Catherine The Grateful - not permaculture farm, lessons from the field (BEL)

Catherine Barnes wrote:That sounds like dandelion fitters. Stephen made dandelion fitters and and sunchoke chips for us. They were delicious. I am sure yours were too. Thanks for sharing. Blessing

I realize that didn't meet your conditions for things eaten 'while walking about the garden', but having just joined the dandelion cult I felt moved to throw it in. Now it has me thinking about the possibility of stationing some sort of solar cooker in the garden space for just such an experience...

Happy 12th Anniversary Paul Wheaton & Wheaton Labs!

Today we celebrate the incredible journey of Paul Wheaton—a visionary, teacher, innovator, and the driving force behind Wheaton Labs and Permies.com.

From humble beginnings to a thriving movement, Paul has dedicated his life to building a better world through permaculture, homesteading, and regenerative living. His dream is to create a place where people learn to work with nature not against it.

The Pioneer
Paul Wheaton, a pioneer in the world of permaculture, whose unwavering commitment has inspired countless individuals to reconnect with the land and embrace sustainable living. From his early days as a software engineer to becoming a leading advocate for ecological innovation, Paul's journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and purpose.

Bootcamp
At Wheaton Labs, Paul has created a dynamic space where theory meets practice. Here, individuals engage in hands-on learning through the Permaculture Bootcamp, participating in projects like building Wofati homes, constructing rocket mass heaters, and implementing innovative water harvesting techniques. This immersive environment not only teaches sustainable living but also cultivates a community of like-minded individuals committed to ecological stewardship.

A Vision for the Future
Paul's philosophy is rooted in the belief that many of the world's challenges can be addressed through homesteading and permaculture. His mantra, "Nurture nature and nature nurtures us all," encapsulates his approach to creating a harmonious balance between human activity and the environment. Through his work, Paul continues to inspire a movement towards a more sustainable and self-reliant future.

Happy 12th Anniversary Paul Wheaton!

Job 12:10 NLT 10 For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being.


P.S. Garden cult - "If you are good, then when you die, you get seasons, 2-10 of fireflies" PW

PPS. If you haven't connected with Paul in a while today, would be a good time to give him a call to say Happy Anniversary.

Data gathered from (paulwheaton.com, permies.com)

Enjoy the beautiful view and the sound of nature.



Psalms 104:24 (NLT) O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.

Howdy, Neighbor!

There’s something about quiet chores that opens the door for unexpected visitors. Today, I was out by the fence line, chopping down some tall grass that had gotten a little too comfortable in its place. Then I heard it—a snort, loud and curious.

There he was. The neighbor’s horse, chestnut brown, big and beautiful. He came trotting right over like we had business to discuss. He walked right up to the fence line to inspect what I was doing and who I was.

We stood there for a while, the two of us. Me with my sickle in hand and him with his twitching ears. It was the kind of moment that doesn’t try to be special, but somehow ends up being the best part of your day.

Sometimes the best visitors don’t knock. They just trot over, curious and friendly, in the middle of a hot day.

Rhubarb candy in the making.

Enough said!

Stay Tuned...............

Catherine The Grateful - not permaculture farm, lessons from the field (BEL) #35


Artisan’s Choice?

The phrase artisan’s choice carries a certain magic. It suggests expertise, creativity, and a personal touch. Something crafted not just with hands, but with heart. We imagine a baker choosing ingredients by instinct, a ceramicist selecting glazes based on mood, a chef plating what inspires them that day. It sounds like freedom. Vision. Craft at its purest.

But let’s be honest: sometimes artisan’s choice isn’t really the artisan’s choice.

Sometimes, it’s really what the client wants.

The color was chosen because the client insisted. The design crafted by the artisan was actually a compromise after three rounds of feedback.

This isn’t about throwing shade at clients. They’re part of the process. Collaboration is real, and sometimes restrictions lead to surprising innovation. But let’s not confuse collaborative compromise with creative freedom.

True artisan’s choice means trust. It means giving the artisan space to lead.

So the next time you hear artisan’s choice, ask the question. Who really made the call? And if you’re the client, consider giving your artisan room to actually choose. You might be surprised what happens when they’re free to follow their instincts not your revisions.

Exodus 35:35 NLT  The LORD has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. They excel as craftsmen and as designers.

Catherine The Grateful - not permaculture farm, lessons from the field (BEL) #36

Happy Thursday !!!

It was a busy day at Wheaton Labs. We are preparing for all of you who will be joining us for Health week and the tour of the property. The sun shades are making their way up. The classroom has been beautified, and the pool is ready should the temperature hits 95.

Today was also a special day for me, Sean and Matt. We've been at Wheaton labs for 30 days. Stephen treated us to dinner and blessed us with  Joseph Lofthouse book Landrace gardening. I also received a pocket knife. It was a wonderful way to end the day.

See Y'all in 9 days.

P.S. if you have not signed up for health week or the tour, you still have time. Reach out to Paul for details.

Catherine The Grateful - not permaculture farm, lessons from the field (BEL) #37

Today Shawn and I strategized on how to get running water directly from the pump to the faucet on the dishwashing stations.

Normally the dishwashing station uses a footpump. Stephen wants to try something different for the upcoming tour and health week.

We ran two options:

1. Take a hose attached it to the pump. Use a splitter and affix 2 hoses each will be attached to the respective faucet (see photo).  There will be a nozel to turn the water off and on.

2. Take a hose attached it to the pump. Use a splitter and affix 2 hoses each to go beneath each station. Attach additional fixtures and tubing to allow the water to flow through each faucet. The faucet will be turned on and off with the existing handle.

Which would you choose?

Shabbat Shalom

I'd run a hose from the spigot to the station.  Have a Tee at the station within reach of both faucet's stainless steel braided (or plastic) supply hoses.  Tee them all together.  Voila, pressurized water running thru each faucet as it was intended by the designer.

Foot pump sinks are one of my favourite innovations I've found in adult life. Get a bit of exercise/activity while having control over flow rates without having to touch an extra surface with your hands. Simplicity of installation and maintenance. Conservation of water quantity. Super cost effective. The only problem I saw at WL was piping them through faucets with handles that caused confusion over operation. My sink is directly plumbed to the pump as a straight line to some shaped brake tubing for the faucet, accentuating all of the aforementioned features...