On the ending of 2011 . . . .

With so many days to accomplish chores my short list should be easy (plus some).  I have fallen a little short.  The kitchen table is still a disaster and so is my bedroom.  I cleaned out drawers though, they accumulate stuff at an alarming rate.  Now in the basement, which is also still a disaster, I have been working on.  With three dump runs this year a lot of boxes have been gone thru and eliminated, also many full boxes have been donated to the Goodwill (I have 4 grocery sacks ready to go right now) and many trunk full runs to the recycling center (it's free) with boxes of papers from schoolwork to IRS papers.  Nothing has been re-packed and I did not have a garage sale (many boxes to sell).  So I guess my list will have to remain in effect and be added to!


A big change for me this year is the 'no-poo' for clean hair.  Surprise! my hair is very clean.  Every other day is perfect, I think that it would be too drying.  I use a Tablespoon of baking soda and water paste rubbed into the scalp and a Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water to rinse.  I rinse well with water and let dry, nobody can tell.  My hair feels good and silky, I never have trouble combing it out (it's curly).  If I am having a bad hair day on the skipped day a rinsed with very warm water works well.


I have never believed in New Years resolutions, Goals are much more attainable.   At New years you might rashly make a promise and then fail, this happens with regularity (promises are meant to be kept).  Goals come up at any time and can be revised, life is not static and we need to be adaptable.


    'To Do' list (supports Goals list) for 2011

• Sort/clean out living spaces
• Sort basement for the dump 
• Re-pack anything left in basement
• Have a garage sale

Christmas

My favorite part of Christmas is breakfast, always has been.  It started with my grandmother, she made cinnamon rolls as part of breakfast for her family, 6 children.  When they went abroad as missionaries my mom continued the tradition.  As a child, all my family came to our house for breakfast.  Our house was big, full of noise and  fun.  My memories influence my attitude as an adult.  We did not exchange gifts with extended family, we did not pick names.  I liked the emphasis on family even as a kid.  I dislike the commercialism and materialism of a beautiful holiday.  Traditions need to fostered and memories made for the generations coming after us.  Traditions are old and new, the new ones take work to get started but are well worth the effort.  I kept busy making gifts, more than ever before.  A part of my granddaughters gift didn't get done, a second basket made of fabric and a pincushion to match.  Her birthday is in January so I will finish it then . . . perfect!  What is interesting is that my son and his girlfriend have made gifts the last 2 years.  This year they made a necklace and earrings with deer horns, I love it and I am impressed.  We had breakfast at my daughters house this year.  Cinnamon rolls, of course!  Eggs, bacon and champagne with OJ.  All the family doesn't come to breakfast anymore, there is just too many of us but we had 12 for breakfast (a few family members were not in town for Christmas). Our son-in-law is in Afghanistan, hard for the girls and E.

Breakfast Christmas, 2011

Tis the Season

I have been busy lately:
     Ornaments for family - 9 finished
     Baskets woven from paper bags - 4 finished
     Knitted cowl scarf - needs blocking
     Crafting a small sewing box - unfinished
     Tree hunting and Decorating
     Shopping for presents, wrapping too
     A batch of sweet bread in tiny loaves for the baskets
And the everyday stuff:
     Finding wood to burn (construction sites)
     Empty 3 more boxes in the basement, garbaged most of it
     Recycling run (2 in last 2 weeks), need to do a garbage run now
     Time with the grandchildren and daughter
A few observations:
     A foggy month in December - a bit unusual
     A couple of beautiful days - went out 'sun bathing', felt GOOD!
     Some days/nights down to 28 degrees and no snow! (Good)
     A few colorful sunsets - very pretty
     Tried an oatmeal lager - dark, mild bitter finish (devine)
To do:
     Take pictures of my crafts before wrapping them
     Bake on friday for Christmas morning cinnamon rolls
     Finish a couple of projects - easy
     Help out E. tomorrow!
     Shop for Christmas breakfast and next 2 weeks
     Go to a cookie exchange, yet I don't bake anymore for our home (8 doz cookies needed)
     Need to shop for a couple more things for hubby (I know what to get)

WWII . . . . . Remember.

There will be a sad day comin’
For the foes of all mankind
They must answer to the people
And it’s troubling their mind
Everybody who must fear them
Will rejoice on that great day
When the powers of dictators
Shall be taken all away

There’ll be smoke on the water
On the land and the sea
When our Army and Navy overtakes the enemy
There’ll be smoke on the mountains
Where the Heathen Gods stay
And the sun that is risin’

Will go down on that day

  ~ Red Foley, Smoke on the Water, 1944

                      ------------------

Still true today?  Something to think about.

Holidays and Changes

We will be celebrating Thanksgiving at my daughters house this year.  My Aunt just sold her house and already has her garage filled with packed boxes and will be trying to move out before the 12-21 hand over date.  Not exactly the most fun time of year to have to move!  It;s a bit of a scramble to remember some of the things needed because my Aunt usually takes on the biggest part of dinner.  I went out today to buy the turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pie ingredients (my son also needs pie ingredients).  Wow, a lot a people are out there shopping for The Dinner!  I am looking forward to our family celebration and E's kitchen is so big, open and friendly.  I just can't believe the holidays are here.  What I am most thankful for this year is that my son in law is home for 2 weeks from Afghanistan, it has been a very hard 5 months (for him and E and especially the girls, V is 3 and wouldn't talk on skype or the phone with her daddy) and he'll be gone again for 6 more.

I have finished my knitting project (the cowl) and need to block it and weave in the ends, I need to find another project though because of withdrawals from keeping my hands busy.  I have two other crafts projects in the works, ornaments and woven baskets.  More on this later with pictures.

