Another fool?
RD: We moved to Annapolis Royal from Southern Saskatchewan just over two years ago and live across Hwy. 201 from neighbors Ron and Rosalind Purdy who graciously allow my Standard poodle “Dancer” and me to walk up the mountains on their woodlot road. 

Mowing in style
RD: I built a tractor from a heap of parts from a 1941 Willys jeep – crank, radiator, carburetor, coil, steering system including steering wheel, water pump, shifting lever, and head with original spark plugs. Its gas tank, fenders, and air filter are from Allis Chalmers tractors. 
    The brake and clutch peddles, draw bar, hydraulic levers, and gas control are off I.H. tractors, plus lots of chain drivers from an I.H. grain drill. There’s an “ooga” horn also on it. 

Key to good cheese
RD: A couple of years ago I got interested in making my own cheese. After reading several books on the subject I tried my hand using store-bought liquid, and even powdered milk, often mixed with cream. The resultant cheeses varied from passable to quite good but I’m convinced that my success is severely limited by the milk.

Big trees, butt

RD: I was visiting some old friends in Jolicure, N.B., and found a copy of RD. I was struck by the great articles about fracking and egg production (Jan.-Feb. RD). I was also prompted to measure my apple trees when I got home after reading the letters describing large old apple trees.

Expert Panel seeks input

RD: As an active opponent to fracking, I very much appreciated Jack MacAndrew’s recent article, “A Fracking Mess” (Jan-Feb 2014). Unfortunately, MacAndrew did not mention the Expert Panel on Hydraulic Fracturing in Nova Scotia. All citizens, termed stakeholders of N.S., but from outside N.S. as well, are asked to submit their concerns about – or interest in – fracking by the end of March 2014.