In about 1955 the old cedar tree that grew north of the homeplace, blew down in a spring storm. This old tree had stood at the north end of the sidewalk that led from the farmhouse to the barnlot. A walkway gate was located at the end of that sidewalk right beside the cedar tree. Just through the gate on the left stood the horsetrough. Well anyhow, pap got out the MALL chainsaw and commenced to workin up the old tree. Figgered we might as well burn it for firewood rather than just waste it in a brush fire. We sure did hate cutt'n up that old tree as it'd been there longer than Id' ever remembered. Finally the job was done, wood all split and stacked so it would dry out before need'n it next winter.

Lots of times we'd use a sledge and wedges to split large tree trunks in order to cut them to stove lengths or even to make fence posts. Hedge was the preferred wood for fenceposts as they wouldn't rot and were redially available in these neck of the woods. Cedar was the next best for posts because they wouldn't rot either. Times sure have changed when it comes to build'n fence. Steel "drive'm yourself" fenceposts are most commonly used now in these parts. The old way of buildin fence has passed and hedgerows are now pushed out with dozers to make a little bit more ground to farm. Time was that those hedgerows were considered a wealth of fenceposts just awaitin until needed. Besides the "inventory" of posts they also made real good cover for game.

Those that hath Christ hath life. Those that hath not Christ hath not life. He's coming back soon--are you ready? Matt.24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), May 15, 2001

Answers

Hi Hoot. I lurk here just about every day but don't post a lot. I always enjoy your posts. I am trying my best to prepare for His coming--changed a lot of things about myself over the last couple of years.

I have some land up in north TX and it's covered with cedar, the kind used for posts and staves and such. I noticed last week when I was there that some of the trees are dying, and I just chalked it up to the terrible heat and drought we've had for the last couple of years. I later found out that some sort of spider mites are killing them. The droughts and heat weakened the trees and a long, wet, cool spring allowed the insect population to explode and they feed on the weakened trees. Sort of nature's way of thinning things out from time to time. Some of the trees are strong and will survive the droughts, heat, and insect attacks, and some won't.

-- HannahMariaHolly (hannahholly@hotmail.com), May 15, 2001.

Hoot, your point would be...?

-- Fred M (fmaniac@post.net), May 16, 2001.

Hoot;

I rarely post here anymore but tend to check in everyday to see if you have posted anything new. Whenever I read your post it takes me down memory lane. It's nice to read something that will just make you smile.

Thanks for reminding us of a simplier time that is fading fast.

Jim Tanner

-- Jim T (Tanner_jim@hotmail.com), May 16, 2001.

Jim! Thanks for the response. While readin it I was reminded of some more of those old times we all enjoy re-livin so often. One farm in particular, had those big tall maple trees in their front yard that shaded most of that front yard. When we'd go visit'n in the summertime that's where we always headed. Pull up a chair and set a spell. Usually it was in the evening unless it was Sunday afternoon. Lots' of visit'n got done there and nobody ended up fightin or even argue'n. Peaceful times then when you also didn't have to worry about your kids runn'n around in the country. Seemed all the perverts were in towns peddlin their wares. Of course that's not quite true but life was a whole lot simpler back then. I think mankind could take a lesson from those old days--"slow down a little and look at what's around you". Good attitude to have as opposed to the "every man for himself" theory of our modern society. Matt.24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), May 16, 2001.

Hoot, the times gone by that you often refer to are the times that many of us homesteaders are still living. We do all our fencing with cedar or locust cut from our woods or hedgerows. We raise all our own meat and don't depend on factory agribusiness. We cut all our own firewood, and walk gently on the planet.

You may think we don't have a meaningful life because our religion is different to your own. On the contrary, we find that our natural based spirituality, our appreciation of natures wonders, and our use of old-time skills is most rewarding. We most certainly have life!

-- David C (fleece@eritter.net), May 16, 2001.

David! I'm very aware of what's goin on in the country. We live as simple as possible but it's impossible to live completely like we did 50 years ago. I was referring to a lifestyle thats gone and try as we may it just can't be brought back even if we are totally self sufficient by growing and raising our own food and make all our other needed products. Clothes, machinery, medacine etc. are necessary items that cannot be done without on most farms. There might be a few exceptions but now very many. The times have changed so much that it's impossible to completely "roll back the clock" to those days when we weren't affected quite as much by what folks were doin around the world unless it was war. Seems that now if somebody gets the sniffles in Japan, China, England or anywhere else, it affects our lives because of the vast investments they have in corporations and businesses, in America, that have a direct effect on our daily lives.

Matthew 24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), May 17, 2001.

Hi David: I'm sure you certainly do have life - here and now. Christians believe that accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour is the one way to accept God's gift of eternal life. In Isaiah chapter 65, verses 17-25 is some very interesting reading for all homesteaders. It tells about the new heavens and a new earth that God will create. I believe this is where all those who accept Christ will live. And it sounds like a great place for homesteading! It says that the people there will not labor in vain or bear children for calamity. It is a great promise to all people who love seeing the fruit of their labors and love the wonders around us that God has created. And as wonderful as this world is; just imagine how cool the new earth will be! All of nature cries out to us that God is King of all and it is only natural to want to share that wonderful news with all those around us - certainly our fellow homesteaders. Hoot, I think you do a wonderful job. Praise the Lord for your ministry. Cynthia

-- Cynthia Speer (farmsteader@gvtel.com), May 22, 2001.