The Writing's on the E-Wall: Personal Health = Eco-Health

I keep finding myself in doctors' offices with my family. We're mostly in the UMC system, so each office has the same electronic reader board that displays a new e-poster every thirty seconds or so. It's smart. We are an A-D-D culture trapped in a tiny room. The scrolling images help us not to go bonkers and give us lots of great health advice that we wouldn't sit still for anywhere else.

Apple, heart, lifestyle changes

Besides the A-D-D thing, I've always been a compulsive reader. If there's a printed word, I can't resist. It's astounding how many cereal boxes I've read as I sat there munching sugar-coated goodness.

So, as we sit waiting for doctors, I have no choice. I have to read. Really - I absolutely have to!

Scale, apple, shoe

What I've come to notice is that the health posters keep telling us the same things to help us live a healthy life:

• Eat better food
• Exercise
• Lose weight
• Lower your stress
• Avoid inhaling smoke

Woohoo! This one even has a pic of a bike!

Those messages play over and over. It's amazing how many times I've seen them without making this one simple connection - all of the eco-health-save-the-planet-climate-strike messages I read just as voraciously say the same thing.

Eat Better

• less and cleaner meat
• more locally-grown, chemical free veggies
• less processed foods
• less processed sugar (There goes my cereal box!)
• less food served in plastic, stryrofoam, and cardboard

Exercise, Be more Active, Lose Weight

• utilize people-powered transportation as much as possible (biking, walking, etc.)
• use stairs
• ride a bike
• get outside
• ride a bike
• garden
• ride a bike
• turn off the TV, phone, computer, tablet
• ride a bike
• get off your butt and on your feet
• ride a bike

(all about the boodie)

Lower Your Stress

• drive less
• sleep better/more
• turn off the electronics
• exercise
• eat better
• spend time with good people

Avoid Inhaling Smoke

• from tobacco
• from vaping
• from tailpipes (cars, trucks, lawn equipment, generators, boats, motorbikes, etc.)
• from coal power
• from natural gas
• from clearing forests

So, there you have it - save yourself and get the added bonus of saving the planet. Not a bad deal at all!

I pray that you are well and getting better. Thanks for reading, friends!

Low-Carbon, Low $ Transport in the LBK

Inspired by Exxon's recent sponsorship of the US Secretary of State position, I decided to post some great options for people working at reducing gasoline consumption. All of these were found on Lubbock Craigslist this morning:

 

 

  

The Novarra w/ rack is the other bargain of the week!

 

May you find better options readily available.

A Leaning Cargo Trike, A Confession, and a New (to me) Electric Bike

Okay, I have two cargo bike confessions to make.

The first, and the most pertinent to this post, is that I have never cared much for three-wheeled vehicles, including cargo bikes. It's not a dislike for what they are, it's a missing what they can't do - and that is lean. I love bikes, motorcycles, and scooters the very most when I get to lean while riding. Cornering well on a two-wheeler is an art and a thrill for me. So, each time I've ridden a three-wheeler that doesn't lean, my body and mind have been sorely disappointed.

It's why I lean toward (you know the pun was intended) cargo bikes like the Radwagon, The Yuba Mundo, and the Benno.

So, I thought I'd share with you a three-wheeled cargo bike that does an impressive job of leaning. It showed up on Electric Bike Report recently, and it does indeed look like lots of fun (if you're not sitting in the front getting seasick!)

 link to the video above

For those of you who want lots of details, it's not available yet, it's European, and I fear it will be very expensive. But it is a seriously cool machine...

...and I love the front suspension!

Carqon website - check it out!

Now for the other confession.

I have decided to stop looking for a cargo bike. Yep, I know it's very scandy (Thanks, BB!) but I picked up a new-old e-bike and came to a new realization. It's time to quit focusing on what I don't have. What I do have is one really nice second-hand pedal bike, one really nice second-hand e-bike, two different second-hand bike trailers, and a really crowded garage! I've come to a time when I want to do more with what I have rather than waste time wanting something more. Some day I may end up with a cargo bike, but it no longer needs to be an obsession.

Here she is - a Prodeco Phantom X 500-watt, folding E-Bike.

