Rural life

The Green is Lichens

While waiting for the snow to melt, I made a round on the backyard fence to make sure it was still up and there were no holes in it for the skunks to sneak in. Magdelin, the 5-month pup, does not know what a skunk is yet and I do not need the mess. I know the fence around the pasture is broken but the cattle are not going to cross the creek that is filled with 6 feet of snow.

Looking for green growing things besides the pine trees is still out of reach. With a little bit of whining, I did notice some green on an old dying ash tree which is a home for woodpeckers. The green is lichens which I do not know what they even are.

So, I looked it up in one of my garden books. Lichens are a combination of two organisms living in harmony together. It is algae and a fungus. The fungus provides a home and protection for the algae. The algae (being green) provide food for the fungus from its photosynthesis. Lichen grows on stone, bark, some metal, and many other things.

Lichens provide food for some moths, and squirrels, and provide nesting materials for hummingbirds. With many species of lichens, they do not harm the trees. The trees give something for the lichens to grow on. Do not confuse lichens with other fungi that show a problem with a tree such as self-mushrooms

Starting seeds indoors

Garden Catalogs

Sunday I looked out the window and saw the ground in the southwest corner of the garden. Granted the rest of the garden is covered with 2 feet of snow, but there is a promise that spring will come. Time to look at the garden catalogs.

So, this week I sat down with my two dozen garden catalogs. I start to circle and dog-page what I must have and wrote it on “THE LIST”. After looking out to the garden (50 feet by 50 feet) and seeing THE LIST will fill 3 football fields and the cost of THE LIST totaled was $578, common sense hit me. So, I took THE LIST and broke it down into 3 categories: the have-to haves, the maybe could do without, and the do not need but ready want.

Looking out the window again and seeing that it is now snowing, I gather my strength. I take the must-have list and cross out 20 seed selections and throw out the other seed lists. I remember from last summer no one needs 3 varieties of zucchini and 150 feet of parsnips.

I am getting stronger and more self-assured. That is until yesterday, the Baker Seed catalog came in the mail.

Home Buying

A Fresh Start: Moving to a New City After a Low Point by Karyn Winrich (financial literacy info)

Life can be unpredictable. One day you may feel on top of the world, and the next you may feel like you’re in the depths of despair. But no matter how low things get, it’s important to remember that there is always hope for a fresh start. If you’re feeling ready for a new beginning, consider moving to a new city and starting over. Here are some tips on how to make this transition as smooth as possible.

Research Cities

When selecting your new city, think about what kind of environment you want to live in and what kind of lifestyle you would like to have. Consider factors such as employment opportunities, cost of living, climate, culture, and safety when making your decision. Do some research online or talk with friends who live in different cities so that you can find the right fit for your needs.

Investigate Homes and Rentals

Once you have identified where you want to move, do some research into prices in the area so that you can find an affordable place to live. You can look into rental options such as apartments or houses so you can compare prices before committing to any one place. If you’re ready to buy, connect with a top realtor from Shippy Realty & Auction for exceptional service. It’s also important to consider other costs such as utilities and transportation when budgeting for your move.

Develop New Relationships

While leaving behind friends and family might be stressful, it also gives you the chance to meet new people in your new location. Take advantage of social media channels created especially for locals seeking companions or housemates. Additionally, participating in community activities like festivals or concerts might help you meet people while also having fun.

Pursue Your Passions by Earning an Online Degree

Moving away from home gives us all an opportunity for growth – both personally and professionally – so use this chance wisely. If you have been looking for a chance to explore new passions, such as earning a bachelor’s degree in education to become a teacher, then now is the perfect time to do so. There are plenty of accredited universities offering online degrees which could help open up doors later down the road if desired.

Register Your Business

Owning a business and planning a relocation? Make sure your transition is seamless and that all paperwork is taken care of correctly. If you need to file an LLC in your new state, you can register using a formation service. This way, you won’t have to stress about any potential tax implications, giving you peace of mind as you make the move.

Discover Your New Community

Explore all that your new city has to offer by visiting local attractions such as parks or museums; trying out restaurants; attending sporting events; checking out farmers markets; taking part in outdoor activities like hiking; joining clubs/organizations related to hobbies/interests; and volunteering at nonprofits. These experiences will help make this transition easier by giving insight into what makes your city unique while connecting with locals along the way.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

No matter how tough the transition process might be, try to stay upbeat. Just remember why you made the decision to move in the first place, and focus on all the amazing opportunities ahead. With a positive attitude, you can meet new friends, explore, and look forward to this new chapter with enthusiasm.

Moving away from home after hitting rock bottom can be intimidating but also liberating at the same time. But by taking steps like finding a new home, exploring your new community, and even pursuing your passions by earning an online degree, you can make a fresh start.