The Woody Creek EARWIG Page 1

"Better your own land's weeds, than other men's wheat." - Uzbek saying

The Woody Creek

E A R W I G Volume 2, Issue 3 the voice of Woody Creek March 2014

The Mojo Gardener by Isa Catto Shaw Recently a friend asked my

husband, Daniel, if I was holed up in the stu-

dio taking advantage of the winter climate.

His reply: “She was, until the seed catalogues

started to arrive.”

It’s true. This is the time of year that

I start daydreaming about new heirloom va-

rieties, new plans for the flower gardens, and

about expanding my gardening empire

around the house.

I have always loved to garden, and

when I moved here from New York City

(and yes I had a tiny terrace garden outside

our loft), I couldn’t wait to dig in I men-

tioned my dreams of a vegetable garden to

one long time resident and she shrugged and

replied: “Why bother, with this short cli-

mate?” Unfortunately, she is not alone. You

can bother—it just takes a little trepidation—

and the rewards are great.

If you are getting started, start

small. For the novice, I recommend raised

beds because most of the earth is alkaline and

rock ridden. If you are lucky enough to have

a lovely loam straight in your soil, then you

are blessed, but for this article, I will focus

on raised beds. Find a space that gets 6-8

hours of sunlight a day. You can grow let-

tuce in cooler climate vegetables in a bed that

only gets 6 hours a day. A raised bed heats

up more in the summer and will require more

irrigation. Regardless, prepare your area(s)

by saving your untreated cardboard and lay-

ing it over your projected garden space. Ide-

ally this is a fall maneuver, but you can wait

until the snow melts and lay your cardboard

down in the spring until your beds are ready

to install. Here is a good youtube video link,

called “Raised Bed Gardening” by UKFor-

estry to help you with the details: http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxtrDXfdQos

Laying down cardboard kills the

weeds, and provides an appealing breeding

ground for worms. Lay the cardboard at the

bottom of the bed to block out weeds and fill

your beds with organic soil that has been

blessed for gardens. Organic soil is expen-

sive, and there is compost at the dump but I

would ask about how well it is screened.

When the soil is workable you can

start with arugula, lettuce, spinach, kale, rad-

ishes, and onions before the last frost. Natu-

rally potatoes thrive here as well, but you

should plant these just before the last frost.

These crops are bulletproof in this climate.

The key to remaining motivated is to know

what works in this climate and what takes

more experience. I grew enormous pump-

kins on my compost heaps last year and a

small melon. You can branch out after our

frost date (June 20th where I live) into beans,

squash and cucumbers. I keep my tomatoes

in pots on the patio, along with peppers.

With appropriate row covers, it is

easy to extend the climate with a simple hoop

structure and fabric to protect tender plants. I

used willow for my hoops, but they are not as

sturdy as plastic piping and they often sprout.

But I like the way they look and there is al-

ways somebody who needs his or her willow

pruned.

Elliot Coleman has long written

about climate lengthening strategies, and his

books are available at the library. Here is a

good you tube video if you can’t make it to

the big city, called “How to Make a Hoop

House or Green House for Cheap,” by Bud-

dyClubGardening: http://www.youtube.com/

watch?v=efQYpzNJOiE Here are some good

online seed resources: Johnny’s Garden

seeds, Seed Savers, Baker’s Heirloom Seeds

Woody Creek and its yesterdays by Tony Vagneur The early generations in Woody

Creek turned over gently, with subtlety, like

the dark, fertile earth beneath a horse-drawn

plow. Men and women of the earth, they died

where they lived, no hospitals or assisted liv-

ing facilities for them.

By the late 1880’s, Woody Creek and

the surrounding area was occupied by people

from Aosta, the capital of Valle d’Aosta, It-

aly. The Matterhorn is within view of the old

home place, and Mont Blanc is just over the

hill near Le Chamonix, France. Back in the

old days, Napoleon did some trading around

of countries and Aosta, originally in France,

ended up in Italy, a situation neither country

was particularly pleased with. Refusing to

speak each other’s language, people in north-

ern Italy developed their own version of both,

called a patois. The surnames of those com-

ing from Aosta are almost all of French ex-

traction, names like Cerise, Gerbaz, Letey,

Vagneur, Arlian, Natal, Montover, Ar-

baney. Woody Creek ranchers, all.

