Jan - Feb 2019 RU

A paper for, about, country people.

January / February 2019

CO-OP Gas & Supply Co., Inc. 125 Tibbetts Lane

Ponderay, Idaho 83852

coopcountrystore.com co-openergy.org

What’s Happening at the Museum Page 2 Boundary County U of I Classes Page 4 George’s Annual Tree Sale Page 8 Minimalism in Design Ideas for the New Year

Page 10

Weed of the Month - Common Mullein Page 11 BCGA Membership Course Page 12 The Big Carbon Fix Climate Change Page 13

Retailer image

7BTV is a proud supporter of Underground Kindness

Winter Blues Page 14 Understanding & Managing Bees Page 18 & 19 7 Ways to Get Out of Debt Page 20

Underground Kindness focuses on empowering students, supporting teachers, and connecting community

Real Estate and You Page 23

within public schools. The organization offers students tools for self-acceptance, authentic expression, and the ability to manage their emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

Call us today to see how you can help!

Learn more at undergroundkindness.org

208-263-7288 105 S. 3rd Ave., Sandpoint, ID 83864 • 7BTV.com

ERCWSS Postal Customer

Presorted Std. U.S Postage PAID Spokane, WA Permit #7

2

From the Editor

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2019 Volume 19 Issue 2

Let the Lasagna Dreaming Begin

I have been reading gardening books all winter. I know I am supposed to take advantage of the colder weather to rest up for what will be a hectic summer full of hard work on the farm, in the garden , and in the orchard. It always is. So why can’t I seem to relax and just enjoy this season of rest?

From the time I was a child I recall Mom getting the Burpee Seed Catalog in the mail. It seemed to occupy her continually for weeks yet for all that she really never tried anything new. We always grew, harvested, and preserved much the same foods each year. While I have everything growing in my garden and orchard that she had, I have added quite a bit more. And while Burpee Company is not my go-to for seed acquisition it, among other publications, certainly can get my garden planning juices flowing.

This last winter I picked up a book written back in 1998, Lasagna Gardening. I read it cover to cover in no time and am going back over the particulars again. My plan is to locate a space on the farm and try this option for gardening because if it works I will be using it more and more as I age.

The lasagna gardening method simply incorporates a design of layers to build the garden bed. All the usual players are there: peat moss, compost, chopped leaves, grass clippings, wood ashes, and at the bottom of it all a layer of wet newspaper laid right on the sod. No tilling and no back breaking shovel work. The bed can be as big or as small as a person can handle. I like that. My husband marvels at all the experiments I run each year at the farm so this year he is scratching his head wondering where in the world I am going to find space for this lasagna garden project. Not to worry. I have a plan.

In this issue of the Round up we have several articles that should help you see past the snow and cold temperatures into that sublime spring we all look forward to....well, maybe not the skiers and winter fishermen.

On page 8 you can check out the offerings George has planned for his annual tree/shrub sale in April. There’s much more to it this year. Chase Youngdahl tackles Common Mullein on page 11 and Ann Warwick is pretty excited about the BCGA Membership class coming up soon. For those of you who are concerned about the climate change discussion check out the Big Carbon Fix on page 13.

While I really like the article variety this issue I have to say that the one on Bees....all kinds of bees on page 18 is where I have been focusing my attention. Any information that helps me control Yellowjackets is a welcome study.

Now, back to the Lasagna!

The CO-OP Country Round Up A paper for, and about, country people.

Owned by the CO-OP Gas & Supply Co., Inc. 125 Tibbetts Lane Ponderay, Idaho 83852 208-263-6820

The Round Up is published bimonthly by Round Up Publishing and printed by Griffin Publishing of Spokane, Washington.

Our distribution is 40,000 in North Idaho, West Lincoln and West Sanders counties in Montana.

The next issue of the Round Up will be out on March 1,, 2019 Contributors : Jim Haynes, Ann Warwick, Judy Baird, Kim Knerl, Dr. Gabrielle Duebendorfer, Chase Youngdahl, Nikki Luttmann, For advertising rates, information and questions please call 208.265.7703 or email roundupadvertising@yahoo.com.

For more information about the CO-OP Country Store, the clinics we offer each year, the departments we have in the store and where to go for help, please visit our web site coopcountrystore.com. Here you will find helpful information about the rural life and how the CO-OP can help you make the most of your country life experience.

You may write to the CO-OP at roundupadvertising@yahoo.com

611 South Ella Ave. * Sandpoint, ID * 83864 (208) 263-2344 * bchs@frontier.com www.bonnercountyhistory.org

Who wants to come to the museum for a school tour?

The Bonner County History Museum is committed to using its unique resources and growing collection to offer unique learning opportunities designed to make history come alive! From school tours to traveling trunks filled with artifacts and lesson plans, we have something for all ages and classroom sizes. And the best part - it’s all FREE, including transportation, snacks and more. Contact us to learn more. Educational programs at the museum are generously sponsored by:

Proven Track Record at Keeping Propane Prices Low

Co-op Energy has been your locally owned and operated propane company since 2000. Our outstanding customer service and attention to reasonable pricing has set us apart from all other propane companies in the area.

If you are looking for a new propane company to supply all your propane needs at home, the office or on the farm now is the time to call Co-op Energy!

Our new 30,000 gallon bulk plant in Bonners Ferry makes servicing our Boundary County customers even more efficient. And as always, switching out your tank is FREE. NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO CALL FOR SPECIAL PRICING! Co-op Energy Propane & Fuel 110 Tibbetts Lane Suite 4

208.263.3338 co-openergy.org

4

Bits and Pieces

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2019 Volume 19 Issue 2

Boundary County U of I Winter 2019 Extension Classes Please call to register for any of these classes. Scholarships are available. Classes take place at the Boundary County Extension meeting room unless noted otherwise.

Marketing Your Products Online $5 Friday, January 11, 1-3pm In this class, we will discuss a variety of approaches to marketing your products online, and why you might want to explore specific options based on your needs. Whatever your approach, the key to successful online marketing is promoting your products to a targeted audience. This will be an introductory course. Class size limited to 30 people.

Fruit and Nut Trees of Boundary County, Free Lecture Friday, February 1, 1-3pm Casimir Holeski is the founder of the Boundary County Orchard Restoration Project and owner of Infinity Matrix Tree Crops, where he propagates fruit and nut trees that he has found in his explorations of surviving trees in this county. He will be sharing his extensive collection of photos and videos of his passion, documenting the old varieties that are still thriving in abandoned orchards around the county.

Ed. Note: Please note the dates, times, and location of these classes.

Thank you!

Pressure Canning $15 Wednesday, January 16, 1-4pm Learn how to safely preserve low acid foods using a pressure canner. We will be making and canning Beefy Bolognese sauce during the class time.

Information on how to properly care for your pressure canner will also be provided. Class size is limited to 10 people.

Saving Garden Seeds in Boundary County, $5 Friday, January 18, 1-3pm Learn how to save different types of garden seeds, starting with easy crops, and participate in Boundary County’s Seed Bank. Our resource people for this class are local gardeners with extensive experience on this topic. You will receive a variety of seed samples from our Seed Bank.

Bonners Ferry Cereal School, FREE Thursday, January 24, 8am-2pm Eight cereal school events are held across Idaho, sponsored by the Idaho Wheat Commission, the Idaho Barley Commission, and the University of Idaho. These educational workshops provide an opportunity for producers to learn about issues in their region, including insect issues, disease updates, variety trials, weed control, canola issues, markets, and more.

Pesticide recertification credits will be available. Includes a catered lunch.

Graft Your Own Apple Trees, $20 Friday, January 25, 1-3pm In this two-part class, we will learn about collecting scion wood from your favorite apple trees while they are dormant (Part 1) and then we will graft the scions on to hardy rootstock later this spring (Part 2). Course fee covers grafting supplies and rootstock (and scion, if you don’t have your own) for grafting two apple trees. Class size limited to 16 people.

Cooking Under Pressure, $10 Monday, January 28, 11am-1pm Monday, February 25, 11am-1pm Have an electric pressure cooker or thinking about buying one? Come join us to learn how to make quick and easy meals for your family. Don’t forget your apron because in this hands-on class we will make lemon better chicken, brown rice, and New York cheesecake. We will also be comparing various brands of electric pressure cookers and seeing how each one operates in order to help you decide which type of electric pressure cooker best meets your needs. Class size limited to 12 people.

