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Gail Butler

Heartsease Cottage

As a childhood mud-eater (I don't remember this, but my Mom tells me it was so), I've spent most of my life digging in the dirt - rockhounding, gold prospecting, gardening - and am happiest with my hands in the soil communing with its mysteries.

Interests: Anything "dirt" oriented and writing.

Recent Activity

The Best Way To Store Fresh Mushrooms

This is the BEST way to store fresh mushrooms! Continue reading

Posted Aug 15, 2024 at A New Heartsease...

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A Happy & Prosperous New Year!

A new year is simply the turn of a calendar page — and a beautiful chance for us to turn over a new leaf. Continue reading

Posted Dec 26, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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A Merry and Peaceful Christmas and Holiday Season To All

"And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself". Continue reading

Posted Dec 22, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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Post Thanksgiving Gravy Bowls

A gravy bowl uses many of the leftovers from the Thanksgiving feast in a tasty and "comfort food" format. Continue reading

Posted Nov 27, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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Beating Inflation: Rosewater & Facial Cleanser

Homemade Rosewater facial toner and freshener Rosewater is gentle and soothing to skin. It hydrates the skin and reduces inflammation. It is slightly astringent - reducing large pores and tightening skin. Rosewater benefits all ages and types of skin. Rosewater has been a beauty aid since ancient times. Today it... Continue reading

Posted Nov 10, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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Beating Inflation: Skin Essential Anti-Aging Facial Serum

Beating Inflation: Skin Essential Anti-Aging Facial Serum Continue reading

Posted Oct 28, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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To Go A' Walkin' In the Woods - Walk #5 - Foraging For Chanterelles

The second week of October into the third - best after a rain if possible - chanterelles emerge in golden resplendence. Of course, this timing will depend upon your area and elevation. Continue reading

Posted Oct 10, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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To Go A' Walkin' In the Woods - More Secrets of the Forest Trail

I find here a deep abiding and simple Grace that is nurturing and balancing. Perhaps this is one of the subtlest and most profound secrets I've found along the Forest Trail. Continue reading

Posted Oct 6, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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Beating Inflation: Disposing of the "Disposables" - Floor Cleaning Sheets and Pads

Anyone can "home-make" - rather than buy - most of their own body care and house cleaning products! Continue reading

Posted Sep 25, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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To Go A' Walkin' In the Woods - Walk #4 - Apples, Elderberries, Rose Hips

A small sampling of some of the bounty foraged along the Forest Trail. In the photo above are few apples, ripe rose hips, and some mahonia berries. Missing is the bag and a half of elderberries I harvested a few days later and the entire basket of apples. Because the... Continue reading

Posted Sep 21, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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Homemade "Mix and Use" Liquid Laundry Soap

Here's the flap on how to save money by making your own "mix and use" liquid laundry soap! Continue reading

Posted Sep 12, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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To Go A'Walkin' In the Woods - Walk #3: Summer's End

The forest trail at Summer's end is no longer lush and green. Hot weather has brought forest fires, smokey days, and air-quality alerts to avoid outdoor activity. A day's rain temporarily cleared the air and I visited the trail. It's amazing what just a few hot days can wrought upon... Continue reading

Posted Aug 28, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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To Go A'Walkin' In the Woods - Walk #2

A steep, narrow path branching off my main forest trail eventually leads to a road that leads to a lake. There's good reason to occasionally take this steep path...there are more black raspberries growing down there! It's also less trodden by other hikers and there are species of plants that... Continue reading

Posted Aug 10, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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To Go A' Walkin' In the Woods - Walk #1

The forest trail near my condo is a study in natural abundance! Along this trail I forage for medicinal herbs and edible wild plants. I walk the trail three out of four seasons. In winter the plants are dormant and so am I...sitting by the fireplace sipping hot tea or... Continue reading

Posted Jul 19, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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Foraging For Herbal Medicines: Elderflower, Yarrow, Oregano and Field Mint

The tea tastes a little bitter, slightly astringent, and pleasantly, herbaceous. It's a very comforting brew. Continue reading

Posted Jul 7, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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Foraging For Herbal Medicines - St. John's Wort Oil, Salve, and Tincture

Making a salve is so simple. All that's needed is infused St. John's wort oil (made with dried herb and olive oil), some beeswax, and a jar! Continue reading

Posted Jun 29, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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Homemade Horsetail-Rosemary Shampoo and Two Hair Rinses!

Horsetail & Rosemary shampoo and Nettle Hair Rinse are natural products you can make yourself. Rosemary herb flanked by basil both of which aid hair growth. It's springtime! Time to gather and forage for ingredients to make hair- and scalp-healthy shampoo and rinses! Commercial shampoos contain chemicals that aren't friendly... Continue reading

Posted Jun 9, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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How I Roll - Camping the Jeep Gypsy Way - Space-Saving Dehydrated Food for the Road!

My home-dehydrated foods are an essential part of my Jeep-camping pantry! I love car camping and exploring! I love my Jeep...and, I love to eat! However, fitting a couple of weeks worth of food into a car - along with all types of additional camping equipment, including a bed, can... Continue reading

Posted Mar 28, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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How I Roll - Camping the Jeep Gypsy Way: The Ice Chest

I've had this ice chest for over 30 years! The egg carton is to show scale as I don't recall how many quarts it is. I've car-camped for years and much of my camping equipment is...old, mostly because it still works and it fits into my 25-year old Jeep just... Continue reading

Posted Mar 7, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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Red Wine and Balsamic Vinegar Pickled Eggs

I decided to come up with a protein-rich, low calorie, low-carb snack that had all the zest and savor of red wine vinegar chips, but was better for me and lacked the "guilt" factor...Red Wine and Balsamic Vinegar Pickled Eggs! Continue reading

Posted Feb 15, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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Jalapenos Part 2 - Jalapeno Pickled Eggs

Jalapeno Pickled Eggs are a nice appetizer with beverages when guests stop by. The resulting "pickle" results in only moderate heat, but a nice savor! If you have extra eggs you need to use up, as I did when I kept chickens, or you simply want to purchase some extra... Continue reading

Posted Jan 18, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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Jalapenos Part 1 - Jalapeno Salsa/Sauce (Just four ingredients!).

Jalapeno salsa/sauce is delicious on Mexican food, hot dogs, and egg dishes...anywhere you'd like to add some savor and a bit of heat. Continue reading

Posted Jan 9, 2023 at A New Heartsease...

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A Happy and Prosperous New Year!