bought a couple more properties?

 I thought I was done buying property but I ended up with two more! One was needed for an access point to get to an orchard that is tough to reach the other is actually a house that I will be rebuilding as a place to live.
  The house is becoming necessary because of the on going issue with the train horns and the constant high speed traffic,not too mention that the neighbors are constantly changing and too close.The new yard will be 170 by 180 and connects to an orchard of that same size.
  I also have had enough with the high energy bills and am interested in a more energy efficient home that can sustain off grid living..
  I am so busy with work and the orchards I am interested to see how this house is gonna get built but I am sure it will happen.
 Not much else to report on except the trees are "napping" so its time to boogy

spend spend spend

 It seems I rarely do anything but spend money lately.New tires on truck and car repairs and chainsaw and sprays,but I never seem to find the time to do much work. I did however get the land cleared and some remaining cherry trees planted on the mill street site and notify the buyers of the cottage street site that the deed has arrived and they should get with an attorney to settle the property. It would be a tough spot to grow anything and they dont gnat trees in there so now it will go to them.
 I will probably check into purchasing a lot or two to replace the one I sold and then concentrating monies on finalizing the signs and web site for the entire program.I also have some areas that will need trees in the spring to finish filling in and I need to start leaning towards expansion planing for future projects using money solely generated by the program so I can relieve financial stress in my own home.
 I still need to get a tree carver in here to do some work so I am busy behind the scenes.

some pics

 This is the winter wheat variety I planted in the flood plains, it is up about 2 inches and seems to be doing well!

This is the new trailer under renovation, it has been painted and has new tires,. It will get a bottom and removable sides for mulching and the carrying of the mower(it does tilt).
   I  have been so busy I havent been able to keep up with the whole program,I will try harder to delegate my responsibilities!

no barley

 So I tried like heck to get winter barley and couldnt find the variety that I wanted or would fit my needs and I compromised with winter wheat. The winter wheat will be ready for harvest and the buck wheat will be planted in its place. I will also be planting some soy beans this year as well as corn to try to get a return on investment for newly planted properties so I can grow the program.
  I have ordered dormant spray for the fruit trees and it should be here in a week or so.
 I have been so busy with work and getting the crops in that I have been too busy too post. I will be putting up some pictures of my progress soon.

hulless winter barley

 So I have spent countless hours researching what type of hulless winter barley too plant and it has not been easy.It seems hulless winter barley itself is currently under the research thumb of most ag colleges so that is where I have directed my search.Virginia seems to be the most logical choice because of the data they have posted online which I encourage everyone too read.They have a variety called"dan" that seems to be what I am looking for.It isn't for malting as much as it is for food ,but I would love to get some.I have been trying to contact them or their affiliates to see if I can purchase a little seed and will be trying throughout next week.
  I will try to get a video up that shows the growth and loss of some of the paw paw trees as well as the hazelnuts,but I make no promises for today I am spraying the lots for broadleaved weeds either on the perimeter or throughout depending on the barley and wheat program determined for each lot.

WATER!!!!!

 For over 35 days I have been battling the drought again this year. It is uncharted territory to have a drought 2 years in a row that I am aware of.I have lost several pear trees this year and have spent much time watering but even more time wondering why this is happening.Its hard to keep motivated when the uncontrollable weather is seemingly against you.I am happy to report however that we finally had a little bit of rain today and the temps have fallen off a little.The forecast for the week shows more rain is on the way. It is very late in the year now too plant the buckwheat so I have decided to try and get some hulless winter barley to drill in between the trees for a winter ground building cover crop that will be replaced by the buckwheat in very late spring 2014.I still need to line up a person to drill the crop in as well as get the seed ordered,the local soil and water has a drill for rent at 15 dollars an acre but I need a 50 hp tractor with hydraulics.
  I have also noticed that where I sprayed the ditches with weed killer,it seems to have promoted weeds too grow.I believe I may have found a solution to this problem using a new chemical to kill weeds but not grass,but I am unsure if it kills buckwheat or barley.I will be experimenting,but for now I just got to kill the weeds so at least the grass can take back the area and help with stabilization of the soil.

The mowing should soon slow down

 After making contact with some organic driven persons about the health of the fruit trees a plan has been put into motion.I will be planting winter wheat or barley with in the fall and buck wheat in or around July.I cannot list all the benefits of this soil building cover crop program simply because I have no time and the list is long.
  I must continue to work nonstop as I have now included a deep root fertilizing program to give the trees a boost going into winter.I also have tree guards to install on fruit trees and remove from walnut trees.
  I am happy to report that with some help from my friend Wilson ,I was able to share in the purchase of a sprayer in which I will be fully buying when I get some money.The sprayer is the bombdiggity.I have the study books for my spray licenses and will hope to get on that asap.I wish they had it on audio so I could listen to it at work while I paint.I absorb more information by hearing it and performing another task than I do adsorbing it through reading.I suppose this is why I was never so interested in school.
Bulk Mycorrhizal Fungi Supplier
 How to Grow Buckwheat - Organic Gardening - MOTHER EARTH NEWS
 Information about cover crops catalog extras
 The Secret Life of Bees | Science & Nature | Smithsonian Magazine

