iKnife Collector2024-03-29T05:07:59ZJan Carterhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JanCarterhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770556718?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://iknifecollector.com/group/outdoorliving/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=3ei7t461bjcte&feed=yes&xn_auth=noExcepts from "A Witches Garden"tag:iknifecollector.com,2019-06-04:3181080:Topic:15970912019-06-04T01:22:14.128ZJan Carterhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JanCarter
<div>According to legend, there were ceremonies for harvesting plants with magical powers. Harvesters must never use iron tools, since the iron interferes with all of the beneficial elements of the plant. Plants should be harvested at night under the rising phase of the moon, or right before sunrise while the ground is still wet with magic moon dew. Most importantly, of course, the harvester should be nude in order to increase the likelihood of choosing herbs with the strongest therapeutic…</div>
<div>According to legend, there were ceremonies for harvesting plants with magical powers. Harvesters must never use iron tools, since the iron interferes with all of the beneficial elements of the plant. Plants should be harvested at night under the rising phase of the moon, or right before sunrise while the ground is still wet with magic moon dew. Most importantly, of course, the harvester should be nude in order to increase the likelihood of choosing herbs with the strongest therapeutic powers. So, the next time you see someone gardening naked at 4 am, don’t be afraid, its obviously just a garden witch!</div>
<div>Hawthorne trees are considered to be the most magical. It is believed that witches and sorcerers cast spells under their branches. In Ireland, the belief was that fairies lived in Hawthorne trees. If any harm was done to the trees, it was almost considered a death warrant to those who violated it!</div>
<div>A witch’s garden includes many herbs, which are common today:</div>
<div><p>Mint helps fight nausea when consumed in a tea, and can be used to fight evil and illness.</p>
<p>Rosemary is considered to have protective properties, warding off evil spirits and keeping harm from reaching your doorstep, plant it by your garden gate.</p>
<p>Lemon Balm is an anti-depressant, an aphrodisiac, and is considered magical for attracting bees.</p>
<div>Basil brings luck, love, and money. It is best when grown near tomatoes to deter pests.</div>
<p>Sage improves memory and fertility. It is believed to assist with immortality, and it is great when used as an anti-inflammatory. Sage was also thought to help fight the plague.</p>
<p>Other plants found in a Witch’s garden include:</p>
<p>Peonies – Their roots were worn around the necks of those with epilepsy and thought to help cure insanity. They are believed to protect against nightmares, the devil, and storms.</p>
<p>Mandrake- Considered to magically bringing happiness, prosperity, and fertility to a home if placed on a mantel. It is said to attract love, creativity, and psychic abilities.<span> </span><strong>*PLEASE NOTE, Mandrake is poisonous! It is not for consumption and should not be grown anywhere near edible plants!*</strong></p>
<p>Foxglove is said to be able to “raise the dead and heal the living.” Foxglove is believed to attract fairies and break curses. It is poisonous for humans, unless processed properly in a lab for heart and kidney medicine, so be warned!</p>
<p>Fennel- This popular plant for cooking is known to increase courage and confidence in those who eat it. It is considered to be purifying and offer protection</p>
<p>Marigolds are planted for their ability to keep bugs out of gardens and off of tomatoes. However, according to legend, they can assist in favorable outcomes, such as in legal matters or business affairs. They assist in renewing personal energy and being a protective charm for homes. In Mexico, Marigolds are used for guiding spirits from the Land of the Dead to their alters on Dia de los Muertos.</p>
<p>The article I read is <a href="http://wildflowersranch.com/secrets-witch-garden/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></p>
</div> Georgia Hunter Takes White Wild Turkeytag:iknifecollector.com,2019-04-07:3181080:Topic:15905782019-04-07T14:27:36.945ZJan Carterhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JanCarter
<p>Just an hour up the road from us, albino or not it makes for some strange turkey pics</p>
<p><a href="https://www.alloutdoor.com/2019/04/04/georgia-hunter-takes-white-wild-turkey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Georgia Hunter Takes White Wild Turkey</a></p>
<p>Just an hour up the road from us, albino or not it makes for some strange turkey pics</p>
<p><a href="https://www.alloutdoor.com/2019/04/04/georgia-hunter-takes-white-wild-turkey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Georgia Hunter Takes White Wild Turkey</a></p> When are they ready for that first knifetag:iknifecollector.com,2018-01-11:3181080:Topic:15163112018-01-11T17:34:54.792ZJan Carterhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JanCarter
<p>I read a great article the other day and wanted to share it. With so many countries putting more and more limitations of knives, it is more important than ever that we teach our children, it is a tool.</p>
