instruction on how to train these birds. They have generations of experience.

The redwoods is where I lived for a few years mining for gold. Roland had given me a gold claim he was saving for his boys. They were not interested in the hard labor required to be successful.

The first thing I did was buy a gold pan and a Stroh ax which is the best Swedish made ax in the world. I applied for Food Stamps. I supplied myself with enough victuals to last for a few weeks. I lashed everything into my packframe.  I caught a ride to Helena where the North Fork of the Trinity River flows down from the Trinity Alps. I staked out my claim according to the rules. I made camp and hoisted my food into the trees.  It was not long before the bears picked up the scent. 

    You think you could overcome hardships that the Universe hands you?  YOU CAN'T  

    Right now, for the last few months, I have been dumpster diving at the local markets.  We used to do this back in those ugly university days at WWSU at Fairhaven College to feed ourselves. We were always amazed at the cheeses and breadstuffs pitched because it had reached the expiration date.  Canned foods and all sorts of fresh produce that had developed small blemishes.  An assortment of packaged noodles, spaghetti and sauces found its way into the green maw of the dumpster.  We were doing this to feed the animals as well as ourselves.  Hard to believe this in the USA.  It happens every night after closing time.   Now they are locking the dumpsters so no more free food for the poor.

  However, they restored my EBT which they should have done sometime ago.  Still waiting for my SSI benefits to reach me.  The bank which this electronic payment runs through, is called co America Bank.  This is the wrong bank to manage Senior issues.  They never answer the phone which means one cannot order a new card easily.  Email is the only way.  Even that falls short with this antiquated system. I will survive in spite of all these setbacks.

    I called SSA and cancelled that weird card in favor of a monthly government check. Live and learn. This bank charges at least 4 dollars each time you pull money from an ATM.  This is the scam. You will spend way more using that card than by cashing a check at Fred Meyers.

     I was able to move from Tijuana to San Ysidro.  I was  camping in abandoned property that I had spotted sometime ago. I was leaving the freeway camping site where I hung my hammock for weeks. The cops ran everyone off from this property then Aurelio insisted I leave his little place. I did instantly.  The Tijuana nightmare was finally over.  All my household wares and computers I stowed with him hoping to return soon. Soon turned into years.

      The night before I left that site by the freeway, a huge lightning storm moved down from the mountains.  All my preparations paid off as the rains drenched everything.  The trees sighed an audible relief as the ground became saturated with life giving water. It was time to go. I had been waiting for my money to arrive that would take me to my new home in Eugene.  I cashed out and made my way to Union Station in San Diego.  Much to my surprise, I was able to buy my ticket and immediately board the train North called the Coastal Starlight Express.  The price was now inflated from the quote I was given previously.  What can go wrong will go wrong.  I was going to be short for the first months rent.  Such is life.   

      The train was made up of 7 Amtrak coaches and a baggage car.  I chose the train because it is more comfortable than the airlines.  The seat converts into a bed.  There is a flip up panel that extends the seat into a semi bed.  However, no one tells you this.  You must explore your surroundings or you will travel uncomfortably.  Your first duty is to explore the train, find the observation deck, locate the bathrooms and meet your neighbors. There is food service. It is very expensive.  You are forced to get used to the inflated prices.

       The better idea is to pack enough food for the 2 day trip.  Make sandwiches and have some fruit ready to eat.  Oranges are good because they enhance your immune system.  Buy plenty of snack foods because your eyes seldom leave the beautiful scenes outside your window. 

       The American diet is failing us. Overweight people seems to be the norm.  It does not need to be that way.  Apply a little thought to improve your diet. 

    The California Coast is incredible.  Each moment brought a pastoral image that calms even the most troubled thoughts.  As the train moves along, the passengers sprawl so be prepared to step over legs and children as you make your way to the dining car for your 3 dollar instant coffee.   

     A train ride entails patience and preparation.  Remember to bring a case of bottled water. They fill the water tanks with city water.  They seldom flush these tanks built in the 50's. Be prepared to endure these matters of uncleanliness. Isolate yourself.  No worries.  You have survived worse than this.  The conductor is your friend.   If you are wealthy, then the Pullman coach might be the better choice since there are showers and bed clothes to wear. Your meals are served by the attendant in the traditional manner with a finger bowl to assist your cleanup. This is expensive though, as you will find out later.  No one is up front about money. You learn as you go.This is a two day trip arriving in Eugene around noon.  It was a shock to be dependent on the friendly people of Eugene. 

