From the Homesteading Journal . . .

 . . . installed our very first rain barrel (USA made).  We plan to install more, but want to check out more options on styles (and making them ourselves).  This one holds 55 gallons and will be close to the garden for watering it.  I also have a recipe to make this water drinkable, if ever it was needed in an emergency.  I have been doing some research on rain barrel care, and recently read that you should paint your barrel a darker color, in order to keep the sun from affecting the water inside.  This one can be hooked to another barrel, and we do plan to consider making our own.  Our goal is to install 2 (possibly 3-4) more in the next few years.  Here is a link to information if you are considering installing a rain barrel:  The Redeemed Gardener:  Maintaining a Healthy Rain Barrel.



. . . made a batch of homemade goat's milk ricotta cheese.  I used it to bake Lasagna Ruffles and some cookies.

. . . started cleaning out my flower beds. 

. . . Misty (our youngest goat) gave birth to a baby boy. 



 

First Day Back in the Gardens and a Backyard Snapper

After a long day working at cleaning out flower beds (more to clean yet), I went inside to clean up.  I glanced out the window and saw something in the yard.

At first I thought the hawks killed one of our chickens and it was just laying there, by the ditch that runs off the creek.   Then it moved.  Check out all that mud on it's back.

By golly, this guy (or gal) had a shell of about 12 inches or longer.  Yesterday was an interesting day for me.  I saw two hawks, two low flying geese, and this turtle.  I also heard wrens singing.