Judson Carroll

Hyssop/Hedgenettle

Often called Hyssop, but different from the herb of that name, this is a plant in the Stachys family and related to mint.  In fact, it looks like a tall, upright mint, but the leaves have no minty flavor.  It has tuberous roots that, raw or blanched, can add crunch to a salad, make nice pickles and can be cooked as a vegetable.  

Harvest the roots in early spring.  They are remarkable looking roots…. Long, ribbed and pearly white!   They turn brown as they get older and become tougher.  They are somewhat sweet, like Jerusalem artichokes when raw, and seem to contain the same inulin that does not spike blood sugar and may be a good choice for diabetics.  When cooked, the roots have a taste and texture like water chestnuts.  That makes them a good addition to stir fries and such.  But my favorite combo is a layered salad which is almost a cold casserole.

Layered Salad

Ingredients:

1-2 cups of blanched Hedgenettle roots and/or canned water chestnuts – a combination is perfect

2 cups chopped lettuce or a mix of lettuce and wild greens – I like to combine lettuce and spinach or mild wild greens with bitter and peppery greens

1 cup sweet garden peas

½ cup chopped onion or other alliums

½ cup mayonnaise (or more depending on taste…. If it is home made, I will use more)

½ cup grated cheese

¼ cup herbs – whatever you like

¼ cup chopped pecans or other nuts

Salt and pepper to taste



Instructions

Lightly salt and pepper between layers

In a casserole dish, put a layer of chopped lettuce (etc.)

Add a layer of Hedgenettle and/or waterchestnut

Add a layer of onions and peas

Cover with mayonnaise

Add the herbs, nuts and cheese

Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before eating… overnight is best, but I never wait that long!







Japanese Knotweed

This is one that you can feel comfortable harvesting all you like.  It is considered an invasive weed and can be troublesome to farmers, etc.  Japanese Knotweed is in the Buckwheat family, so the seeds are edible.  But, the main edible value in this plant lies in the stems.  The young, tender stems may be prepared just like Asparagus.  Older, tougher stems can be peeled and used as you might use rhubarb.  You can cook them down into a jam or make a pie.  As the older stems require the addition of sugar and lemon juice (etc), I find them to be more of an interesting addition to the wild diet.  But, the young, tender stems are quite tasty and easy to prepare.  The sheer abundance of Japanese Knotweed in many areas could make it a valuable dietary staple in filling the “hungry gap”, before the garden is producing much.  The trick is to pick it before it gets too tough, which means before it is over about a foot tall.

Japanese Knotweed is related to rhubarb.  It has a sourness to it.  I like that… to a point, and I eat it as a vegetable, using the steam/saute method and plenty of butter.  I peel it, chop it finely and use it as a side dish.  I will admit though, that it is better pickled.  It can also be used like rhubarb in desserts.  Japanese knotweed has become very popular combined with strawberries in a variation on strawberry/rhubarb pie.  It also makes a good jam.  I am not a dessert guy, much less a good baker of desserts.  Most recipes call for equal parts peeled and chopped, knotweed, chopped strawberries and sugar, cooked down.  I found this way too sweet for my taste, even with the citrus-like sourness.  I am still experimenting to find the right balance.  My advice would be to find a few recipes online and to do the same until you find proportions that suit your taste



This article is an excerpt from






The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54



Also, I am back on Youtube. Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902   Judson Carroll - YouTube





PS. New today in my Woodcraft shop:

Toasted Holly Cooking Spoon
https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/toasted-holly-cooking-spoon


Read about my other new books:



Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25



Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS



A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings July-December, 2025
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

and

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:

Judson Carroll, Master Herbalist
Herbal Medicine
Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB



Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube



Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/show-256-rose--67932375

Today, we discuss the medicinal and edible use of Roses, These are not just beautiful and sweet smelling flower, roses are essential herbal medicine!





Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902   Judson Carroll - YouTube


Tune of the week: Mint Julep on Guitar
Today, I show you how to play Etta Baker's "Mint Julep" on guitar. It is a really cool song with a great rhythm. It has some interesting little flourishes and jazzy chords.
https://youtu.be/sYr3ZA3z3D8

New today in my Woodcraft shop:

Toasted Holly Cooking Spoon
https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/toasted-holly-cooking-spoon

Email: judson@judsoncarroll.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southern-appalachian-herbs--4697544/support

Read about The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54


Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:
https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/


Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB


Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast:  https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7QS6b0lQqEclaO9AB-kOkkvlHr4tqAbs

Blessed Be The name on Guitar

Today, I show you how to play Mississippi Joh Hurt's "Blessed Be The Name".  It is a very simple old blues gospel song in the key of C.  It is just 3 chords and a truly elegant tune.

https://youtu.be/1A2JKjJYCYA

Correction... looks like I've been here 10-15 yrs... it feels like 20 or 30!

