Reflection: The leaves are turning a hundred hues, and we know that the ordinary growing season is coming to an end. Indian summer days are so pleasant that they make us wish they'd stay forever. It is warm but mosquito-less, a perfect season. Trees blaze in color and we get the first frost warning which sends us scurrying for bags and covers for the delicate things such as peppers and the few late beans. It is time to --

protect the marigolds and impatiens,

move frost sensitive plants to the greenhouse,

gather in the crooked squash and pumpkins,

find the last yellow pear tomatoes and the tommy toes,

taste the purple turnip and the kale and mustard greens,

sow the hairy vetch and Austrian winter peas,

find ripe orange persimmons sweetened through frost,

press their pulp through a colander for pie filling,

hull walnuts and risk getting our hands stained,

dry fall apples in a solar dryer,

and help the neighbors get ready for winter.

October 2004 Reflections

October 1, 2004 Eight Ways to Make Tourist Areas Green

October is the ideal time for us to see the colors of fall.

But all the time we travel through areas that need to be improved

so that more tourists will continue to come. Here are eight major

areas requiring attention for tourist enhancement in our region:

Regional powerplants restrictions. Most agree that part of

the Southeast and Appalachian pollution problems are caused by the

region's coal-powered plants and the emissions coming from them.

These plants cause reductions in visibility, especially in summer,

as well as increased acid rain precipitation which has damaged much

of the forested countryside.

Public Transportation accessibility. Allowing fewer private

vehicles to tour the Great Smoky Mountain National Park by

increasing the use of public vehicles could do much to improve air

conditions in the southern Appalachians.

Water cleanup programs. Many of our streams are well

protected but cleanup programs at least once a year could assist in

giving a better appearance to lakes and free-flowing waterways.

Cut down billboard jungles. Billboards pollute and yet their

messages are sought by many travelers. Federal and state posted

signs for lodging, fuel and food could be more plentiful on all

major state and federal highways. Pull offs at exits with public

phones and clustered sign for major and minor lodging and eating

places would be an advantage for smaller businesses as well as the

larger ones. Additional promotion through websites and printed

information could replace billboards for informing needy travelers.

to identify culprits who are riding in the wrong places assist

local, state and federal law enforcement. Along with registration

must come additional law enforcement.

Solar/wind energy applications. Reducing the use of non-

renewable energy would eventually reduce surface mining of coal

which scars the landscape. Solar energy will become more prominent

with the coming years as non-renewables become more costly and mass

production of solar brings down its prices. Wind, the fastest

growing segment of the energy industry, is already being used in

parts of the region and more will be on the way.

Waste pickup. More available recycling centers along with

subsidized and supervised garbage collection facilities will have

some effect in beautifying the landscape. Deposit bottle

legislation could assist in reducing litter as well.

Systematic removal of invasive species. This would have to be

a rather expensive undertaking, especially with reference to kudzu

eradication. Invasive species problems are becoming serious near

some of our favorite tourist sites.

October 2, 2004 Herb Growing and Use

Herbs grow on us. We start with those we like or have known

from youth. At our home, my mother was the parsley queen, and

would grow wonderful bunches for fall. Also we had horseradish for

winter and wild dandelions in early spring. As I began my own

gardening I found herb growing to become an expanding part of our

life: mint of various types for tea, celery, basil, dill, chives,

and garlic to name a few. We find that some herbs grow well in

pots; others are best left in the herb garden; still others like

dill and parsley can be transplanted to the greenhouse in winter.

I agree with cooks who create the herb patch very near the kitchen

door for convenient seasonal culinary herbs.

Here are some of my favorite herbs --

Type Use

Basil (annual) Leaves for vegetable salads and stews.

Caraway (biennial) Seeds for cabbage dishes and sauerkraut.

Celery (annual) Leaves and stems for soups, sauces and pickles.

Chives (perennial) Leaves for cottage cheese, soups and salads.

Dandelion (perennial) Leaves for salad and root for hot drink.

Dill (annual) Stems, leaves and seeds for pickles, salads and

dishes.

Fennel (perennial) Leaves and seeds for salads, soups and cheese.

Garlic (perennial) Stems and bulbs for any type of cooling.

Horseradish (perennial) Roots in fall for cocktail and fish sauce

and cold dishes and sandwiches.

Marjoram (annual) Leaves for tomato dishes.

Mint (apple, mountain, spearmint and peppermint) (perennial) Leaves

green or dried for sauces, dishes, cold drinks and hot tea.

Mustard (annual) Seeds for cooked dishes and dressings.

Oregano (annual) Leaves & bloom for Italian, Greek & Mexican

dishes.

Parsley (biannual) Leaves and chopped stems for soups and dishes.

Pokeweed (perennial) Shoots in spring for salad and cooked like

asparagus.

Sage (perennial) Leaves before bloom for dishes and stuffing.

Tarragon (perennial) Leaves for herbal vinegar.

October 3, 2004 Increase in Faith

The apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith, and he

replied that if their faith was the size of a mustard seed, and

they were to say to the sycamore "be uprooted and transplanted into

the sea," it would obey them (Luke 17:5). This is reminiscent of

the parable of the mustard seed being a small seed but grows into

the "largest of shrubs." One of my mustard plants in the ASPI

solar greenhouse burst forth one year and grew to the ceiling; it

made me realize that mustard could get tall. The size of the seed

or plant is a reminder that from small beginnings can come great

things. This gives us courage in our journey of faith.

