laundry

This is a picture of my new washing machine that I have been experimenting with. In the past I have been taking our laundry to town. However for multiple reasons this has not been working very well. It's completely hand operated and after putting in soap, water and laundry it takes two minutes of cranking to wash a load. It uses very little soap and water in comparison to a conventional machine. The only downside so far is that it does not do a very good job at ringing the excess water out and I do that by hand. The company does make a spinner but it is electric and I have decided laundry without one is simpler. It is going to be simply wonderful from now on to do laundry at the cabin.

Sent from my iPhone

Candles and plumbing

I understand now I am going to be alone forever. Without a man I need to learn some basic skills for self sufficiency to keep up my way of life. The first of these is how to sharpen my axes, mauls and splitting wedges. I am getting the tools together that I need so I can get started. It requires less strength to work with a sharp axe so I am only making it easier on myself. I've made quite a few beeswax tapers. Not only do they smell like honey while burning they are dripless and cleanse the air. By my bed is a stack of plumbing books. Yes, we live without plumbing. I am about to do something about that. I did slip a knitting book in there.

Why is Frosty a man?

Homemade marshmallows

It's easier and cheaper to buy them but it's more satisfying to make them. I spent 45 mins with the kitchen mixer beating this sugar treat (it was thickening) while my daughter stood on the chair next to me memorizing all the sizes of the dirty measuring cups in the sink. The best memories often come unexpected.