Master Gardener Certification Course, $125 Tues. & Thurs., 1-4pm Starts Tues., Jan. 29 (approx. 3-month course) The purpose of the UI Master Gardener Program is to develop a network of trained volunteers who can provide our community with research-based horticultural education and technical assistance with gardening and home horticultural problems. Master Gardeners receive about 12 weeks of college-level lectures and hands-on training with UI Extension Specialists, faculty, and local experts.

After completion of the training, Master Gardeners are required to provide a minimum of 30 hours of volunteer service back to their community to become certified and receive a $50 refund, as well as other gifts and benefits.

Areas of training include basic botany, plant propagation, weed science, irrigation, orchard production, organic vegetable production, season extension, soils, fertilizers, entomology, lawns, and greenhouses. There are several tours included in the training. Volunteers work with plant diagnostic clinics, public outreach at fairs, the farmers market, festivals, community gardens, and other groups requesting help, such as local schools, churches, and senior centers.

For more information, see http://www.extension.uidaho.edu/mg/.

What’s in your heart?

The heart of the Scotchman Peaks is open to hiking in every season!

Save the wild Scotchmans! www.scotchmanpeaks.org

Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness celebrate their 14th Anniversary on Sunday, January 13, 3 to 6 pm at the POAC Gallery on Cedar Street Bridge

Please join us!

Just $5! • Live enertainment with The StoryTelling Company No host bar. Complimentary appetizers.

Sponsored by The Sandpoint Reader • Pend Oreille Arts Council • Eichardt’s Pub, Grill & Coffee House, All About Weddings • Blue Creek Press

Then and Now

5

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2019 Volume 19 Issue 2

What Grows in Idaho Now

Well & Sewer Pump Installations & Repairs

For a long time Idaho was known for its famous russet potatoes, the kind pictured on post cards. Washington was known for apples and Montana was Big Sky Country. These phrases are rarely heard anymore in common day conversations except to lament the good old days and how things have changed. Things have indeed changed and the agricultural landscape of the IRON BACTERIA ARE COMMON IN Pacific Northwest with it.

WELL WATER. Washington certainly grows apples. If you have never had the pleasure of They won’t kill you but they are very hard exploring the Okanogan Valley, tasted fruit from those road side fruit stands, to like. They multiply in the dark and form slimy biofilms to protect themselves. They or had fresh tomatoes from those vines in the heat of the afternoon, you cause sulfur smells and some orange stains simply should consider taking a drive there this summer. It is hot. It is dry. on your fixtures.

And the produce is beyond delicious. But there is more.

CHLORINATING DOES NOT REMOVE In the southern part of Washington the hills have more than orchards. They THEM. IT JUST MAKES THEM MEAN. We have a bioslime remover that will allow are now delicately clothed in grapevine. Because of the amazing climate in chlorination to kill the bacteria. the heart of Washington more than 55,000 acres are in wine grape producAnd you can apply it yourself! tion. Almost 70 varieties are grown andSeptember more thanissue 900 wineries are producText changes for the ing some of the most delicious wines in the world. Tasting rooms abound and entire wine villages haveall sprung up including those whose neighbors Pump runs the time? meet and toast over the backyard dining table. The growing and consuming of wine along with good food has become a delightful subculture, one that 323 McGhee Road - Sandpoint, ID 83864 Low pressure?

RCT 36175, ELE 021187, PLB 016436 can be accessed by anyone with enough time and a desire to learn Idaho certainly grow potatoes. The state has Thinkacres leak or bad pump. producmore than 11 million in agriculture tion but potatoes is not at the top of the list of what Give a call.

We can help.At the this state produces forus the United States. top of the commodity list is Austrian Winter peas.

• Metal Machining, • Transmission & Potatoes and barley are tied for second place with Welding & Rear-End Rebuilds seed peas and peppermint oil coming in third and Fabrication & Exchanges fourth respectively. Peppermint oil! Idaho produces 29% in the national ranking. We also produce 13% • Custom U-Bolts & • Driveline Rebuilds of the hops and that is growing as the cottage beer brewing industry expands. Those same people Hydraulic Hoses& Repairs sipping wine with friends around the dinner table while you wait! are also brew masters in the making.

The top agricultural export in Idaho is dairy products with more than $356 million in 2017. AcREPAIR • PARTS • SERVICE • EQUIPMENT • TRUCKS • RVS cording to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture more than $2 Billion worth of Idaho produced 1100 Triangle Drive • Ponderay, Idaho grains, meats, dairy, and seeds are marketed worldwide. If this seems a bit hard to imagine one FULL SERVICE Mon-Fri 7am-5pm • Saturday 7am-1pm need only drive as far as Bonners Ferry and look to CUMMINS DEALER the west of the city down the Purcell Trench to get an idea of the agricultural production possible in this state. It is a wonder to behold.

In the southern reaches of Idaho another world comes alive as thousands of acres of corn, wheat, sunflowers, and alfalfa greet the late summer traveler. And if you are lucky enough you may get to see great Pyrenees gently bringing their wooly charges in from the summer feeding lands to the farms below for the winter. This subculture is rarely talked about in the northern parts but it is a very big part of the south. More than 240,000 sheep and lambs populate the hills while 600,000 dairy cattle and more than 1.5 million beef cattle and calves round out the livestock count.

And Idaho has wineries as well.

As of 2017 the state is considered to have a viticulture industry gaining recognition. The state currently has three American Viticulture Areas ; Snake River Valley, Eagle Foothills, and Lewis-Clark.

Also worth noting is the Organic Medical · Dental · Behavioral Health · Pediatrics · VA acres in production in Idaho, more than179,000 acres. Sales from these acres exceeded $98 million.

Idaho agriculture has changed indeed. It is no longer just the land of the famous potatoes. It is that and so much more.

Tanks • Drives • Accessories • Hand Pumps • Parts

(208) 263-7867

Your Cummins Full Service Dealer

208-263-4643

You let a lot of stuff slide when you’re a parent.

Quality healthcare should not be one of them.

Your Healthcare Home

Now offering pediatric care in our Bonners Ferry, Ponderay, Priest River & Sandpoint clinics.

Call (208) 265-2242

https://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Idaho/Publications/Agriculture_in_Idaho/index.php

Accepting new patients. Same day appointments. www.kaniksuhealthservices.org

Sliding fee for uninsured.

We also take Medicaid, Medicare & most insurance.

Heats 2200 sq. ft. Log length: 20�

Mobile home approved.

Heats up to 1500 sq. ft.

Energy Logs North Idaho (240 logs) 1/2 Unit (120 logs)

$250.00 $140.00

Wood Energy Pellets North Idaho (50 Bags) Lignetics (50 Bags) Single Bags (Lignetic) Single Bags (NIE)

$225.00 $225.00 $4.75 $4.75

For more information please call

263.3338 or 263.6820.

The CO-OP is proud to offer a market livestock and non-market feed program that work alongside 4-H member goals.

How does the program work?

You must come in and sign up (at the front counter) before your market animals first spring weigh in, or if your animal doesn’t have a weigh in, you can sign up when you purchase your first bag of feed.

Species:

The cashiers up front will then mark off on your sign up sheet every time you come in, and purchase a bag of feed.

To get this cash prize you must meet the minimum bag requirement for your project (explained in the tables). You must also either get a blue or red ribbon in your quality class, and sell your animal at the market sale. This year we have included a separate prize for Grand Champion and Reserve Champion.

The CO-OP is a strong supporter of the 4H program, and has been for many years now. We like to show our support by offering programs, and participating at the Market Animal sale.

Blue

Red Rib- Bags to

Beef

$100

$50

40

Swine

$50

$25

12

Sheep

$30

$15

6

Goat

$25

$15

4

Poultry

$15

$10

2

Rabbit

$15

$10

2

Qualifying Feeds.

CHS:

You will be contacted for an in-store celebration where you will receive your cash prize. Look for an invitation to come in September.

Cash Awards:



Champion Steer



Bull Challenger



Champion Lamb



Champion Goat



Champion Hog



CHS Rabbit



Fryer Ration ( Chicken )

Elenbaas:

This year we have expanded our award program with more cash payouts to those who place with either Grand Champion or Reserve Champion as well as either a blue or red ribbon, and sell their animal in the Market Animal sale. We will still be attending the Market Animal Sale as well.