<p>I like that this parent asked the question many of us have...am I ready for them to go off in the woods with a knife?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/is-my-child-ready-for-a-pocketknife" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Is My Child Ready For A Pocket…</a></p>
<p>I read a great article the other day and wanted to share it. With so many countries putting more and more limitations of knives, it is more important than ever that we teach our children, it is a tool.</p>
<p>I like that this parent asked the question many of us have...am I ready for them to go off in the woods with a knife?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/is-my-child-ready-for-a-pocketknife" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Is My Child Ready For A Pocket Knife?</a></p>
<div class="view-module all"><p>BY ROB THOMAS</p>
<h4 class="date">JAN 8, 2018</h4>
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<div class="view-entry"><p>The kids call it ‘the woods.’ But really, it's a scrappy tangle of trees at the end of the cul-de-sac.</p>
<p>They discovered it this summer and promptly disappeared into it with their friends. It's where they build forts, hatch secret plans and emerge with an awful lot of mud under their fingernails. The brush is sparse and weedy so they were never entirely out of sight for long. I took a deep breath and let them go.</p>
<p>At the time, I was ready to give them some space and trust. They were ready to take both, of course, and that was terrifying and exhilarating. Exhilarating because it was the one thing that seemed to excite them more than video games. And terrifying because there was no way of knowing what they might discover.</p>
<p>What they discovered? Knives. What I discovered is that they might be ready for more trust than I am willing to give them.</p>
<p> I’m not sure which of the neighbourhood kids brought the first pocket knife. I do know all of my kids emerged desperate to get their hands on one. “What would you even use it for?” I'd ask, attempting to stall. But they seemed to have no end of reasons, from clearing branches to making arrows, all of which ended with some version of the phrase, “We would be safe.”</p>
<blockquote><p>It wasn’t just a knife — it was a sign that my parent's trusted me.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In other words, they knew it was a big ask and tried to say all the right things. As for me? I would love to be excited about the idea of giving them each their first knife. </p>
<p>My first knife was the length of my pinky finger. It was a red Swiss Army knife, complete with nail file, tweezers, toothpick and tiny scissors that could only really cut dental floss. Each part slid or folded away neatly. It was a precision tool that served almost no useful purpose that I can remember. My parents kept a close eye whenever I was allowed to “use” it. I was six and loved it more than anything I can remember owning at the time. It wasn’t just a knife — it was a sign that my parent's trusted me.</p>
<p>My own kids are eight, six and five. I think that they are all probably ready. But I know that I am not ready.</p>
<p>After quite a bit of thought, and research, my wife and I have decided to set a firm age of eight for knife ownership in our house. And, yes, it is mostly for our own benefit. It gives us some time to get comfortable with this knife thing while still giving the kids a taste of that trust they seem to be craving. It also gives us a chance to work on our knife safety in the home, including plenty of supervised practice using knives in the kitchen.</p>
<p>My eight-year-old should be allowed to bring his knife into ‘the woods’ by next summer. The younger two will have their own soon enough. I hope I am as ready as they seem to be by then.</p>
<p></p>
<p>How did you decide it was time??</p>
</div> Strange (to me) mushroomtag:iknifecollector.com,2017-08-16:3181080:Topic:14946632017-08-16T20:56:26.663ZJan Carterhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JanCarter
<p>I was riding my 4 wheeler through the woods the other day and saw this mushroom. I don't recall ever seeing one like it before. The pine cone lying beside it is about 3 inches long. The mushroom was about 7 or 8 inches tall and the head is about 2 1/2 inches wide. Does anybody know what kind it is?…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655303753?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655303753?profile=original" width="426"></img></a></p>
<p>I was riding my 4 wheeler through the woods the other day and saw this mushroom. I don't recall ever seeing one like it before. The pine cone lying beside it is about 3 inches long. The mushroom was about 7 or 8 inches tall and the head is about 2 1/2 inches wide. Does anybody know what kind it is?</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655303753?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655303753?profile=original" width="426" class="align-full"/></a></p> Off Grid living and Tiny Housestag:iknifecollector.com,2016-08-23:3181080:Topic:14364582016-08-23T01:12:21.085ZJan Carterhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JanCarter
