What I’ve been Personally Doing in the Face of Covid-19

This global pandemic thing has everyone on edge and I’m certainly no exception. Like so many I’ve been doing my best to stay home (I suck at that!) and keeping my distance when I do need to go out (that I can do).

I have been doing a lot of thinking about a lot of stuff including our collective future. It is a heady time.

Here’s what I’m doing personally:

1. Spending a LOT of time in my garden. I’ve been a gardener for as long as I can remember so this is nothing new. However, this year’s garden had a bit of a different emphasis. Though my garden is always a mix of food and flowers, utility and beauty, this year had a particular emphasis on resilience and preservation. A few more potatoes, many more cabbages (for sauerkraut and other yummies) and the addition of a trial greenhouse for tomatoes, cukes and peppers. I’ve also been experimenting with cover crops. More about that later…The greenhouse project may turn into a permanent structure for next season.
2. Staying in touch. I have a core group of friends that I have worked hard to maintain contact with. It is, in my opinion, essential as these girls are keeping me thinking, on my toes, and connected.
3. Supporting local businesses. Like so many others I recognize that small businesses in particular are struggling. I’ve tried hard to make sure I buy local. I’m excited to see that Okotoks, the small town nearest to me, has yet another butcher shop RFG Meats and Seafood. Bonus!
4. Questioning EVERYTHING. I am a contrarian by nature and I am sceptical of nearly everything that is fed to us by the media and by governments. That has become a prevailing theme in my life this summer. None of what we are being told is likely true, at least not in full. Question EVERYTHING. Motives are usually money and power.
5. Enjoying my new puppy. A 6 month hiatus was needed after losing my beloved border collie Brie but I knew I couldn’t be dogless for long. A search for a Portuguese Water Dog breeder brought me to a litter that suited my desires and along came Wren. She is a delight and has been a wonderful distraction during this crazy time. We are enjoying trying everything on offer at Kayenna Training Academy, so far the tricks class may be my favorite!
6. Planning for more chickens. Actually, buying more chickens – 3 to be exact. This brings my little flock up to 6 for the winter. My new girls will add some additional heat to the winter coop and some additional laying power to my spring.
7. Making sourdough – I know, it’s not low carb!! I LOVE the process, and the outcome, of making fresh sourdough. I don’t make it often, maybe once a month, but it is so delicious and I adore the act of creating a yummy loaf of bread that is a wonderful, home crafted product – from beginning to end.
8. Pressure canning. In keeping with the preservation and resilience theme I purchased an All American 921 pressure canner in the spring. Honestly this has been on my list of desired equipment for a while and I’m glad I jumped when one came up on sale. A few weeks later there would have been no hope of finding one. This behemoth, nicknamed ‘sputnik’, has allowed me to can up more of my veggies, some bone broth and some low acid soups. Now that I’ve gotten over the initial fear of the thing, I’m pretty excited about using it for some more ready made meals, freeing up some space in my freezer and adding to my storage pantry.

What have you changed in the light of the Covid pandemic? I’d love to hear.