No.643: Living Intentionally in May

“When April steps aside for May,
like diamonds all the rain-drops glisten;
fresh violets open every day:
to some new bird each hour we listen.” – Lucy Larcom

Eating Seasonally 

I am so, so excited to start picking food from our garden!

• strawberries
• rhubarb
• asparagus
• lettuce
• spinach
• new potatoes

Celebrating the Liturgical Year

The month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  It also completely falls under the liturgical season of Eastertide.  “The world is resplendent with Spring’s increased light and new growth. It is Mary’s month in the Easter season and all of nature rejoices with the Queen of heaven at the Resurrection of the Son she was worthy to bear. During the remainder of Easter time, let us endeavor through the prayers of the Holy Liturgy and the Holy Rosary to deepen our gratitude for the mystery of our Baptismal rebirth in Christ.” (from here)  Other feast days in May:

• Athanasius (2)
• Philip and James (3)
• Our Lady of Fatima (13)
• Isidore the Farmer (15)
• Philip Neri (26)
• Solemnity of the Ascension (29)
• Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (31)

Homesteading and Self-Sufficiency 

• Lots and lots of planting and sowing!
• Stock up on feed.
• Prepare everything for broiler processing.
• Process the first batch of meat chickens!
• Get area ready for the second batch of chicks.

Homemaking 

• Deep clean and vacuum the cars.
• Organize the garage.
• Clean out the gutters.
• Go through the little kids’ clothes, pull out everything outgrown, and make a list of needs.

Family Fun

• Celebrate some silly holidays:
  • Brothers and Sisters Day (2)
  • Star Wars Day (4)
  • Cinco de Mayo (5)
  • Dance Like a Chicken Day (14)
  • National Hamburger Day (28)