Feels Good

I made applesauce today, enought to can 8 pints.  It doesn't sound like much but you work with what  is given.  I used the peels and cores to make jelly (from my daughters effort at making apple butter for her husband). Todays will go to more jelly making in the morning with the addition of cinnamon sticks and a piece of nutmeg.  I found a recipe online  for jelly and it came out great.  The comments were saying that their batches were not jelling.  I added 1/2 cup of lemon to the recipe which is required for sweet fruit   in order for a balanced recipe.  I am not sure why it needs to sit in the fridge overnight!

So it took all day, What is with that?  I am happy with the results though and thoroughly satisfied, we have taste tested . . . . . mmm good!

Nature's Art

  

I love the morning the sun glistening on the frosted trees, the amazing colors of yellow, orange and green.  The stark  bare trees, the dark evergreens contrast so beautifully with the color.  When the sun comes up over the hill and hits the tops of the forest trees down from us, I feel drawn into the mysterious shadows underneath. The sun so warm and the air bone chilling cold!  Nature gives so much to us if we stop and pay attention.  I do love this time of year!

I started a knitting  project, a cowl;  for a Christmas  present.  It's a lovely rose with a hint of purple from my stash.  I like the rhythm of knitting and prefer small projects.



 Also, I have started making christmas ornaments, this is my tradition that helps me get into the spirit of the holidays that become presents to family.  Some years the ornaments are made of fabric, some years string crocheted snowflakes, hearts, crosses and more!

Ladie's Weekend

 I left last friday to spend the weekend with 4 other lovely ladies!  Good food, being goofy, hot tubbing and walking.  Our walk on the beach produced pictures, rocks and shells AND oysters that went right on the barbecue with a drizzle of butter.  Oh yeah, heavenly!   The small bay we were at was just around the corner from Tahuya, WA. A blink and you will miss it place with a post office and fire department.  We walked the road to Tahuya, peaceful and beautiful, about 2 miles one way.  I brought a project with me, yoyo's that will be stacked to resemble christmas trees (I think that this would also be a good project for J, she is 6).  Sunday afternoon we were on the deck, the sun was warm, birds calling (no car or people noises).  It soaks in, rejuvinating!
 

It was very hard to leave on Sunday, we were all feeling so good and carefree.

The local saying is "What's it Tahuya"

A Lovely Weekend

My daughter and I went to the midnight sew Sat, it is 4pm to midnight.  It's feels like attending a sewing circle except you talk with women you don't know, it's a good fellowship with shared interests. Most of the ladies are quilters which I love to feast my eyes on (my favorite building during fair is the fibers arts).  I helped E with the girls holloween skirts while she finished a dress.  Interest is always high during the evening in everone's projects with the ladies wandering and asking what you are doing.  I always feel good being there and motivated for days afterward!  We left early to get enough sleep for church in the morning.  I had Sunday dinner with E. and the girls, Hubby stayed home feeling very poorly.

Thank you darling daughter for a  great dinner.  Ricotta stuffed, bacon wrapped chicken breast with sourdough bread. MmmMmm!

An Encouraging Article

http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/Meet-Followers-of-the-Simple-Living-Philosophy/2

Self Challenge Against Clutter

I have been browsing a couple of web sights to mostivate myself.  I need to get a handle on the clutter in my home.

• clutter off of surfaces:  kitchen table, dining room table, desk, tall boy (bedroom)
• car, I have allowed the floor behind the passenger seat to accumulate 'stuff
• Pick an area or theme (holiday, summer, etc) abd organize (this will challenge me)

                    in the basement
                    bedroom closet
                    upstairs closet

• Make lists

Some ideas to help me:
     'Rotation Box'     don't display everything, store some objects in a box and rotate things
                                     few months

     'Come in Handy Box'     when full, something must be discarded then add new item          
                                           
     'Clear a Surface'     remove 10 items to a basket and spend 15 minutes around the house
                                        putting them away

A good tip also is to de-clutter first and analyze storage needs then find right system to keep organized.   I am putting off getting these jobs done so my first list is to keep this written on paper to remind me and to physically check off the jobs done.  I tackled another drawer in my bedroom, yeah!

                                     Well done is better than well said.
                                                                        ~Benjamin Franklin~

Chicken Keeping

Note to self  . . .  an easy and lighter way to move chickens to exactly where you want them:
Poultry Schooner @ Living the Frugal Life

Looks like a good design and easy to use, deep shade could be added with a small tarp at one end.

Adapting . . . .

So, we had to move our daughter's shed (8' x 10'), after just building it. The real estate person who manages the house does not seem to communicate well or says whatever sounds good at the time without the owner's knowledge.  Anyway, the building had to be moved from one side of the house to the other side.  E rented a big piece of equipment with four foot tines to slide under the building.  Now that was another fiasco of communication of telling the 6 - 8 feet NOT 4 feet. We positioned 2x4's over the tines to extend their reach, they helped a little.  What is it with the world out there that cannot listen and customer service taking a continuous dive lower and lower!  After deciding it was not possible because the tines did not reach with a true 4 feet; they needed to be under the middle railroad tie . . .  yes. we tried again.  E and I stood on the floor of the building (the edge) the keep it from rocking back off the tines while my husband drove it around to it's new lacation.   How I wish we had an extra someone to take a video and pictures of how not to do it!  We were desparate though and it worked AND the shed did not fall apart.  Yeah for us!

