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 6/1/25
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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. |
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.
"They looked other-worldly, almost prehistoric. First one enormous ghostly white shape alighted on the pond, followed shortly thereafter by four more. As they moved closer to the house and were no longer blocked from view by the island, their silhouettes became clear - pelicans! Our main pond is not that large, only about 1.3 acres, so we were surprised to see these large water birds stop in. They stayed for less than an hour, but it was a memorable visit." I also found out that pelicans can...
Like a bubbling brook creating music as it splashes over stones, so the trickle (and sometimes torrent) of flowers creates a panorama of color rippling across the landscape. Spruce buds and hazelnut catkins, honeyberries and apricot blossoms, apple blossoms and honeysuckle, a sea of autumberries, and countless other blooms adorn the yard. Time outside is aromatherapy. (As long as the neighbors aren't spreading manure or chemicals or burning trash, or Canada isn't on fire with the wind blowing...
"The depth of color after the spring rain was astounding. As the morning light trickled over the horizon, the verdant foliage lay like like a rich, green cloak on the land, dappled here and there with a flush of blossoms from blooming trees and shrubs." We've had a slow start to spring this year, with one warm week or a few warm days surrounded by largely chilly weather. It hasn't been safe to put out frost tender plants yet, but I'm hoping that will change this week - and not swing too...