I've been spending way too much time indoors. It's not how I want to live, but the overcast damp and chill keeps me inside other than for short walks. I recently watched a young woodpecker make its way up a cedar tree, and that was worth the trouble of bundling up. There's so much that is interesting outside, even in winter.

"This is an age of nerve tension, and the relaxation which comes from the comforting companionship found in woods and fields is, without doubt, the best remedy for this condition." Anna Botsford Comstock Handbook of Nature Study 1911

So apparently my wallet (Alby) isn't working but I only know about it because some very kind zappers told me (thank you!!) When I look at my wallet, it says it is online with a working address. I could disconnect it. But what happens to the sats already there? (there's not a lot, I just want to be educated) And if not Alby...then what? 🤔 Is there a tutorial anywhere? This is all such a steep learning curve for me 🤯🤪 #asknostr #grownostr

Oh, and for @𝔼𝕣𝕪𝕟 𝔹𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕔𝕠 the wall weaving I did out of nettle fiber. The red is linen. Nettle truly is one of my most favorite herbs for so many reasons 🌿

We are getting ready to bust this 40+ year old cabinet off the wall and put in some nicer open shelving and perhaps a window. I cannot wait to see this come down! While emptying the shelves, I had a mad dash of inspiration and threw away all of my supplements. I've been taking supplements of one kind or another, even herbs in capsules, for decades. I decided to see how I'd feel NOT taking them, but instead drinking and eating all of my nutrients instead. I know: what a revelation 🙄. I was actually grossed out by the amount of pills and tablets and capsules in the small sack I filled. This is not Real Food! 🤦‍♀️ Felt pretty good cancelling all of those subscriptions and ordering more herbs instead. Going to feel even better growing more of them myself this year 🌿

I do miss weaving. I quit just as we moved in here, this cabin in the woods. A very enthusiastic young lady took my loom and generous supplies. She said she'd send a photo of it set up, but nothing ever showed. Now I have empty pastures waiting for...something. Maybe this time, I start with sheep, then rebuy a spinning wheel, then refind a workhorse loom... Or...just find a small house in Mexico and spend my days riding my horse around in the sunshine foraging herbs for my apothecary. Either could happen.

We are still celebrating Christmas here, in fact only halfway in today. Why have 4 weeks of Advent and only one day to celebrate? We celebrate by having plenty of family time (hikes, new puzzles, board games...), solitude (reading all those new books!), and having people over for brunch, lunch, and suppers. It's a good time to reconnect with God, ourselves, and others. Yesterday evening I made up a full gallon of Russian Tea. Zounds, it was good. I used orange ceylon tea, 8 oranges, 6 lemons, plenty of cinnamon and cloves, and a bit of pineapple juice for sweetness. It's delicious hot and full of vitamin C! The only way to go wrong with it is to google some recipe and start with some canister of pseudo orange flavored "drink". Anyhow, good coffee morning and Merry continuing Christmas ☕️ #coffeechain

Well the hawthorn has fallen, but I've left it for the wildlife this winter. Same for the old apple tree, where I noticed a rabbit run to for shelter. Winter really is beautiful, and though plenty is decomposing, there is a lot of growth happening under the scenes, waiting for the right time. We could learn a lot by resting and waiting likewise, trusting that one day spring will come, nourished by the dead parts that have fallen.

A very merry Christmas to you all! Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. Ps 30:11-12

Feeling too sugared out? A cup of broth with plenty of salt in the morning helps to set things aright. I like to add a spoonful of home grown and powdered garlic 😋

Cayenne is a wonderful herb to take off the chill, and is great to increase circulation as well. Here I am adding a touch to a small pot of hot chocolate. Mixed in chocolate, I don't notice it right away, but there is a definite "afterburner" warmth. For more herbs that can help warm you up, here ya go!

Herbs to Take Off the Chill

Stay warm, friends!

#herbalist #grownostr

Working the body of my "use up the scraps" winter sweater while watching Rudolph with the kiddos. Such a classic, love it! Have a lovely Sunday, Nostr friends.

I was gonna tell you about throwing tea leaves into scone batter (here also with rose petals and orange zest) and then enjoying it with rose petal jam but instead I'll tell you my son from *across the country!* called in an IO to the net he knows I like to listen to. I was so surprised and happy to hear his voice! 🥰 #HAMradio

Thinking of winter rest and how everything comes in its due time. #artjournaling #artstr

Tea time: crushed sugar and cardamom seed to top banana bread, a little sparkle and such a great herb for the winter season (I love it in my coffee--no sugar). Like vanilla, though, its cost is crazy high right now, so I'm thankful for the little I have. Is there a particular herb pr seasoning that you really reach for during the dark season?