We are the biggest bunch of oddballs on the net. I have been censured here probably 100 times over 20 years. But I'm still welcome. No one tries to change me or brow beat me. We get along the way folks ought to. We take each other as we come and find common ground. Permies is really something. Paul did a good job, and so does the team. Grow Network Forums were similar, and missed. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter if we agree on anything if we can help each other grow stuff and get by. In real life, my neighbor is an ass who cut trees on my property until I stopped him with a shotgun. We still clear roads and get groceries for each other. We all have to survive, with a little help from our friends.

Timothy Norton wrote:I'm planning on introducing milk thistle into my medicine regiment due to a slight elevation in some liver enzymes from a blood test. I was recommended it by an older family member so I'm doing a little research and stumbled on this thread.

Do you know of any side effects that are associated with consuming milk thistle? I'm just trying to stay away of my body and keep an eye out for anything unintentional.

This is all I can find:


Known hazards of Silybum marianum: When grown on nitrogen rich soils, especially those that have been fed with chemical fertilizers, this plant can concentrate nitrates in the leaves. Nitrates are implicated in stomach cancers.

The root of this plant tastes remarkably like cucumber and has a nice, crunchy texture.  It is very good used fresh in a salad or pickled.  Indian cucumber is abundant where I live, so I get to enjoy them.  Remember, though, that with plants such as this, we kill the plant by taking the root.  Irresponsible harvesting can really devastate the population of Indian Cucumber…. Take only what you need, when there is enough growing so that the plants will not be wiped out.  Remember, critters like these roots too, so don’t assume that just because you leave a few plants the stand will not be wiped out.  I grow a few in my yard to be assured of having plenty of seeds for the next season – it is an attractive plant in my flower and wild herb beds.

Cold soup for a hot day

This is really just a variation on a traditional French cucumber soup recipe, using Indian Cucumber.  But, I like it better because the Indian Cucumber has more crunch.  I usually combine Indian Cucumber with garden cucumber and borage flowers (borage flowers also taste like cucumber).

Ingredients:

About 1 pound of Indian Cucumber roots, peeled and washed or a mix of Indian Cucumber with garden cucumbers, peeled and seeded.

1 cup plain yogurt

1 cup whole milk

About ½ cup each of borage flowers and fresh mint leaves

The juice of one lemon

Salt and pepper to taste.

Optional cooked crawfish tails, poached shrimp, lean fish, oysters, scallops, crab, etc.

Or, also optional, some fresh berries or other fruit

Basically, all you have to do is chop your veggies finely and salt to pull out some water and soften them a bit.  Mix with the milk and yogurt.  Add borage flowers, mint, lemon and pepper.  Chill and serve with either poached seafood or fruit.  If I use seafood, I also include chives or chopped green onions.  I don’t think that is very traditional, but it works for my taste.  If you use fruit, you could add a little honey or some jam.  Either way, it is a very cooling dish for a hot day and very good with a glass of wine.  

Speaking of wine, this combination of Wild Cucumber, garden cucumber and borage can be used in many ways.  Flavoring wine or gin with cucumber and borage is very traditional.  And, of course, tzatziki sauce is a combination of cucumber, plain yogurt and dill.   If you want something hot and spicier for a cool day, look for cucumber curry recipes and use the same substitutions.



This article is an excerpt from






The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54



Also, I am back on Youtube. Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902   Judson Carroll - YouTube





PS. New today in my Woodcraft shop:

Toasted Holly Cooking Spoon
https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/toasted-holly-cooking-spoon


Read about my other new books:



Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25



Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS



A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass readings July-December, 2025
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-daily-catholic-devotional-reflections.html

Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

and

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide

Read about Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast An Herbalist's Guide: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6: by Judson Carroll


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:

Judson Carroll, Master Herbalist
Herbal Medicine
Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB



Podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog:

https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube



Disclaimer

The information on this site is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease or condition. Nothing on this site has been evaluated or approved by the FDA. I am not a doctor. The US government does not recognize the practice of herbal medicine and their is no governing body regulating herbalists. Therefore, I'm just a guy who studies herbs. I am not offering any advice. I won't even claim that anything I write is accurate or true! I can tell you what herbs have "traditionally been used for." I can tell you my own experience and if I believe an herb helped me. I cannot, nor would I tell you to do the same. If you use any herb I, or anyone else, mentions you are treating yourself. You take full responsibility for your health. Humans are individuals and no two are identical. What works for me may not work for you. You may have an allergy, sensitivity or underlying condition that no one else shares and you don't even know about. Be careful with your health. By continuing to read my blog you agree to be responsible for yourself, do your own research, make your own choices and not to blame me for anything, ever.

