Common Sense Home Good News Letter 12/24/22
A Homestead Night Before Christmas
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and nearby the house
Small creatures were stirring, a red fox, a mouse;
The duckies were tucked in their warm coop with care,
And the chickens all perched on roosts high in the air.
The flowers, snow covered, nestled snug in their beds;
While ice crystals glistened on faded seed heads.
The land that was once left abandoned and torn,
Now hosted abundance, just waiting for morn.
Where there had been a low spot, there now stood a pond;
Where froggies would sing through spring and beyond.
To the west there now sprang a fine row of strong trees,
That protected the home from strong winds and light breeze.
Round the corner, a beehive, filled with many tiny guests;
Well covered for winter so they could safely take rest.
To north sat the solar panels, quietly waiting for sun;
So they could produce electricity to help the house run.
In clumps and in clusters all over the land,
Were trees, shrubs, vines, and gardens, all planted by hand.
Each plant was not just a source of medicine or food,
It was a dream the family planted, and with love they imbued.
The walls of the home, so thick and so strong;
Protected the family in this place they belong.
While they slept, their dreams swirled with plans for the year,
Of how to share with others the values they hold dear.
The times they were troubled, with much darkness and fear;
Yet still there was hope, and reason for cheer.
And while they don’t know quite how their story ends;
They know they can build it with loved ones and friends.
May you have a blessed holiday season and a joyful new year filled with opportunities.
Thank you for being a part of our community.
All our best to you and yours,
Laurie, August IV, August V, and Duncan
This week’s featured articles…
These chocolate coffee cookies were christened as “reindeer print cookies” by readers.
For last minute gift wrapping, we have printable labels for your gifts and mason jars.
The seed catalogs have started to arrive, and I’ve been brainstorming about next year’s garden while the cold winds blow outside. If you’re impatient for that first harvest, check out this list of the fastest veggies to grow, which includes some you can grow inside in record time.
When you’re ready to get planting, True Leaf Market has some of the fastest shipping I’ve found when ordering seeds and supplies. They also have a great selection of microgreen seeds and sprouting kits.
Update on the injured duck, little Sarah Sweet Pea. Sarah had a follow up visit with the chiropractor this week. Her leg was still in the hip socket, which was good, but slightly twisted. He reset the leg, and now we wait and see if she can heal completely over time, or she’ll be left with a limp. Either way, her feather condition and overall health is greatly improved. She has a personality at least twice her size, and plenty to say in every conversation, especially at snack time. You can see Sarah’s second chiropractor visit on youtube.