Why we needed a new garden We knew by the end of last summer that our garden needed some work. Since we hadn’t used green-treated boards in the old garden, the raised beds were rotted out. Even the garden fence was looking shabby – needing new paint, and some replacement boards. However, we weren’t going […]
Author: Carmen
10 Ways to Support Others during a Crisis
How are you doing today? I mean it. I really want to know. Feel free to comment or shoot me an email, if you want to chat, vent, and especially if you need someone to listen right now. We all need connection and community right now! Personally, I’m doing “ok”. I’m still employed even though […]
Reasons to start plants from seeds
There are many reasons why you should start your garden plants from seeds – from health reasons to saving money! What exactly is in there?! One reason to start your own seeds is because you then know exactly what you are growing in your garden. Seed packets should tell you if the seeds are organic […]
Chocolate Stained Glass – an easy, Christmas treat
This recipe for Chocolate Stained Glass couldn’t be easier. I’ve seen this confection also called Church Windows or Cathedral Windows Candy, Marshmallow Yule Log, or simply Stained Glass Candy. But is this considered a dessert? A cookie? Candy? I’ll let you decide! Disclaimer: The links below may be affiliate links. If you purchase any products […]
How to make a hot dog pillowcase
Several months ago, the company I worked for asked for volunteers to help make a hot dog pillowcase for the Minneapolis branch of Ryan’s Case for Smiles – a nonprofit group helping children cope with treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses. I know I’ve mentioned before that I’m not much of a sewer (sewist?). […]
July 2019 homestead update
Yes, I know I posted a homestead update just a couple of weeks ago but it seems like so much has happened since then! Summer Storms I didn’t mention in that last update, that we were supposed to be camping that weekend. Earlier in the week the forecast was for mid-90s all weekend. And with […]
Summer on the Homestead
I had originally planned to write this post at the end of June … somehow it’s now the MIDDLE of July. This summer is flying by too fast for my liking. Our first bit of news is that we have Chicks! Baby chicks They arrived three weeks ago already and so they have already developed […]
Homemade Rice Pilaf (copycat)
I don’t know about your household, but when we try and plan meals, it’s so easy to get caught up in the main dish / meat option and suddenly you think “What are we going to have WITH this?” Back in the day, when hubby and I were first married, we often had pre-packaged rice […]
Camping at Cushon’s
Last weekend we went to a new-to-us campground near Houston, Minnesota. The place was called Cushon’s Peak Campground, because (surprise, surprise), it’s at the base of Cushon’s Peak bluff. Our friends had tried this place out last year and said what a nice campground it was. We would have to agree – and can’t wait […]
May on the Homestead
It’s funny how when I start to write: “Nothing happened in May,” I think to myself. It’s a good thing I take lots of pictures as reminders, because a LOT happened this month! You may recall that at the beginning of the month, we had a sick hen on our hands. I’m sad to say […]