Native Seed Certification | MCIA | Upper Midwest

It seems all I do is mow

  I work all day and then come home and mow every day.I hardly have time to enjoy what I have.
  I am starting to see a lot more fruit this year on the apples and pears but I am  also seeing a large amount of randomly dead branches on some trees.Its as if one side of the tree dies out.I have sprayed for beetles and I have sprayed for blight but It keeps happening.I am starting to think it is from last years drought.I have also fertilized one lot and have notice a huge difference in tree growth so I need to get on to fertilizing the other lots.I did the walnut trees already and some of the hazelnut and paw paw trees.I* am hoping that someday soon I can have more time in the orchards,but for now I will try to take what I can form this and "slow down" to reflect on the process  and why it is taking place.
 I will try to get some pics up..

nothing

 I have nothing to report! I have just been mowing every night and maintaining the land and trees.I have been busy catching up on neglected things and getting equipment in working order.I am having a hard time making money and keeping ahold of it at my current job as I seem to be wearing out my welcome(loosing out on OT).I guess time will tell but I doubt I will be turning down any offers for work.I love painting but do not like how the paint trade is conducted,nor am I all that fond of painters.
   I have faith in the BHCO project and know that while the labor demand has dwindled for now,it may change at any moment.I am excited to report the trees are doing well and the beetles arent nearly as devastating as they were last year.I have a little issue with blight and will try to spray a copper type spray on the one orchard to solve the problem.
  I have decided to sell one property and keep twelve(eleven which are mostly planted). The tree service will be hopefully removing trees from the area soon so that it can be planted with North star cherries on both sides of the creek.
   I still havent sold my equipment  and may actually have an upcoming dig job from the buyer that fell through.Just when I think I had it figured,BAM! I can honestly say "I am the dumbest guy I know" but I can say it with a smile!So I have no desire to expand at the moment and no demanding push in any direction other than to "get collected".It still seems as if a milestone was achieved and not that a goal was missed.I feel better and sleep better with that very feeling.

Like it was planned!

  This morning bright and early a knock on the door from an interested party to purchase the backhoe and then another offer later to trade it for a skid loader.It always seems that an option presents itself at such times.Both thoughts will be entertained as I move forward in the tidying up of the Kewanee BHCO project site.I am unsure if this means I will be done with promoting and expanding BHCO for good or time has run out to complete the project or whatever.I am certain of one thing alone,a milestone has been reached of some significance that will probably only be understood when it is looked back upon.I am nervously excited to see what the future will bring.It seems as if a choice is too be made and soon. I shall rest Saturday and see what becomes of this very day.

and just like that

   The remaining two properties I purchased this year will be placed for sale,one being pretty much sold already.I am certain this will leave questions for many of you and I dont want you to feel alone in this.I too  am a bit surprised at the decision and will certainly be awaiting guidance as the days pass by.There are many loose ends to tie up and still much too do so my work is far from over but a new chapter is too be written.I only know for now that which I still have yet too digest myself.
  The final debts of monies that were gifted to me for use if needed will soon be returned and tidying up will begin.
   I am very happy that I was able to accomplish as much as I did physically and believe that without the help of my friends that this miracle could not have happened the way it has happened.I again am uncertain of the future events that I will be embarking upon but I am certain they will be interesting. I hope to finish the projects that are currently underway while keeping you  informed as things progress and hope you will all join me as the future presents itself for Black Horse Cherry Orchard.
  May God bless what has been created through me and my supporters and may he look upon his creation and be proud.
  It is at this point where I feel compelled to ask you give thanks in prayer for what has been done,not to me but to our Heavenly father.

so I have an on going problem with neighbor

  I have been quietly collecting data on a neighbor that is harassing me,the latest events include spinning tires through my orchard while handing out phrases like you cant prove its me  as well as bending conduit and tree tubes and even throwing wire and now metal into my orchard that normally isnt found until it gets wrapped up in the mower..I have put up what I called the naughty neighbor fence that is quite ugly to prove a point and protect my property.I also added some signs that will be available for viewing on you tube as well as facebook.I have voiced my concerns to the police chief and the city manager as well as some of the council members .I have also  begun the process of dealing with the states attorney and have been interviewing attorneys for a future battle to have this person brought to justice  as it is now evident the damage and harassment will most likely continue as it has been ongoing for nearly one and a half years.I feel the whole thing very unnecessary and do not understand why a 20 foot city buffer isnt enough to keep this person from entering and damaging both mine and city property.I guess we will certainly have the attention of the public as the naughty neighbor fence and signs are quite visible.I again ask persons to kindly get involved by contacting Luke Derue on facebook and asking him politely to stop as well as contact our local city manager,chief of police ,Henry county states attorney and or kewanee city council members to kindly voice concerns . As a human I will tolerate no more bullying from this Luke DeRue or his family.
 I leave you with all of this to digest and will post some things to youtube soon that will allow all the evidence to be viewed by the public.I have nothing to hide as usual .The truth is my greatest weapon and it is how I show the measure of my faith in the Lord.the latest incident involving the neighbors has cost me the use of my left foot for a while due to my frustration getting the best of me and now several days lost wages which I am not without blame as I kicked the slide that was blocking the city alley-way after Luke DeRue drove through my property,this caused the first damage to the foot unleashing a series of unfortunate events that eventually led to the foot being ran over by the new mower causing some more extensive damage.The appendage is currently being repaired and will be quite tender for days if not weeks but it will most certainly be fully functional!

