As 2014 rang in, I found out that life as I knew it would change,
and I would have no control over that event. While I am still learning
and understanding what change will mean to me and my family, I have
decided to take charge of the things I can control, within reason.
I am an extremely private and protective person, so while I am
blogging, I will refrain from using anyone's real name, nor post any
identifying characteristics of us or our community. I will say that we
live in Western Washington, blocks from the Puget Sound, about an hour
away from Seattle in a midsized city of around 40,000 people. This will
be pertinent to any gardening posts.
Our 1910 house is
situated in the old downtown area on a 1/4 acre lot. Downtown has been
half-heartedly attempting a revitalization of sorts for several years.
Our house is an amalgam of restoration, remodel and make-do, with a
wish list a mile long.
Because we are in downtown, there are
laws in place restricting pets and livestock. We are allowed to have a
number of laying hens contained in a backyard with a license. We love
our feathered girls and are always trying out new egg using recipes. We
have a one year old puppy that I affectionately nicknamed Booger, and
she manages to get into trouble daily. Unless the laws change, we will
probably never be able to raise broilers or have a mini cow. Time will tell.
We have been growing fruits and vegetables in our yard, then harvesting,
eating and preserving them through various methods. This year I believe
will be our biggest garden ever. I hope to document the triumphs
and trials of growing food organically as well as recipes and
techniques. I have canned (both water bath and pressure), fermented,
pickled, dehydrated, stored and frozen our produce as well as abundance found at
markets and local farms. I am a lifetime adventurous home cook experimenting
with different cuisines, whole foods, gluten free and paleo dishes. I
love to feed my family organic, local and seasonal food, as well as
healthify family recipes.
At times, I sew, knit, crochet,
paint, craft, and create. Sometimes I create out of love, sometimes to
meet a need, and a lot of times because the kiddo wants to. As these
occasions spring up, I will make efforts to document them here.
Currently there is a pile of mending, a pile of tote bags to be
completed, a quilt to make for a big kiddo bed, curtains to be
assembled, a crocheted cardigan to finish, the hope of several
amigurumi, a stuffed dog for a new baby, several dresses for a growing
kiddo, aprons to fashion. All of this likely can be accomplished
through accumulated stash, but we shall see.
Over time I have
become a fairly obsessive thrifter. Most of the time, all of our
clothing and housewares have been obtained through thrift, freecycling,
craigslist, friends, except for those most personal of things like underwear. I have made decisions to opt for new more efficient appliances, as the old have keeled-over, but at the same time, I keep my eye out and be patient for a stovetop espresso pot or a pizza peel. I am having a minor love affair with all things Pyrex, within reason. I envision sharing these finds and the outcome of their integration into our lives.
We'll see how this goes, if I am able to consistently post, if I remember to get out the camera and document while in the throws of life.
