I pray everyone had a Merry Christmas! We hosted our annual Christmas Eve family gathering this year. It was a great time with family, especially all the food :) We had our traditional food of Lasagna, Salad, Bread, Cookies and Chocolate Cream Pie. Christmas Day was just us (PS#1 did join us too!) at home.
We continue to scale back our gift giving, with the intention to focus on why we celebrate Christmas. Each child received one gift from us (plus a few from family). PS#2 asked for a camo tarp and tent stakes. Pretty strange gift (I thought) for a 5 year old boy, but he is happy with it. He has made himself a camp site in the trees, complete with fire ring (we have used it twice to roast marshmallows), log stools, camp kitchen area, and a small, wood pile. He spends a lot of time in the tent, and has been upset that I won't sleep outside in the tent with him. I'd need a cot for that...I would hate to wake up with a rattle snake snuggled in the sleeping bag with me.
Gifts we received (not a totally prepper Christmas) were: Chromebook, Nintendo 3DS, gift cards to Home Depot and Olive Garden, ammunition, 2 cast iron pots, a knife, fire starter, knife sharpener, machete, a digital/wireless thermometer/weather station (part is outside, and the other sits inside), camo shirts and jacket for PD#1, sewing supplies, and crochet supplies. Hopefully, next year we can concentrate and focus on only useful items. That is the goal for next year. I did give two useful gifts 1) a gun cleaning kit and 2) a knife set.
The weather has been pretty chilly lately. Tonight it is 40, supposed to be in the mid 30's in the a.m. Rained early this a.m. until about noon. It was nice this p.m., sunny but a high of 48.
We have been focusing on cleaning, decluttering, organizing more, working on housing projects (sheet rock and paint), and keeping the land picked up. PH has been splitting lots of wood (we received six live oak trees from FIL).
I recently completed a one day herbal medicine class on Cold/Flu. Very interesting and informative. I am continuing my herbal medicine studies. I am going into my 9th year of study. I don't think I will ever be done learning about herbal remedies. In addition, I am still studying and looking for births to observe as part of my midwife training.
We will be working on the garden in the a.m., to get it cleaned up to plant in early February (at the latest). I am very thankful that PD#2 is an avid gardener. She knows my love for plants, and brought me back several plant pieces (chocolate mint, garlic stalk, beautyberries) from a botanical walk in the gardens in town today. Very cool that she thought of me!
PH and I are still working towards our plans of getting bees this Spring. Hoping he gets the hive built soon, I need to place my bee order.
Hope everyone has a great, safe New Year celebration!
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Stoking up the Stove!
Happy Autumn! It has been a busy time for us, and this past weekend was even busier. First, we went out to my sister's house about an hour North of here to cut up and haul home a large Red Oak tree. The tree had fallen during a recent rain storm (5 inches of rain!). It won't be good for this year's wood, but next Winter we have a jump on our supply.
In addition, we have 200 bales of hale on the place for the livestock's Winter feed. So thankful to receive! This will be our last year to receive free hay. We are still in the process of downsizing our herds (goats primarily), so hopefully next year we won't need quite so much hay. Building the bee hives is next on PH list, as we "plan" to order bees in the Spring. I've even joined a local Bee Keeping group!
The weather this week is COLD! It was 33 degrees this morning, and overcast (looks like snow to me). The high today was 44. My feet never warmed up. Tomorrow I will wear socks to work FOR SURE!
The forecast for the rest of the week is cold as well, with small light showers. The low will be 28 on Friday! Yikes! I have all the blankets washed, Winter curtains on most of the windows. Next, we will have to get the animals fixed up for colder weather.
We are in the process of painting the kitchen, and installing the stone/tile behind the wood stove.
We will be having a lot of company this holiday season so want to at least have the mini Great Room complete as possible. The front room is all living room/kitchen and the first thing you see when you walk into the house. We will be hosting our home school Cookie Exchange, my family's Christmas Eve dinner, and PD#1 is currently in a courtship and her young man will be visiting with us for a week during December.
PD#1 had applied to the U.S. Air Force Academy, and was invited to come to a week of activities in October. So, we spent a week in Colorado learning about all the Academy has to offer. PD#1 has decided the USAFA is NOT for her. I can't say that I am upset about that, but I am glad she found out about it now. We are crossing things off the "list" left and right. So far, she has completed the ground school for being a Pilot, but decided she preferred to be a passenger in the plane, and not the pilot. Now, she is finishing up competing with CyberPatriot, but has decided cyber security is not for her. She is back to her original plan of going to farrier school when she graduates next year. I am getting dizzy with all these plan changes.
She also was able to staff a recent Civil Air Patrol - Airman Leadership School where she served as First Sergeant. In addition, she attended SNCOA (Senior Non Commissioned Officer) training, and is working on studying to take her officer examination. She is hoping to be promoted to 2Lt in January. So, along with her regular schoolwork, CAP training and staffing, promotion studying she will be taking the SAT in December. Very busy times!
PD#2 is excelling quite nicely in her piano lessons. She looks so little sitting at the piano, but she is a wonderful pianist. I am very proud of her progress. She is currently learning Pachelbel's Canon in D, and so far so good! Below is a picture taken at a recent home school field trip to Washington-on-the-Brazos. Pretty cool place. I recommend that everyone go, at least once. :) **FYI the PF stands for Prairie Friend.
PS#1 now has a full time job that he loves (going on 3 months now), and was recently promoted. We are very proud of him as well, and excited in his new found financial independence.
PS#2 plugging away at his kindergarten work and is a feisty little guy. Loves rocks, paper airplanes and knives. Definitely ALL boy.
Off to make dinner, bring in the fire wood, and plan our chicken/pig butchering - scheduled for Saturday.
Good night and stay warm!
In addition, we have 200 bales of hale on the place for the livestock's Winter feed. So thankful to receive! This will be our last year to receive free hay. We are still in the process of downsizing our herds (goats primarily), so hopefully next year we won't need quite so much hay. Building the bee hives is next on PH list, as we "plan" to order bees in the Spring. I've even joined a local Bee Keeping group!
The weather this week is COLD! It was 33 degrees this morning, and overcast (looks like snow to me). The high today was 44. My feet never warmed up. Tomorrow I will wear socks to work FOR SURE!
The forecast for the rest of the week is cold as well, with small light showers. The low will be 28 on Friday! Yikes! I have all the blankets washed, Winter curtains on most of the windows. Next, we will have to get the animals fixed up for colder weather.
We are in the process of painting the kitchen, and installing the stone/tile behind the wood stove.
