Showers of Greetings Readers, it is a rainy day today, one that I could just lose myself in. I have always loved rainy days. Mind you, ones that are not full of lightening and thunder to hinder my walking in them, although I do enjoy the deep sound of thunder as well.
Today I lingered at the barn after milking. Miss Elsie did as well. I sat on some bales of hay pondering many thoughts I have in my heart of late. Miss Elsie stood in the breeze way of the barn looking out the back door thinking if she should venture out to the hay ring or not. After some moments she decided she would go out. I continued to sit there, eyes closed, listening to the fall of the rain and the creek water in more of a rush to go down its route than normal. With all the extra rain in the last week, the creek is making a more distinct sound of 'rushing' which I find very calming.
With the holidays here, our nurses are taking extra days off. I find I look forward to days as this, even though we do not celebrate this holiday as once we did, it gives us time to not have to be on our regular schedule. We can linger a bit through the day.
Today I made banana/cherry smoothies, I have some cottage cheese draining, and my ingredients out to make bread. There are dishes to be done, clothes to hang on the drying rack to dry and all the while enjoying the falling, in a pitter patter rhythm, of the rain. It is to rain all weekend, so I will be able to 'sit by the window when it is raining and read a book I'll never be tested on.' ") I also have a painting project in progress. Husband cut me 3 pieces of boards, I am painting barn quilt designs on them. Two will go to our barn, the other for a gift. The first one is gray background, barn red diamonds in each corner, The center is a square, 8"x8", cream in color of which I will paint some shamrocks. I do not have a digital camera anymore, but will be shopping for one after the holidays and I will get some pictures to share.
I hope the quotation I posted yesterday will be of encouragement to all that read it. Looking unto the Lord in all things, for it is in Him alone that we live and breathe.
In Joy
Friday, December 22, 2017
Thursday, December 21, 2017
My Heart
Dear Readers, I was gifted this quotation by a sweet friend, it speaks deeply of my view of my life and how I live. It is beautiful. There is no title nor author.
"I want to live simply. I want to sit by the window when it rains and read books I'll never be tested on. I want to paint because I want to, not because I've got something to prove. I want to listen to my body, fall asleep when the moon is high and wake up slowly with no place to rush off to. I want not to be governed by money or clocks or any of the artificial restraints that humanity imposes on itself. I just want to be, boundless and infinite."
In Joy
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
YouTube Update
Hello Dear Readers, it has almost been a year since I shared my thoughts about youtube and youtubers and their channels. I have curtailed greatly my viewing of them, but just recently looked at some I use to view regularly, to see if anything had improved, but, all have grown more disgusting. Many now are doing live stream, of which is nothing but live blah blah blah, for an hour or more, my goodness who has the time! If you really are homesteading. New channels have joined on the band wagon of the old ones, which makes it more disgusting. I could not give a reliable estimate of the percentage of ones asking for donations, or who have gone to patreon or other means to get viewers to pay to watch their channel, but it is considerably high. Most all the people with channels are now making/selling various wares such as t-shirts, cups, mugs, give aways, anything that will give them a 'draw.' Deep South Homestead is now selling 2, oh my, TWO different style t-shirts and all proceeds will go to their cabin they are building as Danny has always wanted one. Gee! This thread continues on with Guildbrook Farm, of which Jamie is using some of the funding from their subcribers to buy and get into archery, something she has always wanted to do, and now she can. Gee! It is very disturbing to me that people would actually want to fund some others lifestyle. Just for a t-shirt or what ever trinket they have to offer.? Seriously? I only have named these two channels, but believe me there are so many more, too numerous to mention. Viewers, get a life of your own, fund that. There are some, very few some, channels on you tube that are of encouragement on this homesteading movement, they have not fallen into the mold of these others, they do not put up a video every day, every week, but only as what they may be doing will be of help. I think these ones have become disgusted as well at the change in you tube and the so called homesteading channels. Some say they homestead, but they are traveling all across the states doing what? and guess who is paying for them to gad about! This is not homesteading.
I won't be reviewing you tube homestead channels again, enough is enough, and doubt anything will change for the good, it will only grow into more of the same as it is now. I do not miss it, nor need it. I still go through my back issues of magazines, gaining more each time for there is always something I missed before.
Again, I do encourage ones to 'fund' your own lifestyle, get some back issues of homesteading magazines, nothing wrong with reading and re-reading.
In Joy
I won't be reviewing you tube homestead channels again, enough is enough, and doubt anything will change for the good, it will only grow into more of the same as it is now. I do not miss it, nor need it. I still go through my back issues of magazines, gaining more each time for there is always something I missed before.
Again, I do encourage ones to 'fund' your own lifestyle, get some back issues of homesteading magazines, nothing wrong with reading and re-reading.
In Joy
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Dolls
Hello, trying to put a few of my doll pictures on, let see if I can
this is a Bratz doll redone, I did not take a before picture, but will next time. I made this doll for one of my granddaughters. I came across Tree Change Dolls a few years ago, and was encouraged by this ladies make over of the Bratz doll. I really enjoy doing them. I try to make the dolls portray a bit of the person I am making it for.
It took me a bit of figuring out how to put this picture on here, so I will only do one on this page, but will put a few more up on another post.
In Joy
It took me a bit of figuring out how to put this picture on here, so I will only do one on this page, but will put a few more up on another post.
In Joy
Sunday, October 15, 2017
To Everything There is a Season
as scripture reads; Hello Dear Readers, how often I am reminded of this scripture in Ecclesiastes and much more so as I continue to age in my 'older' years, I am 63. Seasons not only change in the natural realm of nature, but for humans too, whether mental, spiritual, physical, I know I do not think as I did when in my youth and 20's, I have not the strength of my youth, 20's, 30's, to early 40's. My spiritual walk with my Father God, Jesus and Holy Spirit has grown and matured in many ways, thankfully and I have been tried and tested, fallen to weariness, unbelief, wavering in my faith, but praise be to the 3 in one, they have remained faithful to me always, rooting me on in my walk.
As husband and I are in the years we are, we have talked much in the last many months of downsizing our garden, livestock, work load, to pursue other interests that are still on the back burner of our lives. For husband it is fishing, how he loves to fish, for me it is the old general store we bought 5 yrs ago, a historical building circa 1890, that we have only been able to just chip away at the work needed to do on it to get it open. Wonderful dreams and ideas for that old store which is full of long ago stories from the locals there, so much character that it feels I can 'hear' the talk of ones shopping there long, long ago when I go there to do some work or perhaps just sit on the steps of the store porch and think.
So, we shall be selling 3 of our dexter cows, Hershey, Daisy and Dunbar, I am keeping Speck, dexter/jersey for grandson that is 15 now, and I have trained in the tasks of milking since he was 9. Speck is bred by Dunbar and will calve in the summer. Elsie will live her life out on our farm regardless as will Chaco our bull. Elsie did calve in August, the day of the eclipse, the 21st, a bull calf and hence his name, Eclipse. He will be fed out for our next steer/beef to be slaughtered. Downsizing will cut costs greatly on feed/hay besides our work load.
