This morning, it was snowing lightly and 34 degrees F outside. I went out to do chores and found the chickens singing happily and running outside to drink water that was running off the eaves into their pans. Nice! Then I headed for town to mail some seed packages and go to the dump. By the time I headed home, it was nearly a blizzard, with the roads covered, and I couldn’t see much ahead of me! And the temperature was dropping very fast. By the time I got to our driveway, it was only 17 degrees. Holy cow!
I was sure glad I’d done my chores earlier and the deer and turkeys had a chance to fill up before winter again hit us in the butt. We’ll be working inside again today, for sure. Will’s still cleaning off the old shelves in the basement and bringing box after box upstairs for me to go through and decide what we need to do with the contents.
I’m trying to get the house cleaned up and ready for company on Christmas week plus getting the seed packets in the seed room filled and ready to ship out. We save customers money by not throwing away old seed envelopes and buying “expensive” new ones. On the bottom, the stamped date is Packed for 2025, which I cover with a Packed for 2026 label. The seeds are new but we’re recycling envelopes. I think it makes good sense. Our mission is to not only save rare seeds but to get them into the hands of folks who can easily afford them. I’ve seen seed packets for over $6.99 this year. That’s just wrong.
I’m getting ready to do Christmas baking. You know the cookies, quick breads, and fancy things. Every year I not only do the old-fashioned ones but try to add something new. I’ve got a few ideas that should work. Keep tuned in! — Jackie