       I applied for work the same day I arrived. Making tofu is a skill I developed many years ago.  Unfortunately,  I failed to follow up on this promising job application.  My friends must have sold their Tofu business now thriving under different management.  I could have jumped back on the train but chose to explore Eugene 

     I asked for a place to stay and the older guy said the Eugene Mission.  I hadn't stayed in a mission for many years.  It was getting cold so that decision was an easy one to make. It was made for me.  This was the best of the best place for me, a homeless guy, by choice.

       At first,  they told me to come back the next day.   I was exhausted and thought finding a campsite in the failing light would lead to another terrible night.  In his next breath, he said wait..suddenly there was an open bed.  I was not looking forward to camping in the cold.   I immediately jumped in the shower and hit the rack for a deep sleep... I now know how animals feel that are left out in the cold and rain.

     God was certainly watching over me.  I could have become disillusioned.  Now I get 3 meals a day, a warm bed and shower every day. The Mission provides clean clothes and sturdy footwear if you are not particular about pre-owned clothing.  

      Free medical and dental are part of the program.  You must sign up for Medicare.  It is like joining a family.  It reminded me of the compassion of the Love Family and the Front Door Inn on Queen Anne Hill in one of the quietest neighborhoods in Seattle. This is my favorite home away from no where soon.

      Every night at the Front Door Inn there was impromptu music and singing with as much coffee as you dare imbibe.  I sat next to a World Class gypsy who was showing off some gems he collected in his travels.  He dropped one. I started to look for it but he stopped me.  Leave it for the cleaner to find. Typical thinking of the Love Family.

    I really enjoyed my time with this highly organized and devoted family.  All things have a beginning and an end.  My departure was sudden and without merit. There is so much more to tell.  I understand the Family has disbanded and the leader was injured in an unfortunate attack by criminals that left him severely injured.  These were some of the most beautiful people I had ever met. 

       The only catch at the Eugene Mission is you can't leave the lockdown unit for 2 weeks.   They move you to a little more freedom on the upper level.  The upper level is called R3.  It simply means more freedom to get your life back to normal. The food is cafeteria style and adequate.  This is all donated food from many sources so there is a feeling of abundance.

     My life now was a life of powdered eggs and bagels made the week before.  Wilderness camping in the city has never been this easy.  If I could open a chain of Missions, this would be the model.   It could be a solution for the homelessness in the big cities. A franchise much like McDonalds would be a great solution and a tremendous Christian Ministry.  All this could happen in a few short weeks with good leadership.  All of those churchmen are simply wasting their efforts without meeting the needs of the homeless.  These rescue centers have merit as an educational institution and a training center for building workers into self sufficient and dignified men and women. They ask for nothing, make no demands and allow me the freedom to write in my blog.  Writing is all I ever wanted to do.     I saved a seizure victim from a head first fall and summoned help immediately.  The medics came and transported him to the local ER. He came back the same day with a medication adjustment and a new attitude with gratitude.  There is no reward for a lifesaver.  This should change.

   Eugene Mission is very close to being a mental hospital. However a step down center sounds better.  You meet some strange people who simply make the rounds at these facilities.  Catholic Charities has a similar operation for the homeless of Eugene. Theirs is to provide free food at their pantry points in many west coast cities.

    Since Bush senior emptied the mental hospitals,  there has been no safety net for these folks.  This could be a wonderful solution for the homeless.  A Federal development of unused facilities like abandoned military bases around the nation could be something to be proud of or old hotels could also be turned into housing for young families.  You gotta start somewhere.

     St Vincent de Paul is here as well. Many come for help and safety.  This is like a step down unit for ex prisoners who are released to the streets with just 20 bucks cash.  It is very harsh for these guys.  The adjustment is challenging for anyone.

    How I got caught up in this malstorm is interesting.  I was simply looking for a room to rent and a good part time job.  I was directed here by a potential employer.  It has not been all bad.

    I am trained as a Medical Advocate.  My hospital skills can be useful to these types of facilities. Hopefully, they will put me in a staff position.  I can only accept paid work... my skills are valuable. 

    I am simply waiting for Svetlana to show up in the best possible situation.  She is still a few dollars away.    Hopefully, she can swing a loan for travel.  Maybe a rich patron will lend her frequent flier mileage.

    We are already planning on a family of two children.  I will be older.  I will be able to help her for a few years.  We will travel for a few months just to find our place together.  They keep warning me about the Russian marriage scam.  It does not matter.  I have many international friends who would like to become an American.  Marriage is just one way. 

