#Patches and Radish

[raintailed]

This is what Bramble looked like before they were modified. They don't remember being their past self, so past Bramble is essentially dead.

Perhaps past Bramble would have been happy to know that their future self is the master maskmaker they've always dreamed of being!

[n3ongold3n]

Garden year is starting - let's see where the leftover motivation cat take me

[green-witch-archives]

Creating a "Witchy" Garden

Choose Your Space

Size & Placement: You can create a garden in a small container, a windowsill, or an outdoor patch of land. Ensure the space gets the appropriate amount of sunlight (herbs generally need 6-8 hours per day) and is easy to tend to.

Environment: Design your space to align with the energies you wish to attract, such as placing plants associated with protection near the entrance or flowers that attract pollinators around the garden.

Best Plants to Start With

Beginner-friendly plants that can thrive almost anywhere, regardless of climate. These plants are resilient, adaptable, and useful.

1. Mint (Mentha spp.)

Thrives in most climates, grows quickly, and is great for teas and remedies.

Grows well in pots (to prevent spreading) or directly in the garden.

2. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Drought-resistant, hardy in cold and hot climates.

Used for cleansing, memory, and protection.

3. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Survives in dry, poor soil and is great for cooking and medicinal use.

Symbolizes courage and purification.

4. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Grows indoors or outdoors.

Needs regular harvesting to thrive.

5. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Cold-hardy, great for pest control, and requires little maintenance.

6. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Quick-growing and does well in most conditions.

Can be grown in containers, raised beds, or directly in soil.

7. Radishes (Raphanus sativus)

Fast-growing (ready in 3-4 weeks), thrives in most soils.

8. Carrots (Daucus carota subsp. sativus)

Hardy root vegetable that tolerates cold and heat.

9. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Grows almost anywhere and is used in protective spells and folk medicine.

Great for warding off negative energy.

10. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)

Thrives in various temperatures, fast-growing, and nutrient-rich.

11. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

Grow well in most climates and repel pests.

Used for protection and honoring ancestors.

12. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Cold and heat-tolerant, used for skincare and healing.

Represents warmth, positivity, and joy.

13. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile)

Grows in most climates and is used for relaxation, dreams, and purification.

14. Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa)

Grow in containers, raised beds, or hanging baskets.

Symbolize love and abundance.

15. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

Easy to grow in pots or gardens, adaptable to different climates.

Associated with protection and prosperity.

How to Plant & Care for Plants

Soil: Use loose, well-draining, and nutrient-rich soil for most plants. You can create your own mix using compost, peat moss, and perlite for good air circulation. Herbs prefer slightly alkaline or neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).

Spacing: Ensure you space your plants to allow for healthy growth. Crowding can hinder their ability to grow.

Planting Depth: Follow seed packet instructions for the correct planting depth. Most herbs and flowers need to be sown at a depth of about twice their size.

Companion Planting: Some plants work well together. For instance, basil and tomatoes are great companions, as basil repels certain pests that could harm tomatoes.

Best Time to Water: Water your garden early in the morning or late in the evening. This allows plants to absorb water before the heat of the day or overnight without suffering from water evaporation.

Watering Amount: Water thoroughly when the soil feels dry about 1 inch deep. Be careful not to overwater, especially herbs, as it can lead to root rot.

Timing & Moon Phases

New Moon: Time for planting new seeds. A good time to start a garden.

Waxing Moon: The best phase for planting leafy greens, herbs, and flowers that grow above the ground. Time of growth.

Full Moon: Harvesting of herbs and fruits. It’s a time to gather your plants. Energy is at its peak.

Waning Moon: This phase is ideal for root crops, tubers, and perennials. It’s also a time for trimming and pruning to encourage a healthy harvest.

Zero Waste

1. Composting:

Create a compost bin or pile to recycle organic waste. This not only reduces waste but also enriches your soil with nutrients for your plants. Include plant scraps, peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds.

2. Reusing Containers:

Repurpose old containers like jars, cups, or wooden crates for planting.

3. Mulching:

Mulch with natural materials like straw, leaves, or grass clippings to prevent weeds, conserve moisture, and improve soil quality.

Natural Fertilizing

1. Compost Tea:

Steep compost in water to create a "compost tea" that can be used as a liquid fertilizer. This is rich in beneficial microorganisms that promote healthy soil.

2. Manure:

Use organic manure (chicken, cow, or horse) to provide essential nutrients to your plants. Make sure it’s well-composted to avoid burning plants.

3. Fish Emulsion:

A natural liquid fertilizer made from fish byproducts, providing a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It's perfect for boosting growth in a witchy garden.

4. Banana Peel Fertilizer:

Chop up banana peels and add them directly to the soil. They are rich in potassium and phosphorus, which supports flowering and fruiting plants.

Seeds

1. Seed Saving:

Collect seeds from plants once they’ve gone to seed, dry them thoroughly, and store them in labeled envelopes. This reduces costs and creates a self-sustaining garden.

2. Natural Seed Starting:

Start your seeds in small biodegradable pots made from newspaper or cardboard to minimize plastic waste.

Consider using kitchen scraps for planting, such as potato eyes for growing new potatoes or citrus peels for herb starts.

Garden Symbolism

Garlic, Rue, and Yarrow: These are associated with protection and banishing. Plant these near doorways or along fences for warding off negative energy.

Rose, Jasmine, and Lavender: Plant these near seating areas for love and harmonious energy.

Aloe Vera, Basil, and Mint: Grow these in abundance for healing rituals and attracting wealth.

Mugwort, Sage, and Lavender: Great for enhancing intuition, psychic visions, and connection with the spiritual realm.

These are just some examples.

Each plant carries its own symbolism, and purpose, but the meanings they hold can vary from person to person. What resonates with one gardener may have a completely different significance for another. Select the plants that speak to you, whether for their beauty, healing properties, or the sense of connection they bring to your space.

What to avoid in your garden

Invasive Species:

Bindweed, Bermuda Grass, Nutsedge: These aggressive plants can overrun your garden, choking out desired herbs and flowers. Their pervasive nature makes them difficult to control, potentially disrupting the harmonious balance of your space.