We may not have to garden next year, I put up so much produce this year. The garden is now 75x75 but we will cut it in half and if need to garden some next year, it will only be produce such as tomatoes, potatoes, okra, some herbs and corn.
Although I am looking forward to our new season of life, my heart feels a tug of sadness to know that the full amount of our way of life is coming to a close, but, it is not closing completely, so I see it as 'having my cake and eating it too.' "))
I have not forgot that I want to share some of my dolls I have recently made, I will put forth more effort to get those on here in the next week or so.
Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.......... with everything and all the seasons of our lives.
In Joy
As husband and I are in the years we are, we have talked much in the last many months of downsizing our garden, livestock, work load, to pursue other interests that are still on the back burner of our lives. For husband it is fishing, how he loves to fish, for me it is the old general store we bought 5 yrs ago, a historical building circa 1890, that we have only been able to just chip away at the work needed to do on it to get it open. Wonderful dreams and ideas for that old store which is full of long ago stories from the locals there, so much character that it feels I can 'hear' the talk of ones shopping there long, long ago when I go there to do some work or perhaps just sit on the steps of the store porch and think.
So, we shall be selling 3 of our dexter cows, Hershey, Daisy and Dunbar, I am keeping Speck, dexter/jersey for grandson that is 15 now, and I have trained in the tasks of milking since he was 9. Speck is bred by Dunbar and will calve in the summer. Elsie will live her life out on our farm regardless as will Chaco our bull. Elsie did calve in August, the day of the eclipse, the 21st, a bull calf and hence his name, Eclipse. He will be fed out for our next steer/beef to be slaughtered. Downsizing will cut costs greatly on feed/hay besides our work load.
We may not have to garden next year, I put up so much produce this year. The garden is now 75x75 but we will cut it in half and if need to garden some next year, it will only be produce such as tomatoes, potatoes, okra, some herbs and corn.
Although I am looking forward to our new season of life, my heart feels a tug of sadness to know that the full amount of our way of life is coming to a close, but, it is not closing completely, so I see it as 'having my cake and eating it too.' "))
I have not forgot that I want to share some of my dolls I have recently made, I will put forth more effort to get those on here in the next week or so.
Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.......... with everything and all the seasons of our lives.
In Joy
Friday, July 28, 2017
Catching up on This and That
Hello Dear Readers, oh my, has it been two months already?! Though I enjoy my blogging, my time off this technology has been peace, fulfillment, contentment, trials, testings, reflection, lots of pondering, which I, personally, view the term far different from thinking, and much clearing of mind, soul and heart. It continues to be a grand walk.
There is much I desire to share in this visit, so, hope you will settle in for a bit, relax, perhaps a cup of tea or coffee and let's have a chat.
Our garden has produced abundantly; lots of canning of squash, tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, corn, butter beans, lima beans, as well as making pesto, and cinnamon cucumber rings. The latter is a side dish that goes very well with any type of meal. They are good enough to eat as a sweet treat by themselves, like candy. I have made these for many years. Lots of soup base has been canned for an easy, comfort food for winter. The garden always provides much work, spiritually as well as physical, and we are very thankful. All is coming to a close though, with the garden, and clean up of it and laying it to rest soon for winter. We do not do a fall garden as some do for the reason our summer one provides more than enough. We do have field corn and pop corn that will dry on the stalk for a bit longer before it is harvested. Son got our corn crib made which will hold the field corn. Much satisfaction and reward from our labors.
A month ago we lost our oldest mama cow and calf. 'Start' was 13yrs. and although is good shape, never having trouble before, this calf died soon after birth and Start prolapsed. As farm life goes many times, we had to put her down, with sadness, but she lived a very good cow life with us for 13 yrs., gave us many fine calves, milk and her service to us was always pleasant. We always keep in mind God's perspective of animals and his purpose in why he created them, and his perspective for us as owners, managers of our livestock, to be kind, gentle, good caregivers, but they are not 'human' as most others have placed them, so even though it is a sad time, it is what it is and we do move on.
My jersey, Elsie, is to calve in a few weeks; my younger mama cow, Hersey, calved back in April, with a bull calf of which I am weaning him and milking Hershey. This is the first time I am milking her and she is doing great. My two heifers from last year are with our younger bull sire, DunBar to be bred. He is very handsome, deep red in color. My two heifers, one a dexter named Daisy, the other half jersey half dexter, she is Speck. It will be exciting to see how the calves will turn out, which will be spring of 2018.
As the season begins to slow down I have been able to turn some of my time to my doll making. I finished one recently that I painted several layers of different paints to get a leathery feel to her. I also painted her face and hair, but made her clothing. Her face is painted per the pattern I used, therefore she is by no means a 'pretty' woman, but she has a sense about her that is a quiet look that I like. I named her Beulah Hanshawe. She is a commoner from Cornwall, England, a miners wife. His name is Ned Henshawe. I name my dolls as I also create short stories to go with them, as they are intended to be passed down to my grands. This has become a bit long, so I will 'ado' for now.
Supper is soon to be made, hamburger pizza.
In another post, I will soon share some pictures of my doll making adventures.
Look up and unto the Lord, for from him does all our help come. He is more than able.
In Joy
There is much I desire to share in this visit, so, hope you will settle in for a bit, relax, perhaps a cup of tea or coffee and let's have a chat.
Our garden has produced abundantly; lots of canning of squash, tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, corn, butter beans, lima beans, as well as making pesto, and cinnamon cucumber rings. The latter is a side dish that goes very well with any type of meal. They are good enough to eat as a sweet treat by themselves, like candy. I have made these for many years. Lots of soup base has been canned for an easy, comfort food for winter. The garden always provides much work, spiritually as well as physical, and we are very thankful. All is coming to a close though, with the garden, and clean up of it and laying it to rest soon for winter. We do not do a fall garden as some do for the reason our summer one provides more than enough. We do have field corn and pop corn that will dry on the stalk for a bit longer before it is harvested. Son got our corn crib made which will hold the field corn. Much satisfaction and reward from our labors.
A month ago we lost our oldest mama cow and calf. 'Start' was 13yrs. and although is good shape, never having trouble before, this calf died soon after birth and Start prolapsed. As farm life goes many times, we had to put her down, with sadness, but she lived a very good cow life with us for 13 yrs., gave us many fine calves, milk and her service to us was always pleasant. We always keep in mind God's perspective of animals and his purpose in why he created them, and his perspective for us as owners, managers of our livestock, to be kind, gentle, good caregivers, but they are not 'human' as most others have placed them, so even though it is a sad time, it is what it is and we do move on.
