signs

I have been following them since the start,I rely on the synchronicity to confirm I am on the right path,I look forward to the next one or oper"tune"ity ,or sign.But I forget to produce sign's for the orchard,or include them on my "to do" list.

If you live in Kewanee you may have noticed that today I carried a sign in front of New Street.

I still have one tree to plant

I still have one tree to plant in a private yard.It is a potted tree and should be just fine to transplant.I have to pick up rocks on New Street(dig in the water feature) and mulch and seed grass,on Washington the" trunk guards" need to be installed on about one third of the trees as well as grass seeding,and  Red Adams is complete but is lacking the fish and landscaping plants as well as a water fountain(I guess all the orchards need what Red Adams needs as well).
I am certain most of this stuff can wait and continue to wait as I finish construction on our house.I have started to set up an area to create the paperwork for the program,and have been forming an outline which i will first get to my webmaster and then to you the blog watchers.I better get back to construction now,I almost have all  the floor joist replaced.Good Times

Thanksgiving

What a week.I had to take a break from the orchards to remove and rebuild the North wall of our house before the snow comes.I still have a long ways to go to finish but It should be winter ready soon.I mav however be removing the east siding and sheeting and moving a window a couple of feet before putting it all back together.Fun Fun.I will make that determination after this project area is 100% complete.Enough about what I have been doing and back to what needs to be done.

bench security

 Ahh my favorite,the best way to place the rock in position is to shovel this 2 tons by hand.But my friend Zack stopped by while on a job search and lent a hand,cutting the project time in half to just over an hour and a half.

Bam! I should anchor down the benches for a couple of reasons and I need to place the catwalk over the ponds for winter.However it is rainy and because my lady is working overtime,I need to help with the house and Jacobs return.I shall try to blog lots today between all other projects, but no promises will be made.

Red Adams still active

That  "  is rubber roofing scraps for landscaping cloth.A layer of  colorful river rock and a winter cover and that will be all for this year,except I bought some cheap benches and gave them a very quick paint job.I will be spending very little money from here on out as a new opportunity has presented itself.I just got done saying how I was basically finished and hoping to market what I already have,I was premature in many ways.A new opportunity has emerged and construction will surely be soon underway.Not to forget about the new program I have been thinking about for a few years which surfaced during the radio show on WKEI " people to people "I cant find the link but the show was Thursday the 17 th at 10;00.If you find the link please send it to my e-mail.Its funny though I mentioned 3 of the four aspects of the program.

The trip went well

The ride was long(a little over 7 hrs round trip)but not nearly as wet or windy as the last trip.Chad went with this time and we had a good time chatting it up for hours.We took a 12 foot covered trailer and my pickup.

Back to Louisiana,Mo that is

Washington Streets trees were being delayed too long so a new order was placed with Stark Brothers for 38 trees.Even a fig tree called the chicago,plus persimmon fruit trees that will survive here and of course more paw paw trees.But I would have been satisfied with my previous suppliers trees,they have good stuff.I will probably be ordering bare root stock once a year anyway, which is best done by first researching and buying from different suppliers.This ensures variety and price setting.So the only downfall is that better planning is necessary,I can handle that.The sense of urgency is gone,satisfied I guess.Dont get me wrong, I am still very busy.On track but relaxed,all is well.

Paw Paw Trees

These are my Paw Paw trees,they are about three feet tall in 4 by 10 pots.I am currently waiting on answers about planting and care.They may have to be planted in larger pots in the garden over winter,maybe in a makeshift greenhouse.And that is where they are going to end up soon, if I get no response.

Red Adams Water Feature

I know it doesn,t look like much at this stage but it will be beautiful when its complete,some landscape stone and some river rock coupled with a small solar fountain and a couple of benches and a few fish will really bring it together.

New Street Planted

I still need to mulch and most of all pick up rocks(lots of rocks) also the grass seed will wait until spring.Dormant seeding is possible but risky,and grass seed is $90 a bag.