Plants Harmful to Pets and Wildlife:

Lilies: While beautiful, lilies are toxic to cats and can pose serious health risks.

Other Toxic Plants: Research any plant's compatibility with local fauna before inclusion, ensuring your garden remains a safe haven.

Plants that cannot thrive where you live:

Plants that originate from different regions often struggle in unfamiliar environments. They may require excessive watering, specific soil conditions, or special care that disrupts your garden's natural harmony.

Native plants are better adapted to the local climate and soil.

Using Synthetic Chemicals:

Employing artificial fertilizers and pesticides can introduce harmful substances into your garden. Opt for organic and natural alternatives to maintain the garden's purity.

Other things you can put in your garden (not plants).

Herbal Drying Rack or Witch’s Ladder.

Stone arrangements, wind chimes, candles, a birdbath, water bowl or water basins.

Altars and sigils.

A small fairy house or spirit house.

Crystals & Stones

Moss Agate: "Gardener’s Stone". A great stone for plant growth.

Green Aventurine – "Stone of Prosperity". Ideal for vegetable and herb gardens.

Tree Agate – "Stone of Inner Peace". Enhances the connection between plants and their caretakers.

Obsidian – "Stone of Grounding & Protection". Place near entry points or around a meditation space.

Citrine – "Stone of Sunlight & Abundance". Attracts bees, butterflies, and other helpful pollinators.

Rose Quartz – "Love & Compassion". Place near flowers or fruit trees to boost blooming.

[green-is-going]

I've been working on some awesome little felt patches of various produce (and one fish) and i'm super happy with how they're turning out!! they're all completely freehand + handsewn and i'm hoping to sew most of them onto my pants tonight!

Closeups under the cut :D

I'm going to add some scale details to the salmon but the rest are all complete! I'm especially proud of the tomatoes on the vine, one of the first ones i made, and the radish! the stitching on that one definitely took the longest.

I'll definitely reblog with updates whenever i make some more! i'm hoping to scrounge up some blue felt to make blueberries next :3

[batbusiness-schooldropout]

In my head, no one, but nobody, believes that A-Yuan isn't Wei Wuxian's biological child.

Did he impregnate some random girl? Was he himself pregnant? Did his evil magic powers somehow make a child actually grow out of a radish patch? UNCLEAR! Who cares! That's his son and that's all we need to know

[koipudding]

imagine!!! imagine if you will…

contains: menstruation | gn! reader | reigen | might be ooc

i just needed some comfort :/

Reigen massages your legs and stomach when you’re on your period. He runs warm, so warm that his hands are a bit clammy at times but perfect for when chills wrack your body. Plus, he has an older sister, so he knows exactly what to buy you: various pads (or tampons, both on some weeks) , snacks of every flavor profile and extra tea and heating pads (she’s thrown enough fits at home that he remembers it all).

“I’m home.” You throw your bag to the side, and slump onto the couch.

Work was terrible, and running around all day had led to more aches and pains. Your thighs press together, trying to prevent any leaks that might result of your fidgeting. Your boyfriend walks from the kitchen over to your side, kneeling and brushing your hair out of the way. Maybe you should swat him away; get rid of his insistent poking and prodding.

“Rough day? Let me help.” Reigen pulls your shirt up, and hushes you by pressing a warmed up rice ball to your mouth.

You take the little onigiri, and nibble on it as his hands rub up and down your sides and abdomen. He digs them into your back, hitting every spot before he returns to gently rubbing soothing circles over the front.

Just a few days of unbearable irritation and feeling unlovable. You can deal with it. But it doesn’t stop the tears from filling your eyes, and soft whimpers to escape your mouth when the one man who always sees you as your worst treats you so kindly, as if you're his favorite person.

“So pretty, y’know that? Adorable, really.” Reigen winks at you, his hands slowly warming up your bloated stomach.

He doesn’t comment on your sullen expression, but a quick peck on your jaw is all you need before you sink back down.

“‘Taka, at this rate I’ll fall asleep.” You yawn softly, feeling the warm darkness pull over your vision as you swallow the last grains of rice.

“Sleep. I’ll take care of you, always,” Reigen brings his hands to your face, massaging the temples and your forehead, “i love you.”

Reigen whispers little reassurances, pulling you up to sit on his lap as he runs a hand up and down your back.

“You’re so good, my favorite person. I cant ask for anything more; you’re everything to me.” A kiss on the crown of your head.

“Do you need me to grab anything? hearing pads? ibuprofen?”

you shake your head, a yawn bubbling up. Reigen laughs and kisses your nose.

“You’re so cute. I love how your nose scrunches up.” A pinch on your side.

You swat his hand away with a small pout, “don’t do that.”

"You're smiling again, I'm glad. You were so tense before." He wipes the tears off of your face, and picks you up.

"Sleep. I'll make you radish and pork bone soup? Or congee?"

You hum your answer noncommittally, the warm cologne that had seeped onto your shared sheets lulling you to bed. The last thing you feel is a warm rag over your face, and an arm around your waist.

a/n: needed some comfort… been having a rough patch :/ reigen makes me happy tho! i hate politics but it’s important that i stay informed. and i hate it all :3 stay safe out there dears :3

my parents made me white radish and pork bone soup :3 it's very comforting!!!!

rushed but this was very self indulgent.

[thisvictoriangirl]

7) cherry cola and blue jeans

It's the start of summer on their third year out of the army, and they've got nothing but time in their hands.

One of the perks of retirement, Johnny guesses, or so others say. Some days, it feels less like a perk and more like a torture tactic. For years, they had gotten used to structured chaos, survived on stolen sleep and seconds stretched thin, only able to catch their breaths before they're sent off to the next mission. It had gone on for so long that nothing else felt right.

Now, time is all they have.

It feels like an overflow, like a flood. Dehydrated men drowning themselves at the first glimpse of water. Still, Johnny and Simon make the best of it. Town as small as the one they've settled in, it's a miracle there's anything to do at all, but they find their place. Johnny teaches science at the local elementary school and coaches the school rugby team of wee rascals on the weekends.

