Weeding gone bad

The weeds have really taken over my raised beds.  It is so hard to grow things (other than weeds) in our tropical summertime weather.  I decided to pull out my dead cucumber plants and pull weeds yesterday.  My idea is to get the beds weeded, then try growing malabar spinach and a couple other veggies that are supposed to do well in our heat and humidity.  Instead, I bent over to pull a couple weeds, tried to stand up and felt something “pop” in my lower back.  Ugh!

I literally crawled toward my backdoor, wondering how long it would take my teen sons to notice I wasn’t in the house (of course, it was one of the few times I didn’t have my cell phone in my pocket).  Thankfully, my oldest saw me through the glass door and came to my rescue.  I’m usually not a huge wimp, but I haven’t hurt this bad since I was in labor!

After getting settled on the couch (lying down), and calling my husband, I realized that I needed to calm down so my muscles could relax.  I sent my son to the kitchen to make an ice pack, then to my essential oil and herb stash for things to calm my nerves and muscles.  Lavender oil is very relaxing, so I started with that (as aroma therapy).  I’m so thankful I made some infused Arnica Oil a few months ago!  I’ve been using the infused oil with either peppermint or a blend called Pan Away, and it is helping a lot.

It has been really hard to not do anything for two days, but rest is the most important thing after an injury.  I’d say I’m about 50% better now (36 hours after the initial injury), but I suspect I have a long way to go.  I have been researching the best herbs to use to speed healing, and I’ve also been sure to drink plenty of water and fresh juices to give my body living foods that absorb quickly.  Unfortunately, I have been less than diligent to make infusions and tinctures.  I have a good supply and variety of dried herbs, but I put it all on the proverbial back burner.  As soon as I’m up and around, I’m definitely going to get to work!  Many remedies that would have been helpful for this injury (and a more minor one my son has), take time.  In fact, that’s part of living a more simple, purposeful life — slowing down, planning ahead so we will be prepared and not as dependent on running to the store, able to bring healthy, healing alternatives to my family, etc.

I have been learning a lot as I’ve researched the best herbs to use for various injuries and ailments!  One thing about being steadfast at home, there is always lots to learn.

We have a graduate!

Allow me to get a bit off the topic of this little  blog and share some exciting news.  Our oldest son graduated from our homeschool last weekend!  We’ve been busy enjoying this special milestone with lots of friends and family.  Things around the homestead have been a bit neglected, but those things can wait while we enjoy all the trappings of having a graduate, with lots of friends celebrating their graduations too.

Soon we’ll head to Arkansas to visit my mom, who was not able to attend commencement.  I’m looking forward to spending time with her in the garden.  She says they have over 100 hills of potatoes.  Guess I know what we’ll be having for dinner

The garden is changing as the days are very hot and getting more humid.  Out went the broccoli, kale, and lettuce.  The onions have been harvested and are waiting to be chopped and frozen.  I have watermelon, eggplant, zucchini, cucumbers, peppers seedlings in the ground and the tomatoes are really growing and starting to produce ripe fruit.  The yellow pear tomatoes are delicious!  When I get home, I plan to get some seedlings started, and try getting bush beans to grow.  It may be a bit late, but I’m willing to take my chances.  I’m really working at increasing our food production this year and figuring out how to keep stuff growing and feeding us year-round.

I recently had someone notice a simple little coaster I crocheted for my desk.  Seemed only natural to whip one up with some left over yarn rather than throwing away that last bit.  Plus, now I don’t reach for a paper towel to serve as a coaster.  What I realized in my conversation with my friend is how much I am changing in my attitude toward consumption.  What once was a challenge, or something I had to really think about when it came to living more simply, is starting to become more natural.  Yea!  Of course, reading other blogs reminds me of just how far I have to go, but it is still good to realize that we really ARE creating a life that is slower, simpler, and more satisfying for our family.

Keys to Simplicity…Support

Last night I had the opportunity to hang out and do some handcrafts with some friends from my homeschool support group.  The five of us are all pretty like-minded when it comes to learning skills, and preparing for an uncertain future.  I shared an article I read last week that mentioned the jump in food prices in March.  Those jumps have been downplayed by the media, but anyone who shops for food knows prices are only going up, up, up.

