The one-year mastectomy anniversary came and went, and my annual health exam and labs (so far) passed in pretty good standing. My ANA titer was elevated, indicating autoimmune activity of some kind, or worst-case scenario, an early indicator of metastasis. My other lab results were good, though (some were their best ever), so the hope... Continue Reading →
A day at the goat farm
Today we went on a wonderful homeschool field trip to Poplar Hill goat farm. It was a true learning experience that was so much fun and basically unforgettable. We've been drinking Poplar Hill goat milk for years, so when I learned that the farm offers tours to the public, it only made sense to make... Continue Reading →
Stillness, sleep, and homeschooling
Almost two weeks of homeschool are under our belts. Mia, Anna and I are happy and content with how it has gone so far. Mia says her favorite aspects of homeschooling so far have been the freedom, nature walks, and the sleep (she has slept roughly 12 hours per night, sometimes waking up at noon).... Continue Reading →
Anna rides a bike!
Alan took Anna out the other night and ended up teaching her how to ride a bike. She learned immediately. She's been using a balance bike for a while, so she had the balance thing down already. Seeing her riding on the sidewalk on a tiny bike with her tiny legs going so fast was... Continue Reading →
Homeschool vs. public school after 5 days
We are five days into public school after nine years of homeschooling. It has been a huge change, and I think it will be a while before I am fully adjusted. This is what I love about public school so far: 1. It is free 2. It is a 6-hour break for me to not... Continue Reading →
things I love today
Ten things I love today: 10. Shopping at the Wedge without the children and browsing the Health and Beauty aisles so long that I think dust began to gather on my groceries, 9. my cupboard of homeopathic remedies and essential oils and other little tricks that I have learned to use over the years, 8.... Continue Reading →
a lovely gift idea for the holidays
For the third time I had the honor of photographing a few of Erin's beautiful soaps. They smell almost good enough to eat. Here are photos from previous years, and more here--although I am not sure whether these products are still available. These will be for sale in her Etsy shop this year, along with... Continue Reading →
Is a full-fat diet better for your health?
After spending most of my teenage years and twenties as a vegetarian, I surprise myself a bit when I look at what I eat these days. I think I would have fallen off my rocker if I'd had a glimpse into the future and see what I eat now. My fat-phobic self would have likely... Continue Reading →
A beautiful and local gift idea!
These are as fragrant as they are beautiful! I took these photos for my friend Erin, who was my midwife's assistant at Anna's birth. She makes them by hand from all natural ingredients. Purchase them here or at her annual holiday sale, and see her website for the complete selection. They make lovely and simple... Continue Reading →
Fall cabin camping
This was our third cabin camping trip at Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement this year. In some ways, it was our favorite one so far. Although I love all the seasons in their glory, fall really does take the prize for the most beautiful scenery, and on weekends like this, it also has the best weather. On... Continue Reading →