We will be having a lot of company this holiday season so want to at least have the mini Great Room complete as possible. The front room is all living room/kitchen and the first thing you see when you walk into the house. We will be hosting our home school Cookie Exchange, my family's Christmas Eve dinner, and PD#1 is currently in a courtship and her young man will be visiting with us for a week during December.
PD#1 had applied to the U.S. Air Force Academy, and was invited to come to a week of activities in October. So, we spent a week in Colorado learning about all the Academy has to offer. PD#1 has decided the USAFA is NOT for her. I can't say that I am upset about that, but I am glad she found out about it now. We are crossing things off the "list" left and right. So far, she has completed the ground school for being a Pilot, but decided she preferred to be a passenger in the plane, and not the pilot. Now, she is finishing up competing with CyberPatriot, but has decided cyber security is not for her. She is back to her original plan of going to farrier school when she graduates next year. I am getting dizzy with all these plan changes.
She also was able to staff a recent Civil Air Patrol - Airman Leadership School where she served as First Sergeant. In addition, she attended SNCOA (Senior Non Commissioned Officer) training, and is working on studying to take her officer examination. She is hoping to be promoted to 2Lt in January. So, along with her regular schoolwork, CAP training and staffing, promotion studying she will be taking the SAT in December. Very busy times!
PD#2 is excelling quite nicely in her piano lessons. She looks so little sitting at the piano, but she is a wonderful pianist. I am very proud of her progress. She is currently learning Pachelbel's Canon in D, and so far so good! Below is a picture taken at a recent home school field trip to Washington-on-the-Brazos. Pretty cool place. I recommend that everyone go, at least once. :) **FYI the PF stands for Prairie Friend.
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| PF#1, PD#1, PD#2, PF#1 |
PS#1 now has a full time job that he loves (going on 3 months now), and was recently promoted. We are very proud of him as well, and excited in his new found financial independence.
PS#2 plugging away at his kindergarten work and is a feisty little guy. Loves rocks, paper airplanes and knives. Definitely ALL boy.
Off to make dinner, bring in the fire wood, and plan our chicken/pig butchering - scheduled for Saturday.
Good night and stay warm!
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Heading into Harvest Time
It's that time of year again. With temperatures in the high 90s and 100s, everything is looking a little crispy. We haven't had significant rain in a couple of months, and we are at the point of needing rain now, or purchasing hay for the animals.
We have lost three goats recently. One got his horn hung and we didn't find him in time, the other had liver flukes and the other I feel was due to the heat. Not sure. We are thinking of downgrading our goat herd. I want to keep a small herd on hand for ag exemption purposes. Here is my break down: I need 10 acres covered in "something":
2 cows = covers 2 acres
10 goats = 5 acres
4 beehives = 3 acres
2 pigs = extra
So we are good to go..The guidelines are 1 cow per 1 acre, 2 goats for 1 acre, and 6 hives for 5 acres (we will work on 4 hives for the Spring). I think cutting our goat herd in half with help with the wear and tear on the land, and cut down on the hay bill.
We will be butchering at the first cold spell two pigs and 20 chickens. It would be nice to do a couple of goats as well, but we will see what PH thinks.
The 2nd floor bedrooms and loft have been insulated, and it is greatly helping with the heat. It should also help with the heat in the Winter too. Cannot wait for a little cooler temps. Not freezing ones, just a tad more bearable. We need to get outside and get the land cleaned up, and get our wood stacked. It has been too hot lately to work outside.
Here are a couple pictures of our butchering this past Spring.
We were fortunate to be blessed with 4 large bags of jalapenos, serranos and banana peppers. I made salsa and then pickled the rest. The salsa came out EXCELLENT and the best I have ever made. Unfortunately, I did not use a recipe this year (I couldn't find my canning book) so I just winged it. I cannot now replicate this masterpiece called Salsa. It is sad day in South TEXAS. I also made 14 quarts of Kosher Dill Spears. We bought a large crate of cucumbers from a local farmer.
We have lost three goats recently. One got his horn hung and we didn't find him in time, the other had liver flukes and the other I feel was due to the heat. Not sure. We are thinking of downgrading our goat herd. I want to keep a small herd on hand for ag exemption purposes. Here is my break down: I need 10 acres covered in "something":
2 cows = covers 2 acres
10 goats = 5 acres
4 beehives = 3 acres
2 pigs = extra
So we are good to go..The guidelines are 1 cow per 1 acre, 2 goats for 1 acre, and 6 hives for 5 acres (we will work on 4 hives for the Spring). I think cutting our goat herd in half with help with the wear and tear on the land, and cut down on the hay bill.
We will be butchering at the first cold spell two pigs and 20 chickens. It would be nice to do a couple of goats as well, but we will see what PH thinks.
The 2nd floor bedrooms and loft have been insulated, and it is greatly helping with the heat. It should also help with the heat in the Winter too. Cannot wait for a little cooler temps. Not freezing ones, just a tad more bearable. We need to get outside and get the land cleaned up, and get our wood stacked. It has been too hot lately to work outside.
Here are a couple pictures of our butchering this past Spring.
We were fortunate to be blessed with 4 large bags of jalapenos, serranos and banana peppers. I made salsa and then pickled the rest. The salsa came out EXCELLENT and the best I have ever made. Unfortunately, I did not use a recipe this year (I couldn't find my canning book) so I just winged it. I cannot now replicate this masterpiece called Salsa. It is sad day in South TEXAS. I also made 14 quarts of Kosher Dill Spears. We bought a large crate of cucumbers from a local farmer.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Ponderings....
Spoiler alert! I am about to wax political,philosophical and recall moments from my past.
Less anyone think I am too satisfied with the status quo in this "country" or am a doing nothing Patriot, I'd like to interject a note of rebellion in today's post.
I would love to say I am a die-hard American, but I am unsure if that is true anymore. I love the idea of what America used to stand for, but am heartbroken over the lack of "good" morals, values, respect, sense of responsibility, and downright lack of decency that abounds in today's society.
Twenty-five years ago we decided to raise our new family in a small, rural, South Texas town. We firmly believed that small town values with that Mayberry mentality would be a great way to raise a family. It happened somewhat, but the degradation that is today's social mores have ventured even out here.
Last week, an 80 year old man was robbed, beaten, killed and his body tossed into a ditch not far from our home. Seriously!? I didn't know this man, but my heart hurts for the pain he endured, and his family endures now. I am also angry that someone felt that they had the right to commit this crime. Sin abounds, even in a small town.
I don't feel old, but when I think of those days growing up in the early 70s on the East Coast, and remember how wonderful it was to be able to play in the woods all day with my friends, and to remember we didn't worry about our safety at all, I think too many years have passed.