Trees for New Street

 What a garage full of various fruit  bearing trees.

A little security with oak 2 by 4,s so the trees will be ready for planting Saturday and Sunday.This is the last orchard of the year.(except a few Paw Paw patches will be planted when my schedule allows )

I can hardly wait until tomorrow

Lay out the minute the ground is dry enough to walk on ,until then I will work from the sidewalk and get things ready for non stop planting and picking up of rocks that are littering the area after all the earth work.The web page is also " jamming" due to  http://pourhouse.com/ so time to double down again.However this seems to be the last orchard of the year,I may have time to do planting for the general public one last time before winter only with a lot more variety of all types of fruit trees.I may even "line up " some paperwork schedule soon.But I really want to plant these trees which are awesome by the way.

What a journey

 This truck was awesome but super big and fuel hungry at $220 in diesel round trip and $136 rental costs(not bad for 24hrs and 400 miles).Even more awesome Wilson came along for support and friendship.

Unfortunately it rained the whole trip so the few pictures we got were from the truck,and the orchard supply was so overwhelming in size,we loaded and left.But not before I met some good people with big hearts who gave me a pruning book that covers everything and reassurance in my mission.Thank you Stark Brothers and god bless that you are hiring in such a time, I hope too create jobs in any economy through agriculture as well in my area.

Tomorrow we leave a 5:30 am

Wilson and I are headed to Stark Brothers Orchard Supply,I am stoked.Im glad Wilson used a vacation day .I have rented  a truck from the good  folks at Coyle .They do more than rent trucks.I feel blessed to have met them and will be spending some time with them in the future,good people.I am debt free again today after paying the buldozer and  all other pond related bills.This kind of debt free is almost unheard of in today's society,Its because of my lady.She has been supportive so many ways,I am right on schedule with the monies I have invested except I spent most of my unemployment checks as well,thus not helping out at home at all.I seem to have just enough money after this tree purchase to hand out some cash and pay for accounting fees with very little left for an attorney,Im interested to see how it will work out,I may be home schooled in more subjects than I wish.Whatever it takes,Im still in.I will be planting a lot of trees over the next few days then paperwork galore,8 hrs a day plus I will push for extensions if I have too,but I will do what is necessary. After the filings the charity is on its own for a while,I will campaign for funds, but it is what it is.The people will have to provide as well as corporations and private business or it will fail,Yea. I hope this is shocking because then you will see I need your help.Failure is not an option but it is never unexpected ,if you dont see it coming you will be greatly affected.I have already nearly accomplished my goal of planting the orchards.I look forward to our expansion into Iowa and nearby towns.Some more orchards may be planted in Kewanee ,but its now up to the people.Im just psyched about tomorrow  today !

I am ready for my trip

I spent most of the day preparing the land for"layout " on New Street.However I was able to haul a load of dirt from Red Adams to put around the water pond,man do I need those remaining trees for Washington Street.I will be leaving for Louisiana Missouri on Thursday morning at about 5 am.They dont open till 8 so they will be in their routine when I arrive.I called today and added 6 more paw paw trees for the Iowa expansion.It is just the beginning but Its a good one.Paw paw trees are quite unique and suggest you research them,but the best is to talk to people who have them to get the truth.

For some reason I cant get trees

My water feature on Washington street is almost complete and the trees still haven't arrived,as a matter of fact I believe I have frustrated them with phone calls.So I will be going to Louisiana Missouri on Wednesday or Thursday(depending on when its raining ) pulling a 6 by 12 covered trailer to pick up 64 fruit trees and 12 paw paw trees "some for our Iowa expansion" .Its about 4 hours each way,or its a good day.This nursery /orchard supply is huge,I am excited.I wish I didn't have to go it alone.I will take pictures.

buldozer

 What an amazing machine and operator.all tree stumps removed,ditches filled,and land reformed in 5 hours.

How this machine is so big and produces such low ground pressure is a marvel in itself.Yea tire float it across the road with ease.

