The dusky seed heads swayed in the winter morning sun like faded memories of summer past. Occasionally a songbird flitted by, looking for morsels long since enjoyed by earlier visitors. The nearby feeders were well-stocked, so their quest for a humble repast would not be in vain. Soon the days would lengthen, and abundance would be theirs again.

We're back in the deep freeze here in northeast Wisconsin, with highs in the single digits and lows below zero. At least we got a bit of snow cover back to protect the ground, though not a lot. Still, it's better than nothing, and I am grateful for the moisture.

The pond levels have been slowly creeping up this winter after dropping last fall. There was more muck than water in the small pond at the end of season. Dunc took advantage of the low water levels to do some excavating, but moving extremely sloppy soil is difficult.

Friends in Colorado have mentioned the snow pack is the lowest on record, but their biggest snows typically come a bit later in the winter, so hopefully they will still have enough to ward off fire danger this summer.

I've noticed recently (from several sources) that some people are starting to return to print books over screens, and it gladdens my heart. Though at the moment I write mostly online, books are my first love. I've tried reading on Kindle, and it's okay, but it never sat in my head the same way a print book does.

Now research is confirming that people who read in print instead of digital retain information better. They also have deeper comprehension, increased focus and less distraction, and lower mental fatigue. Screens encourage skimming, and make it less obvious where you are in a book.

Now I have even more reasons to enjoy our home library (and maybe add a few more books). This September, I'll be inviting you to enjoy a very special book - my first one with a traditional publishing company. I'll have more information in the next newsletter.

This Week’s Resilience & Abundance Boost: Winter Reading Ritual

• Choose one (or more) “real book” for the season. Pick something nourishing — a skill book, a favorite novel, or a well-loved reference — and keep it within arm’s reach. (Or if you're like me, one book on the desk, one on the kitchen table, one on the nightstand...)
• Read with your hands. Turn pages, underline, or add sticky notes — physical interaction helps ideas stick. (No marking books that aren't yours!)
• Trade screens for pages once a day. Even 10–15 minutes of print reading gives your eyes and mind a break from constant digital input.
• Share a good passage. Read a paragraph aloud to someone at the table or by the stove — stories grow richer when they’re shared. (I do this a lot with our family.)

A little time with real pages can give your days more depth, focus, and meaning.

All our best to you and yours,

Laurie (and August IV, August V, and Duncan)

This Week's Featured Articles...

I still need to look though my seed stash and get my seeds ordered, but for those of you a bit further south, it may be time for cool weather vegetables like broccoli. You can get them going about 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. I've completely updated our guide to growing broccoli.

I've also updated our article on making cottage cheese. We now have two recipes - one with cheesemaking supplies, and one with basic pantry ingredients only.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a staple in our home. I drink it in water, and use it in our chicken’s water, too. When cold season hits, this apple cider vinegar tea takes it to the next level, combining ACV with other healthy ingredients for extra kick.

From clearing congestion to improving your skin, this detox tea helps your body to clear out crud.

​Five BEST Herbs for Your Home Apothecary​

​(With Recipes & Remedies)​

Don't miss this free webinar with my friend Heidi from Healing Harvest Homestead. It's always a reader favorite. Learn more here.​