Creative Endeavors

Winter arrived after ten o’clock last night making today the first full day of winter!!! We’ve experienced the shortest day of 2019 and now, beginning today, the days (therefore daylight) will get longer and longer! I know the chickens will love it even more than I do!

In my last post I mentioned I was Looking for the yellow while working through the sewing room mess. Well, just yesterday I found it - out in my She Shed! Now it’s too late, but I now know where it is! It’s too late for the project I wanted to create with it because I broke down and bought a kit with 20 little skeins of different colors. I’m not all that excited with the quality of the yarn, but it’s a learning process. 

I’m starting Round 6 (of at least 113!). I don’t work on it everyday - just here and there while sitting at my desk (to view the instructions via laptop).

Besides working on the Save, Donate, Burn stacks in the sewing room, I have accomplished some creative endeavors!

Thanks to my friend wearing a lovely shawl back early November, she shared with me the link to the pattern on Ravelry. Now I’m sharing the link with you! Simple Ruffles Shawl. The photo doesn't do the colors justice! I see green when I look at the real thing!

I used 2 1/2 skeins of Lion Brand Yarns - Ferris Wheel - Imaginary Gardens to make the shawl. Now I'm creating a headband with the leftovers!

The afghan I’m working on for Bud's Christmas gift (won't be done by this Christmas!) is coming along nicely. I worked on it for 2+ straight hours while watching Die Hard! After the Christmas Eve they have, it really makes one appreciate Christmas, even if a bit chaotic at times.

Again, the photo doesn't show its true colors. It's Premier Puzzle, Backgammon.

Here is the yarn from Amazon...

Big difference in the colors than what shows up in my photo! Wonder what's wrong with my phone?

The e-book I’m reading, Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff by Dana White, is hitting it on the nail. I love her humor and straightforwardness style of writing. She's a great motivator.

Last Thursday I actually took a truck load of clothes, household items, and miscellaneous goodies to the local mission! Goodness. It felt good! Can hardly wait to get another truck load ready!

It's time to bring in more Christmas decorations to organize. That reminds me... the 10 tubs we brought down from the attic the other day have been gone through and I filled up two trash bags of stuff not worth saving any longer! This is the first time since 1992 I have had all the decorations at one house! Yes!

I'm excited I'm getting stuff done while still completing creative endeavors! "It's a good thing" as Martha would say!




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Looking for the yellow

One never knows when you’ll learn about something new!

I love learning about new things... last night... I ventured out... I attended the L-M Garden Club meeting in Lometa.

I’m not fond of driving at night (or early morning) - the absolute darkness that the countryside brings then the occasional bright headlights - albeit few and far between - makes me nervous. And then it’s the deer, or raccoons, or armadillos, or skunks crossing the road.

Twice a skunk crossed in front of me. I did manage to avoid both encounters - one on my way to town, the other on my way home! Had I been "unfortunate" neither place would have wanted me to stay!

I know, I attended a “garden club” meeting and learned something new about crochet! A friend told me about the year long effort she made creating a “Sophie’s Universe” afghan. She explained how it starts out as a circle and each row around is basically a new stitch/technique - a circle that ends up becoming a square. Several times she said she learned so much while creating it. This intrigued me!

So this morning I did a bit of research...

Oh. My. Goodness.

I found exactly what Gail was talking about at Look at what I made!

Then I found It’s all in a Nutshell Crochet, a fabulous YouTube channel with tutorials on each step!

I downsized my yarn stash a few years ago. I've never regretted, and still don't, giving 99% of it to a friend...

Oh well. I think I saw a touch of yellow somewhere yesterday while working on the Save, Donate, Burn sacks tubs and boxes in the sewing room... I will keep looking for the yellow.

Thank you Gail!

If you're looking for me...

Not long ago I created another blog, Facebook page, Instagram, and Youtube channel, all under the name of tscGardens. I should have done it back in January - when I started the “real” garden. But the thought didn’t enter my mind at the time because I had doubts anything would grow.

