Almanac for Homemakers

It's Time to Revive a Poinsettia "Danger of frost is now past in most of the cooler parts of the country. If it is where you live, it's time to get out a poinsettia if you have one in storage." We had briefly talked about poinsettias before in February when you were instructed to store your flower away from the freezing temperatures. Now that the threat of freezing weather has mostly passed, you can take your plant and move it to your garden. Poinsettias need to be in temperatures above 65 degrees fahrenheit. These guys also like to be watered daily. This is why they are indigenous to Mexico. They love humid, warm temperatures. So if you don't want yours to end up in compost, you need to take care of them. These flowers are like the extroverts of the garden. They like attention. They want your attention. They are so red to stand out for that attention. This is why me and gardening do not mix. I'm an introvert. I ne...

Take Cuttings of Favorite Chrysanthemums "Taking cuttings about this time of year is an excellent way to have more of the chrysanthemums that you especially like." Alright Almanac. I'll bite. What is a chrysanthemum? 1. It is a mouth full.  It sounds like I am trying to chew gum and say something at the same time. 2. I'm guessing it is a plant. ding ding It's a plant. It's more commonly called a Mum. I love you almanac but I'm not going to do this. I have recently started taking care of a succulent! Those guys are easy. They like to be watered once a week and prefer that you leave them alone. I really don't know how these homemakers did it. I have three kids. That takes the option of a garden out of the equation. I have to feed and water these tiny humans. There is no way that I am also going to try to take care of all these other tiny things around the house. But you do you Homem...

Reminder: It's Time to Dig the Vegetable Garden "As a housewife, you already know the cost of food. One way you can save, and usually have better quality too, is by raising some of your own in a vegetable garden." Let me stop you right there Almanac. There is nothing about having your own garden that "saves" you anything. It takes time, prep, work, and constant attention. AND The money that you need to fund this entire operation. Especially if you want to protect your garden from animals and bugs. I had one garden one year and that was almost enough. I was gone from my home for a weekend and the entire thing died! You guys want a vegetable garden JUST GO RIGHT AHEAD! I will stop at the store and pick up my produce that is made by professional farmers. Support my local farmer at the Co-Op. Now I really do have to admit that my garden produced some amazing produce. I had basil, tomatoes, and gre...

1853 Advice for Making a Home Happy "In 1853 the 216 page Skillful Housewife's Book  by Mrs. L. G. Abell was published. It included many recipes and directed itself to such other topics as household duties, health care, gardening, birds, and education of children." I really couldn't find much information about the author. What I did find is that Mrs. L.G. Abell was thought a very wise, informed, and skillful homemaker. Here is an excerpt from the book in our Almanac: "It is not the imposing majesty of a sumptuous mansion, nor the hollow glare of gaudy furniture, nor the obsequious attention of servants, that make the blessedness of a home. No, it is the steady exercise of those holy charities, that soothes our sorrows, and builds the nest of peace, love, and true enjoyment in our bosoms.  It is a mutual respect and attention, a kind consideration of each others feelings, under all circumstances - a sympathy in our cares, a regard to...