MS Journey

This week has been a bit of a rollercoaster, with some unexpected twists and turns in my recovery journey. But amidst the challenges, there have also been moments of growth and joy, both from my own healing and the quiet magic of nurturing life in my little indoor jungle. Healing with a Hurdle : Months ago, I breezed through surgery, feeling pretty darn good. Then, wham! The last month brought a surprise visitor – pain. It got pretty intense, forcing me to spend more time in bed than I'd like. Turns out, the culprit wasn't something lurking under my scar, but scar tissue itself. Who knew? Thankfully, this isn't uncharted territory. Back when I broke my hand, physical therapy worked wonders on my scar. So, here I go again, ready to tackle this new hurdle with the help of my trusty PT. Body Blues : While the scar tissue is a recent development, I've been dealing with some ongoing challenges in my hands and legs.  Pain and cramps are unwelcome companions, making even simpl...

As the soft dawn light filtered through my window, I found myself lost in the echoes of yesterday—a day that turned mundane tasks into significant milestones. Living with MS has taught me that even the most ordinary actions can morph into meaningful challenges. Awakening to Possibilities I woke with a swirl of thoughts, contemplating both my achievements and the tasks that loomed on the horizon. The neglected chores, like the unkempt floors and the forgotten bulbs waiting to be planted, hovered in my consciousness. Yet, rather than becoming ensnared in the web of unfinished business, I chose to celebrate the small victories I had managed to carve out throughout the day. With MS, it’s crucial to cherish the gradual, unwavering progress and to recognize that every step, no matter how minuscule, is a triumph. The Garage Expedition A pivotal moment in my day unfolded as I set out on a quest that, on the surface, seemed simple: installing sticky chalkboard wallpaper on the laundry door, a c...

If you’re looking for a natural way to give your plants a growth boost, get ready to meet your new green-thumb best friend: willow water. This plant tonic is an all-natural, chemical-free way to encourage root growth, improve plant resilience, and even bring some life back into struggling foliage. Let's dive into everything you need to know, including how to make it, use it, and even spray it! --- What is Willow Water? Willow water is a plant elixir made from the branches of—you guessed it—willow trees. The magic lies in two natural compounds found in willow: indolebutyric acid (IBA), which stimulates root growth, and salicylic acid (SA) , known for boosting a plant's defenses against stress and disease. This combination makes willow water an effective, gentle way to encourage new roots and keep your greenery in top shape. --- How to Make Willow Water Making willow water at home is easy and can be done with just a few steps: 1. Gather Willow Branches : Snip a few y...

Embarking on the quest to rejuvenate my cherished mango plant has been an enlightening and fulfilling experience, spanning several days and filled with both hope and determination. Here's a detailed account of how I initiated this process, setting the stage for my plant's hopeful recovery. Day 1: Discovery and Action Upon observing the troubling signs that my mango plant was exhibiting—specifically, the dropping of leaves and the brittle nature of its roots—I recognized the urgent need for intervention. The precise cause was unclear; it could have been due to a virus, bacteria, pests, or even a fungal infection. Nevertheless, I was determined to take action and give my plant the best chance for recovery. The first step involved gently removing the plant from its container. This was a pivotal move, allowing me to scrutinize the roots and the soil more thoroughly. I meticulously washed off all the soil, ensuring that any hidden issues or contaminants were ...

Creating lush, vibrant potted plants is not just about watering and sunlight; it’s about giving them the right natural nutrients and fostering a healthy soil ecosystem. Without chemicals, you can still nourish your plants the right way. Here’s your comprehensive guide on NPK, minerals, soil health, and application details to make sure your plants are happy and thriving. 1. NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) – The Big Three for Plant Growth These three nutrients are the foundation of plant health. Together, they ensure your plants grow strong, vibrant, and ready to bloom. Understanding their roles and how to apply them is crucial for success. Nitrogen (N) – The Leaf Maker Why : Nitrogen is a key player in photosynthesis and chlorophyll production, making your plant’s leaves lush and green. Without it, your plants can become weak and yellowed. Signs of Deficiency : Yellowing older leaves, stunted growth. Sources & Application : Compost : Provides a slow-release source ...

Gardening enthusiasts and plant lovers alike are always on the lookout for natural ways to boost the health and growth of their beloved plants. One such time-tested method is using willow water as a natural rooting hormone. Easy to make and highly effective, willow water can significantly enhance root development in plant cuttings. Let's dive into how you can make and use this green magic in your own garden! Why Willow Water? Willows (Salix species) are a powerhouse of growth-promoting hormones, particularly auxins and salicylic acid. These compounds are known for stimulating root growth and enhancing plant resilience. By creating your own willow water, you harness these natural properties to boost your plant propagation efforts. Making Willow Water: A Step-by-Step Guide Ingredients: - Fresh willow branches (1-2 cups, preferably from young shoots) - Water Instructions: 1. Harvest Your Willow: Begin by collecting young, green willow branches. Younger shoots are more pote...

Imagine a world where science, nature, and family fun collide! Starting an African earthworm hatchery using cocoons is not just a way to grow our own army of composting champions; it’s an adventure into the fascinating world of worms. With my kids as eager explorers, we're set to unleash the power of nutrient-rich compost for our plants and embark on a thrilling quest to compare the wriggly wonders of African Nightcrawlers and red wigglers. Let’s get our hands dirty! Step 1: Gather the Essentials - Cocoons : Hunt down African Nightcrawler cocoons (Eudrilus eugeniae) from a trusted worm whisperer or farmer. - Containers : Let the kids pick and decorate shallow bins or trays with drainage holes, transforming them into cozy worm homes. - Bedding : Craft a wormy wonderland with shredded newspaper, coconut coir, or peat moss. Kids can unleash their creativity here! - Water : Keep those cocoons happy by having water handy to maintain perfect moisture levels. Step 2: Create th...

When it comes to gardening and plant cultivation, the type of soil you use can significantly impact the health and growth of your plants. Among the various soil types, sandy loam stands out as one of the best choices for many gardeners and farmers. This blog post will explore what sandy loam is, its characteristics, benefits, and why it's an excellent choice for nurturing plants, especially mango trees. What is Sandy Loam? Sandy loam is a soil type that consists of a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay. Typically, it contains about 60% sand, 30% silt, and 10% clay. This ideal composition allows sandy loam to retain moisture and nutrients while providing excellent drainage—a crucial factor for the health of many plants. Characteristics of Sandy Loam 1. Texture and Fee l:    - Sandy loam has a gritty texture due to its high sand content. However, the presence of silt and clay gives it a smooth feel, making it easy to work with. 2. Drainage :    - One of th...

Today, I woke up to one of those rare, beautiful November mornings—a crisp, sunny start with a light mist hovering over the ponds and hills at the golf course nearby. We’ve had some much-needed rain; the garden soil was cracked and thirsty, and with the sprinklers packed up for the season, this rainfall was just what we needed. But today’s sunlight mixed with mist? It was like something out of a dream. Naturally, I ran outside barefoot to try and capture it… which might have been optimistic, given my, let’s say, “enthusiastic” but not-so-skillful photography. The pictures? Well, let’s just say they don’t quite match the breathtaking sight. A real “bummer” moment! Just as I was about to give up, my daughter peeked outside, her eyes widening. “Wow,” she whispered. I looked again, and the mist had turned into a thick blanket of fog! Now, instead of that clear view, the whole golf course was lost in a beautiful white haze, with just a few trees visible and everything else vanished. I could...