Thankfully, I proved myself wrong.

I’m still learning how to use Instagram and produce video clips. I get Facebook.

I haven’t yet fully organized my sewing room after combining 2 households into this one. (I'm too embarrassed to share a photo!) It’s a slow work in progress. I am working on it a little each day. It’s going to be hard, but I must downsize - considerably. But where/what to do with the “stuff” I’ve collected over the years? I hate to burn it all once the burn ban is lifted. I haven’t yet found a resource to donate fabric scraps and trims etc. I know full well when I get rid of something I’ll come up with the perfect use for it and it will be too late!

So be it. I must downsize.

At least I’m getting organized in other areas!

From now on,
... sewing/craft related articles here on Lanetta’s Creations.
... chicken related articles on Journey in the Yolk Yard (which I need to update - it’s been over a year!).
... gardening related articles on tscGardens.
And just created this morning:
... raising meat rabbits articles on The Rabbitry at tscGardens!

Someone once asked me, "Why do you blog?" The blogs are basically for me. It's my documentation, the written record of what is going on in my life. If someone else benefits from something I share, it's a good thing. It's also a learning process, checking goals, and a reminder of what I had hoped to accomplish at one time or another.

Sometimes it's been a kick start to get back on track when life's gotten in the way.

For me, it's a good thing.

Texas in August

I know it’s been a long time since my last post. It’s been a weird time for me. After smoking for 50+ years, it’s a new normal I’ve been working on finding since Easter Sunday!
So far. So good!
Anyway, I’m here now!

It’s hot.
Okay. I’ve stated the obvious.
It’s Texas. It’s mid August.
There. The “weather talk” is now out of the way.
Two tips I have:
Stay hydrated.
Stay cool.

My first ever garden is still green! The grass around it, not so green. The plants aren’t producing much, but they are hanging in there!

My focus has been to do my best to carry it through this heat - four more weeks.

The other day while watering, if I could carry a tune I would have sung this song in my garden:

Another tip I have... get up early! Before dawn! Get your body woke by sunrise. Then spend a few hours in the garden, or on nature walks. Simply get outside!

I begin watering soon after the sun brings enough light so I can watch where I’m putting my feet.
I also check for tomato horn worms.
I work on outside projects - in the shade - until late morning.
I plan the fall garden in the afternoons under the air conditioning.

That’s how I’m getting through August! What tips will you share that helps you get through these triple digits?

Healthy Living

It is the last day of March. A library e-book is due back tomorrow. But I’m not FINISHED! I cannot check it back in until I write this partial review! There is so much information to absorb.

It took over two and a half months with it on hold before I could get it checked out to me. Life (i.e. sleep) got in the way to read it diligently! But, I decided a couple of days ago, it’s a keeper so it’s on its way to me via Amazon!

I’ve read more books this year already than the last 5 years combined! And, I’m not stopping! I’m loving the library e-books and my Kindle! This latest book is by Martha Stewart, Living the Good Long Life. I highly recommend this book, especially for those of us beyond 60 years young!

I’ve always admired Martha Stewart. She gives credit where credit is due. She alone did not write and compile information for this book. The acknowledgment section clearly details all the people involved making it happen. I appreciate the list of Resources that are general then chapter specific. Of course, the Notes for each citation within the chapters are as they should be and is, in itself, a great resource for further reference. Speaking of further reference, she/they also provide a list of Suggested Reading that I will have at my fingertips once the actual book arrives.

The mantra throughout the book!

The book is divided into two parts:

Part I   Healthy Living Today
    Healthy Eating
    Healthy Fitness
    Healthy Brain
    Healthy Outlook
    Healthy Living Every Day
    Healthy Looks
    Healthy Home

Part II  Healthy Living into Tomorrow
    Healthy Living into the Future
    Healthy Caring

Honestly, I rarely try Martha’s recipes. Out of her 77 (counting this one) books she’s written, between Momma & I, we have at least 30. Most of the recipes call for ingredients that either I’ve never heard of, cannot find locally, or are impracticable for this household - meaning Bud would not want to try! So I sort of skipped over the recipes. The information elsewhere was spot on!

