I am assembling the felted wool for a katwise coat and MUST include this discontinued yo yo diet yarn! It's a gorgeous rose purple green and cream handmade yarn made by a womens collective. I get stunning yarn and feel good about supporting Nicole's business! (This is a contest entry, in case it's not clear by the background of the photo.)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/419711_10150585286227944_754907943_9161884_617613993_n.jpg

*banging head into wall*

I posted this yesterday on a writing forum:

Tomorrow 3 of my 4 kids start school. I'm going to have SO MUCH time to write... if my toddler cooperates I've got a netbook, though, and can set her up with "work" to do while I write. And if things go well, I'll be able to hire a babysitter for some time, too. *Crossing my fingers*

21 hours later, I posted again:

Today was the first day of school. Laura spent the day talking. The WHOLE day, barely pausing for breath. I have never ever hear her talk this much. Like... she'd pause, barely, for replies. QUICK, talk before the other kids get home and I don't get a turn!!!! If Gary thinks I can work with her, he's on crack.

OOOH! Stuff you can make RIGHT NOW: http://wellpreserved.ca/2011/04/08/april-preserving-ideas/
Asparagus is coming into season
Mangos (imported) are in season

http://www.punkdomestics.com/ is loaded with fabulous recipes. I could spend all day there.

HOW TO HOST A CANNING PARTY! http://www.canningacrossamerica.com/resources/how-to-host-a-home-canning-party/

Some really cool links on food preservation: http://glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com/2009/08/party-to-preserve-season.html

ETA: This blog said she's focusing on low sugar stuff: http://www.lelonopo.com/

Canning recipes that grabbed my attention today ( Read more... )

Does canning pay? http://www.laughingduckgardens.com/ldblog.php/2009/08/08/the-economics-of-canning-peaches/

I don't understand her math but maybe it's because short people are talking to me. However, if you get your jars for free, the price ought to go down even more!

How to use every last little bit of the peaches!

http://www.modernalternativemama.com/blog/2010/8/5/recipe-collection-peach-jelly.html
http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/peach-pit-jelly/

Coupon links( Read more... )

I'd like to make a conscious effort to put up a lot of fresh, inexpensive produce this summer. As I happen to know other people will be doing the same, I'll share the links here, but try to remember to put them behind a cut if they're taking up a lot of space.

The first, and imo most important link, is the one with general guidelines letting me know what to expect and when. Last year, I planned badly. Every time I thought "I'd like to buy some pyo strawberries (or whatever)", I discovered that I'd missed the season (and cheapest prices). I'd LIKE to avoid doing that this year!!!

http://www.pickyourown.org/NYharvestcalendar.htm

I'm trying to go over my shopping habits in my head to see how I'm doing.( Read more... )

From Daily Prayables, today's made me smile:

Thanks be to You
for semi-colons,
for m-dashes, ellipses, and commas.
Glory be in the languages of Earth,
in Morse code and Braille,
in Swahili and Portuguese.
You made us social beings,
then gave us the gift that binds,
that brings us together
in conversation, chatter, exclamation.
Joy comes from communication,
as does peace.
Help us to use our words wisely and well.

- Lori Strawn