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 11/9/24
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"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 some time to catch up on indoor activities, as we shift gears for the seasons. Duncan and I have started on a special project that we hope to have done for you before Christmas. The guys continue to make progress on finishing the interior of the workshop, tucking in extra storage all over the place. It seems to be a rule of thumb on the homestead - no matter how much storage you have, projects and materials will grow to fill the space. Small harvests continue to come in with the mild weather. The greenhouse is still producing, and we've been foraging mushrooms that sprouted in the recent rains. All the potatoes are tucked into the root cellar. It was a good harvest. This week's rule of Ikigai is (From the book, "Ikigai: the Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life"):
Reconnect with nature. Though most people live in the cities these days, human beings are made to be a part of the natural world. We should return to it often to recharge our batteries. Helping you create resilience and abundance, Laurie (and August IV, August V, and Duncan) P.S. - If I were to write a book, which type of book would interest you most? A how-to book combining homesteading and preparedness? A narrative book written more in a "Little House on the Prairie" type style, sharing observations and snippets of our lives, building on the quotes I make up for the newsletter introductions? A children's picture book? Something else? Reply to this email to share your thoughts. This week's featured articles...November is a great time to stock up on pumpkin and squash - and to put them to good use in the kitchen. We are able to keep some of our garden winter squash from one season to the next with proper curing, and squash puree also freezes well. (Pumpkin storage tips here and pumpkin cooking and freezing tips here.) One of our favorite pumpkin recipes is one you might not expect - pumpkin pasta. Duncan has become our resident pasta maker, crafting tasty egg noodles with our lovely duck eggs. Sometimes he makes them plain, but he's really come to like the pumpkin version. It's simple to make, but the pumpkin and spices add a little "something" that is extra yummy. Another family favorite is this maple sweetened pumpkin pie. The filling uses only maple syrup for sweetening. I had a fun time testing recipes with an old friend until we got the mix just right. Before we get swept into the holiday season, it's a good time to review winter preps. See "Emergency Heat During a Power Outage and other Winter Storm Preps" and "25 Cheap Ways to Keep Your House Warm in Winter" for ideas. |
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...
"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...
"Winter cat math: The diameter of the cat curled up on the corner of the couch is directly proportional to the temperature, up to a point of optimal compression. Lower temps = smaller bundle of cat. When temperatures drop low enough, an extra cat should be added to all laps." Animals can add such joy to our lives. Whether it's lap warmer cats and dogs, poultry romping around the yard, or a favorite riding horse, they help keep us in the moment. They can also encourage us to stay active, not...