Sunday Funday Nesting - Dandelion Session (BEL)

Happy Sunday Y’all,

This is new boot Tracy checking in.  I made it through WEEK 1 at Wheaton Labs.  My husband Sean and I arrrived last Sunday coming from the “Big Easy”.  My oh my, what a journey.  A journey I’m incredibly grateful I choose to take and even more grateful for the opportunity I was given to study and learn with INTELLIGENT AND PASSIONATE PEOPLE.  My husband and I lived in northern Minnesota for most our lives but spent a few years being empty nesters and Yoopers in the U.P. until the snow did us in. The U.P. Is pristine and gorgeous but SISU is not me 😂  So we moved to Crescent City in late 2023 where we experienced beautiful and bizarre things.   It definitely was fun and at times frightening but exactly what we needed at the time.  Anyways, we found our way north and in another M state.  Montana has left us  breathless (literally and figuratively).
  Everyone here has been kind, welcoming and helpful. Thank you thank you ❤️  It’s been a long time since I’ve lived in community but I’m finding myself enjoying it. I didn’t document much the first week but I’m hoping that will increase as I adapt to the changes.  During the first week I helped with junk pole fence construction and was even allowed to use the chainsaw.  I planted potatoes, squash, watermelon, pumpkins, cucumbers, radishes, kolarabi, parsley, cilantro and probably other thingys in the amazing hugelkulture berms here at base camp.  I did a lot of “Chop n Drop” and irrigation (great job for us NOOBS).   I assisted in the deployment of the mighty sunshades and the welcoming hammock chairs.  I learned that the paths along the berm need periodic maintenance and Seth and Paul helped teach me proper path techniques.  My new office equipment will now include a horihori (awesome gardening tool), sickle, pick axe, shovels, trickle jugs, and watering cans.  I couldn’t be happier about this too.  

Living in community includes taking care of the nest.  On Sunday’s all boots partake in a “ cleaning blitz” that is scheduled from the 9-10 am hour.  It was great seeing everyone working together to take care of the living space.  Once  the nest was shiny and clean we all got to choose a project that  improves the nest.  Today, I choose to  harvest dandelions and make useful things.  Harvesting them in the mountain sure was different than what I was used to back in Minnesota but I got it done 💪 Once harvested I washed the roots and put them on the drying screens. The plan is to roast them once they’re dry.  I hear they can make a cup of coffee or tea that REALLY bites at ya.  My hopes are that they help with a well needed springtime detox from the winter months for all that need it (and my New Orleans debacle 😉).  I’ll experiment with different additives to lighten that bite.  I’m open to suggestions too from experienced or nonexperienced brewers.  I separated and cleaned the greens.   My husband and I enjoyed  an apple dandelion salad with a peppered lime dressing.  I’d like to add some bacon chunks to this next time.  I bagged up the rest of the greens for the  community to use if they choose.  I also dried some of the greens for a tea leaf like beverage.  Lastly, I mixed up dandelion honey butter to go with all the scrumptious homemade bread we gorge ourselves with before bedtime 😋

The mention of bedtime reminds me I need to start winding down.  My body is a little sore after this  first week.  I’m used to crunching numbers and creating spreadsheets. Look at me now tending to gardens and building fences. I’m so excited for all that is to come.  Stay tuned as I share my journey. As I look out the window unto my new OFFICE my mind feels settled and my heart is full!  Thank you for taking the time to read my experience.  Happy gardening y’all 👩‍🌾❤️