Several of us realized we were in the same boat when it comes to our gardens — we are very late getting our next crops in.  We are all novices at this, and it would be easy to get discouraged.  Instead we encouraged each other to plant those seed anyway – the worst that can happen is we don’t get any produce, but we most likely will see some yield, even if it’s not what it could have been.  So this week I’m pulling the spent broccoli plants, adding some compost and planting squash, zucchini, and cucumber seeds.  I’ll keep you posted on the progress!

Another thing we talked about while our knitting needles clicked, was how we were each doing on our storage/pantry planning.  It was neat to hear what others were doing, and to be reminded to stay on track.  We also discovered there were some items we each needed and are going to do another bulk order together soon.

I recently finished reading the book “Independence Days – A guide to Sustainable Food Storage & reservation” by Sharon Astyk.  Sharon has done an excellent job of blending practical tips and recipes, with the story of her own journey and the results of her own research regarding food and the decline of natural resources.  Even though the information wasn’t necessarily new, it was still a good reminder for me to stay on track.  I also picked up some very useful tips and feel better armed to encourage others that they too can start stocking up for an emergency.  By the way, there are lots of good reasons to stock your pantry that have nothing to do with the world as we know it coming to an end!  Job loss, rising prices, and natural disasters, are a few that come to mind.

One of the things I know I should add to my pantry for long term storage is beans and legumes.  Problem is, I don’t know how to prepare them!  Once again, my friends came to the rescue.  Cooking beans is something that a couple of us have done a lot, whereas myself and one other friend were pretty clueless.  After making some notes and pulling a recipe book off my shelf, I am ready to incorporate this power food into our diet.  Even as I type this, there is a pot of black beans out in the solar oven!

When I first started thinking about the idea of some key ingredients to moving toward a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle, I really didn’t have friendship on the list.  However, I realize that in a society where we’ve either moved away or lost touch with many of our older relatives that can teach us these skills.  So, I definitely benefit from the support and information I receive from “friends” who write great blogs about their journey, and friends here in my community who are so willing to share both their failures and successes so we can each get a little further toward our goal.

Seasons

For the first time in years it felt a bit more like “winter” down here in sunny SW Florida.  I think “spring” has arrived, and I find myself eager to get out in the garden more.  I’m also entering a different season for our family.   Our oldest will graduate from our homeschool in mid May – I’m happy and sad at the same time!  Also, my husband’s job will be changing mid-summer, and we just found out we’re looking at an over 20% cut in pay.  So, I’m refocusing on some of the frugal, simple things I already know, and making plans to make other changes that will help us to simplify and reduce our expenses even more.

I have a stack of books on my table and I’ve re-started a notebook that I’ve let languish on the shelf for far too long.  I know that if I don’t get everything in one place, I’ll end up wasting lots of time looking for information, or end up making purchases of items I already have.  I was planning to write about another “Key to Simplicity” — organization — so now is just as good a time as any to put some more effort into that area.  I’ll be sharing how things go, and how my notebooks are set up over the next couple of weeks.

On top of everything else going on, my sons and I will be traveling to Peru in less than 2 weeks for a mission trip!  I have never been out of the country (except for a port of call on a cruise), so this will be interesting.  We’ll be in Iquitos, in the Amazon rainforest.  In addition to the work we will be doing with missionaries there, I’m hoping to pick up some handwoven textiles made by the people who live in the region.

Wow!  So much to do, and so many things on my mind!  I find it helps to put things down on paper, so this morning it’s time to start my lists.

For many of you, gardening season is just beginning!  I’d love to know how you keep all your homestead projects organized.  I really dislike spinning my wheels, don’t you?  Hopefully we can all learn some helpful tips from one another.  My lettuce has done GREAT, and I cheated and bought some tomato seedlings to replace the ones lost in the freeze.  They are already producing and I can’t wait to eat fresh tomatoes everyday.  Oh, and my broccoli is really growing (mental note – take some pictures!).   So, I’m off to get some things done around the suburban homestead!  Leave a comment about what’s growing, or just what you’re doing around your homestead these days.

