Wildflowers and butterfly beauty is one of the best parts of rural life. As people go back to the woods or the fields, focusing on being self-sustaining and off-the-grid, one of the first questions they ask is: “What should I DO?” One of the most vital things I tell them is what they should NOT…
A New Project: Vashon Island Treehouses My brother Gene Kuhns Jr. has always been a “doer”. With his wife Jan by his side (and often, slightly in front of him), they get more done in a week than many folks get done in a year. That’s why I’m excited and anxious to watch the progress…
It’s a dream to find edible wild food, but you have to really look for mushrooms. Gene and Jan are interested in putting up tree houses on their acreage on Vashon Island, WA, and running a bed and breakfast. They also enjoy foraging for wild food (and creating their own, where possible). Dreaming of oyster…
Gene Jr. had these thoughts, on “What is your next priority project?” We should always have a list of projects to be done. Following inspiration and that little voice inside, we can put these projects in priority order of when they need to be completed. Sometimes, the order gets rearranged, as we learn new things….
When my brother moved to Vashon Island, WA, he became friends with a couple who studied Native American traditions. One thing they did on their property was plant a group of cedars in a circle, creating a sacred space cedar circle. I’ve tried to respectfully learn more about this tradition, but haven’t found much. This…
Stung by stinging nettle and need a cure? Native American lore says that if there is a plant that can hurt you (stinging nettle, thistles, poison ivy, poison oak, etc.), the cure is always nearby. Of course, the best part of the cure is to avoid “poison plants” (i.e., plants that sting) by wearing gloves…
Out on Vashon Island, WA, many people think stinging nettles are obnoxious weeds, but they are quite healthy to eat! Eating from the wild: Potato & Stinging Nettle Soup…so good. Try it, you’ll like it! (To see the videos that go along with this, visit Gene’s “Live Innovations Farm and Education Center” Facebook page, or…
I have to confess: With all the things he gets done, my “little” brother Gene (the West Coast Nature’s Guy) is sometimes a motivator … and sometimes I wonder if I can keep up with him in our rural life. His Live Innovations Farm and Education Center Facebook posting from Saturday said this: March 24 at 11:33pm Had…