We survived Tropical Storm Fay and have watched Gustav and Ike pass to our west. I was able to “put up” my first ever jam during the down time during the rainy days of Faye.
In August I made 16 half pints of jam and 12 half pints of peach butter. It is all delicious. I still can’t get over how much better “homemade” tastes 
Shortly after my last entry, I had the blessing of hearing from Lisa Vitello of New Harvest Homestead. She encouraged me so much by telling me that there are many other sisters out there who are feeling the same nudge to return to the “basics” and learn lost skills. Lisa has a wonderful newsletter and she was kind enough to email me a sample issue. WOW! Her writings and the contribution of others in her publication are just what I’ve been looking for. I promptly subscribed AND ordered all the back issues. It has been money well spent! I have already gleaned so much information, and, more importantly, I’ve found confirmation and encouragement in every issue! It seems Lisa and her readers/contributors cover every topic of interest to those of us who have chosen to be “steadfast at home” no matter whether our homestead is a piece of land in the country or an apartment in the city.
I am daily finding many things to do around my urban homestead! Now that my busy “business” season has ended, I am finding more time to read and begin doing some of the projects I’ve had on my list all summer. I’ve made several crocheted wash cloths – I’ll never go back to store-bought. My son and I made soap together (in case you ever wonder…Mountain Dew and lye do NOT mix). The second attempt turned out much better (minus the Dew!). I’ve been deciding which edible plants and herbs to put in my front yard, and I’ve begun planning for my raised beds. Next week, I’ll start my seedlings – yes, it will soon be planting time down here in Southwest Florida.
I’ve had several friends ask me how to make soap, so the other night a few of us got together and everyone made their own 2 lb. batch – I had so much fun sharing my new knowledge. I do not believe it is by chance that I’ve been called to these pursuits, and it is my prayer to be able to bless as many ladies as possible, while encouraging them to be busy at home in whatever they are called to do. Just imagine if each woman shared some of her knowledge in any area of homemaking with 2 or 3 others who are not adept in that area! What a difference this would make in our families, churches and communities!