Today, I start writing a novel in one month. It's National Novel Writing Month. I've been participating in this for a few years now. One day, one of these quick, fired up novels, will make it to print.
Of course this month long writing does not suggest preparing ahead, so am starting with a blank slate this morning.
(Jesse in the "recovery room")
Yesterday, I started my morning by driving Jesse to the vet. His surgery went well, and he's home recovering getting some much needed TLC. His fatty tumor, however was much larger than we, or the vet had anticipated. We could only feel a portion under his leg, and after surgery we were told it was 3-4 times larger, making it about 8 x 4 inches (or larger the way the vet explained). So there is some concern on the healing of the "hole" left by the removal of the tumor. Fatty tumors are typically not removed, but the location of this one would cause Jesse trouble in the future.
In drizzling, cold rain, I was behind the wheel most of the day (when I wished I was snuggled in warm sweatpants, and curled up on the sofa, sipping something of the warmer nature), but.... I hauled 200 lbs of a combination of wood pellets and chicken feed. Of course they are not sold at the same store, but that job got done.
Although the house was a bit chilly, I opted to not start up the wood stove until this morning. It wasn't really that bad inside. It was cold, but after experiencing 20-some below zero last season, 43°F is just a cool breeze (ha ha!).
Although I say that, I woke up to a shivering cat at my feet at 5am, so I was up and fired up the wood stove. It's getting toasty in here now, but we are bundled up in layers. Hubby worked until midnight last night, so he's still snuggled up snoring.
My Herbal Journal:
. . . I am a firm believer of the power of Tea Tree Oil (please note disclaimer at the bottom of my blog, as I am only sharing my experience and not a doctor or professional herbalist). I had a cut on my shin for about 3 weeks and peroxide and neosporin was not healing it. Leg injuries take longer to heal, so I wasn't that concerned. However, when it became infected, I did. I applied tea tree oil two times a day and there is a considerable difference on the speed of healing. Of course continuous daily exercise, and proper immune boosters help speed healing too (in my experience).
Do any of you have access to Jewelweed seeds? I know it grows wild here in ditches, but I have not found it myself. I am looking to plant some next season for medicinal purposes. It's part of my "herbal" journey in living a more sustainable lifestyle. I do see some Etsy folks selling the seeds too.
The pioneers used catnip to rub on their body to deter mosquitoes, and I am finding that jewelweed is excellent in treating but bites, poison ivy and even varicose veins. I will be experimenting with catnip next season too. In the past I have infused a basil spray to deter mosquitoes, and may try the same method with catnip too. I was told it (catnip) is more powerful than deet. Has anyone used catnip? Or jewelweed?
It's getting light out already, so I must get this posted and get my novel started. I do take this seriously, so this may thwart my housework "deep clean" plan.
Comments
The novel in a month sounds like fun I wish I had the gumption to try it. Kudos to you.
I've ordered Jewelweed seeds through the years but have never had any luck getting it to grow here in Central NC. Most of my seeds I've gotten on Ebay.
I'm going to have to try the catnip. We always have a shock of it growing somewhere in the yard for our cats, and it's been pretty faithful about coming back up year after year.
God bless.
RB
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