Many of you don't know that when I left TV news, I took a job shooting videos for the Washington Department of Natural Resources. It gave me the chance to build my independent media work in my personal time, which was not an option as a TV reporter given my contract in corporate news. When I was hired, I was encouraged to keep my social media presence. Recently, my bosses informed me that I was to stop all videos related to Covid safety, vaccines and mandates that “undermine” DNR's policies, as DNR is one of many state agencies with a vaccine mandate, though ours was enacted by Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz and separate from Gov. Inslee's order. My independent work was done on personal time with personal equipment and I never discussed my position at DNR. I also informed my bosses that I had a First Amendment right to continue, and that the policy of a state agency committed to science should align with robust discussion that includes a variety of viewpoints. They disagreed. I refused to comply and was terminated last week.
I am truly grateful for the many wildland fire fighters whose stories I’ve had the honor of telling, as well as the fuels crews fixing the forest health crisis driving historic fires. We nearly evacuated twice this year, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that the work of DNR staff across the state saved our home and thousands of others.
While there are many unknowns for our family, not the least of which is finding a new health insurance plan (any suggestions?), we are absolutely unwavering that it was the right decision. How could I continue covering censorship and allow myself to be censored on one of the most important topics of my lifetime? There are a great many people taking grave risks right now - many of them you've seen in my videos - and those of us who stand up for free speech and informed choice right now will hopefully pave the way someday for others to do so without losing their jobs. I got into journalism to follow the truth wherever it leads, and I will continue. I am planning to record a video to discuss this publicly on YouTube. Would you please let me know what questions you'd like me to answer in it? In sum, our family is incredibly grateful for your support here. I have absolutely no regrets. I said once that free speech is the hill I would die on - but just to be clear, as I've said before, I did not commit suicide. 😉 Be brave. We are in this together.
Sassy got a pedicure today and the farrier used a blowtorch. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen this done but she didn’t seem to even notice. Then again she wasn’t looking at the fire blowing on her hoof! 🙈
I keep my nails healthy without a blowtorch - instead I use the fermented cod liver/concentrated butter oil from Green Pasture! It’s packed with vitamins A, D & K from wild caught fish and milk produced by cows eating nutrient dense spring grass. Ditch the generic cheap fish oil. Use “ALISON” as your promo code at checkout and you get 10% off. https://greenpasture.org/
Sundae’s kids will only drink off her right teat, and the left one gets so big it looks like it’s about to explode. This exact same thing happened when she had triplets last year. We are milking the left teat to try to keep it small enough that the babies will eventually latch and do the work for us. Sundae also produces more milk than her kids can drink - it’s a great problem to have as a mom!
Another great problem to have… is lots of teeth to brush! I used to get chronic cavities and started taking the fermented cod liver/concentrated butter oil from Green Pasture. This was 15 years ago and soon after my dentist was remarking at the health of my gums, and cavity free teeth. Use promo code “ALISON” at check out for 10% off. https://greenpasture.org/
Our mini Nubian milk goat, Sundae, gave birth to a boy and girl while we were gone yesterday morning. We've been on baby watch for days and she is such a stinker for having them right after we left for a couple hours! That said, we are always happy to return to good news as there are so many things that go array when we leave. Lily has named the new additions "David" and "Olivia". Both are doing well and as cute as can be.
Don't forget you can support the farm adventures and your health with the fermented cod liver/butter oil blend from Green Pasture. It's not just any old fish oil - it's fermented organ meat oil mixed with a high vitamin D butter oil. The two work together to make sure you get the most out of all the vitamins and omega 3s. I used to get chronic cavities and this stuff saved my mouth. Use "ALISON" as your promo code at check out for 10% off. https://greenpasture.org/