My great-grandfather, Jeremie Vag-

neur, came down with something like pneu-

monia one day, and died the next, at his home

on what is now called Aspen Valley Ranch. It

wasn’t a big deal to get to the hospital for

treatment – that just wasn’t done in those

days. If one was fortunate, a doctor might

help out, but a serious illness generally meant

it was time to “pay the piper,” to get ready to

cross the great divide. Jeremie’s five sons, all

ranchers in their own right by then, had little

concern about tax attorneys or estate plan-

ners. Jeremie, like most proud ranchers in

those days, was the king of his agrarian em-

pire and bequeathed it to whomever he wished

without fear of retribution from the govern-

ment.

Victor Natal owned the last ranch up

Woody Creek, now called the Circle R. He

was an unforgettable presence in my life, a

man with an old-country accent and a bushy,

white mustache. (Sometimes I wonder how

those old Italians kept themselves straight –

they all seemed to have bushy, white mus-

taches.) My dad and I stopped there one day

on business and I remember there were apolo-

gies all around for his absence in the living

room. I could hear the poor man coughing

wretchedly in an upstairs bedroom and it

scared me. Not more than five years old, I

remember my dad saying as we rode home

that afternoon, “We will never see Mr. Natal

again.”

Like freshly turned earth, the next

generation grew the ranching legacy in

Woody Creek.

Tony Vagneur grew up in Woody

Creek, or at least he gave it his best shot, and

still hangs out there, somewhat like an old

raven with tousled feathers and a loud opin-

ion.

Snow Coyote. Photo by Margaret Reckling.

The Woody Creek EARWIG Page 2

Woody Creek Caucus Meeting Minutes

February 27, 2014 Moderators: Phil Holstein, Jim Collins Caucus Members present: Daniel Delano, Carol Donnelly, Don Don-nelly, Jean-Marie Hamel, Gail Holstein, Gayle Lyman, Bill MacKenzie, Mi-chael Owsley, Heather Rydell, Greg Rydell, Jan Schoeberlein, Marty Schlumberger, Robert L Stevenson, Emily Taylor, Anita Thompson, How-ard Vagneur, Linda Waag

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M.

1. David Franscomb, White River National Forest, Acting District Ranger, Aspen-Sopris District, reported on the Lenado settlement re snowmobile parking at Lenado. 2. Gayle Lyman, Compliance Director at the Elam Vagneur Gravel Pit, reported on his annual review for 2013 Elam Construction Activities, which was submitted to the County. 3. Phil Holstein reviewed recent developments re marijuana and green houses. 4. Motion made by Janet Schoeberlein, seconded by Anita Thomp-son, to suspend proxy voting for 3 months, until the June Caucus meeting. 18 voted in favor, 2 votes against. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.

Announcements! In lieu of “Ranch Roundup” this month, The Earwig features a new section, with a birth announcement! Cash Kingston Burtard was born at 8:14pm on February 14th, 2014, at 7lbs, 14 oz, and measured 21.5 inches long. We also wish Bunny Harrison a very happy birthday, on March 15th!

Sensible Medicine: When a Cold Hits by Peg O'Brien, P.T. Rest and fluids, then more rest and more fluids - these are the best treatments for a cold. The body needs rest from physical, mental and emotional exertion. Drinking lots of fluids rinses the upper respiratory system – the sinuses, throat, and lungs – back to health after a bacterial or viral invasion. When a cold hits between the eyes and drips pain and suffering down the throat, stay home; not only to provide ample time for rest and fluids necessary to recover, but also to avoid spreading the bug. Call in sick to work and cancel all appointments. Wave-off all hugs. Draw back from all handshakes. Be clear with others right off the bat: “I have a fresh cold and don’t want to spread it.” All will be grateful. Because colds are most contagious during the first 48 hours, call off contact with others right away. Medical appointments included. There is no reason to keep a physical therapy ap-pointment, for instance, if a cold has sprung up. Infection anywhere in the body increases in-flammation everywhere in the body, confound-ing therapy interventions anyway. Avoid body-work too, which would risk spreading the in-fection through the body. It has been said that exercise warms up the immune system and is good for getting rid of a cold. That is true if you are trying to shake an old cold, and the exercise is light, just enough to warm up the body and not enough to tire it. For a fresh cold with a blurry head and tired body, the remedy is still rest and fluids, rest and fluids. Beyond staying home with rest and fluids to shorten a cold, a few other remedies found to be helpful include: frequent hand washing, a drop of a natural antimicrobial un-der the tongue (a local favorite is “Oreganol”, wild oregano essential oil in olive oil), an Ep-som salt bath (~1 cup in a tub of warm water) with a few drops of an aromatic immune-boosting essential oil (eucalyptus, camphor, tea tree, pine, spruce, or any evergreen – not oreg-ano oil, that would burn), herbal tea (with of dash of whiskey to quiet a cough if indicated and advisable), eucalyptus salve over chest and under nose, and stretching (to open up and drain sinuses). Be good to yourself and good to your neighbors. When a cold hits: Have lots of rest and fluids, and keep yourself to yourself. Thank you, Peg O’Brien, P.T. (currently quietly swamping a cold with quarts of fresh-lemon & honey tea in the comfort of a Woody Creek trailer surrounded by a temporary imaginary moat.)