Proshow Steer



Proshow Lamb



Proshow Goat



Proshow Hog or Lean Hog 16%



Elenbaas Rabbit



Poultry Grower/Finisher

Grand

Reserve

Bags to

Beef

$200

$150

40

Purina:

Swine

$100

$75

12



Honor Show Chow

Sheep

$80

$60

6



Goat

$60

$45

4

Nature’s Match Starter/Grower & Grower/Finisher

Poultry

$25

$20

2



Meat Bird

Rabbit

$25

$20

2

Species:

How does the program work?

The award amount will depend on your placing in your Showmanship Class (Fitting & Showing). Please call or come in and tell us how you did after your showmanship event.

Just like our market animal program we will have a book at the front counter that will have sign up sheets for the kids and their projects. A cashier will fill the sheet out for you, and from there will also track how many bags of feed that you buy.

Must sign up before June 1st. 2019.

You will then be sent an invitation for an in-store celebration where you will receive your cash prize. Look for an invitation to come in September.

Ribbon

Award

Grand Champion

$25

Overall Reserve Champion

$20

Overall

The CO-OP is a strong supporter of the 4-H program, and has been for many years now. We like to show our support by offering programs, and participating at the Market Animal sale.

This year we have decided to expand our program by including non-market animal projects as well.

Depending on your project, there will be a minimum bag purchase requirement (explained in table below).

Blue

$10

Red

$5

White

$2

QUALIFYING FEEDS:

Species

Bags

Horse/Pony

5

Beef

5

The qualifying feeds for our Non-Market animals are the following brands:

Dairy Cow

5



CHS

Swine

3



Elenbaas

Llamas/Alpacas

2



Purina

Sheep

2



LMF

Goats

2



2

Mazuri

Poultry Rabbits

1



Sun Basics

Cavies/Guinea Pigs

1

Northern Red Oak

Why We Do This Event

A Wide Variety of Lilacs Quill Mock Orange Brookcot Apricot Reliance Peach Toka Plum

Bartlett Pear Golden Spice Pear

Several Apple Varieties: Honeycrisp, Jonagold Lodi, and McIntosh Several Varieties of Crab Apple Trees, both fruiting and ornamental.

First and foremost, this is a Arbor Day Celebration! This is a way to bring the community together in a fun atmosphere and find a great deal on a tree or shrub. It’s a crazy event. And the trees go fast!

This is a First Come—First Served event. So come early, get your number, be patient, and enjoy the time with your neighbors as we help you find a tree or shrub for your space!

A variety of Strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry plants all 1 year old!!

Every effort has been made to assure sufficient supplies. This sale is a First Come - First Served event beginning at 8 AM Sharp. The CO-OP is not responsible for, nor does it have control over out of stock items. As of this printing all product listed is available.

• 100% Vitamins and Minerals* • Controlled Starch & Sugar with No Corn or Molasses • Complete Feed Forage Built In

*When fed as directed, with free-choice or added salt, based on Nutrient Requirements of Horses Sixth Revised Edition – 2007, published by the National Research Council

SPECIALLY FORMULATED FOR THE NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF ACTIVE PLEASURE HORSES BUILT-IN FORAGE

COMPLETE CONVENIENCE

CONTROLLED STARCH AND SUGAR

Complete feed with quality hay built in to address nutrient variability of hay or pasture and promote consistent nutrient intake. Can be used to completely replace the forage in your horse’s diet or as a hay stretcher when high-quality hay is scarce.

Appropriate for horses with soluble carbohydrate sensitivities, formulated with no corn or molasses. Replacing some or all of the forage will provide more control over the starch and sugar in the horse's diet.

SUPPLIES 100% OF REQUIRED VITAMINS AND MINERALS Designed to meet 100% of the required nutrients to support overall horse health.** **When fed as directed, with free-choice or added salt, based on Nutrient Requirements of Horses Sixth Revised Edition – 2007, published by the National Research Council

Supplies 100% complete and balanced nutrition, eliminating the mess and hassle of hauling and feeding hay on trail rides and in your barn.

HIGHLY DIGESTIBLE

ADDED ANTIOXIDANTS

Scientifically formulated pelleted feed with highly digestible ingredients, including top-quality hay, for optimal nutrient absorption.

Contains antioxidants, including Vitamin E to help address the negative effects of free radicals.

DAILY FEEDING CHART WITHOUT FORAGE Amount to be fed daily when no forage is fed along with Purina® Equine Adult® horse feed.

LIFESTYLE

600

800

WEIGHT OF HORSE IN POUNDS 1,000 1,200

1,400

Equine Adult® Horse Feed (lbs/day)

Maintenance-Minimum Activity

7.50

10.00

12.50

15.00

17.50

Maintenance-Average Activity

8.25

11.00

13.75

16.50

19.25

Maintenance-Elevated Activity

9.00

12.00

15.00

18.00

21.00

Light Work

10.00

13.25

16.50

19.75

23.00

Early Gestation (first 250 days)

8.50

11.25

14.25

17.00

19.75

Purina® FeedGuard® Nutrition System At Purina, our feeds are fed to hundreds of thousands of animals every day. Animals that rely on us to help them be their best. That’s why our feeds are made with the Purina® FeedGuard® Nutrition System.

It’s our satisfaction guarantee that your animals get the consistent, high-quality nutrition they need every day.

GUARANTEED ANALYSIS Crude Protein (min) ...........11.00%

Calcium (max) .......................1.30%

Lysine (min) .......................... 0.70%

Phosphorus (min) ............... 0.50%

Methionine (min)................. 0.20%

Copper (min).............. 40.00 ppm

Threonine (min)...................0.40%

Selenium (min) ............. 0.30 ppm

Crude Fat (min)................... 3.00%

Zinc (min) ...................120.00 ppm

Crude Fiber (max)............25.00%

Vitamin A (min).........3,000 IU/lb

Starch (max)....................... 10.00%

Vitamin D3 (min) .......... 600 IU/lb

Sugars (max)........................ 5.00%

Vitamin E (min) ............... 80 IU/lb

Calcium (min)....................... 0.80%

For more information on this or other Purina® horse feeds, visit PurinaMills.com/Horse-Feed or call 1-800-227-8941.

Purina Animal Nutrition LLC • 1080 County Road F West • Shoreview, MN 55126

10

Rural Life

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2019 Volume 19 Issue 2

Minimalism in the New Year – All or Nothing? By Nikki Luttmann Seven Bee Interiors

After the many excesses of the holiday season, January seems like an ideal place to stop and regroup. Although I truly love the colors and vibrancy of the holidays, with decorations and lights and gifts galore, it all becomes too much at the start of a new year. Come January, I want a clean slate. This is especially true of our home and this year I keep thinking about a trend that many of us have heard of: minimalism. How would it feel to only live with what we truly need?

For most of us, this concept seems far-fetched. We have so many belongings and things in our lives that we can’t imagine what it would take to clear it all out in favor of white walls and stark interiors. However, what if we just took some of the concepts of minimalism and applied them to our own lifestyle? For example, what if for every item we brought into our home, one went out? Or we kept only the things we truly love?

There are many approaches to minimalism, and I’ve read about nearly all of them. Konmari’s “keep only what brings you joy” method, Bea Johnson’s zero-waste home initiative, even Swedish death cleaning (yes, this is a thing!). I’ve learned about the Japanese practice of wabi sabi, where things are not discarded when they are damaged or broken, but instead valued all the more for their imperfection. All of these are wonderful in theory, but very hard for most of us to put into practice. It’s so easy to just keep collecting things.

This year, however, I’d like to change that cycle. I want to feel more in control of my home, and less like the things in it are in control of me. For me, that means using an idea or two from all that I’ve learned on the subject of minimalism. Before I purchase something new, I will consider whether something I already own can perform that function. Before I add to my wardrobe, I will donate an item (or two!) of clothing that I no longer wear.

I will commit to going through my home, room by room, and decide which items I love and use, and which ones I only keep out of habit or because I spent “good” money on them. What’s more, I will ask my husband and kids to do the same.

Though I’m sure it will seem overwhelming at first, there are some benefits to implementing some aspects of minimalism into our daily life. I’m hoping to spend less, for one. After all, if I only purchase what I truly need, I’m sure to save some cash! As well, I’m hoping that if we whittle down our belongings to what we absolutely must have, those things will be easier to find when we need them! And, if these ideas can help make our family more environmentally sound by not producing so much trash in the process, then it’s a win-win.

As I go forward with this experiment, I will try to remember the words of the godfather of modern interior design, William Morris, “Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” Good words for all of us to live by, I think. Happy New Year!

