Water…water, everywhere….but not a drop that I will drink. I guess it is all those years of drinking bottled water that has me spoiled. Forgive me city officials, but I don’t WANT my water to have a taste. Water should be tasteless, with no lingering after flavor.

So what’s a environmentally knowledgeable gal supposed to do if she cannot stand the taste (or smell) of the tap water straight from her faucet? Buying bottled water is reserved only for emergencies around here, so I have had to learn to plan ahead and have palatable water available at all times.

 Some will say that using water filters is not environmentally friendly and hopefully, someday soon, there will some way of recycling those little darlings….BUT until then, I  see it as my only economical choice for providing my household with water that we like to drink.

I just love my PINK Brita Grand Water Filtration Pitcher.They are a bit difficult to come by locally now and I am kicking myself for not purchasing more for the farm house and our camper.

Guess I can suffer through it all though will my Brita 42629 Slim Pitcher for my camper…which is actually perfect for the small fridge in the camper. Now when the water from the campground hydrant tastes a little wacky, I have this handy to make up small batches of clean-tasting water. Many years ago, when we first started camping, I would buy a couple of cases of bottled water and keep those iced in a cooler. It would really upset me to find half empty bottles being left around, with no one claiming that they didn’t finish the bottle. Now each of us has our own stainless steel water bottle for which we are responsible. Want some water to take to the shore while you are fishing? Where’s your bottle? Problem solved!

The Story of Stuff Website

Yep…time to begin thinking about Spring projects around here (and most likely it is the same with everyone else, as well).  I am rethinking our plans for a side yard garden this year. For the work put in for the past two years we have gained very little in return. I am beginning to think my green thumb is more a gray or black color.

On a positive note, we are working on getting my new laundry line up. I was hoping to have a fence up by now, but it looks like it may never happen which means I cannot have my solar dryer up where I really want it to be. I have to hide it behind the house, which presents an entirely new problem–the GAS LINE! {deep sigh}. My Hero is in the process of making the base where I might be able to move it if/when we do get a fence. Using a 5 gallon bucket, he set the base inside with concrete and hopes to bury it temporarily for immediate use. Currently I have it placed over a huge stand/base that we use to support some rather large outdoor Christmas decorations.

A couple of days ago, I hung my first laundry load of the spring and boy was it a challenge! Not only does the stand make it a bit tall (I am 6′1″ so that means it is REALLY tall for most people), but once I hung the first towel, the wind would spin the line around like a whirlygig. I am sure it was a sight watching me try to hang on to the line while balancing the towels and clothespins…all in the process of hanging them without dropping them in the dirt first. My Hero promises he will rig something up so that the next time we have sustained 40 mph winds and 60 mph gusts I won’t feel as though the line will gain some lift and fly off to Nebraska.

Children and gardens go together right? Then why are both of my daughters skeptical of my attempts at sustainable or environmentally responsible living? Neither show the slightest interest in gardening (organic or otherwise) recycling, saving energy (unless it is their own), or downsizing. Yesterday as I was perusing my newest Mother Earth News, I came across an article about a couple living in a tiny house. When I mentioned that I would like to do the same, JMorgan just shook her head and said she “just doesn’t understand” me. Hais has severe issues with me line drying her clothes in the warmer months. Not only does she NOT like the crispness of the clothing, but she deplores the scent…what is wrong with her?

Of course, this is all poked in fun…well at least on MY part…but my girls definitely do not share any of my passion for organics nor environmental responsibility. Where did I go wrong?

Today I came across a grant contest sponsored by Heinz for inter-generational gardening. Though sad that I have no little ones at home with whom to enjoy this project, I found it to be quite interesting. An application can be found at KidsGardening.org…

from the website…

“Heinz Wholesome Memories Intergenerational Garden Award will help families grow memories together. Recognizing the power of gardens to connect individuals of all ages socially, culturally, and emotionally, the H. J. Heinz Company is proud to sponsor the Heinz Wholesome Memories Intergenerational Garden Award, designed to foster family-focused garden efforts in communities across the country. The award will provide 57 families with the tools needed to embark on a successful gardening adventure that will foster lasting intergenerational memories while growing wholesome food.”

Winning applicants will receive a $500 Award package including:
Kids’ Tool Set
Preschool Kids’ Tool Set
Cedar Raised Container Garden
SofTouch Hand Tool Set
Picture Pockets, Large
Zinc Plant Markers
GeoBin Composter
3 pairs Kids Work Gloves (1 of each size)
Watering Can
Kangaroo Pop-Up
Veggie Garden Seed Collection
5 Gardening Journals
Down & Dirty Activity Book
Intergenerational Gardening Tip Sheet
Heinz® Tomato Seeds

KidsGardening.org states the entry deadline is January 10, 2o10 and last year’s winners can be found on the Heinz website.  With an empty nest here at our place, we are a bit late to apply, but I hope that you will apply today!

In years past it has been our tradition to set a formal table for Christmas Eve Dinner. This year was no different, with the exception of an added guest. Many hours and days are spent preparing for this one meal where all the china and crystal is set for a festive celebration. Two days of shopping in two seperate cities were spent looking for some of the items for the dinner and two days of cooking culminated into a seven course meal which included an aperitif.
After the meal, as we were all finally able to sit around the living room, each of us expressed an interest in change. As tired as I was at the moment, I listened with interest. We all decided that next year we might lean more toward a more casual affair. I jokingly mentioned that we could have taken a quick weekend vacation for what it cost for the meal….OR we could have least dined on the most elegant cuisine and not had the worry of preparation and clean up afterwards. The time spent “working” could have been better spent playing games and interacting…all in the same room.
After a bit of consideration, I am thinking that this may have been the very last “fancy” Christmas Eve meal. Of course, I do not think I will resort to eating at Burger King as I did on Thanksgiving, but a less labor intensive meal will be in order. If this change does come about I will, however, refuse to change my own favorite rule of “MOMMA DOESN’T COOK on CHRISTMAS DAY!” just because I am simplifying Christmas Eve.