Some of the fruits of our Verdant Gathering. First, a thanks to folks for coming over to our teeny abode a couple of weeks back to have a nice, little time, and learn a few things.

The teachers at this particular gathering were Kari (of the Erratic Sewer and also Nomad Hiker), her sister Lisa, Abby of This Old Blog, and my sister Liz.

Liz taught how to make a great clotheswashing soap that is both much cheaper, and probably less harsh, than stuff one buys at the store. It also made our house smell nice and clean.

Abby taught folks how to make beautiful paper,
like the ones seen here:
Isn't that neat? Though I didn't get to see the process, personally, I do know it involves a blender, some recycled paper, coloring (food?), and a press made from wood and screen. It came out really nice, and will make some very personalized invitation cards.

Throughout the day, Kari and Lisa taught how to make jams, with a demonstration by making a strawberry-brandy, and also a strawberry-plum-apricot that tastes like it should be candy (and I may try to figure out how to make a candy from it).

I didn't offer anything to teach, but I did get to show off my less-than-stellar garden, and also my three beautiful ducks, who have grown considerably since the picture taken at the top...


I believe they are at around 9 weeks, and are as big as they'll ever be.

Our Verdant Gathering (pics to come soon)

Just a quick post to say that I haven't fallen completely off the blog world. Last weekend, we hosted our first party around crafts and such, and had a wonderful turnout! I'll post more later tonight...

Also, we had a quick scare last week, when the ducks turned up missing. However, after some frantic-ness on my part (I was at work and had my lovely wife come and pick me up so I could go looking), they were sitting right in the middle of the yard when I showed up. Juvenile ducks, just trying to scare us, I suppose.

Last, I started a batch of nocino and another attempt at a green walnut ketchup recipe, as I didn't take care of my first batch, and I noticed that it had started growing something on its own. That I'll turn into walnut wood stain (no joke).

So, pictures tonight of the party and various experiments!