<p>There have been a lot discussions about people wanting to live off grid and in tiny houses recently. I just wanted to know what any of your thoughts are on this idea. I think it would be awesome to have a small house to live in and would enjoy living a simpler life. My problem is, the rest of my family doesn't agree. They have become to dependent on the "luxuries of life". I think living off grid would lead to a healthier and less stressful life style. I know it would be a lot of hard work,…</p>
<p>There have been a lot discussions about people wanting to live off grid and in tiny houses recently. I just wanted to know what any of your thoughts are on this idea. I think it would be awesome to have a small house to live in and would enjoy living a simpler life. My problem is, the rest of my family doesn't agree. They have become to dependent on the "luxuries of life". I think living off grid would lead to a healthier and less stressful life style. I know it would be a lot of hard work, but a little hard work never killed anyone.</p> Visitor at our housetag:iknifecollector.com,2016-07-07:3181080:Topic:14285442016-07-07T06:03:31.185ZJan Carterhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JanCarter
<div class="_5pbx userContent" id="js_d6"><p>Had a visitor at our house tonight. It is a green treefrog, scientific name hyla cinerea. When first spotted he was on the storm door. He jumped from the storm door onto me and then onto the porch post and finally into the shrubs.…</p>
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<div class="_5pbx userContent" id="js_d6"><p>Had a visitor at our house tonight. It is a green treefrog, scientific name hyla cinerea. When first spotted he was on the storm door. He jumped from the storm door onto me and then onto the porch post and finally into the shrubs.</p>
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</div> The wake up buck.tag:iknifecollector.com,2016-02-02:3181080:Topic:13913162016-02-02T00:58:07.233ZJan Carterhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JanCarter
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<tbody><tr><td><div class="postbody">I've spent most of my deer hunting career with my uncle John by my side. John is a very talented mechanic, machinist, electrician, plumber..... there are few things he can't do. He helped me change the breaks, rotors and calipers on my truck while being very sick in bed. I'd walk in, wake him up and ask what a certain "thingy"…</div>
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<tbody><tr><td><div class="postbody">I've spent most of my deer hunting career with my uncle John by my side. John is a very talented mechanic, machinist, electrician, plumber..... there are few things he can't do. He helped me change the breaks, rotors and calipers on my truck while being very sick in bed. I'd walk in, wake him up and ask what a certain "thingy" was and he would in great detail explain how I need to replace it, or remove it. My mechanical ability isn't my major selling point in life, but I'm good with following instructions. His impact on my life is an undeniable one.<br/><br/>Field hunting isn't for everyone, you sit and wait, and wait, and wait until finally something either gets hungry or gets bumped and runs for cover. So, it has the ability to go from zero to sixty real quick. My uncle has had some great success in his hunting career as far as getting deer the freezer goes, but up until recently he hasn't really gotten the chance to get a good buck. Things changed a few seasons ago as we sat on stand, my grandfather to my left and John to my right. The boredom must have set in because John and my grandfather were sawing logs, admittedly my eyelids were getting heavy too. <br/><br/>Before the season started we agreed that I would get the first shot at any legal deer, we take turns. As I fought sleep something suddenly caught my eye. It was the trot of a good buck as he made his way for shelter in a pine grove across from our stand. I bumped John and told him "good buck, shoot it". I didn't even move for my own rifle as I watched John settle the crosshairs of his old Redfield scope on the bucks neck, his Browning barked death as the buck tumbled to the ground. We were both so excited we were shaking hands and hollering at the first good buck taken off the farm in years. <br/><br/>No TV buck monster, but a great deer for us.</div>
<div class="postbody"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655297207?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655297207?profile=original" width="640" class="align-full"/></a></div>
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</table> In search of Darkness.tag:iknifecollector.com,2016-01-27:3181080:Topic:13893922016-01-27T23:46:32.442ZJan Carterhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JanCarter
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<tbody><tr><td><div class="postbody">There was a time that when I heard the word "hunting", all I thought about were squirrels. It was my number one passion when it came to hunting. I couldn't imagine a better time than being at the base of a tree mid morning as the sun warmed the branches overhead, maybe a 22. cal rifle cradled in my arms or my trusty Remington 870…</div>