Nurturing faith. God gives us faith, and so we must be always

thankful for that gift. But we are placed here on Earth at this

time like a plant in a flowerpot. We can decide to stay put and

look out only for ourselves; so we then become root-bound and that

chokes off further growth. Or we can learn to share ourselves with

others and thus allow the plant to multiply and increase. Jesus

even speaks of that transfer as being quite dramatic -- of the

mulberry tree uprooted and planted in the sea. By going out to

others we grow in faith, for our trust is soon replicated and a

miracle of new life appears among all involved.

Trust the power of faith. I confess I found the passage about

the humble servant who comes in from the field and then after a

day's work continues by waiting on the master somewhat difficult.

But on study it does appear to be about my faith. Jesus likens our

duty in being responsive and receptive to that servant who says "we

have done what we were obliged to do." The humble response tells

us how we are to see our instrumentality in the increase of faith.

God gives us enough faith to do our duty; God makes us the weak

instruments that we are but gives us the chance to help transform

that weakness by working through the power of the resurrection. It

is our weakness that we acknowledge by dutifully waiting on table;

God gives us the opportunity to show through our actions the

marvelous power of divine work in the world.

Trust through humble work. We have to do our part with

enthusiasm , i.e., the God within. That means we do so with heart

and hands and head and thus manifest the Trinity within. To wait

on table uses all three (heart, hands and head) just as many other

forms of generously delivered work. We respond to God's call by

trusting our loving God to work miracles through us. We open

ourselves for faith to grow out from us to others. We are being

transformed and replicated in what we encourage others to do.

Bringing back to faith. Too often we only realize our

limitations and the massive work ahead. How can I bring my loved

ones back to faith? Will others pray? I sometimes doubt they will

ever return, but herein lies the challenge. St. Monica never

doubted and St. Augustine returned. Neither should we. God will

work the rest as we move to launch this journey of faith for them,

even if the results occurs after our death.

October 4, 2004 St. Francis Day

Francis Bernadone or Francis of Assisi, (1181-1226) is the

patron of ecologists and embodies what good ecological practice is

all about. Francis was not an academic but a person who loved

creation as God's gifts, saw creatures with a sense of kinship, and

initiated a process of preserving and repairing the damage done by

neglect to the immediate environment near where he lived. He

preferred deed to word even though preaching the word was an

important aspect of his years of ministry. The first name of his

group was Preachers of Penance. These deeds are worth mentioning:

1. The Act of Letting go of all Possessions. Francis born in

1181 (or 82), was the son of a rich cloth merchant, a typical

medieval new rich, who regarded dress and the latest styles and

colors as a mark of one's chosen station in life. Francis was

expected to follow that routine; however, he rebelled early on and

did just the opposite. He gave up all his worldly possessions. He

put on garments which had the texture of sack cloth, and he wore

sandals and not shoes. He opposed the affluence of his own family

and the culture of his day. In place of affluence, he chose to be

influential without having money or power. He broke with the

tradition of the budding bourgeoisie or social class of freemen of

the medieval times, which was emerging with all the smugness,

conventionality, and materialistic practices of the dawning age of

capitalism. Instead, his deeds stressed a downward mobility, a

movement spoken of in the revolutionary Magnificat which called for

those in high places to come down, and those in low places to move

upward. He embraced Mother Poverty.

2. Chapel Construction: Rebuilding through Appropriate

Technology at the Grassroots. In 1206 Francis as a young man went

into a neglected Chapel of San Damiano just outside Assisi in

Umbria and knelt to pray. While kneeling before the crucifix, he

heard a voice saying three times, Francis, go and repair my house

which, as you see, is falling into ruin. This began his program to

rebuild unused religious space and to care for small chapels.

After his family disowned him, he resorted to begging.

The Portiuncula -- The chapel of our Lady of the Angels was

given to Francis early in the 13th century to be repaired as a

chapel and made into the first church of the Franciscan Order. It

is now enshrined in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in

Assisi. To start small was not against his commitment to

simplicity, and so this humble beginning was that of a wandering

mendicant who still saw the need for a home base. Thus, Francis

saw that small "local" chapels were excellent places to worship.

The need to rebuild our Earth is one which starts in our own

backyard. We need to realize that Francis started on his own --

stone-by-stone -- and others came and helped through the power of

his example. He knew there is power in local demonstration, and

especially when it is something all of us can do -- not just the

experts and gifted souls. Francis began and others saw they could

do it also through their cooperative efforts.

October 5, 2004 Francis' Deeds Continued

3. The Habit: Demonstrating the Simple Life. Francis

championed simple garb, begging for the basics, and living a very

simple life. The initial rule of Francis was described by church

historian Thomas Bokenkotter as hardly more than throwing together

a few of his favorite quotations in the Bible about love and

poverty. He received a verbal approbation in 1209 and the first

formal rules were drawn up in 1223. In contrast to Francis' simple

organization, today consider the ostentatious lifestyles of the

wealthy who are able to hide their escapades by distancing

themselves from their own wasteful ways, leaving waste problems to

the poor and destitute, and arguing that it is the poor who pollute

and the wealthy who have no waste. Champions of simplicity of

lifestyle realize that the affluent deserve more blame than the

poor -- the former get tax write-offs for giving charity.

