When I pictured the Simple Living course in my mind, I envisioned minutes, nay even hours of extra time on my hands (since we weren’t allowed to watch movies or go on the internet, or any other form of electronic amusement), and at least eight hours of sleep every night (since we had lights out at 8 pm after which we could only use flashlights or candles)
This was going to be me.
Unfortunately, “Simple” Living does not mean the same thing as “Easy” Living, and all of the extra time we had gained by not using our televisions or computers were used cooking our bread, noodles, crackers, snacks, desserts, EVERYTHING from scratch. Don’t get me wrong, I love cooking from scratch. It is a lot easier to cook from scratch, though, with appliances (which we couldn’t use). It was great practice, however, and I’m really glad we got this opportunity. I learned that having a system really helps- some sort of schedule and rhythm that will keep life moving smoothly, as much as possible. I also learned that making food and whatnot can really be relationship building, whether you’re making food with or for someone. It’s also a great way to try something new (sweet potato burritos, anyone?).
We even tried our hand at homemade candy!
(ours did not turn out quite so picturesque)
Another part of the Simple Living course was the weekend camping trip (three nights), where we got to practice some of the awesome skills we learned in class (like knot-tying and reading a compass). It was also a lesson in being properly prepared, as the temperature got down into the thirties at night, and we didn’t have hats or mittens. It was a cool experience, though one I am grateful I don’t have to repeat in the near future 🙂
Setting up our tent-
tarp, rope, sticks and a little duct tape!
Milo and his little friend in our unfinished tent!
Owen wearing 4 pairs of jammies to keep warm!
Rhett butchering our supper!
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