Yesterday in my whining I mentioned that Gary and I have been having trouble within our relationship. Which stands to reason, we’re two people standing outside of mainstream life, each making a go at our own experiments in how to live in ways that are true to ourselves, that have more positive than negative impact on the planet, and exploring some very alternative lifestyles.
We’re both near 50, set in many ways, and each have really big dreams for the next few years. What are the chances that we would perfectly mesh? Nearly none. So there are some upsets, but we’ve worked some things out for now. It is all an experiment. Very personal, very intimate, very important. Very worthwhile.
So things do not look as dire as they had been seeming the last few weeks.
The temperature dropped to 40 in the house overnight, so I was happy to find another place for Nala and I to sleep. That is cold. The repair was indeed the thermocouple, $150 later and the house is well on its way toward warmth. Not fast enough for Nala, who is in her coat and snuggling as close and hard against me as is possible.
More experiments. I’ve never kept a root cellar before. I hope to finish installing the shelves today and tomorrow, and move much of the produce currently filling my refrigerator past capacity. The pears that Gary picked and gave to the cause are getting sweeter and more tasty every day – I have over 4 dozen carefully wrapped in paper and stored away. At least that many apples are waiting to be moved as well. The Jerusalem artichokes are also waiting to be stashed safely. And more.
So I’ll learn a few things, and pass on what wisdom I gain. I also hope to make Kim Chi later today, always a tasty experiment in fermentation.
I think if I see life as a series of interesting experiments the highs and lows may not be as high and low. If the fruit rots, I will have learned something. If things don’t work out with Gary, I’ll still know a lot more about myself. Sounds like a good theory. Now let’s test it.
Tags: experiments, root cellar