There's a controversy cropping up over the new smart meters in cities  all across America

A concerned reader asked us the following question:

Just curious if ya'll have a "smart meter" installed on your house yet? We do here in Claremont and Im worried about it. And if you do what precautionary measures are you doing to block any possible radiation from those meters? Would love to see a post about it. You guys and gals would really help the movement to get rid of these smart meters.

Edison says they emit signals at least once a minute, while videos all over Youtube shows these meter sending signals several times per minute.

In fact, a " ...growing numbers of activists who are protesting against Smart Meters ...  They contend that the radio frequency (RF) Smart Meters emit is harmful to human health. People living with the meters are claiming mild to severe symptoms that are all over the board: Concentration and memory problems, dizziness, tinnitus, heart palpitations, headaches, sleep disruptions, nausea, anxiety and behavioral problems in children." - via Smart Meter Radiation Risk

Our response:

We are not too thrilled at the prospect of smart meters but from what I can tell we (thankfully) got a AMR (aka "Automatic Meter Reading") meter so the city still has to send someone out and "Walk By" to take a reading

But the installation of smart meters may well be on their way in your area.  However, many adverse side affects are being reported, such as ringing in the ears, headaches and even cancer.   See:  Living Nightmare How Smart Meters Led to Health Problems

Here is a list of counties in CA that have made smart meters illegal.

For an in depth look at smart meters and what you can do about it see Stop Smart Meters

We all need to educate ourselves and make sure we know what the dangers are and what our options can be.

What are your concerns, if any, over Smart Meters?

:: Resources ::

Smart Meter Dangers

Say No to Smart Meters!

A lot of people wonder how we manage to do so much, why are we doing this and how did we learn what we have.  They also wonder if it was hard to transition to this lifestyle.  Did we have growing pains and regrets?  Did we miss anything from our past lifestyle?

Well, the truth is, this was always my lifestyle and I have known nothing else.

A little human interest back-story for new readers:

I was born in Hokitika, New Zealand, and lived in Stafford,an abandoned gold-mining town from the former gold rush era,  located outside of town in the "wop-wops."  My parents were greenhorn  homesteaders and were living a life totally alien to them.  We harvested rainwater from the roof for our water supply, had an outhouse, chickens, ducks and goats, no telly, no phone and some electricity.  Our home was heated by a fireplace and we cooked our food on a woodstove and had a very fashionable wringer washer for washing our clothes. We hung our clothes out to dry. We butchered our own meat and chickens. Our water in our home was heated by the green woodstove from Ireland but there was also an outside fireplace in one of the outbuildings  that had a huge copper pot that sat inside it  where  my mother could heat up hot water for bathing or doing laundry.   At one time my mother had to do the laundry out by the creek nearby, pounding the clothes on the rocks. Our entertainment was listening to a huge 1930-ish radio at night. My dad was a beekeeper and we only went into town once a week for supplies.  We had one neighbor, an elderly woman, so the total population in Stafford was 4, 3 of which were Dervaeses.  I had the distinction of being the youngest born in the town in 100 years.  So, it wasn't I who had to change much but my parents, and that was another story.  New country, new culture, new lifestyle, far from home...you get the picture.

My siblings were born in Florida on 10 acres where we continued our modern homesteading experience. Though not as isolated physically as we were in New Zealand, our family still "broke new ground"  in many ways.  There were the home-births of my siblings I assisted with and home-schooling for our education to add to our already nontraditional lifestyle. We relied on our faith for our healing and health and continued our homesteading ways.  There are so many memories om our road less traveled, some inspiring, many humorous, but also some heartbreaking.

As the story goes, we came to Pasadena in 1984 to start over once again with dad enrolled in a theological school. We bought our present home which was in dire need of repair.  Our extended family could only scratch their heads, wondering where this would all lead.  Now living in the city  in a neighborhood in Pasadena and dad attending a theological school made us appear to be traditional, but we kept our homesteading ways.  We thought we were only going to be in the city for a few short years.  But here we are, 27 years later. I think the hardest part we always had to deal with is explaining our choices to our family and friends.  As for the lifestyle, as I said, it is the only thing I have ever known and, so , I didn't understand why I had to explain at all.