HOWEVER, her fitness chapter gave me much inspiration! I know I need to as she suggests:

STAY active every day
INCREASE your endurance
MAINTAIN your flexibility
BUILD your balance
FOCUS on core strength
STRENGTHEN for stability

The balance and flexibility and strength... why am I wasting time listing the things I need to master... I need to work on them all!!

Oh, and the Healthy Brain chapter! I’m already practicing the tips she offers. For example, before if we needed more than two items from the grocery store I would have to make a written list. Nope. Not anymore. This is a prime example of “memory boosters” rather than giving in and writing it down I am now doing the “Rehearse and Resize” technique. But, oh so many other tips and techniques are listed for brain health.

Goodness. I could go on and on. I’m thrilled I made the decision to order this book. It will come in handy as a daily guide/reminder for healthy living thereby living the good long life!

P.S. I went on Amazon to get the link to share and read a great review of this book... the reviewer said it much better than I did - "Unlike any other book Martha Stewart has written"!

Let me know what you think of this book!

Take the Time!

In another lifetime I worked at a Texas Public Charter School. During that time, many amazing people came through the door to teach, guide, and help the wonderful yet disadvantaged kids. It was such a fabulous learning experience for me, and I’m still learning from that experience.

One especially hit home yesterday.

I learned yesterday, I missed out getting know an amazing person.

During lunch with some long time friends (two out-of-towners I haven’t seen in over 13 years - Wendy and her daughter Megan -  and one local - Dee that I haven’t made the time to simply visit with), a common denominator brought us together. The passing of Ann.

While working at the school, I didn’t know Ann, except to say hello. I only saw her occasionally as she worked on the other side of campus.

But after hearing Wendy speak of her, their long time friendship, even across the hundreds of miles and a time zone change, I so wish I had taken the time to know Ann myself. I so wish I had known first hand the gentle soul and generous spirit Ann brought to this worldly life. I am so grateful I had Wendy share a bit about Ann, and for that I am blessed.

Lesson learned: Take the time.

Boring - Not Any More!

Can you imagine looking out the kitchen window at this? This is boring! 

June 2016
(Before Mr. Mesquite had a major overhaul!)

After becoming inspired by reading the various books I’ve mentioned the past few months, and watching videos created by the Bealtaine Cottage (Ireland), Justin Rhodes (USA), Morag Gamble (Australia), and many others too many to mention, with their “permaculture” design concept... it finally hit me! Why walk all the way to the far end of the West Yard to tend to a vegetable garden?!!! That’s absolutely silly!

So, this is where I’m at now... a work in progress...

The white PVC pipe is my no dig zone, it's where the telephone wire is buried! Potatoes are planted to the right of cardboard, but the cats have messed the mounds up - they thought their easy no-dig toilet! Doubt any potatoes will come of it. Oh Well. Maybe next year.

Right now, the blue barrels and cardboard are to kill the grass!
The pots on top of cardboard keeps the cardboard in place! Once Bud's up to it, I plan on having him cut the barrels in half (lengthwise) and making planters. Someday we'll get "real" rain barrels rather than try to modify these sealed barrels.

I planted asparagus in the black pot in front of the hanging garden hose. We'll see if the cats leave it alone! I've put hardware cloth on top to discourage the cats. The terracotta pots will be for tomatoes and peppers. The last black pot to the left... blueberries!!!
FYI: Red Pepper Flakes do not bother the cats at all! I've got to figure out how to keep the cats out of the garden!!!

. 

White pots & swan have onions growing inside. Momma's roses are coming back nicely after the severe Valentine's Day pruning. Will add Lavender to the newly prepared area.

It is a work in progress... I am bringing up dirt from the corral, one wheelbarrow at a time.

I need WOOD CHIPS!

