Overview

That's what being out in nature always gives me, away from that square life between all of those square lines. The sense of time no longer seeming to matter, or even exist, as I fall into the rhythm of the earth, beneath the sun, moon and stars. The joy of hearing the wind in the trees, the leaves swaying and swishing like waves upon the shore, and seeing, actually noticing, those small things, like a plant or an insect, even though they pay us no heed. Yes, it's a disconnection and a reconnection with my animal spirits and a reminder of our insignificance, yet also how important we are to the world and the universe. I'm lucky to be able to look out from my window and see trees, flowers, fields, but spectating and immersion are worlds apart.

Hi, it's nice to meet everyone! While I was raised in a more rural setting that supplied many opportunities for camping, this will be a new for me to explore as an adult without familial guidance. I look forward to learning more from everyone and sharing updates as I improve ☺️ If anyone happens to enjoy camping or spending the day in nature in Texas near the DFW area; please feel free to send me a message!! I would greatly enjoy a camping buddy! My goal is learn basic survival skills, practice outdoor cooking, take up new hobbies such as birding, and engage in horticulture so that I might survive the zombie apocalypse and better understand the history of the land I currently call home. P.S. - I was joking when I mentioned a zombie apocalypse lol. My dream is to hold even a fraction of the knowledge utilized by the youtuber, BlackForager! I think it's an important and powerful ability to be able to safely scavenge for ones own food (especially when it also goes hand in hand with the areas history and indigenous teachings). I think I'd want to approach each trip with the mixed mindset of an episode of PBS Eons and classic redneck fun 😂

That’s very smart to be prepared

I’ve made fire starters by filling empty egg cartons with dryer lint and then pouring melted candle wax on top. Super easy and they smell kinda nice when they burn. I also needed help getting our outdoor fire pit cleaned up, and I used https://emersonproservices.com/carrollton/ — they were quick and didn’t mind dealing with grime.

It's 96F and humid here so I won't be doing much in the way of outdoor cooking. Anyone having cooler weather than me go outside and cook something so I can see it please. Also, Cracker Barrel brought back their campfire meals. Might have to go just to pretend I'm camping.

I found some chanterelles my first forage first of many likely I had them in my din din

Actually found a chanterelles today it was just waterlogged tho but a good sign

Oh a heck of a find

I cut and stacked a decent pile of wood over the winter thinking I would make time to do more cooking outside. That plan didn't go as well as I hoped but the pile is definitely working out in unexpected ways. Looks like I can add some fresh turkey tail mushrooms to my bean soup tomorrow night. I think I'll restack the wood with growth on it and use the rest for cooking that way I can hopefully have a source all summer long.

They are when dealing with seedlings you just can’t expect them all to make it

Thankies, Bean! 😁 I’m just scared cuz they’re so tiny and fragile. lol

I have transplanted them at different times and almost always work butt I am no expert tho it sounds like your playing with house money and you have to thin anyway I would just plat them them soon and sees why happens just leve the most healthy look ones in the pot for now but yeah I am not an expert

Not sure this is the most appropriate place but I didn’t see a gardening or seed starting section. Forgive me if this is not the place and please tag me in another spot if there is already one. But anyway, I need some advice. I’ve got a BUNCH of seedlings currently. Yay for growth! But boo for overgrowth. lol So I have 13 Hot House/Slicing Tomato seedlings that have decided to sprout in only two of my mini seed pots. I know I need to thin them because tomatoes take SOOO much energy and if I don’t thin them they’ll grow thin and tall rather than thick and wide, but they are so prone to shock, I don’t want to do it too soon. Anyone gone thru this or have thoughts on when the seedlings would stand the best chance at transplanting? They’re about an inch and a half tall and just beginning to get fuzzy stalks. I can upload pics later of my trays if that would help. I also have pumpkins and cucumbers that need thinned too, so really, I’m just kinda looking for help. I’ve grown my own plants for years, but this is the first time I’ve had anything remotely like success with starting seeds so I’m REALLY excited and don’t want them to die on me or do something wrong when thinning them. Any help is appreciated!!! 😁

Makes some slaw and heads over

*loads up the fancy paper plates and heads that way* 😉

Alright alright….there’s plenty to go round. Doors open, y’all pull up a chair and grab a glass of some sweet sun tea. Tho, since I cooked, it’s only fair the men do dishes. Daddy can show ya where the sponges are😝

That’s sounds great I want some too

Don't tempt me, I drove to Mississippi for Krystal burgers one night lol.

Come on over! It came out freakin amazing. The smoke ring was chokes back tears beautiful🥹 I made some crispy blue oyster, cremini, shiitake & maitake mushroom and sautéed kale salad to go with.

What time we eatin' ?

Yep this I smart way to smoke without a smoker

Okay, reviving this because it’s that season!! If anyone didn’t know, you can turn a standard Weber charcoal grill (or any charcoal grill) into an indirect heat smoker! Basically, on the bottom layer where you put your charcoal, put a foil roasting pan on one side, and a mix of match light and non-soaked charcoal on the other half. Light the charcoal. You’ll notice hot spots from the match light charcoal. This is okay. It’ll burn itself white just as it begins to catch the non-match light spots of charcoal. Once you’ve got a base layer of white coals, put a small layer of water soaked wood chips on them and put the top grate on. Place your roast in a smoking pan with holes in the bottom over the foil pan below it-away from the heat. Then place your lid on and open the vent hole on the lid about 1/4 of the way. Keep an eye on it as it cooks, adding more charcoal/wet wood as needed! I’ll come back and update/edit once it finishes cooking. But here she is so far! An 8lb pork butt with homemade mop sauce. 🤤 check out the bark on this baby!

Bacon is the best

Bacon is amazing. We need moar bacon.

I don't exactly know how I stumbled across this topic but I'm glad I did. @shadowrider uhm bacon smelling fire?! I think I might have to try this. I save the grease for cooking so I have jars of it - I could soak an entire roll of paper towels!! 😈 my bacon addiction is probably borderline unhealthy.