For many years, people often viewed our lifestyle as "upside down" or "backwards." We kept taking steps back wards while  everyone was trying to go forward - progress.  But, as time has shown, we were really only turning things "right side up" where they should have been all along.

Readers, what are your homesteading plans, hopes, plans and dreams for the new year, care to share?

:: Resources ::

Homestead Timeline

Award winning short film HOMEGROWN REVOLUTION

YouTube

Home Sweet Homestead

“I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.”
― Laura Ingalls Wilder

I saw a piece on NBC who lives well on less than $20,000 (which is pretty close to what we get from living off our land and the produce sales) and it reminded me of our family and little house here in the city.

When you step into our 1917 home, folks often comment how nicely decorated and homey it is.   Sis and I like to proudly tell them that practically nothing was purchased new. Yep, that's right, most of the furniture and such were given to us, purchased second-hand or picked up free from the side of the road.

Prompted by the news piece,  I thought it be an opportune time to give you a little tour of the house highlighting re-purposed, recycled and reused items that make our house a home.

Note: Sorry for the watermarks -- these are NOT OUR PHOTOS but are by an independent photographer, so I had to make sure they didn't get used anywhere else.

Second hand cabinet, old 18 year old gas stove our grandma purchased for us, baskets and other knick knacks all second hand

Energy efficient fridge (purchased new 10 years ago with rebate)

Handcarved leather art made by the guys, inherited antique whatnot and trinkets, neighbor's discarded tea tray, inherited china cabinet and working butter churn from salvage shop

Bedsheet curtains, salvaged pillows with new covers sewn, neighbor's discarded vintage chest, table and chairs found at salvage shop and plates that were being dumped because they weren't a full set. Second hand rug from my grandmother.

Second hand chair, hand knitted throws, clock from the old homestead in New Zealand, Jotul wood stove (the only heat source for the home) Collection of National Geographics given to us by a friend Old chest from the homestead in New Zealand.. The TV is a tad bit out of place but it was the only one that was ENERGY STAR rated.

Vintage chest from dad's old homestead in New Zealand, hand made leather basket by the guys, second-hand sofas with slipcover, oil lamp, and second bedsheets & hand lace valance reworked into curtain.

Oil lamp, second hand lace valance reworked into curtain, second hand sofa, handmade leather vase by they guys, hand knitted afghan on second-hand chair, homeschool educational books, hand knitted throw and McGuffey's Readers!

Care to share how you are "Living Well With Less?"

Tis the season for homemade pies

It's been quite awhile since we've posted a pictorial post, which, I gather from all the comments, continue to be a reader's favorite.  Mine too!

Oh, and before we get to the snapshots... remember, if you enjoy our photos the 2012 Little Homestead in the City calendars  are now in stock!

Don't forget to enter this month's Giveaway too!

So, here we go on a little pictorial tour.  A little note: some of these picture were taken BEFORE last weeks wild windstorm and first freeze.

Fall tomatoes

Salad mix

Tromboncino squash

Marconi Peppers

Baby Tromboncino Squash

Sunflowers

Basil

Malabar Spinach

Pineapple Guavas

Blushing pink roses

African Blue Basil

Basketful of lima beans

Monarch on a Mexican sunflower

Orange Cosmos

Score! A bunch of lumber from Habitat for Humanity store

Mexican Marigolds attract bees

Cauliflower

Of course, there's a few extracurricular activities around the community too!

Happy Homesteaders Canning Group

Mash 'em up

Jams are donated to a local food bank

On local radio

Teaching at UCLA

So what's happening on your homestead?

Old yucky linoleum is off, now needs some tlc

For those of you who have been following our home (built in 1917) improvement projects,  we finally figured out a safe, easy and non toxic way to get that horrid linoleum that had black tar underneath off the wood floors in the craft-music room (see pics "improvement" here & here).   Water.  Yep, HOT water!    No need for commercial or chemical strippers... ok, that sounds rather funny!  LOL Not to mention saving my pretty little knuckles from using a scrapper (boy, that was tedious & tiring!)