By Nikki Luttmann Seven Bee Interiors Sandpoint Furniture, Carpet One and Selkirk Glass and Cabinets

Spokane Home & Yard Show, Feb 28 & Mar 1-3 Spokane County Fairgrounds NIBCA Home & Garden Show, Mar 8-10 Kootenai County Fairgrounds Spokane Home & Garden Show, Apr 19-21 Spokane Convention Center

The Classic Edge Outdoor Wood Furnace is US EPA Certified

Independent Energy Systems, LLC

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Careywood • 208-946-5550 • IESIdaho.com

Outdoor Furnaces • Off-Grid Batteries • Radiant Heat Financing Available

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Save up to 50% with our DIY radiant floor systems!

The False Milkmaid

by Scott Herndon

Oh how sweetly smells the clover After the freshening rain, Oh how lovely the whispering grasses That sweep the twilit plain; The milkmaid carries a wooden bucket, And holds her skirts in her hand: The gentle cow lows softly, To hasten her caring hand The milk sings into the bucket, The flank is white and red, And the happy milkmaid, Milks and rests her head The cow she softly chews her cud, Of meadow she has grazed, Never once against the pail, Her dainty hoof she raised The milk is in the dairy, Blossom’s in the barn, The milkmaid’s gown is just as clean As if there was no farm But this is false! ‘Tis all a lie, That’s writ in books and rhyme, A picture peacefully sublime To make more people try, A family cow, so clean, so neat!

Good milk for all, so fresh...so sweet...

And true, the milk is very good, But first there comes the calf, What is a bottle of milk, he thinks, And why do they all laugh?

The cow is cross, the stall is wet, She has milk fever...call the vet...

Her tail is full of muck, she tries To switch it sharply in your eyes Though the cow Kant is screwed on tight, Her kicks are fast and full of spite The pail is now her enemy, It hurts her teats, or could it be, It is the milker on each side?

She doesn’t know, she doesn’t care, All she wants is out of there; And even after many months When she is calm and good, It sometimes really seems to me, She’d ruin it if she could

Our Environment

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2019 Volume 19 Issue 2

Weed of the Month - Common Mullein

By Chase Youngdahl It’s the middle of winter…weed control activities are not exactly bustling, but spring will creep up faster than you may think.

How many times have you asked yourself, or your friends/family/co-workers; “where did the time go, it went by so fast?!”

We all have, probably many times. So, even though it’s January I will give you a Weed of the Month to keep in the back of your mind and plan for come spring.

Common Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) is a widely recognizable weed in the area. It is not a noxious weed at the state or county level, however Bonner County lists it as a roadside undesirable. A biennial in the figwort family, Common Mullein begins as a rosette of thick woolly leaves that overlap one another the first year before finishing its lifecycle the following year as a towering stem containing up to 100,000 seeds.

The first year rosettes can reach diameters of 2 feet, and the second year stem can bolt to heights of 6 feet. The flowers are pale yellow and form at the top of the stem in a long spike; it stays in the flowering stage for much of the summer before going to seed.

The seeds are abundant and persist in the soil for a very long time (some research suggests viability up to 100 years)— that’s the bad news. The good news is the seeds are heavy and disperse no further than the footprint of the parent plant, and seed is the only mechanism of spread. Being that I incorporate a small weed biology lesson in to each of these articles, hopefully you’ve picked up on the fact that annuals and biennials only reproduce by seed, where perennials reproduce by both seed and vegetative parts. I may include a quiz in my next installment. :) Common Mullein is found in just about any disturbed site; roadsides, pastures, fence rows, gardens, clear cuts and industrial areas. It’s often one of the first weeds to show on a site that experienced recent soil disturbance, i.e. – fresh clear cuts, recently burned areas, recent roadside work, etc.

As eluded to earlier, Bonner County includes Common Mullein as a target weed on rights-of-way—this is due to being an impediment for visibility with its tall statue and propensity to populate in thick groves. As far as issues outside of travel corridors, it can be a hindrance with gardening since it quickly germinates upon soil disturbance. It can also create a dense monoculture in forest environments post logging or burning, causing desirable vegetation [for reforestation or wildlife browse] to be outcompeted.

Mechanical control is an effective way to combat Common Mullein. It is easy to hand pull in the spring or early summer when the soil is moist, that goes for first and second year plants. Cutting the stalk of second year plants will prevent seed dispersal—a good tactic if it’s later in the summer when dry soil is making for difficult extraction. Remember, the second year plants will die on their own at the end of the growing season, so the main objective is to keep them from reaching seed maturity. Tillage is effective for controlling large infestations—a good method for first year plants. Keep in mind though, tillage will also create the disturbance Common Mullein needs for germination. And if you choose to go the route of mowing first year plants, it needs to be done regularly, as the rosettes regenerate in a hurry. Herbicide control can be a challenge since the leaves are densely covered with hairs, which makes herbicide penetration difficult. The key is to add maximum labeled rates of a quality MSO surfactant and a 2,4-D amine—the MSO helps to penetrate the fuzz and the 2,4-D acts a vehicle to translocate the specialty herbicides throughout the entire plant. Herbicides to add to the aforementioned base mix for maximum control include the following options: Opensight® (aminopyralid + metsulfuron), MSM60 (metsulfuron), Garlon®/Vastlan® (triclopyr) or VistaXRT® (fluroxypyr). The best time for herbicide control is during the first year rosette stage, but if you’re looking to spray second year plants be sure to make it happen early in the season. If you want to clean an infested tract of land [where projected disturbance is minimal], use an aminopyralid product as early in the spring as possible to help knock back the seed bank. Cultural control/prevention is centered on minimizing ground disturbance in areas where Common Mullein seed banks exist, or are suspected to exist. Odds are, that’s just about everywhere with as many seeds as they produce and with the length of time they stay viable. In reality, prevention for Common Mullein is only plausible in micro areas. Encourage desirable vegetation early in the year and leave the (micro) area alone—that’s your shot at cultural control.

Now put this edition up for safekeeping to refer back to in a few months… carry on, January!

Common Mullein in the Rosette Stage.

11

12

The Gardener’s Corner

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2019 Volume 19 Issue 2

BCGA Membership Course to Begin

by Ann Warwick

Are you new to the area? Are you a frustrated gardener, or a happy gardener who hungers for more information on growing plants in north Idaho?

Would you like to meet other gardeners to share experiences and knowledge? Perhaps you are looking for a fun volunteer group to join. The Bonner County Gardeners Association’s annual membership course is set to begin February 4 and will meet Monday and Friday mornings, some fourteen or fifteen sessions in all. The course follows the U of I Master Gardener manual and expert speakers offer instruction at each class. The course covers everything from soils to climate considerations to insects, diseases, vegetable production and much more. It provides a comprehensive approach to successful gardening.

BCGA membership requires each person to have completed a Master Gardener program or the membership course or the equivalent, as we are dedicated to science based education on all things gardening. The missions of the organization are “Education, Community Service, and Camaraderie.” The organization does good things and members have fun.

The cost of the course is $150, and includes all materials. The classroom is limited to 17 participants, so it is wise to reserve a seat soon.

For more information, visit our web site, bcgardeners.org, email us at bcgardeners@gmail.com, or leave a message at 208 265-2070 and someone will get back to you.

Reflections on the Winter Garden It’s January, and the landscape is bare of leaves and covered with a white blanket of snow. The days are gradually getting a bit longer, though, and the gardener’s thoughts turn to spring. Seed catalogs provide tempting ideas and the imagination can run wild with plans. Now is a good time to evaluate the garden and decide what changes to make in 2019.

Meanwhile, the garden appears dormant. Branches are bare of leaves, revealing the bare bones of the landscape. Now is a good time to assess the woody plants for pruning, while all the branches are visible. I’m evaluating my apple trees, blueberries, and grapes, deciding what to prune and what to leave, and looking at the thick tangle of some of the landscape shrubs, to figure out how to shape them and thin them to a better habit.

Underground, under the frost and snow, plants are already preparing for their spring debut. The garlic is making roots to gather nutrients and deliver them to the green plant in spring. Ornamental bulbs are starting to develop and push upward, ready to burst forth with a wild floral display several month from now. Perennials look dead this time of year, with no life visible above ground, but they, too, are alive and waiting for the signs of warming weather. Seeds dropped on the ground in fall will germinate when the time is right. My garden is a profusion of Shirley poppies, California poppies, larkspur and cosmos because those plants are allowed to reseed. And their random placement is always a pleasant surprise when they appear. If there are too many or in a bad place, they are easily pulled, but I like the informality of self-seeded plantings. It makes me think of English cottage gardens.