Yep, it's a very cool bike, especially considering that I picked it up used for a very small fraction of the original asking price. Why was it so inexpensive? Well, the original 36-volt battery pack has a dead pouch or two, so the pack will only charge to 32 volts; this does not impress the controller which demands at least 34 volts. (Low-voltage cutout) That's why there's a silver bullet on the rear rack. It's the battery from the Huff-E Rat, and that battery is doing a nice job on the Phantom.

This is the first bike I have ever owned that has disc brakes and a suspension seat post. They are two luxuries I am enjoying! (But  the cushy seat post feels a lot like having a low rear tire. I will have to get used to that.)  Having 500 watts of power is also enjoyable. The 250-watt setup on the Huff-E actually made me feel sorry for the poor little thing hauling big ol' me around. This motor is a much better fit. (If you're over 200 pounds, go for something bigger than 250 watts.)

That's it for the cargo bikes and e-bikes today. I will keep you posted on how the Phantom is doing. I may even get brave enough to try repairing the original battery. I will keep you posted on that too.

May going green be a good deal, may you appreciate what you have, and may you be well.

As always, thank you for reading this.

Making a Complex Problem Simple as Dirt (Part 2)

Twenty Ten Club: Pashon Murray

In our last exciting (com)post about compost, you got to meet Pashon Murray and learn of the surprisingly amazingly huge impact that something as simple as composting can have on shrinking your carbon footprint. Composting gives each and every one of us a chance to put released carbon back where it came from - the ground. Seriously cool stuff!

So, this is the follow-up where we look at getting our hands dirty - really, really dirty. [For those of you who really, really don't like the sound of dirty hands, we'll look at some options for you too, but it'll be in the third installment.]

But first, let's get to know you a little better.
So, do you come here often?
Do you eat food?
Do you live near any plants?
Do you breathe?
Do you live in an apartment, a home, or something exotic (like a hippie van or missile silo)?
Coffee, tea, water, or Dr.Pepper?
Paper or plastic?
How do you feel about earthworms? Mealworms? Black soldier flies and their offspring?

If you know the answers to these questions, you'll be better prepared to become a rocking composter.

Then there's two big things to know: what you can easily compost, and the ratio of green stuff to brown stuff.

What Goes In

As a general rule, unprocessed plant-based stuff composts, most animal stuff does not. There are exceptions on both sides, but that'll get you going. [One notable exception, the poop of herbivores (vegetarian animals) is very good for composting, but not everyone has a cow or horse in the backyard.] This graphic will help you with more detail:

Find the whole enchilada here

The Green and the Brown

Great info from Ecoizm: Composting 101

For those of you who want to keep it really simple - go 3:1. The recipe is 3 parts brown stuff to 1 part green stuff. This will help you create healthy and balanced compost. If you're balance is way off, you can end up with some really stinky slimy stuff or a pile of dry stuff that does not decompose into the good stuff. On the other hand, this is not rocket science. Do not be intimidated by composting. Even if you failed chemistry or biology in school. You can do it!

Well, you've made it through another episode of Mesquite Hugger! For our next exciting compost installment, we'll discuss the how and the where, and we'll talk about bugs! I can't wait - how 'bout you? And we'll work on a new hashtag! (#putitbackintheground)

May we be an army of simples fixing a mountain of complicateds!

Mesquite Hugger 2017 Resolution Help

[Yes, I know this one is a little late, but, hey, there are still 361 days left in the year!]

In case you've been thinking to yourself, Self, I have been wanting to come up with some 2017 resolutions but I am just too distracted! If only some goofy blogger would offer up some suggestions to help me get started. Then I could change the world for the better!

[For today's post, there will be lots of recycled posts and images - a bit like an 80's montage!]

Eat Better (for you and the planet)

Some concrete goals to work on in this one - eat less meat, eat more local foods, eat unprocessed foods. And yes, these goals are good for your health and the planet's health. (I am doing well at less meat, but I need to step up the local and say no to processed sugar. Ouch!)