NW Tea Festival

I went to the Tea festival with my daughter and son's girlfriend in downtown Seattle today.  Oh my, some excellent teas were tasted.  I bought a Genmai Cha tea with toasted brown rice and matcha.  Not only did it taste good but seemed like a warm and cozy drink, I'm looking forward to winter morning tea and a book. Mostly we visited vendors booths and tried may types of tea and looked at products.  I saw some beautiful crockery bowls for sipping tea but couln't justify buying any. We also listened to a lecture on medicinal herbs which was very good, I believe in herbs and have used them already in a small way.  I know some are questionable but if care is taken they can be safe, quite frankly most of the drugs out there on the market are very dangerous (in my opinion).  We participated in a small tea ceremony and talk about green, oolong and white tea, OMG they were so good! Oolong was very floral and the second brew of it was even more full bodied. The white was the best, so delicate.  I've made white before and thought it was bad, I'm sure it was an inferior, cheap wanna be.  My grandaughter went too, she is 6 yrs.  She didn't fuss or say I'm bored and had her own tasting cup and tried a lot of tea.  Most she didn't like but a few were approved of.  She was a pleasure to have along, such a little lady! We had a very nice day out.

Ladies, I had a great day out! Thank you.

Our summer bounty, Blackberries!

We went to our daughter's house to make jam.  After collecting and freezing large quantities of blackberries, we picked today to use up her stockpile.  I prepared juice last night to take to make a batch of jelly for our pantry.  So we made 6 batches:  jelly, 1 low surgar jam and 4 regular jams.  It was quite a marathon of canning.  E also canned up 4 pints of tomato sauce and baked 2 pumpkins to puree and freeze.  Definitely good stuff, the grandkids got to lick a spoon and they approved.  I must make a batch of jam in the morning and use the solids from the jelly drip, I'll sieve it because seedless jam is my preference.  We are very tired but satisfied and I am grateful for my husbands help, he watched the 2 grandkids (ages 3 and 6). We would never have been able to work for HOURS with them underfoot.  Thank you hunny.

Blackberries . . . .

I have been out picking blackberries, again.  14 cups!  They have all been going into the freezer till I can get to them, plus hopefully to juice up better.  My family has not been too cooperative these couple year, my rule has always been:  you pick, I make it.  The blackberries and so big and beautiful and juicy this year with a lack of sun and rain, go figure.  Anyway, my goal is a batch each of jam, jelly and syrup (to die for on vanilla ice cream).  Yes, they have been out there BUT NOT enough!  And with hundreds of pounds of berries, hmmm . . . . wasteful!  One year when my kids were little I made  80 jars of good stuff with plums, apples, pears and blackberries.  And yes, the whole family was involved.  Not too sustainable of us, either.

One of the Best Dinners!

My husband and son went grouse hunting last week.  My son bagged 5 grouse.  Last night he made dinner with a few hints here and there.  He found a recipe on line for the breast with orange wrapped in bacon (they didn't have the cooking time right . . . 20 min., I told him 45 to 60 min).  Served with wild and rice mix. OMG!  so good!  The meat was enhanced perfectly and not overpowered by the bacon.  He did a good job even though dinner was 2 hours late, it was worth it.  I made a blackberry pie for dinner which was a perfect end with wild game.  I like to add 2 extra cups of berries to my pies with the sugar not changed.  I think the fruit flavors come thru better and it's not so cloyingly sweet.  Our daughter came for dinner with the girls and his girl friend.  It was a great evening!

Summer Weather Update

I looked up the August weather for our area: half a degree below normal and only 10 sunny days.  Strange!  Because I have yet to go to bed, tossing and turning from the hot summer days, in fact the comforter is still on my bed.  I know we have way more sunny days than ten!  Summer gardens have already been in fall mode and yet produced very little. Half corn crops around here are not in tassel which means the roadside stands will not have a good profit. Another reason for worsening economy . . .  weather!

I will be starting on my preparedness plans.  Food, first aid, flashlights will be this month. Creating space will also be a challenge but not impossible.

Soil Health

I have been reading a lot about old/ancient methods of amending the soil. Two that interest me the most right now involve wood: Mycelium and Biochar. This brings in the micro-organiasm's needed to support healthy soil over the long term. I found a site that keeps it simple and to the point.
Greensparrow Gardens: Should we be adding charcoal to our soil?

Gorgeous House

Ben Law builds a wooden house

This is my idea of perfect!

Fair Time!

Evergreen State Fair!  First, see the horses especially the gentle giants. A pony ride for the girls with smiles of pure enjoyment and then the big carousel.  Grab a treat and walk thru the bombardment of carny noise to see the inspiration's for the next year.  The quiet contemplation of quilts and needle arts, so beautiful then showing granddaughter J the possibilities of building with K'nex or drawing pictures.  Wondering how canned food entries received blue ribbons when the air space at the top is too much (I follow this rule to the letter: quarter, half and one inch) Hmmm!  An interesting talk with the Master Gardeners (they want to recruit you!). They introduced us to what looked like a round zucchini (which are too wet for my taste) but was pale orange inside . . .  crossed with a pumpkin! A Pumchini!  We visit the cows, my daughters neighbors have Limoisin's, to say Hi!  Watched a class going on:  Dexter cattle originally from Ireland and naturally miniature, no horns producing both for meat and milk. Sounds good to me. Then a quick peak at the 12 day old baby pigs, the girls were quietly in awe!  Cooing over the pygmy goats, the dairy goats, a quick peak at the chickens (too may to comtemplate as always). We're exhausted, V sat in the stroller mostly but J never complained and at 6 yr. that is pretty amazing. This was good day (overcast, of course). I am amazed at the lack of crowds and the entries for baking, canning and a few other departments have half of what I used to see about 8 yrs. ago. Sad!

