tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65026668242022830352024-03-14T08:30:31.760-04:00Reflections of the TimesRandom thoughts from my corner of the world...Carla Rolfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09395062089776262435noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6502666824202283035.post-5655120169338180402024-03-14T08:30:00.014-04:002024-03-14T08:30:00.145-04:00Spring 2024 Garden Update #2It's been a few weeks since the last update so here's where the garden planning is now:<div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Sweet Potatoes</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDELSF-WyMgZ_ZSsNLHv8HCgl42YS9l5bFQ0FK2PLIfE1Uej4wCcitwMwfE7uD_FZbRrteLrmEqn-Crj8ou5EUVK0IJZ7fJVLIu9bImjDv-1Wpd1GJSkD7rlbTWQL3s9na_r7G9VjufQKsDrHtyYbNYY4kXBFSqe91UZy1x1zQjod84rxYrqeBGKirvp39/s4032/PXL_20240313_143432614.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDELSF-WyMgZ_ZSsNLHv8HCgl42YS9l5bFQ0FK2PLIfE1Uej4wCcitwMwfE7uD_FZbRrteLrmEqn-Crj8ou5EUVK0IJZ7fJVLIu9bImjDv-1Wpd1GJSkD7rlbTWQL3s9na_r7G9VjufQKsDrHtyYbNYY4kXBFSqe91UZy1x1zQjod84rxYrqeBGKirvp39/w150-h200/PXL_20240313_143432614.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TS0yEzVPl3qKQHt7DVv9MM9GFlRsXC5biOszga3BeWaRgAHLFcH3uHo2gNfCGY8beqKAZQeJLR0GhDD1l55tI97WUA1YK7qJB-vBniNs6PJgGU5CdrzLHbAzq-pGK6HcDW8SlYFcbmt8QtIKz9CwiPHSOaun8qH6GAyzZFYoQz8QxDoa2WzMx6eBbuP3/s4032/PXL_20240313_143449291.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TS0yEzVPl3qKQHt7DVv9MM9GFlRsXC5biOszga3BeWaRgAHLFcH3uHo2gNfCGY8beqKAZQeJLR0GhDD1l55tI97WUA1YK7qJB-vBniNs6PJgGU5CdrzLHbAzq-pGK6HcDW8SlYFcbmt8QtIKz9CwiPHSOaun8qH6GAyzZFYoQz8QxDoa2WzMx6eBbuP3/w150-h200/PXL_20240313_143449291.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGLpPeJiICD2XhtZ7th7LQ227q5wV2S99eBJ1kDCGkU5qZx9BMF4Hel4Wbzd9hiB9CJr7QUU0-dchUpvZu-GJRk2_iyEICc9aNBgVkQha8EZFgLTsqXGVbZ9902gw3FThDWsm4UVc8z3ixoqDpC-hArN51W7UypM_wqXkdJ9pEHdEYdRPXrKv_bNdecyM/s4032/PXL_20240314_001159142.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGLpPeJiICD2XhtZ7th7LQ227q5wV2S99eBJ1kDCGkU5qZx9BMF4Hel4Wbzd9hiB9CJr7QUU0-dchUpvZu-GJRk2_iyEICc9aNBgVkQha8EZFgLTsqXGVbZ9902gw3FThDWsm4UVc8z3ixoqDpC-hArN51W7UypM_wqXkdJ9pEHdEYdRPXrKv_bNdecyM/w150-h200/PXL_20240314_001159142.jpg" width="150" /></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Since the last update, I've been able to harvest 24 sweet potato slips from three small sweet potatoes Since 24 slips = 24 plants, I've already met my goal for 2024 π I'll grow as many more slips as the potatoes will yield, and those will go into overflow spots, or family members also growing their own gardens. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Yellow Onions</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8Y-tnZtZTrF0dSDf5CZ51PFrKsPwYwk9qZRNysB2-MSNIxgiui5fU2uBSR_Su4olyEOUAhHcbeeGWtDNa9W2NCx8xKJhAeRyjcOxPBQoq-OcrxST85T2cN05Z-bkRkWleqcv9EiSwRK2QrHdgTnay4w7biZLjTm_wIBXLUFyGc-WfMwYJKU-U0JwLsAl/s4032/PXL_20240314_001410291.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8Y-tnZtZTrF0dSDf5CZ51PFrKsPwYwk9qZRNysB2-MSNIxgiui5fU2uBSR_Su4olyEOUAhHcbeeGWtDNa9W2NCx8xKJhAeRyjcOxPBQoq-OcrxST85T2cN05Z-bkRkWleqcv9EiSwRK2QrHdgTnay4w7biZLjTm_wIBXLUFyGc-WfMwYJKU-U0JwLsAl/w400-h300/PXL_20240314_001410291.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>All the yellow onions are doing remarkably well. In my last update I explained the experimental planting process I'm using this year and after several weeks of progress, hands down the 3 inch pots with 10-12 seeds seem to be growing the strongest overall. The single cell planting method is a strong #2 as they're all doing well also, but in terms of overall return on investment, the 10-12 seeds per 3 inch pot has been the best bet. I intentionally overseeded this year, not knowing how well they'd do and I'm pleased to say I have more onions than I have room for, so many of these will also go to family member's gardens. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Maple Tree Tapping</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sad to say, I made many of the "first timer" maple tapping mistakes as it pertains to drilled hole size for the spiles. Basically what I did was drill too large, and the spiles didn't fit snugly, so the sap leaked on the outside of the spile & down the side of the tree instead of inside of it, and collecting in the bucket. Lesson learned, to be sure. For this reason, the prospect of any syrup is out this year, the spiles have been pulled and I'll leave the tree to recover and tap it again next year, hopefully without making any of the same drilling mistakes. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>What's New</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoqXvRQ7f8kpyLiZwEvNe3Boj1-ZWgTOrwbIqyTPi925cSzfDPs4u4gOpkIDF-efFdmw7yZtR3dKQP2SiIVtpTP2LA1rS4NcPciXFPq2rohbuDZNUYVOCQFnlrfJeMujH9oMk3X2ytgNDoKdIc14DPOJmqx7Kv_3ohM5k7ulwR2O4aCZkabzYhVNS09gA/s4032/PXL_20240309_170055015.MP%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoqXvRQ7f8kpyLiZwEvNe3Boj1-ZWgTOrwbIqyTPi925cSzfDPs4u4gOpkIDF-efFdmw7yZtR3dKQP2SiIVtpTP2LA1rS4NcPciXFPq2rohbuDZNUYVOCQFnlrfJeMujH9oMk3X2ytgNDoKdIc14DPOJmqx7Kv_3ohM5k7ulwR2O4aCZkabzYhVNS09gA/w400-h300/PXL_20240309_170055015.MP%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;">The first seeds to go in this year in the indoor grow room are these lovely warm weather plants. My family enjoys a lot of tomato based products so that's the biggest crop by far. This year: four different tomatoes: Beefsteak bush variety, Roma, Pink Ponderosa and Candyland cherry tomatoes, three different peppers: Sweet Romano, Jalapeno and Cayenne, and new to the garden this year, Ground Cherries. I'm looking to plant more perennials for repeat performances year after year, and these lovely little fruits caught my attention. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Indoor Grow Room</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RpKpnEv95ynOwbHM1l0IF5_314NUi3xPHDYa01FZud7LHZOJt262TagigS0-blPo8ZHmAXJ08rO3AxsdSbXRBdPREOd-_yGKZNfrG_VL9_b6VXJ64mdl7HRR5PTzSnCRjeqamcJgpAp1Hd3woYwGg4blSvqfc0E2n4cWFI1h946xG_-vpkXOP27YAtIC/s4032/PXL_20240312_231618086.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RpKpnEv95ynOwbHM1l0IF5_314NUi3xPHDYa01FZud7LHZOJt262TagigS0-blPo8ZHmAXJ08rO3AxsdSbXRBdPREOd-_yGKZNfrG_VL9_b6VXJ64mdl7HRR5PTzSnCRjeqamcJgpAp1Hd3woYwGg4blSvqfc0E2n4cWFI1h946xG_-vpkXOP27YAtIC/w400-h300/PXL_20240312_231618086.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br />Over the last few years, I've set up these same types of shelves in my dining room to start my seeds. While that worked just fine, I really didn't want an indoor seed-starting station in my dining room so this year I decided to scope out the least trafficked area of the house, and the back corner of the laundry room fit the bill perfectly. Almost zero traffic and right between 2 different electrical outlets to handle the heat mats, fans and lighting, as well as in the same room with a sink for daily watering. I only had to move 2 things and voila, an entire corner of the room, ready for seed starting. I have some big ideas for this space to make it even more effecient so hopefully I can pull that off over the off season after these plants go out into the garden. The empty shelf on the bottom left will be filled with a tray of Yellow Wonder Alpine strawberry seeds. Rumor has it, they're sweeter than red strawberries and taste like a combination of strawberry, pineapple, and rose. I'm really looking forward to these berries!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Second Round of Seeds</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVlW69kYNQc2Nx9CVgc3XGtJbnD8wjgcblQ7eY-JSvd4PIebNz2o-aZzvKM_-cEgc0naP_1MiHJtwnOn838M5JafaBUpDOzrZ9KyeNlLiKHODHNYmSFG0kWYM3ugdHFgwD3YSd0Kg4fdK0pOTfyrAA1lgm2WXw459d2FdElFvJOcnZ0IG6K85ESXeWjPe/s4032/PXL_20240312_233519448.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVlW69kYNQc2Nx9CVgc3XGtJbnD8wjgcblQ7eY-JSvd4PIebNz2o-aZzvKM_-cEgc0naP_1MiHJtwnOn838M5JafaBUpDOzrZ9KyeNlLiKHODHNYmSFG0kWYM3ugdHFgwD3YSd0Kg4fdK0pOTfyrAA1lgm2WXw459d2FdElFvJOcnZ0IG6K85ESXeWjPe/w400-h300/PXL_20240312_233519448.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br />Most of this batch of seeds will be direct sown into the dirt once the threat of frost has passed, which is generally around mid-May but can fluctuate a couple of weeks either way. Lots more herbs this year, and lots more pretty flowers. I'd prepped a new growing area last year for herbs and flowers but by the time it was done the best window had passed for planting from seed so I'm really looking forward to that project finally taking off this spring. This year I'll be directly sowing my pickling cucumbers instead of starting them indoors, and seeing what a difference that makes. I've always started them indoors but I'm out of room this year so they're getting direct sown. I'm also growing a very small number of zucchini plants in raised beds, so those will be started indoors in the next few weeks. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I hope my gardening updates are of some help to you, and that God would guide you and bless the work of your hands as you endeavor to provide for your family and to be good stewards of the gifts He's given you. π<br /><b><br /></b></span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Carla Rolfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09395062089776262435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6502666824202283035.post-50699277003243649692024-02-21T09:00:00.022-05:002024-02-21T09:00:00.140-05:00Spring 2024 Garden Update #1<p>It's the last week of February and here in Southern Ontario what's called the "hardiness zone 6a" there is still plenty of winter, and <i>winter weather</i> left before our estimated "last frost" of the season in mid-May. </p><p>So while winter is what's still happening <b><i>outside</i></b>, here's what's happening inside. Mostly with 2 crops I haven't had much success with! So this year will be more experimentation to see what works best. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvamioafoTU2UL7OfnX3F8WByQpiGvDizd1Ll51THmPfVRm0tneFQDWcLjaP1vrKVib26ChqhamrOCkaQGpm1lqIKpblXDv_5lkL27wMNev790obgEAvmCpk7LA5HrAU4kcnNNVudsjBt7BGWbbRhuE14mo0KJBI5odI46qgJRf4OuSv4aEkvbq0N44Py/s4032/PXL_20240221_001947820.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvamioafoTU2UL7OfnX3F8WByQpiGvDizd1Ll51THmPfVRm0tneFQDWcLjaP1vrKVib26ChqhamrOCkaQGpm1lqIKpblXDv_5lkL27wMNev790obgEAvmCpk7LA5HrAU4kcnNNVudsjBt7BGWbbRhuE14mo0KJBI5odI46qgJRf4OuSv4aEkvbq0N44Py/w240-h320/PXL_20240221_001947820.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><b><p><b>Sweet Potatoes</b></p></b><p></p><p>Best practice is to start your slips roughly 8-12 weeks before the last frost date, and I grow mine on a heat mat & under a grow light for 12 hours a day. I've never tried growing them in water, but growing them with the sweet potato half covered in rich, well watered soil works well for me. I'll be spacing 4-6 slips in 20 gallon grow bags this year, to see how container growing works in my zone. (I'll be documenting that and sharing how that turns out!) I've experimented with growing in conditioned straw bales before but it was a big disappointment despite sticking with the protocol suggested. Suffice it to say, I ended up with plenty of fantastic mulch! </p><p>So this year it will be grow bags (which I've had great success with, with other garden plants), and a brand new locaton with more direct sun than the last location. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Yellow Onions</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CVypflz9ygWr0nekYyL-dgxvQkXgT_WhQoxp-IWGbx2pS60_3VZxBya4zefKK0uN61YOEdqd8jj2UqtoxDxovkb7daYWzTHYE9dfAO407y_Tf0Vua_mF2JjSCmxKMWR6xbTMvVwtx2hnm_GPFaxPkLFmdzTJLckjnrWGecMZKV2T0gyVU1LWJEDAmi6H/s4032/PXL_20240215_001430446.