Plan Ahead

This one is pretty simple, can cut down on your stress, can save you money, and everyone (including you) will like you better. Prepare for your day a little ahead of time. Before you go to bed, know where your keys and wallet/purse are, make sure you have a clean re-usable cup, know if your car is charged (or has gas, snagit), pack your lunch, pick out your outfit, know where your bike lock is, and (fill in your own specific blanks). The whole idea is that if these things are all dealt with, you're less likely to have unexpected surprises, you'll rush around a lot less, and you won't make as many unhealthy choices on the fly. (One day at a time on this one. I find that more rush = less green.)

Go LED already!

One of the cheapest and easiest ways to save money and reduce your carbon footprint is to replace any incandescent bulbs you have with LED bulbs. If you are looking for a quick and easy change for the better, jump on this! (The MH house is done, but the garage need a bit of help on this one.)

Drive Less/Exercise More

Several of the people I work with are in a weight-loss pool, and there have been lots of tears with today's weigh-in. Not surprisingly, there have been tears over money spent and calories consumed. So, why not attack both issues with one resolution? Look at all your car trips and see which you can replace with bike or walking trips. Your bank account, your waistline, and the air we breathe will thank you! (Shooting for 1200 bike commute miles and more walking. Big news coming on a bike!)

Compost

This one is especially helpful for those of you who cook food at home and/or do your own yardwork. While we talk a lot about reducing emissions, composting also helps us to sequester carbon. Planting trees and gardens sequesters carbon too! (I have two composters going, and I'd still like to build a compost tumbler.)

Recycle

For many of you, this one is easy, (Go Tech!) Even if it's not easy, it's definitely worthwhile. Any time you can reduce the need for new raw materials (such as petroleum, wood, and metal) and reduce the amount of waste going into our overcrowded landfills, you have made a big positive impact. If you can combine your recycling with low-carbon transportation like walking or biking, you can make it even better! (That second part is on my radar this year - reCYCLE by biCYCLE  and upCYCLEd trailer.)

Get Political

Apapthy has gotten us where we are. Voting, voicing our concerns, and getting involved can help us to reach a point where we want to be. Sitting around complaining will only make us bitter if we do only that. Find a place to plug in, to share your voice with similar voices. (For me, it's more time devoted to the CCL and a lot more letters and calls to our local reps - I called our two state senators yesterday. It's a start.)

Quiet Time Alone for You

For me, this one is huge. Find a way to sit quietly and gather your thoughts. Meditate, journal, pray, daydream. Create time where you can figure what your beliefs and desires are. Then use that knowledge to see if your actions match those beliefs. For many of us, a few minutes per day can make a big difference in the way we live and move.

May you find a better year and make it happen!

PS. Always make time for your friends!

 

 

Sequel: Electric Cargo Bike Dream (Disappointed in Dallas)

Okay, I got a little closer this time. I got to sit on the thing.

Yep, I went back to Small Planet e-Bikes again.

And this time, it was open. And I was excited.

A young man was sitting behind the desk, very engrossed in a small electronic device. He looked up. I told him I had wanted to see a Yuba Mundo in person. He asked if I realized it was electric. Yep. Very small small talk happened. He went back to his device.

I broke his concentration a short while later by asking if I could sit on it. Sure.

Very cool and massive! (And it was $1000 less than the 2016 price.)

It was indeed a gorilla in orangutan clothing and I had a hard time getting my leg over the Monkey Bars and seat. (I should have taken it off of the substantial kickstand first.) It felt a great deal like I was sitting on a train - uncomfortably large. I don't think I want one. If I were hauling multiple kids or using it in support of a small business, I would want one, but it's more than I need.

Gorgeous machine!

So, I put it back on the stand. Looked around the store. I picked up the E-Motion Roadster. It was seriously light! I admired the Faradays and especially admired their finish and attention to detail - very elegant. I checked out the Stromers. If I were on more of a champagne budget I'd pay a lot more attention to them - very impressive bikes.

I went for another crack at the guy by asking what he rides. He explained that he rides conventional bikes, that he considers himself a little too young, healthy, and financially challenged to ride electric. The conversation did not last long at all.

I looked around a little more - I checked out the Pedegos - very nice looking bikes. I spotted an old Lee Iaccoca electric bike, the ev-Global, in the back corner - very retro cool.

Then I turned around and wandered out the door very disappointed.

I thought (at first) that I was disappointed that I did not get to try out the Yuba, but I soon realized that I was disappointed on a much larger scale.