Family

Saturday was the annual family picnic. Grandpa is 92, getting frail but still able to teach Bible class (he was a missionary till he was 80). Our family may number in the 70's and almost half came (a few families from out of state).  We get together a couple times a year to keep in touch. It's seems to be getting harder every year, not everyone comes (or thinks it's important). Sad . . . .   Still, it was good to see everyone, fun for the kids and good food.

Went to my parents this week and took my two granddaughters with me, what a joy they are. 'Helping' with little chores like gardening and looking for deer (they walk thru all the time). Their mom came the next day bringing the baby goats.  My mom fell in love, she grew up with goats and other small animals because instead of tithe food was given. They would play with them and then would end up on the table, this was 60 yrs. ago or so. It was fun to watch! My son came also, he helped my dad with digging holes for posts and moving log rounds to be split.

A longtime, good friend of my moms is in the late stages of Alzheimer's, we started on clearing out some of her things for donation, sale and clothes for her to wear.  The closet took about 4 hours and left us tired. Next will be her sewing room which is 10 times the room and stuff. OMGosh, but mom cannot do this herself and the husband is overwhelmed already and has to find a 'home' because of the wandering off and the agitation over noises and changes or talking as if knowing you, then a string of words come out all meaningless and disconnected. My granddaughter found her to be a bit scary, it was hard to explain what was wrong, I tried. She was so artistic (and crafty) and now it's buried and gone! Very sad.

Thrown a curve

Disease and permanent injury . . . . unfathomable, we cannot walk in the shoes of others suffering.  Living beside it brings it's own challenges.  Learning the way a disease works doesn't always help, support isn't always welcome!  Strain . . . fear . . . alone . . . crushing . . . when does it STOP, never!

Our landlord, a very caring, good man has said to me 'I respect you for taking care of and sticking by your husband'.  Inside I feel bad though because it's isolating and mentally challenging.  It doesn't stop, ever!  It does NOT make me stronger, sometimes I do want to run away!  Motivation is going backwards, dreams and goals evaporate in thin air.

I believe . . . .

We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.

Crazy, Busy Week!

Starting with following the truck up North (helping to move our daughter 'E'), a normal 1 1/2 hour trip took 2 1/2 hours.  One of the highways was closed for Blue Angel flyovers.  Our older grandaughter loved the trip in the big truck! The unload went great, with the living room and kitchen mostly set up by the end of the day.  With the help of her friend, we finished up to 90% of unpacking the next day.

I like to dabble in simple wood projects and put together a raised bed for gardening (it was an 8' x 8' changed to a 4' x 8'.  We built another and filled them with her transplants (fingers are crossed). I also donated my compost because it's done and has thousands of worms (need to keep 'a few' for my new bin which was started last month). Our 3 yr old granddaughter was picking them up and feeding them to the chickens and showing them to anybody interested!  E also bought chickens (six) and 2 baby pygmy goats she picked out before they were born (3 weeks now) and orphaned (they lost thier mom the day after birth).  Our grandaughters were happy with the chickens but are crazy about the goats, feeding bottles, running around and petting them. They will be a 4H project this next year.

So exhaustion and achy joints a week later but feeling good for a job well done!

A moment in my life ...

Outside my window . . . I see a 27 foot moving truck!

I am thinking . . . it will be a long day.

I am thankful . . . for the 3 moving helper my daughter hired.

In the kitchen . . . already bare bones.

I am remembering . . . the good family get togethers.

I am creating . . . a mess!

I am thinking about . . . the very shortened distance to see my daughter, thank you.

I am hoping . . . for a smooth moving day.

I am looking forward to . . . help at the other end.

I am hearing . . . two little girls 'look grandma (they are popping bubble wrap)

Around this house . . . lot's of little loose ends to clear out, looking good though.

* found this idea from 'likewise ye older women' and will use occasionally because . . . I love the idea!

Tolmie State Park

 Down to help our Daughter with pre-moving work, a dump run, and playing at the park (it's near the Nisqually Estruary)

Busy!

So busy this month . . . .
Trying to helpful  and supporting to our Daughter and 2 grandchildren since her husband went to Afghanistan for a year.  Her house is being packed up and they are moving closer (20 min awaywill be nice instead of 1  1/2 hours).  Last week we dug up most of her garden, the poor plants are starting to look better.  Also spending time with the girls, they are having a tough time.  Houses have been hard to find but one was found on a 60 acre cattle ranch, it is a second home with an acre to go with it. Looks like some fruit trees come with it too, Bonus! So, the coordinating begins!

Our son is hiking and climbing the Enchantments (WA), this year he is drying food to take.  He tried a can of baked beans, re-hydated with additions and said it was surprisingly good. So the dehydrator has been going for the last 4 days with beans, ground beef jerky, vegetables, fruit and yogurt. Trying to lend some help in this project too. What is hard to fathom is the amount of snow still up there compared to last year which heightens the danger factor (worry factor goes up too).

This weather is strangest ever!  I have never known such a summer, it's the worst. In all these years I have NEVER seen such an ugly summer.  So we had a great summer treat today, strawberry shortcake. Mmmmm . . . divine. Also today, we had a fire in the stove to take to damp out of the house. Crazy for the end of July. Our 'view' was totally obliterated with low clouds and fog. Crazy!

Give away

http://mountainhomequilts.blogspot.com/2011/07/homesteading-handbook-review-and.html

Here is a give away for a book on homesteading.

