Category: Homestead

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Stupid Smartphones

Someone please take my smart phone away. I'd like a digital detox and some real freedom. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

The Tech Trap and My Mini-Digital Detox Tips 📵✨

Here is the truth: I hate my so-called “smart” phone. Everyone treats it like a lifeline, but to me, it feels more like a leash. It is supposed to connect me to the world, yet it mostly makes me slower. Instead of thinking for myself, I tap a screen and wait for the answers to appear. Instead of enjoying the quiet click of knitting needles, the smell of bread baking, or the calm of watering plants, I stack pressure I do not need. I take photos of every row, snap shots of every loaf, and churn out “content” for half a dozen platforms before the moment even cools in my hands.

Simple joys used to be my pause button. Now they feel like a book report. Someone please take my smart phone away from me.

Always On, Never Free

Some days it feels like I am on call for the internet. Miss a call? People think I have disappeared. Do not answer a text in five minutes? Someone is convinced I am gone. Meanwhile, my cousin tracks me like I am a tagged sea turtle (and while it is nice that someone cares I am alive, it also means I am never truly unattended). The “freedom” of being connected everywhere really just means I am never left alone.

I want to knit on my porch without guilt. I want to cook dinner without someone buzzing in my pocket. I want to just be. I want to hear silence instead of the constant ding of reminders telling me I am behind.

Sometimes I feel like a tracked sea turtle in a fish bowl. Why I hate my smartphone and how I'm trying to digitally detox responsibly. Photo and article by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

The End of Wonder

I remember when I could look up at the sky and say, “I wonder what that star is called?” and then just… wonder. Now my instinct is to shove the question into a search bar. The mystery vanishes before it has time to become magical. Technology killed wonder. The internet gave me every answer, but in exchange it stole the fun of thinking about it first.

Colorado auroras would be so much more magical if we didn't know they were coming or feel required to share the moment with the entire world. But here is my aurora picutre... Look up at the sky and wonder about the stars. Get off the smart phone and get smart. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Even my brain feels slower. I type clumsily now, because autocorrect babysits my spelling and AI tries to predict what I will say. It is too easy to just select the prediction. The more I use it, the less sharp I feel. Technology is stealing not just my attention, but my skills.

What I Do (My Little Secret) 🤫

It is not enough, but here is what I do. I put my phone on sleep mode early and keep it there until late. That way, I get time without the constant buzzing and chirping. People think I am lazy or sleeping too much, but really I am sneaking in a bite of pre-smartphone freedom. Giving myself permission to step away has helped me feel calmer and sharper.

When the phone is asleep, I go analog. I keep a real pencil and a real notebook handy. I jot down ideas on paper before I ever hand them over to a screen. When I start uninfluenced, I stay in charge of my own voice. Then, if I decide to share later, it is truly mine (not something tech tried to write for me). Is it perfect that way? No. Is it me? Absolutely.

Who needs digital tech? Write for yourself unscripted by AI by using something revolutionary: a paper notebook and a pencil. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Choosing Joy, Not Chains

I do not want my joy filtered through a screen. I want it to come from wool running through my fingers, bread cooling on the counter, dirt under my nails after a day in the garden, or the satisfaction of “just one more row.” And, I want to enjoy these things because I love them, not because the algorithm demands proof of them this week.

Technology is here to stay, but that does not mean I have to let it own me. Some days, the bravest thing I can do is shut off the stupid smart phone, pick up the needles, knead the dough, or water the tomatoes. And sometimes the most radical act is choosing not to post proof that it happened.

Because freedom is not in the palm of my hand. It is in my hands (wrapped in yarn, covered in flour, or smudged with soil). And that is enough.

Slow down and get off the stupid "smart" phone. It doesn't make you happier or smarter. Learn more with Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

And maybe that is the good news: the choice is mine. I can keep my skills sharp, protect my wonder, and find real connection in the things I make with love. The phone will still be there when I need it. But my hands remind me who I am when I put it down.

And if you happen to call while my phone is off, you will need to leave me an old-school voicemail or send a text. Otherwise, I will not even know you tried. (Consider this your friendly reminder that my digital detox comes with caller ID amnesia.) 😉 ☎️

Want more cozy calm?

You can read my other posts or learn to knit with me here at PurlsAndPixels.com. Start small, grab a pattern, or just peek at my free beginner lessons. The yarn, the needles, and the quiet are waiting for you.

🧣 Learn to Knit: Free Knitting Lessons from Start to Finish

🧶 Knitting, Wellness, and the Science of Flow

🛁 How to Knit a Washcloth: A Beginner-Friendly Tutorial

🙏 Gratitude Blanket Pattern: Cozy Comfort for Every Home

🍂 5 Easy Fall Knits to Cast On Now

🐔 What is Yarn Chicken?

🥑 Avocado Cowboy

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Messy Eggs?

