Thunder and Lightning April

          

It has been a wet and cold spring in northwestern Pennsylvania and the week after Easter will continue to be rainy, although the temps will be warmer. But I guess we can't complain considering some of the violent storms in other regions, floods in others, and major fires. Although, there have been some fairly strong thunder and lightning storms and days with sudden snows.

But it is frustrating trying to get anything done outside and backyard gardens will be important this year as food prices and gas prices continue to rise. Early crops can be peas, lettuce, potatoes, onions and kale. All healthy foods which can be grown easily out the backdoor.

Try to avoid using pesticides this year; they are deadly to many good, pollinating insects, particularly the honeybees and native bees. Besides, like everything else, the prices for these deadly chemicals are much more than last year. There are safer and just as effective organic solutions.

In the woods, the leeks are growing and in some areas are large enough and can be harvested. I'm thinking potato leek soup sometime this week.

The trout lilies are also growing; snow just doesn't seem to bother them. I've yet to see any Mayapples, Trilliums or Jack-in-the-Pulpits. Nor have the dandelions or bees made an appearance. Although the spring peepers did wake up around April 7th. Needless to say, they haven't been singing much.

Civil War Commemorations Begin

In Pennsylvania the 150^th anniversary of the Civil War began on April 12^th. That date is the 150^th anniversary of the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter. The commemorations will continue for the next four years and there are many different events scheduled throughout the region.

While no battles were fought in this region, there were certainly many who joined in the Union effort. A ride just about anywhere reveals monuments and cemeteries marked with GAR markers on hundreds in graves.

Throughout the region the Underground Railroad was very active. There is scant documentation because participation was an act of Civil Disobedience and illegal. Many Churches were involved in the effort to help slaves escape to freedom usually in Canada.

John Brown was an active participant in Crawford County where he operated a tannery and a farm for just about a decade. There is a museum at the site today. The graves of his first wife and several children also remain on the property today which annually hosts the John Brown Freedom Days celebration.

Marcellus Gas

There was a significant blow out at a well in Bradford. The well was being drilled by Chesapeake Drilling. Fracking waste water has entered a creek and has likely contaminated some of the soil.

Fracking has been a source of several water quality problems in Pennsylvania. An investigation is being conducted.
This is a big problem and needs attention right now.

After the problems happened a Bradford County Commissioner wrote a letter to Gov. Corbett about the situation. It is an informative read.

Pennsylvania, West Virginia and New York, where Marcellus Gas drilling is not allowed, sit on vast quantities of the gas estimated to be in the billions of dollars. The gas could support the energy needs of much of the east coast for a generation or longer.

In many small rural communities the gas has brought much needed jobs and additional income to many. But until some technological advances and better safety practices are in place, getting the gas out of the ground remains a very iffy practices.

Check this out - A Smart Idea, Go Green and Support Local Energy

This product is a real money saver and is environmentally better than using gasoline. One of the founders of this company, Rain Cross Motor Bikes, is a good Facebook friend of mine and a talented musician. He is also a third year college student taking up economics. Check out both sites listed below and if you do get in touch with Michael, let him know you saw it here. Thanks. Pictured is Michael (purple shirt) and his business partner.

http://www.raincrossmotorbikes.com/Raincross_Motor_Bikes/Product_Info.html - click and GO Green

http://listn.to/thatartthou Band - good listening but you might have to be a member of Facebook

Dirt is Dirt - Sometimes

Soil testing is a good idea and can be done at any time of the year. The soil can be tested at any Cooperative Extension Office for a small fee. Or a soil testing kit can be purchased at garden supply stores. The test will determine the soil's Ph and other necessary minerals. It is an option to grow better and more nourishing and abundant food crops and flowers. Even if compost is used, there are many weather related elements which can diminish the soils fertility.

Porcupines

Pennsylvania recently approve an official hunting season for porcupines which lasts from September 1 through March 31. Property owners, however, could always legally shot the animals if they were causing damage, which they do at times. Dogs are often the victims of the quills and generally need to be taken to the vet to get them out.

Not so sure I have ever heard of anyone eating a porcupine not have I ever seen one mounted on someone's living room wall. The Game Commission has no idea on the exact number of porcupines so it seems rather odd a season would be created. 

Good Blogs to Read

Corning NY Step by Step 

Urban Veggie Garden

Pro Publica

Penn Future