Short Update

I am so happy spring is almost here! We have been working on the homestead getting ready to put in the garden and work on a few other projects.

The seeds I planted are doing fantastic. So far I’ve had about a 95% germination rate. I’ll not complain.

Yesterday we worked on the greenhouse. Later this week it should be done and ready to go. A little late, but not too late! I will certainly use it this fall and winter. 

Flowers are blooming and makes my heart joyful. 

My bottle babies, affectionately named Bonnie & Clyde have been moved to the goat pasture. Both will be staying here. Bonnie will be a milker and Clyde one of our herd sires. 

I am working hard to focus on the homestead and doing what needs done around here. Not gonna lie, it’s hard not to feel down with all that’s going on in our world. It’s easy to get down. I find for me if I focus on what I can control it makes life easier. So, I’m trying to focus on projects around here and make sure we are ok. 

I work outside a lot when the temps are nice. I enjoy the sun and the warmth. Sunshine just lifts my spirit and makes me feel better. I’m looking forward to days in the garden. 

Life is good in spite of all that’s going on. I am grateful for our way of life. I feel blessed to be able to live this way. I had someone tell me not long ago that they felt like my life had no meaning unless I talked politics…I was so stunned by that statement! Clearly this “friend” didn’t know me at all! My gosh! My life is very full of meaning! I live for this farm. My lifeline is nature and my connection to it. I live for my critters and to build a life that I do not need to run from. Politics are important, but certainly not my life at all! Some people are incapable of having deep conversations about things that matter. So glad that friendship ended. It was long over due! Find friends that share the same ideals! Makes life easier…lol

Signing off for now!

Until next time…

Happy times!

Eggs are now in the incubator! Hoping at least some are fertile. Barnyard chicks are the best!

My seedlings are doing well too! It’s a happy time on the homestead!

Homestead happenings!

 It’s been a busy week around here. So for a recap:

Our one doe’s kidded 2 beautiful little girls, but a coyote broke in and got both of them. We were devastated and heart broken. Farm man(hubby) was able to find where they entered and get it fixed. After that we decided to go ahead and milk her. She is a Nigerian x golden gurnsey. GG’s are phenomenal milkers, giving up yo a gallon a day easily. Nigerians of course don’t give that much. My hope was in crossing them is  that the offspring would smaller and give more milk than a typical Nigerian. So far that’s been the case. As time goes on I’ll know more. 

The seeds I planted are all germinating and doing great!. I’m very pleased with them all. I’m excited to be able to get outside in the garden and get my hands in the dirt.

 I planted far more herbs than my usual ones. Mostly medicinal. I have a lot to learn about medicinal herbs but knowledge is power. And I’m studying as time allows.

I’ll be putting eggs in the incubator soon. Rather than buying chicks I decided to just hatch my own barnyard mix. It’s much cheaper. Purebreds are nice, and I will order some next year probably, but a barnyard mix still lays eggs! I’ve never been so grateful to live the lifestyle we do!

I’ve been trying to keep my focus on our farm and just staying home and quiet rather than focus on current events. I figure the universe will handle it. And I 100% believe in Karma! What you put out there will come back 3 fold. Be it good or bad! Some people will have a really time when karma comes back to them! 

 My countenance has lifted now that winter is winding down and spring is well on its way. 

Spring always brings with renewed hope and joy. 

So many plans this spring! I’m eager to get started on them. It will be a busy time but also productive. I’ll post what we’re doing as we go along!

Until next time…

Love & Light

Seeds

My seeds are germinating well. Makes my heart happy to see this! Been a long hard winter and I’m so ready for spring and to be in my garden!

What are you doing to prepare for spring?

 

Saying goodbye

Finished planting all my seeds this morning. Some of earlier plants are starting to germinate already! I am feeling so excited about springtime! The temps today are gorgeous and I’ve spent a bit of time in the garden cleaning up the raised beds. While working, my thoughts wandered to how we all sometimes want something really bad and yet it never seems to happen. You may have wanted that thing for years…then one day it all makes sense why it didn’t happen. It could even be a friendship that was always a bit rocky but you kept trying to make it work. Then one day something happens and you understand it’s time to move on. 

