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 month of May toddled along, seemingly unsure of whether or not it wished to commit fully to the season of spring. In spite of cool conditions, the orchards began to wake up. The blossoms filled the air with ambrosial sweetness, inviting visitors to linger and enjoy, especially when a bit of sunlight joined in the welcome. This week we are tackling the late emerging plants like hardy kiwis and pawpaws, and cleaning up the spent rugosa rose and blackberry brambles. The roses had some pest...
On the first day of May, I was greeted by snowflakes tumbling softly through the peaceful morning. The grass had warmed enough during the past week that the flakes there turned to dew, but the rough patch of burdock leaves nearby gently gathered the flakes, creating gossamer mounds that resembled clumps of thistledown. We are back to chilly weather here in northeast Wisconsin. I'm glad I didn't put the cold weather gear away quite yet. We had to pull the frost tender seedlings out of the...
Northern flicker, eastern meadowlark, white-throated sparrow, black-capped chickadee - as we ambled on our morning walk around the Loop, we heard these birds and sixteen others, identified by the Merlin Bird ID app. I scarce use my phone when I go coddiwompling, but the bird ID app has been worth the exception. It helps to "give me new ears" to hear songs I might not otherwise notice and train my brain to identify them. I love that our homestead has become a sanctuary for our feathered...