Give me a year...

Books on the Shelf

I may have already mentioned (I’m having a senior moment), but I wanted to share a bit about the books I’ve added to my physical bookshelf! Yes! For me, they are worth having to reference when needed, for inspiration, and “just because” I’m addicted to having actual books on hand!

The latest is The Wellness Garden, by Shawna Coronado. After attending her workshop at the Mother Earth News Fair, she offers great inspiration and gardening tips and methods, even while suffering with chronic pain. As found on her website, the back of the book reads:

If you love to garden but also worry about chronic pain and physical strain, or if you are in search of ways to promote a healthier lifestyle that features stronger nutrition with anti-inflammatory eating, then noted garden author and wellness expert, Shawna Coronado, has good news for you. In The Wellness Garden, her new book from Cool Springs Press, Shawna details exactly how she has learned to use her garden as a key tool in her battle with osteoarthritis and other chronic pain issues. This guide to better health can help you combat specific, chronic, health issues and inspire you to feel better every day. In this inspiring but highly practical book you will learn from Shawna’s life changing garden experience and see how you can grow, eat, and walk your way to better health by creating your own Wellness Garden–gaining the healthier lifestyle you desire and need.

The “West Yard Project” is on temporary hold. I still have a bit more of the irises to transplant along the spiritual pathway, it’s a Living Process. It’s time (past time really) to get beds prepared and veggies and herbs and flowers ready to plant after the last (hopefully) freeze.

It’s because between some of the library books I have read, Shawna’s book, and Introduction to Permaculture by Bill Mollison (that is now on my desk), I decided to turn our front yard into an edible garden! It, too, is a Living Process!

And, the 3rd book I now have on hand is Mel Bartholomew’s 2nd Edition All New Square Foot Gardening. It is absolutely packed with fabulous information! The subtitle reads: The Revolutionary Way to Grow More In Less Space. I truly believe it! The book is certainly a well rounded reference to have on hand!

I’ll take pictures of the work in progress and share next time!

Mother Earth News Fair (with Update!)

I attended the Mother Earth News Fair yesterday in Belton, Texas. Oh. My. Goodness. It was amazing! The Expo center was packed full of vendors, exhibits, workshops (some with hands-on demonstrations), and people! Not just inside, but outside as well! Because it was a brisk coldness with steady winds kind of day, I didn’t explore the outside vendors. Going between two buildings was enough “fun” out in the cold!

I did make it to one presentation I had preplanned on attending. At least part of it before getting the text: we’re hungry.

I didn’t get a chance to see even half of the fair. Only a passing glance down the aisles as I searched for one specific booth in order to pick up literature, information missed in the presentation.

It was time to go.

After only 2 hours.

I started to stay on - by myself - since two vehicles were available. I made the choice to leave, to spend time with family. But then I literally cried and kicked myself the almost 85 miles back home. Since I had a “weekend” pass to get back inside I should have turned around and gone back. But the special time to spend with Momma exploring the fair, something we had talked about and looked forward to for weeks, was gone. It really never was there.

UPDATE: I decided to go back today! By myself! 
I had a FABULOUS time!

I made the one workshop I wanted to attend with Shawna Coronado and got to stay for her entire presentation! At many booths I collected free samples for the chickens and the garden! I also bought a half pound of WORMS!!! Those red wigglers from Texas Worm Farm to start worm farming!!! Oh, and I had the sweet gentle man Mr. Clyde explain to me how to use his "garden slider" ... which I also bought!

And, DaddyKirbs Farm was there yesterday and today, filming! Bummer, I missed seeing him and his lovely wife both days! For those who would like to see what the Fair looked like...although I've yet to watch it, this is what Blake captured yesterday and shared via YouTube video is here!

Oh, and I bought some Cotton seeds! I can't wait to get them planted!

