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.

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.

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

With a quiet house and some extra time on my hands, I decided to make a go of it.  I did some reading about Aladdin Lamps, watched a video from Lehman’s, then took the plunge.

The lamp I wanted to light has a metal finish and beautiful shade with pink flowers.  The body of the lamp had some damage (which is one of the reasons my dad got such a good deal on it).  Unfortunately, I was unable to get the burner to screw on securely enough.

So, I went with plan B and got out the Genie II shelf lamp.  I don’t think they’re meant to have as large a shade, but I like it anyway

After getting it lit, I realized why these oil lamps were so prized by the pioneers.  When turned up all the way, the lamp shines forth with the equivalent of a 60 watt bulb!  Last night I turned off all the lights, shut down the computers and spent some quality time in the Word and in prayer by lamp light.

Part of my motivation for learning homemaking and other “survival” skills, is to be ready for more difficult days.  I want to learn and know how to do things BEFORE I’m in a situation where I HAVE to do them.  Living in a hurricane-prone area, we face a reality of being without power for days at a time.  Having such a bright, easy-to-use light source will be a blessing.  Of course, I’ll need to keep oil and an extra mantle (the part that glows so bright) on hand.  But one quart of oil will last 2 – 3 hours.  If you’ve ever considered buying a quality oil lamp, I highly recommend the Aladdin!  I did learn that they burn very hot, so they should never be left unattended.

Another off-grid lighting solution I’d like to get are solar panels to charge a battery w/inverter so we could use a lamp or a fan.  In the event of a prolonged power outage, I also wonder how solar yard lights would work – they could charge up during the day, then we could bring them in to provide light at night.  I think some models come with an on/off switch, but I’m not sure.

Even as I focus on learning skills, living a more simple life, and preparing for the future, I was reminded again last night to not become dependent on the things of this world and my own abilities, but to stay close to my heavenly Father; trusting Him to light my path.

“Thy Word is a LAMP unto my feet, and a LIGHT unto my path.”
Ps. 119:105

One thing I like to do is keep my own herbal tea bags with me.  These tins work great for keeping little things like tea bags safe in my purse.  However, I hadn’t thought of using felt to make them more beautiful, as well as functional.  Another project to add to my list!  I also plan to cover and line a tin with felt, then label it “My Treasures” as a gift for my niece.  You could also use a lined tin to keep jewelry when on a trip.

My goal is to only give homemade gifts for holidays and birthdays this year.  Planning ahead is not one of my strong suits, so I’ve already been caught once not having time to put something together for a good friend’s birthday.  Today I put reminders in my calendar program, so I can keep on track this fall when I will have several gift-giving occasions.

I actually have several projects I’m working on this week.  My husband and boys are off at youth camp, so I’m enjoying a quiet house!  Although it is refreshing to not have to prepare meals, and to be able to leisurely sip my tea while watching the chickens, I’m glad my guys are only gone a few days.  I love being a wife and mother, so I feel a little lost without them here!

I’m hoping to write on my blog quite a bit this week as I tackle some of the items on my list.  Sewing projects are definitely in the plans, as is getting my Aladdin Lamp functioning.  Of course, I’ll also be making time to do some reading and maybe even a little napping

If you’d like to read more of my thoughts on recycling vs upcycling, head over to the “Oh My Aching Debts” blog.  I was honored to write a guest post while Cindy spends time with her mom following the death of her father.  I’m sure she would appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this difficult season.

Much of the clutter steals away my time and energy as I seem to always be moving it, cleaning it, making sure it doesn’t get damaged, etc.  I am a packrat by nature – much to my husband’s chagrin – so letting go of things can be a challenge!  This life of buying less, using what you have, can also feed my packrat nature.  Afterall, I don’t want to get rid of that container, or ___________ (fill in the blank), because I might be able to use it someday.  While this is good – I need to get rid of other useless items, to make room those things that truly have the potential to be utilized in the near future or on a regular basis.

