Moments...

There's a lot of focus on "big things" in life - getting a job, going on vacation, graduations (this time of year) and so much more. And big things are great, but what makes them really special are the moments.

Like when you walk into your home and smell a delicious dinner that your spouse prepared - or walk in and your eyes start watering because your spouse was making HOT salsa and the air is filled with pepper juice.

Or when your seven year old proudly displays three tiny wild raspberries on the palm of his hand and declares that he has harvested them "from the bounty of our land". (The land was a bit less bountiful back then.)

Or sitting near a fire with friends, sharing a bottle of homemade mead made with the wild yeast from the honey. It didn't have a high alcohol content, but did have wonderful bubbles from natural carbonation.

Taking time to savor those moments - the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, emotions - helps lock them into your memory. Our society often pushes us to go, go, go - but it's important to give yourself permission (or reminders) to slow down and enjoy.

As we wrap up spring and head into summer, think about those things you want to remember most about this year and give them the time they deserve.

Call the friend.

Make the special meal.

Watch the sunset or sunrise.

Visit that place you've been missing, or the place you wanted to see.

The moments are waiting for you.

All our best to you and yours,

Laurie (and August IV, August V, and Duncan)

This week's featured articles...

We are still working on planting the garden, and likely will be for a while due to the recent cold snaps and wet weather earlier in the season. If you're still planting (or planning on succession planting), you can check out my pole bean guide with our cheap and easy to use and store trellis.

We have some great tomato trellis ideas, too.

Not sure if you want to grow pole beans or bush beans? I talk about the pros and cons of both here.​

There's a severe geomagnetic storm watch for tomorrow (June 2nd) due to a large coronal mass ejection, which may impact communications and other systems. For more on how solar flares can cause problems, check out August's article on EMPs.​

Summer is on it's way, with fun in the sun, and, if you're like us, long hours outside working in the yard and garden. Switchel is an old fashioned thirst quencher that hydrates without artificial colors or sweeteners.