A Living Process

I’ve wanted a Labyrinth for years, and happened to walk my first one ever this past Tuesday morning while Bud was undergoing Carotid Endartarectomy. Located on the grounds of Seton Williamson, Roundrock, Texas, I’m thankful the hospital provides such a lovely place that brought me a bit of peace and settled my soul while waiting.

I’m taking a break from reading about planning and designing a garden. Rather, I’m doing research on creating a Labyrinth. I would like to include one in the West Yard Project. My sister recently suggested planting various herbs and plants to make the design, incorporate the “garden” within the Labyrinth - two for one!

When I saw this one, I thought, YES! This is what Sister was talking about!!

http://www.anetnovakdesign.com/beforeafter.html

With the experience fresh on my mind, I know I cannot have one as big as Seton’s, big enough for an individual using a wheelchair. I just don’t have the space within the yard. I can (and will), however, make the paths wide enough for a walker!

I’m wondering, does the Labyrinth have to be symmetrical? I’ve found on Pinterest hundreds of examples and 99.9% are a circle symmetrical. But does it have to be that way? As long as the path takes one to the center circle then back out again the same way, would it work?

From what I’ve read, the attributes of a Labyrinth are:
   to have a one path in and the same path out,
   a center circle,
   and at least one switch back.

Done.

I am going to make it work...

After setting the center circle with concrete curved blocks, I used extension cords and a bit of rope to “map” out the path. I have plenty of irises to transplant what will edge most of the path, at least on one side. The rest of the “blank” spaces will be filled with herbs and perennials. As I  plant the irises, I will measure the path’s width along the way. I have a bit of wiggle room.

It’s a work in progress... it will be a living, growing, entity for my spiritual path.

It's Time

Months before the dinos arrived, I read everything I could about raising chickens. I continue to read and learn. The latest book I have on the subject is Lisa Steele’s fabulous new book: 101 Chicken Keeping Hacks. It’s been a fabulous read!

Anyway, I am doing the same process for gardening. This winter, before getting my fingernails really dirty, I’m learning all I can about the different recommended garden practices. By reading the various library ebooks, I’m learning the language. I’m learning what questions to ask. I’m learning more about...

Permaculture Gardening
Square Foot Gardening
Biointensive Gardening
Sustainable Gardening
Ecosystems

Never before have I paid attention.

It’s time.

Finally - Eventually

Yesterday afternoon I checked out more gardening e-books from the library! I’m ready, the Kindle is ready, bring on the next two weeks of “quiet time” while Bud recuperates from surgery!

Knowing She Shed #2 was on its way (finally!), I got this extra book because of the eventual plans I have percolating in my mind! Greenhouses & Garden Sheds

I purposely picked out the plainest shed I could find! I have ideas for the outside bare walls!

Besides, for now - and the future - I needed/wanted all the floor space possible inside. No fancy porch for this shed. Today, I will construct steps out of cinder blocks, but in the spring I hope to create a nice wide wooden steps with a handrail, maybe even a ramp.

I’ve already decided - if/when we get a “Greenhouse” per se, it will be this one from Graceland Portable Buildings of Lampasas (Facebook page).

It’s where we've purchased our She Sheds and have been very pleased with their quality construction and delivery/setup. After checking out Home Depot and Lowe’s prices for materials, I know we could not make one for the same cost, not to mention the time involved. There are just too many other projects on our “to-do” lists anyway!

In the meantime, I plan on extending the outside of #2...

Momma is coming out for a visit today. I hope to describe my vision to her, then she sketch it out for me to see! I’m blessed she’s a fabulous artist!

Library Books Due!!!

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Dirt-Cheap-Green-Thumb-Thrifty-Resources/dp/1603424415/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2R1ZARSPSD0E&keywords=dirt+cheap+green+thumb&qid=1547904559&sprefix=the+dirt+cheap+green+thum%2Caps%2C409&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Edible-Front-Yard-Grow-More-Beautiful/dp/1604691999/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Edible+Front+Yard&qid=1547904679&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Eco-yards-Simple-Steps-Earth-Friendly-Landscapes/dp/086571682X/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=eco-yards&qid=1547904780&sr=8-3

Only a few remain:

The DIRT CHEAP GREEN THUMB, 400 Thrifty Tips for Saving Money, Time, and Resources as You Garden, by Rhonda Massingham Hart, 2009, Storey Publishing.