My jersey, Elsie, is to calve in a few weeks; my younger mama cow, Hersey, calved back in April, with a bull calf of which I am weaning him and milking Hershey. This is the first time I am milking her and she is doing great. My two heifers from last year are with our younger bull sire, DunBar to be bred. He is very handsome, deep red in color. My two heifers, one a dexter named Daisy, the other half jersey half dexter, she is Speck. It will be exciting to see how the calves will turn out, which will be spring of 2018.
As the season begins to slow down I have been able to turn some of my time to my doll making. I finished one recently that I painted several layers of different paints to get a leathery feel to her. I also painted her face and hair, but made her clothing. Her face is painted per the pattern I used, therefore she is by no means a 'pretty' woman, but she has a sense about her that is a quiet look that I like. I named her Beulah Hanshawe. She is a commoner from Cornwall, England, a miners wife. His name is Ned Henshawe. I name my dolls as I also create short stories to go with them, as they are intended to be passed down to my grands. This has become a bit long, so I will 'ado' for now.
Supper is soon to be made, hamburger pizza.
In another post, I will soon share some pictures of my doll making adventures.
Look up and unto the Lord, for from him does all our help come. He is more than able.
In Joy
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Meeting Farm Challenges Update
Hello Dear Readers, a rainy, cool, damp day, and Ms. Pioneer Maid has come to pay me a visit; Aw how delightful the day has been, with a cheery fire, cozy warmth coming from her visit, but I believe she will be leaving in another day or so as the weather will warm back up. But for today, I am blessed by her being here.
God is faithful, as I am always reminded, on Friday morning as we were going to the pasture to secure the area for tranquilizing our bull, to get the hay netting off, here came Chaco, with the net off!! Prayer answered......... again. A mighty, very personable God we serve. Much praising we did, as we were a bit nervous of the whole thing.
Pressure baking in my pressure canner is doing great; I have baked several loaves of bread, cobblers and continue to do so. It is not so bad, and takes little time. Until the temperature regulator can get fixed, I will continue in the canner.
Today, canning English peas, I have 10 pints. Since the weather is as it is, many little 'to do' things will take up my day. It is always a blessing to have such days, when there is not so many big projects to attend too.
May we seek the Lord while He may be found, always faithful. Blessed be the Name of our Lord and Savior and Father God.
In Joy
God is faithful, as I am always reminded, on Friday morning as we were going to the pasture to secure the area for tranquilizing our bull, to get the hay netting off, here came Chaco, with the net off!! Prayer answered......... again. A mighty, very personable God we serve. Much praising we did, as we were a bit nervous of the whole thing.
Pressure baking in my pressure canner is doing great; I have baked several loaves of bread, cobblers and continue to do so. It is not so bad, and takes little time. Until the temperature regulator can get fixed, I will continue in the canner.
Today, canning English peas, I have 10 pints. Since the weather is as it is, many little 'to do' things will take up my day. It is always a blessing to have such days, when there is not so many big projects to attend too.
May we seek the Lord while He may be found, always faithful. Blessed be the Name of our Lord and Savior and Father God.
In Joy
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Meeting Farm Challenges
Hello Dear Readers, life is giving much contentment, as I have greatly curtailed my viewing of things on the internet, Praise be to my Father God. There is much to do on the farm at this season till fall. The farm is always challenging at one time or another and lately it has been so again.
At this time of year I am always sad to say good bye to my Pioneer Maid stove, she is such a joy and blessing to me all through the late fall and early spring season. I have cleaned her up, packed away some of her things till fall again, and now have begun using the summer kitchen on our front porch where my Estate, 1940's gas stove and oven await me. I do enjoy her, but she is not as personable as Pioneer Maid and she is getting on in age, a few components do not want to work properly and some times not at all. Replacement parts are almost impossible to find. So, what do I do? The thermostat is in need of great adjustment, and then sometimes that does not work, the temperature just does what it wants. One of the main eye burners is playing 'puff the magic dragon' and is a bit unnerving to use. What I did, was a few things, grandson and I built a sort of rocket stove out by the fire pit, turned out very nice and we have cooked on it several times already; I also looked on you tube for a way to bake small and simple dish with out an oven and I came upon a young lady who bakes in her pressure cooker. MMMMM, I thought. But, it does work. She has a pressure cooker with a gasket of which she took out, and the jiggler she took off. She baked a small loaf of bread in hers and it turned out. A few nights ago I made a small casserole and put it in my pressure cooker, of which I have a gasket-less one and just kept the jiggler off, put the lid on tight, no screwing it down, and cooked my dish for about 40min. and it was wonderful. Oh, you have to put the round tray that one uses when actually pressuring on the bottom for protection of the dish. Now, who would have thought? I realize for large families this may not be a sound thing to do, but in a pinch, it is great. I am baking bread in a day or so and since my oven is still out, I will try my pressure cooker, for just one loaf. I will update on the outcome.
On another note, our bull Chaco, man is he a real bull, seems to get bored very easily, although the ladies are with him. Two days ago he wrestled the hay netting we use on our big round bales that are put into a hay ring. As the hay was getting low, husband mentioned to me that the next day he and first son would be putting out a roll of hay. Next morning, Chaco was impatient it seems and had the netting out of the ring, with some hay still in it, wrapped around both horns and dragging it. What a site. Needless to say, we stood in utter amazement at just how in the 'bull' world did he do it. As some may know if they have a bull, dealt with bulls, etc., you do not just go up to the bull and try to help or do whatever may need to be done. No, no, even as we were standing there looking and talking to him, of course on the opposite side of the fence, he was pawing the ground. We came up with a plan, tomorrow we 'shoot the bull' with Chaco, with a dart gun to tranquilize him long enough to get the netting off. I will update in a day or so.
Farm life does have many challenges but all in all, life would be so very dull without them. And it keeps our focus on God, who always makes a way for solutions, he is so very faithful. If our faith does not get tested along our journey in living for God, Jesus, we can not grow in Them, in our faith, in seeing the power of the Holy Spirit at work before our very eyes. And yes, sometimes, the answer does not come at the time we think it should, but God is never late and his ways are not ours, He is much more.
IN JOY
At this time of year I am always sad to say good bye to my Pioneer Maid stove, she is such a joy and blessing to me all through the late fall and early spring season. I have cleaned her up, packed away some of her things till fall again, and now have begun using the summer kitchen on our front porch where my Estate, 1940's gas stove and oven await me. I do enjoy her, but she is not as personable as Pioneer Maid and she is getting on in age, a few components do not want to work properly and some times not at all. Replacement parts are almost impossible to find. So, what do I do? The thermostat is in need of great adjustment, and then sometimes that does not work, the temperature just does what it wants. One of the main eye burners is playing 'puff the magic dragon' and is a bit unnerving to use. What I did, was a few things, grandson and I built a sort of rocket stove out by the fire pit, turned out very nice and we have cooked on it several times already; I also looked on you tube for a way to bake small and simple dish with out an oven and I came upon a young lady who bakes in her pressure cooker. MMMMM, I thought. But, it does work. She has a pressure cooker with a gasket of which she took out, and the jiggler she took off. She baked a small loaf of bread in hers and it turned out. A few nights ago I made a small casserole and put it in my pressure cooker, of which I have a gasket-less one and just kept the jiggler off, put the lid on tight, no screwing it down, and cooked my dish for about 40min. and it was wonderful. Oh, you have to put the round tray that one uses when actually pressuring on the bottom for protection of the dish. Now, who would have thought? I realize for large families this may not be a sound thing to do, but in a pinch, it is great. I am baking bread in a day or so and since my oven is still out, I will try my pressure cooker, for just one loaf. I will update on the outcome.