Messy eggs? Learn How to Keep Chickens from Leaving Poo in the Nest Boxes with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

How to Keep Chickens from Leaving Poo in the Nest Boxes 🥚🐔

If you’ve ever reached into a nest box expecting a warm egg and instead found… a little pile of poo, you know the frustration. 😕 Chickens don’t always know the difference between a nest and a perch, which means sometimes they leave more than just eggs behind. The good news? With a few simple adjustments, you can keep your boxes clean, your eggs fresher, and your mornings much more pleasant. 🌞

I learned this lesson after hatching 24 eggs (21 of them hens). 🐣 I hadn’t expected such a high hatch rate, but suddenly I had a flock of young layers all looking for a place to sleep. A few tried roosting on top of the metal nest box, which turns into a slide when a chicken dozes off. To fix it, I added more roost bars so everyone had space, replaced the old excelsior pad (affiliate link), and shooed one broody mamma outside (sorry, Sweetie). The result? Clean eggs again and a calmer, happier coop. 🍳

A single, very clean green egg. Messy eggs? Learn How to Keep Chickens from Leaving Poo in the Nest Boxes with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Why Chickens Poo in Nest Boxes 🤔

Nest boxes are cozy, private, and usually the cleanest part of the coop. That makes them perfect for laying, but also tempting as a nighttime perch. Chickens poo the most while they’re roosting, so if they decide to sleep in the nest boxes, you’ll end up with messy eggs.

In my experience, the main culprits are:

  • Not enough nest boxes: You’ll want about one box for every three hens. Crowded hens stay put longer, which leads to mess.
  • Wrong location: Hens prefer darker, calmer corners. Nest boxes in quiet spots get used properly.
  • Not collecting eggs often enough: When eggs pile up, hens may decide to sit tight and go broody. And once a hen goes broody, the nest box turns messy fast. 🐓
To Keep Chickens from Leaving Poo in the Nest Boxes, Give them Somewhere Better to sleep. Find other tips from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

1: Provide Proper Roosts 🪵

Chickens need a higher, more comfortable spot to sleep. Install sturdy roosting bars above the nest boxes. Give each bird at least 8 to 10 inches of space. Flat wooden bars or dowels, about 2 inches wide, are ideal for their feet. If your roost is too low or cramped, your flock will head for the boxes instead.

2: Block Access at Night 🌙

If you have stubborn sleepers, close the nest boxes at dusk. A hinged cover, burlap curtain, or piece of plywood works fine. Open them again after sunrise, and your hens will get the hint.

3: Make Nest Boxes Less Appealing for Sleeping 😴

Add slanted tops to keep birds from lounging on top, and keep bedding soft and fresh. Boxes that are too big or flat often become bunk beds. A snug 12×12×12-inch space is ideal—plenty of room for laying, but not enough for a sleepover.

4: Keep Things Clean 🧹

Stay ahead of the mess. Scoop out dirty bedding daily and replace it often. Fresh herbs or clean shavings make the boxes smell inviting for eggs only. Dry bedding is best—never let it stay damp or packed. If you have broody hens, refresh even more often.

5: Add Distractions 🛝

Sometimes hens need redirection. Provide dust-bathing spots, extra perches, or even a hanging cabbage. Busy hens won’t see the nest boxes as their playground.

6: Don’t Let Hens Go Broody 🐥

A broody hen often claims a nest box, settles in, and makes a mess while she’s at it. Broody mammas = messy eggs. If you’re not raising chicks, break broodiness early.

  • Collect eggs regularly; leaving them to pile up invites broodiness.
  • Create a “broody break” pen or shady separation spot if needed.
  • Choose breeds less prone to broodiness if clean eggs are your priority.
Broody hens make messy eggs. Learn how to keep chickens from pooping in the nest box with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Quick Fix Checklist ✅

  1. 🪵 Give your flock sturdy roosts set higher than the nest boxes
  2. 🚪 Close off nest boxes at night to train stubborn sleepers
  3. 😴 Design nest boxes so they’re snug and less tempting for naps
  4. 🧹 Refresh bedding often to keep the boxes clean and welcoming for eggs
  5. 🎲 Offer fun extras like dust baths or hanging treats to keep hens busy
  6. 🥚 Gather eggs daily so hens don’t settle in and go broody
Give chickens a good place to sleep, line the nest boxes with excelsior pads, and collect the eggs regularly to keep them clean. Read more about how to keep chicken poo out of the nest boxes and off the eggs at PurlsAndPixels.

Find More Chicken-Keeping Tips 🐓

🐔 Visit the Homestead Animals section for practical, cozy guides to happy hens and cleaner chores.

🛒 Get all the essential chicken keeping tools I love on Amazon (affiliate link).

What’s Next? 🔜

Now that your nest boxes are poo-free and your hens are less tempted to go broody, you’re ready for the next chicken-keeping challenge: winterizing the chicken coop.