Here in Lubbock, I answer questions about e-bikes, but there is no one I can ask questions. So, there I was in a place where I hoped people could knowledgeably talk e-bikes, could point out strengths and weaknesses and cool stuff coming out, but this was not that. This was me surrounded by lifeless bikes and a disinterested clerk.

The next time I am in Dallas, I won't stop by again. I'll keep reading Electric Bike Review and Electric Bike Report and looking for a day where I can find an opportunity to see a few e-bikes in motion. Maybe an Electric Bike Expo will get a little closer to Lubbock.

May you find what you're looking for and may the talk be as good as the ride.

Fully Charged Christmas, Sondors, E-BMX, and another ATX Cargo Bargain

We will start with Robert Lewellyn's newest Fully Charged video. Robert does a year-end review that offers some optimism and mirth. Actually, this episode offers lots of good news. Did you hear that? Good news! Watch it already! Yes, good news! (I have really missed good news lately.)

Watch it here!

 

If you haven't clicked that yet, let me remind you that there is a plethora of good news here - and not just cars: bikes, solar, batteries, bio-gas, and one of my new faves - IMBYP! If you are not familiar with Fully Charged, browse the collection of videos on youtube. If you're not familiar with Robert, go find yourself a few episodes of Red Dwarf (after Series II) to watch.

 

 

Sondors News

 

On the local side, Grizz's Sondors bikes have arrived (but they are staying in the box until after Christmas.) I will keep you posted when they do pop out!

 

In other news, they still have several bikes on sale for $500 each, so you can still have a pair of bikes in boxes sitting on your porch for less than $1500. (There are even Thin models for those of you who don't go for that whole monster-truck-bike motif.)

 

In even more news, Sondors announced another model - this one a folding bike. The first run will be available only to those who already own a Sondors bike. They will be available to the general public in 2018. I haven't found details on pricing, but who cares? It's only money!

 

The Sondors Fold Check it out here!

Monster Truck as Folding Bike

(Most of the pics on the website look like computer renderings.)

 

A new Promo Video for the Prodeco Tech/Life EV E-BMX

 

This time with New Yorkers doing tricks!

 

Upside down on an e-bike - Watch it here!

 

If you want one, hurry up - the intro prices are creeping up!

 

Another Cargo Bike Bargain in Austin

Madsen Cycles

 

Madsens usually run a few thousand dollars or more. They are very legit cargo bikes that are especially popular for hauling children about. At $650, this one is a steal -  find it on Austin Craigslist while supplies last. (Our dog pack would love it!) Somebody go buy this thing and put it to good, carbon-free use!

 

There you go - many updates and an uplifting-ish video. May you have a wonderful day and find some good news somewhere in this post!

 

Thanks, friends!

 

Distracted by the Tools (plus thank you!)

Another great one!

It's way too easy for me to get distracted by the tools.

For example, my goal of Personal Carbon Reduction has turned into an obsessive quest for an electric cargo bike. Very quickly I have transformed myself into a pseudo expert on all things cargo bike and electric bike and I find myself driving around in the pickup dreaming and scheming of cargo e-bike acquisition.

At different times I have obsessed about LED bulbs, tiny houses, backyard chickens, electric cars, aquaponics, minimalism, bicycles, batteries, dumpster diving, hot-rodded Power Wheels, the National Bike Challenge, clotheslines, citicars, solar panels, recycling, pallets, insulation, rain barrels, Instructables, wind generators, compost, local foods, bike lanes, and the coolest of all - self-cloning crawdads. (I have to admit, it's been a fun ride.)

But the real Mesquite Hugger goal here is to do less damage and to encourage others to do less damage. In this coming year, I will try to keep it between the lines.

May the real goals be things we work for, and may the tools be just that!

AND

It's been a big year here at MH , and you are the reason. We've gone from a 30-view-per-day blog to a 300-view-per-day blog. Thank you to each and every one of you for choosing to spend a little time here. May you blessed, and thank you for blessing me!

Low-Hanging, Eco-Helpful Fruit for Everyday Life (Intro)

Sometimes it's okay to say it again.