    I had visited Eugene in the early 70's and remembered the kindness of the town.   Coming back to a familiar place brought a feeling of coming home from a war.  America has always been at war.  Sometimes America is at war with itself.   

     I walked into a co-op next to the train station and immediately felt I was among friends.  My doubts evaporated into the bright sunlight beaming down on me.

    It is the first time in many years, I am free of the druggie intimidation so rampant in Tijuana.   Sneaking away is the best way to go.   I have no idea how long this will last.  I am willing to wait.   I have absolutely no regrets. As far as I am concerned,  the Mexican experience was just another bad dream with greedy people looking for the American dollar.  

    The Mission is interesting.  It serves the homeless and downtrodden with all their needs, including housing referrals that really get one back to independence. It starts with a job doing something somewhere. 

    God bless this Christian outreach caring for the poor. I am willing to practice Medical Advocacy,  offering my skills at finding the right doctor to take care of these people.   Can I hire myself?  Might have to.

   This is a regulated life.  Interesting that all these guys think they are essential workers just misplaced by circumstances beyond their control. This is their first opportunity to make a real go of it for the many caught in the grinding poverty of America. To me, this is a vacation from my lifelong vacation.

    To illustrate what it is like at night...My bunk is between a schizo and a crack head ganglander. Both stay up all night either screaming at shadows or talking on the cellphone.  They manage to startle me awake throughout the night.  I complained but nothing is ever done to correct these odd behaviors. Sleepless in Eugene is my fate.           Medication for these guys would improve everyone's experience in this dorm.  Management is failing everyone here especially on the weekend when there is no management. ...catch 22.

    Welcome to scamland and mental illness caused by improper diet.  Has no one correlated this obvious connection?  A very strict diet would correct many human problems.  Take a lesson from Sports and Athletics.  They can take a skinny student and turn him into a sports star in the course of a semester.    As my Nutrition instructor said many times, diet and exercise is the way to perfect health.

   Eugene is full of old growth trees of many varieties.  The Fall is a wonderful and a very colorful experience.  The trees were planted by intelligent people at the turn of the century.  Even the shrubs show color at various times of the year.   

    The houses are colorful as well.  There are many artistic murals to admire.  This is a very subtle art colony making a statement in the form of housing. At every turn and encounter there is something that catches the eye.  Today I noticed a bamboo grove just a few steps beyond my normal path to the market.  The stillness of these groves inspire the poet.

     Christmas at the Mission was enjoyable with small gifts of socks and sweets, cards from children who sympathize with the homeless whom this Christian Mission serves in a most respectable way.  

It seems that opening similar places in big cities would go a long way to relieving the crisis of housing for the sick and infirm that will befall all of us at some point in our lives.  Better to have a place to go where one can feel welcomed,  fed and clothed.  

    A bunkhouse is for those cowboys who have been riding the range looking for comfort and shelter from the storms of life that sweep through humanity on a periodic basis.

   Some men join the military only to find themselves without a future. Here there is a very good chance of getting an apt and a job paying 13 hour.   

The Rose Garden is but a few miles away. It has been my experience that these immense gardens start blooming in May.

Saturday seems to bring out the homeless looking for that last quarter from the workers who have Saturday off.

We are already into March madness here. There has been a massive turnover of guests caught doing wrong.  They are forced to leave immediately without so much as a goodbye.  

I do not care one little bit since we are moving into an early Spring. 

     I am more concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Putzski better known as Putin has got to be the worst leader ever to appear on the world stage. When he is captured he will be tried along with the generals and inner circle of oligarchs who selfishly insist that Ukraine is Russian.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  

    Already the Hague is preparing a summons.  I just hope the French are able to shoot his ass out of the skies and save a few lives.  He has become a pariah and will be dealt with as such.

    Today is the first day of Spring.  March 22 turned up cloudy and cold with absolutely no rain. This is a rare Spring....the trees and shrubs are blooming away with their mystical purples and oranges.  The daffodils have been pushing their way into the hearts of little girls for weeks now.  I will stroll over to the Rose Garden nearby soon to take a few pictures and smell the Williamette River again. The joys of Eugene just got richer.

 Many students, musicians, artists and other slightly desperate people find their way to the orchards for the few months of labor tending the apples.  This starts in  May with the thinning of the clusters of green apples so that just two or three are allowed to develop unhindered.