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CVypflz9ygWr0nekYyL-dgxvQkXgT_WhQoxp-IWGbx2pS60_3VZxBya4zefKK0uN61YOEdqd8jj2UqtoxDxovkb7daYWzTHYE9dfAO407y_Tf0Vua_mF2JjSCmxKMWR6xbTMvVwtx2hnm_GPFaxPkLFmdzTJLckjnrWGecMZKV2T0gyVU1LWJEDAmi6H/w320-h240/PXL_20240215_001430446.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Onions are another crop I've struggled with over the years. From old seeds that didn't germinate well or were just weak and puny, to squirrels, chipmunks and various other garden visitors, I've struggled to keep my onions growing & thriving. This year, things look far more hopeful, at least initially.<p></p><p>I planted these seeds on the 8th of January to give them a solid 16 weeks jumpstart to the growing season. I've read that each onion stem should be the size of a pencil by the time you transplant outdoors, but to be honest, mine have never been that large by the time I planted them outdoors. Chopstick size, <b><i>at best.</i></b> π</p><p>In the past I've tried various options such as "over seeding" where you grow a condensed number of seeds in one space and then thin them all out before planting, a condensed row planting, and then single cell planting of literally a single seed in each plug tray. This year I'm trying a single seed per cell approach as well as a "middle of the road" overseeding with roughly 10-12 seeds per 3 inch pot. </p><p>So far, they're all doing really well. Almost 100% germination, and the 10-12 overseeded pots are the strongest of all of them. My goal this year with yellow onions is to be planted in a 16 foot long raised bed along the south facing fence line. Hoping for some beautiful, delicious yellow cooking onions by the end of the season. I'll also be covering them at least initially, with some format of pest cloth. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobiQoo_53_l7FLmIaZGbDanBYtq-otisT7bQYqHICLD-oZLcYtukHY_KwjS6xQK00mC7i333NDW-unMBtVaennmlqje4ocgZ4fU2PqFipNumt8w7uyF12nx5iLQVkSqo1Tl3GILV4DIa0xFHtwC4vkl3td3R4cl4tAJN0uXNko64wIfSuUTzVIg6D9M5V/s4032/PXL_20240214_182517836.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobiQoo_53_l7FLmIaZGbDanBYtq-otisT7bQYqHICLD-oZLcYtukHY_KwjS6xQK00mC7i333NDW-unMBtVaennmlqje4ocgZ4fU2PqFipNumt8w7uyF12nx5iLQVkSqo1Tl3GILV4DIa0xFHtwC4vkl3td3R4cl4tAJN0uXNko64wIfSuUTzVIg6D9M5V/w300-h400/PXL_20240214_182517836.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><b>Tapping Maples </b><div><br /></div><div>Something brand new to me this year, is Maple tree tapping for turning sap into syrup. I've been researching this subject for about a year, but I only have 1, single Norway maple on my property. π </div><div><br /></div><div>It's a massive 35+ year old tree , and can easily take 2 taps and I figure... it's there, <i>why not use it? </i><p></p><p>I purchased plastic spiles (commonly referred to taps, the black plastic part, seen in this image to the left) that came highly recommended but they've turned out to be a a really big disappointment. The first two broke while tapping into the tree and had to be replaced. </p><p>Tapping maples and collecting sap is weather dependant so it varies from year to year. The season is generally late winter for about 4-6 weeks of good sap flow before the buds on the branches begin to swell, and then the syrup turns "buddy", meaning it takes on an unpleasant starchy flavor of the budding branches and is no longer useful for making sweet syrup. </p><p>My single Norway was tapped last week, and the sap began flowing greatly yesterday, but there are some big issues with leaky tap holes so I'm troubleshooting and will be replacing the plastic spiles with stainless steel spiles. I'm sure at this point there is the same amount of sap flowing down the trunk of the tree as there is collecting in the sap bucket, so my goal is to seal the leaks, and collect ALL the sap for maple syrup production. With only one tree for tapping, I need all the sap I can get. </p><p>One more fun project that will be updated as the season progresses. </p><p>Wishing for all of you, God would bless the work of your hands that you might grow in abundance for yourself and your family. π </p></div>Carla Rolfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09395062089776262435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6502666824202283035.post-39777402281227769122024-02-10T08:30:00.095-05:002024-02-10T08:30:00.221-05:00Life Seasons & Titus 2 Calling<p>When I decided to begin blogging again, I made the choice to archive all my old posts here from 2004 through 2023. I didn't archive them because I'm ashamed of anything I wrote in those 19 years (although some of them may actually be quite cringe, or outdated for sure), but because I wanted a completely clean slate for writing about <i>this</i> season of life. </p><p>When this blog began I was a 40 year old homeschooling mom with a houseful of kids from toddlers to teens and my oldest had already moved out. Over the course of the lifetime of the blog back then, there were all sorts of trials and joys, bumps and surprises, mountains and valleys that the Lord graciously brought me through to the other side. But now I'm in a brand new chapter and things look <i>much</i> different from this new perspective.</p><p>At the end of this year I'll turn 60, and that idea is sort of surreal, if I'm being honest. I've never really sat around and thought about what a 60 year old me would look like <i>to me</i>, but if I did, I think I would have hoped that she'd be smart, kind, compassionate, patient, and had allowed her life's many dark and painful trials to refine her into a more Godly woman. Someone that I'd want to be friends with, and be encouraged by. So then a short while ago when I had the opportunity to have a conversation about growing in grace, spiritual maturity and being an example to others, I realized that without even really knowing it, I'd sort of been waiting around for some official timeline to start <i>being</i> the Titus 2 Lady. </p><p>It's kind of funny when I think about it now but then wondered if Titus 2 Ladies just suddenly realize "it's time" as I realized it's time I begin <i>intentionally</i> being the example I hoped the 60 year old me, would eventually become. Specifically, I want to be the person that always has a word of hope and encouragement, knowing how much it's needed in dark days. </p><p><b><i>And that's so much harder than it sounds.