👉 Want more cozy homestead tips? Sign up for email updates, and I’ll send the next lesson straight to your inbox.

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Knitting, Wellness, and the Science of Flow 🧶

Learn the science behind knit wellness. Knitting can make you happy. Ask science!

When I pick up my needles, I’m not just making a scarf or a cozy washcloth. I’m slipping into what researchers call a flow state: a space where everyday stress softens, worries melt, and the world feels lighter stitch by stitch. In my cozy home at PurlsAndPixels, knitting is more than craft; it’s therapy spun from yarn. And the best part? Science agrees. Knitting, wellness, and flow go hand in hand.

Picking up your knitting is relaxing. Don't believe me? Ask science.

The Brain on Knitting

Knitting is a form of mindful handwork. That gentle rhythm – knit, purl, knit, purl – activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering stress and calming the body, as shown in a study by Riley and colleagues. Translation: your heart rate steadies, your breath evens out, and suddenly you’re not the frazzled squirrel who misplaced her acorn stash.

Scientists studying activities that require “just the right amount” of challenge, like music practice or martial arts, call this balance flow. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi found that flow sparks happiness, builds resilience, and strengthens learning. Knitting hits the sweet spot: engaging enough to keep your mind busy but repetitive enough to soothe.

Knitting as Moving Meditation

Mindfulness doesn’t have to mean sitting cross-legged trying not to think about what’s for dinner. Knitting is mindfulness in motion. A study on textile crafts found that 81% of knitters felt happier after a session, with many noticing less stress and sharper clarity.

I can tell you from experience: when life feels noisy, my needles ground me. Each row reminds me that progress doesn’t have to be fast to be powerful.

Picking up your knitting is relaxing. Don't believe me? Ask science.

The Knitting Wellness Benefits, Stitch by Stitch

Here’s why knitting deserves a spot in your self-care routine:

  • Stress reduction: Repetitive stitching lowers cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, according to a study by Riley and colleagues.
  • Mood boost: Flow activities release dopamine, the “feel-good” brain chemical Csikszentmihalyi, 1990.
  • Cognitive support: Counting stitches and reading patterns keep your memory sharp and flexible Corkhill et al., 2014.
  • Community connection: Community connection: Knitting circles knit more than yarn; they build social ties that protect long-term health Park et al., 2014.
  • Crossing the midline: Crossing the midline: Many knitting movements involve hands crossing the body’s centerline, which occupational therapists highlight as a way to support coordination and brain integration (Math & Movement article).

Every project is secretly a brain workout and a spa day rolled into one. 💪 🛁

Making Flow Work for You

Want to capture that sweet knitting calm? Try this:

  1. Pick a Goldilocks project. Too easy and you’ll drift. Too hard and you’ll tense up. Choose a just-right challenge. (My Gratitude Blanket Pattern is a great place to start)
  2. Create your nest. Good light, a comfy chair, and maybe tea (or wine – I’m not here to judge).
  3. Let go of perfection. Flow is about being absorbed, not flawless edges or magazine-worthy tension.
Some of the coziest home decor is handmade, like my chunky Gratitude Blanket. Knit along with the free knitting pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

The Bottom Line

Knitting isn’t just craft; it’s self-care disguised as creativity. Whether you’re learning your first stitches or casting on a complicated lace shawl, you’re giving your brain a reset while making something beautiful. Around here, I call that staying sharp with pointy sticks.

A Little Disclaimer

I am a knitter, not a doctor. The information above is for educational and inspirational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have health concerns, please consult a licensed healthcare provider. 💞

✨ Ready to Knit?

Try these relaxing, beginner-friendly patterns:

🧣 Simple Ribbed Scarf

🛁 Classic Seed Stitch Washcloth

🥳 Beginner Stockinette Hat

🧶 Knitting Pattern Library: Explore more patterns

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Knitting is better with friends. Share your progress, ask questions, and connect with other beginners:

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My Accidental Wildflower Garden

Meadowscaping is allowing a native wildflower garden to grow from local plants. Join Liz Chandler and create your own pollinator haven at PurlsAndPixels.

A Busy Gardener’s Guide to Meadowscaping 🌻🐝

Have you heard of meadowscaping? If you haven’t, you’re not alone. Until I accidentally created a thriving native wildflower patch, I had no idea this would be the simplest and most satisfying corner of my garden.

Meadowscaping is allowing a wildflower garden to grow from native flowers and plants. Join Liz Chandler and create your own pollinator haven at PurlsAndPixels.

When I moved to my little patch of high-desert Colorado, I had big plans. Rows of squash. Seas of kale. Raised beds galore.

But while I was making lists, one quirky garden bed decided to write its own story. No irrigation. No mulch. Just a riot of wildflowers and what some might call “weeds.”

And smack in the middle? My pet dandelion.

