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.
We survived our coldest night ever in Florida since moving here in May 2023. It got down to 24 but the “feels like” was 16. Florida infrastructure is not built with such cold in mind, and we don’t have appliances like water bucket heaters on our farm because we never need them. It was a great reminder why farming sounds so idyllic until it gets really cold. I am glad we don’t deal with this every day for 6 months like our friends who live near our old home in Washington state. Kudos to the farmers who brave far tougher conditions than this all winter to keep food on our tables.
You think you have drastic hormonal swings? Meet Heidi, our first goat and Peter’s #1 lady. She is a total maniac every 3 weeks when she is ready to breed. Heidi is definitely the alpha female in the herd so she makes sure everyone knows she is in charge. This time she tried to show me that she is my boss and I’m hoping my NO was loud and clear.
Before I got dairy goats I assumed you could milk any female animal that had a baby. Which is sort of true - except I didn’t know that some animals only produce a little milk while others produce a lot, and some have major attitudes and don’t want to be milked at all! Our first goat, Heidi, was on our property when we bought it so she became our goat. I figured, let’s breed her and get milk! That’s how we got Peter. Heidi is not a dairy goat, and so I quickly learned that it was not worth the time and energy to milk her and get 3 ounces. Sundae, the goat in this video, is a mini Nubian, which is a dairy breed. At her peak she gives about 40 ounces of milk per day. However she likes to take PTO days unannounced and runs from the milking stand, forcing me to chase her down, put on the halter, and walk her back to work. I have learned my lesson about dairy animals. If you’re new to this, get one who has done the milking routine MANY times. Think “Ole Bessie.” She doesn’t ...
We might get snow tonight! Sassy is wearing her blanket for the first time since being on the west side of the Cascade mountains in Washington state. I never blanketed her when we lived in eastern Washington. I have pictures of her with icicles on her mane there, with snow up to her belly, and wind howling. But it’s been a couple years, she is acclimated to Florida, and frankly, she’s an old lady. Since I am also an old lady, I know what it’s like to want your warm jammies on a cold night. I’ll have an update tomorrow! (Also I have no idea what the sign on the wall means, the old farm owners had it up. Maybe someone can interpret for me.)
Although this is a SHOW on ALL SIDES. I totally agree with the "journalists" being locked up too. If they were white journalists at a black church service interrupted by white "protesters". Scaring the people with lights and/or cameras and ending the service. It would be noted that the lights and/or cameras enhanced the fear of the "protest". Also, going up to people and putting a camera and/or mic in their faces also adds to the trauma of the event. Then saying "oh I'm not with them". Doesn't cut it. The people leaving saw the "journalusts" as party to the crime too, because they were.
Stop this now, or it will get worse.
I honestly don't mind if Don Lemon beats the rap. So long as the message is sent, stop this now! Journalists don't get a "1st ammendment" blanket for taking part in criminal activity.
The Government's Case Against Don Lemon's Violation Of The Klan Act - YouTube
