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 9/15/24
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"The summer-like heat stood in stark contrast to the diminishing daylight, creating an unsettled feeling. One part of my head wanted to madly keep stashing the harvest like a squirrel stocking nuts. The other part had a desire to find an ice cream cone and kick back and relax." This is the warmest start to September that I can recall, barring about 2 days at the beginning of the month. We're running 10 to 15 degrees above average, which is making fall chores rather toasty. We could use a good rain again, especially with all the heat. I don't know about you, but as the days get shorter, my nesting instinct kicks in hard. I'm so glad that we have our fire wood stocked, and the canning pantry and root cellar are nearly full. With the hot weather, we're digging potatoes only as we use them, rather than moving them to the root cellar, as they'll keep better in the ground. One common mistake that people make is to think that root cellars constantly maintain the same level of coolness, like a refrigerator. What actually happens is that the root cellar does stay somewhat cooler than above ground storage, but the temperature varies with the ground and air temperatures. (We explain all the details in Root Cellars 101.) What changes do you make in your routine for fall? Do you stock up a little extra, change your recipes up, or maybe buy some more reading material? Maybe things get even busier for you this time of year? Share your thoughts and let me know. All our best to you and yours, Laurie (and August IV, August V, and Duncan) P.S. We are still planning to fire up the apple press this afternoon, Sunday (9/15/24) from 1pm to 4pm. Come on out to try a sample of cider and see the press at work. If you'd like to bring your own apples and containers, we'd be happy to press them into cider for you. Apple cider freezes well, or you can preserve it by turning it into hard cider. We'll also be pressing elderberries into juice. If there's interest, we can make up some elderberry syrup. Our address is E1595 Old Settlers Rd, Denmark Wisconsin. This week's featured articles...In response to our dwindling daylight, I put together a list of tips for seasonal depression, including some graciously shared by our readers. Leave a comment on the article share tips we may have missed. How do you know when to harvest your pumpkins and squash, and what's the best way to store them? We'll show you when and how here. As we head into heating season, some people are considering wood heat. Before you buy a woodstove, there are several things you need to consider. We sent 6 of Sassy's ducklings (now mostly feathered out teenagers) off to a new home this week. You can see the crew together on their last day here. Join the Herb of the Month Club with Joybilee Farm |
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 dusky seed heads swayed in the winter morning sun like faded memories of summer past. Occasionally a songbird flitted by, looking for morsels long since enjoyed by earlier visitors. The nearby feeders were well-stocked, so their quest for a humble repast would not be in vain. Soon the days would lengthen, and abundance would be theirs again. We're back in the deep freeze here in northeast Wisconsin, with highs in the single digits and lows below zero. At least we got a bit of snow cover...
The unseasonal January warm spell melted all the ice and snow buildups around the yard and left stretches of shallow standing water on top of the partially frozen ground. The ducks were ecstatic, sounding like a fleet of tiny motorboats as the worked the area over. The chickens were out in the mud, too, though with markedly less enthusiasm than the ducks. Knock on wood, the weather this winter has been mercurial, but thus far Duncan's managed to avoid traveling in the ice storms that have...
It was such a blessing to be able to return to a more "normal" routine - being outside in the bitingly cold air, hearing the happy chatter of the ducks and chickens, feeling the velvety softness of feathers as we gather up the ducks for snacks and snuggles at bedtime. It's not a Caribbean vacation, or a trip to Europe, but every time I interact with those exuberant little critters, it brings me joy. As I was forced to stay off my feet this past week with a sprained ankle, my thoughts drifted...