No.619: Living Intentionally in February

January and its freezing, snowy weather really shook up most of our plans, but it also forced us to have some much needed rest.  Here’s hoping February isn’t quite so brutal; we have some homestead chores that definitely need to be completed soon!  First, a few highlights from last month:  We celebrated Epiphany with our sixth annual dinner and a new book tradition.  We ordered a bunch of things for the homestead and did lots and lots of planning.  I also ordered most of the supplies needed to make my own kombucha.  Lastly, I started deep cleaning/organizing the pantry, but didn’t get to the fridge and definitely not the deep freezer!

Eating Seasonally 

• citrus fruit
• Brussels sprouts
• kale
• broccoli
• winter squash

Celebrating the Liturgical Year

The month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family.

• Feast of Presentation of the Lord/Candlemas (2)
• Blaise (3)
• Agatha (5)
• Paul Miki and Companions (6)
• Josephine Bakhita (8)
• Our Lady of Lourdes (11)
• Peter Damian (21)

Homesteading and Self-Sufficiency 

• Move Fred to his own area away from the ladies.
• Try to measure the pigs for an approximate weight update.
• Start brassicas under grow lights.
• Grow another few batches of fodder for the chickens.
• Test the garden soil and figure out needed amendments.

Homemaking 

• Start my first batch of kombucha.
• Organize the garage.
• Focus on fire safety: buy a few more extinguishers, fire blankets and change all of the batteries in the smoke detectors.
• Continue decluttering and deep cleaning the kitchen.
• Find at least 20 items to declutter and donate/sell.

Family Fun

• Celebrate a big 40th birthday!
• Celebrate some silly holidays:
  • Feed the Birds Day (3)
  • Thank a Mailman Day (4)
  • Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day (5)
  • National Pizza Day (9)
  • Tell a Fairy Tale Day (26)