Lots of folks are out harvesting elderberries, especially the North American native American Elderberry, or Sambucus Canadensis. Health benefits abound! BUT, many people are posting photos of Pokeweed or Pokeberry (also known as Pokesalat) on social media, and asking: Are these Elderberries? NO! And knowing the difference when you’re harvesting elderberries is critical! Pokeweed berries […]
Tag Archives: off the grid
Natural Solar Power Clothes Dryer – Haibun
Warm Feelings About Our New Solar Power Clothes Dryer I drive up the long and winding yellow dirt road that leads to our door. The shape of my front porch seems somehow different, somehow unexpected, somehow off balance. And yet our two-story house seems more home and homey than ever. Suddenly, I realize what’s making […]
Wildflowers and Butterfly Beauty: Three For The Price Of One
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 […]
Saving Water – Bucket List Water Conservation
Most folks agree: Water conservation is vital, since water is the most important resource on the planet. Having running water is almost as important. Wasting water is something that’s bothered me since I was a teenager. Becoming an independent water user was one of the first items on my “to do” list when I moved […]