 

While I was preparing for last week's big event, I spent some time on the EPA website. (Yes, I know that I am weird, but I like spending time there. I learn a lot.) This time I ran across this graphic on U.S. greenhouse gas emissions:

 

EPA: Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

 

Yep, 56% of greenhouse gas emissions come from electricity generation and transportation. Holy moly! So, let's all scratch our heads and find someone to blame. Let's see...who in the US uses electricity? And who's out there using all that transportation? We need to find these people and have a serious talk!

 

EPA: Carbon Footprint Calculator Try it out!

 

So now for the serious talk, Self. Yes, we need to act on a bigger scale and look at businesses and governments and all kinds of big stuff. But we also need to take a look at ourselves. And ourselves are often pretty darned lazy when it comes to change. So, Selves, let's look at what we can easily do to make an impact.

 

What I am really trying to say here is that the next miniseries of posts will deal with very simple and low-cost ways for each of  us to shrink our carbon feetprints. These won't be the buy-an-electric-car-and-move-into-a-solar-powered-tiny-house-on-a-communal-organic-farm posts. These will be posts where we look at our light bulbs and our drafty windows and some of our consumer choices so that we can find better ways to go about our daily lives in an eco-friendly fashion.

 

While we're at it, I'll be highlighting some older posts where we already covered a few of these topics. For you followers on Twitter, please watch for the MH Rewind image:

 

 

As always, thank you for reading! May a little simplicity lead to a lot of improvement!

 

PS. Really - try the Carbon Footprint Calculator. It's amazing what you can learn!

Get Your Green Up Follow Up (Lubbock, TX)

The Green Revolution Exhibit is still up at the Texas Tech Museum - get your hiney over there!

 

 I would love to post all the photos of the great exhibits and presenters and SPWRC birds of prey and all that good stuff. But I did not take any. And that is a very good thing. I can't even tell you much of what was going on. Once everything started, I never had a break. And that was awesome! I was invited by the Texas Tech Climate Sciences Center (Thanks, Breanna!) to talk to people about electric vehicles. Matt brought his Leaf, Jennnifer brought her Fusion Energi, and I threw an electric bike together to display. I also took along a bag full of tiny Teslas.

 Electric Bike over Marsha Sharp Freeway After the Event

 

And people came by! And they had questions! It was a good day to be the Mesquite Hugger! I had a chance to share my passion for carbon-free transportation with interested local people! After two hours had passed I looked up and found that mine was the last booth still standing and that people were still there wanting to talk! Thank you, Lubbock!

 

Trending questions and topics at the Mesquite Hugger EV booth: 

• Where can I buy an electric bike?
• Several people wanted to know where my (non-existent) e-bike shop is located.
• People told me that Lubbock really, really, really sucks for bicyclists.
• The Tesla Model 3 came up a lot.
• How far? How fast? How much?
• Very few people were aware of the Chevy Bolt's existence.
• Very few people were aware of plug-in hybrids.
• People were excited to learn about powered wheels (GeoOrbital, Evelo, Copenhagen Wheel, etc.)
• Why does Lubbock really, really, really suck for bicyclists?
• People were excited about the Rad Power Bikes brochures - the RadMini and the RadWagon prompted a lot of questions. (Rad Power team, thank you so much for sending those!)
• What can be done about Lubbock's lack of bicycle infrastructure?
• Why doesn't Lubbock have an electric bike retailer?
• A surprising number of people asked about regen (electricity regeneration) on electric bikes.
• Others thought that my e-bike was a generator.
• Many were surprised to learn that our local Nissan dealer actually sells an all-electric car.
• Most were surprised at how affordable electric cars can be to purchase, maintain, and operate.
• A few people asked about the existence of electric-powered 3-wheeled bicycles.
• Lots of people asked where the Mesquite Hugger name originated.

What did you miss out on if you weren't there?