On another note, our bull Chaco, man is he a real bull, seems to get bored very easily, although the ladies are with him. Two days ago he wrestled the hay netting we use on our big round bales that are put into a hay ring. As the hay was getting low, husband mentioned to me that the next day he and first son would be putting out a roll of hay. Next morning, Chaco was impatient it seems and had the netting out of the ring, with some hay still in it, wrapped around both horns and dragging it. What a site. Needless to say, we stood in utter amazement at just how in the 'bull' world did he do it. As some may know if they have a bull, dealt with bulls, etc., you do not just go up to the bull and try to help or do whatever may need to be done. No, no, even as we were standing there looking and talking to him, of course on the opposite side of the fence, he was pawing the ground. We came up with a plan, tomorrow we 'shoot the bull' with Chaco, with a dart gun to tranquilize him long enough to get the netting off. I will update in a day or so.
Farm life does have many challenges but all in all, life would be so very dull without them. And it keeps our focus on God, who always makes a way for solutions, he is so very faithful. If our faith does not get tested along our journey in living for God, Jesus, we can not grow in Them, in our faith, in seeing the power of the Holy Spirit at work before our very eyes. And yes, sometimes, the answer does not come at the time we think it should, but God is never late and his ways are not ours, He is much more.
IN JOY
Thursday, March 30, 2017
More Thoughts about You Tube
Dear Readers, I wonder how many think of you tube and you tubers channels as I do; I have become quite put out, tired, very tired of it all. I believe you tube to be a fad as all other types of technology is has been, it looses it's draw after a time. Once to be an informational avenue it has become the soap opera of computers as the soaps were on t.v. long ago, or maybe those soaps are still around I do not know. Grant, perhaps, not every one fits the category, but many, many do. So much drama they put out, entice with, or just create to 'draw'. Be it called a 'vlog' now or just a supposedly regular video upload, it is still the same drama only by another name. I do not need, desire, nor want it anymore and as I did 20+ yrs ago, pulled myself off the t.v. I shall do the same with you tube and just much of the computer all together. No, I won't stop sharing posts, as I only do so now as I feel led too. I have not missed the t.v. and although it was tough in the beginning, because we are so programmed to such things, I am believing it won't be as difficult this time around, I have learned much in deprogramming my mind in 20 yrs. And it is truly amazing how clear my mind is when not filled with so much of others 'stuff' when I have plenty of my own, and much more important duties to attend too. I would think most do, have more of their own stuff to deal with daily than needing extra from others.
Onward.
In Joy
Onward.
In Joy
Thursday, March 23, 2017
A Full Day
Hello Dear Readers, a very full day and it is only half over; butchered rabbits this am, 5. Got them cleaned and cut up, some pieces for canning with bone, some boiling for bone broth and taking meat off for canned barbque, the flank pieces ground up for dog food to can of which I added some carrots, green split peas, and rice, and a few pieces left for frying tonight for supper. I will make scalloped potatoes to go with. I also have cottage cheese draining, and saved the whey to can for my bread making. Since my cow is dry at present I am buying milk from a local plain community nearby. I miss the fresh, raw milk and refuse to buy the so called 'milk' from the store. I encourage you to research the dairy industry, with treatment of cows, feed fed, and processing of milk, perhaps you will think deeply and try to make a change. I made some pizza last night for supper, having some left over dough, made a small loaf of bread of which today I tore into pieces for bread pudding, adding some oats, raisins, brown sugar and cinnamon, soaking for an hour in milk. It is almost ready to pop in the oven for baking. It will be good for breakfast in the morning. As it is a very pretty day, I have been able to get 3 loads of laundry washed, hung on the line for drying and here soon, they will be ready to bring in for folding.
The clean up after the storm was done yesterday, and with the fullness of today, I hope to get back on the railing fence I am putting up around the garden tomorrow. We have had to put this fence up because the deer have begun coming up and in many numbers since our outside dogs have died in the last 4 yrs. We thought of getting another dog or two but the fence, though just time and days to get it up was the better choice than dogs, that more feed to buy, shots and controlling of pests in the dog area and other tasks we did not feel up to do daily. We also spread grated Irish Spring soap all around the garden area and it really does help.
The canner is jiggling, need to check and adjust. Much encouragement to all as you pursue your journey in homesteading.
In Joy
The clean up after the storm was done yesterday, and with the fullness of today, I hope to get back on the railing fence I am putting up around the garden tomorrow. We have had to put this fence up because the deer have begun coming up and in many numbers since our outside dogs have died in the last 4 yrs. We thought of getting another dog or two but the fence, though just time and days to get it up was the better choice than dogs, that more feed to buy, shots and controlling of pests in the dog area and other tasks we did not feel up to do daily. We also spread grated Irish Spring soap all around the garden area and it really does help.
The canner is jiggling, need to check and adjust. Much encouragement to all as you pursue your journey in homesteading.
In Joy
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
After the storm
Hello Dear Readers, yesterday afternoon a storm came through our county, bringing quarter size hail and 60 mile howling winds and heavy rain. God is good all the time, no matter, He is good, gracious and full of mercy. The storm lasted about 30 minutes and then all over and done. We lost 2 solar panels, a large cedar tree fell on a portion of pasture fencing and many, many various size limbs and branches lay all around this morning.
We listened to NOAA weather a few days ago and it predicted this storm coming. We are always in much prayer over our valley and such conditions and even in the midst yesterday in prayer. I do not fear as once I did, knowing and trusting in God and Jesus to be faithful to their word and I am always reminded of Jesus in the boat with the disciples and a big wind storm came up and they allowed fear to grip their hearts, Jesus said to them not to fear, and he himself was asleep during the storm and they woke him with their fear that they may perish. I am convicted that when ones are born again, they know their home is in heaven, their trust, faith and assurance is in Christ, they have no reason to fear even though death may call them, or they suffer loss of some sort. This is peace that passes all understanding.
Today begins clean up. We were to butcher rabbits this morning, but, 'what a difference a day makes' in deed.