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<tbody><tr><td><div class="postbody">There was a time that when I heard the word "hunting", all I thought about were squirrels. It was my number one passion when it came to hunting. I couldn't imagine a better time than being at the base of a tree mid morning as the sun warmed the branches overhead, maybe a 22. cal rifle cradled in my arms or my trusty Remington 870 in 12 gauge across my lap, either way I was happy. I was able to find peace and a space to think when I ventured that hollow alone with just my little Sako P72 topped with a Weaver K-4. I learned to slow up and scan the tree tops or branches that lay in the sun's light. Many time I found a good grey sunning it's self in the morning's first rays. <br/><br/>I had a ritual of sorts, I would pick my way through the brush and leaves to make it to my favorite tree, I'd clear out my seat a little and sit down, then taking whatever pocket knife I had on me, I would open it up and set it in my lap or maybe stick it into the ground. I did this because our tick population has exploded and I used that knife to end their attack on my pant legs. If I killed as many squirrels as I did ticks, I'd have to buy a new freezer.<br/><br/>I would sit motionless, listening to the leaves in the slight breeze, hoping to hear that unmistakeable rustle of a squirrel in search of acorns. It helped that I was propped against an old oak tree that always seems to produce a pretty good crop. I killed many grey squirrels and a few beautiful fox squirrels under that tree. I spoiled myself and turned myself off of the death. I loved the time, the hunt, the image of a squirrel taking in his moment of silence and warmth as he too enjoyed the sun's rays. I found myself unable to pull the trigger and thus, I've shied away from hunting them as hard as I once did.</div>
<div class="postbody"><br/><br/><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655295513?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655295513?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></div>
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</table> Meat in the freezer.tag:iknifecollector.com,2016-01-27:3181080:Topic:13894382016-01-27T22:51:06.594ZJan Carterhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JanCarter
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<tbody><tr><td><div class="postbody">Life is full of unexpected turns, but it's full of just as many opportunities. My family and I had some trials earlier this year, but the calendar doesn't allow you to hold on too long to those bad memories and so we found ourselves in the midst of hunting season yet again.<br></br><br></br>With tags left empty after archery season we…</div>
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<tbody><tr><td><div class="postbody">Life is full of unexpected turns, but it's full of just as many opportunities. My family and I had some trials earlier this year, but the calendar doesn't allow you to hold on too long to those bad memories and so we found ourselves in the midst of hunting season yet again.<br/><br/>With tags left empty after archery season we faced the challenge of filling our tags with rifle in hand. Truth be told, I would rather have my old Rem 700 on my should than any bow of any variety in my hand. (I think my grandfather has a lot to do with that preference) We had a lot of chances and saw a lot of great buck all throughout archery season, but no one even got to draw back, which as I stated above, didn't bother me. <br/><br/>Opening morning arrived with a very warm welcome and by that I mean I found myself in a t-shirt instead of a thermo. It was the warmest opening day and probably the warmest season I've ever hunted. Being a beanfield hunter, I rely on the movement of other hunters to keep the deer out and about, but with the warm weather most guys seemed to post up and hold tight. <br/><br/>So as first light dawned and last light drifted silently away, I was a little worried about our season. Six hunters saw a total of six deer, had they not all been seen at once it might have been an interesting day, but no. All six were doe and we weren't taking doe this early on. Generally speaking we hear rifle reports all day long, but this day we heard maybe a grand total of seven or eight, not exactly exciting stuff, but thats why they call it hunting.<br/><br/>I'll go ahead and skip to Wednesday. <br/>My brothers and I found ourselves together in one of our hunting shanties just as daylight began to fade. I think my brothers and I probably a similar thought, "not today", but we remained optimistic. With about a half hour of daylight left a deer broke into view. We could tell instantly it was a buck, definitely not a monster buck like you see on the outdoor channel, but a legal buck that puts meat in the freezer. <br/><br/>The buck fed about four hundred yards away at the edge of the woodline. None of us felt the need to take a shot that might push the limits of our own comfort, four hundred yards is a poke. Jr, (my older brother) and I were planning on what to do when the buck started to make life a little easier on us. Keeping the distance the same he began to feed down towards a brush pile, putting him right out in front. It was decided that I, would make the move.