The country I was raised to love is virtually gone. The excitement, and feelings of patriotism as I stood and watched the Bicentennial Parade in downtown D.C. have been replaced by feelings of sorrow, and a burgeoning pride that I am fortunate to live in TEXAS. TEXAS has her issues, but is (for the moment) way better than the lie that is PAX AMERICANUS.
The fear and uncertainty that I face daily, is held at bay through my reading the Word of God, and in daily communication with the Lord. Without Him, and His ever abiding presence to remind me that HE is in charge, I would be a wreck.
The conflicting emotions I have for America, are even more at the fore front of our lives, as we prayerfully consider the best course of action PD#1 should take with her life. She will be graduating in the next 1 to 2 years from our home school (depends on how she applies herself), but she has been offered the opportunity to apply to the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory school. The preparatory school is a 10 month program, culminating in 95% of attendees being offered slot to the U.S. Air Force Academy. We are in the beginnings of researching and reading information on eligibility requirements, as well as, trying to decide if we want her to do this...we really do not advocate the military for our daughters, but if God is opening this door for her, there must be a reason. We will be praying and seeking His guidance in this matter.
I am not really sure my personal feelings support her going. The concern of being involved in any way with the U.S. Government is not something to take lightly, nor do I want to be lulled into the perceived "prestige" of such an undertaking.
On a positive note PD#1 was recently promoted to Cadet SMSgt in Civil Air Patrol, and is currently studying for her Chief's test. After that she will be studying to take the Officer's test (2nd Lt). She is really motivated and loves Civil Air Patrol. We work at supporting her interest in Civil Air Patrol, and are happy to glean the positive aspects of this program.
Okay, time for bed. More on this subject later.
Less anyone think I am too satisfied with the status quo in this "country" or am a doing nothing Patriot, I'd like to interject a note of rebellion in today's post.
I would love to say I am a die-hard American, but I am unsure if that is true anymore. I love the idea of what America used to stand for, but am heartbroken over the lack of "good" morals, values, respect, sense of responsibility, and downright lack of decency that abounds in today's society.
Twenty-five years ago we decided to raise our new family in a small, rural, South Texas town. We firmly believed that small town values with that Mayberry mentality would be a great way to raise a family. It happened somewhat, but the degradation that is today's social mores have ventured even out here.
Last week, an 80 year old man was robbed, beaten, killed and his body tossed into a ditch not far from our home. Seriously!? I didn't know this man, but my heart hurts for the pain he endured, and his family endures now. I am also angry that someone felt that they had the right to commit this crime. Sin abounds, even in a small town.
I don't feel old, but when I think of those days growing up in the early 70s on the East Coast, and remember how wonderful it was to be able to play in the woods all day with my friends, and to remember we didn't worry about our safety at all, I think too many years have passed.
The country I was raised to love is virtually gone. The excitement, and feelings of patriotism as I stood and watched the Bicentennial Parade in downtown D.C. have been replaced by feelings of sorrow, and a burgeoning pride that I am fortunate to live in TEXAS. TEXAS has her issues, but is (for the moment) way better than the lie that is PAX AMERICANUS.
The fear and uncertainty that I face daily, is held at bay through my reading the Word of God, and in daily communication with the Lord. Without Him, and His ever abiding presence to remind me that HE is in charge, I would be a wreck.
The conflicting emotions I have for America, are even more at the fore front of our lives, as we prayerfully consider the best course of action PD#1 should take with her life. She will be graduating in the next 1 to 2 years from our home school (depends on how she applies herself), but she has been offered the opportunity to apply to the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory school. The preparatory school is a 10 month program, culminating in 95% of attendees being offered slot to the U.S. Air Force Academy. We are in the beginnings of researching and reading information on eligibility requirements, as well as, trying to decide if we want her to do this...we really do not advocate the military for our daughters, but if God is opening this door for her, there must be a reason. We will be praying and seeking His guidance in this matter.
I am not really sure my personal feelings support her going. The concern of being involved in any way with the U.S. Government is not something to take lightly, nor do I want to be lulled into the perceived "prestige" of such an undertaking.
On a positive note PD#1 was recently promoted to Cadet SMSgt in Civil Air Patrol, and is currently studying for her Chief's test. After that she will be studying to take the Officer's test (2nd Lt). She is really motivated and loves Civil Air Patrol. We work at supporting her interest in Civil Air Patrol, and are happy to glean the positive aspects of this program.
Okay, time for bed. More on this subject later.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Happy Independence Day 2014!
Well, here we are at another 4th of July. Time sure goes by fast. The weather lately has been pretty mild for South Texas in the Summer. Low 90's, with only a couple of days of higher temps. We had a lot of rain the past month too, 10+ inches. The pond is full, and everything is wonderfully green.
No garden this year for us, we are way too busy. Concentrating on downsizing our goat herd, and increasing our cattle numbers. Also, in the plans is getting a bee hive (box) set up, learning more about bees, and getting ready to install them next Spring. Thankfully, I will have some help from a friend's husband (they are local, yeah!) for some advice and help.
I have also been studying my midwifery info, observing prenatal appointments with a licensed midwife, and basically learning all I can. After attending the midwife seminar a couple of months ago (it was a two-day course) I have my emergency bag packed and ready for use (if needed).
Canning will be starting this weekend. I have an abundance of jalapeno, Serrano and banana peppers from a co-worker. I will be pickling them, and making salsa. Prickly pear tunas aren't ready yet, but the Wild Mustang Grapes should be ready anytime now (usually by the end of July), along with the pears.
We have 15 Freedom Ranger broilers should be ready to butcher the end of this month (we'll see how they look). The quail aren't laying in the heat, and I am getting one egg a day from the three hens that we have. I have four more coming up (4 months old), but it sure is hard re-building a flock after they are virtually decimated. I have three roosters though, two may get butchered along with the Freedom Rangers.
Taking an inventory of what needs to be done around the place. I am going to list it here, so I won't forget.
1) haul downed trees to wood pile
2) chop wood and stack to dry
3) finish all laundry
4) fix clothes line
5) put additional rain catchment gutters up and install barrels/containers
6) clean wood stove & chimney
7) order new filters for Berkey
8) clean out back room of container
9) install new shelving in container
10) organize storage items (old clothes, canning jars, starter kits, sewing notions, etc.)