Simon busies himself with his part-time job at the butcher. When he's not at work, he's usually working up a sweat tending to the small patch of land in their backyard. He's already got apple saplings growing there, along with a few tomatoes and cucumbers. He's in the midst of planting radishes under the summer sun one Saturday afternoon when Johnny gets home from rugby practice.

"I'm home!" Johnny calls out perfunctorily, marching through the hallways of their home, his practice bag dropped somewhere on his way to the backyard where he knows Simon will be. He makes a quick detour to the fridge, grabs a Cherry coke to stave off the heat, and then follows the quiet sounds of garden work. "Si?"

Johnny opens the kitchen sliding door and pauses at the doorway.

There, under the too-bright sun, wrapped up in warm air, Simon crouches on the ground and digs the soft earth with his gloved hands, his back to Johnny as he tends to his little vegetable patch, blonde head ducked in concentration. If he's heard Johnny's stomping about, Simon makes no acknowledgement of it as he keeps digging with his trowel, making little pockets for his seedlings.

Johnny falls quiet. He watches Simon work, watches as his broad shoulders shift under his sweat-damp Henley, rough hands made gentle and careful as he lowers each individual little plant into its own pocket of dirt before patting the soil securely around it.

Not for the first time, Johnny wonders why Simon took up gardening. He's been the one to introduce Simon to it, sure, but Simon had gone above and beyond to learn about gardening and growing all sorts of plants, seemingly obsessed with covering every inch of their home with something green and living. (There are multiple succulents on the windowsill to prove Johnny's point.)

Maybe it's the structure behind it. Gathering information, making a plan, following a schedule of when it's best to plant and water and harvest. The repetition, perhaps. This digging and burying, dirt under your fingernails and the weight of the sapling in your hands.

(Maybe it's the irony of it. A once-dead man cultivating life and thriving at it.)

Whatever it is, it suits Simon. He's had some rough moments—they both have, especially on their first year out of the SAS—but those are getting fewer and farther in between the good days. Most days look like this now. Slow and unassuming. Weekends spent running around in rugby fields and tending to vegetable gardens, as the seasons pass them by. Good things.

An overflow of 'em, Johnny thinks again.

His thoughts derail when Simon shifts his weight on his other knee. His dark blue jeans are stained with dirt and clinging to his thick thighs, and Johnny's eyes fall down down down to the very familiar temptation of stretched denim over Simon's gorgeous arse.

Johnny hums under his breath. Throat dry, thoughts forgotten.

It's something he sees nearly everyday but fuck if he doesn't feel like the luckiest sod for it. He's been seeing it out on the field since seven years ago, has crawled through the mud of Amazon rainforests with it wiggling in front of his face as Ghost took point, has tripped over his fucking feet one too many times from trying to follow the sight of it as Ghost walked out of conference rooms, and still, Johnny can never get tired of the view.

The fact that Johnny's allowed to stare his fill these days only sweetens the deal.

Now there's a retirement perk they don't tell you about.

Johnny leans against the doorframe, blood hot from something other than running around the rugby field for hours patching up skinned knees and crying brats, and opens the Cherry coke with a quiet shnick.

Simon turns at the sound.

Johnny takes a mouthful of liquid cherry sugar, fizzy and ice-cold, and smirks around the lip of the soda can as Simon finally looks at him. He maintains his stare, none-so-subtly dragging his eyes down to the swell of Simon's backside again as he drinks.

"See somethin' you like, Johnny?" Simon grunts as he stands to his full height, taking away the view as he faces Johnny properly. He's bare-faced, forgoing the mask most days since their retirement, his skin freckled and flushed red from the sun. "Never got over our staring problem, have we?"

"Oh, aye." Johnny leers with a playful grin. "View's too good not to take a look."

"Minx."

"You know it, Lt."

"Not your Lieutenant anymore," Simon huffs, carelessly wiping away the sweat from his bare jaw with the back of his gardening gloves. It leaves behind a streak of dirt and Johnny is torn between wanting to lick it off and preserving it there for eternity. Jesus, but Simon turns him into a fucking animal.

"Yer always going to be my Lieutenant," Johnny says distractedly as he watches Simon approach him in long strides. He has to tilt his head up a bit when Simon stops right in front of him and towers over Johnny just a little. "Followed me all the way here to Scotland, didn't ye?"

Simon hums noncommitally. This close, Johnny can see each freckle on his face. He'd count them, given the chance. "That I did," Simon says.

Johnny waggles his eyebrows. "Fancy me that much, aye?"

Simon nods. "Much more than you think."

It's meant to be teasing, but it ends up sounding sincere instead, and that's what makes Johnny blush. The banter has always been easy. The flirting even more so. The vulnerability? Not so much. Johnny isn't used to it yet, not used to letting it spill out in the open. Letting it soak into their interactions and having it stay there without either of them brushing it off or walking away from it.

"Heh." Johnny swallows. Wills down the heat from his cheeks and takes another casual swig of his too-sweet Cherry coke just to keep the butterflies from fluttering out of his esophagus. "Careful. Yer getting soft on me, Lt."

"Get hard for you most days." Simon says immediately, and Johnny groans out loud, thoroughly disappointed at the joke. Alright, he set himself up for that one. The dismal humor is almost worth hearing Simon's low huff of laughter, his chin dropping down as he smiles at Johnny. Simon's brown eyes are soft, that notched scar on his upper lip pulling around his grin and baring a long canine. It makes Simon look handsome. Beautiful, even. Pure fucking braw, if you ask Johnny.

"Terrible," Johnny deadpans.

Simon shakes his head. "Hilarious," he corrects, taking another step closer and pulling his gardening gloves off. Simon tucks his gloves carelessly into his jeans pocket. He smells like faint cologne and aftershave, underneath the scent of sweat and grass. "Give us a kiss," Simon murmurs, already tilting his head down.

"Dinnae have to ask."

