Crunchy Home

It all started two years ago when my sister said, "You should really try the DivaCup," and I said, "Huh. Weird." And every month, I'd think about it, but then I'd look at the price of a DivaCup ($30) compared to a the price of a box of tampons ($7), and I'd say, "Next month. I'll get one next month when we have more money." Clearly, I am not very good at understanding substantial long-term savings, because you don't throw the DivaCup away. Not for years. And then the conversation happened ... Continue Reading

I thought I'd try my hand at vlogging, and my conclusion is that I'm a much better writer than a speaker or videographer. But I spent all dang day on this, so I'm posting it anyway. This is a recipe for elderberry syrup, which is seriously effective, and MUCH less expensive than any elderberry concoctions or sambucol medications you'll buy in the store. It's easy and it's really, really fun to make. Elderberry Syrup Recipe for Coughs and Colds Here is the recipe for it, or you can ... Continue Reading

Did you know that you can train a cat to use a toilet? It's a real thing, and real cats who have brains can do this; they don't even need opposable thumbs or current issues of National Geographic. They are just fine with back issues. I'm thinking about doing this with my cat, but given our recent interactions, it will just give him one more reason to sit on my head. Here are his other reasons: he's hungry, or I'm asleep, or it's less than 86.5 degrees outside, or I'm breathing. But let's ... Continue Reading

I have to admit, I'm in a bit of a quandary. Two days ago, I was all excited for the Three Days of Silence. I had lists and ideas, thoughts and plans. And then the fires happened.   That is my Garden Tower with the fire in the background, taken about 5 hours after the fire started on Tuesday, June 11. Our community, after going through this last year, is now faced with the challenge of dealing with Colorado's most destructive fire ever. Last year's Waldo Canyon fire was ... Continue Reading

A long time ago, in a land far, far away I had a friend who hated chickens. She loathed them. Every time we'd go out to eat, she'd say to the waitress, "Don't bring me anything with chicken. Chickens are disgusting, vile animals." And then she'd tell a story about her uncle, who was a CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operation - so, a factory farm) chicken "farmer," and how when he was upset with her, he'd send her into the chicken "camps" and make her touch them. They would peck at her and ... Continue Reading