11) clean up trash around land
12) remove trash from pond (blew in during storm)
13) clean out fire pit
14) clean out barn for new hay
15) put hog cage up at trap door in rear fence
16) build berm to retain water run-off from pond
17) fix South Pasture fence
18) enlarge garden
19) plant pumpkins
20) plant wheat
Here are some pictures from around the farm:
No garden this year for us, we are way too busy. Concentrating on downsizing our goat herd, and increasing our cattle numbers. Also, in the plans is getting a bee hive (box) set up, learning more about bees, and getting ready to install them next Spring. Thankfully, I will have some help from a friend's husband (they are local, yeah!) for some advice and help.
I have also been studying my midwifery info, observing prenatal appointments with a licensed midwife, and basically learning all I can. After attending the midwife seminar a couple of months ago (it was a two-day course) I have my emergency bag packed and ready for use (if needed).
Canning will be starting this weekend. I have an abundance of jalapeno, Serrano and banana peppers from a co-worker. I will be pickling them, and making salsa. Prickly pear tunas aren't ready yet, but the Wild Mustang Grapes should be ready anytime now (usually by the end of July), along with the pears.
We have 15 Freedom Ranger broilers should be ready to butcher the end of this month (we'll see how they look). The quail aren't laying in the heat, and I am getting one egg a day from the three hens that we have. I have four more coming up (4 months old), but it sure is hard re-building a flock after they are virtually decimated. I have three roosters though, two may get butchered along with the Freedom Rangers.
Taking an inventory of what needs to be done around the place. I am going to list it here, so I won't forget.
1) haul downed trees to wood pile
2) chop wood and stack to dry
3) finish all laundry
4) fix clothes line
5) put additional rain catchment gutters up and install barrels/containers
6) clean wood stove & chimney
7) order new filters for Berkey
8) clean out back room of container
9) install new shelving in container
10) organize storage items (old clothes, canning jars, starter kits, sewing notions, etc.)
11) clean up trash around land
12) remove trash from pond (blew in during storm)
13) clean out fire pit
14) clean out barn for new hay
15) put hog cage up at trap door in rear fence
16) build berm to retain water run-off from pond
17) fix South Pasture fence
18) enlarge garden
19) plant pumpkins
20) plant wheat
Here are some pictures from around the farm:
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| The Lone Star casts it's light |
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| Mariama and last year's babies |
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| Papa Bunny (Edmund) |
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| New baby bunnies! |
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| Nibbles (Guinea Pig) |
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| Our new critter cage - a refurbished shelving unit |
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| PS#2 (Age 5 years) |
Friday, May 9, 2014
Spring 2014
I don't get to write here like I used to..life on the farm keeps us pretty busy. We have had a good crop of babies born this year - goats, chicks, ducklings though no piglets :(
We butchered our broilers last weekend. A local friend lent us their EZ Plucker, and it was so much faster and nicer than doing so by hand. I have another batch of Freedom Ranger chicks in the chicken tractor. It will be a couple of more months until they are ready to butcher. The Franken Chicken (Cornish Cross) grows faster. I have always been put off by them, but we were given a bunch for free from the SA Rodeo this year. They are freaky to look at, but PH said the taste is much better than the other two types we have raised before (Black Broilers and Freedom Rangers). I guess after this batch of Freedom Rangers we will determine if we will stick with the Cornish Cross from now on. I made fried chicken last night from one of them, and it was wonderful. PH was very pleased. Back to the plucking....I do like learning how to do things without power, just in case I am ever in a situation where I will need to do so. But once I learn a "powered down" skill, I am okay with using electricity. I'd borrow the plucker again, though we are considering getting our own. We'll see.
It costs me a total of $250 in feed, though I am subtracting half of that amount, because I was feeding the Freedom Rangers at the same time. So, that is $125 dollars divided by 15 chickens for a total cost of $8.33 per chicken (not counting labor-I don't include that, because, well I am at home anyway). I used to pay $15.00 plus for an organic chicken bought either at Whole Foods or from a local provider. So, If I had bought 15 chickens at $15 each that would be $225 dollars, so I saved myself $100. PH is all about the cost savings, but I am about the cleaner food for my family. I don't raise animals to be cost effective. I do try to have most of my animals free range, but raising Cornish Cross meat chickens isn't really conducive to free ranging. Maybe in a time of necessity, I'd have to do something different. The Freedom Rangers are great at foraging, but allowing to free-range causes them to build up muscle, which makes their meat TOUGH. The plan this time around is to keep them in the large coop, to see if it makes a difference in the meat. If not, we'll do something different next time.
A friend and I go back and forth about grid electricity and what it means to be "off grid". It means different things to different people. For me, it means no electricity at all, not even solar panels or batteries. I gear my homestead to run without power during an emergency. We have lots of those lately. From wild fires, to tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, having the ability to cook, heat our house and to SEE when the power is out is very beneficial. Now my friend wants to have all her electrical conveniences that grid power provides, so she and her husband concentrate on battery packs, solar power, wind turbines, etc. I don't have the funds for that, so my money goes into food production/storage.
The chicken coop has been completed, and while it wasn't my original plan, it keeps my chickens/ducks safe from being eaten by the pigs. To date I have lost over one hundred chickens/ducks to the pigs. Once we butcher these last few, we are out of the pig business. I really like pigs, and they provide a lot of meat for the cost of raising, but my chickens are more important to me.
The quail are in their own cages, hung on the wall in the chicken coop. I have seven quail (5 females, 2 males). I rotate the males from cage to cage. I'll try and get PD#1 to take a picture for me to post.
We have seven ducks left. Four males and three females. One of the females is currently sitting on a nest, so hopefully we will have a couple of ducklings waddling around soon.
The weather has been warming up, though the evenings are nice. This greatly helps with cooling the place down. We are trying to not turn on the AC yet until it reaches at least 100. We have only had one day of that so far. We did receive a good amount of rain about a month ago. A total of three inches. Our pond was totally dry, and was then full. Praise God! I was so excited to have a full pond again. It is going down again, what with the animals drinking out of it and evaporation, but I am thankful for every little blessing.
Our well went dry, or too low for the pump to suck up water. We were without water for almost 2 weeks until we had the county water supply line installed. A great lesson in learning where to get water, how to haul it, and how much you really need to use in a day. PH is now in the process of pulling out the pipe and pump from the well to see if the side walls have collapsed, or what is going on with it. The pump itself is good, but only sucking up sandy bits of water. This is really a stressful situation for us. I loved having an independent water source, but this drought is taking it's toll. We are in the process of gathering the materials to install water catchment on the house. Not 55 barrels but a large 1500 tank. We need to head into town to pick up the tank. PH thinks it is silly to put water catchment on a house in South TX when it rarely rains. I have insisted, telling him that it makes even more sense to be able to catch whatever rain we do receive. I really try not to insist on having my way, but when it comes to having water, it is important. So, the topic has been a "pit bull" issue (meaning I have my teeth in it and won't give up). By not having something in place NOW, we are wasting and losing a wonderful opportunity to store drinking water for ourselves. We already have a system on the barn to help water the animals when the pond has gone dry. It is supposed to rain the next couple of days, and I am frustrated that it isn't in place already, but I am on PH time schedule.