And let us not forget the compost pile. It may be frozen on top, but down deep in the pile, the tiny creatures are eating away at the materials, and producing enough heat to stay alive and working. In spring, there should be a good supply of compost to aid the new plantings, and a crop of compost worms and microbes to continue the cycle.

Nature never completely rests, but we can contemplate the continuing progression of seasons from a cozy perch by a window while sipping a cup of hot cocoa.

Our Changing World

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2019 Volume 19 Issue 2

13

The Big Carbon Fix

by Gabrielle Duebendorfer, ND I recently watched “Chasing Coral”, available on Netflix, and was deeply affected by the beauty of the underwater world and the commitment of young people in preserving it. A while ago my family and I visited Egypt and got to snorkel in the Red Sea. I was blown away by the variety and colors of fish and corals – truly a miracle of God’s work to behold! The movie showed in painstaking detail how “hotspots” in the ocean, within a few months, bleached and destroyed the coral and the abundant life that was associated with it. There have been three of these massive coral dying events within the last 8 years. According to www.bitsofscience.org “over “29% of (the corals on) the Great Barrier Reef have died in 2016”.

Corals get their unbelievable color as well as their food via photosynthesis from tiny symbiotic algae that live within their skeleton structure.

When these algae are exposed to too much heat, they produce free radicals. In the human body these free radicals are produced when exposed to toxins, contributing to cancer and other chronic illness. Similarly they are a great danger to the corals, which literally expel the algae as a form of suicidal self-protection. They survive for a little while, but if temperatures are not dropping they die. What is left is bleached out skeletons that eventually rot away.

It was heartbreaking to see the despair in young and old coral fanatics who were documenting this process first hand. They also witnessed how some coral displayed behavior that was never seen before – a brilliant green or purple fluorescence that served as a last effort protection from UV light before bleaching – kind of like a chemical sunscreen.

Why is all this important? 25% of the world’s population depends on the coral reefs for fish production. “During the last 30 years 50% of coral has disappeared. Based on current trends, within the next 30 years annual bleaching will kill most of the world’s coral”. Over 90% of the increasing global temperature and 50% of the increased CO2 emissions have been absorbed in the oceans and therefore the impact is noticeably stronger there than on land. The increase of CO2 concentration in the ocean compromises the plankton by inhibiting its skeleton formation, which further reduces a basic food source for fish and therefore for us.

There will be a tipping point of no return if temperature increases are not being stopped. “Coral reefs are really the most urgent climate impact showcase that science can think of.” The reason is that tropical coral reefs are susceptible to extinction at a much lower average global temperature increase than other ecosystems, i.e. it could be lower than the 1.5 degree, which is projected to be the upper limit that would prevent major harm to the planet.

It has long been known in physics that increased CO2 causes increased temperature. It also is quite clear that CO2 emissions have increased dramatically since the start of industrialization. The relationship of both with regards to climate change is a bit more complicated. There are lots of questions about the validity of climate science, economic and personal impacts of climate change solutions, as well as realistic potential of turning the warming trend around. Coming from both sides of the political spectrums these hesitations keep potential solutions from being implemented while there is still time.

We are hardwired to recognize and deal with danger in our immediate surroundings. It is essential that we care most about what affects our families and community in the present moment and in our locality to ensure our survival. Therefore, issues that are halfway across the world don’t seem as vital to us.

However, assume for a moment that the ocean is like the canary in the coal mine – it is the early indicator of something going seriously wrong. Considering observations from people who are right there would be essential to address the problem before it arrives at our doorstep, i.e. in form of increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires and water shortage. Let’s further assume that we can do more about this local situation of increased wildfires besides better forest management. If there were a solution that likely would improve both local and global scenarios, be economically feasible, not increase government or taxes on regular folks, and have bipartisan support, would you consider it as a sort of insurance policy for our grandkids?

The House of Representatives last week introduced H.R. 7173, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, which could very well be this solution.

It currently has 3 republican and four democratic sponsors. According to Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL) “(This bill) will drive down America’s carbon pollution and bring climate change under control, while unleashing American technology innovation and ingenuity. It’s an effective, bipartisan climate solution that is good for people and good for the economy.” Please see this link for more specifics: https://energyinnovationact.org/how-it-works/ Sometimes it is essential that we look at the bigger picture in addition to taking action on the local level. In order to do that we have to understand the urgency of an issue, clear up any misunderstandings, and clarify the viability of the solution. On January 16th @ 5.30pm at the Sandpoint High school auditorium, the Sandpoint chapter of CCL, together with Idaho Forest Group (IFG), KRFY, Keokee printing, and Eicharts is sponsoring a presentation with world renowned climate scientist Dr. Steve Ghan. www.theBigCarbonFix.com. There are many valid reasons why people hesitate to support climate action such as a Carbon Dividend bill. Dr. Ghan will address many of these in the hopes of inviting a genuine dialogue.

What struck me the most about “Chasing Coral” was the enthusiasm and hope that the researchers demonstrated despite facing the imminent loss of what they love most. One older researcher, who had inspired one of the younger ones years ago, said that if he could do one thing different he would have advocated for climate action much earlier. I do have three grandkids, which I hope will be able to enjoy our beautiful woods and animals in the future when I am not here anymore. As long as there is even a remote chance to save this beautiful world for our grandkids – and researchers suggest there still is – why not take it? But time is running out! According to two recent reports we have 12 years to act!

Both the 4th National Climate Assessment and the annual U.N. report found that at the current rate the global temperature is expected to reach 3.2 degrees above pre-industrial levels by 2100. There are areas that have reached 1.5 degrees already and impacts are now directly measurable, like coral bleaching and island flooding. The latter report validated Carbon Pricing as the best first step to minimize the impacts of climate change, without having to resort to actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere – a very expensive venture. The agricultural and forest service sectors have been doing their part already by improving land use management practices. Innovation in the renewable energy sector is already booming.

50 Sandpoint high-school students are working in their science class on research posters for the CCL presentation, exploring all these different aspects of climate change. They will have a chance to talk with Dr. Ghan to hear about climate science first hand. It is our kids who will bear the brunt of our actions and we can ensure a livable future for them. If you have questions about the human role of climate change, economic ramifications, and viability of the H.R 7173, please do come and join the high school students, who will present their research posters for cash prize competitions generously provided by IFG. If you are ready to take action go to https://www.cclsandpoint. org/take-action and for more information e-mail cclsandpoint@gmail.com. And we surely hope to see you on January 16th @5.30pm at the HS auditorium for a healthy conversation.

Ed. Note: This article has been provided space in this publication for educational purposes only. Opinions in this piece do not necessarily reflect any position or opinion of the CO-OP Gas & Supply Company, Co-op Energy, or the CO-OP Round Up Publication. The CO-OP Gas & Supply Company does not have access to UN or any other research mentioned in this article. Please address any questions to the appropriate contacts mentioned in this article.

Thank you.

14 Winter Blues

Your Health

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2019 Volume 19 Issue 2

ing into the blood red tincture or oil. There are several studies that show it I am writing this as I am dancing to the holiday blues and hope that my to be effective, especially in combo with light therapy – whether in form of a musings might still be helpful for the post holiday blues, when all the busy- box or outside. ness is over. However, you might actually be dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder, more accurately called Winter Blues, which tends to be worse If none of these suggestions work please do see your favorite naturopathic doctor for further help. And consider these closing words in May Sarton’s during January and February - more on that later.

