Rose Cottage

 As I'm in process of moving in, we're beginning to bring boxes from storage.  Whilst at my daughter's, I used her stove and pans, with just a few of my own things.  I've been making my coconut milk yogurt in her oven, and this week tried the first batch in my small simmer crock pot.   The stove is too large for the space (it blocks one cupboard and drawer!) so we intend to replace it with an induction cooktop - my favorite pans, cast iron and a small wok, have enough iron to work on it!  I'm not a fan of microwaves, so though there is one, I haven't used it! (My friend Donna will be tickled, as she likes to heat her lunch in them.) * Yay! My son-in law just sold the stove! And my cabinet and butcher block are on order! One of the kitchen loads included my large crock pot, and I made a batch of black beans and rice that will be good for several meals (I'll freeze some too pull out later) Crook pot and Granola fixings Today's project is  Granola  w...

 I'm so grateful to love in this beautiful blue green planet! The first Earth Day celebration was a year after Neil Armstrong saw the earth from the moon - and watched it disappear behind his thumb, when he extended his arm! At that moment,  he realized everything and everyone who was important to him was on that marble!  This year, I was invited to do ASL sign for the songs of the McMinnville Women's Choir at an Earth Day event.  The celebration was sponsored by Zero Waste, and held at the Presbyterian church - which is one of a coalition of local churches with Climate Action groups. Edible Landscapes is an offshoot of Zero Waste, providing food and education to the wider community.  Earth Day Banners - Earth from the Moon The event is a reminder that we make choices that have an impact Every Day, and encourages us to make Greener choices.  Speakers included City Council member Sal Peralta, who reminded us that Zero Waste Oregon started with our McMinnvill...

 Rose cottage is finished (mostly!) And Percy and I are moved in! It's a process! The storage unit is still full, and I'm working on bringing over the bits and bobs I had at my daughter's the last 6 months! Kitchen corner We plan on replacing the stove (too large for the space!) with a cooktop and air fryer.  We already ordered an electric teakettle - loving this cheery teal!  Electric teakettle and Red Hat 🍵  The Concrete countertops are so attractive and easy to clean! Jorge wanted to add these to his crew skill set, and we were happy to give them a try!  My Feng Shui consultant Gwynne recommended bringing in warmer colors - orange and yellow towels and fruit to help offset the grey. I found some peach and yellow pots for plants on the windowsill,  and took Amanda Gibby Peters' suggestion of frequent bringing in of fresh flowers - i added daffodils to this bouquet from Incahoots .  The Oxford all wood bed is all set up - with linen sheets and comfor...

 Every Tuesday, I look forward to the latest podcast on Amanda Gibby Peters' House Therapy channel.   As Rose Cottage nears completion, I'm thinking of those *things* in my storage unit, and what I'll be inviting in to my new home! In that light I'm appreciative the checklist she offers on this week's show .  At the new kitchen sink So, what might we ask ourselves, as we curate the objects in and energy of our spaces? What could we consider, as we add something new (to us)? Here are some of Amanda's suggestions:  Basic inquiries : Does it make my life easier? How does it make me feel? Whom does it remind me of? Does it inspire me, and lift my energy? Or depress/ make me feel bad? Regarding past  purchases : Why did I buy it? Would I buy it again? How much would I be willing to pay? Am I keeping it because of how much it cost? Do I feel guilty/ scared to pass it on? Why have I been keeping it? Could I replace it/ do I have a better one? And Is it (still) use...

 As our month of Resetting winds to a close, the other facilitators and I are Reflecting on the journey.  Rose Cottage is also getting closer to completion, and I'm dreaming into my new space!! Rose cottage and garage We hope this month has given our participants an opportunity to rethink and feel into their own Living spaces, and enjoy them a bit more! As my co-facilitator Katy commented, it's not about keeping a picture-perfect or super tidy space.  It's not about decluttering and having a minimalist lifestyle - (unless that's what suits you!) It's - finding the balance that works for you, and making slight shifts Identifying your MIA - M ost I mportant A reas - and planning how to best tend them  Set up a routine - chore chart, lists, some daily tasks to tend your space Look at your home with new eyes - what appeals? What needs attention? Craft a cozy and welcoming space Perhaps you've discovered some new routines, or 'cozied-up' a nook? Some tip...

 This spring I decided to join a group of volunteers who plant and tend raised bed boxes in the granery district along Alpine Avenue.   We met at Mac Market last week, and chatted about the project, what was planted in the beds last year, and chose from those available for tending and watering this year.  Alpine garden beds I'm one of 10 new volunteers, and my first bed (near the one in the photo) has raspberry, blackberry and strawberries. There's room for some Edible flowers, and perhaps a native Camas. I'd like to add an arctic raspberry, when I find some! We'll return soon for garden cleanup and spread a new layer of mulch. Many of the beds have cover crops, including a nice patch of miners lettuce!  Tea Garden Gal! There's a Tea Garden, and I was excited that one's now available, so I'll be tending it! I may ask for the herb garden next to it, and see if someone else would like the Berry bed.  The perennials don't require as much water as the annua...

 One of the simplest things you can do to welcome good fortune is spending a few minutes on your entrance and front door periodically!  My Purple Door Stand on your front walk, and look at your wall, porch and entrance Is the path clear and safe? (Opportunities flow) Is your address visible? (Can fortune find you?)  Greenery - are trees, shrubs and potted plants overgrown or in poor shape?  (Overgrown: too 'full' to receive more - dead branches or plants feel un-cared for) Is there clutter or trash? Is the porchlight in good working order? Doorbell? Does your door need a wash, or fresh coat of paint? If there's a mat, is it in good shape? Note anything that needs repaired, trimmed cleared or replaced.  When you're out and about, notice entrances and doors that appeal! Check out doors on Pinterest ( this board of Gwynne's has some lovely ones) When weather permits, go out for a 15-20 minute tidy! As I was preparing to sell my Galloway House, I did this frequentl...