Due to the drought and a shortage of water, we are not planting a garden this year. I am depending on friends and family who are better gardeners, and know how to get the most with less water. I am a horrible gardener, and have resorted to gifts, purchasing from the produce dept in the nearest Metro area, and harvesting wild edibles (melons, grapes, blackberries, nopales, prickly pear fruit, Algerita berries, Mesquite beans, grape leaves, wild-crafted herbs for tea and medicinals). There are also several abandoned homesteads with orange and pear trees that we have been able to pick from. Also, a few trees on State and water company's property that we have been given permission to pick.
Work has ground to a halt on the house. It is a busy time outside, and with work. I am still working at the library part-time. PH and I are also in the process of starting out own business, which will hopefully be productive in a year or so, when his job moves to Ohio. The plan is to work part time on the business, and then to slowly transition full time into the business. Praying it provides enough security for us to live off. Thankfully, we have greatly down-sized our needs, and have little debt. We aren't looking to get rich, but to provide a reasonable income for our family. I am in the process of completing all the start up paperwork, meeting with a CPA, and registering to be able for us to bid on projects for county, city and state projects. I am attending training and networking seminars, and finding out what there is out there for a majority, Woman-owned business. I will be doing the office work (along with PD#1) and leave the technical, complex aspects of the business to PH's expertise and experience. I really wanted it to be our business, but there are more bid opportunities for a Woman-owned business it seems, or a minority-owned business. PH doesn't have a tribal, registration number and has never been interested in applying, so this is the best route at this time. I am very happy that PH has decided he is ready to branch out on his own, business-wise. This is another step in being more self-sufficient/reliant. (Yes, you depend on customers, but not worrying about getting fired.)
PH finished the bathroom. We are very happy. We also have begun the work of clearing out the shipping container that we lived in for four years. We have been so busy, and did not have the time to devote to it, but it has been our focus lately. PH was given several large, metal, shelving units. These are about 6 feet tall and total 21 feet in length, so almost half of the container's length. PH is taking over the front half of the container for his tools/work area (thought leaving the galley kitchen for me to use as my canning kitchen/emergency food prep area. The container is also our storm shelter.) The bathroom is still in place, and I will be using the shelves in there to house my toiletry storage (soap, t.p., etc). The back bedroom is now the family storage room. I have my food storage area, clothing storage in rubber totes (I try to keep a few articles in each size/gender, plus shoes for each family member), plus Christmas decorations, a sewing area set up with my treadle sewing machine, the bookcase with homeschooling curriculum. The loft will be cleaned up and a mattress placed up there to be a sleeping space for guests (in the event of an emergency).
Hope everyone is doing well. Keeping plugging away caring for your families. Keep your eyes open, and be ready for whatever lies ahead.
Paratus Familia!
We butchered our broilers last weekend. A local friend lent us their EZ Plucker, and it was so much faster and nicer than doing so by hand. I have another batch of Freedom Ranger chicks in the chicken tractor. It will be a couple of more months until they are ready to butcher. The Franken Chicken (Cornish Cross) grows faster. I have always been put off by them, but we were given a bunch for free from the SA Rodeo this year. They are freaky to look at, but PH said the taste is much better than the other two types we have raised before (Black Broilers and Freedom Rangers). I guess after this batch of Freedom Rangers we will determine if we will stick with the Cornish Cross from now on. I made fried chicken last night from one of them, and it was wonderful. PH was very pleased. Back to the plucking....I do like learning how to do things without power, just in case I am ever in a situation where I will need to do so. But once I learn a "powered down" skill, I am okay with using electricity. I'd borrow the plucker again, though we are considering getting our own. We'll see.
It costs me a total of $250 in feed, though I am subtracting half of that amount, because I was feeding the Freedom Rangers at the same time. So, that is $125 dollars divided by 15 chickens for a total cost of $8.33 per chicken (not counting labor-I don't include that, because, well I am at home anyway). I used to pay $15.00 plus for an organic chicken bought either at Whole Foods or from a local provider. So, If I had bought 15 chickens at $15 each that would be $225 dollars, so I saved myself $100. PH is all about the cost savings, but I am about the cleaner food for my family. I don't raise animals to be cost effective. I do try to have most of my animals free range, but raising Cornish Cross meat chickens isn't really conducive to free ranging. Maybe in a time of necessity, I'd have to do something different. The Freedom Rangers are great at foraging, but allowing to free-range causes them to build up muscle, which makes their meat TOUGH. The plan this time around is to keep them in the large coop, to see if it makes a difference in the meat. If not, we'll do something different next time.
A friend and I go back and forth about grid electricity and what it means to be "off grid". It means different things to different people. For me, it means no electricity at all, not even solar panels or batteries. I gear my homestead to run without power during an emergency. We have lots of those lately. From wild fires, to tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, having the ability to cook, heat our house and to SEE when the power is out is very beneficial. Now my friend wants to have all her electrical conveniences that grid power provides, so she and her husband concentrate on battery packs, solar power, wind turbines, etc. I don't have the funds for that, so my money goes into food production/storage.
The chicken coop has been completed, and while it wasn't my original plan, it keeps my chickens/ducks safe from being eaten by the pigs. To date I have lost over one hundred chickens/ducks to the pigs. Once we butcher these last few, we are out of the pig business. I really like pigs, and they provide a lot of meat for the cost of raising, but my chickens are more important to me.
The quail are in their own cages, hung on the wall in the chicken coop. I have seven quail (5 females, 2 males). I rotate the males from cage to cage. I'll try and get PD#1 to take a picture for me to post.
We have seven ducks left. Four males and three females. One of the females is currently sitting on a nest, so hopefully we will have a couple of ducklings waddling around soon.
The weather has been warming up, though the evenings are nice. This greatly helps with cooling the place down. We are trying to not turn on the AC yet until it reaches at least 100. We have only had one day of that so far. We did receive a good amount of rain about a month ago. A total of three inches. Our pond was totally dry, and was then full. Praise God! I was so excited to have a full pond again. It is going down again, what with the animals drinking out of it and evaporation, but I am thankful for every little blessing.