 "If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny."           Thomas Jefferson

Summer Joys

Spent a few days helping out our daughter, she is moving up North (1 1/2 drive).  We brought the mower down to do the lawn.  We dug up her garden, I hope it survives but what else do you do - leave it? I enjoyed the garden and eating the peas just coming on.  Hubby helped her finish packing up the sewing room and taking stuff of the walls.  Her guy is in Kabul, Afghanistan and I pray that the hand of God is over him.

We spent the most amazing afternoon out in the backyard with a picnic, books and the laughter of happy little girls, catching frogs and dragonflies.  It felt like a quiet meadow with no traffic of neighbor noises, just the sound of woodpeckers and a nice breeze to cool the heat in the shade.  There is nothing better!

SUN!

Wow, 2 days in a row!  It cleared a again yesterday into a cloudless, slight breeze, beautiful day.  Today looks to be beautiful again, I am in shock . . . . .  just had to share.

Crazy weather patterns!

I looked up the weather for the June averages:

• ONE sunny day
• ONE degree below average overnight
• TWO degrees below average daytime
• precipitation - same

Now may people around here might say "typical" BUT I have lived here all my life and 2 years in a row is NOT typical.  We had drizzles to downpours (this many downpours is NOT typical).  We usually have a better ratio of sunny days to cloudy AND we don't usually have rain every day in June.  Yes, it is considers a damp month BUT NOT EVERYDAY!  The benefits are a beautiful green start to summer but grass is growing at a faster rate and it's always green this time of year anyway.  The really bad part is when you put out tomatoes, they don't like the rain.  The almost good part is the extended spring, lettuces and peas are not winding down yet.  The wierd thing is I have had to start 4 fires in the stove to ward off the damp (the house feels cold when damp).  In the 6 years living here I have NEVER had a fire in June but after 3 - 4 days of damp and rain you can feel it and the house was actually cold.

As I write; the sun is dancing across my living room, bright, soft, the leaves enhancing  it's mood.  I look west and ugh! the clouds are building and black! more rain? Oh wait 5 minutes (or an hour) there is the sun again!

Dump run again (we don't have pick up) this time household and some clean up, also a couple of sacks for the good will.

Milkwood: Joel Salatin on debt free farming.

Some valid points that if we follow may lead to a more balanced life style.
                                                                                                                                                            Right now I am surrounded by 'stuff' yet contentment is out of reach.  Granted, this 'stuff' we have  is mostly hand me down.  We have never had the income to spend freely.  I don't mind used things, but everyone around us thinks that we are a dump site.  That we don't have enough 'stuff' to show outwardly how good life is.  Well, I am going to garage sale a lot of it; then the excess will go the goodwill!  Good grief, I have 6 sewing machines, 3 are antiques of which I think the one treadle might work if a band can be found to run the wheel.  I love antiques though and have had to sell the few we have owned.  I need to get rid of them . . . . . .  dang!  So basically, we are not in debt (especially because of buying 'stuff' - not!) we just don't have the income to support the venture onto land.  Making do once we could get there would be easy for me because I already re-use or go without.  People around me think we are odd because consumerism isn't a constant need!

Circumstances can change, instead of feeling bad I am going to move forward and purge 'stuff' to create a simpler home for better harmony and a smaller home!  Following thru will be my challenge,  this is not my strongest trait.  My life as an adult has been practicing voluntary simplicity except in the accumulation of 'stuff', I am feeling weighed down and jump for joy at every dump run and charitable drop off!

Milkwood: Choosing Farmland? Joel Salatin and Nick Ritar

Powerful quote from a sci-fi novelist

"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog,

conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone,

comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations,

analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal,

fight efficiently and die gallantly.

Specialization is for insects."

-- Robert A. Heinlein

Cupboard, Spring clean

Yes I know, a little late for spring cleaning but it's been so cold around here.  I even started a fire in the basement because all the rain has left the house feeling a bit damp, turning on the furnace gets hot in minutes, so a fire it is.

I found a questionable bag of rice with holes and dust inside so I have pulled all food off of 3 shelves so far to wash down the shelves, also rinsed with a little vinegar. Then wiped all the bottoms of the boxes and containers, aired them and restocked the shelves.  I have 4 more to go.  Also tossing old and questionable packages, it's been a while.  Time seems to go by so fast and I haven't been into the very back of the cupboards or rotated the food out.  Feels good to get another area up to date, clean and refreshed.  This is certainly not a hard job, just one that gets put off till another day.

Thoughts on Life

I came across an article on self-sufficiency and a book review.  Amazing how close to my thoughts and beliefs, like mind reading. In a Countryside magazine article (jan/feb, 2010), regarding Jd Belanger's new book "he admonishes people to think of their frugal lifestyles as a business", "a business must be more efficient and less wasteful than a hobby, self sufficient living cannot tolerate waste". It's an "investment in a minimalist lifestyle  that can be just as profitable as investments in the stock market".  The Complete Idiot's guide to Self-Sufficient Living.  Definitely will get this book.  I am not a complete beginner, but being self taught in most areas of gardening and animals, a library of books for reference  is important.  Jd Belanger has been writing about homesteading for 30 years, that's a lot of knowledge.

'voluntary simplicity' . . . . .  I like the way it sounds!

I have kept track of eggs gathered per day, food bought, the few dozen sold to a neighbor and the year the chicks were bought. Should have also kept track of the dozens given away to family, and the price of the chicks.  It wasn't hard, I kept a paper for counts on the side of the fridge.  We also kept track of expenses for 4H horses, considered as part of the responsibility of the kids projects each year.  For home schooled kids, this is great for math lessons (gardening and animals), even the youngest can help with counting, weighing, writing the numbers, etc. Real life math makes more sense. While in high school and not understanding algebra, switching to bookkeeping saved my grade point average.  A light went off (in my head!), 'this is algebra', it made sense because of real life applications.  I feel that kids are not helped to understand why they must know math, especially in high school.