Yes, I said pet dandelion 🌼

A healthy dandelion is the centerpiece of my meadowscape. Though people say these are weeds the butterflies love them and humans can eat them too. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

It wasn’t planned. It kept popping up, year after year, like a little golden guest who refused to leave. Finally, I decided anything that strong deserved to survive. I let it stay. Then I let everything else around it stay.

And just like that, I had a meadowscape.

What Is Meadowscaping?

Meadowscaping is a cheerful rebellion against tidy, high-maintenance gardening. Instead of fighting nature, you team up with it:

  • Let native wildflowers and grasses do their thing
  • Skip the pesticides and the mower
  • Invite pollinators in and give them a place to stay

It’s sustainable. It’s hands-off. And it brings instant joy the moment you spot your first bee doing a happy little dance in your goldenrod.

Wild goldenrod fills out the meadowscape wildflower garden beautifully and makes the pollinators happy. Read more from Liz @PurlsAndPixels.

How to Start a Meadowscape Garden (and Still Look Like You Know What You’re Doing)

You don’t need a prairie. I started with one oddly shaped 4×8 bed and a willingness to stop yanking up every unfamiliar plant.

Step 1: Observe Before You Weed
Spend a few days just watching. If something’s blooming and buzzing, it might already be a pollinator hero in disguise.

Step 2: Give It a Frame
I edged my bed with chunky cedar branches from the yard. It says, “Yes, this is on purpose,” even when the asters go full sprawl-mode.

Step 3: Add a Little Structure
Stepping stones, a log pile, or a birdbath can give your bed a cozy focal point. It also tricks your brain into thinking the chaos is curated (because it is).

What’s Growing in My Wildflower Bed?

I’d love to add more to this little patch, like the wild Penstemon and Adam’s Needle that live peacefully among my trees. And these sunny wild sunflowers that grow carefree along my driveway? I’d move them too if they’d let me. But every time I try, they throw a fit and refuse to thrive. So I leave them be. This bed just has to be what it is: no forcing, no fussing, just admiration.

Bees love the pollen from local wild sunflowers. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

These native (and native-ish) plants are thriving here in southwest Colorado, no watering required:

Rocky Mountain Aster
Gorgeous and a little dramatic. Sprawling, blooming, and stealing the spotlight like it’s their job.

Goldenrod
Non-stop bee party. Also: not the cause of your allergies. Just pretty. Let it live.

Common Yarrow
Delicate-looking, but tough as nails. Grows anywhere, asks for nothing, makes everything prettier.

Wild white yarrow has both beautiful flowers and serves as excellent groundcover. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Tools I Actually Use in My Meadowscape

Literally nothing.

I meant to cultivate the bed, truly. But as the wildflowers filled in and the bees moved in, I didn’t see the point in disturbing them. Nature was clearly doing just fine without my interference.

But, if you want to explore some fun and helpful garden tools for the other parts of your garden, find my favorites from my Amazon Garden Affiliate shop.

Shop Liz Chandler's garden tool recommendations like a kitchen top planter, seed kit, or digging tools with these affiliate links.

What Meadowscaping Taught Me

This little bed reminded me that sometimes, the best thing you can do is get out of the way.

  • Control isn’t the same as care
  • Wildflowers don’t need your approval to thrive
  • Weeds can be wildly charming
  • A little mess makes room for magic
A bouquet of wild aster flowers are cute little purple daisies with a yellow center. They make an hearty, drought tolerant, and adorable addition to your meadowscape. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Want to Start Your Own Wildflower Patch?

Start with one bed. Frame it gently. Watch what shows up. Let the bees do the teaching.

And if a pet dandelion moves in? Well, you know what to do.

Sometimes, the wildest parts of your garden turn out to be the most joyful.

🌻 Thriving with Native Plants: Pollinator-Friendly Gardening in the High Desert of Southwest Colorado

🥕 Harvesting Carrots: A Mystery Critter and a Happy Haul

🌱 Building Your Backyard Garden from Scratch: Essential Tips for Success

🌿 Defeating Bindweed: A Gardener’s Battle

🐥 When to Move Chicks Outside: A Guide to Transitioning Chicken Pullets from the Brooder

🪴 How to Grow a Small Indoor Herb Garden: Easy Tips for Fresh Herbs All Year

🧺 Shop My Favorite Gardening Tools and Decorations on Amazon (affiliate link)

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Shooting in Rural Neighborhoods

Is it normal to hear shooting rural neighborhoods? Find out with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

When hearing gunshots from the neighbors property is normal 🎯

If you’ve ever lived in the country, you’ve probably heard it: BANG. Followed by another. And another. Sometimes it’s target practice. Sometimes it’s pest control. And sometimes it’s just someone blowing off steam.

In rural neighborhoods, hearing gunshots isn’t unusual. However, that does not mean it should be reckless. There is a difference between responsible firearm use and behavior that makes your neighbors feel unsafe.