Our well went dry, or too low for the pump to suck up water. We were without water for almost 2 weeks until we had the county water supply line installed. A great lesson in learning where to get water, how to haul it, and how much you really need to use in a day. PH is now in the process of pulling out the pipe and pump from the well to see if the side walls have collapsed, or what is going on with it. The pump itself is good, but only sucking up sandy bits of water. This is really a stressful situation for us. I loved having an independent water source, but this drought is taking it's toll. We are in the process of gathering the materials to install water catchment on the house. Not 55 barrels but a large 1500 tank. We need to head into town to pick up the tank. PH thinks it is silly to put water catchment on a house in South TX when it rarely rains. I have insisted, telling him that it makes even more sense to be able to catch whatever rain we do receive. I really try not to insist on having my way, but when it comes to having water, it is important. So, the topic has been a "pit bull" issue (meaning I have my teeth in it and won't give up). By not having something in place NOW, we are wasting and losing a wonderful opportunity to store drinking water for ourselves. We already have a system on the barn to help water the animals when the pond has gone dry. It is supposed to rain the next couple of days, and I am frustrated that it isn't in place already, but I am on PH time schedule.
Due to the drought and a shortage of water, we are not planting a garden this year. I am depending on friends and family who are better gardeners, and know how to get the most with less water. I am a horrible gardener, and have resorted to gifts, purchasing from the produce dept in the nearest Metro area, and harvesting wild edibles (melons, grapes, blackberries, nopales, prickly pear fruit, Algerita berries, Mesquite beans, grape leaves, wild-crafted herbs for tea and medicinals). There are also several abandoned homesteads with orange and pear trees that we have been able to pick from. Also, a few trees on State and water company's property that we have been given permission to pick.
Work has ground to a halt on the house. It is a busy time outside, and with work. I am still working at the library part-time. PH and I are also in the process of starting out own business, which will hopefully be productive in a year or so, when his job moves to Ohio. The plan is to work part time on the business, and then to slowly transition full time into the business. Praying it provides enough security for us to live off. Thankfully, we have greatly down-sized our needs, and have little debt. We aren't looking to get rich, but to provide a reasonable income for our family. I am in the process of completing all the start up paperwork, meeting with a CPA, and registering to be able for us to bid on projects for county, city and state projects. I am attending training and networking seminars, and finding out what there is out there for a majority, Woman-owned business. I will be doing the office work (along with PD#1) and leave the technical, complex aspects of the business to PH's expertise and experience. I really wanted it to be our business, but there are more bid opportunities for a Woman-owned business it seems, or a minority-owned business. PH doesn't have a tribal, registration number and has never been interested in applying, so this is the best route at this time. I am very happy that PH has decided he is ready to branch out on his own, business-wise. This is another step in being more self-sufficient/reliant. (Yes, you depend on customers, but not worrying about getting fired.)
PH finished the bathroom. We are very happy. We also have begun the work of clearing out the shipping container that we lived in for four years. We have been so busy, and did not have the time to devote to it, but it has been our focus lately. PH was given several large, metal, shelving units. These are about 6 feet tall and total 21 feet in length, so almost half of the container's length. PH is taking over the front half of the container for his tools/work area (thought leaving the galley kitchen for me to use as my canning kitchen/emergency food prep area. The container is also our storm shelter.) The bathroom is still in place, and I will be using the shelves in there to house my toiletry storage (soap, t.p., etc). The back bedroom is now the family storage room. I have my food storage area, clothing storage in rubber totes (I try to keep a few articles in each size/gender, plus shoes for each family member), plus Christmas decorations, a sewing area set up with my treadle sewing machine, the bookcase with homeschooling curriculum. The loft will be cleaned up and a mattress placed up there to be a sleeping space for guests (in the event of an emergency).
Hope everyone is doing well. Keeping plugging away caring for your families. Keep your eyes open, and be ready for whatever lies ahead.
Paratus Familia!
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
February Update
The weather has been beautiful the last few days, though I do not believe Winter is over yet for us. The past week the weather has been in the 70s and 80s, and we have been able to accomplish a lot around the property.
The primary chore being LAUNDRY. I've been washing only what was needed for so long, it was nice to be able to wash and have the lines full of snapping, drying clothes.
We have been doing our Spring Cleaning. I am taking down curtains to wash, and looking for the sheers we use in nicer weather. Also dusting, washing blankets and other bedding, cleaning the stove and beating rugs are next on the list.
Our goats appear to be done having babies. We had a total of 12 born, but only five still with us. Coyotes have been plentiful this year, and no manner of bringing the goats up to the house or to the barn, has prevented the thieving of the kids. Beginning Mariama's training for milking. PH finished the milking stand, and we are working with Mariama. So far, we have her jumping up on the stand for her treats. Can't wait to be milking full time :) Cheese here we come! (I hope and pray).
The ducks are beginning to nest, so I expect a yard full of ducklings soon. More food for us! Yeah!
We also filled the incubator with chicken eggs and four stray duck eggs that no one claimed. Fern (sow) is due to deliver on April 5th, so along with selling off the goat babies, we will have piglets to sell. We may be using this money to purchase our beef for the year.
The house is coming along at a slow clip, but progress is being made. The toilet was installed a month or so ago, and now the tub is in the bathroom. PH just needs to plumb it all in. Next after that is setting up the solar hot water system that PH has agreed to try this year. Baby steps :)
We will be working in the garden a little, though we do not plan to have a huge one this year. No time with the job, and being in a drought makes it hard. Only growing a couple of staples (potatoes, onions, peppers, tomatoes), plus medicinal herbs.
The primary chore being LAUNDRY. I've been washing only what was needed for so long, it was nice to be able to wash and have the lines full of snapping, drying clothes.
We have been doing our Spring Cleaning. I am taking down curtains to wash, and looking for the sheers we use in nicer weather. Also dusting, washing blankets and other bedding, cleaning the stove and beating rugs are next on the list.
Our goats appear to be done having babies. We had a total of 12 born, but only five still with us. Coyotes have been plentiful this year, and no manner of bringing the goats up to the house or to the barn, has prevented the thieving of the kids. Beginning Mariama's training for milking. PH finished the milking stand, and we are working with Mariama. So far, we have her jumping up on the stand for her treats. Can't wait to be milking full time :) Cheese here we come! (I hope and pray).
Mariama with last year's kid
The ducks are beginning to nest, so I expect a yard full of ducklings soon. More food for us! Yeah!
We also filled the incubator with chicken eggs and four stray duck eggs that no one claimed. Fern (sow) is due to deliver on April 5th, so along with selling off the goat babies, we will have piglets to sell. We may be using this money to purchase our beef for the year.