   If you are fast and dedicated, the farmer might keep you for the next process called propping.   The limbs get so heavy that the orchardist must support the limbs with sticks of old apple limbs specially harvested for this purpose.The rest of the summer is spent irrigrating and driving fertilizer sticks around the roots.  One disturbing thing is the amount of poison these farmers put out to control the rats that come at night.  This is a waste of money designed by the Monsanto people to make money. The tactic is selling by fear.  I often thought this to be counterproductive since these critters are easily trapped in a system called Have a Hart box traps. This is how gypsies help the farmer. Their gift is rodent control.  The gypsy has ferrets that are all muscle and slender enough to enter the rats lair and ferret the rats out of the orchard.  The ferret is a ferocious little critter.  Yet it becomes docile around its handler.  Ferrets are especially good around barns and corn bins.  In just one night, this soldier will clear the premises of the rat problem. There a few types of ferrets like the black footed ferret and soats which are a smaller variety and much less aggressive.  These critters make excellent pets that will guard your children with their lives. The other way is with big cats easily trained to hunt at night.   These cats can be had for free at the local humane center.   The deer are simply part of the ecosystem and help fertilize the trees.  The human scavengers are easily controlled and should be allowed to use the ground fruit for food.  These folks are probably useful as workers and hardly a significant factor in the bottom line.

   These ideas would keep the orchards flourishing and healthy with a better, safer product to offer the public. The housewife has the ultimate say on Apples.  The market place rules the orchards.

    All one has to do is show up and start networking to get a placement with an authority from the Employment Center out there in apple country.  Once you get a placement you get housing and a very small stipend for food.  Eating communally helps a great deal.  You work 8 hrs a day then get ready for the next day.  I found Lake Chelan area to be the most hospitable with the nicest growers who are truly concerned for your well being.  You work in a group.  You are given a ladder to carry.  This is systematic work that pays minimum wage.  This is good decent work for the younger guy or girl who needs extra money for school or children.  The work is challenging but you soon become stronger being in the bright sunshine.  I always enjoyed the night time gatherings over the open fires and music, singing and fellowship in the work ethic.  Just go and see for yourself.

     After a few drunken dinners at the Marina we retreated to the free moorage at Keehi Lagoon.  All was ready for departure. Brian took advantage of my advice and visited the Campus library and found detailed charts of Palmyra Atoll.  He xeroxed everything and even blew it up into a giant foldable chart that was essential for making land fall there.                Everything was stowed, the lines coiled and we slipped away before sunrise.   As we heeled over on a starboard tack the portholes began taking in water.  Brian had forgotten to dog down these very important fresh air ports.  Took us most of the morning to put things right again.          The slosh of the massive waves were beginning to affect me.  I climbed on deck to lay down in the shade of the mainsail on the rough surface of the coach house.        I noticed a small speck on the horizon due North.   I continued to observe this speck that was quickly overtaking us. It was becoming clear we were on a collision course with a US Navy sub. 

      I pointed this out to Brian.  He immediately uncovered the engine and tried to start it.  Nothing.  I suggested it could be electrical.  We jiggled the terminals.  Suddenly the engine roared to life.

   We began motoring out of harms way just in the nick of time. The skipper of the sub looked startled as he stormed by us within hailing distance.  His wake almost caused us additional issues.  What a scary start to an otherwise tranquil beautiful blue sea voyage.  

Next stop American Samoa.  These islands were the home to the tuna indusry.   Massive amounts of tuna are caught in purse sein nets.  As the nets close the dolphins are trapped as well.  It became my goal to teach as many fishermen the technique of backing down on the net driving the cable underwater giving the dolphins a chance to escape.  

    Soon we were back at sea headed due South over some of the deepest areas of the ocean.  Brian accidentally left the windlass crank at the mailsail.  It eventually wiggled lose and hit the deck on one bounce lept overboard much to our dismay.  It was probably still vibrating as it buried itself in the bottom muck where thousands of ships from centuries past lay resting and decaying.

    When we arrived at Palmyra, Brian decided we should go for a row around the lagoon. I was leaning back taking in some sunshine with my hands on the transom.  Brian calmly mentioned I should pull my hands in.  There was a black tip shark trailing the dingy and was about 6 inches from my fingers.  I jumped as if already bitten.  Welcome to Palmyra Atoll.

   After a few hours onshore, I decided to go for a stroll on the shoreline.  The tiny Fairy Terns were hovering over my head completely fascinated at this new creature on their beach.  These birds had no fear because of their innocence and immense curiosity.   It was a remarkable introduction to the nuances of being the first to be seen by these creatures.