Water system for New Street

This is the reservoir tank that will be buried as well as use as part of an aquaponic system breeder colony and experimental research arena for native and non native species aquaculture commercial and private production supplier of fry.Or something where we are able to raise fry of species that could be sold or donated to schools or maybe just allowing the school to take part in the program which could grow into something through the vision of our youth who are freshly interested in aquaculture.How exciting the possibilities and even more so what a great task to be given,designing on what we have been so graciously given.

What you are looking at is the native species part of the 2 part system and the ring on the top is a concrete form to serve several necessary functions as well as being river rock beautiful.This pond is 23 inches deep and the" form"is reusable.Ill try to mock up a full pic if I have time.

10-22 overdrive

What a busy day,physically and mentally.Its about time some production has surfaced on my behalf.I get so thinly spread I can hardly accomplish minute task and then in one moment it all comes together in completion to make way for the next step.Today I glimpsed a moment on the horizon which gives me hope.Many folks have started stepping forward with land and opportunity,awesome.I look forward to the future and sometimes forget we have already done so much.Jobs.And soon even more as the fruit poundage will increase so will processing requirements.Bee keepers get ready for a new market next year.I am also looking forward to introducing aquaponics into the orchards(current project connected)sorry I havent been sharing but duty calls.

I have been thinking a lot about rose street

I think I may have an answer,grape vines vineyard style with a land rent agreement from the city for say a dollar a year.Wine grapes could be part of our program.Grapes are easy and I have a way to increase production by planting two separate plants.The top blue line is the guide wire that can be maintained any distance from the ground,rows could be close and this new planting method could prove greater yields!

10-20 so busy

Ive been trying to design water systems,get ready for winter at home,plant trees and rest a scratched eye ball.Its so much all at once that the blog got pushed back. I will try to post again later tonight as I am only home for a short time mid day.Just checking e-mails and putting medicine in my eye.Be patient but keep watching.

10-15 will share tomorrow

10-14 windy and cool

Tomorrow I am volunteering my services to my new neighbor to remove an old shed.And of course widdle a way at the stump on washington,soon that battle will be won.I still think I can get both places finished this year.Good,food is good.Always a market and constantly becoming more expensive.Its time to start thinking fruit processing.If you watch closely Im sure a winery has some equipment for sale or even a dairy,this equipment can be easily converted into juice and wine machinery.If not people get your canning jars ready,I hope to have fruit next year to share.

10-13 rain out finally

I have been neglecting some of my duties in hopes of rain days,I have to use every opportunity to"live" that presents itself.I did however make a few notes on BHCO structuring and met with a charity to "clean up Neponsit".They share our enthusiasm and have made a difference in their comunity,I look forward to a closer relationship as we move forward.I also sold a few trees so all in all not a bad day off .

Just so you know

I fought hard at the council meeting,my mouth was running at full speed.I spoke from the heart and kept it as professional as possible.I was probably too rough on the verdict,and will see it later.I cant help but feel Kewanee just missed a chance to grow,we will have to see how it works out.I will try to post the minutes of the meeting.

10-12 not much seemed to happen today either

It was a rough day today.I seemed to get nothing accomplished on the surface, but I moved forward in smaller steps as duty calls on the home front.I did secure a tractor for leveling and pulling timbers to an easy spot to cut up as well as burned up some brush and widdle at the stump on Washington.Yea I had a hard time understanding what I failed to communicate properly at the meeting all day and I will probably regret it  for <done.I spoke from the cuff, I went a little "long"but I did well.There may be some wiggle room on both sides of the equation.I will just plant more orchards on private land and see what that gets us.I need your help more now than ever.I can accept gifts and pending donations.If not its cool,I have a little money to add to the "pot" thanks to Barbara for her support and the land that started the mission.

