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 gentle perc-perc-perc of the vintage percolator filled the kitchen, calling us back to a simpler time and memories of loved ones long gone. There was a little bit of magic in watching the transformation of clear water into comforting brew in the old Pyrex pot, and the resulting coffee was a smooth as butter. A little over a week ago my old drip coffee maker died, and I wasn't quite sure what to replace it with. We don't drink a lot of coffee, so I got by with a single cup French press for...
The first snowflakes of the season whipped and raced through the air, while at ground level a wooly bear caterpillar made for cover. The wind was bracing, and there would be a rim of frost around the water buckets come evening. The duck patrol made for the big pond each morning now, as the small pond was low and already icing over. By days' end they gathered near the coop, fluffing into little duckie bundles and waiting for bedtime. The time change has a way of making me feel metaphorically...
Baskets, boxes, buckets, bottles, bins...the harvest season was drawing to a close, and the fruits of months of labor were carefully stored around the home, waiting to carry the family to the next harvest, and perhaps a bit beyond. It was a lifestyle that required dedication and determination, but the rewards were enjoyed daily with a bountiful table. We were gifted with empty canning jars from two different friends this year. One friend is elderly, and decided to stop canning because it's a...