    On my walk,  I brought my face mask hoping for a quick swim to cool off.  I walked to the edge of the shelf of the lagoon.  I put my mask on and thought it better to have a look first.  Glad I did.  In that moment, I saw a bull shark rushing the shelf to greet me. I jumped back startled at the agressive nature of the ocean.  In that glance, I saw huge Buffalo fish schooling around the coral heads.             The colorful reef fish were providing cleaning services.  The wrasses were numerous and equally busy looking for food in this magnificent panorama of deeply intriguing colors that almost lured me to my untimely death.  Danger lurks at every step along the path.

      I continued on around the island.  I eventually came upon the wreckage of a Corsair that had apparently crashed trying to land on the runway.  The US insignia was still visible as a testament to the brave flyers who defended the country.

    Along the beach, were pillboxes that guarded the north shore from the attack which never came. I soon completed my circumnavigation of the island finding many of the legendary coconut crabs that look like tree lobsters.   I was exhausted so I swam out to the ship and soon was fast asleep.

    Everyone was ashore preparing to roast the fish they speared.  I was invited but chose to miss out on this free feed. Glad I did.  The following day, everyone was sick and vomiting from Cigutaria poisoning.  

      The French MD who had arrived that morning was instantly put to work treating this new malady.  It was Brian who shot this huge parrotfish that eats coral which is how the Cigutaria gets inside the fish.  Some say it is a protective adaptation.  I say it is the revenge of the ocean creatures.  It takes three days of drinking clean water to finally rid oneself of the poison.  God intervened on my behalf once again.  The huge resevior provided a fast way to purge these posions.  Unlimited fresh water is a treasure in the vastness of the ocean.  This is what Palmyra Atoll is famous for.  The largest freshwater reservoir in the South Pacific. This was built by the US Navy Seabees many years ago, before the War in the Pacific.  When you study this in detail you come to realize this is a vast desert with few oasis.

This is why Palmyra attracted mariners and the US military during the war years.  They built the huge reservoir that held millions of gallons of fresh rain water that falls daily on these shores. What joy to have fresh showers anytime you wanted.

     There is a huge lagoon near the landing strip full on giant bonehead fish.  These yatchies traveled all the way from Honolulu just to catch these fish, Florida style.  It was not hard.  The fish will go after anything thrown their way. 

       I was interested in the Blue footed Boobies nesting around this huge lagoon.    These nestlings are comical birds who constantly squawk for food from the parent bird.

    There are Red footed Boobies too but they have their own condominiums and keep to themselves.

      The bottom of the lagoon is a soft mush made from the eons and eons of shellfish consumed by these birds.  The salt water dissolves these shells combined with the intense heat from the glorious sun.

      During the heat of the day the black tips cling to the bottom of the anchorage making it safer for a quick dip, a really quick dip, as it turns out.  Most of the yatchies bathe at the foot of the ancient boat ramp the Navy used as a landing strip for water taxis. That gives them at least 10 feet to react to a shark attack.

    Lori went on a diving expedition with the young Frenchmen who came in with a blown mainsail.  They were diving from the inflatable Zodiac that everyone seems to have in the South Pacific.  I was watching through binoculars when each one of them shot out of the water almost in a standing position.  The 18 ft bull shark was circling the tender.   There is less than 3 mm of rubberized canvas separating you from a bloody death. No one wanted to go diving again.   I was getting used to these ocean threats.

   I climbed up to the spreaders to have a look around. I got the bright idea to swan dive.  However, I forgot the first rule of Murphys Law.  What can go wrong will go wrong.

   I should have rocked the boat before making that plunge.  I had the leverage but not the common sense of a turd.  Luckily, I missed the hull by mere inches nearly ending my South Seas adventure as a blood splat on the deck.  When God is protecting you he really is protecting you.

      I got my first haircut from another yatchie who had the skills.  She was recently married to a French sailor.  Man, was she voluptuously beautiful.  Being cared for and touched by a elegant naked Parisian was almost too much for me.   Then I remembered all the sharp tools she had at her disposal.  I calmed down.

   The 6 weeks few by.   The nightly parties ended with the sunsets while the mantas lept from the waters close by.  These creatures are huge.  Seven feet wing tip to wing tip is the normal size.  You only see them at twilight when most sea life comes alive trying to find that last scrap of food before darkness overtakes the ocean. 

   It was getting close to weighing anchor and moving on to American Somoa where Lori and I left the cruise under duress.

    Brian had developed a possessive thing for Lori.  She had spent the night on the French boat.  Brain, in a drunken rage had rowed over in the morning and kidnapped her.