They meet halfway, melting into each other's mouths and against each other's bodies. Hands tangle into hair, and Johnny parts his lips invitingly almost at once, tilting his head to the side and pressing up against the warmth of Simon's calloused palm on his jaw. Johnny cups the back of Simon's neck, his other hand resting on a broad shoulder. The Cherry coke drops on the grass with a dull thud, empty and forgotten.

They kiss each other slow, unhurried. Simon draws away only to come back for more, pressing tiny kisses and sucking the lingering taste of sweet cherries from Johnny's bottom lip. They kiss for minutes, for hours, for what feels like days.

It feels like drowning.

Like the first drink after a drought. Deserts welcoming the first rain.

An overflow of good things.

In a while, they'll have to pull away eventually. Brush themselves off and drag their sweaty, minging selves into the bathroom for a much-needed shower.

In a while, there will be dinner to start—a couple of steaks from the butcher that Simon got for a discount, and potatoes that'll get argued over which way they ought to be prepared (Simon always wants them mashed when Johnny and everyone else and their Mam knows baked potatoes are far more superior). There will be dishes to wash and a couple of beers to drink as another episode of The Great British Bake Off plays in the background.

There's tomorrow to think of, and the dentist appointment on Wednesday, and Simon's meeting with his therapist the following Friday.

But that won't be for a while. For now, Johnny happily sinks himself into this warm bubble of Simon's embrace, pressing closer and kissing him deeper, and lets himself drown.

They've got nothing but time.

[stiltonbasket]

emperor lwj au wwx is going back to yunmeng to visit her family incognito a few years after her marriage? And she somehow ends up adopting baby xiao-yu along the way? aka wwx writes a letter back to lwj and goes "yes, I've acquired a new baby, very cute, tiny little hands and feet. Fair game for you bringing an adopted toddler into our marriage!"

Xiao-Yu actually enters Wei Wuxian's life in much the same way as he did in TMAAF. Wei Wuxian got motion sickness on her way to Lotus Pier, stopped for a break at the first convenient inn (which, much to her chagrin, turned out to be a brothel) and left with a six-month-old Xiao-Yu. When she got home, she put him in a basket with a couple of radishes from her own vegetable patch and told A-Yuan to "see what A-Niang found in the garden!" <3

[kitsuga]

To be, or not to be, ripe. {Elliott x Reader/Farmer}

Description: 

A fic in which Elliott realizes he cannot be good at everything.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───── 

Tags: fluff, is this how you know fruit is ripe? who knows. i dont and neither does elliott, reminder mods have ruined my life idk what is or isnt ooc anymore!, reader is referred to as "Farmer"!, not beta'd, not edited, gender neutral reader, stardew valley/sdv x reader/farmer, elliot x reader/farmer, stardew valley/sdv, elliott

Word Count: 2,361

A/N: Written on: October 3, 2022 

look, ive lived in the country a good chunk of my life but I have not even a HINT of a green thumb so I will put my woes on Elliott and have him suffer with me 

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

Elliott had a way with words, but he wasn’t quite sure how those same words landed him where he was today—in fact, he was fairly certain he ended up somewhere he was simply not built for.  

The sun had its eyes just barely above the horizon, causing Elliott to shield his own-- peeking ever so slightly through his fingers at the scenery that awaited him. It was serene, beautiful; such a vast change of pace to what he was used to, and it was very welcomed. How he ever got so lucky to find love with the Farmer, he would never know, but waking up after a night stayed at their farm was such a nice, emotional reset. He sighed lovingly when he felt their touch brush across his back.  

“Good morning, my love.”  

“Good morning,” they leaned in for a short kiss before leaning against the porch railing beside him, “you’re up early.”  

“The sun was calling me today.”  

“Funny, it called me too. Only,” they sighed and stood straight, stretching a bit, “it called me in for work. What do you think you’ll do today?”  

It was when they hopped off of the farmhouse porch and stood just a little below him that he noticed them dressed and ready for the day of hard work ahead of them. The dew had only just set, yet, they stood tall and light on their toes as they just barely bounced between the balls of their feet a tad bit antsy. Elliott’s heart skipped a beat and couldn’t help the loving smile that grew on his lips.  

“Hmm, I suppose I’ll work as well. Is there something I can help you with, darling?”  

Their eyes widened with surprise, quickly closing to make way for their reassuring smile. 

“You don’t need to help, it’s alright. I’ve got it.” 

“Oh, come on. Don’t trust me?” 

“It’s not that--” 

“Then?” 

The Farmer sighed and hung their head a bit in shame, an apologetic smile on their lips. Elliott had no time to be upset by their words, though, as a light-hearted laugh bubbled up through his chest. He shook his head to dispel their worries; a kind smile crawled into the creases around his eyes as he spoke again. 

“Worry not. I may not be very versed in the ways of farming, but surely there’s something I can do to ease your workload? Anything at all? I’d really like to help you out, my love.” 

The Farmer’s lips twisted to the side in thought as they looked around at the vast land and various crops growing behind them. It was almost like Elliott could see the exclamation mark appear above their head when an idea came to them; they turned back to him so quickly with a large smile and gestured towards the growing patch of watermelons a bit across the way. 

“Well, some of those should be ready to go, if you’d like to pick them! You can pick the ripe ones and soon as I’m done over in the radishes, I’ll come by with the wheelbarrow.”  

Elliott stared out at the patch of green, appearing zoned out and stoic. The Farmer’s smile waivered a bit as they noticed his indifference and quickly spoke again. 

“Um, if that’s okay with you? You don’t have to, obviously--” 

“Oh,” Elliott snapped out of his trance and shook his head. “Of course it’s okay, I was just admiring, is all. I’ll go ahead and get started then, darling. I’ll see you soon.” 

He quickly left the farmhouse porch, kissing the Farmer’s cheek just as quickly before speeding off towards the patch of watermelons. The Farmer followed him with their eyes, their eyebrows furrowing in confusion before shaking it off and heading towards their own patch of ready to harvest crops.  

⭒☆━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━☆⭒ 

Elliott was definitely not in his element.  