new mower

  So thanks to birkeys in galesburg I got a zero turn for a grat price! I ran over a tree almost instantly and put the thing in the ditch within an hour,no injuries to anything but my sense of humor which was short lived!I was saved by a groundhog whole!
 I have a new found appreciation for what Chad does for me and I will certainly make it right with him at the end of the year.I also have been forced to notice a few upcoming orchard issues that will be the focus of my evenings from now on! I have zero experience with nearly all this stuff,I am only following or doing what I am supposed too, but I am enjoying and learning as I go.
  I have noticed that several trees are leaning and have holes wollowed out nearly exposing the roots so I guess I need to stake them.I have researched a few techniques and have developed a theory of my own that says they should be staked with something malleable so they develop a strong trunk.I believe flexible fiberglass rods should do the trick,now I need to find them and very inexpensively.I will post some pics soon,I need to scoot so I can get 35 minutes or so of r&r before I go into stasis for 7 hours!
  I* have saved a few bucks from working and was hoping to get one of those JD 1025r tractors by trading in everything I have.I have high hopes that I will be getting good info in a few days!If not I  it is not meant to be.
  I have noticed that several of the trees are going to be producing this year as if the Fibonacci scale has presented itself true to is theoretical self.I hope to have enough to maybe even peddle.

made the paper

• - Deeds of conveyance for five Kewanee lots were unanimously approved. The owner, Black Horse Cherry Orchard, will clean the lots and plant cherry trees. 

  Does this mean I get 5 more lots free ! I doubt it ,I am sure it is something to do with the lots I purchased earlier in the year. This was a statement released to the paper by the city council whom voted on the matter.I just dont understand the process and cannot find any info on the basics of how it works.I will try to call the city to be able to understand the process better and offer a thank you for their approval.

Ridyard

  So I am going to make ridyard into a peach orchard that will harbor about 30 or so peach trees.The holes are dug and the trees are ordered along with the other plumb trees to finish off beach street which will hold 60 plus plum trees.I am working some overtime so I hope to get the timing right on this project so that it can be completed over the weekend.
  I have the bolens running strong and am looking for a small trailer to mulch and water with,and before I forget I planted 54 north star cherry trees on vine street last week.I tho9ught the neighborhood was quite positive about the new orchard and I have several folks watching over the place.
  So 90 more trees this weekend and 100 more paw paws will put the total trees in the ground at over a thousand and the new lands put us at 13 lots with over six acres inside city limits.This should or could produce 50 to 100 thousands pounds of fruit each year after the trees are established,maybe.I am not exactly sure because I am tired with so much going on between work and trying to build this BHCO project.I guess time will tell,PS I have many new cameras called cuddle back.They have the best night pics ever and will be placed in all the orchards to monitor activity.

no chestnut trees

  So the chestnut tree has a long way too go before its re introduction into the common market.I spoke with some specialist who say the results are promising but so far we have not gotten the results they need to re introduce the american chestnut.I encourage those with a few dollars to spend to look into helping the cause ,as for me I am back to hybrid walnuts for now.

 I spent the last 5 hours trying to get the bolens painted and ready for the rebuilt starter and newly charged battery.I hope this is the problem and I can finally use the tractor,if not I will have to put the project of getting the bolens running to the side until I have time.
   I sold the other dump truck today to pay for tree and stump removal on the new properties,I also traded a few water tanks to sweeten the deal.Now if I can get back to work as a union painter next week,I can make some money so I can be ready for the next step which I hope is filing for 501c3 status.

I need information

 I am looking for information on chestnut trees that can be logged as well as used for nut production.I have had so little time to research anything about them.I would like it if someone out there would share with me any info they might have.I would be interested in purchasing up to a hundred blight resistant chestnut trees that have timber value for my investment program.

http://www.acf.org/index.php
  This is as far as I got and I dont have a grand to spend on 12 nuts.If I could get nuts,I would use these guys
http://www.growtube.com/products/directseed/
 So if you have time to chase down some chestnut trees for me or cultivate me some for the near future ,Im in.


 Soon I will be laying out some of the new orchards for planting.Blues Jam plums and north star cherries are the next couple hundred trees I am planting.
  I start day shift at alcoa tomorrow so I wonder if the overtime is over.I need to get the new lots planted and then I need to work a lot to get ready for the next step-

fastpitch was a no win

Anthony Holdgrafer

9 hours ago

I was not very well prepared for the fastpitch program today,as a matter of fact I didnt even have time to shave.I had taken the day off to work on the presentation and planted trees instead.I did get a good nights rest however.I need to go back at 1 for the awards ceremony and then its too work at 7 for the 10 hour night shift.I will hopefully have time to post the results or a link too them.