Elderberry to the Rescue

My son and I both battled a nasty cold last week.  As always, we used essential oils, vitamins, and and echinacea/goldenseal blend.  However, my son (who came down with it first), still struggled and it looked like he had a sinus infection, with a cough starting too.  Then I remembered the elderberry tincture I made a couple months ago.  After researching the correct dosage, we both started taking it.  My cold was much milder, and the elderberry got me back on track.  For Noah, it took a few more doses, but within 24 hours we noticed a marked improvement.   We did give him Mucinex for a day and a half, which helped tremendously with the symptoms.

Though he’s still a bit stuffy, I believe the worst is definitely over, and we averted a doctor’s visit and (most likely) antibiotics.  Elderberry truly is amazing!  I was a bit nervous about dosing something made with 80 proof vodka, but it all turned out fine.  The consensus was 2 tbs every 3 – 6 hours, but we opted for 1 tbs instead.  When symptomatic, the recommendation is to give the tincture at closer intervals, so it can stay in the system consistently.

Making tinctures is really easy.  While resting this week, I’ve spent some time planning for more oil infusions and tinctures.  I purchased some bulk herbs a couple months ago, and want to make use of what I have.  Dried herbs do have a limited shelf life as far as making the most of their active properties.  There are lots of sites with information on how to make herbal tinctures.  One of my favorites is the tutorial on Lisa’s blog.  There are different opinions regarding dosage and the shelf life of tinctures.  Shelf life is partly dependent on whether you use vodka, glycerin, vinegar, or some other liquid to soak the herbs.  You’ll also want to store them in a cool, dark place.

Herbal medicine has been practiced for thousands of years.  There is a lot of information on line, but I recommend finding one or two reference books to have on hand incase you can’t get online.  So far, my favorite resources are “The New Age Herbalist” by Richard Mabey and “Common Herbs for Natural Health” by Juliette de Bairacli Levy.  While I don’t agree with most of the spirituality of these authors, I have found their books to be well-written and quite informative.

I’d love to hear your experience with using herbs for health and healing.  We can all learn from each other, so please take a moment to share!

Keys to Simplicity…Contentment

When I began this journey, I started reading all I could about various skills, and how others have managed to make the switch to simpler lifestyle.  Along the way I’ve come to realize there are several key ingredients to living the simple life in a society that is moving in the opposite direction.  Some key things I’ve noticed both from experience and in observing others on this journey are the importance of contentment, organization, purpose, and willingness to learn.  Today, I’m going to focus on the first key — contentment.

First, confession…it is easy for me to get caught up in consumerism even as I desire to move away from that lifestyle and be more self-reliant!   However, as I strive to learn new skills, and live a more simple, frugal lifestyle, I have found that it is still so easy to get caught up in acquiring new things.  Books are my primary downfall.  I’ve done my share of decluttering, and continue to do so.  But, as I’ve shared before, there are some items (including books) that need to be purchased, borrowed, or bartered for in order for us to make many of the items that most people purchase.

Fragrant Jasmine in Bloom

So, I have a list of things I “need”, yet I find that some of those needs are really wants.  Can I do without?  Can I come up with a creative way to duplicate an item I think I need to purchase, that will still get the job done?  For instance, I am loving working with fibers and spinning my own yarn.  I’m now longing for a spinning wheel!  Of course, a wheel is not in our budget for the near future, so I’m learning to be content with the drop spindle I started with, and my dear son and hubby are crafting me a couple more to try.

The seed catalogs have been arriving over the past few weeks – all sorts of new varieties are available!  It’s easy to just start making a list, but wait!  Don’t I have seeds from my order last spring?  I even managed to save a few seeds from my tiny garden last year.   I’ll sit down today with a cup of homegrown herbal tea, and take inventory of my seed packets.  I have a feeling I have plenty to work with!  It would be fun to place that order, but I believe I can be content with what I have.

From my own experience, and from reading blogs and books written by others trying to live a simpler life, I’ve noticed that an underlying secret to successfully moving toward the life we desire is contentment.  The culture is constantly bombarding us with messages that we need more, deserve more, etc.  Cultivating contentment isn’t always easy.  However, it is a key ingredient to living a simpler lifestyle.  Contentment isn’t really about not purchasing things we might need or even want.  Instead, for me at least, it means looking inside myself at my motivations and what occupies my thoughts.

