starting seeds

I have been lusting for spring. This winter was mild, but even so, I want sunshine and green and birds. I have already been out in the garden a few times to start the annual spring clean-up. It is still too early for us to start plowing our garden, but we did start some of our seeds inside two weeks ago. Every year, we stockpile egg cartons, as they make the perfect starter containers.

Here is what we do:  Remove the lid off the egg carton. Fill each egg cup with damp potting soil so the soil is level with the side of each cup. Make a slight indent in the top of the soil in each cup. Place two or three seeds in each indent, then cover them with soil.

Once planted, we store our seed starters in a clear tub with a lid to cover it (plastic wrap can work, too) and place it in our dining room window, which gets plenty of Southwest sunlight in the early spring. The soil should remain relatively moist. When the seedlings get to be about 4 inches tall or so, they need to be transplanted from their egg cartons to a larger container, such as plastic cups or even pots. If you are past your last frost, they can already be planted in the garden, but need to be gradually hardened to the elements before they can be moved outside.

growing in our garden

May brings huge peony blossoms.

 

Radishes make our first harvest this year.

And our backyard is literally a carpet of violets. In the early spring, it is a breathtaking sight.

We harvested our first blueberries today. Esme ate them all.

And meet one of our little albino thieves.

Another growing season is well on its way. Mother Nature has given us a beautiful spring, alternating both wet and sunny. We already have had our first harvests of blueberries and heirloom radishes. And just like last year and every year before, we started quite a few vegetables and herbs from seed, including a variety of heirloom tomatoes and peppers, sunflowers, pole beans and lima beans, dill, cabbage, pumpkins, squash, and gourds. We also have innumerable perennials and biennials--mint, catnip, chives, parsley, strawberries, onions, chamomile and rhubarb.  I cannot help but get a bit nostalgic about how our garden grows and changes year after year.

stockpiling for catastrophe

I was sorting through some papers on my desk, and I flipped to a list of the Top 100 Items to Disappear First During a National Emergency. I don't remember where I found the list, but it is circulating.

Top 100 Items to Disappear First During a National Emergency
1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy...target of thieves; maintenance etc.)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried, for home uses.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice - Beans - Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.)
17. Survival Guide Book.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item)
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman's Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. {"Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, "No. 76 Dietz" Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels)
49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soysauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soupbase
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. "Survival-in-a-Can"
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattress's
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Livestock

With unemployment and recession hitting us at home, we were happy to have stockpiled some of our basic necessities, including grains and beans, flour, frozen and jarred veggies and fruit, olive oil, paper products, batteries, borax and baking soda, vinegar, and a number of reusable (versus disposable) products. We have put a dent in our stockpile, and need to boost it up again. I would ideally have 3 months supply of food to fall back on, if needed.

Here are a couple of useful links:

Basic food storage guide lines http://www.trackmyfoodstorage.com/ar...eid=4&zoneid=1
Prepping guide http://athagan.members.atlantic.net/Index.html

cloth pads: yes, women do have options!

I absolutely LOVE cloth pads. I have used them since dear Flo returned nearly a year after Evelyn was born. I actually came across them when I was searching eBay for cloth diapers, and I became absolutely excited about the idea of wearing something fun, interesting, and comfortable during the few days when I was usually crampy and, to be honest, itchy from the paper irritation.

I have not had my period in a good long while, and when Esme was postpartum, I used mostly the larger cloth pads that came in my birth kit. Since I was only just pregnant back when we had our house fire, most of my pads were lost in the fire. I still have four or five that were in my purse at the time--luckily they are my favorites. But Esme is 11 months old, about two weeks older than Eva was when Flo returned for her usual visits. And from what I understand, Flo returns about the same time postpartum for each child a mother has (depending on a few factors, including exclusive breastfeeding duration, among other things--though I have not had any signs whatsoever of my cycle starting up again). So, I figure--better to be prepared! I'm shopping for pads!

I mentioned the prospect to a couple of friends recently, and they were shocked--"Cloth pads! Eeewww! What? I've never heard of such a thing! Why?"

I attribute this response to isolation and lack of knowledge. So, to spread the wealth...

