From the Homesteading Journal . . .

"Snow!? Are you kidding me?!"

That was first thing out of my mouth this morning.

It's a small layer is here and there, but seriously.  It's April 20th!  Look at all that green from our recent rain too.

. . .  obtained my fishing license for this summer (Hubby too).

. . . one of our last two red hens pass away. For some reason all of our red hens consistently became egg bound and died. This is why we chose to invest in barred rocks this year.  We lost one to the great horned owl, but they seem to be larger and don't get egg bound or sick as much. 

. . . made another batch of goat's milk ricotta cheese.  I plan to make ricotta pancakes, stuffed shells and even cookies.  

Here is the link to the recipe we use:  How to Make Ricotta Cheese with Goat's Milk, Mother Earth News

. . . added meat grinder and pressure canner to the homesteading wish list.  I was iffy on buying either one, but I can see the use for them.  We can grind the chicken we raise for meat, and eventually beef.

Jesse and a Road Trip

(Jess with his sore paw last winter)

Poor Jesse.  His paw is just not healing.  Sometime last fall he stepped on something (or something bit him, or something is still embedded in his paw).  He was put on medication twice, but it's not healing and once again, I took him to the vet.

He's scheduled for surgery next week.