I am finding myself in states of confusion and sadness, sometimes tinged poem: with anger, sometimes dropping into depression. The holidays bring up sweet memories from the past and with that comes the longing for things to No one has heard thought or listened to a mind, be the same. My kids are all out of the house and both sets of parents have But where people have lived in inwardness died, so the familiar rituals and calls are gone. I attempted to resurrect our The air is charged with blessing and does bless; precious German pre-Christmas tradition of an advent spiral for my grand- Windows look out on mountains and walls are kind. (M.S.) kids. However, I realized pretty soon that this was more to sooth my own melancholy - they are in the process of establishing their own traditions. So Dr. Gabrielle Duebendorfer is a certified iRest I pulled back. instructor and has practiced as a licensed naturopathic physician in Sandpoint for over 20 The result was plain emptiness and sadness, grief bubbling up. Better to years. Her passion lies in teaching people how stay home in the peace and quiet of our mountain cabin. It’s pleasantly quito heal themselves while supporting the body in et now with just my husband and me at home. As I reflected more I realized the process. Unraveling chronic disease, pain, that we have established our own routines as empty nesters now, that are fatigue, and anxiety cases, which conventional quite joyful in their own right. This morning I took my time to take the dogs medicine often is at a loss with, is a welcome for a run and gather bows and huckleberry branches for Christmas wreathes challenge. Besides individual ND and iRest diaand decorations. I ended up venturing into new areas of the woods and logue consults, she offers a variety of talks and began to feel a familiar intimacy amongst the trees in the bitter cold. It’s the classes as well as on-ongoing iRest classes, same intimacy that I was grieving earlier – an intimacy of being with “trees teaching tools to rise above stress and disease. and walls that are just kind” as May Sarton says in her poem “The Work of 208-265-2213 Happiness”.

Gabrielle Duebendorfer, ND

…For what is happiness but growth in peace, The timeless sense of time when furniture Has stood a life’s span in a single place, And as the air moves so the old dreams stir The shining leaves of present happiness…(M.S) Amongst the timeless space between the trees the old memories and longings kindled present happiness again. Back home with arms full of fragrant bows I called an old friend who I just found out is dying of advanced cancer.

What intimacy and joy to genuinely talk with someone who is facing death. …I thought of happiness, how it is woven Out of the silence in the empty house each day… (M.S.) Loneliness, illness, death – nobody wants or like this. However, out of the emptiness arises the capacity to love, to care. I have a patient who is truly a lost soul. He mostly leaves messages of desperation or anger as a way of being heard. A while ago I encouraged him to write some of his musings down, with the hopes of him getting a different perspective. It took him a long time to work up the motivation to actually do it, but once he did there was something really special that arose out of that long profound loneliness:

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And so life marches on one heart beat after another while the clock on the wall goes tick-tock, tick-tock until the heart stops beating…. with skin wrapped all around our bodies to feel we go about our lives, awake and asleep with thoughts and dreams. The wondrous miracle of life and the sweet and sour song of living with its very own highs and lows, ecstasy and misery, pleasure and pain, either in the warm bright sunlight or pouring rain. Life is what it is until it becomes death and death becomes life. (C.T. – with permission) He came by the office the other day and was lucky enough to meet my assistant’s new baby. What pure innocence and joy of life streaming out of that beautiful girl’s eyes and smile! It just melted this hardened, bitter man.

Even with a life spent mostly in pain and suffering there are openings, opportunities to reconnect.

For me this is more holiday blues, but for you it might very well be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Symptoms include hopelessness, sadness, moodiness, anxiety, loss of interest, lack of concentration, carb cravings, weight gain, sleepiness and drowsiness. Reduction in sun light exposure causes a drop in serotonin and a rise in melatonin - both brain chemicals affecting mood.

The best way to increase serotonin is to get out despite the cold – having to chop firewood, taking dogs for a walk are great excuses. Light boxes and dawn simulators regulate the sleep-wake cycle and reduce secretion of melatonin. Simply replacing fluorescent lights with full spectrum lights where you work is an easy solution. Otherwise sitting for 30 min at 24 inches in front of a 10,000 lux light box while working on the computer or eating breakfast is helpful.

Vitamin D supplementation has actually been shown to be even more. It helps to regulate neurotransmitters and hormones and has pulled several of my patients out of the duldrums.

My favorite however is St John’s Wort, as the holes in the plant’s leaves symbolically let the light in during the summer and release it during process-

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Our Community

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2019 Volume 19 Issue 2

15

University of Idaho Extension Classes Offered in Bonner County Pressure Canning Meat, $15 Wednesday, February 6, 12:30-3:30pm Bonner County Extension Office 4205 N. Boyer Ave., Sandpoint Learn how to safely preserve low acid foods using a pressure canner.

Information on how to properly care for your pressure canner will also be provided. Class size is limited to 10 people.

Cooking Under Pressure, $10 Wednesday, March 6, 11am-1pm Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center (SOAC) N. 10881 Boyer Ave., Sandpoint Have an electric pressure cooker or thinking about buying one? Come join us to learn how to make quick and easy meals for your family. Don’t forget your apron because in this hands-on class we will make lemon better chicken, brown rice, and New York cheesecake. We will also be comparing various brands of electric pressure cookers and seeing how each one operates in order to help you decide which type of electric pressure cooker best meets your needs. Class size limited to 12 people.

Idaho Master Gardener Program January 29, 2019 through April 18, 2019 Tuesday and Thursday Mornings, 9am to noon Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center $110 fee for class and supplies The Idaho Master Gardener Program serves as an educational and volunteer organization. The program’s purpose is to provide technical assistance and information in the area of home horticulture to people in all Idaho communities through qualified volunteers. Anyone with an interest in horticulture can apply for the Idaho Master Gardener Program. Please pre-register as class size is limited. Call 208-263-8511 for more information or to register.

Produce Safety Class Friday, March 8, 2019, 8am to 5pm Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center This training is offered in partnership with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. The Produce Safety Alliance Training will present details on the FMSA Produce Safety Rule and include an extensive binder that covers both GAPs on-farm food safety information and the specifics of the FMSA Produce Safety rule. Call 208-263-8511 for more information or to register.

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16

Home and Hearth

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2019

Recipes.....

It is January - right smack in the middle of soup season and soup is probably the reason most people garden. If you have a root cellar by now you are deep into using up the potatoes, carrots, garlic, onions, turnips, and other root vegetables as well as any squash you may have stored. All of these go nicely into hearty soups and stews for the cool seasons. In addition, soups are nutritious, flexible, and good for just about any meal.

A good soup has many parts. In addition to the vegetables and stock, herbs and spices play a huge role. This is not a secret. Grocery stock a variety of soup seasonings and mixes. But as a cook we don’t know how we are going to create a soup without store bought stock etc. until we are faced with the opportunity. For the first time this year I got to make a chicken soup completely by scratch, with just a chicken, some herbs, and a little salt. Happily, it turned out but I sure didn’t plan it that way.

It is hard to imagine a serious cook not growing his or her own herbal ingredients. Sometimes the idea is just a bit intimidatin but the first time you make a dish with fresh ingredients from your own back yard you will never go back.

There are at least four fresh ingredients I use in pretty much any soup I make: garlic, onion, thyme, and oregano. This is not the bouquet garni often called for in cookbooks. But if all you do is crush some garlic, add some chopped yellow onion, saute it in a little butter, add some crushed dried oregano, thyme, and a bit of salt, you can do just about anything from there.

The chicken soup I made was from a whole roasting chicken I cooked in the crock pot so there was plenty of stock, and fat, to use.

Sometimes I will drain off the stock and put it in a jar in the fridge over night to separate the fat. I do want some fat because as with most meats this is where most of the flavor is.

I take the stock from the fridge and remove however much I think I will need plus a couple tablespoons of the fat. I place that in a small kettle and set it aside. In a small pot I will place some thickly sliced carrots and bring them to a boil. I cook them for 5 minutes and then add coarsely chopped potatoes. Lastly I will add celery, coarsely chopped. This is the vegetable base. From here you can add corn, peas, or other sturdy vegetables. When the vegetables are done most of the water should be gone. Add a little half and half to make a creamy consistency. Add this to the chicken stock and the garlic butter mixture. Taste for seasoning but avoid over salting. Let the soup simmer on the stove slowly for an hour or so. You notice I did not write when to add the meat? You don’t have to add meat unless you want to. This soup method will work with vegetable stock.Most cooking is science. But a lot is experience and “feeling.” So consider growing some herbs like oregano, garlic, chives, marjoram, sage, and parsley. Learn to use them and fall in love with cooking all over again!

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The Great Outdoors

The CO-OP Country Round Up

January / February 2019

Understanding and Managing Bees by Kim Knerl

One of the most important issues before any type of pest management is proper identification. It’s critical to positively know the organism you are dealing with in order to choose the best management practices to reduce or eliminate pest problems.

Typically, any flying, stinging insect is called a bee by most, so I start with dividing that common name into honey bees, bumble bees, yellowjackets and wasps (primarily paper wasps). I emphasize that all these insects are beneficial. You can also divide this group into two parts, pollinators and non-pollinators.

The pollinators include honey bees, bumble bees, mason bees, leaf-cutter bees, etc.

