tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post1246198285283636801..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Without the guiltUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-16989860813318286192017-07-12T22:55:00.568+10:002017-07-12T22:55:00.568+10:00Fighting cancer has kept me from doing many things...Fighting cancer has kept me from doing many things I used to do. Thank you for the encouragement. This is a season. I will recover by the power of the blood of Jesus Christ, and I will find a new normal for myself and for my family.<br />God bless you, keep you safe, and make your salvation sure, in Jesus' Name.<br /><br />Laura of Harvest Lane CottageMrs. Laura Lanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17334381585683324912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-54004531225021976042016-05-28T06:51:34.338+10:002016-05-28T06:51:34.338+10:00Here in the UK our weather has always been unpredi...Here in the UK our weather has always been unpredictable for as long as it has been recorded. As a gardener I have had to learn what I can do when and what I can grow for my local climate (climate is really local here fifteen miles down the road they have a totally different growing plan!). I would say that I am currently ticking along as I always do but come back to me in a month or so's time and things might be different!<br /><br />Thank you for a thought provoking post.sustainablemumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04099701194160334671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-73611172128800163722016-05-27T22:04:34.312+10:002016-05-27T22:04:34.312+10:00At the present there are 40 volcanoes erupting wor...At the present there are 40 volcanoes erupting worldwide. This is unprecedented. I can't help but think that as all that ash is spewed into the air there will be consequences. I remember seeing a show on TV that talked about a year without a summer back in the 1800s after a volcanic eruption when crops failed and there was wide spread famine due to the cold.I live on a 100 acre farm in the mountains of western North Carolina and it has been very cold here for this time of year and many people that I know who planted at the usual time have had their gardens killed off by the cold.<br />I do believe that humanity has damaged the earth but I don't think that all climate change is manmade. I do believe that we all need to be good stewards of the earth but sometimes nature will just have it's way as well.<br />By the way Rhonda. I love your posts . You keep me inspired and remind me of what is really important. Thank you!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12194344724652174351noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-90804177974590461642016-05-25T22:16:55.024+10:002016-05-25T22:16:55.024+10:00I read an article recently on the Inuits ( hope I ...I read an article recently on the Inuits ( hope I spelt that right) and they beleive the earth has actually shifted on its axis and that's why our weather patterns have changed ? As we've moved from Westerbn Australia back to Victoria in the last six months I'm not sure on the weather patterns .. Although I did notice the summer and autumn has been much more consistent in temperatures than when we left Victoira seven years ago .. Plus one of the last years we were in Port Hedland ( Far North WA) our summer temps were lower than Perth !! That was very unusual kepchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03066619905867088995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-82232656005189267052016-05-25T14:08:50.909+10:002016-05-25T14:08:50.909+10:00Our weather has been 'off' as well. I live...Our weather has been 'off' as well. I live in Florida (US) and it's always hot by May, but not this hot (has been well into the 90s several days). It's also been very dry, whereas by now usually the summer rains have started, and while they make it very humid, they do help cool things down a bit. Our pond is the lowest I've seen it in the three years we've lived here, and we're getting lots of snakes around--I think because they're looking for water, maybe? And we also had a bobcat in the yard this week, which is unusual and also bad, as they will go after my hens. Poor hens have been in their small pen for two days--it's more secure than the big hen, which can be climbed by a determined bobcat. Again, wondering if it's here because it's looking for water. <br /><br />We are making changes where we can to consume less, be more self-sufficient, and try to do right by our planet. It's hard, sometimes, when it seems like no matter what we do it's not enough because not enough people are willing to make the needed changes. I worry about what kind of world we are creating for our children, and I admit to being afraid of what their lives might look like as adults.Helenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15173788247672691139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-13717795411662758682016-05-25T09:50:09.820+10:002016-05-25T09:50:09.820+10:00I've been reading - and enjoying - your blog f...I've been reading - and enjoying - your blog for a couple of years now but this is my first comment (finally got set up on Google). I love your gentle approach to your life and how much you enjoy the work you do throughout your day - it truly is a pleasure to spend a day in the kitchen or at a hobby whenever I have time away from the office and its something I look forward to more upon retirement.<br /><br />As for climate change - I'm divided - I don't think anyone can deny that extreme weather seems to more and more the norm and its not just fossil fuel use but things like building in flood plains, de-forestration etc. And my dad always taught us to clean up after ourselves when out in nature - don't hunt or fish unless you intended to eat your catch - and re-use and recycle - he hated waste!