[ redacted ]

I’m sure I’m not the only one who has had this thought…

The pecan tree outside my door.

Spring has come early this year… at least to those of us in the South! After waiting for the frosts, which hardly happened at all through this winter, we’ve accepted that the sunshine and warm breezes are here to stay for this year. Whether I’m ready or not (let’s go with not) it’s garden time! 

This is my first year gardening, so I expect to make some mistakes. My plan isn’t ideal, and I’ve had to compromise a bit from my dream of a totally organic garden, but it has been necessary. I have to remind myself that not only is there always next year, but that 80% organic and 100% heirloom is still more than worthwhile!

Here’s my current list of spring garden goodies that are in the works:

• Rocky Top Lettuce Mix and Henderson’s Black Seed Lettuce
• Horace Boyette Burpless Cucumbers
• Tomatoes (plants): Mortgage Lifter, Red Beefsteak, Pink Brandywine, Mr. Stripey 
• Peppers (plants): Jalepeno, Chili Red
• Parisienne Carrots
• Potatoes: Yukon Gold and Red Pontiac
• State Half Runner Beans
• Banana Melon
• Orangeglo Watermelon
• Sweet Mint (plant)
• Genovese Basil
• Thai Red Roselle Hibiscus

These are just the fruits, veggies, and herbs I have yet to plant. On the property, there’s already persimmon, plum, pear, and pecan trees, and a plethora of blueberry bushes for the edibles. As far as flowers, there is everything from Seven Sisters roses to English violets, and trees from crape myrtles to ironwood. 

And now, to set the stage…

My garden will be planted here soon!

Blueberry bushes, covered in blooms… and in the background, the neighbor’s muscadine vine.

My itty bitty country house!

I try to remember that being excited by the little things is a good thing… and somehow, even my tiny little house looks homey and inviting when I think of it in that light! 

This is, hands down, my favorite jelly! Many jellies and jams are just too sugary for me, but this jelly has a great tang that really counters the sweetness, and the bright red hue is just beautiful! 

Makes about 6 half pint jars, with a little left over for taste testing!

• 1/4 cup organic dried hibiscus flowers
• 1 3/4 cups unsweetened cranberry juice (cocktail with apple and/or pear juice is fine, but no added sugar)
• 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup lime juice, approximately 1 lime
• 6 tbsp dry pectin
• 5 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup boiling water

Steep dried hibiscus in boiling water, off heat, at least two hours. Strain flowers and discard. Filter liquid through coffee filter or double cheesecloth. Put all ingredients, except sugar, in large pot and bring to a heavy rolling boil. The vinegar may smell very strong - that is normal! Add sugar and return to heavy boil. Boil 1-2 minutes, testing for your desired gel. Ladle into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Hot water bath at least 10 minutes, adjusting for your altitude. Chill before serving.

if CERN’s additional findings do confirm faster than light neutrino speeds, is it possible that information sent via neutrino between particles could explain quantum entanglement? 

spindle arms
rolled, twisted into oblivion
gentle claws brush against my skin
lulling me into believing its benevolence.
slits for eyes, toxic emeralds glow 
the beast inches nearer, pulling me into its abyss.

the child is afraid of
the monster under the bed
for it lurks so near.

insanity’s lair is closer.

CERN Press Release

I’m kinda hoping that neutrinos DO travel faster than the speed of light… I bet the theory on THAT would be interesting!

• [redacted]: homesteading would be awesome.
• dad: so you want to be a survivalist?
• [redacted]: uh, we don't call it that anymore. it sounds a little too waco.

i would like to join a nudist colony. except for all those other people that would want to walk around nakey.