4. Relationship with Women. The formation of Francis' second

order has a long history. The noble lady Clare was certainly at

first connected to Francis through conversation about 1212; she

was initiated into religious life by Francis, but only with immense

discretion due to the customs of the time and the opposition of her

male relatives. A balanced ecology respects the role of women in

Society. The frontiers being pushed back by Clare planted the

seeds of eco-feminism and the place it holds in the total movement

of women's liberation and the rise of environmental consciousness.

Women hold a unique position in healing the Earth, for they are

often more nurturing and intuitive; in environmental matters they

are quicker to begin something when needed. We must work to

overcome major gender barriers and inequalities because the health

of the planet depends on nurturing these relationships and working

as co-equals in order to heal and save the planet.

5. Miracles: Showing kinship among Creatures. The atmosphere

of humility made Francis regard all of creatures as praising God.

His Canticle of the Creatures called on Brother Sun and Sister Moon

to praise God. Birds and animals are known to have respected and

come close to him. He preached to birds and fish, for everything

from angels to rocks were part of his family. Francis was truly

catholic in trying to enlarge -- not belittle -- all. Among the

many wonder stories of Francis is that of the man-eating wolf of

Gubbio which terrorized the townspeople. He said there was no need

to kill the wolf, for he would go and reason with the beast. The

wolf guaranteed that, if fed, it would never hurt anybody again.

6. Pilgrimage to Holy Land: Collaborating with Others. In

1219, Francis made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Egypt and even

preached to the Sultan. Francis was known for making a wide

variety of friends and gaining respect through his personality. He

opposed the stance of warfare in place of dialogue and was really

the first to open up interreligious interaction. Today, The

Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) is one

interreligious group operating openly in the Middle East and

thrives to care for the threatened environment of our Earth.

October 6, 2004 Francis' Deeds Continued

7. The Crib: Teaching Children Profound Mysteries. The genius

of Francis stands out in his creative act of celebrating the Lord's

humble birth through deed and not just word, namely in the

presentation of the event with live people and animals. The custom

of erecting cribs is ascribed to him. In 1223, he obtained

permission from Honorius III (1215-1227) to use the crib and the

images of the Christ child, Mary, Joseph and Wise Men to re-present

the mystery of the nativity -- a creative pedagogical tool. Today,

environmental education targets children -- the hope of the future.

Children will start a down-to-earth repairing process through

caring for animals and plants, constructing nature trails, and

planting trees. The profound mystery of the Incarnation, taught

through a simple crib, reveals the marvels of Creation, Redemption,

and Renewal -- the threefold or Trinitarian work of Earth caring.

Open wonder, heartfelt vulnerability, and playful enthusiasm

recreate the wounded Earth. Plants and animals reveal creation in

its depth, redemption in its need, and renewal in its spirit.

8. Stigmata: Welcoming the Marks of the Lord. Francis' love

for Christ was so intense that he was gifted with the marks of the

cross on his very person. This phenomenon, granted to a few

others, began in September, 1224 just two years before his death.

He became one with the suffering Christ glorified on the cross on

his person. Caring for the Earth must be coupled with social

justice issues; we are hurt by the desecration of the Earth, and

we perceive suffering people and suffering Earth in an intimate,

unbroken relationship. We cannot solve the Earth's environmental

problems without first solving our social ones. Eco-suffering

becomes a challenge, and when properly understood, becomes an

opportunity. It is our modern day stigmata -- the markings of the

crucified Jesus in the Body of Christ in Earth and all sufferers.

9. Deacon: Serving Others. Francis was one of the famous

deacons in the Church, whose ranks include the martyrs Stephen,

Lawrence, and Vincent. A deacon gives special service to the

Church. Francis fulfilled that role perfectly, both through

preaching and in humble service to the poor. Caretakers of the

Earth are concerned about the human family and other creatures;

they do not want to be overlords. This service includes healing

the wounded, preserving the threatened, nurturing the stressed and

ailing, and demonstrating to others how they can be of service.

10. Smiles: Dancing in Celebration. Francis loved to

celebrate -- to skip down the road when traveling, to smile easily,

to sing and converse. He is what is regarded as a lighthearted

person, and he never lost the trait throughout his life. He is

said to have been a generous, poetic, high-spirited youth who

dreamed of performing daring deeds of chivalry. He had a brief

disillusioning career as a soldier. But by taking on Christ

Francis manifests the sheer wonder of God's goodness through song,

dance, and an engaging personality. His love for celebration

extended to his growing fellowship which is so vast today.

October 7, 2004 Chimneys and Stoves

In much of America, it is not too late to think about those

stoves and fireplaces which will be used to kill the chill in a

matter of days. Chimney fires should not be taken lightly. The

buildup of creosote is dangerous, for it could result in

combustible materials being spewed on your roof with little

forewarning. Either check and clean the chimney yourself with

proper equipment, or hire a local chimney-sweep, top hat and all.

The following list has been in our files for years with some

modifications, and I regret not knowing who to attribute it to.

17 Ways to Burn the Place Down

* Use a little gasoline to start the fire.

* Hook up the stove to just any chimney.

* Don't bother reading installation and use instructions.

* Don't screw stovepipe sections together.