Generally they should never be destroyed, as they provide great benefits to crops, gardens and such. Occasionally they may nest in a location that could be disruptive to human activities, but every effort should be taken to see that they survive.

Non-pollinators would include the various wasp species, including yellowjackets. Although there are many different species, for the purpose of pest management, you can divide this group into predators and scavengers.

Predators generally forage for live prey (other insects or spiders). Scavengers are the species that most often cause problems around human activities, as they forage for meattype proteins (animal flesh).

All paper wasps species are predators, while yellowjacket species are divided between predator and scavenger. For the purpose of pest management, the scavenger species is where control efforts need to be concentrated.

With all the various types of wasps/yellowjackets, most all of the proteins gathered by the insects are fed to the developing larvae in the nest, whether it be live insects or animal flesh. Generally, adult yellowjackets and other wasps survive by consuming carbohydrates from plants, sweet liquids, etc.

In this region, yellowjackets and wasps have annual nests, meaning that new nest are initiated each spring and all existing nests die off as cold weather approaches in the fall.

Old nests are never reused. Prior to the die-off, nests produce males and queens. These queens will mate and the ones that survive the winter will establish nests the following spring.

Nests of yellowjackets and paper wasps are constructed using wood/ plant fibers mixed with the insect’s saliva to make a paper pulp. Queens that emerge from their overwintering sites seek a suitable location and they are responsible for nest construction and feeding the first group of developing larvae until populations of workers are produced, at which time, workers take over all nest building and larvae responsibilities.

The best time to attempt to manage yellowjacket populations is during the period where the queen has emerged in the spring and is establishing a new nest. During that time frame she is responsible for feeding herself and the first group of developing larvae so she will leave the nest in search of food sources. Trapping in early spring can capture some of these queens and possibly eliminate thousands of yellowjackets throughout the summer months.

There are many different commercially made traps available, the most common being a reusable hard plastic device manufactured by Rescue.

This trap comes with a liquid attractant (heptyl butyrate) which simulates a protein food source. The attractant is not a poison or a pheromone. It is a food grade chemical. This material remains attractive to scavenger species of yellowjackets for several weeks. Heptyl butyrate traps will only work with scavenger species of yellowjackets and not with paper wasps or predator yellowjackets. However, it is the scavenger species that create the most pest problems associated with human activity.

In this region, queen trapping should begin around April. Several weeks my pass with nothing going in the traps, but the first yellowjackets being captured will almost always be queens. Multiple traps should be placed around the exterior of homes, away from the structure and human activity.

Traps should be re-baited according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

The top photo is of a paper wasp and the bottom photo is a yellowjacket. You can see the paper wasp has long dangly rear legs, while the yellowjacket’s hind legs are shorter.

Where the yellowjacket’s abdomen meets the thorax it is more blunt, unlike the narrow, tapered same area on the paper wasp.

Continued on page 19

Volume 19 Issue 2

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Offers vary by model. Offers valid on select new 2016 – 2019 Polaris snowmobiles purchased between January 1, 2019 – February 28, 2019. Minimum Payments required. Offer may not be combined with certain other offers, is subject to change and may be extended or terminated without further notice. All rebates are paid to the dealer. The Promotional Limited Warranty consists of the standard 12-month factory warranty plus an additional 12, or 24 months of additional promotional limited warranty coverage for a total of 24 or 36 months of warranty coverage. Any additional warranty coverage after the initial 12-month factory warranty is subject to a $50.00 deductible per visit. Valid at participating Polaris Snowmobile dealers only. Model & year exclusions apply. See your local dealer for details. US: Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. Program minimum amount financed is $5,000 and 0% – 10% down payment required. Sales tax, registration fees, and dealer fees not included. Minimum Amounts Financed, Interest Charges, and penalties for accounts non-current, may apply. Financing promotions void where prohibited. Canada: This is a limited time offer which is valid for the purchase of selected qualifying models and is subject to credit approval from TD Auto Finance (TDAF) on qualified purchases financed during this program. Rates from other lenders may vary. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Minimum amount to finance is $5,000. Example: $7,500 financed at 3.99% over 36 months = 36 monthly payments of $221.40 with a cost of borrowing of $470.27 and a total obligation of $7,970.27. Freight, license, PPSA/RPDRM, insurance, registration, any retailer administration fees and other applicable fees and taxes are not included in the financed amount. Dealers are free to set individual prices, but must be enrolled with TDAF to participate. Does not apply to prior purchase. © 2018 Polaris Snowmobiles

Continued from page 18.

The top photo is of a paper wasp nest. You can see the open cells that of the nest. The middle photo is a ground nesting yellowjacket species.

Many of the scavenger type yellowjackets are commonly ground nesters. The bottom photo is an aerial nesting species of yellowjacket. Notice you cannot see open cells due to the paper-like covering? If you were to remove that covering, you would see the cells inside the nest. Also, a ground nest of yellojackets looks much like the aerial nest if you were to unearth it.

On a side note, many people talk about baldfaced hornets. This is a misidentification, as they are not true hornets. They are a species of yellowjacket. True hornets do not exist in this region.

Golden Rule Roofing Call Bob for a Free Estimate:

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(208) 263-9420 • IFM@inlandforest.com

20

Economics

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2019 Volume 19 Issue 2

7 Ways to Get Out of Debt

by Judy Baird AVP, Branch Manager Mountain West Bank

According to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, or NFCC, two out of every five households carry credit card debt from month to month. The NFCC goes on to say that some of those consumers always pay above the minimum on every account and hold back on new credit spending until the balances are paid down. For others, debt is a burden that has them ducking creditors’ phone calls and struggling to keep up with even the minimum payments each month.

It may be time for some quick and perhaps drastic moves to have any hope of getting free if you are overwhelmed by your debt load. A recent article at BankRate offers seven suggestions.

If you have so much cash flowing out to creditors that you can’t meet your basic needs with what’s left, step one toward recovery is to stop adding to that debt. For some people, the quickest way to curb spending is to become a cash-only consumer. If you give yourself $200 a week to spend on all your groceries and gas, then if you use that up in four days, you’ll just have to cope for a couple of days.

Step two is to imagine your life debt-free. If you’re in serious debt, it may be hard to see a solution and even harder to move past your anxiety to implement it. Picture yourself debt-free. How would you feel? How would you live? What longtime goals would you be able to accomplish? Imagining what it would be like may just be what’s going to keep you motivated through what may be a long and difficult process. Conducting a full-budget checkup is next. Track every dollar coming in and going out to get a realistic idea of how much you can pay against the debt. Many financial advisors suggest following the 50-20-30 rule of budgeting: Allocate up to 50 percent of your budget to fixed expenses like mortgage, rent and car payments; 20 percent to savings; and 30 percent to variable expenses, especially discretionary spending for things like hobbies, recreation and dining out. That 30 percent zone is the first area to target for cutting back.

After trimming the budget enough, the ladder method involves paying significantly more than the monthly minimum on your credit card bills. You can either apply the extra payments evenly across all your accounts or choose a payback strategy that focuses on paying off one or two accounts first before moving on to the others.

Start by attacking the balance on the account that charges the highest interest rate. While you’re ramping up payments on that account, you make minimum payments on the others. When your highest-interest balance is gone, you move down a rung of the ladder and apply all your extra payments to the account with the next highest rate. You repeat the process until all your debt is eliminated.

The fifth recommendation is to build a repayment snowball. Instead of using interest rates to determine which account to pay off first, you focus on the size of balances.

You start by putting extra money on the account that has the lowest balance and, once it’s paid off, shift the funds to the next one up.

Step six involves asking your creditors for help. Many people don’t realize that creditors are usually willing to work with you, especially if you are dealing with a financial hardship. Explaining that you are unemployed, earning lower wages or facing the cost of a medical emergency may result in an offer to waive your interest rate temporarily.

The best time to go to creditors for help is before the situation is out of control. Don’t wait until an account is about to be closed because you’ve had several months of late or missed payments. Tell the creditor you’d like to pay down your balance faster and want to know what services are available to help you manage your debt better.

Lastly, if you can’t seem to come up with a viable debt elimination plan, turning to a nonprofit credit counseling agency may be the answer. These organizations provide services either free or at low cost to help clients get out of debt.

A professional credit counselor can help you review your debt situation and identify repayment options and money management techniques that you may not have thought of on your own.

Make 2019 the year you choose to get realistic about your debt. Create and commit to a debtreduction plan that makes you feel better about your life.

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21

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2019 Volume 19 Issue 2

Just for fun....

