A Slower Week

Hello, friends.  It's been a slower than usual week, due to being a bit under the weather, but I'm on the upswing now.  I made a batch of suet for the birds.  The wintersown seeds are starting to come up.   So far cosmos, bachelor buttons, and calendula.  I wanted to try one more thing, to see if it would make a difference with the chickens and compost.  Our last remaining Buff Orpington hen waits for me to lift her off the roost most mornings.  I'm not sure why.  Perhaps it's because she's low girl on the pecking order, and feels safer that way.  In any case, I decided instead of on the ground, I'd place her in the compost after letting her see me throw scratch in it.  She wasn't sure at first, but she stayed a few minutes, to eat the scratch.  After I did it the following day, there was more interest from the others.  Now, a few days later, there are at least two hens getting in there, scratching and pecking.  It worked!  Even if it's only the two of them, between their manure and scratching and pecking, it should get the compost going.  I'd love to have some finished compost, when setting up the spring garden. 

  

I caught up on my mending and sewing.  A few weeks ago, I picked up what appeared to be a relaxed fit black tank top at the thrift store, exactly what I like to wear on the homestead in the summers.  After I got it home, I realized the back opened up right below where a bra would be, so I sewed the back up.  It's a little wonky, as one side is a little longer than the other, the way it was made, but it should serve the purpose.  I also sewed a wool and cashmere cardigan, where it was coming apart at the seams.  It's a house sweater, so is fine if not perfect.  A holiday wool vest and wool sweater were hand mended, where there were holes from moths.  I've researched alternatives to mothballs, and cedar keeps coming up, but the products seem to have mixed reviews.  If you know of anything that works, I'd love to know.  We finished the jigsaw puzzle, and it sadly was missing a piece.  I guess that's the risk you take when getting them from the thrift store.  One of the workers where I got it, wanted it when I was done, so I took a pic of the finished puzzle with missing piece, so she can decide if she wants to do it, and will know where it is.  J got the onions planted Sunday.  We've gotten 1/2" or so of rain, which we're grateful for, though we were still listed in severe drought earlier in the week.  I believe J said we were 10" below normal.  I know parts of the country are getting a big snowstorm right about now, so no complaints here.  Stay safe and warm out there!

Beauteous Blooms

Hello, friends.  The first hellebores are blooming, so spring can't be too far off.  On a warmer day, I planted seven wintersown containers, because that's how much potting soil I had.  Calendula, cosmos, hollyhocks, bachelor buttons, coreopsis, borage, and mullein were planted.  The avocado oil arrived, and I finished making the batch of plant butter.  The flavor is much nicer, with the avocado oil.  After placing the butter in freezer containers, it occurred to me that using it would be much easier using it if was shaped like traditional butter, so I bought a silicone butter mold.  I've been moving it to the mold, freezing it, then wrapping in waxed paper.  So far, I've gotten 12 sticks, and it looks like there's at least enough for four more, in addition to what we've already used.  It was a two-day process, to make the butter, so I'm happy we should be set for some time.  

Lambs quarter was pulled from the freezer, for a spaghetti squash florentine dish, which we had with our sweet potatoes and crowder peas.  We finally got enough rain to switch back to it for our household, and wouldn't you know, the fittings on the pump are leaking, so we're back on well water again.  This is the longest we've been on well water, since setting up our rainwater collection system for the house, probably 15 years ago.  We're having a nice rainy day, over an inch already, as I type this on Sunday, so the tanks should be pretty full, once we can switch again.  We got two eggs last week, the first in a while.  I'm sure the warmer days helped.  Other than a couple of days with highs in the 40's, the next two weeks look to be warmer, which will be lovely.  Shortly before the snow storm, when I accompanied J to buy lumber, I decided a little floral cheer was in order, and bought the orchid.

After the Buddhist monks arrived in Washington, DC last week, they held a global peace meditation, and I participated in the last hour of it.  I'm happy to know they've arrived back where they started, in Fort Worth, and will hopefully be able to get some good rest and relaxation.  Walking such a long distance, in the snow, ice and cold, had to tax their bodies.  After an appointment, I stopped by my favorite thrift store, and bought a king pillowcase and 4 napkins for $2.  I got my senior discount on groceries at Harris Teeter, and picked up more potting soil.  Asparagus was $1.49, and I got two lbs.  Artichokes were $2 at Food Lion, and I ended up getting six throughout the week.  That's the best price I've seen in a few years, and I love them.  

When J went to the VA on Friday, he was given a handmade card from an 8th grade student, thanking him for his service, and wishing him a Happy Valentines Day.  We thought  it was very sweet.  A cushaw pie was made for J, for Valentines Day, and I received lovely flowers.  On Friday, we went to a Mardi Gras event with friends.  It's always a treat to have a night out.  We're still working on the jigsaw puzzle, which is a tough one.  We need to get it finished up soon, as it's where our seed starting station lives.  Take care, and have a beautiful week.  