Standing in the middle of the patch, he had no idea which watermelons were ready to pick, and which had more maturing to do. They all looked green—surely it wasn’t a matter of colour? Or was it? Was he to count the lines on the melon and see if they hit a certain amount? No, that was ridiculous. Regardless, Elliott had never had the pleasure of growing nor harvesting his own watermelon, among other things, and was definitely lost. He could pick a good one out at the market! But harvesting? Certainly, a whole different ball game. They had to be just a bit before being perfectly ripe so they could ripen a bit in the bin before selling, right? But, just how much before they were perfectly ripe should they be pulled? Or, did they have to be pre-ripe at all? He didn’t know! Elliott swallowed and sighed heavily. Why didn’t he simply ask his partner what he was looking for? Why must pride get in his way?  

He looked among the melon patch again, looking for at least one to go based off of. His eyes landed on one melon—a bit on the small size—but it seemed to be the perfect shade of green; the stripes were nice and dark, not too many of them, and the melon was almost so perfectly round. That was it! The perfect melon, he thought. Elliott cut it from the stem and rolled it out into the open and moved to the next nice one a few melons down. He continued going up and down the lines picking the nice, hand-sized, rounder melons and skipping ones he considered too small, and ones he considered too large, not green enough, or oval shaped. 

Wiping the sweat from his brow, he stood up straight with his hands on his hips, chest puffed out in pride. It wasn’t very many melons, he thought to himself, just a handful. Would that be enough for the Farmer? He bit the inside of his cheek as he thought about it a bit more, though his thoughts were cut off once the Farmer walked up behind him with the wheelbarrow and called out to him. 

“Hey! Done already?”  

“Oh, there you are!” Elliott turned to them with a smile so big it threatened to crack his face in half. “You worked fairly quick as well.”  

“Yeah, not a lot of them were very ripe so I didn’t have too many to grab. It’s been a good hour, though, Elliott.” 

“Has it been?” Elliott exclaimed, completely flabbergasted. “I guess the time really flew by. I guess that’s what you mean when you say there really feels like there isn’t enough time in the day.” 

“I told you! The day just flies right on by!” They moved to stand next to him and linked their arm with his. “Let's take a look at the haul today!” 

The Farmer finally looked across the field and grew quiet, a deadpan look on their face, unbeknownst to Elliott. He had puffed his chest out again, every inch of him filling with pride, readying himself for praise from his love; when silence filled the air, he deflated a bit and grew a bit shy, now sweating a bit from nerves. He swallowed a bit and looked at the Farmer’s face, noticing the deadpan expression being contradicted by the way they bit their lip and shook from trying not to do... something. Were they going to cry? Were they going to yell? Did he do it wrong? Elliott started to apologize profusely. 

“I’m so sorry, darling! I ruined it, didn’t I? I messed up and ruined your crops, I’m so very sorry--” 

He was cut off by the Farmer finally cracking; a genuine, hearty laugh bursting from their chest. They had folded over, clutching Elliott’s arm with one hand to keep stable as the other held their stomach so they didn’t bust at the seams with how hard they were laughing. It was Elliott’s turn to stand there with a deadpan expression, unsure of how to react.  

“I’m-- I’m sorry,” they stumbled through laughter as they tried to speak. “It’s just, it’s just so funny.” 

“I’m so glad my incompetence can provide you with entertainment.”  

“Oh, Elliott.” The Farmer took a few deep breaths, working to calm themselves down before patting him lovingly on the chest. “Don’t be like that. You have to admit, it is pretty funny. None of the ones you cut are ripe, what was the thought process?” 

“They were green. They had good looking stripes. They were round. They were reasonably sized.” 

“Elliott...” The Farmer stifled a laugh again. “You were half way there.”  

Elliott turned his chin up away from them; he didn’t want to face them because he was embarrassed, ashamed, and honestly felt fairly bad. He really did ruin a good portion of their crop, didn’t he? He cost them a pretty penny, he was sure; how would he pay them back? How would he make up for it? Why were they laughing rather than getting mad at him—he would be distraught if the roles had been reversed. His false pride completely deflated and he hung his head, sighing once again and mumbling out another apology. 

“I’m genuinely very sorry, dear.” His ears started to burn red with embarrassment. “Truly. Is there a way you’d like me to repay you? How much would it cost to replace them?” 

“Elliott, really, it’s fine.” They cupped his face and gently coaxed him into looking at them, a loving smile greeted him. “It’s okay. It really isn’t that bad—it's just a few of them. No need to keep apologizing.” 

They kissed the tip of his nose, gently nuzzling their own against his until he slowly returned the gesture, loosening the stress he held in his shoulders.  

“Are you sure?” His voice sounded defeated. 

“Absolutely sure.” Another kiss to his nose. “Let me show you which ones to pick. I’ve got some neat tricks up my sleeve to picking the ripe ones!”  

Elliott sighed, but gave an exasperated smile, promising to perk up once he moved past his embarrassment. He followed behind, dragging his feet slightly as they went along, coming to the first watermelon he deemed unpickable. It was fairly large, oval, and definitely lopsided. He rejected it for its size, thinking it was far past the presentable state as it would be too big to carry—at least to his home on the beach. They crouched down and encouraged him to join. 

“See, it’s nice and big, so it doesn’t need to do any extra growing; they don’t keep growing on the shelf, after all.” Another embarrassment struck Elliott in the heart. “The real tell on all ripe watermelons though, is the patch of discoloration here on the bottom.” 

When they lifted the melon, Elliott could see a fairly sized yellow patch, varying in degrees of shades. It looked ugly, imperfect, and not like the ones he had picked at all. He gave them a sideways glare, confused and skeptical. They laughed when they caught a glimpse of it and gave the melon a good pat. 

“See, the patch means it’s been on the ground long enough to be nice and ripe when you crack into it. Too yellow—too ripe—grainy, gross, no flavour. Brown—way too ripe-- rotten, even. No yellow spot—it isn’t up to its full potential, and when it ripens on the shelf, it won’t be as good as it should be. This sweet, sweet middle,” another pat to the watermelon, “gives you the sweet, sweet watermelon.”  

“...This... ugly little spot is the tell for the watermelon?” 

“It’s ugly but it does the job.”  

“...And you’re sure about this?” 

