A new project – material prep

While recently on a fishing trip “Up North,” I got a chance to harvest some bulrush (Scirpus spp.). I will be using this to make one or more traditional Native-style floor mats.  These mats were used on the floors of the wigwams and other various lodges of the Indian Nations in Wisconsin and throughout the Great Lakes.  It is also mentioned by both Juliette Kinzie (in her book Wau-Bun) and by Elizabeth Theresa...

The coop nears completion

Well, the coop is nearly complete.  All I really have left is to put the white framing boards around the door and windows and put a gutter on the backside. I also have plans to make a sign for the coop (project on backburner).  The chickens have been using the coop for quite awhile and seem to like it well.  Whew!!  The box under the side window will be planted to annuals next spring.  Until...

Gardens…

Well… the gardens are in full effect! We have been eating peas, green beans, cucumbers, Zucchini (summer squash), onions, and much more. It is nice when things start to ripen and we can EAT. I see that also, the flint corn is doing well, as are the squash, pumpkins, melons, and most everything else. I have been taking a few pictures and plan on doing so throughout the rest of summer and the harvest. As I do, I am...

Madeline Island

Recently I was contracted by the State Historical Society to portray a Creole Farmer ca. 1800 at Madeline Island’s Historical Museum.  It was a great time, the Island is wonderful, and the museum is great!  Here are some selected photos from the fur trade event that weekend.