<br/><br/>I left the stand and made my movements at the instruction of Jr. (We've been hunting together forever) "Heads up" meant I needed to stop, "heads down", I was good to go and so with whispered instructions I slowly found my way to a little fence row in front of the hunting shanty. I cut the distance by eighty yards and to my delight the buck had done the same. I found an old gas pipe for a rest and laid my rifle across the top steadying myself. Swinging the rifle I located the buck in my scope, few sounds can get my blood pumping the way that Remington "click" does as I take the safety off, just as I have many times before. What was a once a steady target is now shakey and blurred. I try my best to control my emotions as I touch the trigger off, the buck stops and looks about. I knew I missed my mark, I readied another round only to have my excitement get the best of me, I double fed a bold action.... I know. <br/><br/>I found a moment of clarity, a voice of reason, "Slow down", I'm sure it was my grandfather and it was something he had instructed me to do many times before on the rifle range growing up. I calmly pulled the extra round out from the chamber and dropped it at my feet, I held the other round down as I pushed the bolt into place seating the live shell that was meant to be loaded in the first place, until I fouled it up. <br/><br/>Again I steadied myself and kept the "slow down" wisdom in mind. The crosshairs lined up on vitals and the rifle roared, I was rewarded with the "Thud" that only a bullet on buck can make. The buck dropped in his tracks.</div>
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</table> A New Years Trip to the Woodstag:iknifecollector.com,2016-01-02:3181080:Topic:13827682016-01-02T16:52:45.934ZJan Carterhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JanCarter
<p>My brother and I have been trying to plan a trip to the woods, for several month now. Yesterday was the day, that it finally worked out. When I went to pick him up, his middle son (of 5), who is 8 years old, decided to go with us. We knew it would be cold, but we tried to plan appropriately. As we began our overnight adventure, we hiked into the woods, where I had spent many hours riding my 4-wheeler (ATV), many years ago. It had been over 20 years since I had been in these woods, but I felt…</p>
<p>My brother and I have been trying to plan a trip to the woods, for several month now. Yesterday was the day, that it finally worked out. When I went to pick him up, his middle son (of 5), who is 8 years old, decided to go with us. We knew it would be cold, but we tried to plan appropriately. As we began our overnight adventure, we hiked into the woods, where I had spent many hours riding my 4-wheeler (ATV), many years ago. It had been over 20 years since I had been in these woods, but I felt like I would remember them well. Fortunately, they were pretty much, just the way I remembered. Because it had been raining off and on for days,we knew we would have to find a place that wasn't too drenched. Because the temperature had been dropping, some of the areas we hiked across,the ground was starting to freeze. As we hiked along the paths,the wind was blowing, so we tried to find an area to set up camp, that would protect us from the wind. We finally settled on a small clearing just below a hillside, near a creek. The first priority was to gather wood and build a fire. There was a lot of dead wood in the area, but very little that was dry. Fortunately, we were able to find some cherry and maple that were not too wet. The maple made for a nice quick and hot fire, while the cherry burned longer and had a sweet aroma. After the fire was going, it was time to eat. Once we all had full bellies, we decided to set up our tents. We went on a short hike before the sun set on us. After we got back to camp, we sat around the fire and had a couple of snacks, to keep our internal ovens going. It got dark very early (shortly after 5 PM). We decided to snuggle into our bags around 8:30 PM. My brother (Ben) made sure his son (Jake) was warm enough, before he settled in himself. The wind did let up, for the majority of the night. I had a hard time getting to sleep, for multiple reasons, First of all, I don't normally go to bed that early. Secondly, the noises of the wild are difficult to shut out. Thirdly, the cold temperatures were making it difficult to stay comfortable. My new tent did everything it was supposed to and worked out great. On the other hand the sleeping bag, wool blanket and clothes, that I had on, were not quite sufficient for the weather. After laying on the cold ground (with many items between myself and the ground) I decided to add one more layer of clothing. That seemed to do the trick. I was finally able to fall asleep. After being asleep for only a short time, I woke up with a sore throat. I had never tried sleeping outside when it was only 20 F before and didn't realize what breathing the cold air would do to my throat. My brother was having a difficult time keeping his feet warm. After only getting about 2 to 2 1/2 hours of sleep, my brother and I both got up around 2 AM. We got the fire going again and made breakfast. Jake, who got the most sleep, finally got a little cold, so he came out to join us by the fire. We tore down camp and headed out about 7:20 AM. We were all ready for some heat and comfortable place to lay down. 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