* Install the stove yourself with no prior expertise.

* Don't buy a smoke detector or fire extinguisher.

* Stack firewood and kindling close to the stove.

* Forget about proper floor protection under the stove.

* Leave stove door open when you go out for another load of wood.

* Burn trash in the stove.

* Burn imitation logs in your stove.

* Put your freshly cleaned-out ashes in a grocery sack and set it

out on your back porch.

* Build a hot fire, load up the firebox, leave the damper wide

open, then go to town or go to bed.

* Let little children fool with the fireplace.

* Don't inspect and clean out your stovepipe and flue regularly.

* If you have a chimney fire, don't call the fire department. It

is an easy way to clean out the chimney.

* Install a stove in your mobile home, even though it is not UL-

listed for such use.

October 8, 2004 Proper Lighting and Eye Care

As the days get noticeably shorter we should recheck our

lighting, for energy savings with lighting may be poor

conservation. Our eyes need good light to read, or else strain may

harm our vision. Lighting generally has three purposes other than

being ornamental: security, general mobility, and close work or

reading. A fourth type of lighting, as a heat source for baby

chicks or for keeping a pipe from freezing, could be considered in

rare cases, but such lighting is costly and less efficient than

other heat sources.

General Conservation -- Curbing unnecessary or wasted lighting

could be a major energy-saving technique. If the same effect is

possible with a more energy efficient bulb, then we ought to

install it. Fluorescent bulbs of proper size are preferable. If

we are coming and going, turn off fluorescents only if the room

will be vacant for an hour or longer. Where possible we ought to

consider light-colored walls in rooms which assist in reflecting

the light for those wishing to read. We should try to do our

reading and close work with natural lighting. Where possible,

install natural lighting panels and roofing materials in ceilings.

Outdoor lighting -- Lighting touches both security and general

mobility and should not be dimmed only for conservation purposes.

Using the most efficient varieties can have a payback quite

rapidly. Often, the utility company will assist in subsidizing the

installation costs. Keep the rays from outdoor lighting deflected

downward, for light pollution is becoming a pronounced problem;

half of American residents cannot see the Milky Way.

New fixtures -- Energy savings and good luminescence can be

obtained by replacement of incandescent bulbs with compact

fluorescent bulbs. Incandescent lights burning constantly in Exit

signs are small, but the total amount of energy can add up over

time. Here again, consider the compact fluorescents. The lighting

innovations change rapidly and that is why it is good to go to

upcoming energy fairs and expositions. Timing devices can become

big energy savers in institutions where people take little

responsibility for lighting, and vacated space is overlooked by

maintenance personnel.

Reading and close work -- The ability to turn on or off

lighting in sections of a large room may save energy and still

allow for proper brightness for the work involved. Often, overhead

lights are not as valuable as small desk or floor reading lamps

nearer to the work place. Residents can buy a portable light meter

at a local electronics store and use this to determine whether

enough light is present not just at a window, but at a night-

reading location. Extra lamps may help.

Solar Photovoltaic lighting -- Consider solar PVs which could

lead to considerable savings and could have a payback over a decade

of so. Much depends on the amount of storage required.

October 9, 2004 Energy Exposition and Fair

October is renewable energy month and throughout this month

many regions and states sponsor solar tours. Often attention is

both focused on types of energy (e.g., solar and wind) that can

replace fossil fuel and nuclear sources and also on energy

efficiency through a number of conservation devices and

applications. Spending some time at such state or multistate

events affords a more intense experience in the energy application

areas. This year a new event is the Bluegrass Energy Expo being

held in Kentucky next weekend (October 16-17) at the Lexington

Convention Center.

The Exposition is a project of Appalachia -- Science in the

Public Interest. The target audience includes home and auto owners

and their families. The purpose is to bring together the business,

education, government and non-profit sectors to educate Kentuckians

and others about proven energy solutions and connect consumers with

marketers of energy-saving products and services.

An informational gold mine. An exposition of this nature is

a wider form of demonstration which allows a variety of sponsors

and exhibiters to present their wares, and to have representatives

who can answer immediate questions dealing with displays. Contacts

can be made, personal and business cards exchanged, and

opportunities set up for further contacts and information sources.

Often there is simply not enough time to assimilate all of the

information but one can quickly set priorities and postpone further

inquiry until a later meeting. Expositions can provide

satisfactory answers to both beginners and more advanced persons

seeking to know about renewable energy and energy efficiency ideas.

Attractions. The main feature covering a major portion of the

Convention Center floor area is a trade show of renewable energy

devices and applications along with exhibits and demonstrations.

You have a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the

extensive and growing library of renewable energy literature. At

the same time, workshops related to the basic theme are presented

for those who are interested in depth sessions on a variety of

related subjects. And, being a family affair, attention is also

given to activities to keep the kids occupied.

Goals. The four goals of the Bluegrass Energy Expo are:

1.Increase public awareness of proven energy solutions;

2.Increase demand for energy-saving products and services;

3.Connect buyers with financing for these products/services;

4.Expand consumer awareness of renewable energy technologies.

For further information visit < www.bluegrassenergyexpo.org>

October 10, 2004 Showing Appreciation for Miracles

There are two ways of living your life

One is as though nothing is a miracle,

The other is as though everything is a miracle

(Albert Einstein)

The story of the healing of ten lepers with only one returning

to give thanks (Luke 17:11-19) can be taken in a number of ways.