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• Dank Vader likes this.
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  Anthony Holdgrafer I didnt even place!Maybe it was because I was late or maybe because I was ill prepared.I knew if I won it would be by the grace of God because I certainly have no skill.I guess the good Lord wanted to drive that point home.ohh well I wish I could have heard all the winning ideas ,I think I should be able to post a link in the next day or two.

  5 hours ago · Like

   Its funny I was just thinking how this wasnt really a loss ,just that I was unsuccessful. I did get a t shirt and of course a paper along with the opportunity to spread the word.I was proud that one of the judges commented on how original the idea was and that there hadn't been any thing like it that he knew of.Thats the good Lord for ya,handing out original ideas!

A short vid about the division street flood plain

The waterway was dry most of last year most likely because of the drought,as for this year its going strong.I may have spaced the hazelnuts a little wide in this area because I planted them at 5 in the morning and obviously couldn't function half asleep,but they will be fine even if I have to over crowd them by stagger planting in another row at a later date.I have planted 110 Hybrid walnut trees as well as a few hundred paw paws and currently working on a few hundred hazelnut trees(300 paw paw and 200 hazelnut).

my survey skills are getting better

  So I use an ariel map of the property and " right-a-way" numbers from the city(circled in black on this pic) to find the corners of my properties. I dont plant within five to seven feet or more of the line so I dont need exact surveys(some neighbors try to push me into surveys just to be difficult). It always sucks when they are being difficult because its usually a precursor on how they are going to act as neighbors like the guy who tied a mean dog on the property line or turned loose all the rabbits to eat the fruit trees just to be mean. I dont want to get into that subject right now but I have provided some pics to show the tools and just how accurate this method can be.

Just so you know that the "outline or dotted line" is not an exact depiction of the land layout! It is like refraction while looking through water,the satellite favors one side or the other. For example this shows that part of the creek is outside the property when in fact most of it is inside the line.I have had better examples that show that maybe a tree is right o n the line or a corner of someones house,this is confusing to some folks and creates a fight.

However you cannot argue with a tape measure! The flag was placed after the fact but the post was nearly on the money! Now if I am staying 5 plus feet back from this line,I DONT NEED A SURVEY!!!!!Ps  the post is actually inside my property !I will be wotking with this neighbor to increase his lot size just a little to get out of his tree shade line so we are not cutting into his existing trees,I have another property where I own half the persons driveway and that isnt going nearly as smooth( they dont want to purchase a small portion of the land ,they just want me to own it and they keep using it because thats the way it has been for a while.Not gonna happen,I will nto be bullied over this stuff,If I am forced into surveys I will file suit to recover cost from those unwilling to work together.I believe my argument is valid that if I am staying back and you are pushing for the survey,you should share in the cost.I guess we will let a judge decide,or several judges depending on how far I have to push for accountability on all fronts.I will say to those who will be pushing for exact property lines,really. Is it worth all the trouble to fight?I hope you will be more willing to work together  that fight for all our benefits.
 Pss As a Native American and child of God,the illusion of property ownership is a touchy subject,lets borrow the land together.I havent bought anything yet that I thought didnt need my help to be restored,so please take that into consideration before you "tell me what you think"!
  GOOD TIMES!

I know right!

I owe you some pics and vids,I will honor my statement in due time.I have been so busy with planting trees that I havent had much time for anything else.So far I only have a couple hundred planted,and nothing on the newly purchased ground.I am not exactly sure how I am going to pull off this planting season but i will make it happen with a little help from above.I have been planting the genetically superior walnut trees from advanced tree teck and also the paw paw trees.I need to check and see why I havent received the hazelnut trees yet.I dont have much time so I will just say that things are going "ok" but I hope to pick up the pace soon!I dont want to ask for time off work,I need that money to continue,so I need to stop sleeping so much(7 hrs ) or just stop trying to do so much so fast.I have to go my sleep deadline is approaching in 52 minutes.

its a no win

  On paper ,Chad didnt make it onto the city council.I believe that it was a huge win though.I hear persons already talking about how we can bring about change everywhere I go,some evening talking about throwing there hats into the ring for the next election.I am glad that I was able to run for as long as I did and so was Chad,we know now what we need to do to get better recognition.Together we have decided that we need a new approach and we have a plan already to implement that approach for the next election.We will also have time to push some issues on the council so that the public can start to recognize what we are speaking of when we say "change". So thats all on the side of the road now,lets not pull over ,lets keep on trucking..
  So I am off work after only an eight hour shift,I either need to sleep or work in the rain,and the decision is tough.I am certain the flood plains will be soft,but I am certain the trees wont care.I have 90 trees to plant right now and 230 coming tomorrow so I should stop being so tired and pull myself together.Besides I offered some video and pics to get you up to speed on how things are going.

