Over a year ago, we got a large, double barrel composter. Each side is fifty gallons. You’re supposed to fill one side, then let it sit and compost for a year while you fill the other side. Then empty the first side and start over.

Which is pretty much what we did. It took us about a year to fill the first side, then this year, we stopped using that side and started putting everything in the second side.

Yesterday was the first time that I’d even opened the first side in a couple of months.

OMG. It smells like compost! (The side we’re currently using smells like garbage and is kind of nasty.)

So the process is working as expected. I kept reading articles about compost and the science behind it and how you have to add all these things in order for it to work.

Now, we did add one special ingredient to ours – the solids from my composting toilet. According to my sweetie, that’s what makes ours work so well. Not sure.

It is turning into dirt that we’ll be able to use around the property. Not on the herbs or the strawberries, but I believe we’ll be able to use it on the fruit trees. We also have a lot of plants that aren’t fruit bearing that I’ll be able to use it on.

ION – I did not sleep well last night, due to a lack of hormones, specifically, progesterone. I’m supposed to start taking progesterone ten days before the start of my next period. As my period is irregular at this point, I never have any idea when I’m supposed to start the progesterone. I need to base my decision on secondary symptoms.

For me, progesterone keeps me sane. I know when I need it because I’ll start obsessing about things. I’ll also stop sleeping well.

However, last night came as a surprise. Generally, I have a build up of symptoms. But because I’ve been doing the relaxation technique, I’ve been sleeping. In addition, being so hard core keto right now reduces all my perimenopause symptoms. The only “symptom” that I had before this was that I was sleeping tense – I’d wake up and my muscles would be stiff from having been tense all night.

Last night, the relaxation technique would help me fall asleep, but I wouldn’t be able to stay there. That’s the lack of hormones. Will start taking progesterone this morning. Not sure how I’ll sleep tonight – it generally needs some time to build up in my system. We’ll see. Fingers crossed. There might be a nap in my future. Plus, I’m not sure whether I’ll do 10K steps today based on how I’m currently feeling.

One really neat thing – I was able to write outside yesterday morning. While I was sitting there, I was able to watch a hummingbird come up and work almost every flower on the rhododendron. Kind of awesome.

And last but not least – the chocolate mint continues to be my favorite when added to my black teas. However, this morning I used peppermint with cacao nibs. Yum. This is a close second.

Do you drink tea? What is your favorite?