When Is It Normal to Hear Gunshots in the Country?

In most rural areas:

  • Target practice on private land is common.
  • Pest control (like rock squirrels or prairie dogs) is a necessity.
  • Wildlife deterrence, because sometimes predators only respond to a warning bang.
  • Hunting season brings regular firearm use.

Many people move to the country specifically because they can legally shoot on their land. It is part of rural living. However, like all freedoms, it comes with responsibility.

Some visitors freak out when they hear the bang, and then are baffled when I am unbothered. I usually just say, “That’s not aimed at us,” and keep going. You learn to tell the difference between safe shooting and something that is off. It is not indifference (it is experience).

When one neighbor fires off a shot before 7 a.m. to annoy another neighbor, I just shout, “Good morning, Vietnam!” out the door like I am Robin Williams. It does not solve anything, but it rattles just enough cages to make me laugh.

You may want to holler “Good Morning, Vietnam!” when target practice start before 7 am every day.

When Gunfire Crosses the Line

Not every neighbor is a good shot (or a good person). You may need to speak up if someone:

  • Fires in the direction of homes or roads
  • Shoots recklessly without a proper backstop
  • Uses firearms to intimidate or provoke
  • Fires repeatedly at odd hours just to make noise

My neighbor thinks it is funny to do a wake-up shot or two at his homemade target range when the HOA gets on his nerves. That is a far cry from a gun rampage in the city, but it still gets people talking (and give me a giggle). 

This jackrabbit heard gunshots in the countryside and was frightened, but it's ok. Nobody was shooting at him! Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsandPixels.

What to Do If Your Neighbor Is Shooting Too Much or Too Close

✅ Know Your Local Gun Laws for Rural Areas

County ordinances vary, and so do state laws. In many places, discharging a firearm near a home, school, or road is illegal, even on private land. Look up your local regulations on firearm discharge and noise complaints.

✅ Talk to Your Neighbors About Gunfire

Sometimes people just do not realize how far sound carries or how close they are to your home. A calm, respectful conversation often goes a long way. (But I would not recommend yelling at the person with a firearm, so be nice!)

✅ Document Unsafe Shooting

If someone is endangering others, document it. Record times, dates, videos if safe to do so, and call your local sheriff. In rural areas, it helps to be specific and clear about your concerns.

✅ Use Sound Barriers and Noise Buffers

You cannot stop all the noise, but planting trees, using sound barriers, and adding insulation to buildings can reduce the chaos a bit. These tips can also help when neighbors shoot guns often.

Rural Gun Safety Is Non-Negotiable

Firearm safety is not optional just because you live on acreage. That means:

  • Always shooting into a solid backstop
  • Keeping guns unloaded and locked up when not in use
  • Never mixing alcohol and firearms
  • Respecting the peace of the land and the people on it

Country living comes with space and freedom. However, it also includes a shared understanding that we look out for each other.

Hearing gunshots in rural country? It could be normal. Find out more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Rural does not mean lawless. It means responsible people keeping things safe, so we can all enjoy the quiet we came here for.

🐻 Keeping Bears Out of the Chicken Coop

🦁 Living with Mountain Lions

🛣️ Country Road Courtesy

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Avocado Cowboy

What I learned from the Avocado Cowboy. With grocery prices soaring and fear rising, it's time to remember kindness. A moment from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

How Two Pieces of Fruit Broke a Strong Man and Opened My Eyes 🥑

I scanned my items as quickly as I could, feeling the pressure of the self-check out line eyeing my machine.

We all wanted to get out of there as fast as possible. The grocery store is no longer a fun place to greet neighbors. It’s become a shared trauma zone, especially in small town America. We all think others are judging our purchases, but now they really are:

“She’s buying a lot of wine.”
“Why did that man need 6 cartons of eggs?”
“I wonder if they just live far from town or if they are hoarding because they know something I don’t.”

The things we think waiting in line have changed. “Am I in danger?” never once crossed my mind on a childhood grocery trip.

Now, I’m watching my six like a trained combat soldier while trying to hold in gasps of shock. It’s “Where would I hide?” combined with “I can’t afford that anymore?” And I know that I’m not alone in this feeling.

As I try to rush through my self-checkout I tell my son – loudly enough for the people in line to hear – “I wish the lady in the machine would be quiet.”

“$12.99. Savings 50¢,” the robot voice loudly mocks, screaming prices at the entire grocery store.

“It’s very distracting. It’s so hard to go quickly,” I say even more loudly.

The scowlers look away, but don’t stop scowling.

Behind us on the next self-checkout is an older, almost stereotypical rancher. Cowboy hat. Flannel shirt tucked neatly into his Levi jeans, clearly worn for decades, but clean and untattered.

After a hard morning's work moving cattle a cowboy needs a small break.