JOIN US in the current effort

TO UPDATE THE

WOODY CREEK MASTER PLAN

We need the input of all of the clans of Woody Creek,

all the neighborhoods, all renters and owners.

Topics will include but are not limited to:

Agriculture, Airport, Commercial & Public, Housing &

Growth, Open Space, Public Supported Housing, Trans-portation & Roads

Meetings will start with the planning commission on

Mondays at 4:30 at WC3.

Updates to the whole caucus will be monthly on the

last Thursday. Each committee will have flexibility to meet when the members have time to do the work.

EMAIL YOUR INTEREST TO: caucus81656@gmail.com

by Emily Taylor, 2014

The Woody Creek EARWIG Page 3

Journal entry Missy Prudden

Missy Prudden is a watercolor artist living in Woody Creek, CO.

Recipe of the month: Healthy Cinnamon Rai-sin Oat Cookies recipe provided by Christina Miller, M.D.

2 cups rolled oats (not instant) 1 teaspoon vanilla ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (use more as needed for moisture) ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut ¼ cup raisins or other dried fruit ¼ cup chopped walnuts 2 large, ripe bananas, mashed 1 tablespoon cinnamon Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all the in-gredients in a large bowl until well-combined. Form into about 2-3 inch balls and flatten gently with your fingers (or can leave as balls). Makes about 16-20 cookies. Cook for 18 minutes, or until slightly brown on top and appears done. Can also press into 8x8 inch pan and make bars. Cook bars for 30 minutes, cool on rack, cut into squares, and serve. Re-frigerate extras. Can easily double recipe. Great for breakfast, on-the-go snack, or des-sert.

Dog Days of Winter—Community Photo

Tony Vagneur and Lucy make snow angels after the dump in February.

Poem of the Month: Shovel Snow! Shovel Snow! Shovel Snow! by Rich Reitz, 2/18/14 Oh, the weather outside is frightful, And this storm is not delightful. I'm stuck, and my car won't go. Shovel snow, shovel snow, shovel snow It doesn't show signs of stopping, And the temperature is dropping. It's just about five below. Shovel snow, shovel snow, shovel snow! Outside, everything now is white, And I hate going out in the storm. But as long as I bundle tight, Shoveling will keep me warm. This shoveling is a bummer. How I wish that it was summer. That Groundhog has got to go! Shovel Snow! Shovel Snow! Shovel Snow!

Joke of the Month: Q: What do snowmen eat for lunch in Woody Creek ?

A: Icebergers from the Tavern!

The Woody Creek EARWIG Page 4

The Woody Creek

E A R W I G P.O. Box 4

Woody Creek, CO 81656

Earwiggles Upcoming Community Events: Please email your events, news, or information about things you have to sell or barter to earwigsubmissions@gmail.com—We’ll include them in the next issue! Classifieds welcome! Upcoming Events at the Community Center:

Special Events:

3/15 OPEN DOCTORS HOURS 9:00-11:00am

3/18 THUNDERCLAW CONCERT | Every other Tuesday | 7:00-

9:30pm

3/20 WORKSHOP: Make your own body butter | 6:00-7:30pm This workshop is $5 for members, $7 for non-members. RSVP

to info@woodyc3.org

3/22 KIDS MOVIE NIGHT & POTLUCK: DESPICABLE ME | 6:00pm

3/24 WORKSHOP: Find Your Ayurvedic Dosha 5-7pm

3/25 THE CROWLIN FERLIES | Every other Tuesday | 7:00-

9:30pm

3/27 WOODY CREEK CAUCUS MEETING | 6:30pm

3/28 DOCUMENTARY | Resonance: Beings of Frequency 5pm

3/29 FREE Mini Health Fair | 8-11am

Weekly Events:

MONDAYS | TOTS & CRAFTS and HEBREW & ME | 10:00-

11:00am

TUESDAYS | Live Music | 7:00-9:30pm

WEDNESDAYS | KUNDALINI YOGA WITH JESSICA LEVY | 6:00-

7:15pm

WEDNESDAYS | SILENT MEDITATION AND DHARMA READING |

Time Varies! Check online or on the WC3 chalkboard.

EDITORS PICK:

SIGN & DINE SERIES | Learn American Sign Language at Brunch | 3/7/14, 3/14/14, 3/21/14, 3/28/14 | Fridays

in March 10:00-11:30am Pricing: WC3 Members: $8/class or $30/series, Non-members $10/class or $35/series. RSVP

to info@woodyc3.org. BRUNCH INCLUDED!

ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST March 2014 This is the time when the clock springs for-

ward, and we sense the end of winter. How nice, how

refreshing! This spring, beginning with the vernal equi-

nox on 3/20, is the time in our yearly cycle where the

seeds that lay dormant in the winter can start to germi-

nate and bring new refreshing aspects to our lives. And

yet we are not out of the hot water of this past winter and

all the reflection and difficulties that ensued. There are four plan-

ets changing direction this first weekend in March.

Mercury is going direct on 2/28, so all those plans and

business arrangements or ideas that are germinating can come

forward without snags. And if you had snags while it was retro-

grade they most likely will smooth out and flow better.

Mars is going retrograde in Libra on 3/1, meaning we

all still have things to rethink when it comes to our relationships

and fairness. Maybe giving to ourselves more during this time

and recoup our own process and not focus on the other. Believe

me, taking care of ourselves is the most healing, And the gift is

that people see that, and thus modeling this behavior shows oth-

ers how to do it for themselves.

Jupiter is going direct 3/6, YEAH, and all this worry of

money or being supported can be lifted and we can all move into

the positive aspect of Jupiter in Cancer. Great time to fix up the

home, plan a trip or expect guests coming to town. Re-evaluate

finances. And last but not least, Saturn turns direct 3/2. Another

planet that teaches us about limitations, boundaries and maturing,

and this happens in Scorpio. So if there has been any drag in your

creativity or drive expect that flow to shift in the most mystical

way.

And don't forget, since the last post, Venus went direct

in Capricorn. Yes, finally Venus will be leaving Capricorn after

a long, long stay there. It usually takes Venus six weeks to travel

through a sign yet this year it entered Capricorn at Thanksgiving

and stayed till 3/6. Talk about setting boundaries or finding the

limitations when it comes to love and feeling secure. Go back and

reflect on those happenings in your life. And expect when Venus

enters Aquarius on 3/5 love takes a new look.

So change is abound. This New Moon we just had on

3/1 was the seed point to this spring. Make a move to start some-

thing you've been dreaming of and remember it take six months

for these New Moon seed wishes to take form.

And we are not out of the hot water yet. Prepare yourself for

April. It could be tough. It could be hard. It is going to be a col-

lective shift and if you're paying attention to the current events,

something is building and brewing as these countries and the

common man are revolting and taking a stand and speaking out.

It could also have an effect to our own financial system. Follow

your hunches. Batten down the hatches.

At least here in Aspen we usually have the wettest

month (powder) and these long days ahead (another blessing) and

finally warmth. Enjoy this busy month.

For more personal understanding of your direct effects of t h e s e a s p e c t s , c h e c k i n : D A V I D B E R K S O N A S T R O L O G Y d a v i d b e r k s o n @ m e . c o m (847) 777-9138

CLASSIFIEDS! Looking for somewhere to rent? Trying to rent out your place? Have an itch to sell that old motorcycle? THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU! Submit your classified (at no cost) to earwigsubmissions@gmail.com We’ll post it for you! We also accept barter announcements/ads!

READ & SUBSCRIBE TO THE EARWIG ONLINE AT ISSUU.COM/THEEARWIG