Showing pity is the beginning of the miracle. We must realize

that compassion is an act of appreciation. If someone suffers in

any way and we recognize that suffering, we have entered into the

miracle of life and given that suffering a recognized merit.

Extending pity to another is an opening to their world, a sharing

of what we have with them. This is an elementary form of

appreciation for them and something that bonds us together.

Praise for little things. This is sort of a minimalist

approach to sharing and appreciating gifts given and received. In

this story of the ten lepers, at least one person knows where the

gift of healing comes, and this foreigner takes the time to return

and show a sense of gratitude for what was done. For him, there is

the freedom of not having to go straight to the temple priest or

verifying agents, but rather to the source of the miracle and show

gratitude. Praise God that at least one returned!

Hard-hearted approach. We sometimes think that Jesus is stern

and thus expected the dutiful return of each of the healed giving

thanks. In that case, there is a disappointment when deference and

obliged gratitude are not shown. The question would thus be asked

in a severe manner in which some take their Christian obligations,

"why didn't the others return to give thanks?"

Light-hearted Approach. Another way of interpreting the

reading is one of enthusiastic participation in the glory of

creation and re-creation. In this view there is light-heartedness,

much as at the Easter episodes. Joy gives rise to being less

severe and thus the demanded gratitude of the severe mind is not

present. "I thought there were ten and only one returned -- and

the foreigner."

Faith needs not be extraordinary. We sometimes forget that a

small amount of faith can do wonders. This explains a previous

reading from Luke where the faith only has to be the size of a

mustard seed to work miracles. Here, recognition of big things as

well as small in an appreciative manner is part of faith and part

of the miracle. The response to the gift of Faith is part of the

total faith experience -- "Your faith has saved you." We often

think the gift is so great that our participation is unimportant,

but that is not the case. God invites us to be participants.

The basic question. How well do we see and appreciate gifts

given and express our gratitude to God for the miracle of our life

-- one of millions of chances of our beginnings?

October 11, 2004 Possible Conflicts with Gardening

Back-to-the-land gardeners may find that their neighbors

resist that egalitarian project. For the more elite neighbors, the

disturbance of their uniform ornamental lawns by vegetable gardens

is disquieting. For these conformists, a zoned neighborhood is

meant to look alike, and anyone who deviates from standard lawn

care merits the greater community's disapproval. Turning lawn to

garden goes against the orderliness of the conformist's world

order. Furthermore, the maverick gardener tills up lawn, scatters

paraphernalia, brings in beehives, and grows all sorts of different

plants -- a garden seeming in disarray.

In response, the gardener does not want to be directly

confrontational, and thus must defend a radically different concept

of beauty. Creative conflict arises from these differing concepts

of community land use (ornamental landscape versus gardens). This

may involve advocacy before various departments of a municipal

government -- as happened with a friend in California who was

plagued by agencies and neighbors because she installed a native

plant xeriscape, which they perceived to be a wild unkept thicket.

A Public Process. Creative conflict as championed by some

pacifists is a wise practice. Conflict can be a golden opportunity

to speak up for gardening. Yes, gardeners can be evangelists who

encourage neighbors to become aware of a garden's beauty and

productivity. They can affirm the value of a garden as a natural

conversation piece and learning experience, where isolated people

can trade experiences, assistance, and produce. In most cases the

non-gardener's response is to tolerate the gardener and gradually

become interested without necessarily letting on.

Gaining Confidence. Beginners may not want to admit that we

could fail at being a gardener, that our attempted crop-growing may

expose our lack of skills, that we may have many questions, that we

may be dependent on quirks in the weather, and that our produce may

not be perfect specimens for the supermarket. One solution is for

such people to join other beginners in gardening so as not to bear

the burden of failure alone. We should grow less difficult

vegetable varieties first and graduate to others gradually. One

suggestion is to plant in a less visual place until confidence is

gained. We may undertake growing a number of varieties

simultaneously so that when one fails, another succeeds. Lastly,

we should view failures as positive learning experiences.

Conflict Resolution. There are different ways to resolve

conflicts, but lawn differences can be resolved by direct

discussion. The disgruntled neighbor should be approached gently

and the subject broached from a standpoint of good land

stewardship. The discussion becomes a chance to come to know the

person, hear grievances, speak up for gardening and to seek a

blessing for garden work. The gardening opponent most often works

more from cultural bias and ignorance. The opportunity is perfect

for popularizing gardening through conversation.

October 12, 2004 Discover Local America: Alternative Vacations

Autumn colors call out to us to come and see. That is all the

more inviting because it is outside the traditional summer vacation

season. And our response should reflect a willingness to

appreciate scenic America that is all around us. Domestic travel

can broaden the intellect, and shouldn't we encourage people to go

see local places? When their health permits and the weather is

right some people want to wander. They see this as a time to get

away, to refresh themselves, to explore, and to have an opportunity

to share and exchange with others.

Alternatives. While staying home and doing home improvement

projects may have a certain discovery attached, still it is not

equal to seeing new places. Another possible alternative is to

travel to do service for people in the immediate area or at a

greater distance. Still, the wanderlust spirit is widespread and

needs to be satisfied, especially among young and those young at

heart. Here are some possibilities to learn more about America.

