In Search Of A Greenhouse

I have big dreams!  I'm always coming up with new hobbies and interests but this is one that I have longed for for quite some time.  My hub and I have been working on commencing a small urban homestead.  At one point we had a small pond and several ducks.  We are currently working on our compost bin, plan to install raised veggie beds this spring, want to install rain barrels, and will attempt to fence our yard so we can have some chickens and ducks again.

So, it only makes sense that our homestead would need a greenhouse.

This is where my passion is at!  I love to plant seeds in dirt and watch them grow.  It's like watching an egg hatch.  There's just something special about it.  A feeling of awe.

We have been on the lookout for a greenhouse that will meet our needs and our budget.  It won't be anything too big or fancy but a structure I can enter and feel the warmth on my face and the dirt in my hands.  It will grow baby plants and rescue not so healthy plants and winter over the extra plants.  If you have a greenhouse or any experience with one, I would love to hear your comments!

Alternative Recycling

Did you know you can recycle your old sneakers?

Overabundance of sneakers? Recycle them! 

I don't ususally read the newspaper.  However, while kicking around at my aunt's today I picked it up to browse.  I came across an article about recycling your old sneakers.  I am all about recycling.  Anything I can do to reduce the ever-growing landfill makes me feel good.

Nike has a program called reUSE A SHOE that reuses every part of the sneaker.  It's separated into three sections: rubber, foam, and fabric.  Each section is ground up and used for athletic surfaces.  The rubber will become running tracks, the foam tennis courts, and the fabric basketball courts .  Nike calls these surfaces The Grind.  I think that's pretty cool.  How come I have never heard of this?  There is a list of drop-off locations, but if you're in my area, the closest location is in Wrentham, MA at the Nike outlet.  

Storm/Snow Moon

I have always been intrigued by the moon cycles.  I can remember when I was a kid, me and my best friend would put our swimsuits on and run down to the pond and swim and splash by moonlight.  It was fabulous.  As I got older, I learned in my science classes how influential the moon is to our planet Earth.  

February's full moon is called Snow Moon or Storm Moon.  It is named this because typically, February was the month in which the most snow fell.

Some attributes of the Snow Moon include:
Rest and renewal
Relaxation
Self-discovery
Hopes and dreams

It is a good time to enhance or encourage psychic work, divination, and visionary dreaming.  So tonight, I will be meditating during this Snow Moon, to find some deep inner stuff to pull out and work on.  As scary as that sounds, it's the only way we can grow and love.

My sentiments to the Moon...

Cycles Of The Sun

Have you noticed the sun is setting later?  I did.  The other day.  I realized that it was 5:03pm and it was still light out.  I never notice it as much when it creeps up on me like that.  I guess it's like anything else...we are less likely to notice the difference when the changes are slow and progressive.  It made me feel hopeful and reminded me that we are now through the deadest part of winter.  Our hibernation is almost over.  Spring is on its way.  Soon the copious amounts of snow on the ground will melt away and we will be able to see grass again.  All these thoughts send little shock waves of excitement through me when I start to envision the changes that come with springtime.

What does the change in sunset and sunrise remind you of?  Does it change the way you're feeling?  Are you too busy to notice?

Jack Of All Trades, Master Of None

Welcome to my little space in blog-land!  I'm excited to invite you to my newfound space, although I'm not accustomed to being the center of attention.  In fact, I typically find it nice and easy to blend in.  However, my goals and aspirations for 2011 have me broadening my horizons and I'm working on being 'out there'.  

I have a passion for nature.  I enjoy gardening, hiking, camping, swimming, and many, many other outdoor activities.  My hope is for the focus of this blog to be whatever interests I have going on at the moment.  That can range from knitting to baking to meditation and gardening.  I'm what I'd call 'a jack of all trades, master of none.'  If you share some of these interests, please comment and share your opinions and experiences.  I would love to hear your thoughts! 

So although I am Nuts About Nature, I am nuts about many other things, as well.  What are some of your favorite things?

:) 

Kim