Anyhow,  we figure there just had to be a better way! After some searching, Jordanne found this nifty trick; however,   the trouble for me was how to keep the hot water on the linoleum for hours and live in the house at the same time.  I figured I couldn’t do the whole floor but only sections at a time.   I rummaged in the garage and found a stack of burlap coffee sacks, laid one down on the floor and poured boiling hot water. Then I put down a waxed cardboard box and an old throw carpet so that we could walk over the soaked floor and burlap without our socks and shoes getting wet (*shudder*).   It worked!   The horrible linoleum and black as tar glue came right off.    Now, I am one happy girl … wood floors!  Woot!   I sooo love wood floors.

The wood floor is old and not perfect; but I will give it a good cleaning with Murphy’s soap and a  good oiling afterwards.

Close call! Oak tree limb missed the neighbor's car and house by a few feet!

Baby lettuces snapped! Had no chance with 80 mph winds

Defoliated citrus tree leaves and most of the fruit fell off the trees

Front porch farm stand needs some tidying up

What a night!

Pasadena was hard-hit by winds that come roaring down the 210 corridor last night and the situation continues with power outages, fallen trees, downed power lines and structure fires.  A State of Emergency has been declared and officials have asked that residents conserve water and use extreme caution when leaving their homes.  Was a unsettling night for residents (us included) as  howling winds wrecked havoc and sirens were heard every few minutes throughout the city most of the night.

Latest reports via the Pasadena Star News

Pasadena Police Chief Philip Sanchez said the city opened its emergency operations center at City Hall about midnight.

City officials are asking citizens to stay indoors.

"If you don't need to be out, shelter in place," said Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez.

Sanchez reports there are at least 200 down power lines in Pasadena and as many as 270 trees.

The weather caused multiple fires over nights, including one that resulted in one person being critically injured and three others were hurt near the intersection of Penn Street and Fair Oaks Avenue.

More than 20 intersections are without power.

Here on the homestead... it's an unsightly MESS (see more pics) but... thankfully....

Animals are safe, people are okay, house is strong (metal roofs can withstand 90 mph winds, after all!).

Still, when you rely on the garden for food and income.. it's sad to see all the damage to all the greens but they will bounce back soon! . We'll be struggling to do any orders for awhile. Nonetheless, counting our blessings for what we do have!

Hope everyone in the San Gabriel valley are OK too!

The cleanup will go on for days; however, forecasters predict "It Ain't Over Yet" and tell us to expect another windy (and sleepless) night.

Rakes & brooms anyone?

Front Porch Farm Stand

Shop Local, Shop Small

As ya'll know, we aren't into that whole modern mantra of "Shop Till You Drop" but if you ARE shopping for your loved one this holiday season and are trying to be a CONSCIOUS CONSUMER consider checking out our online store that's full of useful goods and goodies for the modern homesteader.

Some of our Favorite Things

Justin's:  Soil Block Maker, Seeds & Vegetable Wire Basket

Jordanne's:  Anything Animal, The West Ladies CD's & DVD's

Anais: Hand-cranked Blender, Canning Supplies, Sun Ovens, Nourishing Traditions Cook Book

There are a lot of our favorite items that we sell because we personally use them here on our own homestead.   Not to mention we've added a bunch of new items - like food goods.  So please take some time to browse around for many an item that I've blogged about from time to time here at "Little Homestead in the City."  Oh yeah and we have a 2012 Calendar's and Gift Certificates too!

Know Your Food & Farmer

Don't forget if you are local our FRONT PORCH FARM STAND has been "winterized" and we are now open RAIN or SHINE... and even a wee bit after dark.  We are open Sunday - Friday 9 am to 6 pm.  If you aren't able to drop by during business hours, not to worry!  Let us know and we'll leave the light on for ya!

