The pickings were slim for me to take to Barter in September. I had not had the opportunity to distill or make any tinctures. PD#1 took some crocheted items, PD#2 baked cookies (see little white bags) and made tin can lanterns. PS#2 took candles and seeds. My offerings were home made cheese, beef bones, beef liver, dried rosemary, basil and Bee Balm tea (in little brown cup).
We traded for a pair of hand made moccasins, a few cook books, fabric, fresh herbs (which I will dry), baked goods, laundry soap, lamb meat, and honey.
Our duck flock is up to 12 now, and a few need to be butchered for the freezer, as well as, the 40 broilers that are just about ready. I'd like to butcher a goat for ground meat, but not sure if we will get to that...have to check PH's schedule. Maybe the first cold spell?
We are working on stacking the wood pile this weekend, general clean up, laundry and cleaning the wood stove. Also, need to purchase another 5 gallons of Kerosene for the lamps. We lost power last weekend, and coming home to darkness was not fun, especially, as we were hauling a load of "stuff" in from PD#1's 16th birthday party. I had ONE lamp filled with kerosene. Not very well prepared. I lit the candles, the lamp, and then found the big battery-operated light. I was able to get the refrigerated items put away, then we went to bed. Left everything else for the morning, when I could SEE!
We have been receiving plenty of rain, and the pastures are beautiful. I need to remember to get a picture to post. PH has been cutting in front of the property and from the road it looks like a park. PH also cut the weeds down in the South Pasture, so that the grass could go through after the rain. Looks SO much better, and the grass is growing. Yeah!
Going to the Farmer's Market in town tomorrow. I'd love to be able to take cheese to sell, but quite sure someone would turn me in :/ just how people are...the nuts.
We have been pretty bush with school work, church programs, and PD#1 has been promoted to A1C in the Civil Air Patrol. She is also working on her private pilot's license. The class is offered for free by one of the Senior Members of the Civil Air Patrol. She recently went on a Glider Flight and greatly enjoyed it. How exciting to be towed to 3,000 feet, then glide back down to the ground. She forgot to take pictures though :(
Well, it looks like it will be a busy weekend, as we start our Cold Weather Preps. Here is a list we plan on, so I won't forget:
1) stack woodpile
2) clean wood stove
3) hang winter curtains/winter window quilts
4) wash all bedding
5) unpack winter clothing-pack away summer clothing
6) place flannel sheets on beds, blankets and comforters.
7) put sides on chicken coop to prevent wind/cold from blowing through
8) clean out barn and throw hay in pens, so the animals will have a place to get out of the rain/wind.
Have a good weekend! :)