Am I spending more time thinking and dreaming about all the things I want or need in order to give us a more simple lifestyle, than actually staying on task and making do with what I have?  Too often, I have to answer honestly that I’m spending more time pining for what I don’t have, than appreciating all the tools and resources at my disposal today.  There is always lots to be done and enjoyed around our suburban homestead.  We have been richly blessed!  I have everything I need to do a better job cooking from scratch, making my own cleaning supplies and bath products, growing food, and mastering various handcrafts.  Instead of spending valuable time and energy worrying about what I don’t have, I am resolved to be content, really content, and daily enjoy/make use of the items at hand.

“But Godliness with contentment is great gain.”  1Timothy 6:6

Days Like This

I love days like today!  I was home all day and enjoyed a peaceful, yet productive day.  I was able to start a couple things I’ve been wanting to try, and spend some time doing stuff around here that help make my house a home.  I don’t have photos of everything, but I did take a few snapshots as I went through the day.

I’ve been wanting to make infused herbal oils for awhile, and today seemed like a perfect day to give it a try.  Though I’d love to say I grew the herbs I was working with today, that’s not the case.  Some friends and I put in an order together for bulk herbs from More Than Alive.  I’ve had them for a couple months, and definitely don’t want them to lose their potency before I have a chance to give them a try.

Since I have two sons playing basketball, Arnica is always useful to have around.  I’ve purchased commercial salves, but really wanted to make my own so I have more control over potency and ingredients.  I used my solar oven to infuse Arnica and Chamomile.  Yes, I could be more patient and let the herbs infuse in the oil on a sunny windowsill for a few weeks, but I really want to use the oil, so heating with the sun in the solar oven was the next best thing.

The weather we’ve had lately has been perfect!  THIS is why I live in Florida — these days don’t last long before the heat and humidity come back, but I enjoy them while they are here.  My garden is doing well, and I’ve enjoyed a couple salads from my productive lettuce bed.

The tomatoes that survived our hard freeze a couple weeks ago are starting to get some blooms, so all is not lost there.  So, far my winter garden raised beds consist of tomatoes, kale, basil, radish, onions, spinach, lettuce, and broccoli.

This morning I picked some fresh lemon balm and added it to some dried homegrown mint for delicious tea.  I also had time to work on some hot pads and dishcloths while sitting on the lanai watching the hens scurry around the yard searching for bugs.

I recently learned how to felt soap and did some felting this morning.  They turned out pretty well.  My friend and I have started a company, Soapsy Daisy, and are doing a few local craft shows this winter.  I’ve also been working on getting an Etsy store up and going for selling our soaps and salves.  I think the chamomile oil I infused today, along with the  dried flowers, will be great in a bar of skin-soothing soap!

Lately I’ve been pondering how I can be more home-centered and what other steps we can take to live a simpler more sustainable lifestyle.  Things like making our own teas from homegrown herbs, and growing our own food is definitely a start.  Slowing down and taking the time to figure out how we can make do with something we already have rather than buying new is also a habit we are cultivating.

I’ve been reading some books about the great depression and thinking back on conversations I used to have with my grandmother.  We have so much available to us these days!  Things are often cheaper to buy, than to make.  However, part of simplifying is being creative and taking the time to make things ourselves.  Those “cheaper” items come with a price — whether it is fuel to travel thousands of miles, or being the result of underpaid workers, or simply that it wears out or breaks because of poor quality, causing us to have to purchase the item again.

Of course, another advantage of making things myself is the satisfaction of producing something with my hands.   Lately, even my teen sons have begun to use their creative juices!  I love sitting down to sew or crochet, and having them working beside me on art, drawing, music, and even sewing and crocheting!  Even though I was in consumer mode when they were young, and lamented about what they and I missed by not slowing down all those years ago, I can see that it really isn’t too late!  Partly from necessity, partly from their parent’s example as we embark on this journey, we’re all changing and growing…together.

