On My Radar 03.01.2024

Ok guys, it’s two months in and I’m already going to describe 2024 as a whirlwind! I’ve been so caught up trying to plan for spring and all the projects I want to get done this summer it’s been hard to stay consistent. With so many things running through my mind right now, I’m thankful to have a place to try and keep track, & so what caught my attention the past couple weeks:

1. Trout & Aquaculture

   I watched this Youtube video of a guy raising trout in an above ground pool, in a tarp building. How cool is that? Looking into it trout are actually a cold water fish, so its more about keeping the ‘pond’ cool as opposed to having to heat the water. It turns out there’s even a hatchery within 2 hours of me, Cedar Creek Farm in Shawville!

2. Ambient Weather Smart Weather Station

   Small confession, I am terrified of Tornados. They used to be unheard of in our area but they seem to be coming around more and more often. Living someplace without a basement just compounds the worry. Even besides that, as a new gardener and trying to figure out my rainfall and frost dates and really hone into my micro-climate, AND start building some data for future temperature blankets, this is definitely making its way onto my Wishlist!

3. Casserole Dishes & Beeswax Covers

   Now that I’ve settled on my dinnerware I’ve started looking into serving ware, particularly casserole dishes that would allow me to make pre-made meals, freeze & pop them right into the oven when needed. I found this super cute set of casserole dishes, but was so disappointed when I realized they didn’t have lids. Even trying to find another set without plastic lids, or lids that didn’t take up twice the space of the dish for stacking in the freezer, impossible! Until I came across these reusable cotton cloth covers that are coated in beeswax for sealing! There’s even a DIY option with a number of Youtube instructionals! I feel like I might be a little late to the party this time, but what a great option!

4. Outsunny 8X4 Lean-to Greenhouse

   I’ve learned from living in our current trailer, that one of the odder things I miss about a house is the overhang of the front porch & having a covered space to come into before going inside, especially during the winter. In trying to plan out our deck I think I will be trying to incorporate a space like this that can double as a greenhouse and as an entrance, also acting as a buffer between the cold air & inside as we enter.

5. Refillery

   I actually hadn’t realized I had Refill centers anywhere close to me but it turns out there’s a few! The Ecoshire in Winchester, All Eco in Ottawa, The Local Fill in Cornwall, and a little further out The Keep Refillery in Kingston. As I’ve started looking for biodegradable and environmentally friendly shampoos, soaps and cleaners I definitely think I’m going to have to add these places to the list!