Author Archives: Slocum's Creak

  I watched as you placed the flowers in that old mason jar and sat them on the fireplace mantle.   Still full in bloom and color, they held thier heads high as long as they could.   But they, like I, came to realize, the hand that placed them there would never return.  Continue reading “Never more”

How to Grow Your Own Forest (Starting Today!) ​There is a unique kind of magic in holding an acorn or a walnut in the palm of your hand. It feels insignificant—just squirrel food, really. But locked inside that hard shell is the genetic blueprint for an organism that could live for centuries, grow wider thanContinue reading “From tiny nut to mighty tree.”

  A while back, I caught a metal bar to the face. I hit me in the mouth, broke a cap, and drove several of my lower teeth through the area just below the lip. To say it hurt would be a massive understatement, at best.   This was about 4 weeks ago, I’ve beenContinue reading “When life gets hard.”

A Comprehensive Guide to Your Starter ​If you’ve been captivated by the tangy, airy loaves of sourdough bread, it all begins with one essential ingredient: the sourdough starter. This isn’t just a mix of flour and water; it’s a living, breathing colony of wild yeast and bacteria that gives sourdough its distinctive flavor and rise.Continue reading “The magic of sourdough.”

  I keep working towards self sufficiency, but seems an uphill and at times costly learning experience for me since I am learning on my own. That being said. Power Up Your Homestead:    A Guide to DIY Solar PowerThinking about taking your homestead off-grid? You’re not alone. The dream of self-sufficiency often includes aContinue reading “Another post on solar.”

  When Life Throws a Curveball (or Two)   I always thought I knew what a “mid-life crisis” looked like. Maybe a flashy sports car, a sudden urge for adventure, a desperate grasp at lost youth.   But at 61, I figured I was well past that particular milestone. I was settled, grounded, and believedContinue reading “The Uncharterd waters of your 60’s.”

  We were recently given so many potatoes that if we don’t get to dehydrating them soon, they will spoil. I’m experimenting with making instant potatoes and thought I’d share what we are doing here. A Spud-tacular Solution: Dehydrating Potatoes for Long-Term StorageHere in Syracuse, Kansas, a good harvest is something to be celebrated. ButContinue reading “Some thoughts of dehydrating potatoes.”

  I was recently gifted an older boot dryer at a yardsale that was closing down right as I was showing up.   It’s a Dry-Doc for those who may have heard of the brand. It’s a solid unit and looks decent. My only complaint is that the fan doesn’t move a lot of air.Continue reading “Boot dryers.”

  The importance of using words thoughtfully:   The Power of Our Words:   Why Thoughtful Communication MattersIn our fast-paced world, where tweets fly and instant messages abound, it’s easy to forget the profound impact of the words we choose.   I write of this because one carelessly chosen word upended our little corner ofContinue reading “Using words thoughtfully!”

Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 20″ Self-Propelled Mower (Model PBLLM05):   Power and Convenience in the ONE+ Family: Exploring the Ryobi 18V HP Brushless 20″ Self-Propelled Mower (PBLLM05)   For homeowners invested in the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem seeking a powerful, convenient, and battery-powered solution for their lawn care, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 20″Continue reading “New mower”