In Joy
We listened to NOAA weather a few days ago and it predicted this storm coming. We are always in much prayer over our valley and such conditions and even in the midst yesterday in prayer. I do not fear as once I did, knowing and trusting in God and Jesus to be faithful to their word and I am always reminded of Jesus in the boat with the disciples and a big wind storm came up and they allowed fear to grip their hearts, Jesus said to them not to fear, and he himself was asleep during the storm and they woke him with their fear that they may perish. I am convicted that when ones are born again, they know their home is in heaven, their trust, faith and assurance is in Christ, they have no reason to fear even though death may call them, or they suffer loss of some sort. This is peace that passes all understanding.
Today begins clean up. We were to butcher rabbits this morning, but, 'what a difference a day makes' in deed.
In Joy
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Homesteading with 'Challenged' Loved Ones
Dear Readers, I have been pondering on sharing our life of homesteading/farming with challenged or more realistic term, handicapped, children. Our children came into our family through various means and through 20 yrs now. We have 5 of which 4 are total care and in wheel chairs, the oldest is ambulatory, though delayed and needs constant supervision. Just in the last year we have gotten home nursing care for 3 of the children and what a great blessing this has been, as it has enabled husband and I to do more on our farm. The nurses are wonderful and excellent in their skill. We are very thankful to God.
In years past husband and I had been doing it ourselves, and at one time our now grown, adult children were home and they helped too. But as we are aging, we cannot do as we once did. It was somewhat a great adjustment, bringing in strangers into your home to have the help you need. We gave much prayer in this and we know God brought the right nurses to our home He had for us.
We have a good schedule and can be flexible if a nurse is unable to come on a particular day. But it feels so good to see accomplishment in a short amount of time than before.
God will supply. There are many who desire to do some homesteading but they themselves maybe challenged, do not lose heart, God can make a way and he will when we seek him in earnest. A little bit is better than none when one has the desire. I pray God will give insight to those who seek him.
In Joy
In years past husband and I had been doing it ourselves, and at one time our now grown, adult children were home and they helped too. But as we are aging, we cannot do as we once did. It was somewhat a great adjustment, bringing in strangers into your home to have the help you need. We gave much prayer in this and we know God brought the right nurses to our home He had for us.
We have a good schedule and can be flexible if a nurse is unable to come on a particular day. But it feels so good to see accomplishment in a short amount of time than before.
God will supply. There are many who desire to do some homesteading but they themselves maybe challenged, do not lose heart, God can make a way and he will when we seek him in earnest. A little bit is better than none when one has the desire. I pray God will give insight to those who seek him.
In Joy
Chickens love left overs
A Blessed day to you Readers, it is sunny, chilly and invigorating day; wheel chair people were here several hours; a new chair delivered for one, an fitting for a new chair for another and an adjustment on another new chair. Thankful for good people in the company we use for medical equipment for our children.
I have made bread today, 5 loaves. Sweet smelling savor in the house.
Last week we cleaned out the freezer to make way for the steer we had processed; I have purple hull peas, rice, chicken and carrot mix, pumpkin, and various other vegetables. I am taking portions of this food and heating it just enough to be almost cooked and giving some to the chickens daily. They love it and with 20 chickens it only takes a few minutes for them to devour the food. It saves a bit on the regular feed, which means a bit of savings on buying. Every little bit helps in my thinking. I have enough left over foods for almost several weeks. I suppose the only draw back is the chickens get use to this type of 'treat' and come running to the fence every time I go out to do something around their pen thinking I have the left overs for them and then seemingly turn their beaks up at the pellets they normally get. I think I can mix some of the 'left overs' in with their regular pellets and see how that will go over.
I hope all is well with what ever your hands are put to today. Blessings abound in Christ no matter what.
In Joy
I have made bread today, 5 loaves. Sweet smelling savor in the house.
Last week we cleaned out the freezer to make way for the steer we had processed; I have purple hull peas, rice, chicken and carrot mix, pumpkin, and various other vegetables. I am taking portions of this food and heating it just enough to be almost cooked and giving some to the chickens daily. They love it and with 20 chickens it only takes a few minutes for them to devour the food. It saves a bit on the regular feed, which means a bit of savings on buying. Every little bit helps in my thinking. I have enough left over foods for almost several weeks. I suppose the only draw back is the chickens get use to this type of 'treat' and come running to the fence every time I go out to do something around their pen thinking I have the left overs for them and then seemingly turn their beaks up at the pellets they normally get. I think I can mix some of the 'left overs' in with their regular pellets and see how that will go over.
I hope all is well with what ever your hands are put to today. Blessings abound in Christ no matter what.
In Joy
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Canned goods from our Pig
Greetings Dear Readers, a few days ago I shared of butchering our pig. I canned 17 quarts of bone broth, 3 quarts of BBQ meat, and 8 pints of dog food. The dog food consist of rice, grated carrots, broth and the fatty/meat and bone marrow that fell from the bones when boiling. We mix this homemade dog food with their reg. dry dog food and they love it. I only make dog food when we have processed our home grown meat from a steer, pig or rabbits. It helps stretch out their dry food and save a little on buying.
I am drying out the bones now and in a few days will dig my trench down between our grape vines and bury them.
Lots of rain today, a blessed day for baking. I made banana/applesauce cakes, poured up my witch hazel face tonic, have seeds sprouting for fresh eating, and lots of dishes washed. With all the rain this morning, I was able to get my kitchen rug outside on the ramp for a good washing.
Now time to do a bit of laundry, which I will be hanging on the drying racks this evening and they will dry over night by the wood stove.
Hope all is well in your homes.
In Joy
I am drying out the bones now and in a few days will dig my trench down between our grape vines and bury them.
Lots of rain today, a blessed day for baking. I made banana/applesauce cakes, poured up my witch hazel face tonic, have seeds sprouting for fresh eating, and lots of dishes washed. With all the rain this morning, I was able to get my kitchen rug outside on the ramp for a good washing.
Now time to do a bit of laundry, which I will be hanging on the drying racks this evening and they will dry over night by the wood stove.
Hope all is well in your homes.
In Joy
Saturday, March 4, 2017
BULL!!!
Dear Readers, we have a young dexter bull, about 7months old and weighing around 500lbs. He is 'Dun Bar' our 2nd herd bull, we have another older one, Chaco. Dun Bar is also dehorned as we thought this would make him a bit more docile, of which the dexter breed is a very docile breed in nature. Dun Bar has always liked to play with the feeder, which is a metal frame with a plastic liner attached by screws. We had the feeder attached with wire to metal post but he soon rubbed it off them. so we attached it to the cattle fencing. He worked long enough through the weeks that he also tore it off the fence. We have been pressed for time with other things, that we did not get to attaching it again, so Dun Bar has been eating with the feeder free standing. He had pushed the liner almost out of the frame, it was hanging in by one lone screw. Husband had gotten frustrated at Dun Bar's constant playing with it, watching him some days butting his head all over the feeder that he said, "I hope he gets stuck in it." Well, we must watch what we say for we may get what is spoken. Yes, today Dun Bar got stuck in the feeder and went wild, jumping the cross fence from one pasture to the other. The feeder caught on his hips, he ran wildly, dragging the feeder, until he became tired. He finally stopped, we went out to see about him, and the only thing we thought would work is if we had a way to tranquilize him to be able to cut the frame off him. We know of a woman who has vet skills, though she is not one, and access to such equipment, so we called her but she was not home. After a while, I told husband we must pray and ask God to work the happening to get that frame off this bull. We did, came back to the house and began evening chores. I continued to give it to God, and it was not long, husband came in the house and said, 'Dun Bar is free, he is out of the frame.' I praised the Lord for his work. Husband went and took the feeder frame and liner out of the pasture. Dun Bar has a few cuts, is very tired, but o.k. I told husband think before you speak from now on. ") Dun Bar will eat off the ground from now on.
