A Trip to Town ~ Asparagus Harvest

I finally located some granny smith apple trees, and picked one up, along with a new Eastern redbud.  The tree that Son replanted last year died, so I want to put the new redbud in it's place.

Steel Cut Oat Bread ~ Honey and a Dab of Ginger

Yesterday I made 2 loaves of homemade Steel Cut Oat Bread.  This was a first time recipe for me.  I have never used steel cut oats in a homemade bread before.

This is another "from pile to file" recipe....

Post Lady Delivers ~ Citrus Water and Other Misc ~ Preparing

I have some exciting news!  We got a letter from Son, who is at Parris Island, SC. He asked for us to send photos, especially of his dog.  I'll admit, he sounds homesick, but he's never been away from home before (other than short camping trips).

Soothing Remedy for Sore Throats

If spring weather is giving you a sore throat, make yourself some sore throat ice pops. They're not just for kids.  This recipe comes in handy for fall flu and sore throats any time of the year.

Rain Barrel Updates ~ Good Baking/Cooking Day

                                                                 (photos from 2013)


Last year we purchased two different types of rain barrels - one that looks like a half barrel with a screen on top and a brass spigot at the bottom, and a square one with a hose (you can still attach a garden how to it).  I prefer the square one.  The barrel in the top photo have an overflow that is too close to the foundation (both purchased at Menards).  The screen lifts out and flows off in overflow action as well.  It still works, but I wanted to share.

Broody Hen ~ Pie Pan "Bird Bangers" ~ Canned Tuna

We have one hen that refuses to get off the eggs.  The problem?  Well, Sparta is in the dog kennel, so the eggs have zero chance of fertilization.  Go figure.  It's the perfect time to let her sit on some, but we can't.  Sparta has a lot of healing to do first.

Chicken Necks ~ Stress Related to Allergies? ~ Canned Tuna

I finally took the chicken necks from my freezer the other day, and today I will make homemade broth.  I will freeze it instead of can it, and most likely use about half of it before the current chickens are butchered.

I have never made broth from scratch (strangely), so this is a new step for me.  I've always purchased it (gmo-free, organic) from the grocer.  However, prices have gone up to over $4/box.

Cheesy Potatoes from Scratch ~ How they Rated and Other Self-Sufficient Tidbits

Easter Sunday I decided to make my cheesy potatoes from organic potatoes (not frozen), and eliminate all the processed ingredients (canned mushroom soup, Velveeta cheese etc).

The results?

Farmgirls Ain't Afraid to Get Dirty ~ New Blackberry Bushes

Although I have just begun, you can see that this herb garden is cleaning up nicely already.  I have much more to do, but it's starting to look much better since the goat somewhat destroyed it.  I am taking advantage of any good weeding weather day here.

Want to see what Hubby bought me?

Fun Day ~ More "Camp Out Embroidery

Sunday we got the gokart out.  The kids rode it all day long.  Do you see two of them in the middle left of the photo?  They took me for a spin a few times.  We had a blast until....

Happy Easter

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. (NIV)

Home Fermentation ~ Homemade Sauerkraut ~ Sparta's in the Dog House

In our intent to maintain good health, and make progress in our self-sufficiency, I decided to inquire more on the fermentation process with cabbage.

Homestead Tidbits ~ Red Raspberry Plants

The snow did not hurt my daffodils, or even the new sprouts of green onions in my herb garden.

Recycle Project

I was gifted a few used kitchen cabinets from my younger brother.  I painted them, and they are now installed in my utility room.  They now have a new life.

Spring Snow? ~ Tidbits

My daffodils and hyacinths are now buried in snow.  It was just in the 70's yesterday and raining.  Not today.  The high will be barely in the 40's.  

Windy Weekend ~ Layered Dip ~ Goat Gone Wild

Saturday the weather was so nice, but a bit windy.  In reality, the wind was a good thing - drying up the wet ground.  Sunday was windy and in the upper 70's.  Tuesday we will dip down to a high of 40°F.  Today is is raining and everything is wet again.  The weather is playing games with my allergies, but I am dealing with it.

Spinning Wool ~ Drop Spindle ~ Tidbits

I am finally getting the chance to do something for myself

Another Arrival

The elderberry plants arrived and are planted.  They came with a guarantee, so if they do not survive over one year, we get free replacements.  As you can see, these are small starters, but can turn into 10 foot shrubs (or taller) with good care.

Homestead Tidbits ~ Rambles

. . .meat chicks arrived 2 days early.  Had to do a bit of scrambling, but got them all situated with a heat lamp.

Heinz ~ False Claims? ~ Books

If you haven't heard, Heinz is being put under the microscope for claims they say could be false.  They claim their vinegar is "all natural" but sources state that Heinz has been using GMO corn to make it.  This is probably old news by the time I post this.

Lemon White Chocolate ~ Spinach and Cheese Tortilla Pizza ~ Vulture Visit

Our homemade lemon extract is ready to use.  

We melted white chocolate, added our lemon extract, and made Lemon White Chocolate.  I used 2 tsp. to 1 pound of white chocolate.  Later, we tasted it and I will add 3 tsp. next time.

....this is another long post.  Grab a cup of steaming coffee or herbal tea and sit for a while.  You are graced with my gabbiness, because I woke up at 5:30am.  I found that Hubby was not home, and most likely called in during the night (to work).  He's been working 12 hour days all week, and was looking forward to having today off.  

Camping Embroidery

Remember the cloth napkins I found while cleaning?  They are now getting embroidered.  I found a fun iron-on transfer from Sublime Stitching and love it!  The patterns are a bit pricey, but I ordered mine during a half-price sale.

It's a Girl ~ The Desk ~ Books ~ Allergies

Misty had a doeling.  Once we have daylight, I'll go out and get a photo to share (updated now).  This is the end of our kidding season.  It rained heavily all day yesterday and it continues to rain this morning.  It's been pretty gloomy and dark out.  School is delayed 2 hours - fog.

Just a reminder:  Be sure to click on "read more" in my posts, to read the full blog post.

Signs of Spring

Yesterday I had a very nice laundry day.  Every line was completely full.  I did not get all the rugs washed as planned, but got all the barn cat bedding washed and put back.  It was nice to see Timmy in one of the boxes this morning, sleeping peacefully.

The baby goats had outside playtime.  They love to run and play.  By the time I got out there to film them, they were pretty tired.

Caught Reading ~ The "Storm"

 Independence Days, A guide to Sustainable Food Storage & Preservation, by Sharon Astyk.

I got caught reading the printed word yesterday.  I made heads turn.  I made people make eyes at me.  They squinted in wonderment. They raised eyebrows in disbelief.

To Keep or Not to Keep ~ And Other Rambles

"So Mom, why is that hanging there?"

"So I can look at it, and decide if I really want to keep it."