Laundry Therapy

Posted by Barbara Techel

Yesterday while corresponding with a gal via email who is working on a press release for my husband John, she added a personal note about how she was getting ready to hang some wash out on the line.

I emailed her back and said, “We have something in common. I love to hang my wash out on the line too. I find it so therapeutic!”

She immediately wrote back and said, “I can’t believe I finally found someone else who says this is therapeutic. When I say this to other people their eyes glaze over not understanding what I mean.”

I chuckled to myself picturing those that don’t understand this simple pleasure. Or perhaps they look at it as a chore – I don’t know. But I do love to hang out laundry on the line in the fresh air. What a treat it has been to already be doing this in March in Wisconsin!  It is almost 75 degrees here today.

Every time I take my basket of clean wash out to the line I think of my grandma. I used to love to “help” her when I was little as she too, hung her wash on the line. I especially was fascinated by how she would always sprinkle the sheets with water, roll them up and put them in the freezer.  I guess that helped get the wrinkles out.  The gal I was emailing with said her grandma used to iron the sheets, which she couldn’t understand either. I will say I think that is kinda ridiculous – but then again, who knows, maybe that was their therapy. Who am I to judge?

But hanging my wash out brings me joy – silly perhaps – but I don’t care. I love it. I think it’s a combination of  warm memories, soaking up the sun, the wind in my hair, the smell of laundry fresh off the line, and just the simplicity of it all that makes me feel so relaxed and happy. And I love when I head back to the house and see little Frankie waiting for me at the patio door – her eyes half closed enjoying the fresh air and sun too.

Do you have a household or other chore that you consider your therapy?  I’d love to hear about it!  This could be interesting.

PS:  I hate dusting.

FYI:  I had fun playing with the photo I took of my laundry on the line by using a photo editing program called PicMonkey.

 

A Day with the Donkeys

Posted by Barbara Techel

Me and Elliot from Luv ‘Em All Donkey Farm (Elliot is my favorite so had to have my picture with him)

It all started for me and donkeys when I read about Jon Katz and Bedlam Farm and his donkeys. I fell in love with them and love when John shares a video of them braying – just makes my day! And oh, how I wish I could have a pair of donkeys of my own – but that is not to be at this time in my life.

Then one day a few months later I was driving home and saw this “donkey truck” go by. I about broke my neck twisting it to read the side of it. The minute I got home I googled Luv ‘Em All Donkey Farm and found that it was located only about 6 miles from me.  Long story, short- I ended up writing a story about them because the donkeys were doing work with special needs kids and adults. Sadly, since then, the owner Susan has had some health challenges, and other challenges as well, and has had to find new homes for the donkeys.  Fortunately she has, and even though it will be very hard to say goodbye to them this spring, they are going to two new good homes.  Each set of pairs are going to 2 different gals (who know each other) who work with special needs kids and want to have the donkeys for the kids.  It is all bittersweet. But Susan is happy with where they will be going.

But Susan learned of a Holyland Donkey Sanctuary not far from her home and has been volunteering there so she will have somewhere to go to get her “donkey fix” when her donkey’s go to their new homes.  So she asked me to go along today to practice Reiki with the donkey’s and simply just hang out with them…. I jumped at the opportunity…  so below are pictures of my donkey day.  What an absolutely soul-fulfilling day!

 I was an official “donkey lady” riding in the “donkey van” to go to Holyland Donkey Sanctuary

 Rocky and Elliot are best bud’s so will go together as a pair to their new home in spring

 Rocky is quite the ham and loves the camera

Frankie of Holyland Donkey Sanctuary. He is learning to trust humans again after having a rough past. He approached me three times and one of those times let me quickly pet his side. He is making progress. 

But, gosh, I just wanted to hug him and let him know all will be okay.

Holyland has about 12-14 donkeys and here are a few of them… though don’t ask me to remember all their names!  

I know… I know… funny looking donkey, huh?  This is Velcro the resident cat at Holyland.  Just had to get a picture of him so happy and content in his very large hay bed.

Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Notecards – We Need Your Help

Posted by Barbara Techel

I’m considering having note cards made up of Frankie after her successful day at the Farmer’s Market late last summer. When I initially posted this on Facebook, etc. it was a big hit – some people even saying it would make a fun note card.  So, if I was to offer these for sale, would this be something you’d be interested in?  I’d like to gauge the interest and would really appreciate if you could leave a comment if this would be something you’d be interested in.  Thank you so much for your help!