Pioneer Woman at Heart

  A "first time" for us this year.  Growing turmeric root.  The roots I ordered arrived (very late however), so they were planted in a large pot indoors for now.  I originally planned to plant them individually in small pots, but decided on the big pot.  I can water them all in one pot, watch them over, and see if they will grow as they are said to grow.  Each root has a sprout, and that is needed before you plant them.   I can dig them up later, and plant in more individual pots.  I'm not planting them outside, as we have zero room in the gardens this year (and they would need brought in for winter too).   I'm excited to see how this all goes for us.   A "first time" this year as well, is making lemon balm tincture.  I make a few tinctures over summer months (you need fresh herbs vs. dried) for a powerful tincture.  I may have, maybe one more "new first" using lemon balm this year.  More on that later if it...

  We have had non-stop problems with the pipes leaking under the kitchen sink.  When the kids lived here, they would shove stuff under the sink and bump the pipes, hence the leaks.  No kids, and now we have a leak?  I took everything out, and took assessments.  Not to mention, clean everything off, and wipe the cupboard dry.  Not the worst kitchen catastrophe, but I use my sink several times a day. Once the pipes are all fixed, I will be replacing the cheap dollar store placemats I had in there, with this . . . It's washable too!  If we spring another leak, at least it will protect the wood.  The absorbent fabric is USA made.  I found it on Amazon.  I'm not sure if stores have this or not.  I wasn't very patient for looking for a better solution (for keeping things dry). I am late to the game so to speak.  I got one jar of Four Thieves started. I got about 3 more trays dehydrated of sage, more thyme, and rosemary. I am gatherin...

  I was given this recipe from a friend several years ago.  It is similar to the one online with Mountain Rose Herbs. In a stove top pot mix: 3 cups of spring water  1/2 cup dry elderberries 4 inch piece of fresh ginger sliced 8 - 10 inches of cinnamon stick Bring to a simmer and simmer 1 hour.  Press juice from berries. Strain and let cool completely, and add: Juice of one lemon 2/3 cup of honey Note:  To make this last longer you can add 1 cup brandy (after you stir in honey and lemon) Store in a cool dark place.  Adults:  take 1 Tbsp. daily, or up to 3-4 a day when feeling ill.