She started blowing her safety whistle which woke up the anchorage.   The skippers were none too happy with Brian.  They told him in no uncertain terms to deliver us to the closest port with an international airport.  This was American Samoa.  Pago Pago was your typical South Sea port .  Tons of sharks greeted us as we stood offshore waiting to be granted entry.

        I was glad this nightmare was over.  The thousand I spent provisioning this nameless ferro hulk would never be recovered. Lori called her folks.  They arranged a ticket back to Minnesota back to her waitressing job somewhere in the Twin Cities.  

    I spent the next few days visiting various towns along the coast.  The little jitney buses were a trip with the artwork and the 47 rearview mirrors all gleaming in the sun.  I made it to The Shark and Turtle village, took a look then headed back to Pago Pago.

      I caught the big iron bird back to Honolulu and continued on to Seattle still dressed for the South Pacific.  I was cold and wet, shivering like a dog when I finally arrived at the Front Door Inn. Ridden hard and put away wet as they say.

    This was the beginning of the most interesting and pleasurable portion of my life. Not only was I welcomed and given a hot meal but a place to sleep, clothes and honest work as a roofer in Seattle.  

     I slept in a comfortable basement. I went to Bible class every morning to interpret the Word according to Love Israel who simply reads it as Love is Real.  After the hell I went through this was so refreshing.  I was charmed by their sincerity.  The kids and the carpentry work by these men was astounding.  They built everything they needed. They were master gardeners as well.

    I soon was transferred to the Ranch in Arlington, home to 360 souls living in Army tents from Army Surplus. This was right up my alley.

     There were barn dances every Saturday night with live  devotional music continuing on until the Sunrise Services on the Lake.

    They served the best coffee in the world.  The Daily Grind was another Bistro they frequented for the finest beans imported from all over the planet.

         These barn dances were meant as a gift of fellowship.  Each member had a specially given name taken from the King James Bible.  All the good ones like Honesty and Goodness as well as Frankness and Integrity were given to the Elders who led different groups of families.   Some were loggers, some were musicians, others were bakers and candlestick makers.  The  skilled were assigned names like plowmen who cared for the string of Belgians horses that were massive but so incredibly gentle.

    We started building better housing like the yurt on a platform. The structures had visclean windows that let in the glorious sunlight. The latticework was built with pop rivets then covered with heavy canvas of white sail cloth.

We eventually built a huge bathouse sauna complex out of the milled cedar we were producing.  What a joy to get a warm sauna after a day of hard work on the ranch.  It finally burned down because of some needless reason.  Cedar readily burns.

       I managed to live with each and every family group.  I was there for two full years before being forced to leave.  The hep was taking a toll.  Everyone now had yellow eyes.

   I left for medical treatment in Bellingham. And subsequently placed in Needhams Nursing Home in Bellingham.   

    After finally overcoming this illness, I decided to see if I could get in University.  I was accepted and began a work/study program which led to a career in Radio Broadcasting.  I was given freedom to design shows.  My specialty was children's radio. The Golden Bear Airshow was immensely popular.  I was invited to Akaska to expand the show there.  Suddenly,  I became a sensation.  Teachers were bringing their 1st graders to see  how radio shows were produced.  I was praised but never got to a salaried position.

I coulda been somebody.   LOL

 Cassava is grown in the poor regions of earth.  It is easily grown and will continue to send out rhizomes even after harvesting.  It is a perennial plant capable of producing a huge harvest if left to flourish in a sunfilled spot with adequate water and fertilizer.  Even rocky areas can be utilized to produce manioc which is its other name. 

It is a fast growing root crop high in iron which makes it an ideal food for women and children since iron is a major component to building blood in the human body.

Cassava also know as manioc is a starchy vegatable that can be cooked in many ways.  The easiest way to cook this vegetable is by soaking it in saltwater overnight then baking it on the coals of an open fire.  Usually the husk gets carbonized but that's alright since carbon absorbs many impurities in the body including heavy metals.  

Once fully roasted and cooled, one then opens it like a potato to remove the long fiberous string at the center of the tuber.  One could add soy sauce or a few drops of hot sauce.  

One can boil the tuber or simply cut it into chunks to be included in stews  which includes meats and vegetables with a broth made from beef cubes.  These are found in every supermarket.

The quality of the iron is a significant inclusion in every diet.

THIS IS A VERY VERSATILE FOOD THAT HAS SUSTAINED PEOPLE THROUGH SOME VERY DIFFICULT TIMES.