<br /><br />But I can't help but feel that climate fluctuation is also greatly influenced by the sun, by the earth's rotation and such - the earth has always experienced major changes - even before man had any chance of inflicting major harm - things like "the Maunder Minimum or Little Ice Age" come to mind. People sometimes forget that regional weather is different from an overall climate shift.<br /><br />It's a tricky question and whatever you believe, looking after the only home we have should be paramount and we should never take things for granted.<br />Margie from Torontohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10103835021764804099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-55104047458852838242016-05-24T23:03:36.575+10:002016-05-24T23:03:36.575+10:00Whilst I believe in sustainable living and looking...Whilst I believe in sustainable living and looking after our environment I don't believe in climate change. I feel it is the invention of governments and scientists (working for the government) in order to frighten and control us. I feel sorry for our children being taught fear and negativity in our schools around climate change, no wonder there are so many mental health issues in our young people. Our climate has fluctuated and experienced extremes since the year dot , only now we are more aware of what is going on around the world with our weather patterns. Having said all this I do believe we have to respect this earth, minimize pollution and waste and keep it safe for future generations and you have taught me so much about that Rhonda in a simple and straightforward way. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67239766553185664552016-05-24T20:21:31.676+10:002016-05-24T20:21:31.676+10:00"it's wise to think of those days as a se... "it's wise to think of those days as a season that is part of your personal evolution"<br />Rhonda, thank you so much for your wise words, that was really helpful to read today. I seem to run to guilt as my default emotion when I can't do all I want to do, and it is not helpful. So thank you. xxMariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01656390046187780127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-50945389544935172552016-05-24T14:35:07.644+10:002016-05-24T14:35:07.644+10:00Here in Perth it is colder and stormier much earli...Here in Perth it is colder and stormier much earlier than in past years, all the extra rain has been good for leafy green crops though. Will have to see how the rest of the years goes<br />Love SueSue xxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15087301722255232731noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-43287751592517470902016-05-24T09:55:51.516+10:002016-05-24T09:55:51.516+10:00I enjoyed reading your inspiring post, Rhonda.. It...I enjoyed reading your inspiring post, Rhonda.. It would be a wonderful way to live your life even if it wasn't necessary, eh? Such a back to basics calming way to inhabit this earth. We are going to live at our old farm for the summer instead of our cottage by the sea and have chickens and such.. Before we get too old.. grin.. xooxFaye Henryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04292425181042066079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-10217547162804040642016-05-24T06:36:08.392+10:002016-05-24T06:36:08.392+10:00Hi Colleen, here it is: http://down---to---earth.b...Hi Colleen, here it is: http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com.au/2008/11/making-lemon-butter.html Good luck.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79996275835266930932016-05-24T06:10:16.959+10:002016-05-24T06:10:16.959+10:00Your neighbor would likely be happy to share his k...Your neighbor would likely be happy to share his knowledge of gardening in your area. Just ask!Lanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09380649410508372279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-17170703624405569182016-05-24T04:48:37.571+10:002016-05-24T04:48:37.571+10:00I was referred to you by Tammy from TaylorMadeHome...I was referred to you by Tammy from TaylorMadeHomestead.com <br />I asked her about making and canning Lemon Curd so she sent me here :}<br />Looked for your recipe but unable to find as I would like to make and can my own lemon curd. You mind sharing your recipe?<br />Thank You<br />Colleen from Texas USAColleenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13106960827480062745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-1167470684735790412016-05-24T04:32:32.315+10:002016-05-24T04:32:32.315+10:00Having grandchildren frames the future in a differ...Having grandchildren frames the future in a different way, doesn't it. Congratulations on your soon to be here baby.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-5367712573734665832016-05-24T04:29:25.922+10:002016-05-24T04:29:25.922+10:00I'm sorry to read about your fruit losses, Lau...I'm sorry to read about your fruit losses, Laurie. I hope you have a better summer season. xxrhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-75878049077310372752016-05-24T03:36:17.850+10:002016-05-24T03:36:17.850+10:00Our weather has changed. I'm not convienced it...Our weather has changed. I'm not convienced its all due to humans. Before someone gives me the axe, let me just say- we avoid plastics, we have a car that gets 48 mpg, we compost and grow a garden, we produce less trash in 6 months than most households produce in 1 month, and we avoid chemicals both internally and externally. We do this because it's the responsible thing to do and we are continually trying to find even better ways. If by chance humans are contributing to climate change more than I am aware then I am still on the right track. If humans aren't contributing to it, I still feel the need to be mindful of our earth and am doing my part to keep her well. Lady Locusthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12661298925602199106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-88175693201798126052016-05-24T03:28:22.773+10:002016-05-24T03:28:22.773+10:00Reading your thoughtful observations always inspir...Reading your thoughtful observations always inspires me...thank you.