As I struggle with the robot voice in the self-checkout machine, I hear him exclaim, “$8 for 2 avocados? EIGHT DOLLARS?!”

The young check out attendant scurried over to help the gentleman. “Maybe it’s a mistake?” the cowboy said more quietly, trying to divert attention from his unfiltered outburst. “I just got two small avocados from your produce section. It says $8? That can’t be right.”

I resumed scanning my items. We are monthly shoppers with a full cart, so I also resumed my social anxiety about holding up others.

But then the Avocado Cowboy, made me jump. He was clearly the type to prefer “Yes,” “No,” or “Ma’am” to be his entire public vocabulary, as is the cowboy way. But he lost it. He just couldn’t take it.

“Really? They’re actually $8? TWO avocados?” He was stunned to silence for just a moment.

And in past years, under similar circumstances, a man of his background would leave it at that. Maybe feign ignorance at current grocery prices and ask the wife later.

But no. This Cowboy knew his avocados. It seemed like a gift he’d get his wife regularly. Like flowers, but practical.

The register wasn't wrong, but it is a shock when you'd think two avocados should cost about $3 and it rings up as $8.
Screenshot

He loudly told the attendant “I feel sorry for your generation, just getting started. I don’t know how they expect you to do it. Grocery prices are out of control.”

He turned red in the face, thanked the attendant, and hung his head as he left with his receipt and two sad avocados.

I’ll never forget the Avocado Cowboy. I wanted to hug him, or thank him, or comfort him in some way.

But I’m scared, too.

It has begun to feel like no good deed goes unpunished. So, I, like many these days, did not do the good deed. I did not thank the Avocado Cowboy.

But I’m saying it now. I see you. I am you. We are all confused. Disappointed. Sad. And resentful.

But I hope we all know…
Nobody knows the end of this story.
Let’s keep trying to make it good.

A boot on a fencepost can mean a number of things, none of which are easy or pleasant. But it is a sign we can get thru hard things together.

Feeling the Pressure, too?

Try what I do when I am feeling stressed:

Keep Your Homestead Running Smoothly (Even When Life Feels Chaotic)

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Piñon Gnats in Southwest Colorado

Learn about biting Piñon Gnats in Southwest Colorado. Find out out what they are and how to deal with them with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Why I Wear a Mesh Hat and Smell Like Cookies in June 🍪

Deep in the piñon forests of Southwest Colorado, there is a short season when the sun shines, the garden blooms, and the air bites back. Each year, without fail, between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, the piñon gnats arrive.

They are not just annoying. They are tiny vampires with wings. You will not hear them. You will barely see them. You will just feel the sting. Then the bruise.

And if you hold still for more than a few seconds, they start to swarm. It feels like a dark, buzzing cloud has gathered just for you, relentlessly divebombing your head.

Even local veterinarians and service providers avoid our neighborhood during gnat season. They know what is waiting.

In June, my neighborhood looks like a beekeeping convention. Everyone wears mesh veils, wide-brimmed hats, and long sleeves. Not because we are tending hives, but because the bugs are tending to us.

Last summer, I made it worse. I painted the barn red. I am not a tidy painter. So when I go outside in full mesh bug gear, I do not look like a gardener. I look like someone with something to hide. It gives CSI: Homestead Edition.

Painting in a mesh hat can be a little awkward. But it is better than being eaten up by a swarm of biting bugs! Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Gnat Behavior: When Are Piñon Gnats Active?

Textbooks say most biting midges are active at dawn and dusk, but not here. Piñon gnats prefer the full sun and dry heat of the day.

If I am quick, I can water the garden before 9 a.m. After that, it is over. They are awake, aggressive, and waiting.

And if you hold still for more than two seconds? Forget it. They swarm. You can feel them gathering in a black cloud around your face, ready to bite. That is when you stop watering and start running.

Quick Facts: What Are Piñon Gnats? You may have heard them called "no-see-ums," "biting midges," "punkies," or even "five-o'clock gnats," depending on where you live.

Quick Facts: What Are Piñon Gnats?

You may have heard them called “no-see-ums,” “biting midges,” “punkies,” or even “five-o’clock gnats,” depending on where you live. The name “no-see-um” is no joke. These biting midges are so small you often do not see them at all. By the time you realize they are there, they have already bitten you and vanished like tiny flying phantoms. And the vicious little beasts don’t even spare the dogs; if you’ve got blood, they’re all over you.

No-See-Ums love to nibble at dog's ears. Best to keep them inside as much as you can during the season. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels
This dog’s ears are covered in no-see-ums. Back inside we go!

What makes their bite so sneaky is how they do it. Piñon gnats do not pierce the skin like mosquitoes. Instead, they use tiny scissor-like mouthparts to slice into your skin. Then they lap up the blood. It is a brutal method for something so small, and you feel it almost instantly.