I’m also trying to declutter my heart and mind these days.  As I mentioned the other day, there are so many things I am inspired to do or try, that I sometimes get overwhelmed and do nothing.  In pondering this over the past few days, I started to see that part of my problem is trying to “hold” the info in my brain.  So, I’ve started a few notebooks on different topics.  That way I can print or make notes when I encounter tips, ideas, recipes, etc., to have for reference later.  I know I can use the computer to store this info, and much of the time I do keep it on my harddrive.  I have found, however, that there is info that I need when away from technology, or if technology fails, so the notebooks will (hopefully) allow me to keep important info, and allow me to get it out of my head knowing it is safe and waiting for me when I need it.  My most valuable notebook so far is the one that holds the back issues of “New Harvest Homestead”.  I really appreciate the yearly index Lisa supplies her readers.  It makes finding various articles and recipes so easy!  If you haven’t already, I highly recommend this bimonthly enewsletter.  Each issue is packed with helpful info from others who desire to be steadfast at home.

As I was praying and mediating about my quandry – I remembered something I heard long ago from one of my spiritual mentors, Elisabeth Elliot. When asked how she managed through the many tough times in her life, including watching her second husband die of cancer, she said that she told herself to “Do the next thing.”

That is exactly what I’ve been doing the last day or so. Instead of throwing up my hands in exasperation – I’m making myself move forward and “do the next thing”.

Writing this blog post is a “next thing”. Transplanting some herbs – something that I’ve needed to do, but haven’t because I can’t decide where I want them, if I’m going to put in a separate raised bed for them, etc – is the next thing after I finished writing.

It is easy to research, read and be inspired by others. Life definitely has to keep going – including managing previous commitments and other activities that don’t necessarily fit into the lifestyle I’m trying to create. It’s easier to read and dream, than to DO something. Instead of lamenting all I can’t do (or decide how to do), I’m going to move forward one step at a time. Living this “simple life” is really living a deliberate life.

It is also nice to know I’m not alone.  I was greatly encouraged earlier this morning when I read this post about living a deliberate life.  It was as if Rhonda read my mind!  She did such a good job of putting the idea of living a deliberate life into words!

Thankfully, I have a backup plan, so there is someone who will take him off my hands. Living in town, I need my chickens to be as inconspicuous as possible Since I knew I’d be getting rid of at least one of the black chickens, I picked up two Rhode Island Red pullet chicks on Monday when I went to get feed. They are adorable, but have to be kept from the others, as the rooster especially was picking on them.

My planting is not going as quick as I had hoped. We are so busy these days! I long to be home more, and must figure out how to cut out on some of my running in order to be “steadfast at home”. Hubby’s last day of work is tomorrow, so we have been working on cutting back as much as possible. I’ve also taken to doing some serious couponing – I finding that I love CVS! There are 3 within 2 miles of my house, so I’m often driving by one. I am trying to only run errands once a week, but shouldn’t have a problem taking advantage of the deals offered at my local stores.

We’ve started hanging laundry – I hang it around the house and on the patio chairs since we don’t have a line. Tomorrow we’re going to finish switching out our old lightbulbs for the new energy efficient ones. I’m cooking more with the solar oven, and we’re running the heat/ac less. In addition to making my own bar soap, a friend helped me make a batch of laundry soap as well. She says it works great, and the cost is so much less than store-bought. I’m waiting to use up our current jug of ALL before trying the homemade stuff.

I’m so thankful we started on a journey toward a more self-sustaining lifestyle months ago. Although I feel I haven’t made much progress, I know I’ve learned so much from experience and lots of reading! All that research is about to be put to practice

I quickly realized by box/brooder is too small, so we’ll be getting something bigger today. The cat seems very uninterested, but we’re still keeping them safe in case she gets too curious. Our home is starting to feel more like a “homestead” every day!

I’ll post more later, as we have a busy day ahead of us.

Tomorrow I plan to add more soil to the languishing tomato plant in a container.  I can’t seem to get my tomato seedlings going, so I may break down and just buy some at Home Depot.  Ordering strawberries is still on my list too.

The peas have sprouted, and the new bush beans I planted are coming up too.  Hopefully, I staggered the beans far enough apart not to be overwhelmed when picking time comes.

For several weeks I’ve had a visitor in my container where basil and mint is growing.  It’s a good-size toad and he appears almost everyday.  Nothing bothers him – I can water, clip basil (where he spends most of his time), and he barely flinches.  I think I’m going to let my sons name him

A toad in my garden.