The Bottom of the Sink

Our house was built in 1950 and had experienced various additions and renovations over the years before we purchased it 13 years ago.   The kitchen is small, but functional.  Not only do we not have a dishwasher, we don’t have hot water running to it.  For a few years we did dishes by heating water in a large tea kettle on the stove and using it to fill the sink.  Then my loving husband purchased an under-the-sink, small electric hot water heater.  It holds a few gallons and is a blessing!

Housekeeping has never been real high on my priority list for the day.  The boys and I were usually having fun learning, reading aloud, or going on field trips.  Of course, being less than disciplined with housework, meant poor meal planning and that sometimes the dishes piled up a bit.  As I’ve begun this journey toward simplicity and started enjoying my home more (and focused on making our home more homey), I’ve started spending more time in the kitchen.  I’m pleased with the money we’re saving by not eating out, or eating as many convenience foods!

I had read in books and heard from friends how much they love going to bed with an empty, clean kitchen sink.  I’ve been working harder at keeping up with the dishes all day long, and I must say, I love the feeling I get when I walk past the kitchen and don’t see any dirty dishes by the sink!  I’m sure this little confession might seem strange to most of you — people have thought me a bit strange for years

Spinning and Weaving

With fear and trepidation I decided to try and use some “fabric” I’d created with some fun textured yarn from Joann Fabrics, and the cotton warp already on my Union Loom.  I’m not very experienced at the the sewing machine, especially when I’m kind of making up my own design.  But after reading lots of different things online and consulting my trusty reference books, I took the plunge.

My biggest concern was the woven fabric coming unraveled.  I solved this issue by cutting and fusing the interfacing to the fabric BEFORE cutting.  I also did a zig-zag stitch around the edge through the facing before cutting.  No, I didn’t take photos.  I was too busy figuring this out as I went along!

All things considered, I’m pretty happy with the results.  The strap is the same warp threads braided.  I still have more fabric, so I’m considering creating another bag and making a few changes now that I’ve learned what I do and don’t want in the finished product.

When it comes to working with fibers, I’m becoming much more free-spirited.  I am realizing that you can mix different types of fibers to create truly one of a kind fabrics, rugs, etc.  Fun!

My looms currently sit with no weaving projects on them.  I’ve been too busy trying my hand at spinning with a drop spindle.  I still need to finish the edges of the other projects I took off the loom, but…well,  I just can’t help myself!  The spinning has become a bit addicting

So, the past couple weeks I’ve done some more spinning and was able to take this hand painted merino wool roving.

And turn it into, this two ply chunky yarn.  (Sorry for the blur)

Which I crocheted into a soft, warm scarf.  All with one spindle!

I’m ordering some more roving made with different fibers and my oldest son is making me another, lighter weight spindle.  I’d like to try making thinner yarns — it’s all a process, but I love learning new things!

Projects off the Loom

I’m so excited!  I have been weaving on the same warp for months.  Because warping the loom is so time consuming, I have left everything on the loom and just continued to add projects.  I finally decided it was time to take everything off so I could actually use some of the items.  Now I have three rugs, about a yard of fabric, and two sections that will most likely be kitchen towels.

I finished the edges of a rag rug for the kitchen last night and I love it!

Part of my journey to simplicity is slowing down and actually savoring the time it takes to prepare things by hand or wait for them to grow.  Rag rugs are also a great way to “waste not, want not” by using linens, and even clothing that we no longer need.  My challenge will be to not let things pile up for “someday”, but choose to get to work preparing and then weaving them for something useful.

The loom looks strange with no weaving on it.  Can’t let it stay that way for long

Now I need to get the warp tied back on the loom so I can create some more.  I’m actually going to make this warp more narrow so I can make placemats and smaller rugs.  I also am ready to tackle warping the four-harness LeClerc loom that has been sitting idle in my studio.  It is a bit intimidating, but I’m feeling much more confident after watching my new DVD, Beginning Four Harness Weaving , and re-reading my favorite learn-to-weave book, Learning to Weave, by Deborah Chandler.

If you want to learn how to weave (the most common looms available are four-harness), then you must get your hands on these two fabulous resources.  I have searched online for videos and found some good ones, but none that put it all together the way Deborah Chandler does.

Over the next day or two, I’m hoping to have some photos to share of the finished items from the loom, and my progress on warping the newest loom.