  • Piñon gnats are tiny biting midges (1 to 3 millimeters long).
  • Female gnats bite to draw blood for egg production.
  • The bite feels like a quick sting, not a poke.
  • The mark left is flat and bruised, not swollen or itchy.
  • They thrive in piñon-juniper woodlands.
  • They are most active in the heat of the day.

The Favorite Target: Why They Bite Eyelids

Some people get bites around their ankles. Not me. These bugs go straight for my eyelids. The thinnest, most sensitive skin on my body, and apparently their favorite. One even let me catch her in the act. I got a picture. Just a tiny black dot with bad intentions.

Piñon Gnats love to bite eyelids. These tiny little flies leave bruised spots behind. Read how to stop them with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Piñon gnat bites do not swell. They do not itch. They leave small, dark bruises that sting briefly and hang around for days. It looks like I lost a fight with my eyeliner.

A Piñon Gnat bit my eyelid. See the purple bruising? Much different than a mosquito bite. Learn more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels

Piñon Gnat Survival Strategies: What Helps (Sort Of)

Let me be honest: nothing works perfectly against these bugs. I have tried everything I can think of, and most of it barely makes a difference.

I have tried it all.

  • Mosquito repellents (candles, sprays, and salves): Nothing works. Not against piñon gnats.
  • Vanilla extract: Smells like cookies and seems to repel the smaller ones. I dab it under my eyes, but be careful. Real vanilla contains alcohol and will burn if it gets too close to your eyes. I keep McCormick Vanilla Extract on hand for both baking and gnats. (Amazon Affiliate Link)
  • Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hat: These tiny biters have no problem getting under sunglasses and they enjoy biting up your hairline, too.
  • Mesh bug hat: The only thing that truly works. It is not stylish, but it gets the job done. Here is the mesh bug hat I use, and it comes in different colors! (Amazon Affiliate Link)

July 5: My Real Independence Day

I love the outdoors, my garden, and my chickens. But during piñon gnat season, I become an anxious houseplant.

I stay inside. I blink through mesh. I smell like a cookie. And I wait.

Because every year, like clockwork, they disappear the day after the fireworks fade. July 5 is my real Independence Day. That is when I can walk outside barefaced and finally feel free. 🎆

Until then, I will be under the silly hat or hiding inside.

Piñon Gnats are mean little bugs that love to bite your face. Wearing a mesh hat is the only way I've found to stop them. Read more from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Now, It’s Time to Relax 📺🧶💞

If you are stuck inside like me, it might be the perfect moment to pick up a new cozy skill. These are some of my favorite indoor knitting and craft projects. No mesh hat required.

🧶 Learn to Knit: Free Beginner Lessons: This step-by-step knitting course was made for true beginners. Each lesson includes photos and explanations so you can learn to knit with confidence.

🧣 Beginner Scarf Knitting Pattern: Practice your first stitches while making something useful. This garter stitch scarf pattern is relaxing and includes printable instructions in three sizes.

🛏️ Rice Stitch Blanket Pattern: Knit a textured afghan using simple knit and purl stitches. This blanket pattern includes two stitch variations, both with cozy results.

🌲 Cozy Lifestyle Inspiration: Warm up your home life with recipes, simple living ideas, and peaceful routines that bring calm to your day.

🎨 Cabin Crafts: Explore cozy crafts to keep you busy and entertained.

📍 Social Media: Find lots of inspiration collected in one place. Let’s connect!

Posted on

Knit Wasp Nest Decoy

A Free Knitting Pattern from Liz Chandler 🐝

So, I have a problem with wasps. Well, not really a problem; they are great helpers in the garden eating all the aphids. But, when they try to turn my sacred porch space into their new nursery, I get annoyed (or worse, stung). To keep these little stinkers out of my space I’ve designed a knit wasp nest decoy that should be weather-proof.

Last year, I tried the classic “paper bag trick” to keep wasps from nesting near the house. You know the one: crumple a brown paper sack to look like a wasp nest, hang it up, and hope for the best. It worked really well… until it rained. Then it just looked like sad trash blowing in the wind.

A wasp nest decoy made of brown paper works, but doesn't last. Try my knitting pattern to make a more weather-proof knit wasp nest decoy.

This year, I’m declaring war. I’ve been stung too many times, and I’m done playing nice. So I grabbed some UV-resistant paracord and knit myself a proper wasp nest decoy. I stuffed it with a gray trash bag for structure. Now, it’s tough enough for summer storms, realistic enough to fool territorial insects, and, let’s be honest, a lot more fun to make.

Wait… Do Fake Nests Actually Work?

Yes… for the right bugs.

Most hornets, paper wasps, and yellowjackets are extremely territorial. If they see another nest in the area, they usually back off and go find a less “claimed” spot, often hundreds of feet away.

To the wasps? This is an intruder’s home base.
To me? It’s a cozy little hot air balloon decoration with a purpose.