“Elliott, have you never picked a watermelon up at the market?” 

“Now that you mention it, I don’t remember if I have.” 

“Well, if the ‘ugly little spot’ isn’t good enough for you, try tapping it.”  

The Farmer leaned down slightly to get a better ear on it and knocked their knuckles against it. Elliott leaned down as well, listening in to a bit of a hollow sound. 

“See? Just like a door. The best, ripe melons will be hollow sounding. They will also, unfortunately, not be as green. A nice, dull colour; an ugly melon is a good melon on the inside.” 

“An ugly melon.” 

“It has a nice personality.” 

“Does it now?” 

“Well, we can crack this one open and test the theory.”  

The Farmer laughed and leaned into Elliott, stealing a small kiss from his lips as he sat on his heels staring at the melon with pure doubt. They pulled him up by his hand after cutting the melon from its vine and put their hands on their hips. A bright smile thrown his way was enough to perk Elliott up from moping as he leaned in to kiss them this time. 

“There you are! I was wondering when you were going to get out of that head of yours.” 

“It’s a very crowded place. Hard to navigate.” 

“I’m sure it is, oh great writer. Come on, help me pick the rest of the melons and put them in the bin, then we can pick out the best of the bunch just for ourselves, as a treat!” 

“What is a good melon if not fuel for our hard-earned labour?” 

“Okay, maybe I’ll get the watermelon instead and you will have none.” 

“You knew this was a thing before I courted you, my dear. Do not act like it is new.” 

Elliott laughed as the Farmer stuck their tongue out at him in good humour. He leaned in for one more kiss before the Farmer took off down the line of crops playfully running from him, taunting him to catch up or he’d have to push the wheelbarrow.  

He watched for a moment before following after them, a smile on his face the entire time. He was certainly out of his element—and he had no idea how his words brought him here today, but he was beyond thankful to be here with his love, and he was ready and willing to learn everything there was about the farming business if it meant he got to stay.  

[oni28]

September 2023 Recipe_Naengmyeon

[Recipe Information]

※ Need Recipe Pack Mod Latest Version (23.09.05 version) ※

Mulnaengmyeon

1, 4, 8 serve

Category : Meals

Cooking Level_05

Vegetarian-safe, Lactose free. Mulnaengmyeon is chilled noodle dish made of thin noodle mixture of flour and starch with dongchimi (radish kimchi) soup. This is garnished with white radish and Asian pear slices and seasoned with mustard and vinegar.

Required Ingredients for 1 serve : Any Vegetable(1)

Required Ingredients for 4 serve : Any Vegetable(2), Egg(2)

Required Ingredients for 8 serve : Any Vegetable(3), Egg(3)

Lots challenge 'Simple Living' Compatible.

Group Cooking Compatible

Bibimnaengmyeon

1, 4, 8 serve

Category : Meals

Cooking Level_06

Vegetarian-safe, Lactose free. Bibimnaengmyeon is naengmyeon noodle mixed with sweet and sour red pepper paste seasoning.

Required Ingredients for 1 serve : Any Vegetable(1), Gochujang(1)

Required Ingredients for 4 serve : Any Vegetable(2), Gochujang(2), Egg(2)

Required Ingredients for 8 serve : Any Vegetable(3), Gochujang(3), Egg(3)

Lots challenge 'Simple Living' Compatible.

Group Cooking Compatible

All ingredients are optional

Gochujang can be download here.

[Language]

Korean (by_oni)

English (by_oni)

📌T.O.U

-Don’t re-upload

(Latest patch compatible)

👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Public Released on September 27th, 2023 (KST)

Mulnaengmyeon DL(Patreon)

Bibimnaengmyeon DL(Patreon)

[winterspiderpurrs]

Farm au!!! Tony and Stephen are married and have been for years (like old bickering couple but still kiss like teenagers). A few years ago they hired Peter to work the farm, but now he is pretty much their adopted son😌😌

Steve and Bucky also work for them. One or both get their eyes on Peter mayhaps?👀👀 - @professional-benaddict 💗💗

Hi Rafni!! @professional-benaddict Hope you like this!

**************************************************************

" Aw come on guys! I just got back! Give me a day or two to adjust!"

Peter covers his eyes as he moves to go get the basket on the kitchen counter that is used to hold the fresh eggs.

Tony laughs and tosses a pillow over at Peter. He sits up from his spot on the couch where Stephen and him were making out heavily. They had gotten used to Peter not being around, though this still happened when he was before, but they 'tried' to make sure they were fairly descent.

"Tough luck Kid! Now get out of the house! While your out stop and introduce yourself to Steve and Bucky."

Peter shakes his head and laughs, picking up the tossed pillow and throwing it back lightly, hitting Stephen.

"Hey!"

"See you guys later! Gonna feed the chickens and get the eggs and check in on Karen!"

Stephen grumbles to Tony as he pulls him back closer.

" Can't believe you let him name that horse Karen."

Peter wondered away from the main house before heading toward the large chicken coup. The coup was situated next to the smaller house on the property. When Stephen and Tony bought the farm, it was a bit of a retirement project for them both.

They had a handful of horses, cows, some goats, and chickens. They had acres full of corn, soybeans, green beans and their own personal garden that everyone tends to. That one connected the two homes on the property, it had a small pumpkin patch, rows of tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, radishes and turnips.

It was a bit much in the beginning, growing such a variety, but with their access to all the land they were able to divide it up in way to make it work for themselves. And as profits grew, they were able to hire in more help.

Ben Parker worked at the farm before Tony and Stephen bought it. He stayed working with the farm up until two years ago, his last trip into the city he had gotten into a wreck and passed away. They didn't expect Peter Parker to show up a month after, asking if he could work for them. They refused at first, knowing that the kid was in college, and they hadn't wanted him to give up on his dream to work at the farm.

But they both knew that May and Ben were on hard time, even with what they paid Ben. Between them taking in their nephew to raise, May's medical bills even with the insurance they offered. Money would be tight. But Tony was able to convince Peter to work during the summer months, winter break or whenever he was home. That way he could stay in school.