Don't overlook local parks, museums, and historic and scenic spots.

Local Tours. An interesting exercise is to draw a circle 150

miles (a three hour drive) around your home. How many sites in

that circle have not yet been visited? Having decided to visit,

what mode of transportation is most suitable?

* Hike the local trails using dependable foot-power.

* See the sights by bike. It is slower but more conscious

travel with the sights, smells and sounds penetrating deep within

us.

* How about a canoe or row boat trip on a nearby waterways or

lake near home? The sights are truly different and worth the

change of travel method. Perhaps use a snorkel to explore

underwater life.

* Consider an "eco-expedition" led by an expert guide. Group

travel takes fewer resources than driving by private car and may

prove an excellent alternative for mobile senior citizens.

* If you need to use the automobile for travel, plan and see

local and slightly distant cultural or historic sites which you

have bypassed in the hurry to get somewhere.

* Obtain a telescope and look out at the macrocosm, especially

if you live in a shrinking part of America with less light

pollution. An alternative is to look down through a microscope or

close visual inspection at the microcosm below our feet.

* If you are more venturesome, consider hang-gliding in a safe

place, though there are energy costs in taking airplanes to sites.

Finally, for the non-traveler, obtain a videotape of a tour

and, upon return, provide a private showing for your virtual tour.

October 13, 2004 Ginseng, A Tobacco Crop Alternative

Autumn is a good time to start planning for next year. We

could consider the arena of wildcrafting, which is so important as

a source of income for many folks. This is a good opportunity for

tobacco growers as well as others because the current American

tobacco market is so extremely weak. This weakness cannot be

easily remedied due to both increased low-cost tobacco imports and

because the actual tobacco consumption is declining. What will

this last major group of family farmers do? Migrate to cities?

One answer rests in American ginseng (Panax Quinquefolium), a

native plant that grows wild throughout much of the Tobacco Belt

and beyond. Ginseng is an ideal crop alternative because it can

make use of the intensive agricultural skills of tobacco farmers

(see February 10th essay). And the product is a very healthy one.

AGF. For a number of years ASPI has attempted to promote

ginseng through the Appalachian Ginseng Foundation (AGF). In 2001

we sought a grant from the state's "Tobacco Settlement Money" to

help start a marketing system for wild or virtually wild ginseng.

While funded through modest grants from the Commission on Religion

in Appalachia, the AGF has produced a newsletter and media

bulletins which have reached some, but by no means all, tobacco

growers. The goal of AGF is to make ginseng a cash alternative to

tobacco by encouraging interest in proper growing and harvesting

methods. AGF also seeks to spread the word that a ginseng market

does not need to be created; it already exists. The potentially

lucrative Chinese market is hungry for as much American ginseng as

can be shipped. Currently, sales are brisk ranging from $400 or

more a pound for high grade wild or virtually wild ginseng.

Barriers. Problems do exist. First, many gatherers and

growers do not want to be identified due to a serious practice of

poaching when ginseng areas become known. This means they will

prefer a more private marketing system quite different from that of

tobacco; these ethical harvesters continue to be at the mercy of

buyers who do not always pay top prices. A second problem is that

irresponsible harvesters are enticed by high prices; these fly-by-

nighters can easily threaten wild ginseng propagation by gathering

immature plant roots and by not waiting until after the seed-

bearing period in late summer.

Solutions. The barriers are not unsurmountable. With a

registration system which allows federal marketing cards to

authentic growers or harvesters (on lands where permission is

obtained to gather wild ginseng properly) the product can be

marketed more publicly with less risk of poaching of the ginseng

growing areas. However, this is going to take legislative action

which should be incorporated in a more comprehensive agricultural

package. We have to make this known to our congressperson.

For further information write to AGF 50 Lair Street, Mt.

Vernon, KY 40456 or use the electronic medium <http://www.a-

spi.org/agf>.

October 14, 2004 Nature's Produce: Fruits, Berries, Nuts, Roots

Major supplements to the naturalist diet can be found in the

wild. These material should be gathered in moderation and include

greens, especially in spring, berries and fruits in summer, nuts

and seeds in autumn, and roots in wintertime. Native Americans

know these foods of the seasons and harvested them diligently.

Rose hips and sumac tops furnish Vitamin C drinks; chicory and

dandelion roots make a fine coffee substitute; Jerusalem artichokes

are excellent salad additions in fall and winter.

Fruits -- Mayapples, papaw, wild cherries, wild plums,

crabapples, fox grapes, and persimmon are delicious native fruits.

They are generally found in sizeable numbers and not generally

subject to becoming overharvested. In part, this is because the

plants are not threatened through harvesting their fruit as in the

case of roots, mentioned below. A major portion of wild fruits and

berries in our region go unharvested with a few exceptions. In

average years wildlife and birds find ample quantities.

Berries -- Throughout the late spring to early autumn in most

parts of the country one can discover wild berries in rather

inaccessible places, but their bright colors allow for detection by

those creatures who will help scatter the seeds abroad. Wild

strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, dew and blackberries,

blueberries, and elderberries are available in our area of Kentucky

and still other berries are found elsewhere in America. Berrying

may require overcoming briars and poison ivy and avoiding snakes;

these are reasons for using protective gear, shoes and proper

gathering containers. Berries make excellent cobblers and can be

used in ice cream or for wine. Excess berries can be preserved as

juices, jams, jellies, frozen, or processed into leathers.

