Common Sense Home Good News Letter 8/5/23
“Now summer is in flower and nature’s hum is never silent round her sultry bloom.” — John Clare
We were finally blessed with more rain this past week than we’d had for the last several months, and the garden approved. I’m pretty sure the squash and melons doubled in size overnight, and everything else looks decidedly more perky. Hand watering will keep plants alive, but it doesn’t compare to a good soaking rain.
The pollinator numbers are finally picking up in the gardens, too. I’ve missed their gentle hum as a moved around the gardens. It was like a ghost town earlier in the season.
The young ducks are starting to feather out and their voices are changing. They’re getting bolder, often moving around the yard without the adults. All the ducks are loving the borage plants right now, nibbling at the leaves and blossoms. Thankfully there’s plenty of it for them and the pollinators. Bedtime snack and snuggle time has gotten a little crazy, but it’s worth it.
I’m reading the book Sustainable Medicine right now, and it’s given me some new ideas to explore. The author (a doctor) works at finding the underlying cause of health conditions, instead of just treating symptoms, which is sorely needed in today’s society. In the United States, “healthcare” system induced deaths are the third leading cause of premature death after heart disease and cancer. Surely we can do better?
All our best to you and yours,
Laurie (and August IV, August V, and Duncan)
This week’s featured articles…
I can feel the seasons starting to shift and the daylight hours get shorter and different plants begin to bloom. Things are a little bit “off” for us due to drought conditions for much of the summer, but I’ve noticed that the goldenrod is getting ready to bloom.
To some it’s just a weed, but you may be surprised at its many uses. Learn more here.
Homemade salsa is a family favorite, so we always can up plenty. I share our recipe, plus tips for adapting your favorite recipe for canning. Get the recipe here.
This easy quiche is one of my “go to” summer recipes because it comes together so quickly.
Popular on Instagram this week – it’s blackberry season. Duncan and I gathered the first big picking and freeze dried some of the harvest.