Peter was humming as he started gathering the eggs up out of the coup. The rest of the chickens were out of the coup eating at the feed he had just scattered out into their pen. Once he had checked all the trays for eggs, he covered the eggs he had in the basket up with a cloth.

He went to sit down to watch the hens and roosters run around, the head Rooster who he like to call 'Dodger' because of how much he runs away and dodges getting caught, got in his lap when he heard a voice call out, he looked up toward the smaller house on the property, it served as a guest house and as a place for workers to take a break.

"Hey Kid, What are you doing?"

Smiling, Peter gave an awkward wave.

"Hi! Mr. Stark said he hired new people to help. I'm Peter! Peter Parker"

The guy wiped a thing of sweat off his face with the towel he had around his neck before he nods towards Peter.

"Call me Bucky"

"Nice to meet ya Bucky"

Bucky offers him a small smile, and nods again.

"If your staying later, why don't you join Steve and I for dinner. Since your going to be around for a bit."

"Oh! Yes I mean sure.That sounds great"

"See you then Doll"

It was about an hour later when Peter was heading back with Karen to bring her back to the barn for the evening when he saw someone sitting outside with a couple of the horses.

"Hey! You must be Steve! I'm Peter."

Steve looked up startled out of his thoughts before he offered Peter a smile. Standing up and giving Peter a firm handshake.

"Nice to meet you Peter, Tony talks about you often"

Peter laughs and rubs the back of his neck.

"Yeah? Hopefully good things. I'm just bringing in Karen, do you want me to help with Jarvis and Friday?"

"I got them, time I should get them in anyway."

And that is how when Peter knocked on the door of the guest house, both Steve and Bucky were there, trying to open the door for him first.

[paintedstitches]

And add your suggestions in the tags!

[rampantram]

So this was kinda off the top of my head but here’s a story for you featuring Barrett and Leshy, wholesome ending included.

——————————

Again…it happened again, it wasn’t hard to imagine but for it happen all at once…call it bad luck. Well no time to waist, it was time to call in the cavalry. At least it’s just one baby they’d have to look after this time, the twins were spending the day with the other twins…Aym and Baal yes those were their names. Sozo wasn’t sure what to make of them accept the fact they were excellent fighters and survivalists, they also seemed very taken to Narinder for some odd reason. Either way he was just thankful the Lamb’s older children were away…but that was left with a small issue.

“Which one of you is going to look after the infant?”

The four bishops stood there, staring at the doctor for what seemed like an eternity…well for only a minute before eyes fell on Leshy who…oddly was silent. However this didn’t stop Sozo from approaching the worm in question.

“Leshy, you’ll be looking after Barrett. The rest of your siblings will help me with the recovery for the lamb and their spouses.”

“An you automatically decide to-“ before Leshy could finish the infant was placed in his arms, Sozo didn’t have time to argue; not with three sick people on hand. He turned but already he could feel everyone leaving him alone…with…the baby.

Well…not like he had a choice and it wasn’t a secret he liked his new niece. He just hated the fact they were being pushed on to him out of the blue, but he relented and walked outside with the little one. Fresh air would do them both good, it also gave him a chance to get a good ‘look’ at his new niece.

“So Barrett’s yer name, cute.” Leshy chuckled, he held the tiny infant up. Though his sight was bad he could make out some details.

Like the fact she was fluffy, squishy, had a ‘sleepy’ expression compared to her older siblings. He almost busted out laughing, recalling when Belle and Beau were born. How Beau had the same glower as Narinder while Belle sported a smile like the lamb. But this little one, they had a face identical to Ewe…especially when they pout.

“Oh yeah, ya got yer ma’s face. Wonder what yer gonna act like when you get big, maybe yer gonna be a spitting image of yer mom in looks and brain.” Leshy chuckled, gently pulling the little one back into a gentle hug. “So what are we gonna do, yer too small to play the games Belle likes. Doubt you’ll understand half the stories Beau likes to read, so tour it is!”

Leshy pulled out a long cloth, he had to give credit where credit was due. The mothers in the cult knew how to handle their babies, especially when working. He and Escher often saw mothers make harnesses out of old strips of cloth so they carry their babies on their backs. Though for this little tour of the cult grounds Leshy opted to tie the cloth into a ‘sling’ in front of him to hold the little bundle.

First place, the farmland, the one place Leshy enjoyed just as much as Escher and playing with the other children. They walked around the Camellia patches, past the pumpkins that looked ready to harvest, past the radishes an made their way to the store house. All while he pointed out each plant to her and explained what they were.

“Those are pumpkins, an those are radishes those grow very fast. Over there are my personal favorite, Camellias. They can be used for medicine, rituals and yer mama makes them into make up that drives your dad and baba crazy sometimes. I like to eat them the way they are, they’re tasty that way!”

Barrett blinked her eyes at the strange red blossoms around her, she watched as Leshy plucked one an shoved it into his maw. “Mm, yeah they’re not as good as the ones from Darkwood but they do in a pinch.”

Leshy took a few more and popped them into his mouth before walking on…pausing when he had a fun idea pop into his mind.

—————————

Well they were feeling better after two servings of Camellia tea and rest, though Ewe was more concerned on where her youngest was…poor thing was so out of it she didn’t realize Leshy had left with their youngest, Sozo had left with the others to give them some time to properly rest. She trusts Leshy there wasn’t a question but she was just worried on how her little infant was getting along without-

She blinked….there in the doorway was…a tall figure…with little Barrett sitting atop of it, it looked like a creature- oh wait that was Leshy.

“I am here to steal your soul oh wicked creatures!~”

The Ewe blinked, her hand raised to cover the budding smile forming on her lips. Her beloveds were still asleep, she debated whether to wake them up to see this but decided against it as the ‘creature’ approached…but kept a slight distance.

“If you wish toooo be spaaaared you must give me cookies!~”

The moment the ‘creature’ lifted its baggy limbs and wiggled them the laughing started, it just looked so silly, the oversized rob, her little baby sitting on top of a slightly visible green head and a oddly familiar voice trying to sound scary coming from the inside of the robe.