Mother Earth News Fair

Went to Puyallup, Wa for the Mother Earth News Fair and in order of what blew my mind:

• the draft horses who logs with their owner - demonstration,  WOW, and the portable saw mill
• the fibers information - spinning, TOUCHING, absorbing knowledge
• the plate of sample cheese (I am still nibbling on) mostly soft with rinds Mmmm, Mmmmmm
• lecture - rotation of pastures, wow! so do-able.  (I think lazy comes to mind if this isn't incorporated into animal husbandry), this will be used in the future!

I thoroughly enjoyed browsing and learning new information, thank you SO MUCH !

This has been a GOOD weekend with family and sad because my son in law is going to Iraq for a year. Bittersweet, hard to wrap my mind around it and this will be very hard on his family.  I'm very glad we can be there for them.

We also went to the Nisqually Estuary with the grandkids and had a great walk with them.  They love nature and are very inquisitive.

Skills List

What do I know!  Hmmm, a list would help ...........

• Sewing, since 10 years old
• Crocheting, self taught at 12 years old
• Knitting, taught a few others also
• Spinning, re-learn (drop spindle)
• Cooking
• Baking
• Canning, jam, jelly, fruits
• Dehydrate food
• Vegetable gardening
• Raised chickens (for eggs)
• Raised rabbits (for meat)
• Kept goats
• Kept horses
• Start a fire (chop wood)
• Hunted birds
• Shooting - shotgun, rifle, handgun
• Fish, dig clams
• Pitch a tent with no help
• Use tools - Circular saw, hammer, screwdrivers, etc
• Drive a stick shift
• Photography - amateur
• Draw - Commander Mark style
• Balance a checkbook
• Bookkeeping/Accounting
• Scored for son's baseball games
• Grow houseplants
• Read instructions and follow them
• Housekeeping, know more than I practice
• Recycling, religiously
• Re-purpose: clothes, dishes for serving 
• Making jewelry (beginner)
• French braid - my own hair and others

I love to learn new skills and there is so much left out there to absorb and use in every day living!  I have read articles in magazines now for many years telling us how to 'save' time in chores to gain a minutes here and there.  WHY?  So we (society) can sit around, watch TV, gain weight, thereby diseases can set in like the heart or diabetes, etc.  Gardening, canning, sewing, cleaning house is being connected.  Staring at a TV is dumbing down our population!

Future, Freedom or Government 'Slavery'?

I have been reading a lot on sustainable living, mostly opinion and some practical information to try.  Most of the opinions are establishing 'self' sustainable living.  I don't believe this is possible, there is not enough hours in the day.  A sustainable community is a must with trade to 'help' each other.   We are mired in cutting ourselves off from each other, depending on technology, sitting in front of a TV going numb in the brain.  I don't see the good in our so called advanced civilization.  How many people don't have medical/dental insurance, enough food, clothing,  housing.  We don't all have access to big incomes,  we are the working poor!  Raising animals, growing vegetables, keeping occupied with activities that improve home life is better than being brain dead, government slaves.  Helping and caring for each other gives us satisfaction but most important, trade.  We are all gifted in different skills.

Sustainable living is something I want to aspire to.  Is it possible?  Can't hurt trying.  I think that getting back a sense of community is crucial.  ".... the world is ending" is too common a thing to say, I do think something may happen to change how we live life.  A kind of creepy, hair raising feeling, it's making me feel antsy, our government doesn't take care of us (just the rest of world).  Taxes continually go up, while cuts are made in the 'wrong' areas.  I know everyone may not agree with this, but I don't see any balance in our government.  We need to take care of ourselves.  So my 'community' will start with my kids. Trying to have property together, helping each other.  The gardens and outbuildings will be community, houses separate.  Yes, there could be a lot of problems.  Working them out will be worth it,  community is a century's old way of life.  Trying is better than what we have now!  In the past we have taught ourselves to garden, raise chickens, keep goats and horses.  So yes, I want to learn more!

I have believed all this in pieces but only recently have my thoughts and conversations been put together at the same time.  The signs of the times have brought it all together and is making a big impact in my life.  To my surprise is how many others believe the same as I do.  Wow, am I sounding radical.  This was not my attitude growing into my adult years.  Disillusion has been slowly setting in the last 10 years.  The future is not looking good for our children. Mine already see it and that is sad.  They also see the need to learn homesteading skills because our government may fail them. 

Denim Re-use

What have I used denim for!  A list of things I have made over the years:

• Purses, 4 styles - lined (sold a few, too)
• Coin purses - lined  (from back pockets)
• Rail fence quilt (UFO)
• Circles quilt - with frayed (started, a while ago)
• Heart wall hanging (gift to brother)
• Pocket wall hanging
• Vest, strip pieced
• Toy carpenters apron for toddler
• Organizing hanger for a child's bed
• Round purse (experiment)
• Heart shaped drink coasters - sets of 4 (gift)
• Flower (experiment)
• Backpack (stolen from my car)
• Chair covers - stapled over previous one
• Pillows, 2
• Picnic blanket, large triangles (gift)
• Soft 'buckets' - stay upright when full 
• 'Sleeve' to hold plastic grocery bags

My projects have come about from necessity, I love to sew and tight incomes do not leave room for personal  interests.  Since this happened off and on during the kids young years, they came first!  Friends started giving me their cast off jeans, I could turn to sewing with a little creativity without the guilt.  And recycle, which I am passionate about!  I have 3 of the large garbage bags full of jeans still.  My newest  project find is the 'buckets', I absolutely love them.  Gave 2 away and have one myself.  Will need to make more, because I am going to store sewing and knitting supplies in them.  The 'jeans' are the inside with pockets and fashion fabric on the out (found the instructions on the internet),  been looking for a new ideas lately.
                                                                                                                                                                              

Compost Day!