The house is coming along at a slow clip, but progress is being made. The toilet was installed a month or so ago, and now the tub is in the bathroom. PH just needs to plumb it all in. Next after that is setting up the solar hot water system that PH has agreed to try this year. Baby steps :)
We will be working in the garden a little, though we do not plan to have a huge one this year. No time with the job, and being in a drought makes it hard. Only growing a couple of staples (potatoes, onions, peppers, tomatoes), plus medicinal herbs.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Cold Weather Update
The icy rain started, as soon as, I left work (around 6 pm). I had a couple of stops to make (for a few grocery items and a brooder lamp for the quail).
The porch started icing over around 11 pm. When I would step out for more wood, I had to be careful not to slip. The heat lamp was doing great for the quail. They had stopped shivering and were hopping around their cages. All the animals (except for Sophie) were rushing the door and begging for a few moments of stove time. **Sophie was a stray that came with our property. She must have been abused, because it took us over a year to be able to pet her. Five years later, she is happy to see us when we get home. She lets us pet her, but she always turns over, closes her eyes and hunches over. It is like she is remembering being hurt, but figures we probably won't hurt her. Sometimes she even comes up to us first. I tried to get her to come inside last night to lay by the fire, but she preferred to lay on a pile of hay by the front door. I covered her completely with a fleece blanket and she stayed there all night. This morning the blanket was frozen solid on top of her, but she was warm and toasty underneath and very happy she could move.
Around 4 a.m. the power went out, and along with it, the big diesel heater. It looks something like this:
We had a fire going in the wood stove, and try to take turns getting up to add more wood, but on really cold nights, we have this plugged in, and it comes on when it gets to a certain temperature. We keep it on low, so it has to get cold before it comes on. It is LOUD! But we are used to it, and it doesn't wake us up anymore, and it keeps the house really toasty. Well, when the power was out, the silence from the heater was deafening. PH got up and added more wood to the fire, and came back to bed. I could hear the sleet hitting the metal roof, but we were warm and cozy. Praise God for allowing us to build the house, because on nights like these, the container is almost unbearable. Praise God for also giving me a husband that is capable of building us a snug, little house. It may not be complete, but it does the job of keeping us safe and warm. I am also thankful for the indoor toilet! Who would want to make the dash to the container on a night/morning like this!? We were a little concerned for our neighbors. One with an all electric, brand-new, double-wide (no fireplace even), and the other lives in a little, un-insulated, cabin-shed. I am sure he and his wife were a TAD chilly. We do not get much cold weather in TEXAS, but sufficient enough to require an alternate form of heat (other than electric). Last year, we used our wood stove from the end of October until late April. That is six months of temps in the 30s and 40s (nights primarily), definitely worth installing a wood stove, or purchasing a kerosene heater. Something! I strongly encourage people to think about this...
PH and I were up at 6:00 am. I lit the kerosene lamps so he could get dressed and out of the house safely. He had to use a flashlight to get down the front steps. They were ICY! PH left for work around 6:30 a.m. but before he did, he dragged the quail cage into the house. They had lost their heat lamp when the power went out. I was worried about them, but PH doesn't like them inside, because they STINK. I was so thankful and appreciative that he brought them inside to join the menagerie of guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs and cats. Unfortunately, he set the brooder lamp BULB side down onto the porch, and at 9:00 am this morning when the power came on, unbeknownst to me, it started burning a hole in the porch. By the time I noticed it, had a nice bulb-sized, round hole on the very end of one board on the porch (sigh). Thankful it wasn't the entire house.
It was 27 degrees when I started the car to warm it up. I was about 5 minutes late to work due to a frozen padlock on the gate, but I arrived here to realize that the power was off here too last night, which means the heaters I left on were OFF. The temps inside the library was 43 at 10 am, and now they are 55. I am sitting in front of a heater, and feel mostly warm (one leg feels like I am getting burned, and my toes are frozen, but otherwise, I am good). Cannot wait for this day to end, so that I can sit by the fire at home. 4 pm cannot come too soon for me!
I like the cold weather, but prefer to stay home on days like today.
The porch started icing over around 11 pm. When I would step out for more wood, I had to be careful not to slip. The heat lamp was doing great for the quail. They had stopped shivering and were hopping around their cages. All the animals (except for Sophie) were rushing the door and begging for a few moments of stove time. **Sophie was a stray that came with our property. She must have been abused, because it took us over a year to be able to pet her. Five years later, she is happy to see us when we get home. She lets us pet her, but she always turns over, closes her eyes and hunches over. It is like she is remembering being hurt, but figures we probably won't hurt her. Sometimes she even comes up to us first. I tried to get her to come inside last night to lay by the fire, but she preferred to lay on a pile of hay by the front door. I covered her completely with a fleece blanket and she stayed there all night. This morning the blanket was frozen solid on top of her, but she was warm and toasty underneath and very happy she could move.
Around 4 a.m. the power went out, and along with it, the big diesel heater. It looks something like this:
We had a fire going in the wood stove, and try to take turns getting up to add more wood, but on really cold nights, we have this plugged in, and it comes on when it gets to a certain temperature. We keep it on low, so it has to get cold before it comes on. It is LOUD! But we are used to it, and it doesn't wake us up anymore, and it keeps the house really toasty. Well, when the power was out, the silence from the heater was deafening. PH got up and added more wood to the fire, and came back to bed. I could hear the sleet hitting the metal roof, but we were warm and cozy. Praise God for allowing us to build the house, because on nights like these, the container is almost unbearable. Praise God for also giving me a husband that is capable of building us a snug, little house. It may not be complete, but it does the job of keeping us safe and warm. I am also thankful for the indoor toilet! Who would want to make the dash to the container on a night/morning like this!? We were a little concerned for our neighbors. One with an all electric, brand-new, double-wide (no fireplace even), and the other lives in a little, un-insulated, cabin-shed. I am sure he and his wife were a TAD chilly. We do not get much cold weather in TEXAS, but sufficient enough to require an alternate form of heat (other than electric). Last year, we used our wood stove from the end of October until late April. That is six months of temps in the 30s and 40s (nights primarily), definitely worth installing a wood stove, or purchasing a kerosene heater. Something! I strongly encourage people to think about this...
PH and I were up at 6:00 am. I lit the kerosene lamps so he could get dressed and out of the house safely. He had to use a flashlight to get down the front steps. They were ICY! PH left for work around 6:30 a.m. but before he did, he dragged the quail cage into the house. They had lost their heat lamp when the power went out. I was worried about them, but PH doesn't like them inside, because they STINK. I was so thankful and appreciative that he brought them inside to join the menagerie of guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs and cats. Unfortunately, he set the brooder lamp BULB side down onto the porch, and at 9:00 am this morning when the power came on, unbeknownst to me, it started burning a hole in the porch. By the time I noticed it, had a nice bulb-sized, round hole on the very end of one board on the porch (sigh). Thankful it wasn't the entire house.
 |
| Coturnix Quail |
I like the cold weather, but prefer to stay home on days like today.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Coturnix Quail
We were up bright and early to get everything battened down in preparation for the cold weather that hit us this afternoon.