The Ewe held back a giggle and leaned back against her pillow with a contented smile. “An what if I refuse oh ‘scary beast’?”

It was then the act was dropped as Leshy proceeded to take little Barrett off his head along with the oversized robe. “Awe so we can’t scam you out of any treats huh?”

“Nope.” Said the Ewe, she blinked watching as Leshy placed little Barrett in the handmade sling along his chest. “Leshy…whats that?”

“This? It’s something the other cult moms do, mostly out in the fields. When their picking the food they have the kids on their backs but sometimes when their resting they have the kids in front ya know?”

Ewe blinked. “Can you show me?”

“Sure….on a condition.” Leshy had an evil grin on his face, at first the Ewe felt weary but..she answered. “A…what would that condition be?”

“You gotta make Narinder and The Lamb carry the baby like this for a whole day, deal?” Well…Ewe wasn’t expecting ‘that’ for a condition but she smiled. Her beloved Lamb and Narinder wouldn’t say no to this.

“Alright.”

—————————

I hope you like it.

THIS - YOUU………… 🥺

THIS IS SO SWEET THE LITTLE DETAILS YOU INCLUDED FROM POSTS THAT I MADE LIKE OVER A MONTH AGO AAAAAAHHHHH 😭

Thank you so much - this took me so long to read cuz I kept reading over each paragraph multiple times before moving on!! 😂

I truly love this, I’m going to come back and read it again and again and again. Thank you again for taking the time to write this~! 💕✨

[rarepears]

Plants on the Burial Mound

Honestly, there has to be some plants that can thrive even in the Burial Mound. Wei Wuxian just hasn't found the right plants.

Cause I mean there's even carnivore palnts! Come on! Are you telling me mother nature can't adapt to resentful energy??? Beyond just to scant little patch of black bamboo, surely there's more?

Maybe it's some sort of invasive type of plant like mint that grows nearly anywhere and tolerates various conditions; it grows a bit too well that gardeners recommend to grow this plant in a pot. So why not have it terrorize Burial Mound too?

Succulents are pretty sturdy fellows as long as there's no frost. They are currently super trendy in China due to how they look like lotuses and thus have gained some religious/spiritual connotations (or so I've been told by random weibo articles). Wei Wuxian and the Wen Remnants wouldn't be able to eat it, but they sure can sell it as long as they pose as monks or religious figures. Plus succulents are so incredibly easy to propagate.

Heck, even fungus! Edible fungus that very much enjoys the decomposition of dead bodies as their source of nutrients. And certain types of mushrooms would net Wei Wuxian a heavy pouch of gold coins due to their medicinal properties.

Another possibility is microgreens. The seeds don't grow long enough in the soil for resentful energy to containment the plants and microgreens are very rich in nutrients.

Surely there's something other than radish that can be grown quickly...

[More in #surely there's some sort of plant that can be grown on the burial mound other than radishes au]

[ladykailitha]

Hallmark Christmas

WIP Wendesday. Just cleaning out the inbox. Join me next week!

Shit, off to a really late start because I was plotting out the himbo witch on my discord service (which totally awesome and everyone join). But here we go!

Snippet

Eddie goes back to his van and pulls out the box and grocery bag from earlier and marches up to the kids. “All right I brought all the supplies, it’s time to make our snowpeople. The rules are as follows pick a buddy or two but no singles! You’re going to need help lifting the second ball on to your first. No stealing someone else’s patch of snow. So if looks like they’re moving forward, you don’t get to cut in front of them. Then when everyone is done we decorate them with the stuff I brought. I have carrots and radishes for noses, cool rocks and things for the eyes...” he started going through the box, “hats and scarfs and things like that. But if you want arms you’ve got to go hunting for your own. Again! No poaching!”

There was some grumbling but everyone agreed. Mike, Will and Ellie were one group, Lucas and Max were another and Eddie picked Steve. Which left Robin with Dustin.

Steve didn’t know either of them but from the looks of dismay on everyone’s faces when they realized was a pretty clear indication this was not going to go well. For either of them.

And Steve was right. Immediately they started arguing about proper rolling techniques. Robin was for roll for a few feet and then turn. Dustin was livid. He was shouting that she had to turn the ball every time it was pushed forward.

[thestudentfarmer]

Hello and Good day~

Yesterday was a busy day! As I cant grow/process everything we eat (yet! Someday maybe the majority, but until then I'm good with growing as much as possible.) it was grocery shop day. Then Did meal prep for the week, I usually do a short bit of meal prep on grocery day but I tried to be a bit better with it this week to try and save time so I can get some pattern work and sewing done later. :)

The start of the meal prep, veggie portion. I like to wash my produce with water and baking soda. (I save the rinse water for the flower patch) ratio for me is a half sink of water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Mix to dissolve.

Pictured~

shredded cabbage, carrots (shredded, noodle sliced, coined), mushrooms (sliced and cubed), diced tomatoes, bell peppers (diced. Julienned, coined and a few snacks), jalapeno (coined and diced), onion (diced and frozen), honeydew, potato salad

Salsa (tomato, onion, pepper, jalapeno), dumpling mix (ground pork, minced cabbage, minced carrot, onion, ginger seasonings), bag of veggie soup start.

Fermented fridge pickles (pickle solution, cucumber, onion, jalapeno, pickle seasoning)

Start of apple cider vinegar. I'm going to try and make it again for personal use.

~~~~~~

Super small garden goodies~

Our first radishes of the season!

Plus this lovely web I spotted this morning

As well as an update on the sweet potato flowers

The blooms don't last long, ive noticed most fall off the next day.

I did a little online sleuthing and like regular potatoes, sweet potatoes can make seeds (though vines are the best way to propagate them) It's advised that the seeds might not really produce anything decent but I admit I'm curious more to see how it grows now and goes through seed development. If they produce seed I'll save them for a future grow experiment and experience.

I'll likely be pinching the flowers off from the other vines so they continue producing vines and greens. I've liked having a form of fresh greens available for soups, stirfrys and omlettes.

That's it for now, I'm off to do some critter care~

🍽🌱Happy Homesteading and Gardening 🌱🍽