VOTE Kilstrom

  I just wanted to remind everyone that today is the day Chad Kilstrom needs our support.He is the remaining write in candidate for council as I have dropped from the race to make money to further BHCO.Besides that was the object of the race,to bring about change.Write in for change..vote Chad Kilstrom city council!

planting april 6

 I seem too be short a lot of tools for planting this year including time. I was able to plant a few paw paw trees before running out of supplies.I will post some pics and some vid soon.I am back on third shift so I hope to plant for an hour or 2 in the morning if I can stay under 16 hours a day,I can still function OK.I thought I was better prepared this year,but I was so wrong.I must be in for great rewards after this .lol..
   I have had some more inner city deer problems again and will post a video on how we are trying to solve the problem along with some information about why you should be careful feeding wild animals,from what you feed them to encroachment from them.Tree guards should be here tomorrow for the hybrid walnut trees and I should be getting 100 more paw paw and 200 hazel nut for planting around the creeks.

Easter 2013

  So I had some family time and now it is time to really get busy.I have been trying to put the finishing touches on the "fast pitch" paperwork for BHCO as well as combine it with the necessary paperwork to send to Mineral and Galva in hopes to keep their interest.I also took the opportunity to pitch the rescue squad idea in hopes to make a career change.I dont seem to make enough money painting to expand the way I need too with BHCO,also the rescue squad will give me more time to embark on the paper trail.I* also believe to be on the rescue squad will be more rewarding than painting.
  BHCO has purchased 5 more properties bringing the total to 13..I am not sure of the total acres but I will calculate it someday..So the race is on to buy trees and get them in the ground asap without loosing my job or killing trees by not getting them planted fast enough.I will pot the trees that I can and plant the rest directly into the ground..I wish I had more help,but all are either busy or still uninspired..Heck I probably havent asked enough for help-,but thats fine..I have faith.. A little footnote before I get back to work..I will be planting some chestnut trees on a new property,they have a fascinating story of struggle to survive that needs to be addressed by planting some re engineered seedlings(dunlap) in an area that they can outlive my children before harvest.I hope to incorporate them into the BHCO program somehow,maybe the investment program..I will post the addresses and pics of the trees as soon as I have time,with the council election and fastpitch and planting and work and land clearing and..well you get the point..Feel free to offer to help pot some trees this week if you get bored..I would love to put 400 in the ground and in pots..

mineral ill

  I spoke in front of  the Mineral city council(beautiful town) on the 14 of march.I didnt have the laptop cause of the dead batteries and I couldnt find the business cards,but I gave them all the info I could before leaving straight from the meeting to head to work.I gotta say that I am very busy lately and it is going to be tough to get everything done,I actually have 2 presentations to give in front of a group called "fastpitch" on Monday and I havent started yet.I will get off work Monday at about eight in the morning after an 11 hour shift and have to rush home to get ready for the first 2min which is at 920 and the second at 10.I have also bought some more properties and need to get trees ordered because we are not going to have weekends off for a while.I wonder what it is going to be like at planting time,sheesh..
  I know that many of you who read this stuff really do it just to have fuel to bash me,good,whatever it takes to get you off your asses both mentally and physically. For those who do care and understand the battle we are all currently in,I want to take a minute to thank the best supporter I have ever had.My girlfriend  Has been paying all the bills and doing all the cleaning while I put fort the effort for BHCO,I could not do it without her.May God see her as she is,I love you April and thank you.
 

a factory in the future?

  So I am working on a purchase agreement to buy land to put up a small fruit and juice processing facility.It will be all I can do to fund this purchase this year,so its a slow process but I have time.The trees will not be producing for several more years and if I have to build the factory myself,I will need the ti8me so I gotta get started.
   I will be talking to the Mineral city council on Idus marteau to try to get them enrolled into BHCO.(ides of march or the 15th).It will work out great because I am starting a job that will be 8 at night to 8:30 in the morning.Its great that I wont have to rush so much that night because the meeting is at 6:30 pm.I also have the off line web pages to fall back on for a presentation so I really wont be preparing for the event,instead I will continue my one night off from work to prepare stuff for the upcoming week.
  I have high hopes this year will be smooth and even though I shall be working a lot,I will get the investment lots planted and maybe some more areas that are being purchased right now.
 
I want to share a quick prediction on my part that I have had a little mind tickle about,it goes as follows. I have a feeling the new pope will be of mixed ethnicity and will be announced on march 15th.I know its off topic but I do not care about any of that kinda stuff,my conspiratorial mind loves theater.

