When I retired I offered to send readers directions for making the castile soap I used to sell. There have been so many requests that I realized I should simply put it on-line.
All Blog Posts
Weather, Libraries and Awakening to Indigenous Matters
Since “Idle No More,” my knowledge about Indigenous matters has grown. I’ve only skimmed the surface, enough to know that I know and understand very little. As a child of British descent growing up in Toronto my only awareness involved coveting one of my best friend’s “Indian Chief” hat.
Gore’s Landing: Shadows of the Pioneers
Since the mid-1900s Gore’s Landing has been a quiet hamlet, its history almost forgotten by all but those who call it home. Still a summertime beacon, the opening of fishing season finds its municipal dock, resorts and camps full of happy anglers, boaters and campers oblivious of the heritage of their surroundings.
Beeswax Candles: Why I no longer make them
One of the most profound changes for me was becoming a vegan rather than only vegetarian. Learning more about the dairy, chicken egg and bee product industries was the impetus. Isn’t it interesting that when one searches for information rather than accepting what you grew up with, one’s thinking often changes?
Spring Has Finally Sprung and It’s Glorious!
About two weeks before the official beginning of summer, it finally warmed up, the rain took a break, and Spring began. The wet cold made it seem that winter would never end – I was still wearing many layers well into May.
How to Separate Garlic Cloves
I love garlic and want to plant more this year. Last year I spent ages separating the cloves before planting out. This year I searched and found a really easy way to accomplish this little task…
Weathering Challenging Times: My Gardens’ Ups & Downs
In my corner of the world we’ve been pretty lucky so far. Our weather has had its ups and downs, but nowhere near what’s been happening in other parts of the world. This year has been different: apparently the current drought is the worst since 1959. Weathering challenging times like this will take more serious thought and ingenuity as climate change continues.
Hazel Bird Nature Reserve
The Hazel Bird Nature Reserve is well worth a visit. It’s much more fun to explore than a playground! It comprises many different habitats including tallgrass prairie, sand barren, oak woodland and black oak savanna, which are all native to the Rice Lake Plains. On a perfect Spring day in early May we went for the first time.
Winter Rambling with the Infrequent Blogger
Winter rambling…
I wonder if there’s a prize for being the most infrequent rambling blogger of all time?
I think as a blogger you’re supposed to post a new article a tad more often than twice a year or so. At least I don’t inundate readers with unwanted mail!
My biggest lesson from this is that one simply can’t do everything (at least I can’t).
Springing forward as the good life continues
It’s Spring, finally. It was actually over 20°C yesterday and the sunshine was glorious – a reminder that simple living really is as simple as enjoying a warm and sunny day! There are Loons on the lake and ‘our’ Pileated Woodpecker has been visiting. Both of these birds will disappear from this area when all the weekend visitors arrive, with their increased activity and noise. But for now it’s lovely to see and hear them.