</i></b> Quite often these days the temptation is to respond in a less than grace-filled manner when someone says something inappropriate, incorrect, insulting or just something else you disagree with in some way (whether in person or online in social media settings). It's disturbingly easy to blast someone for saying something ugly, while it takes far more <b>grace</b> and far more <b><i>self-control</i></b> to respond in a manner that takes the sting out of their words and infuse something sweet-smelling into the conversation that makes people stop and think. That last part takes a lot of <i>intentional</i> creativity and prayerful thought. Instead of a knee-jerk reaction, you have to literally stop yourself and think carefully before responding, and that's not always an easy thing to do. But it's so incredibly valuable. And sadly, in an incredible short supply. </p><p>While thinking about this today, I saw comments from several people on social media (on two different platforms, and several different conversations - which tells me that many others are struggling with this) talking about this subject, and it really hit home. The comments essentially said that it's quite often the prideful, arrogant and immature who constantly correct, criticize and scold, while the spiritually mature and wise are the ones who tend to exhort, encourage and build up. I thought that was a pretty interesting observation that multiple people seemed to be in agreement with. </p><p>In one of the short conversations a woman stated she was so tired of being constantly told she's "doing it wrong" (referring to herself being a young, Christian mother), being criticized and insulted, and would be leaving social media, as that has ruined it for her to be able to enjoy anymore. I don't know the person who said this but it made me sad to see how constant criticism & scolding truly tears a person down. I hope she finds someone who will come alongside her and be an example of Godly grace and encouragement that she needs in her life. Honestly, how many of us as young Christian moms needed this in our lives? I know I sure did. </p><p>So, as I begin chapter 60 this year, my hope and my goal is to be the person I hoped I'd be. The one Scripture calls me to be: </p><p><i>Older women likewise are to be <b>reverent in behavior,</b> <b>not slanderers</b> or slaves to much wine. They are to <b>teach what is good</b>, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, <b>to be self-controlled</b>, pure, working at home, <b>kind</b>, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Titus 2:3-5</i></p><p>While all of it applies of course, these attributes I've bolded make it obvious that <i>this</i> is exactly the kind of conduct us older women are to be busily engaged in, to both glorify God and be examples to younger women.<i> </i></p><p>I hope this blesses and greatly encourages you. </p>Carla Rolfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09395062089776262435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6502666824202283035.post-53227599197695634992024-02-04T10:00:00.099-05:002024-02-04T10:00:00.315-05:00Audio Blessings<p>So, <i>what are you</i> listening to? </p><p>This is my short list of audio resources that are currently blessing my walk with Christ. Yes I realize I'm sort of leaning <b><i>"Moscow Mood"</i></b> these days. π And that's okay by me. </p><p>If you were to come over to my house on any given day of the week this time of year I can almost guarantee you'd be hearing something on this list, playing from somewhere in my house π </p><p>In no particular order, some are brand new to me and others I've listened to since the late 90's. (I'm also super old school so, these links will be for those who primarily use their desktop PC. Although, click through & follow in whatever way works best for you):</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8KUb2bcKrZ3oOd7l_DqvUB-y91vVqZVs" target="_blank"><b>Westminster Shorter Catechism Songs</b></a> - by Brian Sauve </p><p>You and your family will be SO delightfully blessed by this - click to add to favorites and follow along with this awesome project. Sauve has a musical style that is part Michael Card, part Iona, and part James Taylor, but with a fresh, unique, delightful twist. The Christian church needs more of this, that's for sure. </p><p><b><a href="https://www.aomin.org/aoblog/">The Dividing Line</a></b> - Dr. James White </p><p>Wherever you follow Dr. White, make sure you add the DL to your audio favorites. Doc's commentary on the most recent news content is always solid biblical direction. I started listening to the DL when it was once a week (Tuesdays), in 1998. He really took it over the top when him and Rich added a second show on Thursday afternoons. π Times have changed in huge, huge ways since those days, but the solid Biblical content is still the same.