This caused me to think of what many are speaking of when the poo hits the fan and there is not an avenue of the normal means to get help, what will you do, are you prepared? We have had a few things in the last several months finding ourselves in this position, and each time when the normal avenue was not there, we have prayed and God has answered each time. He is faithful in all things of our lives, big, little and inbetween. I am thankful.
Farm life, gotta love it.
In Joy
This caused me to think of what many are speaking of when the poo hits the fan and there is not an avenue of the normal means to get help, what will you do, are you prepared? We have had a few things in the last several months finding ourselves in this position, and each time when the normal avenue was not there, we have prayed and God has answered each time. He is faithful in all things of our lives, big, little and inbetween. I am thankful.
Farm life, gotta love it.
In Joy
Friday, March 3, 2017
Butchering Day
Good evening Dear Readers, today was butcher day for 'pig'. Husband and son shot him, bled him out while washing him, then loaded him in the pickup and took to our neighbor who, I believe can do it all to a pig as far as butchering goes, in his sleep. It was very educational. Of which I include the cuts of meat, how to cut, how much meat is really on a pig that is very useful. I have always heard all that is not used is the 'oink.' Pig weighed around 300 lbs before butchering. We got ribs, roasts, tender loins and the majority to put into sausage, which we weighed out and it is around 120lbs. Our neighbor said it was not cold enough to salt down the hams, nor do bacon. His process of these takes much colder weather for longer period and the steps for his bacon is about 5 days. Maybe next time, but we are thrilled to have what we do. I also got a nice amount of fat to render for lard and bones for bone broth, of which I have going right now. Bone broth is very nourishing and great when a body is sick. I also have just learned that some old timers used bones to put in the ground around their vineyards. After I am done with these bones, the meat is all off and the bones have dried I am going to put them under the ground around our vineyard and see if it helps. Dig deep enough to hopefully keep the dogs from digging them up. ") In the next week it will be time to butcher our meat rabbits.
A week ago I sowed radish, kale and lettuce seeds in a raised bed, today I checked and they are coming up nicely. It is to drop down in the mid 20's tonight, so husband and I put plastic over the hoops I have placed along side of the bed. I am thrilled that they are doing so well.
Time for evening chores to do, so I shall close for now. I hope each one is making some progress on your homesteading journey, keep the focus and stay encouraged.
In Joy
A week ago I sowed radish, kale and lettuce seeds in a raised bed, today I checked and they are coming up nicely. It is to drop down in the mid 20's tonight, so husband and I put plastic over the hoops I have placed along side of the bed. I am thrilled that they are doing so well.
Time for evening chores to do, so I shall close for now. I hope each one is making some progress on your homesteading journey, keep the focus and stay encouraged.
In Joy
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Productive Days
Hello Dear Readers, our days have been productive, lots of activity going on inside and outside on the homestead. We listen to NOAA weather on our scanner daily, to get an idea of how the day, days or week is suppose to be so we can plan our projects. With the days of late being pleasant, we have been outside, husband clearing one of the creek beds of dead trees, fallen limbs and water willows that have become too numerous, but not before I was able to harvest bark and leaves for drying. These trees are amazing at how they root almost instantly where ever a limb may fall into the water. There are still plenty around down in the other creek beds for future harvesting of bark and leaves. I have been laying garden hay, which is very fine hay with no seeds in it at all, but old enough we don't feed it to our livestock, in the back orchard, the upper orchard, around my rose beds, wolf berry patch, muskadine patch, grape vines and in the main garden. I pruned the blueberry bushes a month ago, we now have 22 and with the very warm weather they are budding and some want to put out blooms already. I planted two new cherry trees in the back orchard, awaiting two nectarine trees to come in the next few days and I will plant them in the back orchard too. Our two established cherry trees are in full bloom, of which I got some cherries for fresh eating last year, and hope to get a bit more this year.
With more physical work I am doing I make quite sure to take my tonic everyday in the morning and it helps so much. Tonic: 8oz water, 2teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons honey, and a dash of cayenne pepper, stir well, add one or two ice cubes, and drink. Within 10 minutes I notice my energy level rise and it last till a good bit into the evening, 8 or 9 pm.
We have nursing care for the children M-F 8 hours a day, which is wonderful blessing and is allowing us to be outside so much now. On the weekends, husband continues with outside projects and I stay inside with my 'to do' list. Yesterday I made bees wax wraps. I made these for the first time several weeks ago and I really like them. The ones I made yesterday are for a spring sale I am having soon to raise money for the historical, old general store we bought several years ago. I also started on a stain glass for the front porch. The design is of an authentic, antique stain glass window in our previous home in Arkansas. That home had so much character, I shall forever miss it. But this glass will give me fond, happy memories of it. Today, husband and I made turmeric capsule supplements. Turmeric is very beneficial. As we gain more knowledge and take steps to produce what we can for ourselves, not only in our food, but also in medicinal ways, we find it very rewarding. We continue to see good results from the colloidal silver we make. And all does not only benefit us humans, but our livestock benefit too.
I found really cute ideas to make bird feeders. One will be made for a granddaughter having a birthday in April. I made some suet blocks for our birds yesterday and put it out today. The birds have not come yet today, but I gave some to the chickens and they loved it. There are many recipes on the internet, but the basic ingredients are lard, peanut butter, oatmeal, sugar, flour, and wild bird seed.
This week will see our steer going to the butchers on Tuesday, pig will be butchered on Friday. Our dear neighbor who gave us pig, will be teaching us about hog butchering, as we have never done one ourselves. We will kill pig on Friday morning, then load him and go to the neighbor who has all the equipment, etc. It is to rain Mon.-Wed this week, so I will begin sanding down the kitchen counter, restain and polyu it. I have a jumper I am working on for sewing and started another dish cloth recently, I need to finish. Husband will go get feed and hay, he has some things going on in his machine shop as well. Always good to have 'lists' for out and in, this way a body does not get bored, but then, on our homestead, and most probably on any working homestead, there are no idle days. But I did get a 2 hour nap in today ").
I hope those who stop by and visit are encouraged, blessed and are making progress in your homesteading journey.