<br /><br />Here in the Pacific NW we've experienced record setting rainfall this past winter and unseasonably warm temperatures in May. Adjustments are made year after year as we try to keep up with the changes in the planting schedule. <br />I confess that when I heard news last week of another grandchild on the way it was not 100% joy that I felt but also concern considering the wounded planet that child will inherit.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-32001893798379532392016-05-24T00:56:27.255+10:002016-05-24T00:56:27.255+10:00I'm sure we could be doing more, but we're...I'm sure we could be doing more, but we're living simply, minimizing use of plastic & keeping food stored in case of crop failures (ours & in general), related to climate change. We've had an unusually wet and cool spring, & lost much of our fruit due to a late hard frost (all peaches & cherries, most apples, pawpaws and pears, mulberries are putting on a second lesser round of berries.Lauriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01156180100389224114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-13718619987478534042016-05-23T23:27:52.001+10:002016-05-23T23:27:52.001+10:00A great idea, Jinger. Enjoy yourself. :- )A great idea, Jinger. Enjoy yourself. :- )rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-65388445676133267522016-05-23T22:28:34.697+10:002016-05-23T22:28:34.697+10:00Mother and I were discussing this morning how larg...Mother and I were discussing this morning how large our broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cabbages are (too early for anything else in NC). She said my cousin told her that we are experiencing larger and greener plants because there is a glut of CO2 in the air. It makes sense, but it is frightening to think this is the issue. What does this mean for humans? How is it impacting us? I know my allergies are MUCH worse than usual. What other costs are there? <br /><br />I am off all summer and have already been working on routines: bread made, yogurt making, kefir setting, knitting, quilting, and reading! Each day is wonderful. We are only leaving the house twice a week for errands, feed for the animals, and to check on parents. I think I could get used to this! :)mattyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06749881104429358524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-64680670535216295592016-05-23T22:24:29.927+10:002016-05-23T22:24:29.927+10:00Thank you for your wise words! I am beginning a ho...Thank you for your wise words! I am beginning a homecation this week, doing kind of the opposite of you, but doing exactly what I want with no guilt. I am giving up chores, cooking and food shopping and focusing on me with take out, simple indulgences at home like reading all day, eating when I feel hungry and watching a lot of movies. I can't take a real vacation away and need a break from daily life, so this is how I will take care of myself for a week.Jingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07357961722537445285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-75592403952095642522016-05-23T21:37:16.362+10:002016-05-23T21:37:16.362+10:00You've said it well. I feel that it's iron...You've said it well. I feel that it's ironic that the lefties are keen to do all that's possible to halt( or at least slow down) climate change yet the right wing conservatives don't give a damn. In effect they're wiping out a species they believe is the superior of the planet. If it wasn't so serious it would be hilarious. Kerrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14344151317628302639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-22792372691038912982016-05-23T21:33:42.306+10:002016-05-23T21:33:42.306+10:00Here in the southeastern USA it just will not warm...Here in the southeastern USA it just will not warm up! We have had warm weather here and there but we are still having many chilly days and nights. My plants seem to just be waiting for warmth and have not grown. We have made a real effort here to cut back on our electric usage and my car stays in the driveway most days but my husband's 32 mile each way commute cannot be avoided. We are working on moving to a smaller home and property for our retirement years. I too have seen that my stockpile needs reducing simply because we do not eat as much as we used to and our children are mostly far from home and rarely here.Lanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09380649410508372279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-4244548306479285862016-05-23T18:07:20.815+10:002016-05-23T18:07:20.815+10:00Our roses are covered in flowers and its almost ti...Our roses are covered in flowers and its almost time for their hard prune, the cauliflowers have opened, no tight curds this year and the broccoli have started to flower - they usually flower when the warm weather arrives. The small-blue early grapes fruited and then the fruit fell off the vines. But we had the most prolific tomato and strawberry crops ever. And we are picking buckets of Myer lemons now instead of August. All strange. I'm sure it is climate change. But will we adapt - I'll make the cauliflowers into soup, we will pick the broccoli now to blanch and freeze, and I will pick bunches of roses to give away and to enjoy at home. <br />Thank you for your blog, Heather.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-37995746702539052882016-05-23T17:24:01.789+10:002016-05-23T17:24:01.789+10:00Your chickens are sooo cute! I can't have chic...Your chickens are sooo cute! I can't have chickens where I live. You are so lucky.<br /><br />Shell<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com