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CROSSPOLITIC">CrossPolitic</a></b> - these brothers Toby, Dave and Gabe, (also known as TJSumpter, Chocolate_Knox and Waterboy/GMRench) are proclaiming the lordship of Jesus over politics and culture. Their latest episode on responding to brother Alistair Begg and the transgender wedding attendance advice was truly encouraging with grace & truth. Don't miss that episode. </p><p><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChristKirk">Christ Church</a></b> - Video resources from Christ Church in Moscow, ID. </p><p>The latest sermon from pastor Doug Wilson on Psalm 45, <i>What the Righteous Love to Talk About</i>, was top shelf. Be sure to click to listen to that one. </p><p><b><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/femina/id1513264253">Femina - with Nancy Wilson</a></b> Join Nancy Wilson each week as she discusses basic Christian living habits and practices. Ladies, if you're looking for encouragement, conviction & relatable content, look no further. You'll be blessed & inspired by this resource. </p><p><b><a href="https://www.thehauntedcosmos.com/ ">Haunted Cosmos</a></b> - investigating a world that isnβt <i>just</i> stuff. </p><p>Co-hosts Brian Sauve and Ben Garrett discuss from a Biblical worldview essentially all the high strangeness content from ghosts, to Bigfoot, witches, Nephilim, faeries and giants [and all the other, <i>other</i> things], that your fellow Christians never want to discuss. BOOM. π It's discussed here. Buckle up, it's a wild conversation. </p>Carla Rolfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09395062089776262435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6502666824202283035.post-21626030906096505572024-01-29T09:20:00.044-05:002024-01-29T09:20:00.124-05:00Growing Onions from Seed<p>In the world of growing your own food, the best advice on the very common question of <b><i>"what should I grow?"</i></b> is simple: grow what you eat. </p><p>You'll be saving money on your grocery bill by eliminating those things you're paying for at the grocery store and you'll be producing crops that taste a million times better than anything store bought. </p><p>Now if you live in Alaska and you're always eating pineapple, your expectations will have to be slightly adjusted. π</p><p>But in a more practical sense, what you're used to eating on a regular basis will often be the kind of food that grows natively in the soil in your area. Thankfully, onions are one of those crops that can be grown in a wide variety of areas (as well as being used in a wide variety of ways) so it should fit nicely into your crops. You'll have to determine based on your location if you should be growing long day, short day or intermediate onions, and that's important for success for where you are. I'm in zone 6a, and we grow long day onions here. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QV1yhA9xnj1NAyODLDxpLNlEfMdiL2gY_6hRoC8PqTFhGnUEWoSDYrnlvUgauRqC1mG1n4I863nurfkDZZgwU8opQhqLZgshMKJaBYmgk23DRL1f7URFcMGABFNlOFHfToDOhJuMSO-iyb2VZpceXRZn77kWFKoDD6qzj4SiQ_Sv-sxkzbp7MvldLvKU/s4032/PXL_20240129_005906087.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QV1yhA9xnj1NAyODLDxpLNlEfMdiL2gY_6hRoC8PqTFhGnUEWoSDYrnlvUgauRqC1mG1n4I863nurfkDZZgwU8opQhqLZgshMKJaBYmgk23DRL1f7URFcMGABFNlOFHfToDOhJuMSO-iyb2VZpceXRZn77kWFKoDD6qzj4SiQ_Sv-sxkzbp7MvldLvKU/w400-h300/PXL_20240129_005906087.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is my 3rd year of attempting to grow my own onions from seed. With most new projects, a period of trial and error comes into play and that is no different here. </p><p>Year 1, the germination rate was brutally dismal. After a few weeks and zero progress I dumped the entire plan. I've since concluded that the seeds I had were past their "best by" date and that was most likely the reason for failure.</p><p>Year 2, I followed some advice I'd read online about planting, specifically overseeding and thinning out before planting and at first that seemed to work out pretty well. I used a different seed company than the first year and germination was nearly 100%. They grew fairly well but once I finally transplanted them outside after the last frost date passed, they failed miserably. Strong start, but failure after going into the ground. I'm still not entirely sure why, but I suspect they weren't strong enough to go into the ground, and that heavy squirrel activity had something to do with it. </p><p>This year I decided to do an experiment. Two different trays of seeds (same seed company) and two different types of planting. </p><p>Method #1:</p><p>In Tray #1, I have 36 plug cells, and 1 single seed in each plug. Germination rate for this tray was astounding as I ended up with 33. So the germination rate this year, for this method, was very impressive. </p><p>Method #2:</p><p>In Tray #2 I have 16 pots with 8-12 seeds in each pot. Germination for this method was equally impressive with almost 100% germination rate for all. I used about half the seeds per pot as I did last year.</p><p>The most noticeable thing, is the strength of plants in the individual plug trays, as opposed to the ones in the overseeded pots. As of today, 3 weeks after the seeds were planted, the ones in pots, are much taller, and much stronger than the ones in the individual plug trays. </p><p>I will keep documenting this process as the weeks go by and it will be interesting to see which onion plants do better. My hope, of course, is that the plants will continue to grow well, and then thrive once outside in the native soil. If squirrel activity remains an issue, I'll be investing in some pest netting to remove that from the eqation. </p><p>As of today, with all the plants, a "haircut" was in order and they were all cut down to roughly 3 inches. I will keep documenting this Onion from Seed journey to see where it goes and my hope is, it serves to help anyone else on the same self-sufficient journey to growing their own food for their families. </p>Carla Rolfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09395062089776262435noreply@blogger.com0Woodstock, ON, Canada43.1314966 -80.74716509999998914.821262763821153 -115.90341509999999 71.441730436178844 -45.590915099999989tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6502666824202283035.post-27335443408289487122024-01-17T09:00:00.033-05:002024-01-17T09:00:00.153-05:00Modern