The Edible Front Yard, Creating Curb Appeal with Fruits, Flowers, Vegetables, and Herbs, by Ivette Soler, 2011, Timber Press.

and

Eco-yards, Simple steps to earth-friendly landscapes, by Laureen Rama, 2011, New Society Publishers.

I don’t have the time to finish and write a proper review before Tuesday. I’ve done sample readings through each and know I want to read them closer - in the future. I’m not sure if the library will let me check them out back-to-back, but I’ll see! Otherwise, I’ll give others a chance to read, then try again.

Library Book - A Review

The Artful Garden, Creative Inspiration for Landscape Design, by James van Sweden and Tom Christopher, 2011, Random House, New York.

https://www.amazon.com/Artful-Garden-Creative-Inspiration-Landscape/dp/1400063892/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+artful+garden&qid=1547743480&sr=8-1

“All gardening is landscape painting.” - Alexander Pope

Until this book, I never thought how planning the garden design could (should) be linked to -

artists of all mediums,
the choreography of music and dance,
a weaver of texture, and
even a mystery writer and the structure of the novel itself.

The author “artfully” explains this in an amazing way that only after I read the book and let it absorbed a bit, did I truly understand his message.

Simply because of the living nature of a garden, he shares a great point to remember in its planning:

A garden is constructed in four dimensions.
As well as length, width, and height, there is also time.

I HIGHLY recommend this book for a totally different perspective and approach to designing a garden! In fact, I’ve ordered it as a keeper - a fabulous reference book. And, it is something I want to study deeper, even after the West Yard Project is fully underway.

P.S. I just saw his statement on Amazon that is worth sharing here and sums it up very nicely:

“I want to put the mystery back into the heart of garden design, where it needs to be. It’s what lures you in through the gate, keeps you moving through the landscape, and fills you with excitement along the way. The sense of mystery is what turns a mere display of plants, paths, and ornaments into an adventure.”                          
—James van Sweden

Perfect Timing!

Almost immediately after finishing a library book that left me feeling sad, I stumbled upon a very timely article that lifted my spirits: Gardening could be the hobby that helps you live to 100!

I explored further about the Blue Zones lifestyle. And, learned more about Power 9.

I’m feeling positive and hopeful again! I can do this!

Oh, and I carefully picked from the remaining library books I have checked out (all due back January 22nd) what appears to be a charming, helpful, fun book! Stay tuned!

Library Book - A Review

https://www.amazon.com/Gardening-Lifetime-Garden-Wiser-Older/dp/1604692669/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547510053&sr=8-1&keywords=gardening+for+a+lifetime

Gardening for a Lifetime: How to Garden Wiser as You Grow Older, by Sydney Eddison, 2010, Timber Press, Inc.

This book was not what I thought. A very well written book over a period of time, however, the author takes the reader through how she downsized her garden, especially after her husband’s death. It has left me sad inside. I’m sure it will take me a while to shake off this feeling.

But, because of reading through it, I know not to ever plant daylilies. (It’s on the “toxic” to chickens list anyway.)

In her last chapter she quotes Violinist Itzhak Perlman: “You know, sometimes it is the artist’s task to find out how much music you can still make with what you have left.”

Then adds in her own words:

Making the most of what you have left is also the older gardener’s task. How beautiful can you make your garden with the resources you still have at your command?

With me starting what I’m calling the West Yard Project at 65 6/12 years young, I will take her “gleanings” i.e. lessons learned to heart that she offered at the end of each chapter. And, I totally agree with her suggestion about making to-do lists for the garden’s maintenance and care needs.

If I were not so committed to doing this garden after all these years of wanting, this book would have certainly caused me to take a step back and ask myself, Really?