Cold February Days

Hello, friends.  Joseph has been working on the chicken coop addition, in anticipation of the day old chicks, arriving in a few weeks.  The current chickens have yet to figure out the new compost system.  I tried putting an upright log next to it, and put scratch on top.  They'd get up on the log and eat it, but then jump back down.  Joseph placed a ramp to it, and again, we tried the scratch on it, but they still didn't go in.  I even tried putting a hen who was at the top of the ramp into the compost, but she jumped right back down.  The compost is inside a 2' chicken wire ring, with scratch sprinkled on top.  They can fly into it, if they choose.  We've seen videos of it in action, so we know it can work.  It may be we have to wait until the new ones get old enough.  It's funny how personalities can differ so much, in the various flocks I've had over the years.

With the refrigerator as empty as it ever gets, I took time to clean it well.  Somehow, I can never figure out how to get the crisper drawers back in correctly, and have to call J for help.  It's the same with the drawer below the stove.  At least for me, they are not user-friendly.  It's always nice to open the fridge, when all is clean.  I noticed before the holidays I was not able to find Miyoko's plant butter, in the usual stores.  Thankfully, I had frozen a couple of lbs., being I had to drive an hour to buy it.  Recently, I found she'd run into financial troubles, and the company was bought out from under her by a competitor, whose product is of a lesser quality.  She has kindly made videos, as well as a cookbook, showing how to make her products.  I made my first batch of butter.  The recipe calls for a neutral oil for one of the ingredients, and I used up some grapeseed oil I had.  It's OK, but I've got some avocado oil on the way, which should give it a more buttery flavor.

One morning, early in the week, Guinness was very excited as I was getting up, and peed on a large wool rug.  I'd read of cleaning rugs in the snow, and tried it.  It seemed to work quite well.  As cold as it was last week, when I thought of doing anything other than what was necessary outside, it made me shiver.  I've been wanting to gather seeds for winter sowing, and finally did that on Sunday, anticipating a few warmer days this week.  As usual, I've got quite a pile to plant.  Probably more than the available containers.  But, it's a start.  I don't know about you, but I'm very much looking forward to warmer days.  

Snow & Wintry Pursuits

view from our driveway

Hello, friends.  I hope you've been safe and comfortable this past week.  Like much of the nation, we've had wintry weather.  We received a little over 6" of snow on Saturday, which is not much by some standards, but more than we've seen in a number of years.  My sister and brother got closer to 11", a little north of here. I'm not sure if it's because lots of ice hadn't melted from last weekend, and then snow on top, but there were 750 collisions on NC roads yesterday, and a portion of I-85 was shut down, due to 100 stranded motorists, including 30 tractor-trailers.  We're more than happy to just stay put at home.  

In anticipation of the weather, we finished up the new compost system, aka chicken tractor on steroids, or CTOS for short.  J gathered composted chicken bedding in his tractor's bucket, to place on the compost scraps, and I emptied one of the 5 gallon buckets of biochar that had been inoculating.  The permaculture consultant said snow is helpful for the beneficial microbes to grow, giving them a pretty steady environment underneath, so we were happy to get it done.  Our chickens haven't figured out that they need to work yet, lol.  Hopefully, they'll get the hang of it before long.  I spent a little time several days, working on gathering tax paperwork.  We've worked on a jigsaw puzzle, the hardest one we've attempted yet, due to it's non-square "special shape".  I grabbed some of the pears I froze last summer, and made a pie.  Knowing wintry precipitation was on it's way, I caught up on the laundry.  I will say that my hands hurt from the cold, when hanging and gathering it on the line.  Using the clothesline is not for the faint of heart, mid-winter. 

out our front door

I've been fascinated with a new to me subject, which deals with autism, particularly non-verbal or minimally verbal autistics, and the prevalence of telepathy in their community.  It goes much deeper than this, and has been so interesting to learn about.  Resources are The Telepathy Tapes podcast and Spellers documentary, both accessed on YouTube.  There may be other ways to hear and view these as well.  It may be helpful to listen to the first few podcasts, to get an understanding of Spelling as communication, before watching the documentary.  I've spent time with those with mild Asperger's, but have not been around the world of non-verbal autistics.  Their brilliance is something to witness.  I'm so thankful the world has finally figured out a way to communicate with these wise souls.  We've wrongly assumed cognitive disabilities, when it's instead issues with motor skills.  This development has set thousands of these souls free, from bodies that won't cooperate in "normal" ways.  Well friends, I hope you too are finding things that feed your soul, during these slow days of winter.  

Winter Weather

Hello, friends.  We were able to see the monks last week.  My niece and her children had a homeschool trip planned that day, so it was just my sister and I.  They were all able to see them the next day.  We thought we timed it well, but ended up waiting 3 1/2 hours.  When they walked by, it all happened so quickly, though they did stop in front of us, to bless a young girl in a wheelchair, who was just beyond us.  It did my heart good.  I didn't take any pics, but my sister said I could share this.  

Suet was made for the birds.  While I was putting Christmas away, I couldn't help but notice the beauty of the bird's nests.  Like much of the country, we spent time making preparations for the winter storm.  J winterized some things, and brought lots of firewood to the porch, and into the house.  I spread more leaves in the chicken coop, for added insulation, and filled half gallon jars with water, in the event of a power outage.  With gray skies and possible snow or ice cover on the solar panels, we knew we couldn't rely on them.  As I'm typing this, around 6 Sunday night, we've mostly gotten sleet.  The freezing rain has just begun, so we'll see how it looks in the morning.  I got out a jigsaw puzzle, and books from the library, for some happy pastimes during the storm.  I hope you're staying warm and safe.

