city living
You Rock My World
Once upon a time there were three houses on the lot that is today Mezzacello. Today there is only one that remains But the shadow of the footprints of the other two rubble foundations persist in the grass on hot…
Peas Porridge Hot, Peas Porridge Bold
Eat like a sailor! A ration of peas and seawater with a dash of butter and flour and some toast and you have a meal!
House Abandonned: The Tale of the Shell of Mezzacello
The house at Mezzacello is 151 years old this year. The house that exists today has been constructed in five sections over that period of time. The original 1868 farmhouse, the 1890 J. Lloyd addition, the 1910 Rufus Main addition,…
The “Keeping Up With The Jones’” Effect
When you are doing something you’ve never done before you are doing something new. It’s easy to think that you are exactly where you need to be. What I mean when I say “Keeping Up With The Jones’” I don’t…
Being a Shiva Diva at Mezzacello
I post a lot on here about the urban ag technology and methods I employ at Mezzacello. The fact is, I just find it all so fascinating – and counter to everything our society expects. What can I say? I…
Feathered Exterminators, Landscapers, and Quality Control
At Mezzacello, we have a fence line that abuts the alleys to the south and west of the property. This is our front line for invasive species of vining weeds like poke, wisteria, and belladonna. I also store donated bags…
Tech, Dirt, Rain, and Security
Security is essential on an urban farm. From cameras to drones to locks I am always looking for ways to improve security. Locks are my nemesis. I forget combinations, I lose keys. So when Amazon offered up a weatherproof biometric…
Greek Gyro Omelette
Rick made this up this morning with duck eggs from the coop and gathered veggies from the potager garden and herb parterres. Feta and milk came from #GiantEagle Straight to the recipe! 4 duck eggs (6 chicken) 1/4 cup milk…
Elements of an Ecosystem
This is the aquatic ecosystem at Mezzacello, also known as the pond. Arrayed around it are all the input and output streams that come from this one ecosystem and will go to other 4 ecosystems at Mezzacello in turn. The…
Ducks are Garden Ninjas
I left the gate open from the chicken yard to the potager garden for 10 seconds. I know it was 10 seconds because I was programming an Arduino system for a solar powered water pump. I was programming it for…