In Joy
With more physical work I am doing I make quite sure to take my tonic everyday in the morning and it helps so much. Tonic: 8oz water, 2teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons honey, and a dash of cayenne pepper, stir well, add one or two ice cubes, and drink. Within 10 minutes I notice my energy level rise and it last till a good bit into the evening, 8 or 9 pm.
We have nursing care for the children M-F 8 hours a day, which is wonderful blessing and is allowing us to be outside so much now. On the weekends, husband continues with outside projects and I stay inside with my 'to do' list. Yesterday I made bees wax wraps. I made these for the first time several weeks ago and I really like them. The ones I made yesterday are for a spring sale I am having soon to raise money for the historical, old general store we bought several years ago. I also started on a stain glass for the front porch. The design is of an authentic, antique stain glass window in our previous home in Arkansas. That home had so much character, I shall forever miss it. But this glass will give me fond, happy memories of it. Today, husband and I made turmeric capsule supplements. Turmeric is very beneficial. As we gain more knowledge and take steps to produce what we can for ourselves, not only in our food, but also in medicinal ways, we find it very rewarding. We continue to see good results from the colloidal silver we make. And all does not only benefit us humans, but our livestock benefit too.
I found really cute ideas to make bird feeders. One will be made for a granddaughter having a birthday in April. I made some suet blocks for our birds yesterday and put it out today. The birds have not come yet today, but I gave some to the chickens and they loved it. There are many recipes on the internet, but the basic ingredients are lard, peanut butter, oatmeal, sugar, flour, and wild bird seed.
This week will see our steer going to the butchers on Tuesday, pig will be butchered on Friday. Our dear neighbor who gave us pig, will be teaching us about hog butchering, as we have never done one ourselves. We will kill pig on Friday morning, then load him and go to the neighbor who has all the equipment, etc. It is to rain Mon.-Wed this week, so I will begin sanding down the kitchen counter, restain and polyu it. I have a jumper I am working on for sewing and started another dish cloth recently, I need to finish. Husband will go get feed and hay, he has some things going on in his machine shop as well. Always good to have 'lists' for out and in, this way a body does not get bored, but then, on our homestead, and most probably on any working homestead, there are no idle days. But I did get a 2 hour nap in today ").
I hope those who stop by and visit are encouraged, blessed and are making progress in your homesteading journey.
In Joy
Saturday, February 11, 2017
'Jamming' on the homestead today
Hello Dear Readers, it turned cold quickly yesterday eve, with the wind blowing in with a howl. Temperatures dropped rapidly as well, low last night of 30, high today of 40. So, a good day to 'jam'.
Making jam from canned wild possum grape juice I did up a few years ago. It has taken me all day but I have 15 pints of jam. If one is wondering why it has taken all day, a reminder that we have several handicap children that require much attention throughout the day. I try to be very scheduled with projects and the care of our children, so I am blessed to have accomplished what I have today.
(typed on Feb. 10, 2017)
In Joy
Making jam from canned wild possum grape juice I did up a few years ago. It has taken me all day but I have 15 pints of jam. If one is wondering why it has taken all day, a reminder that we have several handicap children that require much attention throughout the day. I try to be very scheduled with projects and the care of our children, so I am blessed to have accomplished what I have today.
(typed on Feb. 10, 2017)
In Joy
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Life is Living on the Homestead Today.
Good Day Greetings dear Readers, today is as it has been for the last several....... rainy, damp, gray, cloudy and warm for this time of year. The daffodils are in great bloom. Some bowing their heads from the rains others holding their heads high singing of soon coming spring. And still others are just putting forth their buds in anticipation. Of course these bulbs are of different variety and bloom at intervals, which I enjoy. The blooms are over too soon for one big splash.
Our maple trees are also budding red. I walked about some of the flower beds and there are different ones coming forth with great speed. Green and life abounding on the homestead. With all this, I can not help but wonder, shall their be a killing frost before all is done? I am also always reminded of scripture, This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." After all, we are to take only one day at a time.
I am looking for some new chickens for this year. Buff Orphingtons and Domineckers are on my list. I so enjoy these breeds and have not hade them in a very long time. My original hens of Aracana's are around 8 yrs old as is our rooster. I am not intending to sell them, but introduce the new ones in. I like all my chickens and even though some of the hens are so old that they may lay one egg a year, the enjoyment they give me is worth keeping them.
A hawk flew down into our chicken pen last week and pinned down a hen. Charles happened to be around and scared the hawk off before it could take off with the hen, but yesterday I found her dead in the coop. She had no markings of injury on her, so I believe she died of delayed shock perhaps. We had another rooster that several years that a raccoon was dragging him off by his leg. Again, we happen to be out and got the rooster, and although he was so very scared, he did not die, but his leg had nerve damage of some sort and he hopped along, so that is what we called him, 'Hop A Long'. He lived several years afterward.
I have been experimenting with the hens for the last few weeks concerning their egg laying. A true, old timer of homesteading told me if I would not let the hens out early in the morning, but wait till about 11 am or so, I would get more eggs. I usually let them out first thing in the a m and some days do not get any eggs, some days one or two. I realize the shorter or longer days play a part in the egg production as well as age of the hens. Some of the hens I did get last fall from a neighbor and they are only 2 yrs old. With a total of 14 hens I was not seeing good results for eggs. So for the last week and a half I have kept the hens ups till 11 am with food in the coop. I have gotten from 3-7 eggs the last several days. Perhaps I shall continue this as I keep seeing good results.
Our maple trees are also budding red. I walked about some of the flower beds and there are different ones coming forth with great speed. Green and life abounding on the homestead. With all this, I can not help but wonder, shall their be a killing frost before all is done? I am also always reminded of scripture, This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." After all, we are to take only one day at a time.
I am looking for some new chickens for this year. Buff Orphingtons and Domineckers are on my list. I so enjoy these breeds and have not hade them in a very long time. My original hens of Aracana's are around 8 yrs old as is our rooster. I am not intending to sell them, but introduce the new ones in. I like all my chickens and even though some of the hens are so old that they may lay one egg a year, the enjoyment they give me is worth keeping them.
A hawk flew down into our chicken pen last week and pinned down a hen. Charles happened to be around and scared the hawk off before it could take off with the hen, but yesterday I found her dead in the coop. She had no markings of injury on her, so I believe she died of delayed shock perhaps. We had another rooster that several years that a raccoon was dragging him off by his leg. Again, we happen to be out and got the rooster, and although he was so very scared, he did not die, but his leg had nerve damage of some sort and he hopped along, so that is what we called him, 'Hop A Long'. He lived several years afterward.
I have been experimenting with the hens for the last few weeks concerning their egg laying. A true, old timer of homesteading told me if I would not let the hens out early in the morning, but wait till about 11 am or so, I would get more eggs. I usually let them out first thing in the a m and some days do not get any eggs, some days one or two. I realize the shorter or longer days play a part in the egg production as well as age of the hens. Some of the hens I did get last fall from a neighbor and they are only 2 yrs old. With a total of 14 hens I was not seeing good results for eggs. So for the last week and a half I have kept the hens ups till 11 am with food in the coop. I have gotten from 3-7 eggs the last several days. Perhaps I shall continue this as I keep seeing good results.
