Common Sense Home Good News Letter 1/1/24
“She shook off the frustrations of the past year, and faced the new year with quiet determination.”
2023 was a bumpy year for our family, and I don’t mind putting it in the rearview mirror. It is a bit daunting, though, with August’s old job wrapping up and his starting a new consulting business, and all the changes online bringing less people to the website.
That said, as I quipped to August the other day, I am independently wealthy – at least in what really matters. I have a loving family and good friends, functional health, a home and good food to eat, and I get to spend my days sharing knowledge.
We have some new projects planned for 2024, both online and off. The Food is Health membership will be launching at the end of the month.
Many of you have asked about getting articles in book form, so we’re going to work on that, too. I have some humorous things I plan to share on kindle unlimited.
On the homestead, we’re finishing the interior of the new workshop. The overhead door should be going in this week, and the guys have been making progress on the ceiling and walls. They got stalled out for a bit because the ceiling works best as a three person job (it’s really high), and my husband was busy wrapping up at his previous job.
I drafted our sons inside to help with processing apples and recording videos. We’re going to have some yummy recipes in next week’s newsletter, featuring apple goodies. I have an apple butter recipe that August said reminded him of ice cream with the spices and creamy texture.
Come spring, we’re planning on a new wood shed, rain catchment for the main greenhouse, and an assortment of other odds and ends of projects that need doing.
This week I’m talking about seeds. It’s important to order early if you can, because some varieties sell out quickly. It also helps the seed companies to spread out the load of shipping all those orders if people don’t wait until the last minute to shop.
This afternoon I’m visiting with an old friend who came for the long weekend. We’re going to make chicken pot pie and wassail and watch The Return of the King.
All our best to you and yours in the new year,
Laurie (and August IV, August V, and Duncan)
This week’s featured articles…
Heirloom, hybrid, GMO, open-pollinated – what’s the difference? I explain the different seed terms and the advantages and disadvantages of heirloom seeds.
You shared and we listened! I’ve updated our list of some of the best places to buy heirloom seeds.
Do you have some seeds left and are wondering if they’re still good? We have a seed viability chart and simple germination test so you can figure out which ones are still good to use.