Backyard Chickens. Now, More Than Ever!

California’s 2014 Proposition 2 carries a potential 40% price increase in eggs.

Back in November I and many other Californians voted YES to Proposition 2 which requires calves raised for veal, egg-laying hens and pregnant pigs be confined only in ways that would allow these animals to lie down, stand up, fully extend their limbs and turn around freely. Beginning January 1, 2015, farmers will have had to make needed changes or face fines and/or imprisonment for up to 180 days.

Chickens huddle together in their egg-processing plant at the Dwight Bell Farm in Atwater, California in 2008. Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press. Via

The proposition was supported by the Humane Society of the United States, The California Medical Association, Consumer Federation of America, The Center for Food Safety, 63.4% of Californians (or 8,009,556 hip voters), and me. Yours truly. James Arthur Gielow, Deputy Director/CEO/COO/DMD of Mind Your Dirt Inc. Ltd LLC etc. In other words, 5 out of 5 James Gielows’ agree; being cool with animals is pretty neat!
Continue reading “Backyard Chickens. Now, More Than Ever!”

December 28, 2014

Keeping the Dog Away from the Sago Palm!

Not too long ago I posted an article about the dangerous Sago Palm. You can read it here. I did quite a lot to help reduce the risk of my girl Sasha eating one of the seeds or leaves of this lovely but deadly tree. I had some cheap willow branches as a tiny makeshift fence to further the “no fly zone” mentality in the heart and mind of my pup. I have also trained her to stay out of all of the beds and gardens. Quite well I may add, she is such a good dog! Who’s the good dog? She is! Continue reading “Keeping the Dog Away from the Sago Palm!”

October 26, 2014

Hamilton the Pig's Big Adventure

My struggle

So I’ve been writing a bit less than I wish I could these last few weeks. It’s not that I’ve been out gallivanting around town and hobnobbing with fancy folk in fancy places. It isn’t because I’ve been on vacation in Hawaii or catching up on much needed sleep. No, it’s for a much less romantic reason. My new temporary ward at the Gielow estates, Hamilton the potbelly pig, has been wreaking so much havoc throughout my little urban oasis. Continue reading “Hamilton the Pig's Big Adventure”