I saw on the calendar that today is compost day, who knew!  My compost bin is full so I pulled more out of the bottom to the top again, this will distribute tons of red wrigglers to the new stuff faster.  So guess I participated in Compost Day!   Otherwise, a beautiful day!    Worked on a small project for my daughter, a pincushion (it will look like stacked pillows).  The top pillow is pieced in a log cabin.  Don't know why, but I like to make pincushions.  Last Christmas, I made a pretty heart design that I found on the internet for my sister-in-laws.  Did a little free motion quilting but I did not like the way it sat so I poured acrylic beads into the point (the kind used in beanie babies) then the fiber fill and perfect!  It sat just right with the point down, showing off the top nicely.  I will be making more of this one.

Land ho?

Hubby said to me last week "maybe we should be looking at just land".  Oh my gosh, inside I am jumping for joy.  Been saying this for 2 years!  And been shut down on the idea for 2 years.  It's better to at least start than sit around, doing nothing.  A garden and orchard can be started, trees can be felled and aged for building material,  outbuildings can be started,  it could be a wonderful destination during the summer, camping out.  It's like paddling a boat up stream,  I am getting no where fast!  So now he must be feeling the persistent social pressure of sustainability because no one out there is going to care about us.  We will fall between the cracks, we're the working poor.  Working so hard for the government, with nothing left over for us.  We need to take care of our present and future.  We all need to consume less, and here in my house I am not only doing that but also letting go of 'stuff';  it sits in boxes, unused.  'Stuff' should not make us happy, family and friends should.  Working in gardens, with animals, in coordination with each other should be our goal for happiness.  When I was a kid, we heard that TV would rot our brains, etc.  Well it's happening.  Laziness, diabetes, heart disease are the proof!  Well, we'll see what happens!  Hmm, maybe we;ll be out looking this summer.

Glories of Nature

November 2010

We have lived in this house going on 6 years now.  Visitors think we are so lucky, because of the view we have of the City across the valley.     I say YES, lucky.  But my eyes are looking to the left at the beautiful woods (2 pastures away).  Quite frankly the view of the City leaves me cold, I could do without it.  Yes, houses are 'sold' because of such views, silly.  The woods are ever changing and seasonal.  Even in the dead of winter they come alive.  The last few days have been good for the soul.  Trees are bursting into green, the sunsets over the City have been red and orange -  hints of the truly brilliant colors to come in summer.  I so love spring (and fall), even without the flowers, the shades of green are so fresh and bright, especially in contrast to the darker evergreen trees.  The air is crisp and cool, the sun is warm.  A very good time to get outside and work!  Our son mowed the lawn this week, takes close to an hour and a half.  Looks better now than the winter into spring shaggy growth.  We have neighbors who are fanatics and have already been out twice but I like to wait for a few dry days, makes the work easier!

Sustainable future

I found a site last week called Peak moment TV, conversations about 25-30 minutes long.  (people who are trying to create a sustainable future) Just love it!  The conversations have set my imagination to work and I want to try out some of the projects others have done.  Yesterday, I watched a program  showing how to set up a grey water system with a wetland pond  with plants that help clean the water (no water is visible) as it travels to final destination sites.  (program  #141) and it was done with local codes and approved by the city.  We rent an OLD house that has a 'grandfathered'  grey water pipe.  It's not used for it's potential, it just makes a puddle in the field.  What a waste!  I will definitely want to set up a system like this.

I am keeping a compost pile that I will take with me.   The container is a hand me down that wasn't being used!  Sad.  So yesterday I dug out the bottom (there is a door to pull up) and added the beautiful, black compost to the top with all the lovely worms.  This will distribute the moisture and bring the good bacteria in faster to recently added debris (I did this a couple weeks ago).  I have been adding the guinea pigs bedding and am running out of room,  this adds the carbon I have been lacking, works great.  I used to use rabbit years ago, fresh in the holes I'd dig for pumpkin and squash and never had problems (we had chickens, their manure HAS to be aged).  When starting my raised beds,  I am going to burn logs (in a trench, cover them with soil, this will let them smolder and put the logs out slowly.  This will create charcoal.  Good bacteria lives in it for years!  The Mayans did this (National Geographic article) and experimentation has been done with success recently.   Covered with my own compost and a layer of good dirt.  The first year should be good.   All of this is my plan for a part of my garden to be NO till, also from recent articles I have read.  Every year the beds are top dressed with compost and mulch.  If we happen to move to a property in the fall, I am going to try the lasagne  method of starting a garden.  Corn and sunflowers will be grown in quantities to large for raised beds.  So, many new methods to experiment with.  When?,  don't know.  Soon? I wish for.