For the Love of Birds

Hello, friends.  We actually got some rain last week.  Almost 1/4" on Weds., and it's raining as I type this on Sunday, ending up with close to 1/2".  Each time it dips much into freezing temps, J has to drain the pipes leading from the house to the cisterns.  If we don't, the pipes crack.  Ask us how we know.  Which means, each time it rains after a frigid spell, it takes something like 50 gallons to refill the pipes, before it ever starts collecting in the tanks.  So, you can see how collecting water in the winter is a more complicated proposition than in the warmer months.  Our neighbor recently told J his well ran dry.  It replenishes enough that he has access to around 100 gals a day, to provide his household, herd of cows, and flock of chickens, but can't go over that without running dry.  We're all hoping the drought ends soon.  There had been snow forecast for the afternoon, but it stayed north of us. 

 

I'm keeping an eye on the monk's journey, as they get closer.  My sister, niece and little ones, and I are trying to figure out a safe place to witness them.  They're walking in rain and snow today, bless them.  I saw this video and song last week.  I can't watch it or most things, without being moved to tears, as their journey resonates deeply with me.  Wish us luck, in finding a safe, quiet place to honor them.  We were down to our last jar of crowder peas, and I was able to can a batch.  I've continued going through a file cabinet, and shredding much of it.  The shreds are being saved for chicken bedding, which will end up in the compost system.  We've started implementing a compost system the permaculture consultant recommended, which uses the chickens to scratch it up and add their manure.  It's often referred to as a chicken tractor on steroids, which you can find on YouTube.  We need a warmer day or two to get it fully set up.  Hopefully, the chickens will cooperate, and do their part.

Though I still have a long way to go, I've been learning about the effects of light on our body... sunlight, red light, blue light.  There's plenty I don't know, but it's convinced me to pull out every LED bulb I can, and switch back to incandescents.  I've had blue light blocking glasses for the computer, and do use the night light setting to lower blue light in the evening, but now have an amber pair on the way, which apparently does a better job.  I'm very interested in learning more.  If you know of any great resources, especially books, I hope you'll share.  Two resources I've listened to are Sowing Prosperity and Dr. Jack Kruse.  Another health-related item I was recently made aware of, when researching for a safe lipstick, is almost all (as in >99%) is contaminated with lead.  Yikes!  Apparently it's not new, and the FDA allows a certain amount.  I don't know about you, but I really don't want any in something that will be on my lips.  So, now I'm looking into trying to make my own natural version.  I don't wear it very often, but do like it on occasion.  The blue birds began showing up at the fountain and bird bath, which made me happy.

blurry pic, but the best I could do

Last week, J told me he ordered 25 chicks, to arrive in March.  That was a surprise!  That's several more than we've had in the past, so he'll be making an addition to the coop.  It's always interesting, here on the homestead.  Looking over my photos, it seems there's a bird theme going on.  He's making good progress on the skoolie transmission swap.  I should make a separate post soon about that.  Stay well, friends, and may all your surprises be good ones.

Peace is Possible

Hello, friends.  Last week, I found a wonderful documentary on Thomas Dambo and his giant trolls.  We've booked an Airbnb, so my friend and I can visit the ones in Asheville, in a few weeks.  I did end up canning the last of the winter squash, while we remain on well water.  The two nights and day we were forecast to have good chances of rain ended up being only a 5 minute sprinkle, so nothing measurable.  It looks like there's another chance at the end of the two week forecast, so I continue to hope.  There's some exciting news on the skoolie.  J has been intending to swap out the transmission this winter, got it jacked up, and has begun working on removing all that needs to come off first.  Here's hoping our first real trip isn't too far down the road.

can I come in, Mom?

Our washer gave up the ghost last week, something to do with what holds the drum in place.  We bought it 13 years ago, so of course, parts are no longer available, other than used, so we ended up buying a new one.  We'd both read about Speed Queens being some of the best out there, and decided to get one we hope will last at least as long as we do.  We don't need lots of bells and whistles, so it's one of the simplest ones.  J found an appliance store with one significantly less than those online.  We called, and asked if he would hold it until the next day, which is good, as he said two other people called wanting it that night.  It's much quieter than any washer I've had, which is lovely.

the latest heart to show up, bread in a pan for drying

I harvested lettuce, oregano and rosemary, and made golden paste and ketchup.  The weather was so beautiful Saturday, we were able to open several windows.  Have you been following the monks walking across the US for peace?  There's something very moving about watching them, and watching the crowds swell, as their journey continues.  They'll be coming through 30 minutes from here, and I'm looking into how to stand and witness, and support them.  Though the major media outlets are mostly ignoring it, as a post I saw beautifully said, their walk is proof that peace is still possible, hope still exists, and loving kindness has not disappeared from this world. May their light add to the ongoing shift.  Wishing you a beautiful week, friends.