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 11/17/24
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"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 complaining. It's much easier to deal with some mud than freezing your tail off shoveling a mountain of snow. We have rain mixed with snow in the forecast for the next several days. The duck patrol is loving it, spending their days running between the ponds, orchards, gardens, and field. The chickens are having a blast, too, working over the brassica patch in the garden. Captain Featherpants, our rooster, has gotten HUGE. Thankfully he's a good fellow, watching over all the ladies and calling them over when he finds good snacks. August has been dealing with a new Federal pain in the backside called the Corporate Transparency Act, which requires small businesses to register with the Feds (above and beyond all your other paperwork). If you have a small business you need to register with FinCEN by January 1, 2025 or face fines of up to $10,000. I'm mentioning this here so our readers who are also small business owners a heads up, but you need to do your own research and registration. This is the site for the program - https://fincen.gov/boi It looks like the gentlemen of the house nearly have supper ready, so I'm going to wrap up for now. All our best to you and yours,' Laurie (and August IV, August V, and Duncan) P.S. This week's rule of Ikigai is (From the book, "Ikigai: the Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life") is a good reminder as we head towards Thanksgiving:
Give thanks. To your ancestors, to nature, which provides you with the air you breathe and the food you eat, to your friends and family, to everything that brightens your days and makes you feel lucky to be alive. Spend a moment every day giving thanks, and you'll watch your stockpile of happiness grow. This week's featured articles...This can be a stressful time as we juggle various obligations to wrap up the year. I've updated the Home Remedies for Headaches article to help those aching noggins. It's a great time of year to stock up on fresh cranberries. They keep well in the fridge, or you can freeze or can them for longer storage. We have recipes for:
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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.
The morning began with the cheerful warbling of the house wren, perched on the porch railing outside my bedroom window. The little fellow and his lady nested nearby, their wooden box sheltered by the sturdy windbreak evergreens. Later in the day, we were treated to a marvelous display by the tree swallows. Their fledglings had left the nest, but weren't quite ready to be on their own. They perched bravely on the edge of our two story roof, while mom and dad worked to bring them tasty morsels....
The elderflowers perched atop the branches like lacy fairy houses, swaying in the breeze. Their heady aroma beckoned as we walked down the nearby driveway, coaxing us to stop and linger a bit before heading back to the house. Around the yard, summer abundance was building. It was a good year for catnip and milkweed, both of which made excellent food for the bees. Juneberries, currants, and mulberries were ready to pick, with blueberries soon to follow. By day, birdsong filled the yard, and...
We hired our young neighbor to help out with tasks around the homestead, as she wanted to save up for her own homestead projects. She set to work with a will - weeding, planting, pruning and trellising tomato plants. Then she got a gleam in her eye and said, "Let's clear the wild grape vines out of the rose patch!" That turned out to be quite the task, as wild grape vines breed with an enthusiasm akin to rabbits. She was in the middle of the mess, working with my sons, when her dad showed up...