• The Heart of Lubbock's Neighborhood Garden (Hi, Beth!)
• Texas Tech Recycling (I am a big fan!)
• Texas Tech Wind Institute (They look like really big fans!)
• One seriously awesome raven! (SPWRC) Hi, Daniel!
• Native Texas plants and a local greenhouse that sells them*
• Hydrogen power with Nick*
• KTTZ/ Global Weirding
• The Lubbock Master Gardeners
• Lubbock Lake Landmark - Check out Bison Day!
• High Plains Water District - Hello, Katharine!
• Bugs!!!! (Texas Tech Entomology Club - you could even try mealworm snacks!)
• Texas Agrilife Extension (Hey, Vikram!)
• I got to meet Baron from A123 Recycling in person!
• An LED guy was there with an electrical wholesaler from Lubbock - It think it was H and H*
• The Texas Tech Climate Sciences Center (Hi, Kylie!)
• A social media service that supports two great initiative for sustainable water use*
• And a great talk from the always charming and inspirational Dr. Katharine Hayhoe!
• [Apologies to the booths I did not mention]*

* Please send me your info and I will edit the post.

 

If you weren't there, I hate that I did not get to meet you and I sincerely hope you have a chance to meet some of the many people who are working hard to make our area healthier and more livable for all.

 

May you be surrounded with great neighbors!

 

PS. Special thanks to Bella, Devin, Linda, Chris, Barbara, Brian, Matt, Jennifer, and Grizz for being there!

Electric Vehicle Sightings in Lubbock and a Super-Fast Electric Beetle!

[Since National Drive Electric Week starts in two days, I thought I'd write about EV's in the LBK this week.]

Yesterday morning, I left the house (in the pickup, snagit all to Midland!) around 6am. I pulled up to the bicycle lane on Flint and noticed a high-powered LED bike light coming toward me. He was moving pretty quickly. I was thinking that he must be pedaling hard, then I noticed he was hardly pedaling. Then I noticed a big honking hub motor in the rear wheel and a battery pack hanging under the rear rack. It's a rare thing, but I saw an electric bike in the wilds of Lubbock traffic. Woohoo!

Most of the EV sightings this week have been (battery only) Nissan Leafs: a silver, two blues, a white, and a black one. I also saw the white BMW i3 humming down Marsha Sharp yesterday - it's such a cool car with all that carbon fiber and such. The two semi oddballs for this post were both PHEVs (plug-in hybrids).

I saw the Ford Fusion Energi yesterday afternoon. I often wonder how many of these I see without noticing since they look just like the standard models and the hybrid models.

And I parked near this last-generation Chevy Volt this morning. I like that the first Volts were a distinctive model that looked different enough to be noticed. The new generation Volt blends in much more.

When talking about EVs and Chevy, I have to mention the Bolt somewhere, so check out the next link. I have seen questions like this about the Volt a few lately: Does the Chevy Bolt EV make the Chevrolet Volt irrelevant? Is that a problem? (EV fans - Read more John Voelcker!)

And here's a link to a Gas2 (by way of Inside EVs) article that tells about EV sales AND has a list of all the EVs that are selling in the States: Electric Car sales Up Strongly in August. Be sure to check out the top 6, and (sadly) the last car on the list. (Toyota, what's up? Still waiting for the perfect storm for hydrogen?)

Saving the good stuff for last: Black Current did it Again: All-Electric Black  Current III sets 1/4 Mile Record 8.28 Seconds (Inside EVs again). Be sure to watch the video! Dang, that thing is fast!

National Drive Electric Week starts in two days - go test drive an electric car already! See what you're missing!

May you not miss pumping gasoline, or burning gasoline, or smelling like gasoline, or paying for gasoline.

When you gonna ______? (A live better sidestep)

Grizz and I discussed it over coffee yesterday morning. Most of us have that thing to get past. Some of us just skip from one to the next. What's yours right now?

Need some help? Just fill in the blanks.

Is your head swimming now? Mine does when I fill in those blanks. A lot of Mesquite Hugger motivation comes from chasing these statements. It goes something like this:

• I am going to start eating local after I grow some veggies.
• I am going to grow some veggies after I build a greenhouse.
• I am going to build a greenhouse after I trim the trees.
• I am going to trim the trees after I buy a saw.
• I am going to buy a saw after I sell some unused stuff.
• I am going sell some unused stuff after I clean the garage.
• Snagit - when am I going to clean the garage?!!!
• I guess eating local is going to have to wait.
• But wait, there is a five-gallon bucket and a little space on the porch - Honey, we're gonna grow tomatoes!

