Rocket Stove Workshop 2020

Portable rocket from back in the old days

It’s always tricky to find the right situations in which you get to play with rocket stoves. Symbiosis Ranch, in Mt Pleasant, MI, is going to be that right such situation. This June we’ll be installing a batch box design in their Aircrete Dome. I’ll be teaching a 2-day workshop , June 27 & 28, 9am – 5pm(?) each day, all for $199. Registration coming soon at, symbiosisranch.com or call (989)506-0057 to save your spot.

GLPDC Podcast #5

A new podcast is out. This time we’re talking about plant families. Rhonda was away at the Tracker School (I think), so we kept on going without her. It was shorter than we were shooting for but that’s OK, I think

I’m very interested to see where we’ll be as the podcast matures. We’re getting used to it, developing a rhythm. Getting better every time.

GLPDC Podcast

A podcast, you say! Yes, with William Faith and Rhonda Baird. Much potential there. I sense that we have the ability to take permaculture somewhere with this.

Certainly this is a new environment for us, as permaculturists we’re going to start with a little observation and interaction. The potential I see is that it is giving us the opportunity to move our own permaculture forward. That’s where it’s most exciting!

Check it out!

How Tom Beat Captain Najork and His Hired Sportsmen

Another book, this time from my childhood. How Tom Beat Captain Najork and His Hired Sportsmen, by Russel Hoban and Illustrated by Quentin Blake. Very British, a boy who likes to fool around tries to avoid mutton and cabbage sog and reading off pages of the nautical almanac. I read it to my kids, you should read it to yours.

When I Was Eight

Having young children I get the opportunity to read many different picture books. It’s a different experience then a book of only words, there’s a simplicity of story that I find I like. It’s like a storyteller sitting round the fire. 

When I Was Eight, by Christy Jordan-Fenton (Author), Margaret Pokiak-Fenton (Author), Gabrielle Grimard (Illustrator) is a compelling story that you should read, too. There is so much wrapped up in this book. A bit of history, witnessing the cruelty of colonization, the magic of thoughts & words,  and a triumph over adversity. 

This is a piece of culture that I would like to see continue on. I hope that you will share this book with your children. It’s available at my local library, probably yours too.