Nearly 20 years ago, we set out to create a self-reliant homestead. Now we produce our own food and our own power, and can tackle whatever craziness this wild world throws at us. If you’re ready take back control from Big Pharma and Big Food and feel confident facing Everyday Emergencies, join us.
Common Sense Home Good News Letter 10/13/24
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"The sweet-musty aroma of fallen leaves lifted from the ground as we walked down the wooded path, while a faint hint of wood smoke blew in on the breeze. Fall had arrived in earnest, with cozy sweaters, cozy fires, and cozy food. The bracing coolness of the north wind made the warmth of home all the more welcome on our return." We had our first real frost this week, knocking out most of the cold sensitive plants. The ten day forecast has lows dropping into the mid to upper 20s, rebounding to the 40s later in the week. Fall has arrived here in northeast Wisconsin. We're getting some much needed rain today. Though it's a bit inconvenient for my husband's grilling plans, the land is dry. Both ponds are down several feet, and there's dust kicking up in the farm fields. This morning we harvested cabbage so the heads didn't split in the rain and spoil. Earlier in the week we harvested tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, potatoes, and flint corn. There are still some cold hardy crops left, but the garden is winding down. We had some comments and questions about the squash harvest, as we gathered around 200 pumpkins and winter squash this year. It seems like a lot, but we use the squash for food for us and food for our poultry. With healthy plants and proper storage, the squash last from one harvest to the next. Our storage crops are a big part of our meals year round. Speaking of meals, that brings us to the third rule of Ikigai. (From the book, "Ikigai: the Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life"):
Don't fill your stomach. Less is more when it comes to eating for long life, too. According to the 80 percent rule, in order to stay healthier longer, we should eat a little less than our hunger demands instead of stuffing ourselves. Easier said than done at times, but a good reminder not to overdo it, especially with the holiday season ahead. Another good alternative to the 80 percent rule is 5/2 fasting, where you fast 2 days per week. Men stay under 600 calories, and women stay under 500 calories for the day. We've done this in the past, but got out of the habit during the busy season, and are getting back to it again. All our best to you and yours, Laurie (and August IV, August V, and Duncan) This week's featured articles...Can you homestead in the city or suburbs? Not exactly the same way you do it in the country, but there are still a lot of skills and strategies that are useful to become more self-reliant and resilient, wherever you live. Check out How to Homestead, where I adapt lessons from my homesteading grandparents to modern life. I recently recorded an interview with my friend, Todd, from Ready your Future, where we talked about homesteading, including it's challenges and rewards. You can listen to the interview here. Todd also grabbed a screenshot from when Duncan photobombed us with a flat of tomatoes. Cooler weather means baking season, at least in our home. This buttermilk rye bread is great for sandwiches or toast. QUESTION - What sort of baking recipes or baking guides would you find helpful for the holiday season? Reply to this email to share your thoughts. Along with cooler weather come unwanted house guests as rodents try to take shelter for the winter. These are the strategies we use to track down mice, eliminate them, seal entrances, and safely clean up the mess they leave. Read about getting rid of mice here. If you missed the Herbal Solutions Summit...If you missed last week's Herbal Solutions Summit, you can still purchase an all access pass through October 16th. |
Laurie Neverman @ Common Sense Home
Nearly 20 years ago, we set out to create a self-reliant homestead. Now we produce our own food and our own power, and can tackle whatever craziness this wild world throws at us. If you’re ready take back control from Big Pharma and Big Food and feel confident facing Everyday Emergencies, join us.
"Mushrooms dappled the edge of the tree line, rising in circles like miniature villages of fairy houses. The fairly ring mushrooms were aptly named, as it was easy to imagine the wee folk dancing around the earth-toned whorls that emerged after the rains. The mild fall and gentle rains coaxed so many mushrooms to spawn that we harvested enough for several meals without making a significant impact in the display." Our mild November weather continues here in northeast Wisconsin, but I'm not...
"The midday warmth of the November sunshine felt all the more precious because it was so short-lived. Darkness fell early now, and the chill lingered in the shadows. Still, the short days flew by quickly. In a little over a month, the daylight hours would begin to lengthen again." I had a terrible urge to linger on the sunny end of the couch today, soaking up the sunshine with the cats. The weather has been blessedly mild, but these short days give me an urge to hibernate. They also give me...
"Halloween morning began with the fog lifting off the big pond like wisps of smoke from a cauldron. Daybreak saw the land coated in frost, but the pond held enough warmth to welcome the duck patrol like a big, splash-filled hug." Our lives are so seasonal here on the homestead, and it's interesting to me to see how the place changes throughout the year, and from one year to another. Both of our ponds are still open because the fall has been mild, but only the larger pond was creating its own...