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 2/16/25
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"The bright blue of the sky and dazzling sunlight tempted one to believe it was a pleasant day outside, but the cold was so intense that it stole your breath away. Warmer days would come, but winter seemed determined to grab us and shake us like a pup with a favorite toy, refusing to let go." I made liberal use of magnesium cream on my sore back this weekend after three days straight of snow shoveling. I didn't see the list of official snow totals, but the snow is about to mid-calf where it's not drifted, and much deeper in the drifts. The chickens have refused to even try leaving the coop, instead sifting through their deep bedding again and again, but the ducks tried to go out for a bit on Saturday. They seemed very confused when they went off the path, trying to make their way around in snow that threatened to swallow them up. A week from today the forecast has temps above freezing, but for now they are bored quackers. Tomorrow the snow stops and the temperatures drop again, but by Thursday there should be some improvement. I wish I could explain to all the animals that they just need to get through a few more days before things get better. I feel for those dealing with larger animals and more of them, and everyone else who needs to work outside in the bitter cold. In spite of the cold weather, I know it's time to get my seed starting shelves cleared off and ready for action soon. I want to get some early greens going for us and the poultry. Ducks and chickens both love their greens. The onion seeds and some herbs and flowers need early starts, too. (Late winter and early spring is also time for tree pruning.) Book writing continues, slow but steady. It's definitely different than writing on the website. The 2025 Virtual Herbalism Conference started today and will continue through Friday. You can still register to join and catch the rest of the conference here. Next week is the 2025 Spring Gardening Summit, and I'll be sending out more information on that later this week. Stay warm and safe, and keep dreaming beautiful garden dreams. All our best to you and yours, Laurie (and August IV, August V, and Duncan) This week's featured articles...If you still need to order seeds, these are some of my favorite heirloom seed sources, along with reader favorites. If you help with indoor seed starting, we have you covered with this easy to follow troubleshooting guide. For anyone else is in need of some help for aching muscles, from snow shoveling or other exertion, check out these 12 home remedies for sore muscles. For those who are already able to get into their gardens (or have had trouble in the past), we have a new pest control guide to help you get rid of aphids, with quick fixes and long term control strategies. |
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.
One morning, the ground was barren and frozen, paths stripped of vegetation from heavy winter traffic. The next morning, it was covered in ice, slicker than a Zamboni polished rink, and much tougher to navigate. By that afternoon the ice once again turned to mud, and as the day wore on and the rains continued, the entire yard was awash. Still, though it all, the trees buds slowly swelled, waiting patiently for the promise of true spring. I know the calendar says, "April", and "spring", but...
"Spring thaw mud season" was always a messy one, distinctive from other wet times of the year. With frost still in the ground, water from snowmelt pooled on the surface instead of being absorbed. This was great for refilling the ponds, but hard on the lawn, as the duck patrol set to work on creating a muck hole near the garden." It's been "ducky weather" this week, as the ponds opened up again after the recent blizzard and there is mud just about everywhere. I love our ducks, but they sure...
Lady amaryllis flourished her brilliant red petals in the morning sun, like a dancer answering the call of the music. Beside her, her daughter listened, too, and joined her in the dance. It was an eventful week here in northeast Wisconsin, as Blizzard Elsa ended up being one for the record books. We snagged the number two spot for heaviest snowfall in a single storm (since they've been keeping track), with the Green Bay tally at 26.6 inches, making it the snowiest in 138 years. It was also...