December 21, 2019
Happy Solstice, Friends!
It is the final countdown to Christmas and the end of 2019. I have always felt, though, that today, the Winter Solstice, should be the beginning of the year, for it is today when we start turning toward the light. In fact, according to Cliff Mass, professor of meteorology at the University of Washington, yesterday was the darkest day in Seattle history, or at least ever observed in the past 20 years of recording solar radiation on the roof of the atmospheric sciences building.
What's Up with the Weather?
Most of the country is under some kind of stormwatch. Here in the Pacific Northwest, weather folks are telling us we're under an "atmospheric river" - which pretty much describes what it is like to get dumped on big time. We got off easy here in the Banana Belt of Sequim, though, with 1.28 inches of rain in the last 24 hours (and it's still coming down). Still, that's the most in one day we've recorded in the past few years. We're hoping it will help make up for the rather dry November. Other places, though, got much more: some areas around Seattle, over 3 inches; other areas nearly 4!
All is not doom and gloom, though. I rather enjoy this time of year when I quit hurting myself outside and turn indoors toward other creative pursuits. A great time to catch up on some reading and writing and cooking up things in the kitchen.
Two recent blogposts you might not have seen
Speaking of being busy in the kitchen... check out my recent posts for some ideas of things you can make from your harvests:
Last-minute Gifts from the Kitchen (here's some of the craziness going on in our kitchen at the moment - in case you're looking for last-minute ideas)
November Gatherings - and a recipe (sort of) - spoiler alert: the recipe is for a Hawthorn-Fir Herb & Spice "Tonic" and would be very easy to make right now in time for Christmas. You could subtitute hawthorn berries for any that you might have. The Doug fir needles definitely give it a woodsy holiday aroma. Of course, the brandy is optional. I always try to bring a non-alcoholic beverage to our family gatherings that everyone can enjoy, and this is what I'll be making again for our gathering this year.
One of my latest projects:
Speaking of being indoors... one of my latest projects was to sew some insulated Kume curtains for my grandkids. These are designed in 4 layers: a front & back, a vapor barrier, and a baffle system to trap air. They fit right up against the window and conserve the heat. They turned out great! You can read more about the design on the
Kume website (out of Chile).
New page on the website:
You can see the curtains and a few other projects on a new page on the website that features
fabric, fiber, and dye projects. I think it would be fun to expand this section to share some of the techniques. Let me know if that is something you are interested in.
The Barbolian Fields website has evolved a lot over the last 10 years or so. It used to be all about garlic - and then also about permaculture and bees and various garden follies. I've decided to include some of the other things I make and do, which is more in line with the tagline, "In support of useful plants and things handmade..."
In Memory . . .
On a sad note, we recently had to say goodbye to our dear dog, Barkley. He was a pound rescue, mostly Australian shepherd, and kept patrol over our home and fields for 14 years. I have never had a more devoted dog and miss him greatly.
Still, I am constantly reminded of how fortunate we are. It is the season to reach out to others - to share comfort and joy. May we all carry this in our hearts throughout the new year - and I hope this newsletter finds you warm and dry!
Best wishes to one and all! Merry Christmas!
xo ~Blythe