Nuts and seeds -- A great variety of nuts and seeds are

produced as nature's way to store fats, oils and proteins for the

upcoming winter season. Many nuts are now ready for the gathering,

if you take the effort to discover the nut trees -- hickory nuts,

black walnuts, butternuts, hazel nuts, and acorns. Don't

overgather. Leave adequate mast for the wildlife which depend on

these delicacies. Removing walnut hulls can stain the hands, so

either oil your hands or regard the temporary condition as "clean

dirt." A note: do not overgather wild seeds even though the

temptation is great. Leave some for wildlife and for propagation.

Roots -- In milder climates, a variety of roots can be left in

the ground for later harvest -- horseradish, parsnips, carrots,

Jerusalem artichokes, turnips and rutabagas -- if mulched in later

fall. Here again a caution is given to the "wildcrafter." In

gathering wild roots, consider that great damage can come when

harvesting popular threatened species. This is especially true

with immature wild ginseng. Know about what is being gathered; get

the landowner's permission; gather in such a way that you replant

the seed and do not damage the surrounding landscape; gather only

what is needed and never in a greedy and excessive manner.

October 15, 2004 Fire & Disaster Preparedness

Autumn is an ideal time to talk about fire safety, since it is

normally a dry period and the start of the heating season. These

periods may be regarded as opportunities to speak of other

emergencies pertaining to your location, such as flash floods or

tornadoes. A few ideas for home and community may be helpful.

* Equipment -- Make the place fire safe and think about fire

extinguishers, smoke alarms, safe storage of highly combustible

solvents, and proper electrical wiring. Rope ladders at each of

the second- or third-story rooms may be a worthwhile addition.

Don't buy just any fire alarm, but choose one that gives an alert

when the batteries are low. Choose from a variety of alarm systems

which do not have radioactive materials present as part of the

detector devices.

* Escape routes --Discuss how to evacuate, where to go to the

safest place as for tornadoes or flash floods, and what must be

taken along if you need to depart quickly. Discuss how the

disabled and those who are less mobile can get to the safe

destination, and in what order the evacuation should occur. The

escape doors and windows should open easily from the inside, and

should not be blocked by furniture or other materials.

* Evacuation supplies -- Some people keep an emergency pack at

a relatively safe place to pick up quickly. This may include a

bottle of water, flashlight and batteries, small radio, waterproof

container and matches, small first aid kit, and flares.

* Fire drills at schools are a must, once or twice a year.

Take these seriously, though they may be followed (not preceded) by

lighter relaxed moments.

* Community alerts -- Encourage community fire emergency

alerts so that the elderly and youth are aware of where to go at

the time of an emergency. Make sure escape routes are known and

unencumbered. Sometimes the sirens or alarm devices are used for

other activities or celebrations. If that is done, they will most

likely be misunderstood by some when a real disaster occurs.

Systems are now in place that cause phones to ring or radios to

play if an emergency needs to be announced.

* Fire department -- Support and get to know the local fire

department or help out if there is a volunteer department. If

something appears to be a fire hazard, have them check it out and

give the place an inspection.

* Indicators -- Put stickers on windows where infants or youth

have bedrooms as flags for fire fighters.

* Disaster preparedness -- It is wise to question your

community leaders to find out whether plans are in place for a

disaster alert.

October 16, 2004 Study Local and Family History

The First Hometown History Primer, (America the Beautiful Fund,

Washington, DC, Wagner Paperback Library, 1973) suggests the

following local history projects which are still good hints over

thirty years later:

* Keep a diary in some readable format.

* Assemble a history of your past schooling -- teachers,

classmates class pictures, report cards, programs.

* Draw a time line with important events from your life listed

on it. Allow places to write in events under each year or decade.

* Return to your childhood home and your roots.

* Gather family pictures and give photo albums for presents.

* Make a family residential map and trace immigration routes.

* Visit graves of your loved ones.

* Start a family tree, and commission someone to be the family

or local historian. Remember that for each generation the tree

branches all the more.

* Make a tape as part of a living oral or video history of the

older member of the family to keep for posterity. Keep and

distribute copies.

* Keep and be sure to pass on a family archives which include

documents, special heirlooms, children artwork, baby books, pressed

flower reminders of important events and other keepsakes.

* Record your home place(s) with photographs or paintings.

Detail all aspects of your home life and the surroundings.

* A cave art piece; design a basement wall where graffiti may

be allowed and encouraged. Here the youngsters can record

themselves.

* Have a periodic family reunion at a convenient place where

all can more easily assemble. Hopefully this will not just occur

at funerals and weddings -- even though they can be memorable.

* Keep a family Bible or other family record up-to-date.

Allowing these to lapse is a mistake, for our memories lapse as

well.

* Take a weekend tour to familiar sites and invite special

friends. Consider antique shops, an old inn, museums, or a country

fair.

October 17, 2004 The Persistent Widow

When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?

(Luke 18: 1-8)

The parables of Luke are rare jewels that shine in different

ways and call us to reflect upon them in our personal lives. Here

is the conflict between a hard-hearted judge who does not fear God

or respect any human being and a persistent nagging widow who

threatens him. The battle is won by the bothersome lady because

the judge wants her to go on. And what about the third unpleasant

character, the one damaging the widow in some way? I remember once

a persistent widow who insisted congressmen stay in a possibly

late-running legislative hearing to know how her road had been

destroyed by a coal company. They stayed. Persistence pays off

for such people; a loving God is all the more willing to listen and

be with us in times of troubles.

