Autumn Fires

I am not a really good blogger anymore, life gets in the way.  We are beginning our Fall clean up around here...getting things ready for Winter.  Our wood is on the way from the in laws, so we will be ready when cold weather hits.  We still need to clean the woodstove and chimney.

It has been raining most of the week, and we have received 5 inches total.  The pond is full, the pastures are greening up.  This pushes back our hay purchase, and means we won't have to feed as much hay.  Praise God!

This was a poor year harvest wise, and butchering wise.  We were extremely busy off the homestead, and most of the summer was taken up with my midwife training. 

PD#2 volunteered at the Zoo this summer, so she was away from home every weekend.  We didn't stray too far from home very often, only going to the beach for one weekend, celebrating PD#2's birthday.

PD#1 and her husband are expecting their first baby in a couple of weeks.  We are ready for the homebirth, everything purchased, cleaned and ready to go :) I am very excited to welcome my first grand daughter! They are also in the process of purchasing their first home.  Very exciting news as well!

The kids started schoolwork this week, and we had a very successful first week back homeschooling.  Accomplished much, and we were very productive :) always a positive step.

Texas weather

Good afternoon all! We have been dealing with wide swings in weather lately. From cold and overcast, rainy and temps in the 80s. It is hard to know what to start on. This seems like a very short Winter. I wish it would stay colder longer.

PD#2 and I have planted some garden items. Mainly salad items and herbs, but we did plant a variety of tomatoes. Potatoes are next on the list, and we will be planting next weekend.

All but one hen was killed by coyotes and stray dogs. We have not had that problem in 10 years, but our dog died recently, so he was not around to keep them at bay. A large dog is absolutely essential on a farm to keep the wildlife away from livestock.

A mountain lion is in the area too. He/she is wandering and lingering more than normal. I am worried about my calves, and trying to keep them close at night. A neighbor friend normally loses a couple of lambs each year to this big cat.

Trying to get motivated and find the energy to get outside and work on the property, but it is hard. I feel so blah, with all these gloomy days. Today is sunny, so heading out to do laundry and then back in to do some baking. I will upload more and pictures later.