This made the rounds on the internet some time ago. We print it here for those of you who missed it. Enjoy!

WHY MEN ARE NEVER DEPRESSED: Men Are Just Happier People-- What do you expect from such simple creatures?

Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack. You can be President. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park. Car mechanics tell you the truth. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. You don’t have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay. Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100. People never stare at your chest when you’re talking to them. New shoes don’t cut, blister, or mangle your feet. One mood all the time.Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. You know stuff about tanks. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend. Your underwear is $8.95 for a threepack. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. You almost never have strap problems in public.. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes. Everything on your face stays its original color. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You only have to shave your face and neck.

You can play with toys all your life.

One wallet and one pair of shoes -one color for all seasons. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look. You can ‘do’ your nails with a pocket knife. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.

You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24 in 25 minutes.

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3) If your sister hits you, don’t hit her back. They always catch the second person.

4) Never ask your 3 year old brother to hold a tomato.

5) You can’t trust dogs to watch your food.

6) Don’t sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.

7) Never hold a Dust Buster and a cat at the same time.

8) You can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.

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22

Our History

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2019 Volume 19 Issue 2

A Little History from The CO-OP Gas & Supply Bulletin Files

“Why in all git out does it take war to make us do things in a sensible business like way instead of like incompetent idiots?”asked Herb McCoy explosively, as though it had been festering in his spirit for a long time. Herb, who worked at the same bench as Pa Holden, was having supper with the Holdens and the two men were sitting on the porch enjoying their after supper smokes.

“Incompetent idiots, Herb? Isn’t that a bit strong?”

“Well, perhaps it is, a little, but not much. See here...take automobiles for instance. Before the war we took unbelievably poor care of them. We raced our motors and skidded our tires to untimely old ages! We rode in solitary splendor to our jobs when we might have saved each others cars by sharing rides. Goodness knows how many battles in this war could have been won with the materials we have wasted and the lives we have lost as a result of our automobile driving -not to mention the peace time gains that might have been made.”

“No, it seems to take a war with all its death and devastation to get us to keep our cars overhauled and out tires at the right pressure; to make us drive at a reasonable gas and tire saving speed and share rides with our neighbors and fellow workers. And it takes a war to make us save our sugar, and our money , and to learn first aid and to plant gardens, and to learn to enjoy simple close -to- home pleasures. Why can’t we learn to get the most for our money in peace as well as in war?”

This is exactly what the local credit unions were put in place to do. They teach people to work out financial issues and problems to the common good of all. It is better for the commnity if everyone learns how to save money, stay out of debt, and live frugally putting our resources to the best possible use. It may be that this war , as one of its few good results, will demonstrate to many more the value of the credit union program, the principles of thrift and cooperative service.”

This was taken from a page of the CO-OP Gas & Supply Company Bulletin from 1942. During this time rationing was the norm as paper drives, rubber drives continued to be part of everyday life during WW2. The CO-OP was heavily involved in this process as well as being the local cooperative for farmers and ranchers.

The cooperative was a resource for getting products to market as well as purchasing items, including food and appliances, for the home. Much about the CO-OP has changed over the years but the value of cooperation in business and taking care to place a great deal of value on the community and its people has not.

February 8, 9, & 10, 2019 Boundary County Fairgrounds Bonners Ferry, Idaho Friday 12 noon - 6 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Call 208-691-5736 For vendor registration form to reserve your table

Real Estate and You

The CO-OP Country Round Up January / February 2019 Volume 19 Issue 2

23

Home Prices, Interest Rates and Buying PowerJim Haynes, Associate Broker, Realm Partners, Home Sales Trends Below is a plot of the median home sales price for the US and the three northern Idaho counties: Median1 Home Sales Price

$350,000 $300,000

$250,000

$200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000

$0

2010

2011

2012

United States

2013

Kootenai County

2014

2015

Bonner County

2016

2017

2018

Boundary County

Source: National Association of Realtors, Coeur d’Alene MLS and Selkirk MLS (from January 2010 to November 30, 2018 information deemed reliable but not guaranteed). 2018 median home sales prices are based on the year December 1, 2017 to November 30, 2018.

The price of housing in Kootenai and Bonner Counties continues to rise and increases faster than the national median home sales price. Boundary County median home sales prices lag that of the US. Home prices continue to increase modestly on a national level with yearly national home prices up 5.2% over the previous year (12 months ending November 30). Regional yearly prices are up 11.8% over the same time period. Over this same period the national market has experienced a contraction in the number of homes sold of 13.6%. By contrast, for the same period the north Idaho market experienced an increase of nearly 7%.

Interest Rates Interest rates have increased from their historic lows set in November of 2012 (3.35%) with 30-year fixed interest rates at 4.87% in November. With interest rates relatively low for some time, most first-time home buyers may think these interest rates are normal. Below is a plot of 30 year fixed-interest mortgage rates from 1971 to present:

18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 1971 1973 1975 1977 1979 1981 1983 1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017

Interest Rate (%)

30 Year Fixed Home Mortgage Rates

Source: Freddie Mac web site A more historic norm for home mortgage interest rates is eight to nine percent with many years of home mortgage interest rates significantly higher than that. Lower interest rates give the purchaser more buying power.

Buying Power Buying power is how much house one’s mortgage dollar can buy. For example, suppose a buyer were to purchase a home in Kootenai County at the median home sales price of $300,000 (based on the three months ending November 30, 2018) and pay 10% of the purchase price as a down payment. At current interest rates (4.87%) the monthly payment for principle and interest on the balance ($270,000) of a 30-year fixed interest rate mortgage would be $1428.

If interest rates were to increase two percentage points the monthly payment would be $1773 everything else being equal. If you wanted to keep the monthly payment down to $1428 with the higher interest rate, one would have to reduce the loan amount to $217,500. This represents a purchase price of $242,000 (assuming 10% as down-payment). Lots of numbers granted, but the bottom line is this – for every 1% uptick in interest rates the buying power to the borrower is reduced by over 10%!

Conclusion The north Idaho real estate market is appreciating at over twice the rate of the national market. In addition, the north Idaho real estate market has experienced a significant increase in the number of homes sold while the national real estate market has contracted. Long term fixed mortgage rates have increased recently and are expected to continue to rise though they remain close to their historic lows. Buying power is still high and opportunities are still in our market. Contact you real estate professional and see what opportunities there are for you.

1.

The median home price is that price at which half of the homes sold for more than that amount, and half sold for less than that amount. The median price is used to remove bias from home prices introduced by high end properties.

Information compiled by Jim Haynes, Associate Broker, Realm Partners, 208-290-7249, jim.haynes@frontier.com Single Family Home Sales (number of units) United States * Kootenai County ** Bonner County ** Boundary County **

2012 4,128,000 2,414 615 121

2013 4,484,000 2,973 645 150

2014 4,940,000 3,159 734 155

2015 5,250,000 3,758 776 188

2016 5,450,000 4,124 837 174

Dec. 1, 2017 % Change from 2017 to Nov. 30, 2018 Previous Year 4,892,000 4,787,500 -13.6% 4,225 4,529 5.1% 877 998 11.9% 157 207 20.3%

Single Family Median Home Prices (houses sold) United States * Kootenai County ** Bonner County ** Boundary County **

2012 $177,200 $170,907 $175,000 $135,000

2013 $197,400 $184,413 $199,000 $152,750

2014 $211,000 $198,900 $225,500 $159,900

2015 $222,400 $214,000 $235,000 $172,450

2016 $233,800 $230,323 $257,000 $175,000

* Existing homes ** Homes, condominiums and townhomes (existing and new) Source: National Association of Realtors, Coeur d'Alene MLS and Selkirk MLS (1-1-2012 to 11-30-2018, information deemed reliable but not guaranteed)

2017 $248,800 $259,400 $280,000 $199,900

Dec. 1, 2017 % Change from to Nov. 30, 2018 Previous Year $259,500 5.2% $290,000 13.1% $305,000 10.6% $195,000 -2.5%

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3 colors available: Coffee, Charcoal & Mushroom

$

299

$

AS LOW AS HURRY!

CASEY

$199

LARGE SELECTION Of Newly Reduced Prices on Inventory. Some one-of-a-kind.

Do not miss this once-a-yearsale!

$150

We’re unique! We’re different! And we’re worth the drive!

Your hometown furniture store...Since 1945!

(208) 263-5138 www.sandpointfurniture.com www.sandpointfurniture.com