Aspects of faith. We too are to be persistent in how we

approach the Lord in our requests. This parable is partly new and

yet it is a continuation of the faith discussions of the past three

Sundays where incidents related to Lazarus (closeness of the poor

and our need for sensitivity), the faithful laboring servant, the

gratitude for gifts given by the healed Leper, and now this widow.

Amazingly, this sequence in Luke is a journey of faith, our road to

faith looked at from the side of responsiveness, fidelity,

gratitude and now persistence. All are characteristics which need

to be broken out and reflected upon during our weekly prayers.

Persistence. Whether I truly know what I need, do I still

pray with confidence that my prayer will be answered? We know that

God always answers our prayers. Are we willing to continue to

pray, trusting that God is answering our petitions now or very

soon? Shouldn't we pray that we hear and understand the answers?

And do we have faith that God is a ready and fair judge who acts in

sufficient time for our hopes to be realized? The Almighty is not

overcome by other cares and concerns. We are heard when we call.

Need for prayer. In order for our faith to grow and grow

well with sensitivity and gratitude, we need to pray always as St.

Paul says. Perhaps this is the Sunday more than any other when we

examine our prayer life in greater detail. Are we clear about what

we are praying for? Do we spend time at prayer each day, a period

set aside in finding God? We are all on a journey of faith and

must be sensitive to the fact that others are discouraged as fellow

wayfarers. Do we have a friend who we can talk to about our

journey of faith? Do we pray for others who hurt in some way? A

journey does not mean an easy ride; it can be arduous and can

require effort and endurance. Do we understand this and trust that

God will give us the strength to carry on through all kinds of

difficulties?

October 18, 2004 Fourth World Day

The so-called Fourth World is the poorest of the poor and

includes people in such lands as Haiti and a number of regions and

nations in Africa. These are places where political structures are

unable to cope with problems of hunger, disease, inadequate

shelter, bad drinking water, and malnutrition. Here the main focus

of relief must be directed at this moment in history to these

suffering people. We hear about the problem but how do we address

it? The suggestion here is that we do so on three fronts: know the

problem, resolve to change our ways, and give to relief efforts.

Know Fourth World Problems. A host of materials exist which

include good articles and books on the subject of poverty in the

world. To say we have never heard or experienced this phenomenon

is to express the insensitivity that comes with over-affluence.

See September 26 "Lazarus, Affluence and A Prayer of Kindness." If

still more information is sought, you may wish to get acquainted

with the "Fourth World," an organization dedicated to making the

problems of those parts of the world known to the general public.

For further information visit the website <www.atd-quartmonde.org/accueil-uk.html>.

Change our ways. It's difficult to change American consumer

use patterns because so much overuse and misuse (Affluenza) occur

in our country. Perhaps one way is to digest the facts and then

reflection on what each person might do. Facts: since 1950 we

Americans have used up more resources than everyone who ever lived

on Earth before them; Americans spend more each year on shoes,

watches and jewelry ($80 billion) than on higher education ($65

billion); Americans visit more shopping centers each week than

houses of worship; American spend nearly $6 trillion a year, more

than $21,000 per person, mainly on consumer goods; there are more

cars in America (203 million) than registered drivers; during the

1990s half of all new cars sold were SUVs and light trucks,

exempted from federal fuel efficiency standards; by the time one

reaches seventy, he or she will have spent three years of life

watching advertisements; and the annual production of solid waste

in the United States would fill a convoy of garbage trucks

stretching halfway to the moon.

Reference Michael Ochs, Williamport, Pennsylvania, United

Church News, December, 2003.

Solutions: Poverty is not easily solved by wishing it to go

away. Major changes must be made on the global level and we should

do everything possible to see that this happens. However, we are

able to do a little something through the savings and gifts we give

to relief agencies which depend on our generosity. Consider giving

to one of the many agencies such as Oxfam, the United Nations

Children's Fund, or my favorites -- Catholic Relief Services

209 West Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD

21201-3443 and Catholic Near East Welfare Association - United States

1011 First Avenue, New York, NY 10022-4195.

October 19, 2004 Challenge the Slipping Memory

One of our most precious possessions is memory. So often it

is the memory of happy events which remain far more than other

things that happened during that period. The memory is selective,

and hopefully the happy events remain when the others move to the

dust bin of our lives. Health problems can cause loss of memory.

Cherishing Memory. The sound mind is the best repository, but

sometimes we have little control over that soundness; thus some

become the victims of the ravages of mini-strokes and aging. For

the rest of us we realize that slowly something is slipping away

that is quite precious. Those with good youthful memories (often

distorted to some degree by time) stand out as part of the trivial

collections of the world. I still flaunt the fact that I remember

well ole Joe Davis, who, in turn, remembered the start of the Civil

War which occurred 143 years ago. Yes, few are left who remember

someone who remembers an event of such antiquity, and so the

dwindling number of us achieve higher fame as the ranks thin out

Daily Reflections by Al Fritsch, S.J.

Daily Reflections
by Al Fritsch, S.J.