Mesquite Hugger blog posts often look like this.

Where do we go from here? Maybe it's time to figure out our I am going to statements so that we can figure out how to sidestep them. You don't have to be wealthy to live healthy, smart, or well.

So here's your challenge for this week. Identify one (or several) of your I am going to goals and get creative. Find a detour or a shortcut. If you get stuck, google it. Someone else has been there and may have good advice.

A few Mesquite Hugger suggestions to help with your planning: garden, transportation, energy conservation, compost, water conservation, recycling, xeriscaping, food production, food waste, homelessness, hunger, wildlife preservation, simple living, reducing meat consumption, minimalism, spreading the word, anger reduction. You can tackle the whole big world or a tiny piece of your little slice. Any improvement is a win for all of us.

If I can help, shoot me an email.

As always, thank you for reading! May our little sidesteps lead to huge improvements.

Spring Dates for Lubbock, Earth Day, Arbor Day, Rain Barrels, Local Food, and Bicyclists

Sure, it's a lazy post, but there are some great spring events listed here!

March 28, 2015
Lubbock Preparedness Fair - The annual fair is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7014 Frankford Ave.
http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2015-03-24/preparedness-fair-provide-emergency-readiness-help

April 22, 2015 (Wednesday)
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION Stop by the Garden & Arts Center and make some earth-friendly crafts and an Earth day pin!
All day and free!
http://www.mylubbock.us/docs/default-source/parks-rec-file-library/activity-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=8

April 22, 2015 (Wednesday)
CitiBus Ride Free Day! (to celebreate Earth Day)
http://www.mylubbock.us/docs/default-source/parks-rec-file-library/activity-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=8

April 24, 2015 (Friday)
National Arbor Day
https://www.arborday.org/celebrate/

April 25, 2015 (Saturday)
ARBORETUM PLANT SALE Annual plant sale to benefit the Arboretum and its ongoing projects. Sale features water-wise perennials, herbs and specialty plants that grow well in Lubbock. Experts on hand to answer your questions. Adults and families welcome. (6 hrs)
9am-3pm
http://www.mylubbock.us/docs/default-source/parks-rec-file-library/activity-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=8

May 1, 2015 (Friday)
The National Bike Challenge begins!!! (Woohoo!)
Learn more and sign up at https://nationalbikechallenge.org/

May 2, 2015 (Saturday)
RAIN WATER HARVESTING WORKSHOP Learn the bascis of rain water harvesting in this informative workshop! One re- cycled 50 gallon rainbarrel is included with each workshop registration. Barrels may also be purchased separately for $60 each. Call 797-4520 to register or to reserve barrels for pick up between 1 PM - 3 PM. (2 hrs)
Lubbock Memorial Arboretum
http://www.mylubbock.us/docs/default-source/parks-rec-file-library/activity-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=8

May 11-15, 2015 (Saturday)
Bike to Work Week and Bike to Work Day (May 15)
Learn more at http://bikeleague.org/content/bike-month-dates-events-0
(May is also National Bike Month.)

June 20, 2015 (Saturday)
Lubbock Downtown Farmer's Market Opening Day
http://lubbockdowntownfarmersmarket.com/file/Lubbock-Downtown-Farmers-Market-Schedule-2014.jpg

May you thrive in creating a healthier you and a healthier world!

Walking, Coffee, Stuff, Minimalism Challenge, Saturday Mornings, etc.

As I get a bit older, I keep thinking differently about stuff and busy-ness.

Some of that fancy latté art

Let's talk about Saturday mornings. I love Saturday mornings. I sleep in a little on Saturdays, almost an hour longer than normal. I get up quietly, throw on some clothes, grab a few things, and walk over to the local coffeehouse. Besides clothes, I have my ever-present phone, wallet, and keys. I also carry a grocery bag, my journal, my bible, a pen, and some cheater glasses. The grocery bag I fill up with trash as I walk the neighborhood and drop it in a dumpster near the coffeehouse. I am usually one of the first to arrive at the coffeehouse. I order a single coffee drink and a whole-wheat cinnamon roll. I sit in the back corner reading, writing, sipping, munching, and sometimes planning blog posts. I am usually there about an hour. As I walk home, I pick recyclables up. When I get home, I usually climb back in bed with my lovely wife - she is not a morning person, and that is probably a good thing.