You even realize it’s not painful like you thought it would be. You saw the toxicity all along but chose to ignore it hoping you were wrong. It’s like a switch flips on and there it is! In your face. You know it’s time to let go. 

It’s not easy letting go of a long time friendship. These people are like fixtures in our life. But they have always been a source of pain and stress. They don’t ever seem to really understand you are who you are. Deep conversations elude them. They never try to understand those things that bother you or that you are passionate about. They would rather sweep hard things under the rug and keep things at a surface level. So you oblige.

But by obliging you aren’t being true to yourself. You are suppressing part of what makes you, you! You don’t feel fulfilled, understood or heard. When hard topics arise they get distant and ignore the issue. Still, you continue the relationship. Until you just can’t. 

I have mixed emotions today about a friendship that ended. I think part of me is relieved and part of me wishes it could’ve been different. 

I had been wanting to end the friendship for awhile, but kept thinking it would get better. But the lies kept coming and misunderstandings. Today this person made the decision to say bye. It was weird because I had literally opened my email to do the same thing. End it! 

The universe knew! My only regret is that I really cared for the person. Not sure why…there was lots of history there that was not good on their part…the writing was on the wall for a very long time. 

I tend to give the benefit of the doubt even when my gut tells me different. But I can say deep down I’m glad it’s done. My feelings had changed in recent weeks toward my friend. I begin to see things more clearly than ever! It was hard, but necessary. While I don’t believe in a god that interacts in our daily lives, I certainly believe in a higher force that sees and knows our intentions. Energy is a powerful thing. This friends energy had been off for years. I chose not see it. Until a few days ago. I regret I tried so many times to explain myself to someone that really didn’t care to understand. They were selfish, I see that now. They have been selfish in their life in so many ways…yet I kept thinking it would be ok. I realized a few days ago it was not ok! 

I have realized, listen to your gut, pay attention to energy, don’t let anyone, ever dismiss your feelings! Always be true to who you are! 

Until next time…

Spring is near!

I woke this morning the house was quiet. Hubby had already left for a job that is quite a distance away, so he got an early start. I enjoy my quiet mornings so much. I fixed bottles for the goat kids, got them fed, let the dogs out, made my coffee and stayed in my thoughts.

So many thoughts this morning. I was so grateful for the quiet this morning. I don’t think those around me understand how much I enjoy my quiet and solitude. A feeling of peace was around me as I made my morning coffee.

I look out the window and I can see the goats. Some are eating the hay, others are quietly laying in the sun and enjoying soaking in the rays and enjoying the warmth! A few of the kids are running and frolicking enjoying the warmth. I wonder if they look forward to spring like some of us do. 

It’s been a long winter here on the homestead. Seems it’s been a lifetime. So many reasons why. My eyes shift to woods behind the goat yard and the trees are barren of their leaves, seems they have been asleep forever. Winter, while necessary for Mother Nature to do her thing is so plain. Everything feels so exposed and cold. It feels sad to me! Everything just looks sad and dead.

Backing up a bit, I was outside yesterday afternoon enjoying the nice weather myself, and decided to do a bit of looking in my flower beds. One was overgrown with weeds that I didn’t get to in the fall. As I was pulling them out I noticed my hyacinth was peeking through the soil. My heart was full! Spring is around the corner! As I made my way back to the house I looked down and saw a little dandelion! Both were next to some snow still left from our storm a few days ago. 

I love when the seasons meet like this. It reminds of what needs to be let go of in order to make room for the fresh and new.

Spring is a time of renewal. A time to start over. A reminder that death and cold must go in order to bring forth new growth. 

Our country is in a time upheaval. A winter if you will. People are sleeping and dormant unable to see what’s happening. It’s hard for those of us that do. The cold bitterness I see around me is scary! It’s unbelievable. I know with time some will wake up. Soon! I hope! 