10-11 council meeting

Its funny how much time I spent on tonight's outcome,how many persons laid their hands on this project,how hopeful I was and how many folks were involved.It was a no.However it was a victory in that an immense amount of information was gleamed from the council,I feel most are in.I just have to explore different avenues.The hardest part is going to keep my help motivated,I tell them this is a blessing they just don't see it yet.I will not fault in my mission moving towards a cleaner greener way of life.I had set aside some money for the Rose Street project so now I will try to buy or plant another orchard this year,Yea I "aint" gonna be swayed that easily.I will see if I can publish the minutes of the meeting,good comments on both sides,plus a solid rejection of the proposal .Now I can get back to work on New and a new project.good times

10-10 not much

In anticipation for tomorrow I "lined up" a few things but really didnt get much physical work done.Did some cutting on New and cut away at the stump on Washington.I see Bluejay Tree Service left me some wood chips,awesome.I also contacted Willis Orchard and am very interested in what they have to offer as far as fruit trees.There are some exotic species I hope to get that are newer to the market but well tested.Tomorrow is the council meeting,so dont forget.7 o clock.

my apple trees so far(plus a few mystery trees)

10-9 planted on washington

I know its hard to see but 5 of the six rows are started.I will post some pictures of the varieties thus far.I am looking now for peaches,apricots and pickle trees.Ok no pickle trees,the weather just isnt right.Ha

10-8 Waqshington Street

Sorry it got to late to take pictures but I planted  today as Jerry dug a few holes and we got some more dirt as well as leveled it out.Last night I got an e-mail from the city to let me know that Tuesday Oct11 they were going to look at my Rose Street Proposal.I am trying to rally supporters to come to the meeting,without over doing it.We dont want tons of persons to show but we need "close to the cause" support.If you reed this blog I consider you close to the cause.If we get permission on Rose Street,the town is our oyster.Please come to the meeting to be seen,I doubt anyone will need to speak,but the sight of you will have a great impact on their decision(its easy to say no to one,hard to say no to many).

10-7 planting has begun on Washington

I think today constitutes as a day off.I went with Jerry to get dirt(ashes)from Jasons workplace.Four Tonka loads or about 6 to 8 tons.They will be good fertilizer for the trees.I started planting and more important I have the layout plan completed.48 trees total,6 rows of 8trees.Their will be 2 rows of different  kinds of plums,1 row of pares,1row of different types of apples and1row of cherries.Yes the final row shall be reveled later(when it presents itself).Hopefully it will be peaches.

10-6 we have some trees

So I visited the nursery today after my morning meetings and a little chainsaw work.Much was accomplished,I have some fruit trees to plant tomorrow and maybe enough for one full row on the alley side.I hope to pick up some free dirt tomorrow morning and try to secure even more dirt for the future.I need to talk to the city folks about the details,maybe have them make a site visit.Im excited to think what tomorrow holds,Oh yea I am supposed to get some info to the Quad city times,and I see we have a posting on dwyer and michaels web site at twodorks.com.At least it came up when I googled it so give it a try,I will warn you its one of my first attempts to get noticed so it "is what it is".

10-5 New Street burn out!

I spent the entire day burning brush and drinking lots of water.I am still exhausted so thanks Chad for mowing my yard and thanks Wilson for helping load and unload.good night

10-4-good buddy

Ok its not as funny as I envisioned it,But I began preparing for this lame joke days ago when I changed to numbers for dates.How tired I have been from all the tripping over grape vines and crawling over logs,and the bruises.We value our loggers not nearly enough.Two of the stumps remain on Washington Street,both of which have steel embedded in them which ruined a couple of chains at $20 a pop,nice when your on a budget.However Jerry pulled out a couple more stumps on New as well as Washington as well as picked up the wood from both lots that was starting to pile up.I still like the good buddy thing.Tomorrow is a burn day so I better get some sleep.

10-3-11 New Street

Lots of sawing and picking up brush.I did drop a few trees and cut them up but most of the day was spent cleaning up what was already dropped.Im very soar and tired so this post will be short,as a matter of fact ....