Denim love to use and re-purpose jeans.  Covered a couple of tall chairs for someone as a favor with it.  I stapled right over the previous cover to make it easy.  They do look nice, should be durable too.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/Make-Biochar-To-Improve-Your-Soil.aspx

Homesteading Communities and How to Find Them

Homesteading Communities and How to Find Them

Portable playhouse

I decided to sew a playhouse for my grandkids.  It's something I saw in an article years ago for a 'garage' for a boy and it slips over a card table. I am using scrap pieces and making each side a different color (various shades of green and yellow.  I don't  have the 4th side complete yet,  it a will have a back door of sheer material.  The girls tried it out, though and LOVED it.  J was an animal growling around and napping in the 'house' and V got very excited just going back and forth thru the front door.  I am adding laces and a mailbox and probably something hanging off the rod on the inside to stuff toys into.  This will go outside nicely, too.  Possibly with a floor blanket made of denim,  I've made a picnic blanket of denim that turned out well and was very washable .

Took a load of recyclables to the dump, a TRUCK FULL.  At least 2/3 of the 8 sacks of mixed paper were from basement cleanup.  Old school papers (my kids informed me of throwing them right in the trash and not even checking them out).  Old national geographic that became too musty to keep (they are great for school projects).  Old cardboard from tossing the contents and more!  I am jumping with joy!  So check off another on goal list.

Dreams of the future took another hit last week,  gets a little hard to think about, let alone write about.  I sometimes think that not everyone is on board for the future.  Having a future.  Saving is such an integral part of having dreams otherwise let's all just sit in the corner and vegetate.  Or just not dream.....
..... of land
........ of owning a house
............ of having animals
............... of having a very large garden

Favorite place!

                                                                                    


Just some photos from the most beautiful place on earth (to me)

I was playing around with composition, which I know nothing about.  I have fun and photos  please me, that's the important part!

Dreams or not?

My dreams of the future always seem to get knocked back into reality. So I really want the impossible? Maybe so. I just want some land and an okay house. The land is the most important part. But I am half of a whole. And that half puts up too many obstacles. I dream of gardens, chickens, goats and horses But the land is what we need for the dreams to come true. Improving other peoples properties is fruitless because when you rent leaving all the HARD work is heartbreaking. I have had to do this before. So, here it is spring and I want to dig and plant and improve........... what, a rental. I work hard enough to have the 'American Dream'. After all these years, I feel the government and society no longer support this ideal! Been feeling a bit blah since the Japanese situation, It bothers me that governments don't think of the consequences of their decisions (nuclear plants, etc), definitely our own government thinks nothing of their own people! We are nothing!

Sewing with friends

Went to the midnight sew at a craft store. You bring a project to work on and have a roomful of like minded enthusiasts to talk with and share stories and such. I go with my daughter and an old friend of hers (they are very sweet to incude this 'old lady' and I love them for it. The comraderie is absolutely great that comes together, it is energizing (keeps me enthused for days later). Sometimes I putter and don't get much done. Tonight I started and finished a project; a travel jewelry bag for my mom in her favorites colors. So here I am at 2 in the morning, oh boy, wide awake and have to get up at 7am. It's been a very long day. Hubby and I helped paint and clean for his sister today, they are opening a business very soon and much to be done! So goodnight sleep tight. A good day!

Busy day!

Laundry, clean junk out of 2 closets, dishes, purged file of old bills, sorted and filed this years (ended up with 2 sacks of paper to recycle) and baking sourdough bread (should have made a double batch).  Mmmm! so good.  Not real sour but I didn't use yeast and it was so good warm with a little butter.  And it's a no-knead recipe.  Don't know what has 'bitten' me but I have hit almost every closet and drawer in the house.  Maybe I'll start over and just toss some more stuff!  I feel good in 'lightening' the load.

RAINING, AGAIN

It's the third day of torrential downpour and we had thunder today.  Mud and puddles everywhere!

Plans to can (jam)

from summer 2010 learning session - fun day!

Told my daughter that I would collect jelly jars for next summer.  Found 2 dozen at Goodwill for .20 each.  Gold mine!  I like the tall ones so will keep those.  It's a good start, with the one's I'll let her keep from our little jam making party last year.  There is nothing like homemade jam in the middle of winter,  I can close my eyes and 'taste' summer.  Need to find more varieties of fruit this next year.

To Do List:

Been working in the basement again.  Whenever we get to move (sooner than later, hopefully), we absolutely cannot take all this stuff with us (years of accumulated stuff).  Most of it not used.  We all need to consume less and give of ourselves more.  Anyway, we went to the dump again (3rd time recently) and working on more!  Found more for garage sale stuff.  Just need to buy some storage totes, anything in boxes seem to absorb moisture or attract bugs which then has to go the dump because of mildew.  We have had so much rain in the last 2 days, I found a second leak in the basement, in the wall of the foundation.  Not good!

Dark Days!

Had a few drastic days with Hubby in the hospital.  Learned about gastroparesis, the short of it is nerve damage to the blood vessels in the stomach.  With to much acid, the stomach will shut down and not digest food.  Between this and ketoacidosus, one's health can be severely compromised.  We know someone who lost their life to this.  If you have diabetes, please be aware of these conditions.  He is always battling to control it..............no fun!  Getting back to normal, so hard to watch and feel so helpless!

Puyallup Sewing Expo

My daughter and I went to the sewing expo.  What a overload of STUFF! Fun to look at though.  Did not find anything I could do without.  Drooled over a few sewing machines but I love my old workhorse (a Bernina).   Saw a couple TV personalities, I guess we rate here in pacific NW!  We had a great time looking at everything but the crowds became a bit much.

sourdough

I made a sourdough bread today.  So excited, it actually worked, the recipe called for no leavening except the sourdough starter.  This was a stir bread a lot like a quick bread.  Ingredients included cornmeal, cinnamon and raisins.  We all enjoyed it fresh and toasted.  Fabulous!  Again,  sooo excited!