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I'm a Canadian now residing in Sunny Arizona since 2002. Although I've been a city girl all of my life, I've always loved the country and the laid back life it offers. My love of the Outdoors, Animals,and Gardening comes from my mom Cecile, who loved her home in the country, but sadly passed away in 2005. I promised her I would grow a garden in her name, And I finally did, five years later. One of my best memories of her is how much she loved her garden. The glow on her face when she would show me something new, always creating a life with things she loved. She loved all animals. She taught me simplicity, to enjoy the small things, and see beauty in everything. Today I find myself doing the same things she did in her garden and in life. This blog was created to keep track of my projects and adventures. They may not all be successes, but my goal is to remain unintimidated by whatever engages my curiosity. I want to share this adventure with those who can appreciate the small things, the trial and errors, the simplicity in it all, but mostly,what my mom knew how to do best,just have FUN! *This blog is dedicated to her*

Aug 25, 2011

Intense Heat

We've had some record-breaking heat waves lately, and hopefully this is the end of it, with September around the corner, we should be getting some relief really soon :) My chickens will be so thankful. Poor things, it was a tough summer for them, not to mention they lost 2 pals too.
I'm looking forward to doing some outdoor projects this fall. Besides having the best garden I will ever have, I plan on adding some more native plant life in the front yard. I want to create an oasis at the entrance of my home sweet home.
Looking forward to spending more time outside hiking and riding my bicycle too  :)

Aug 22, 2011

Surviving Tough Times

We are all seeing the tough times,it's everywhere. And sadly more uncertain times are still to come.
Some people are learning to live with less. Something I'm rather used to, and grateful for. I have learned a lot about self-reliance. The best I can do is to prepare.
I live for what really matters. My homestead, the food in my garden, my family and my animals.
I do not have cable, no satellite dish, no phone at home, no expensive wireless apparatus or the Internet.
I hang my clothes outside, I save the rain water for my garden, I recycle my furniture and clothes.
I'd much rather cook a good meal than go to a restaurant. I'd rather go on a hike than go to a gym.
I'd rather stay at home and learn a new skill than to go out with people I have nothing in common with.
One very important thing for me is to surround myself with like-minded people.
These are the people who understand your way of living, who encourage you, who help you learn something new, who believe in you, never judge you, who will be there for you regardless of how bad things get.
I am so grateful for my mom, who taught me to keep things simple, always.
Spending quality time with family and trusting friends is the best gift ever. I am grateful for getting up each morning and having a job to go to, to have food on my table, and a roof over my head.
Although thougher times are still ahead, I will be glad I had a head-start in being self-sufficient, prepared and well-surrounded.

Aug 2, 2011

What goes Around comes Around

While picking up more bags of waste at the feed store yesterday  I chatted for a while with the owner. He talked about the huge garden he once had, and how hard he worked at it manually. He gave me some pointers as to how to work the organic matter into the soil.
He thanked me again for recycling his animals's waste.
I told him I will definately offer him some of my produce once it's harvest time, a way to thank him for helping me provide this free good stuff to my garden.
That's what it's about  :)

Aug 1, 2011

What a Fabulous Weekend!

I enjoyed my mornings getting up and riding my bicycle around the neighborhood, and the evening showers with rolling thunder. Lots of much needed rain came into the valley, filling up the rain barrels once more.
The high humidity kept me mostly indoors during the afternoons though, inspiring me to do a little baking. I made tasty raspberry granola bars with jam I had made a while back, also on the menu; vegetable soup to feed a family for months...the house smelled so good. Also, stuffed baked Manicotti with 3 cheeses.
And finally I sorted out my vegetable and herb seedlings and prepped the trays indoors.
I am extremely confident about my garden this season. I look forward to the cooler temps so I can spend some serious time in the garden  :)