The official definition: A cloth menstrual pad is a reusable menstrual product that absorbs the menstrual flow. It is an absorbent pad made from layers of absorbent fabric such as cotton flannel, hemp, terry cloth, etc.

So, why use cloth pads, you ask? There are countless reasons.

Because they are made from natural fabrics, cloth pads are more comfortable, being softer, more breathable, and less irritating than their disposable counterparts. There is also no chance for any unwanted and painful sticking to sensitive skin and hair.

By using cloth pads, you can improve your health by reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals. Disposable pads contain a variety of chemicals, bleaches, and additives, all of which are easily absorbed into your body through your sensitive genital tissue, causing irritation and discomfort, as well as increasing cramping and bleeding, and lengthening duration.

Cloth pads are better for the environment. By using (and reusing) cloth pads, you are not contributing to the obscene amount of waste going into landfills. Disposable menstrual products do not break down, nor can they be recycled. In many cases, cloth pads can be made from recycled materials, such as old cotton pillowcases or pajamas, and, years down the road, when they are thoroughly worn out, they can go into compost rather than the landfill. And, with proper care, cloth pads can literally last five to eight years--or more--costing you a fraction of the amount you would have otherwise spent on disposable menstrual products.

Perhaps the most satisfying reason to switch to cloth pads--you will feel more in touch with your body, empowered by not throwing away a part of your body. Women who use cloth pads feel better about themselves, more connected with their cycles, and have a more positive attitude to themselves and menstruation--not to mention the self-expression that goes into picking out the fabrics and designs of your own cloth pads!

Cloth pads have been around for a very long time, but have changed dramatically from what they used to be. Cloth pads of the past were nothing like the designer cloth pads made today. Instead, they were generally made from old sheets, scraps of cloth, toweling, etc. Women of the past would fold the fabric into a rectangle of many layers and some would use pins to secure the folded fabric into place. Some of the "nicer" pads were sewn together with loops and tied at the hip or waist to secure it into place. While these types of pads are examples of what women of the past used, women still use cloth pads similar to these in some areas of the world. Here is an example of what they look like:



There are many styles of cloth pads to choose from nowadays, however, most commonly either AIO (all in one) or holder/insert construction.

AIO (all in ones) pads: The AIO pad consists of only the one pad, usually with attached wings to secure it to the undergarment. Advantages are that it is just one piece, with no assembly required. Disadvantages are that you need many different sizes since they are not adjustable to your flow like the holder/insert style. Because they are one piece, they are generally thicker, which can make it difficult to tell when a change is necessary (unable to peek between layers). The thickness also makes thoroughly washing them a little harder (in the center/core). They also take longer to dry. Here is a picture of one of a few of my own cloth pads:



Holder/insert pads: The holder and insert pad has the holder which is secured to the undergarment and the inserts which are separate absorbent pads that are secured to or inside the holder. Advantages to this style is it allows you to adjust the number of inserts to accommodate your flow. With this style, it is easier to see if a change is necessary by checking between the layers. The layers are thinner (although there are more pieces) which makes thoroughly cleaning them easier. They dry faster since the layers are separate. Disadvantages are having several pieces to assemble and clean. The following images are courtesy of Sew Green's Cloth Pad Insert tutorial:









Women have alternatives. We have a choice. We do not have to be dependent on corporations and chemicals. We owe it to ourselves to not be bullied or embarrassed by those who are close-minded or unwilling to be different from what society has told us is acceptable.


And caring for your cloth pads is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for your handmade pads, or your manufacturers guidelines.

Before using your cloth pads, they must be washed. The more you wash them, the more absorbent and the softer they will become. To wash your pads, place them in a mesh laundry bag and wash them on the gentle cycle in cold water or wash them by hand. Cloth pads can be dried by laying them flat to air dry, hanging them to dry, or tumble drying them on medium. Do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets as they can interfere with the absorbency of the pads.

To use your cloth pad (which depends on the design), secure the pad to your undergarment. Most cloth pads have wings and are secured with a snap. When you are first learning to use cloth pads, it may be necessary to check the pad often to prevent leaking through until you are comfortable in knowing that you are using the correct size pad for your flow and how often to change your pad.