Trees have been found

  I have been in contact with a nursery that has some cherry tree that are normally found in Canada but also do well in the states.Its a tree that can be formed into a shrub and handles the cold well.It has large ,tasty fruit that is a cross between sweet and tart, that is very productive for its size( aprox 4ft by 4 ft). I am interested in giving them a shot but I am not sure quite where to put them as a shrub or hedge row,I gotta have them though.I believe the name is Carmin Jewel and wish I could find more information on them like chill hours and if they do well in shade,how far can you really cut them back and do they do well in low lined areas? I will keep digging.
   I have also found a couple of heavy producing plums that I hope to try,I will be buying a hundred or so and potting for trans plant throughout the year.They claim heavy production and high sugar content and that is a good mix.They claim a wooden post is needed to support the trees heavy production and needs to be installed at the time of planting,yea more expenses..Please someone buy my tractor/backhoe so I can continue.I will post a link to it on craigslist,,
 http://quincy.craigslist.org/for/3620254409.html

blossom festival

  So I have been looking into purchasing a used event tent to have a small festival that would be ag related.I have sent an e mail to the city manager describing what I can of the situation in hopes for his approval.The whole thing is still in very preliminary stages and it will certainly be awhile to put things together but I hope this year to have a trial and error session and next year to have a better understanding of what it takes.
  I am very sad to report that the Hoopole city council meeting was not on the date they originally told me and it now will interfere with the Mineral date which both will interfere with my new work schedule.I cannot miss work and I have no choice but to look for a spokes person to sit in for me.I guess it s a great job opportunity and let me share it with you.You would need to speak publicly and answer a few questions (offline web pages will be available),the pay would be minimal and eventually you would be certainly dealing with the media.As BHCO grows so would your speaking duties,as we expand so would your territories and you would most likely be asked to represent BHCO to State and Federal persons.I need someone to get on board at ground level to present on march 14 in a very small way.Its a great opportunity to be heavily involved and may lead to a position as a director if I ever get around to 501c3 status.
  Off to see about completing the stump removal on the two remaining investment orchards.There is a tree that needs cut way back and several stumps to grind yet..Monday I go to 2nd shift and today my stepson left for China again and wont return until late Dec of this year,I only mention this to prove that the work never stops for any reason.

pruning DONE

  Thanks to some great help from Josh,the trees are pruned and I learned quite a lot.I hope that Josh will be able to continue to help with BHCO and its ever growing future.Just when you think the worlds youth are not carrying their own weight,you run into someone who gives you great hope.This young man will most certainly be of great value to the agricultural community.
   With all that said,I have sent an email to the mayor of Galva and I have just a few more things to do before I need to get ready for some heavy overtime from the company I will be working for this summer.I hope to purchase a lot of trees this year,and some land to put them on.For now I shall be looking to purchase a few hundred to put into pots that can be transplanted throughout the summer.

Kickstart Kewanee

  Go to facebook to look for and like "kickstart kewanee"! It is the quickest thing I could do to be able to get persons to come together for the betterment of our community.I also have an event listed that I will participate in today(litter pickup that is and has been ongoing by my friend wilson).I have good news as well about the website,although not quite complete a sample is available.
  http://blackhorsecherryorch.wix.com/blackhorsecherry

  I also have quit my most awesome job for a job that is much harder and dirtier,but the hours are about 50 plus a week compared to just 40.I will miss my previous company and the persons whom work in the commercial construction field,they are great people.The industrial field is quite brutal as far as personalities go,but it is something I must endure if I intend to expand BHCO.
 
  I have also put the backhoe for sale on craigs list to help buy the properties I was going to borrow money to get.Feel free to buy it,it runs great and would be great for a school or FFA program because of its ability to be easily worked on when and if it ever needed to be(that tractor is tough).

  Kiesters also did me a solid on brakes for both the dump truck and the pickup.Thanks Guys,I will be keeping my end of the agreement.( I also put a new accelerator pump in the grain truck that wasnt scrapped,it now runs great)

Finally got a J O B

  Whoot,start tomorrow in the quad cities painting something which is super.Just in time too,money is getting harder to come by and I still have lots I need to do that require it.I bought a few gifts for some friends that help me out a lot and gave some to my stepson but I need some to grow BHCO. I try to spread it around when I have it,but my family needs some from time to time,tis my lady paying all the bills so that BHCO can continue.

   lets see,we got some recognition in the Galva paper which I put a pic up,and star courier has put our names on the front page,I guess my one friend opted out of the race.He  filled out the paperwork but he is very disappointed in the city and sees no hope for a future here so he never filed it.He says he will help if he sees some progress and has some great ideas.I will try to follow up on some of them in order to push the projects,I too however do not see why the current council isnt using their resources to do some obvious projects.I will hope Chad gets elected and we can back him up, this would give us more time to work directly on ideas and have Chad be the voice of reason to get them heard.We have been talking about forming into a more stable unit to openly discuss ideas with the public through direct interaction and then coming before the council as a large group to implement change.We hope to do this by starting to hold meetings open to the public and to public opinion, then by getting petitions signed and committees formed to counteract the cities positions as they may arise.In other words we hope to no longer take no for an answer or "just because we said no for an answer" we will be fighting for issue after issue,sometimes we may fight for two or three at a time in order to get some projects shovel ready.I guess it will depend on the amount of man power we can muster up,as well as the pushing of grant writing (which I thought was russ meadleys job? maybe I am wrong but I think we should find out whos job it is)..

a great gift

  My stepson has put together a website for BHCO and is helping me to get BHCO onto kickstarter.This was going to be a gift from Mas and pourhouse,but the boy found it easier to help me if we just broke it down on the spot.After doing so,I realize the amount of gift Mas was ready to give and it was immense.The web site is a huge ordeal and requires so much brainstorming that it was tough just to get through it all from the comfort of my own home.Yes this does mean that the paper work for creation of BHCO is nearly complete,although it will need to be tweaked for each itinerary.

