Our majority priority this year was the pantry and increasing our proficiency in fermentation. We’ve modified our diet and expanded our consumption of healthier and less popular foods which lessen competition and improve our health and immunity.
I put a few tasks on the back burner in light of the move now that things have settled. I was fortunate to find bulk suppliers overseas and Costco too. We’re able to replicate what we’re doing now and that’s encouraging.
My primary focus for 2023 is the move and finding a place with a sizable garden and outdoor space. Chickens are on the horizon but I’d like to get settled first and get a feel for the climate. God willing it has a generator and we’ll tackle solar too. I think that’s enough. We’ll resume canning and have access to raw milk for homemade dairy projects.
We’re purchasing multi-level vertical planters on wheels and seeds of course. Especially medicinals. My daughter’s expanding her herbal education and adding ayurveda and TCM to the mix. Possessing the knowledge of eastern and western principles increases your proficiency. Natural health is a big part of our lifestyle.
There were surprises too. Like making my own tea blends and herbal remedies I hadn’t tried. Delighting in the joys of roasting. I did several batches of tomatoes and repeated the process with sweet and hot peppers and they’re good! That’s a definite keeper. I made some freezer meals that came in handy when life got hectic or I wasn’t in the mood to cook. I plan to do more in the coming year.
I didn’t get around to the candles and soap but I’ll do them in the winter. I think its a good time for projects like that when things are slower. The same applies to sewing. Acknowledging my limited availability during warmer periods is a must. As is doing something everyday. Tackling big tasks all at once isn’t enjoyable. Setting aside 30 minutes or an hour works best.
I finally created a seasonal meal plan that fits and devised something similar for entertaining on a monthly basis. Building routines takes time but once you do the hard part is done and that’s my lesson. I need more routines this season to accommodate the changes in lifestyle and focus we’re adopting.
I feel a growing necessity to fine tune my management and role as an overseer. While I won’t have to do everything myself having systems in place is important. The more we establish good practices the clearer it will be where help