Day Homesteading Pt.3<p> My Wee Little Homestead</p><p>The first year I started, I have to confess I had no idea what I was doing. While I had dabbled in some hobby gardening over the last 30+ years, I never really educated myself on it. I bought bat manure fertilizer and harvested a million (more or less) tomatoes in a season, from 4 plants. I didn't even know there were different <i>kinds</i> of tomatoes, or what kind I actually grew. I never even ate one because I thought I didn't like tomatoes since all I'd ever had were store bought tomatoes, and those were just... bland and kind of gross. Pumpkins grew out of my compost heap and literally took over the entire back yard. I grew snap peas once. That was essentially the extent of my food growing skills before 2020. I also had never built anything before, never planned out an entire plot of land, or really any of the things I ended up learning how to do. I had zero knowledge of what it means to create an entire ecosystem on a parcel of land (or even how or why to begin that process). So I literally began as a complete newbie, and watched every YT video I could find on every subject that came to mind. I still do that, as a matter of fact. </p><p>While I wasn't sure <i>how</i> to do what I wanted to do, I was very sure about <i>what</i> I wanted. At first, my goal was to just create spaces where I could grow the kind of food my family eats. My thought was, if I'm growing at least some of it, that's less money I have to spend at the store to buy it. The added bonus was, instead of growing grass that I have to constantly take care of with zero return on investment except looking pretty, I'd be growing food that would be taking care of me and my family. I'm pretty sure no one in my family likes the taste of grass, so it was time to move on to tastier options. </p><p>I watched countless in-depth videos and learned how & why to build raised beds (as opposed to just planting directly in the ground) and it just grew from there. I made a lot of mistakes and will probably make loads more, but I've learned a wide variety of new skills and have found a real passion for the hard work that goes into all of this. I went from 2 raised beds at 6 square feet of growing space my first year, to multiple raised beds and nearly 200 square feet of growing space.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBT-15za46FIIPe8mU_Tk_R5pPeUhuUVRaledPCE5r6Q55BUx3ljac5VHk3V5IKLGgfND22DP9a7yTl5Sbsg-9ZJWgOedgFRxeWEpPhxDRhKqR0ZXoLKkj61WRVyxwAnbq2vt_GacL3-JYPSiO51NHd4XiXGThpT93Fc8RTtiQz9FvCaeG3bu59cCpFi4w/s3269/WWELLBED.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3269" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBT-15za46FIIPe8mU_Tk_R5pPeUhuUVRaledPCE5r6Q55BUx3ljac5VHk3V5IKLGgfND22DP9a7yTl5Sbsg-9ZJWgOedgFRxeWEpPhxDRhKqR0ZXoLKkj61WRVyxwAnbq2vt_GacL3-JYPSiO51NHd4XiXGThpT93Fc8RTtiQz9FvCaeG3bu59cCpFi4w/w185-h200/WWELLBED.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>I did much of this with either materials I had on hand or items I found through online marketplace ads and then repurposed for the back garden. One of those projects was one of my raised beds: this 4x2 bed of two stainless steel window wells, bolted together with fence boards. I love the old country farm vibe it gives the back yard. Not to mention, it'll probably last for many years to come. Half of the season it holds my garlic and in the second half it's home to the beets. <p></p><p>While my initial goals were to grow at least <i>some</i> of the food my family loves the most, I've been able to do that, plus put up enough ketchup, pasta sauce, salsa, garlic dill pickles, relish & beets, that I haven't had to buy any of these things from the grocery store in at least 2 years now. </p><p>While I still struggle with growing Pizza Trees and Toilet Paper trees, it sure feels good to know I never have to buy certain things again, as long as I keep growing them, processing them and putting them up for the next season. And, as it turns out, home grown tomatoes are rather incredible, and taste absolutely nothing like those red things you find in grocery stores. </p><p>My one and only negative thought about homesteading is this: </p><p>I wish I would have discovered it 40 years ago, while all my babies were still small so that I could have raised them all to learn these skills and appreciate the space we have. Also, I would have saved a ton in groceries for 8 hungry kids π</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29ma03r69BCiHuYwknvtJ2nMBXHZTJTIxiprnmwBwByQWmGNmHi8ESlP6ZimhZHjiZdSa-XSGLrb4XsjDTdwzploiCaTdrg5nszmtLvPwKsOmwy2B1q5DyNFX6Qz4lc3rRKhD6tULVPguH3WQ-yb7npFyP2vVpVd83N7iWlmFigzYeXgnYOfbiJ1zclLQ/s1000/1323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="649" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29ma03r69BCiHuYwknvtJ2nMBXHZTJTIxiprnmwBwByQWmGNmHi8ESlP6ZimhZHjiZdSa-XSGLrb4XsjDTdwzploiCaTdrg5nszmtLvPwKsOmwy2B1q5DyNFX6Qz4lc3rRKhD6tULVPguH3WQ-yb7npFyP2vVpVd83N7iWlmFigzYeXgnYOfbiJ1zclLQ/w260-h400/1323.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br />Homesteading is <b><i>so much</i></b> more than gardening. It's a truly educational, instructional, purposeful & productive way of living. <p></p><p>While endeavoring into the homesteading life I've learned how to build things, make things, repurpose things, repair things, grow things, forage for things and learn new things I want to know more about. Also, learn new things I literally <i>never</i> wanted to know about, but am now really glad I do. I am not a professional in any capacity in this lifestyle, I'm a dedicated life-long student and loving every minute of it along the way.</p><p>Last summer one of my daughters had some friends over for a lunch on the deck, and one of her friends commented <i>"your back garden is beautiful it's so lush, and there's food everywhere"</i>. π I've come a long way from... looking at grass.