Here is a picture of our chicken pen area. Ms Scare A Way did not do a good job the day the hawk swooped down, but she is a joy to see each day when I go out. Soon it will be time to change her clothing for spring. I placed a wooden ladder with cedar limbs around it, the hens love getting underneath it. Several will gather in there and look as if they are visiting one another, only missing is a tray with a pot of tea. ") I also have stumps in various places for them to stand on. This they enjoy too In the back ground we have ducks for eggs only. I love baking with them. Our cages hold our meat rabbits we raise.
I hope your day is delightful in many ways. I hope as you endeavor to pursue a homestead, you will experience all the wonderful blessing it affords. In the days and times we are living, this way of life is one that should be treasured and sought for in a great way. We are thankful and blessed.
In Joy
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Pig
Good day Dear Readers, although it is technically 'winter' we are having wet, spring weather. Days are 60's and nights 50's. We are being replenished with rain that we so lacked back in the late summer and fall. God is good, merciful and I am thankful.
With the weather being thus, I am able to get much needed things done outside and crafty projects accomplished inside. I have begun on my cloth doll, a pattern of Janean Bartram, an antiquity doll maker, that a lady sent me last year. I have her body parts sewn and stuffed, sanded a bit too, next to begin some of the painting stages to get the antique 'look' and then begin painting features. I will be taking pictures and sharing in the near future posts. I did get some l e d white lights hung in the hall, which is always so dark and I am pleased with how those brighten up the hall. I really enjoy these stringed lights. I see them a lot in decorating in different magazines and antique places I have visited.
Since my post is entitled 'Pig' I should get to him. A neighbor gave us this pig back in the early fall. We are feeding him out and with the expertise of our neighbor, come March, will learn how to butcher a hog. Pig is enjoying lots of excess milk, buttermilk, and crem fresh along with his ground corn, fermented corn,
split peas and oats I am feeding him. He also gets left over pulp from when I juice. He is filling out quite nicely.
I have heard pigs are very smart. I am beginning to believe this. Pig's pen is outside the barn and in the stall that I milk Elsie, the door is open and I can see Pig and he can see me. He will lay down as I begin milking, watching me, and when I get to the last teat on Elsie, he stands up and begins talking to me in his grunts and squeals. I have been giving him a portion of what I milk and he has learned when I am almost finished. He has also learned that if he is too very anxious and not allow me to pout the milk in his container without me making a mess, he gets none, so he backs up and waits for me to pour it all out and then, sssllllluuuurrrppppp. Doesn't take him long to swallow it up. Afterwards, he gives a little grunt, for which I take to mean 'thank you.'
Ah the farm life, as Eddie Albert sung, 'farm living is the life for me, ............' Yes indeed, it is a blessed way of life.
In Joy
With the weather being thus, I am able to get much needed things done outside and crafty projects accomplished inside. I have begun on my cloth doll, a pattern of Janean Bartram, an antiquity doll maker, that a lady sent me last year. I have her body parts sewn and stuffed, sanded a bit too, next to begin some of the painting stages to get the antique 'look' and then begin painting features. I will be taking pictures and sharing in the near future posts. I did get some l e d white lights hung in the hall, which is always so dark and I am pleased with how those brighten up the hall. I really enjoy these stringed lights. I see them a lot in decorating in different magazines and antique places I have visited.
Since my post is entitled 'Pig' I should get to him. A neighbor gave us this pig back in the early fall. We are feeding him out and with the expertise of our neighbor, come March, will learn how to butcher a hog. Pig is enjoying lots of excess milk, buttermilk, and crem fresh along with his ground corn, fermented corn,
I have heard pigs are very smart. I am beginning to believe this. Pig's pen is outside the barn and in the stall that I milk Elsie, the door is open and I can see Pig and he can see me. He will lay down as I begin milking, watching me, and when I get to the last teat on Elsie, he stands up and begins talking to me in his grunts and squeals. I have been giving him a portion of what I milk and he has learned when I am almost finished. He has also learned that if he is too very anxious and not allow me to pout the milk in his container without me making a mess, he gets none, so he backs up and waits for me to pour it all out and then, sssllllluuuurrrppppp. Doesn't take him long to swallow it up. Afterwards, he gives a little grunt, for which I take to mean 'thank you.'
Ah the farm life, as Eddie Albert sung, 'farm living is the life for me, ............' Yes indeed, it is a blessed way of life.
In Joy
Sunday, January 8, 2017
First Snow 2017
Good evening Dear Readers, yes, this Friday past was the first snow of 2017 for us here in mid TN. It was a light layer, too soft for any sledding or snowman making. I am not a 'snow' person as I once was in my youth, I believe aging plays a big part, but I like it for a day. I enjoyed watching it fall on Friday, and making the lay of the land so pretty and unique. As of today, it is melting away. The temperatures were in the teen and mid 20's which made for a wonderful weekend to do inside projects. Of which, I crocheted a dish rag, a first for me. Although I had no pattern, the rag turned out fine, as husband tried it out yesterday when he did the dishes for me. I also completed a braided rug I began 5 years ago, yes, that long ago. Life issues had a way of keeping this project tucked away in a basket, until a week ago, I brought it out and told myself before winter's end I would finish it. But, this weekend proved to be such a delight to be in that I finished it today. I have put a photo up. It is all hand worked. My fingers were getting pretty sore with the large needle I was using that I began wrapping my fingers with duct tape, and this worked very well. I did try a thimble but could not manage well enough. With this rug completed I feel I have really accomplished something and I look forward to making another, really hoping it won't take 5 years.
All the while of working on the rug, I was also rendering down lard which produced 13 quarts. This weekend was very productive. I am well pleased and blessed.
Now, I can begin a project I have been studying for several long months, making an Izannah Walker style doll. The history of this lady, Izannah Walker, is so very interesting and encouraging for me in this endeavor. I will keep you all posted.
All is well on the homestead others. We are making ready for a root cellar, garden plans for this year, Lord willing.
I hope your winter season is a productive one. Be blessed in your endeavors, and keep your mind on the goals you desire, always looking unto God to lead and guide.
In Joy
All the while of working on the rug, I was also rendering down lard which produced 13 quarts. This weekend was very productive. I am well pleased and blessed.
Now, I can begin a project I have been studying for several long months, making an Izannah Walker style doll. The history of this lady, Izannah Walker, is so very interesting and encouraging for me in this endeavor. I will keep you all posted.
All is well on the homestead others. We are making ready for a root cellar, garden plans for this year, Lord willing.
I hope your winter season is a productive one. Be blessed in your endeavors, and keep your mind on the goals you desire, always looking unto God to lead and guide.
In Joy
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