  I hope to get back to the issue of pruning soon,the weather should be breaking.

   I also have updated some more training in hopes to land a job.I wish I was able to get something close to home but it seems to be impossible to find anything at all.So  the good news is I sold a few logs and put some meat in the freezer.
 
Be sure to check out My stepsons webpage americanwudang.com and follow his journey,he shall most certainly become the caretaker of BHCO when I am gone.My hopes are that it will help him reach his goals.I am certain he will make the choice necessary to continue it if something were to happen to me even now.

 I haven't heard back from Galva or the other town I was working on getting into.I was certain it wouldn't have taken this long due to the amount of interest.Maybe I really explained it poorly,it is what it is.I guess it has only been a week,that isn't that long and it was a good eye opener on preparedness.So either way it wasn't a waste of time,I only hope I did not waste theirs because of my confusing presentation.

new facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Horse-Cherry-Orchard/1108163439323365?ref=hl

I can really be a dork

  Spoke in front of the Galva city council in hopes to expand BHCO to that area.I wasnt at my best tonight even when I spoke to the paper.I probably confused more people than I enlightened.I guess the good thing is that we may be able to get together and talk more about what exactly we can do to help each other.These last couple of weeks have really been hard on me,I am so disappointed in myself for my inability to follow the signs that I am flustered.I have been gifting and helping where I can in hopes to get back on track.
  I will also be visiting another community in the area in hopes of expanding BHCO.I shall make a site visit to that area thursday or friday of this week.

waiting on signs

I have some of the signs painted and may try to hand paint the lettering to save money.I may be able to draw out the letters or stencil them to be able to paint them faster by hand than getting them done by somebody else.I will do some checking tomorrow,I cannot seem to get results tonight.There are a total of like 18 signs that need painted and installed(eventually)which ads up quickly (money wise)when you dont have a job..I may be able to supply the labor  and paint the lettering for less than 5 dollars for all the signs, the problem is I have no idea what I am doing.I have been doing some web research and have actually seen a sign painter do his work about 15 years ago on an old work truck I had.I believe I can do it and make it presentable.It will be interesting to say the least,but it is worth a shot..I hope to be able to install signs very soon,and will hopefully be moving forward on the paperwork again..
  See how fast things can change,I guess I will be getting a quote from breedloves on the signs..I have a lot of stuff coming from them already..It sounds like I may be going to work soon to cover these costs.I only walked away from the computer to to do a few things and make a few calls,bam..Change can happen quickly and it is necessary to roll with it in order to make small leaps..

I just cant do it ,with the best of terms

  I cant do it! I cannot put myself into debt for a town that is so unwilling to help.To mortgage everything I have to help a city that has no intention of helping or changing is plain old fashioned stupid. I will be expanding the finished BHCO into surrounding cities instead,this will give others a chance to participate.I know that this is my home now and I gave them an opportunity I will certainly offer to new cities in hopes of more participation.Do not mistake the fact that the program here can fund its own growth by participation in the existing memorial,investment and community sponsored tree programs.Also I will certainly be willing to continue planting trees to private individuals properties for donations as well as offer political and community support in hopes of change.As for putting myself out to feed a people who have no time to hear the mission I was given,too bad the angel investors and sponsors (individual citizens) weren't there.For the few that have participated so far,I thank you and offer you this heart warming goal.If all the trees currently planted in Kewanee are sponsored,enough money will be produced to expand into a city saving ag based program creating all I have previously offered,if not ..You have only what is here and the "ball is in your court"..
  I may do some wet lands work here ,but it will be a much slower process as I will be concentrating my efforts where I have been welcomed..I will most certainly finish up with what I have so far (fighting over bushes with neighbors that are on my land has shown itself to be the last straw as far as property line disputes go).

So where will BHCO expand too first? Actually 2 places come to mind and one has actually offered invites through its citizens which is always a good sign.I shall be traveling to these cities to address the council in  these areas and "tell them" my plans..Yes I want to make it clear.I have no need to ask permission to do Gods work,It is through prayer that I am guided to results.By asking city governments if I can do something I am sworn to do makes no sense to me,besides BHCO works everywhere and when I asked certain authorities permission to plant in the past,I was nearly mislead by false statements regarding issues like zoning and building codes.Thankfully not so much in Kewanee. However it is nice to learn easement issues,have friends inside the cities inner circle and always good to have local law enforcement on board with the program.The police here in Kewanee have been excellent in understanding what I am up against and they have been good about it.I have been amazed by them on many occasions and will certainly support them.