<i> </i></p><p>I hope in some way I've encouraged your curiosity about this life, and inspired you. </p>Carla Rolfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09395062089776262435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6502666824202283035.post-21615755607247958042024-01-16T09:00:00.027-05:002024-01-16T09:00:00.142-05:00Modern Day Homesteading Pt. 2<p> Homesteading Then and Now</p><p>While homesteading used to look a certain way, today in our modern times it looks a bit different because for most of us much of the <i>hardest </i>of the hard work has already been done. Folks did things a certain way 150 years ago because that was just the way things were done. They built their own homes & barns, raised their own meat, had their own dairy cows, grew their own fruits & vegetables, sewed their own clothes and made their own soaps, candles, medicines and even toys for their children. The idea of running to the store to get a week's worth of groceries was just as foreign to them, as it would be to most modern day folks to make their own bar of soap, or process a chicken for dinner. They had their land, their hands and their backs and they worked hard, and by God's grace that's how they got by. </p><p>Fast forward from the old pioneer days to modern day, and thanks to the incredible blessing of modern day conveniences, homesteading doesn't quite look how it used to. Our homes are already built, we have indoor plumbing & heating, and can actually run to the store once a week if we choose to do that. Homesteading is much different because of our modern day conveniences, but for some silly, romantic reason we seem to think if we didn't till the back yard with our own ox on a hot summer day <i>after</i> we dug a well <i>and</i> built a barn, we're not "real" homesteaders. π </p><p>We don't have to work <i>as</i> hard as our ancestors did, but it's still a lot of work that goes into a working, modern homestead. In truth, we don't <i>have</i> to do any of the things old time homesteaders did. We can choose to buy everything we need from someone else who made it, grew it, built it, sewed it, processed it & packaged it. Or, we can learn how to use the space we have to do those things <i>ourselves</i>, just like they did. Also, you definitely do not need to own an ox to be a <i>real</i> homesteader. An electric or gas powered tiller works just fine. </p><p>My list of inspiration is rather long, but one of the things that moved me to begin modern homesteading was looking at my beautiful, lush, green lawn in my back yard. I know that might sound odd, but it's true. One spring day in 2020 after edging, mowing and doing my weekly maintaining of the lawn, the thought hit me: <i><b>"what the heck are you doing?"</b></i> I looked over my back yard and suddenly instead of feeling proud of my hard work, I felt like I'd been investing in the wrong thing all along. Like I was the goofy kid making a touchdown in the wrong end zone. <i>Good job, dingdong.</i> All I could see, was a huge waste of space. Instead of investing in what was growing out there to feed my family, I was investing in what was growing out there to... <i>look at it</i>. My ancestors who put in all the super hard work of homesteading 150 years ago, would be stunned by the foolishness of toiling away on grass, to simply... look at it. All the while wasting fuel to drive to a local store to be even more wasteful in buying the things I could have been growing all along. (there's a story here about where neatly manicured lawns came from, and I can assure you they did not come from hard working homesteaders). </p><p>Recalling what my ancestors <i>did</i> have to do to carve out their own homesteads that made future generations far more comfortable, inspires me to at least try and learn as many things about being self-sufficient as I can. That was just one of the many, many things that gave me inspiration to begin a life of modern homesteading. They did it because they had to, but I chose to learn this way because it's incredibly productive and satisfying. It just feels really good to be using the space God blessed me with, to take care of my family. </p><p>There were also lockdowns, shortages, inflation and general panic all over the place which really lit a fire under me to get after it. In the gardening community there's a sort of running joke (that I had never heard of before I was part of the community):</p><p><i>"Folks always ask, when's the best time to start a garden? The answer is: 10 years ago. The second best time: right now." </i></p><p>So, my adventure into modern day homesteading began. π</p>Carla Rolfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09395062089776262435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6502666824202283035.post-49082456606761726722024-01-15T18:00:00.004-05:002024-01-15T18:07:41.857-05:00 Modern Day Homesteading Pt.1<div><div class="x1yztbdb x1n2onr6 xh8yej3 x1ja2u2z" style="margin-bottom: 16px; position: relative; width: 700px; z-index: 0;"><div class="x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z" style="position: relative; z-index: 0;"><div><div><div aria-describedby=":rkb: :rkc: :rkd: :rkf: :rke:" aria-labelledby=":rka:" aria-posinset="2" class="x1a2a7pz" style="outline: none;"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column;"><div class="x9f619 x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z" style="box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; z-index: 0;"><div class="x78zum5 x1n2onr6 xh8yej3" style="display: flex; position: relative; width: 700px;"><div class="x9f619 x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z x2bj2ny x1qpq9i9 xdney7k xu5ydu1 xt3gfkd xh8yej3 x6ikm8r x10wlt62" style="border-radius: max(0px, min(8px, (100vw - 4px - 100%) * 9999)) / 8px; box-sizing: border-box; overflow: hidden; position: relative; width: 700px; z-index: 