Library Book - A Review

https://www.amazon.com/001-Old-Time-Household-Hints-Timeless/dp/1616081759/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547507042&sr=8-1&keywords=1001+old-time+household+hints

1,001 Old-Time Household Hints: Timeless Bits of Household Wisdom for Today's Home and Garden by the Editors of Yankee Magazine, 2011, Skyhorse Publishing

I love reading through books like this. It reminds me of listening to my grandmothers, and my Daddy. I envision what their life was like before all the power tools and conveniences modern day brings. I appreciate the editors who scoured the old books and complied tidbits from the “Greatest Generation” and before, some written as far back as the 1700's!

I never planned on reading it word-for-word, just scan through until something caught my eye.
Oh. My....

I stopped cold at the Window Washer’s Secret! I hate washing windows because they never ever are sparkling the first time around. I do use a squeegee and it helps, but-

This trick, from Short Cuts to Better Housekeeping (1949), was a duh moment for me... on inside of the window use horizontal strokes and on the outside use vertical strokes. That way, I can tell whether the dried streaks are on the inside or outside! How simple is that!?! And, a good point, a modern day window washer, Kim Carpenter, recommends washing windows in the evening, the shade, or on a cloudy day as the sun can cause the glass to dry too quickly.

Then, as a reminder because I’ve done this before - use automobile chrome polish and a cotton rag (such as a T-shirt) to clean/shine chrome or nickel plating fixtures around the sinks!

Oh, and I never thought of using a soft-bristled toothbrush, sprayed with furniture polish, to dust into small cracks, nooks, and corners of furniture!

I hate to throw away an old garden hose! From either the book 380 Things to Make for Farm and Home (1941) or 500 More Things to Make for Farm and Home (1944) a couple of ideas caught my attention...

    To prevent bruising the bottom of your foot when you use a shovel, pad the top edge of the blade with a short length of hose. Cut the hose to the appropriate length to slip over the top of the shovel blade, on the side where you normally push with your foot.
   
    Pad the wire handle of a pail with hose. Most buckets now come with a plastic sleeve around the wire, but these break and sometimes are difficult to grip easily.

Of course, in Part Three... An Old-Time Gardener’s Guide... I paid closer attention to what they shared.

I won’t go into detail what they relayed from The Expert Gardener (1640), the directives as to what and when to plant by the moon. A good rule of thumb for me to remember however: “

When the moon is waxing, plant crops that bear above the ground; when the moon is waning, plant root crops.

Okay, I’m just going to copy verbatim the In Sync with the Stars...

Zodiac signs fall into four categories:
    water (Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio)
    earth (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn)
    air (Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra)
    fire (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius)

    Plant leafy and aboveground crops when the moon passes through the water signs;
    plant root crops as it moves through the earth signs

    When the moon is in the air and fire signs, don’t plant.
    Instead, spend your time weeding and harvesting.

    A couple of exceptions to the rules:
         You can plant herbs in Libra, and the fire signs are considered good for sowing see crops such as grains and beans (for drying).

Oh, and in Grow Comfrey for Your Compost they write “a healing herb cultivated as far back as 400 B.C.” (emphasis mine!) It must be something worthwhile indeed!

Sage advice from Grandpa Harper (Harry Harper, Eden, New York, perennial gardener from the 1940s until 1965):

... think about things from the plant’s point of view and to notice their needs.

I never thought to even consider: heed growth warning of perennials! This is a good thing as I don’t want any of one thing to take over. I know I must take precautions with the comfrey, but I have the perfect spot planned - far far away from the “regular” garden.

Several times while scanning the pages of this book on the kindle, I would come across a word or phrase that would catch my attention. Stumpery is a good example! I had no clue there was a name (and has been done since the 1800s) that I did last year when we cut down “Mr. Mesquite” and simply left some huge logs in the rosemary bed where they dropped! Now I know what to call this area, it’s a Stumpery!

A fun read (scan through) indeed!