I left the library at 6:00 pm and the temp was 38 (down from 60 this morning). I drove 3 miles and the temps had dropped to 34. I had to stop at the hardware store to get a brooder lamp for the quail (I have eight). It is in the 20s now, raining and VERY windy. I thought it would be good to have the animals on the front porch, but the wind is blowing from the NE directly onto the porch.
When I arrived home the kids had brought the rabbits and guinea pigs inside, and one dog. The mama dog and two puppies are in the kennel behind the house (out of the wind) with another heat lamp and a ton of hay. Hope they keep warm. Oh! my chickens I forgot to put them up!
I went out just now, as my stupid chickens, refuse to stay in their coop area. The were perched outside the back door in the cold and rain. I picked them up and put them in the shelter out of the weather, and they promptly ran out. (sigh). This batch of chickens is the dumbest I have ever seen. I had ONE smart one that was snuggled down in the hay before I put the rest inside. She is my favorite :)
Man! it sure is cold out there.
On the way home I stopped at the grocery store and meat market to get my groceries. Made sloppy joes for dinner on Whole Grain buns. Very tasty!
Back to the quail...a friend gave me 12 quail eggs. Mine are not laying regularly yet. I hope that changes with the warm weather. Reading up on them their breeding season begins in March, so that's good. My goal is to be able to raise enough to butcher for us.
I cleaned the incubator tonight and have it plugged in to warm up. Tomorrow I will place the eggs inside, and in 17 days, maybe, we will have some baby quail :)
I can't wait! I get so happy when I am able to (successfully) establish a food source for my family.
Keep warm everyone!
I left the library at 6:00 pm and the temp was 38 (down from 60 this morning). I drove 3 miles and the temps had dropped to 34. I had to stop at the hardware store to get a brooder lamp for the quail (I have eight). It is in the 20s now, raining and VERY windy. I thought it would be good to have the animals on the front porch, but the wind is blowing from the NE directly onto the porch.
When I arrived home the kids had brought the rabbits and guinea pigs inside, and one dog. The mama dog and two puppies are in the kennel behind the house (out of the wind) with another heat lamp and a ton of hay. Hope they keep warm. Oh! my chickens I forgot to put them up!
I went out just now, as my stupid chickens, refuse to stay in their coop area. The were perched outside the back door in the cold and rain. I picked them up and put them in the shelter out of the weather, and they promptly ran out. (sigh). This batch of chickens is the dumbest I have ever seen. I had ONE smart one that was snuggled down in the hay before I put the rest inside. She is my favorite :)
Man! it sure is cold out there.
On the way home I stopped at the grocery store and meat market to get my groceries. Made sloppy joes for dinner on Whole Grain buns. Very tasty!
Back to the quail...a friend gave me 12 quail eggs. Mine are not laying regularly yet. I hope that changes with the warm weather. Reading up on them their breeding season begins in March, so that's good. My goal is to be able to raise enough to butcher for us.
I cleaned the incubator tonight and have it plugged in to warm up. Tomorrow I will place the eggs inside, and in 17 days, maybe, we will have some baby quail :)
I can't wait! I get so happy when I am able to (successfully) establish a food source for my family.
Keep warm everyone!
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Winter Will Be Here Tomorrow
We are expecting really cold weather tomorrow. Half of the country seems to be gripped in some kind of new Ice Age, and TEXAS is not immune. We normally have our coldest times in February, but tomorrow we are expecting sleet and SNOW! Amazing.
Tomorrow the Prairie Kids and I will be preparing for the cold weather. We will be filling the wood rack on the front porch, stuffing hay in all the animal shelters, putting a heat lamp on the quail, guinea pigs, cats, dogs. They will all have to share. Putting out the heating pad under some burlap sacks for the cats to pile onto. Most of the little critters like to stack themselves in piles on the front porch. It is SO funny to see.
Had another great bartering this month. I LOVE our Barter Days. So much fun!
I look forward to it every month, just for the fellowship with like minded folks.
PH put in our new toilet last weekend. So excited! We now have a flushing toilet in the house. I feel so fancy! There is even a door! (gasp). Privacy, what a novel idea.
See the sink? A couple of years back we had a new "neighbor". They put a small cabin on their land, then promptly never came back. During a storm, their cabin blew to pieces. Called the land agent to see if we cleaned up the property if we could keep any items (we had scoped it out beforehand). He said yes! We came away with two bathroom sinks (one is above), a roll of barbed wire, a large plastic trash can on wheels, a gas can, an igloo cooler and assorted tools. Pretty cool! A brand new sink we have been saving for just this time!
PS#2 turns five in two weeks. It sure went by fast. PS#1 turns 25 too! I feel too young to have a kid that old!
Learning lots, cleaning up the property, splitting wood, baking and learning to eat REAL FOOD. (See 100 Days of Real Food Blog - very cool!)
Tomorrow the Prairie Kids and I will be preparing for the cold weather. We will be filling the wood rack on the front porch, stuffing hay in all the animal shelters, putting a heat lamp on the quail, guinea pigs, cats, dogs. They will all have to share. Putting out the heating pad under some burlap sacks for the cats to pile onto. Most of the little critters like to stack themselves in piles on the front porch. It is SO funny to see.
Had another great bartering this month. I LOVE our Barter Days. So much fun!
I look forward to it every month, just for the fellowship with like minded folks.
PH put in our new toilet last weekend. So excited! We now have a flushing toilet in the house. I feel so fancy! There is even a door! (gasp). Privacy, what a novel idea.
See the sink? A couple of years back we had a new "neighbor". They put a small cabin on their land, then promptly never came back. During a storm, their cabin blew to pieces. Called the land agent to see if we cleaned up the property if we could keep any items (we had scoped it out beforehand). He said yes! We came away with two bathroom sinks (one is above), a roll of barbed wire, a large plastic trash can on wheels, a gas can, an igloo cooler and assorted tools. Pretty cool! A brand new sink we have been saving for just this time!
PS#2 turns five in two weeks. It sure went by fast. PS#1 turns 25 too! I feel too young to have a kid that old!
Learning lots, cleaning up the property, splitting wood, baking and learning to eat REAL FOOD. (See 100 Days of Real Food Blog - very cool!)
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