0;"><div><div><div><div><div><div dir="auto"><div class="x1iorvi4 x1pi30zi x1swvt13 xjkvuk6" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id=":rkc:" style="padding: 4px 16px;"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf xz62fqu x16ldp7u" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; margin-bottom: -5px; margin-top: -5px;"><div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1xmvt09 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto" style="display: block; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It recently came to my attention that some people don't understand what modern day homesteading looks like. It's decidedly different than old time homesteading to be sure, but in many practical ways it's actually the same thing. For this reason, I'll be starting a series of posts on what modern day homesteading is all about. I hope it serves to bless and encourage you.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; white-space-collapse: preserve;">So, just what <b><i>is</i></b> modern day homesteading? In the most simplistic terms, it's using the space & the intellect God has blessed you with, to be as self-sufficient as possible and provide for your family. Some people might call it simply "gardening". While gardening is certainly <i>part</i> of homesteading, it's just one part among many others. Homesteading includes gardening, as well as knowing how to put up (preserve) that food that you grew. It also includes <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>learning numerous new skills to build & create things (as much as possible) that your household needs. From furniture to soap, pet food to clothes, medicines to nutrient dense compost. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Homesteading looks very different for every household. For some it may include a large plot of land with barns, coops & greenhouses along with meat & egg chickens, raising goats, beef cattle or pigs. For others it will be an herbal or basic apothecary, kitchen or grocery row garden. For others it might be soap, candle making, or beekeeping (and selling those things at a local market). For most people who come into the homesteading life, it will often include many of these things.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">It looks a little different for each family yet the goal is exactly the same: to produce as much of your own home grown, home preserved or home created products as possible, to eliminate the reliance on local grocery or big box stores and pharmacies. For many people the inspiration to live this way was especially highlighted during the worst part of the product shortages & lockdowns during the covid pandemic years of 2020-22 when we realized just how reliant on them we really were. Most of us had never really given it a second thought how dependant we really were, and that was a huge inspiration to remedy that.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">In contrast to what homesteading used to look like 150 years ago, you don't have to be a pioneer with a covered wagon, building your own cottage from hand cut, peeled and split logs, relying on hand cut firewood & your own hand built outhouse to be an actual homesteader. That <i>is</i> what our ancestors had to do, but it's not what we have to do, thankfully, to engage in the same self-sufficient, satisfying hard work they engaged in. We have the conveniences they didn't have but we're usually not using up the growing space they definitely would have been using, and we usually don't know how to preserve what we've grown or create things we need, the way they knew how to do it. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">In 2024, modern day homesteading means making use of your situation, whatever that looks like, to be as self-sufficient as you're able to be.</div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="xwya9rg x11i5rnm x1e56ztr x1mh8g0r xh8yej3" style="font-family: inherit; margin: -16px 0px 8px; width: 700px;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><div class="x6s0dn4 xi81zsa x78zum5 x6prxxf x13a6bvl xvq8zen xdj266r xktsk01 xat24cr x1d52u69 x889kno x4uap5 x1a8lsjc xkhd6sd xdppsyt" style="align-items: center; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--divider); color: var(--secondary-text); display: flex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; justify-content: flex-end; line-height: 1.3333; margin: 0px 16px; padding: 10px 0px;"><div class="x9f619 x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z x78zum5 x2lah0s x1qughib x1qjc9v5 xozqiw3 x1q0g3np xykv574 xbmpl8g x4cne27 xifccgj" style="align-items: stretch; background-color: #242526; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b0b3b8; display: flex; flex-flow: row; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; justify-content: space-between; margin: -6px; position: relative; z-index: 0;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Carla Rolfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09395062089776262435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6502666824202283035.post-948938006538717512024-01-15T15:30:00.001-05:002024-01-15T16:28:33.004-05:00NEW YEAR - NEW BLOG?<p>Fun new project giving the old blog a complete makeover. I started this blog 20 years ago in June, and have been tinkering with the idea of giving it an entirely new look, for a really long time. As I'm contemplating ditching FB for good (a million reasons), the old blog is looking better all the time for the new home of my garden & homesteading thoughts, design thoughts, doctrinal and theology thoughts... and whatever else pops into my head. We'll see how it goes, but I sure do miss daily writing, so maybe blogging will make a comeback after all. Stay tuned! π</p>Carla Rolfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09395062089776262435noreply@blogger.com0