10-2-11 New Street

Heavy machinery is the way to go.I know some folks may say its not "green" enough.I don't agree,but acknowledge our shortage of time verses the labor.It would have taken so much man power that the carbon produced by each human combined probably exceeded that of a machine,and if not it should.Building machines is one of the better paying jobs anywhere,well it used to be.If we can make machines,we can make them greener and cleaner which we have been for a long time so lets use our machines wisely and never forget to add the person into the equation,in numbers at that.

did you catch the mission statement

BLACK HORSE CHERRY ORCHARD

moving towards a cleaner/greener way of life

Oct 1 New Street

 What a prosperous day.

One or two more days like this (burn days) and it will be ready to plant the front.I even ran into the man with the dozer.

Plum tree project pitched to City Council

Plum tree project pitched to City Council

Pics of Washinton Street Sept 30

Where Jerry scratched around the stumps and a few donated dirt piles,every little bit helps.

Look at the size of this trees roots,they are bigger in diameter than the tree was,they were also more plentiful than the trees branches!

Friday Sept 30 New Street

Spent 5 hours on the brush piles and wood cutting in preparation for tomorrows burn day.I know it wasn't enough time to do everything but it will have to be good enough.Hopefully volunteers will show and help tomorrow,then we will have progress.

sept 29 Adams,Washington,New

I cleaned up the sidewalk on Adams,Petty mowed the ditches on New,and Jerry dug around the stumps on Washington as I cut roots and hauled brush from the alley.Their just isn't enough time being spent working or I am not working hard enough to quell the sense of urgency I feel to get trees in the ground.So much so I may try to plant the Washington street orchard real soon.With most of the front of New street to follow.I say the front because of the dozer work needed.Also I believe I will work harder and longer until I feel the urgency has passed or I get on the right path again which is sometimes the issue as well.Thank you Lord for all the help and God bless the ones You sent to help.

A thin layer of stump grindings and dirt applied to Red Adams site to protect the fresh grass seed

It took 9 hours with a wheel barrel and a shovel to spread all the lot.A very long and joyous day.

sept 27 New Street

 Awesome I left a few standing but mostly I laid them all over for Saturday, burn day.I am trying to line up volunteers to burn a pile on Saturday.If we can get and keep many piles burning we can "knock out" a lot of the brush.I need to get the front of this place able to be planted within the next 4 weeks.Remember the twenty trees,two thirds of them are here.One third is on Washington Street.

Stop it.Burning produces ashes(if energy can never be destroyed,what hasn't dissipated into the atmosphere is trapped in solid form and should be redistributed into the land).

Sept 26 Close up of cover letter

best pic I can get of the cover page

Sept 26 final draft of Rose Street Plum Project

Sept 26 seeded grass in the rain on Adams

Took the day and fixed some tools(2 sledge and a pic-axe).

I forced them upright to pour a little resin in the tops to get a good seal.

sept 25 I missed a window

If I would have got out there and seeded the Red Adams site and put a very thin layer of stump grindings on it ,I missed the window.However my day was fruit full,recycling and cleaning is time consuming and best if shared with others.It sure feels good to finish a project like my stepsons room(who is coming home for a few weeks this winter,we hope)and to spend time with my lady.Its hard not to try to rush because I get so little time inside the house or not at the orchards.It always amazes me how much can be accomplished in such a short time when people work together or even just work.So much time is spent in front of tv sets its scary.I love my lady,and she wants the same as me enough to say we are good together.Good.We are in a good spot all the way around,but it is a tight spot if we are going to try to plant this year.Im not sure if I may plant an entire diverse orchard to showcase our versatility to future donaters as well as provide instant revenue in all fruit tree "fruit" markets,at least in a small scale.

sept 25 bing

sept 25 black tartarian

sept 25 rainier

sept 25 north star

sept 25 evans bali

What a day sept24

 After a full days work,no wood or brush only stumps and small rake piles.

Our new marker posts and a little bite of the alley was taken today as well.Ok a big bite.I need a bulldozer or money to hire one for 3hrs plus several loads of dirt at $75 each so about $1000 should do it.Help if you can.