The thing about these particular Saturday mornings, I have everything I need. I usually spend around five dollars. In our world of stuff and hurry, this is a time of little stuff and little hurry. Weather does not affect it. I can walk in snow, rain, fog, heat, wind. The coffee can be hot, cold, good, terrible. The cinnamon roll can be the same. The temperature inside the building also matters little.

The only variable that ever messes things up for me is noise level. If the music is too loud and distracting or the patrons are too loud and distracting, then I get nervous and don't enjoy the morning so much. I go there seeking a reverential contentment, but noise can melt that away. (I should probably re-think the ever-present cell phone too.)

For me, contentment is the important word. I am not seeking joy or happiness. On Saturday mornings, I work at being content. When I find that - happiness, joy, patience, even a tiny bit of wisdom - things all seem to fall in place. The week is better, and I have more resilience to face it and to care for those who need me.

After having read this far - pat yourself on the back for attention-span endurance - here is a nifty little pair of links to help you if you are trying to slow down a bit to seek a bit of contentment:

Green Livivng Ideas article about the minimalism challenge

The 30-day Minimalism Challenge

I am a big fan of days 1, 4, 10, and 24. I dont think I will struggle much with days 9, 17, and 23.

May you find some contentment in your days. Thank you, as always, for reading this blog!

PCR: There is a leek in the garden - reproducing itself!

My favorite visual pun in years - There's a leek in the boat!

PCR = Personal Carbon Reduction

There is a blizzard going on outside, so naturally, I am thinking about gardening. A few years ago I found a bag of potatoes that had been in the pantry a little too long. I took them out beside the house, dug a few holes, and dropped a potato in each. With very little watering I ended up with some impressive plants. Then I became busy at work, quit watering the plants, and they promptly died, snagit! But I have to admit, the initial stages of the planting were pretty cool.

Today I ran across an infograhic from the Cooking Stoned blog - it's not what you think - that shows several kitchen veggies (and a little fungi) that can be grown from kitchen scraps. Click the link to see the graphic and check out the blog:

Food That Magically Regrows Itself from Kitchen Scraps

I am thinking green onions, celery, garlic, potatoes, and leeks - leeks are an important source of punnery.

May your gardening skills sustain and prosper you while the garden monster munches carbon!

Bonus link for today: "Green Onions" Booker T and the MGs

Local Event: Lubbock Preparedness Fair this Weekend

It's not every day that I get to promote a Lubbock event that promotes backyard chickens! 

Just a few of the things you could learn about. (I highlighted a few that we have discussed on MH.)

There are lots of details available on the website, but the overall goes something like this:

Saturday, March 29

10am-3pm

70th and Frankford Avenue

It's FREE!

Here's the website: http://www.lubbockpreparednessfair.com/

Tell them the Mesquite Hugger sent you!

May your weekend prepare you for something!

The Next Project, and the One After That (And composting!!!!!)

(Just a preview of the linked infographic - MH loves a good IG!)

A big struggle for me lately is that next project.

I have been eyeballing plans for making a compost barrel. Grizz offered me a barrel. I have scavenged the hardware. I think I have the lumber; if I don't, I can find pallet lumber or construction cast-offs. The whole thing should not take more than three hours - five if I have to dis-assemble a few pallets. We could start recycling food scraps, grass clippings and leaves, and some paper goods. It all sounds good - right?

Well, maybe not.

Why not?

Reason 1: No garden. That's it. This garden season, like all others, promises to be a busy spring, summer, and fall. Gardens take time and work.
Reason 2: All the unfinished (and unstarted) projects. The electric bike. The electric pickup. The aquaponics setup. The solar panels. Infinity spiral....

So, maybe this needs to be the summer of finishing or parting with the projects. Maybe sell off half the projects in order to finance the other half. How does one advertise a Mesquite Hugger Half-Finished Project Garage Sale? Keep watching this space. Maybe I will figure it out.

In the meantime, here is a composting infographic and some Instructables in case your project cup does not runneth over.

Mother Nature Network Compost Infographic

Compost Barrel Instructables

May your projects be successfully completed!