And as I've said countless times over these last decade by supporting our stores you support our non profit outreach which includes this blog.   And for those who have supporting our small business - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

We touched on this story (Farmers Market Without the Farmer ) over a year ago and, sadly, seems like nothing has REALLY changed

L.A. Farmers Markets Exposed
Often, produce sold at stalls isn't organic, grown by small farms — or even spray-free

He has watched the region's markets morph from a few low-key affairs dominated by small farmers to profitable, competitive businesses where sellers can — and do — cheat and misrepresent with little fear of punishment. Etheridge deplores the "duping" of the public, who naively fill their eco-conscious reusable shopping bags with fruits, vegetables, nuts and herbs believing that they're buying organic — or close enough.

Read full article

Even more reason to shop at our front porch farm stand where you really KNOW the FARMER and their FOOD.

FRONT PORCH FARM STAND

Open Sun - Fri /  9 am - 6 pm   Closed Saturday  (if you need to pick up after hours, let us know and we'll leave the light on for you)

Stock up on healthful foods & goods for you and your family: organic soaps,  cold processed olive oil, non acid coffee, honey, organic fruits & vegetables, herbs, seeds & more

New at the farm stand ACORN PANCAKE & ACORN CORNBREAD MIXES

Give the gift of GOOD FOOD: inquire about our Gift Certificates & Baskets

If you like to receive weekly "Grocery List" & notices of our "Surplus Sundays"  sign up at (  info(at)dervaesgardens.com )

Customers who patronize the farm stand 2 or more times a month will qualify for "Preferred Customer" status and receive special invites to "Customer Appreciation" food events at the Urban Homestead.

With the recent dip in temperatures and heavy downpours, we realize that we can’t hold onto to summer anymore and that it’s high time we gear up to winterize the Urban Homestead.     Justin has been putting the hives to bed, making sure the bees are snug as a bug.   Jordanne has been unpacking the cotton canvas to prevent the winds and rains from soaking the animal compound (Blackberry and Fairlight are much obliged).  Dad has  been unpacking the row covers and putting them over most of the raised beds as temps have been getting rather nippy.

The last open window in the house was closed and the wood stove cleaned.    I know, pretty pathetic "winterizing" compared to those of you who are East of us where winter is a more serious threat to man and beast.

This year, there are plans to winterize the Front Porch Farm Stand to keep our customers a bit warmer when the weather’s cold & rainy.   I looked into clear plastic (sorry, I hate that word) coverings that restaurants use to winterize their outdoor dining.  Boy, those things are pricey!  Opting for cheaper way, going to use clear shower curtains, so will see how that goes.   At least, that will keep the wind and rain out while letting natural light in.

How are you getting ready for winter?

Stock up on winter supplies from our homestead to yours....

supplements for poultry
fall selection of seeds
and more!

Our Front Porch Farm Stand is growing and in desperate need of more space to show off all the foods & goods.  Lucky for me, I have two great handy men that whipped up this wonderful little cart.   Ain’t she purty?  Sorry,  folks, don’t have a link to any plans.  Actually, Dad saw a photo of a similar cart in catalog and, using the specs, he drew up the plans himself.   Dad's a practical DIY'er and can build practically anything!  Pretty talented group of guys, don’t you think?

The cart’s NOT exactly finished -- needs some shelf support and few shelves up top where I can put lighter food items; however, Sis and I got to showcase it at recent neighborhood fair and the cart got quite a lot of positive compliments.

The Urban Homestead's Front Porch Farm Stand is open Sun – Fri (10 am – 6 pm)  Come on by, it’s a WHOLE new shopping experience!

Pssst, would you like that wonderful homemade "ORGANIC" sign?    A fellow homestead makes these signs  ("Organic" & "Homegrown") out of recycled metal.  We are selling them online  and here at the farm stand.   They make great gifts!  I have both of them tacked up on my kitchen wall!

Speaking of GIFTS, take time to browse our online store  for practical goods for gardeners and modern homesteaders.  Also,   tis the season for giving and sis & I will be making up some gift baskets full of goodies to sell here at the farm stand!