These wasps are great for the garden but terrible for porch living. Keep them from building a nest in unwanted places with a hand knit wasp nest decoy designed by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

And unlike the paper version, this one:

  • Holds its shape through wind and rain
  • Won’t disintegrate in a week
  • Actually looks like the real thing (but without the buzz and bite)

If you get nests popping up on your home, put up a decoy. It may be just enough to make the wasp change their mind about their spot. Or, you might have to knock these little nests down (if you can’t do it safely yourself, contact a professional). Placing the decoy can make the wasps think whatever lives in the fake hive ruined their nest.

A paper wasp nest begins as a small grey honeycomb like structure.

What It Won’t Do

This won’t repel:

  • Ants
  • Mosquitoes
  • Bees (they’re unbothered by wasps)
  • Termites or ground dwellers

But if your porch or eaves are regular nesting sites for hornets or wasps, this might be just the nudge they need to build elsewhere.

Knit wasp nest decoy hanging on the porch. Get the free pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Where to Hang It

  • Under eaves
  • Porch rafters
  • Barns, sheds, or garages
  • Any spot that’s been a favorite for wasps in the past

Choose a place that’s visible to flying insects but slightly sheltered. Early in the season is best. It is easier to deter wasps before nests are started.

How to Knit this Wasp Nest Decoy Pattern

This quick knit is worked in the round and shaped to mimic the tapered, layered form of a real wasp nest. It’s practical, weirdly charming, and deeply satisfying, especially if you’ve ever flailed around with a broom trying to knock a real one down.

Use a UV resistant nylon paracord for this project to keep it sun and water resistant. I chose a gray color, but light brown also works for this decoy. Then, stuff with a plastic bag to keep it’s shape.

Materials to Knit a Wasp Nest Decoy

Knitting Needles

Double Point Needles (DPNs)

Or Long Circular Needles

Yarn

One 100 Foot Hank of Paracord* (shown Paracord Planet Paracord color Diamonds), in your choice of color.

* Length estimated with Paracord Planet Paracord; other materials may vary. Does not include gauge swatch.

Tools

Gauge 

8 stitches x 10 rows = 4 x 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch on No. 10 (6.0 mm) needles.

Abbreviations

k = knit
p = purl
** = repeat the pattern between the asterisks
M1L = make one left [Pick up the strand between the stitch just worked and the next stitch from front to back with the left needle and knit into the back of it.]
k2tog = knit two together

Paracord and US No. 10 knitting needles will get you started on making your own wasp decoy. Get the free pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Instructions: Wasp Nest Decoy

(measures 6 inches [15.24 cm] tall by 5 inches [12.7 cm] wide)

This project is knit from the top down. Use the Long-Tail Cast On method. Knit in the round. For Double Point Needles, follow DPN instructions written in italics. For circular needles, follow Magic Loop instructions written in bold. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.

[Using DPNs or long circular needles] Row 1: Cast on 6 stitches. Divide onto 3 DPNs (2 on each DPN). Or separate stitches on long circular needles for Magic Loop (3 on each side). (6 stitches)

Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and k 6. (6 stitches)

Row 3: *k, M1L* x 6. (12 stitches)

Row 4: k 12. (12 stitches)

Row 5: *k, M1L* x 12. (24 stitches)

Row 6: k 24. (24 stitches)

Row 7: *k, M1L* x 24. (48 stitches)

Rows 8 – 11: k 48. (48 stitches)

Row 12: *k 2, k2tog* x 12. (36 stitches)

Row 13: k 36. (36 stitches)

Row 14: *k, k2tog* x 12. (24 stitches)

Rows 15 – 17: k 24. (24 stitches)

Row 18: *k, k2tog* x 12. (12 stitches)

Row 19: k2tog x 6. (6 stitches)

Turn wrong-side (purl-side) out.

Cut yarn and draw through remaining 6 stitches.

Bring the yarn tail from the bottom of the project through to the inside up towards the top. Tie both yarn tails together to create a loop that can be used to hang the decoy.

Stuff the decoy with a plastic bag or your desired weatherproof filling.

Printable version of this free knitting pattern

Printable Free Wasp Nest Decoy Knitting Pattern PDF by Liz @PurlsAndPixels

Learn to knit a weatherproof wasp decoy with Liz Chandler's free pattern at PurlsAndPixels.

⚠️ Quick Disclaimer:

This project is a preventive trick, not a full-on wasp removal plan. It may deter hornets, paper wasps, or yellowjackets, especially if used early in the season before nests are built. But if you’ve already got an active infestation, please don’t try to knit your way out of it.
Call a pest control professional to handle the sting-y stuff safely.

Enjoy your relaxing porch time by keeping yellowjackets from building their own nests. Use a decoy knit yourself with a pattern from Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels.

This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.

If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.

I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.

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