After use, rinse your pads in cold water as soon as possible to prevent stains from setting and place them in a soaking container filled with cold water until they can be thoroughly washed. Be sure to replace the water daily. On wash day, simply remove your pads from the soaking container and place in a mesh laundry bag and wash as suggested above. To prevent stains, remember to rinse your pads immediately after use and soak them in cold water until they can be washed. If pads are allowed to dry, then they are likely to stain, and the stains will be very difficult to remove.

Using cloth pads when you are away from home is simple. Most cloth pads fold up nicely and snap with wings and can easily be placed in a purse or pouch. For used pads, a leak-proof bag, known as a "wet bag," is ideal. A wet bag can be anything from a small cosmetics bag, a pouch made of a water-resistant fabric, or a zip-top plastic bag. Simply fold the used pad and stow it discretely in the wet bag until you get home.


Some suggested websites:
http://www.gladrags.com/
http://www.lunapads.com/

Make your own cloth pads:
http://www.fuzbaby.com/articles/makeyourown_clothmenstrualpads.htm
http://shewhorunsintheforest.googlepages.com/0011
http://www.diapersewing.com/clothpads.htm

My new favorites:
Mommy's Touch: http://mamaclothonline.com/item_21/Mommys-Touch-Cloth-Pads.htm

eating a wholefoods diet

I went grocery store to get some produce yesterday--fresh nectarines, avocado, spinach, cabbage, cilantro, asparagus, tomatoes--and the cashier commented on the amounts of fresh fruits and veggies I was buying. After I explained that our diet consists mostly of wholefoods, she asked me, "What are wholefoods?" I was sort of dumbfounded. Then I thought she was joking. Apparently, I was wrong. She really had no clue that it was even possible to live without processed junk and soda pop. I guess that is what I get for visiting the supermarket. So, what are wholefoods, anyway? Wholefoods are edible substances which are as close to their "whole" or natural state as possible. They have not been pre-processed in any way which would disturb their nutrition or flavor. They are therefore free of all processing additives or subtractions. The overall idea of wholefoods, is to prepare foods which are:

• As whole and in their most simple form as possible.
• In season from as close to the source as possible.
• As chemically and additive free as possible.
• In bulk and not pre-packaged.

Over 95% of illness and disorders are due to faulty and incomplete nutrition. A wholefoods diet provides necessary nutrients and prevents (and cures!) cronic illness. To have true health, a person should have a balanced wholefoods diet, which ensures that every aspect of digestion works properly. A wholefoods diet does not count vitamins and minerals since a healthy wholefoods diet will naturally provide all that a person needs. And since a wholefoods diet revolves around locally-grown foods, your produce will be fresher, and thus be loaded with more nutrients.

As for environmental impact, if you buy locally-grown produce in season, you actually prevent the environmental damage that is caused by shipping food thousands of miles, and you also support your local market in that you are able to buy directly from local farmers--they get the business, large corporation (or the "middleman") does not. Of course, growing your own produce is the sustainable ideal.

What does a dialy wholefoods menu look like?

Well, every person requires different nutrients. To Eva, at seven years, diet is especially important to achieve optimum growth. She should be taking in about 1700 calories a day, and protein and Vitamin A are especially important. To me, a lactating mother, my calorie intake should be around 2500 calories a day, and iron is a must.

For a typical day, however, I might make a menu as follows:

Breakfast Whole grain oats and barley Molasses for sweetening Frozen peaches

Mid morning Fruit smoothie (live-culture yogurt; orange juice; banana; frozen strawberries, raspberries, blueberries; cashew butter)

Lunch Asparagus, onion Rice and oil or butter Salad: lettuce, spinach, sprouts, tomato, cucumber Post-Lunch Mixed nuts, seeds, and dried fruit Apple juice Tea Avocado, walnut & carab snack Herbal tea

Dinner Vegetable bread: Millet, onion, celery, red pepper, zucchini, garlic & herbs

Post-dinner Fruit salad: nectarines and apples

As for what foods are in season at different times of the year, you should get to know your growing and harvesting schedule. During the late winter months in Ohio, it is difficult for me to find locally grown produce. Unfortunately, that means I have to give in a little, and eat either jarred or frozen food or buy produce that I know is in season in other areas of the country.

Check out Sustainable Table's list of seasonal produce to find out what is available near you during which seasons.