Things forgotten, things learned

I am in the process of viewing a BBC documentary about an Edwardian Farm which has been brought back to life to illustrate the farming practices, household practices, etc. of that time period in Devon UK.  Absolutely fascinating, especially if you are a student of old farming practices and women's history as I am.  I am sure this was done in the past 5 years and can be viewed on your computer.  There is also a 1600's farm documentary done the same way.  The former is titled Edwardian Farm and the latter is Tales from the Green Valley.  The web site is http://topdocumentaryfiles.com/ Highly recommend it.  Word of warning--each documentary mentioned above is at least 5 hours long and is quite addictive.  It is divided into parts so that you can view some and get back to it later. 

Part of living effectively in the country, like my husband and I and 2 of my daughters do, is learning to combine trips to 'town' for supplies and also not going in to town often.  Of course, you need a freezer(s) to do this right and a place to store stock-up items.  Today, my husband and I will go to the local Aldi's to find lunch supplies (we both take our lunches to work, generally leftovers, but we do like to have sandwich fixings now and then).  Normally, we get 'groceries' once every 6 - 8 weeks and visit Aldi's and Sam's.  Although we don't like to do a lot of errands after we leave work which causes our farm chores not to be done until later in the evening, we also don't want to come back into town on the weekends since that is prime work-around-the-farm-and-house time.  Today is one of the days we will shop after work and come home to the joy of putting purchases away.  Ah, well, at least we have some money to do that with.  We know those that do not and we try to help whatever way we can.  Please remember that every time you see news that the economy is getting better and fewer people are applying for unemployment that they are not telling you about those who have given up looking for work because there isn't any.  We have way too many people in this debacle.  Help when you can and keep yelling for universal health care and the continuation of services which will help all of us a lot.  After all, what is our measure as a people if we are the only industrialized country in the world (and the richest--we can afford more than one war at a time) to not have universal health care for its people and are, instead, cutting humanitarian items from the national budget!  Peace to us all.

Chickens are very happy and laying eggs and the greenhouse is filling up with plants that we will soon set out in the garden.  Considering the very strange weather we have had for the past 2 seasons, who knows what this season will be like--but that doesn't stop a market gardener.  We are looking forward to the opening of the Attica, Indiana Farmer's Market on May 19.  Hopefully, we will have a few green things to start with. 

Also, for those of you interested, I am taking orders for noodles to put in your freezer for the next months--$4.00 for a dried pound.  Made from my homegrown brown eggs. 

And I do knitting for sale.  It's not too early to think about the holidays or any gifting occasion coming up.  Knitted items do take some time, so you should get your order in early.  Socks are my specialty and I will make them with sock yarn (sock yarn is thin enough to fit in your shoes),  or heavier worsted yarn for boots, bedsocks or just wearing around the house.  These socks are made completely with or with a large percentage of natural wool so they will wear for a very long time.  Adult socks are $25.00 per pair, babies and toddlers are $10.00 per pair and larger children's socks $15.00 per pair.  May seem expensive, but it takes at least $10.00 of wool for adults socks and then you factor in 10 hours to make a pair and it begins to look very reasonable.  I also make hats, mittens, scarves, cowls, collars, shawlettes, fingerless gloves, baby blankets, dish cloths and washcloths (I guess we are supposed to call them spa cloths now!).  Prices vary on different items.  I use natural fibers whenever possible.  I shy away from sweaters and large clothing items due to the amount of time it takes to make them. 

Soap is another passion of mine.  I make very plain, white soap that contains coconut oil and other fats.  It has no scent, which makes it great for people with allergies.  It cleans very well and lathers wonderfully--even in our hard Indiana water.  Babies, grown ups, everyone loves it.  Great for your face, in the bath, and it won't dry out your skin.  $3.00/bar.

We also sell my knitting, soap and noodles at the Farmer's Market.  See Mike and I at the Attica, Indiana Farmer's Market every Saturday beginning May 19 and/or e-mail me at fentersj@gmail.com for more information and prices on the above.