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 brilliant sunlight promised warmth, but it was a false promise, as the temperature barely crept above zero, even at high noon. Inside, however, was a different matter indeed, with the kitchen filled with the aroma of gingerbread and family members gathered round, working together to create their "masterpiece". Growing up back on the family dairy farm as the youngest of six, Christmas season was cookie season. We poured over recipes, usually trying one or two new ones each year. We made up...
She wandered boldly into the yard in the waning late day sun, searching for a snack in the faded garden beds. Discovering the nubs of frozen cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli stems, she stopped to browse. The fawn was entering her first winter, and had not yet learned to be particularly wary of humans. Though the season was starting off cold, there should be ample browse available from the autumnberry shrubs, and the snow was light enough that ground forage could still be reached. It's not...
The Thanksgiving holiday followed a certain rhythm at Gram Irene's place. Tuesday was for baking kolache, tea rings, and sweet rolls. Wednesday was for the pies and other desserts, and meal prep that could be done ahead, like peeling potatoes and making cranberry sauce. Thursday started early with a big ham in the oven and a turkey in the Nesco roaster. Many hands made light work - and lots of food. Along with the bird and beast, there was Polish sausage and kraut, sweet potatoes, potato...