This site is an archive of ChiotsRun.com. For the latest information about Susy and her adventrures, visit the Cultivate Simple site.
Thank you for all your support over the years!

Busy Hands

February 13th, 2014

As you know, we’ve been watching the Olympics.  I’m not one to sit around and do nothing, even if I’m watching TV.  I like to keep my hands busy doing something. Usually it’s writing and working on my computer that keep my hands busy, but all the cozy hats people are wearing at the events made me want to crochet.  Luckily I scored some lovely yarn at one of my favorite yarn stores on Tuesday.  I set to work last night working on a hat for a friend.
crocheted hat
It turned out just how I had hoped, a beautiful mix of colors and textures.  Araucania Liwen yarn was used in two different colors crocheted together since the pattern used a chunky yarn (here’s the pattern in case anyone is interested).  I need to make  a pompom for the top and then send it off.  It’s too bad I didn’t finish it sooner, my friend would have been able to put this hat to good use during the cold weather in the midwest.   At least she’ll have it for many years to come.

What’s your favorite busy work to do when you don’t want to waste time? 

Gardening 101

February 12th, 2014

The 5×5 Challenge is all about educating and encouraging new gardeners.  I’ve received a lot of e-mails already about people excited to join the Challenge this year.  I thought I should extend the floor to the newbies – what do you want to see in the how-to/educational portions of the challenge this year?
cucumber_trellises 1
tomato_trellises
tying up tomatoes 3
One recommendation is to grow climbing plants in the garden in order to show how to make/use supports for these types of vegetables.

For the newbie gardeners: what questions do you need answered in order to fell comfortable with your garden this summer?

For the experienced gardeners: what do you think are some of the important details newbies should know when it comes to growing edibles?

All In

February 11th, 2014

Mr Chiots and I don’t go about anything halfway, we jump in and fully commit. The same goes for the Olympics. Yesterday morning Mr Chiots was on the couch watching three different curling matches on various laptops and his iPad and he was also watching luge on the TV.
Working from Home (1)
Olympics
Now that’s a committed Olympic fan! He’s even trying to take this week off and not do much work, something that never happens around here! I’ve been watching as well, but not quite as much. I’ve been doing work and sewing while watching.

Is there anything you go all in for?

Cultivate Simple 65: 5×5 Challenge

February 10th, 2014

This week on the podcast we talk about the 5×5 Challenge and why you should join in. If you are new gardener, joining the challenge is a great way to get your hands dirty! For the experienced gardeners, the 5×5 challenge offers a good structure to mentor a new gardener.

Round 5x5 logo

Check out the 5×5 Challenge Posts from last year’s challenge.
5x5 garden

Books of the Week

Quote of the Day: Tomas Cowan

February 9th, 2014

There is no greater joy in life than to have a purpose; to know what your life means.

– Thomas Cowan MD from The Fourfold Path to Healing

2009 Edible Garden
Gardening has been a key component in helping me learn to live a more mindful life. A life which has a distinct meaning, at least for me. In this day and age, any hobby we can cultivate that helps us slow down and consider what our lives mean is very valuable. Gardening is that hobby for me, while I garden, I think.

Do you have a hobby that helps you slow down?

About

This is a daily journal of my efforts to cultivate a more simple life, through local eating, gardening and so many other things. We used to live in a small suburban neighborhood Ohio but moved to 153 acres in Liberty, Maine in 2012.

Admin