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/show-255-locust--67844111

Today, we discuss the medicinal and edible use of Robinia.  We also discuss the Honey Locust. These are fairly common and very useful trees and shrubs.





Also, I am back on Youtube Please subscribe to my channel: @judsoncarroll5902   Judson Carroll - YouTube


Tune of the week: Mint Julep on Guitar
Today, I show you how to play Etta Baker's "Mint Julep" on guitar. It is a really cool song with a great rhythm. It has some interesting little flourishes and jazzy chords.
https://youtu.be/sYr3ZA3z3D8

New today in my Woodcraft shop:

Toasted Holly Cooking Spoon
https://judsoncarrollwoodcraft.substack.com/p/toasted-holly-cooking-spoon

Email: judson@judsoncarroll.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/southern-appalachian-herbs--4697544/support

Read about The Spring Foraging Cookbook: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-spring-foraging-cookbook.html
Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRP63R54


Medicinal Weeds and Grasses of the American Southeast, an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/medicinal-weeds-and-grasses-of-american.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47LHTTH

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2023/05/confirmation-autobiography-of-faith.html

Available in paperback on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK


Visit my Substack and sign up for my free newsletter:
https://judsoncarroll.substack.com/


Read about my new other books:

Medicinal Ferns and Fern Allies, an Herbalist's Guide https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/11/medicinal-ferns-and-fern-allies.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSZSJPS

The Omnivore’s Guide to Home Cooking for Preppers, Homesteaders, Permaculture People and Everyone Else: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/10/the-omnivores-guide-to-home-cooking-for.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGKX37Q2

Medicinal Shrubs and Woody Vines of The American Southeast an Herbalist's Guide
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/06/medicinal-shrubs-and-woody-vines-of.html

Available for purchase on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2T4Y5L6

and

Growing Your Survival Herb Garden for Preppers, Homesteaders and Everyone Else
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/04/growing-your-survival-herb-garden-for.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X4LYV9R


The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Bitter Herbs: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-encyclopedia-of-bitter-medicina.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5MYJ35R

and

Christian Medicine, History and Practice: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2022/01/christian-herbal-medicine-history-and.html

Available for purchase on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09P7RNCTB


Herbal Medicine for Preppers, Homesteaders and Permaculture People: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/2021/10/herbal-medicine-for-preppers.html

Also available on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B09HMWXL25

Podcast:  https://www.spreaker.com/show/southern-appalachian-herbs

Blog: https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/

Free Video Lessons: Herbal Medicine 101 - YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7QS6b0lQqEclaO9AB-kOkkvlHr4tqAbs

Mint Julep on Guitar

Today, I show you how to play Etta Baker's "Mint Julep" on guitar.  It is a really cool song with a great rhythm. It has some interesting little flourishes and jazzy chords.

https://youtu.be/sYr3ZA3z3D8

Mariya Bee wrote:I just had this funny thought. Many people share my interests, but I need to be honest with myself. What I need most right now is to spend less time around electronics for multiple reasons, including mental overload and generally feeling drained. What i'd really love is for someone to be on the same page as me about this because it's one of my highest values, along with staying away from drugs/smoke and alcohol. At the core is the desire to be as loving as I can to my body. If I can do that, it's easier for me to be loving to the whole world!

I guess I still use electronics because I spend a lot of my time on my own and it's a way to communicate. If I was to share my time with another, it would be amazing to just be present together and feel like that is enough, and yes, daily, not just once a week! Haha

Although a family issue is disrupting my normal lifestyle right now, I live in a national forest with basically no cell coverage. I have wifi in the house. Being an author, I use my laptop to write and do podcasts, and a little social media to promote my work. A lot of that is scheduled posts.  I live in the mountains and am outdoors most days and nights, living off the land.  There is also a coastal area where I like to spend winters that is even more remote - only 2,000 people in a large county that is mostly coastal swamps and woods, so I can go out for days and never see anyone, just focus on filling the freezer with meat and seafood. I live modestly, but on my own terms. Let me know if you would like to discuss.