by Diane Laughter | Feb 2, 2018 | Construction, Natural Building, Nicaragua, Permaculture, Uncategorized
The earthen floors in our new guesthouse just received their final coat of “mud paint.” They are now awaiting the application of linseed oil that will harden the surface and make it shine. You may ask, “What is an earthen floor and why did you...
by Diane Laughter | Dec 17, 2017 | Landscape Design, Nicaragua, Permaculture, Uncategorized, Water management
What is a swale? A swale is a trench dug along the land’s contour, meaning all points along the bottom of the swale are at the same elevation. Swales at different levels can be connected by adding overflows, the water filling the higher ones first and then moving...
by Diane Laughter | Oct 20, 2017 | Food & Recipes, Medicinal Plants
Ginger is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices on the planet, thanks to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Try this simple recipe for CRYSTALLIZED GINGER CANDY; it turns out great for us and we end up with three different products.
by Diane Laughter | Apr 26, 2017 | Animals
When I was a girl we had female beagles and three times we had puppies. It was so educational and such fun that I wanted our Rottweiler, Dulci, and us to have the experience. Believe me, we earned this privilege, because having an un-neutered female is a challenge...
by Diane Laughter | Mar 16, 2017 | Art, Natural Building
When you mix art with dirt you get earthen building. Our cob bench has been a process, slowly coming to life as we have had visitors and volunteers come and work with us. Cob is a mixture of clay (straight from the ground), sand and straw. It is like adobe, but...