The Laundry Trials

Several loads of laundry have been washed with the homemade laundry detergent I made. J & I feel it's doing as well as our storebought detergent, and J said he actually thinks his socks are looking cleaner since using it. I should tell you that laundry has always been a challenge here, and we'll probably never get sparkling whites, with the water coming from our well. I have not yet done a cost analysis, and the washing soda was a challenge to find locally. I ended up buying a pool product at the hardware store, which is Sodium Carbonate, the same as washing soda, called pH up. That said, here's the recipe I used, which makes a whole lot of detergent:

12c borax

8c baking soda (helps with hard water & dinginess)

8c washing soda

8c bar soap, grated (I used some of my homemade soap; others use Fels Naptha or Kirks Castile. I think anything goes as long as you like the smell)

The directions say to use 1/8 cup per load. I thought that seemed awfully little, until J told me most detergents contain fillers. I still used 1/4 cup due to hard water and a large capacity washer. I did grate the soap by hand, as that created smaller pieces than my food processor, and I wanted to be sure it melted totally. I also used a warm water wash for the same reason. FYI: The light tablecloth on the end was singed while trying to stay warm with a Coleman stove during the Holiday Hoopla; it's not a true stain. All told, we'd give it a thumbs up.

Don't Want No Fox in the Henhouse

In Thursday's post, I didn't think to mention the fox that came through here. On Good Friday, while I was out in the garden, a fox came and stood within 50 ft. of me. It looked at me, unperturbed, twice. I was beginning to think it might be rabid, and started slowly backing up. It looked up as I did, and took off. Being close to the natural world is truly wonderful at times, and really tough at others.

This is the first wild iris bloom of the year. J & I were out last night covering up all we could with buckets, pots, and row cover. The forecast was for 37, and it's not uncommon for us to have a frost with that forecast. We're happy to see we dodged it, so all our little apricots, peaches and strawberries are safe for now. Have a wonderful Saturday!

Country Living

WARNING: slithering photo! It's been an interesting time here since yesterday, with all sorts of creatures showing up and one disappearing. A week or so ago, J created a chick daycare so they could be out in the fresh air & sunshine during the day, and able to scratch in the dirt. It's basically a fortified dog lot. I keep an eye on them out the back door, or from working in the garden, and every hour or so, go there to make sure all is well. I had been in the house, quietly painting, trying out a simple batik method I learned of recently here. When I went out to check, the Delaware chick was missing. No sign of her, no feathers, no noise, just gone. I'm thinking a hawk may have gotten her. The lot is under a tree, and partially, though not totally covered by tin. She was 5 weeks old, so I'm thinking too big for a snake. I immediately got the other chicks in the house. As soon as I went to check on the older hens, who were free ranging around the garden & orchard, I saw a black lab at the edge of the woods, and one of the hens came running towards me with her tail feathers missing, as well as a wound. I don't know the dog, but it had a collar on, and you can bet I'll be keeping a close eye out for it, as well as the camera handy. I think the hen will make it. I've been giving her lots of greens to help with clotting, and clabbered milk to give her extra protein for wound healing. She's talking to me a bit, though moving slowly.

This morning, I noticed Famata kitty had a rodent. We've got lots of moles here, as well as mice. She was doing her feline homesteading duties. When I had finished harvesting asparagus, I saw Callie jumping around in one of the greens patches. When I got closer, I saw she was tussling with a snake. She's the smallest cat, but I think the most fearless. You just never know what will show up when you're living in the woods.

Wordless Wednesday: Pawpaw Blooms

Little One

On Saturday, J's son came to help him put up fence posts & fencing. The garden has expanded quite a bit, with 2 new asparagus beds, a potato bed, and a sunchoke bed. Also, we had our largest patch of strawberries in the same area. We wanted to get the new section fenced in, mostly to keep the chickens out. J's sons partner, and little L, came and spent the day as well. She's such a sweet little thing, and has a good mama to care for her.

J & son both worked hard and steady all day, and got all the fenceposts in & fencing up. Bravo guys! One minor challenge was they cut the phone line in the process. But J, being the handy guy he is, had it repaired by noon yesterday. We enjoyed a lovely Easter dinner with my siblings and families at my Mom's. The weather is hot for April, but just gorgeous. Hope your Easter weekend was a nice one!

Mud and Suds in the Yard

In several weeks, I'll be taking part in Mud and Suds in the Yard. It's part of the Spring Kiln Opening, an annual event in Seagrove. This year, there are 49 potters taking part. I'll be setting up my soaps and other products at Whynot Pottery. There will be refreshments, door prizes and some wonderful local, handmade goods. If you're in the area, come on out.

I grew a nice patch of calendula last year. I always thought they were an annual here, but several hardy plants made it through the winter. A couple have already flowered. I'm thinking this is unusual, but it may just as easily be lack of knowledge. Can anyone enlighten me?

Full Bucket

Be a full bucket

pulled up the dark way of a well,

then lifted

out into light.

-Rumi

Our first asparagus omelet of the year this morning. Isn't spring grand?