So I guess I am not going to tell you where too first.LOL I may know something by Monday..
 p.s.
   Dump trucks are as follows,one on the mend and one about to be traded for labor..Stump carver has seen the three stumps and heard 2 and a half hours of "my story"to seed his thoughts before I gave him artistic freedom to create whatever he sees  fit.He may also take equipment as payment( bolens and planter).I was able to get some paint from a previous employer in the cities (they wish to be anonymous) and will be painting signs this weekend.All work on the orchards need to be completed as my return to work may be quickly approaching.I have some training to update at the end of the month, and then I have offered myself up for travel during the 2013 paint season to secure expansion funds .I dont have a 100% guarantee on a job,but I believe it will be the case as the quad cities comes back on line.
  I feel I have made the right decision in showing support for my friend Chad Kilstrom for city council as I may not be able to participate except through skype support if I do leave town. I would also like to say my friend Wilson has also filed as a write in candidate to show his support for team Kilstrom.I shall enjoy trying to lead Chad to victory and will promote his campaign by running as long as possible and heading off opposition,I believe Wilson will be doing the same.I will also apply at the city for work in hopes that a future or "now" political position here wont bankrupt me.To work for the city would be a huge pay cut ,nearly 20 dollars an hour less without counting the extra 500 to 1000 a week lost in o.t.
wages.Yes I make good money working,and my body pays for it.But I have a few good years left and my training is all up to date so I can slowly settle for a less paying job as BHCO grows..I have no problem picking up garbage or whatever,these jobs are safer and cleaner than mine,this would give  me time to help my community move into the new world.Who would listen to a garbage man you say? Who listens to a guy whom is on a noble God given mission to help others?  NOBODY .. You see, it doesn't matter the position you hold its the STAND you take. It will always be a battle,yu just have to be willing to fight.

  I will be meeting with stump carver in about an hour about carving three large trees into something very special(need a couple grand,might have this covered by friend),also looking for money too expand BHCO(43,000) and campaign funds(600)to keep things moving..angel investors welcome for the 43 as well as someone to carry a three year note with no penalty for early pay off..also job needed for union painter with a T.W.I.C. who is willing to travel if need be...that just about covers it for the finances..I love how everybody wants somebody to change the town I live in,but nobody seems to be willing to help financially..

  Although I will be running for  council ,I hope my friend Chad Kilstrom is the one who gets in this year.I will be much more help as a committee member ( another friend will also hopefully throw his name in the ring) .I am certain his hopes are the same as mine..If we can all get our voices heard and be able to get Chad elected,we will have something special...AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE.A VOICE..That is why we need the 600 dollars..We will certainly need campaign signs 50=300.. a couple of small ads =150.and some card board and picket type signs to demonstrate to the public a couple of times a week until the election=100.. and misc =50..We have decided between the three of us that we will certainly support each other and all agree that if we had monies we would use it to expand BHCO and not waste it on politics..It is more important to us to DO than to HOPE TOP DO ..Why would we all run then? Think very hard about that question and you will certainly figure it out..

  Tomorrow I will be going to the bank to see if they can help(PNB) but I gotta tell ya If they have nothing to help me expand BHCO,I will most certainly have to travel with work to be able to grow the project..If my own community cannot help,I see no hope for Kewanee or its people,I guess they should be thankful I believe I am doing the Lords work or I would stop helping..I will let the decision be made by the one who Judges on how to determine what is what.For those of you who dont believe In God will certainly not understand any of this ,too bad for you..

  Also Chad and I came up with a good idea about getting some business cards to leave around to help with his election.I think this is another cheap alternative and will allow a more direct message .

lets share

 So I am having a hard time finding a job because the economy is bad for my line of work.So i am sitting on very little money and a nearly completed program to change the world and all I can think about is how if I had 43,000 dollars I could grow to 20 times what I am right now and be done by this time next year. I hate to say it but I believe that it is time to start asking people to give money or loan it interest free of something.!! 11,000 of the money is for fuel and living expenses along with taxes ect on what is already owned..I cannot believe I have gotten little to no help for this important project.I guess I better start looking for help elsewhere..I know if I file for 501c3 I can get more help but the time to move is now!! this means I need pending donations or gifts of cash,heck even sponsored trees would help. So I guess I dont understand the delay.

its going good

I have figured out the signs and even have some of them started.The same goes for tree markers and even the campaign signs are understood.I have to tweak the paperwork a little but I believe that first draft of all of it is complete,I must produce a better draft before my lady will even attempt  consolidating it.I have such a hard time with expressing myself in words,its almost as if I have a touch of ass-burgers(this would also explain my inability to "fit  in").I am so thankful for everything coming together, I will be taking a break from drinking beer for a while so my body can rejuvenate.Besides I dont need all that extra calorie intake without manual labor to burn it  it up.How exciting ,it wont be long now and the web master can have his long awaited information (Mas) and then the filing of the 501c3 status..I dont want to scare it away so I will bow out on this note..
 I went back to the topix forum to see how they(topix) is handling the bullying situation,notta.I havent posted anything but have proven my point..For a few days topix was doing good and now they are back too trash talk so I will have to meet with the states attorney to see what can be done.It is so funny how they post their rules and then dont follow them..Its not freedom of speech, its a disgrace to freedom of speech and the law of accountability.
  PS
welcome to the new age,the golden age