I cling tightly to the belief that we will experience a spring time in our society very soon. Love, warmth and caring will once again surround us. I quietly imagine the ones that are so hate filled right now, coming from their slumber wondering how they stayed asleep so long. Some will feel bad that they got so caught up in the coldness, others will remain in a slumber, never waking and they will die from the lack of warmth. 

As hard as it is, we all must experience this time of winter. Even those of us that really despise this season. Some winters are harsher and colder than others. Our country is going through a very tough winter right now. I hold onto the idea that soon, spring time will emerge. Bringing with it a renewed sense of hope, growth, change and warmth.

Winter is a time of rest, a reset if you will. Things die back to go into a deep slumber. Leaves turn from green to orange, burgundy, gold and brown eventually falling from the branches. Leaving behind a barren and stripped tree. Growth happens but at a slower pace. Storms will come and halt life temporarily. Snow, ice, sleet will wreck havoc on our landscape. Limbs will fall under the weight of the winter snow and ice, trees will fall… Nothing will escape the brutality of the winter storm….Leaving us wondering if the warmth will ever return. Some winters leave lasting damage for years to come. 

I have to believe….

Eventually the snow and ice melts and warmth returns. New growth and understanding begins to happen and all the color of life begins to emerge. The springs rains come to wash away any signs of winter from the landscape, the birds once quiet, hiding from the winter begin to sing again, the leaves on the trees begin to come forth and line the landscape in beauty. Damage from the winter can still be seen like the fallen branches from the weight of the winter snow and ice, but there is always room for new growth to emerge. Trees sometimes fall under the weight if not anchored well to its base.

Winter time is a reminder for us to stay rooted and grounded and sheltered in the light and warmth, our base. We must continue to grow throughout our winter season. Stay rooted and strong in what’s right! Don’t be swayed by the cold winter winds we are experiencing! Stay the course. Even when the icy chill comes sweeping through, stay in the warm light! The warmth will return just as winter turns to spring and spring to summer. Surround yourself by others holding onto the light.

Times are hard right now. Many of us are feeling gripped by the hands of old man winter! But his grip is getting weaker by the day! A waking up is happening! Continue to wake up, wipe the sleep from your eyes, look around and you’ll see the damage from storm, but you’ll also see new things emerging. There must be winter before spring! Join me in holding fast to warmth I know is still here, right now it’s just being over ridden by the icy, cold, ugly grip of old many winter…but spring is near! Believe with me!

Until next time…

Love, light & warmth 

Seeds started!

Started some seeds yesterday. I realized there was a few things I was missing so had to do a quick order. They should arrive this next week. I bought these little seed starters off Amazon. There are 12 cells per unit. I have 180 cells planted. There are 5 rows of planters but I couldn’t fit the 5th row in the picture, but if you look closely you’ll see it. Lots of goodies planted here! So excited for spring! Hoping all germinate!

It’s who I am

So often over the years I have met different people that claim they would love to have lived in the Pioneer era....they have their 100 year old farm homes, and their homes all decorated with antiques and some even have a rich history of farming in their family...they have large acreage and some how they think this entitles them to call themselves 'old fashioned' or 'simple people'...the funny part is, is that these are also the same people that drive huge gas guzling SUV's, have manicures weekly, wear flashy name brand clothing and carry and the latest and greatest iPhone trading their old one in every time a new one is available....

I have to chuckle at these people as they are scheduling their next pedicure or manicure, rattling on about their pioneer spirit...LOL...alrighty then...These people are seriously only 'playing' at farming or 'pioneering'...mention being off the grid to one to of them and they look at you as if you are a 6 eyed, 3 nosed, horned alien...they own 3 hens, 2 goats and live in a million dollar home with a 6 figure income and claim its not much money....they make sure the hen house looks "pretty" and the goats are well hidden in the back 40 so the neighbors don't see them and think they are 'white trash or beneath them'....they feel this world will go on like it has for the past 40 years and they have no idea about preparedness...to them it means having a several thousand dollars invested in the stock market or in a savings account...mention the word survival and they immediately turn and run...

.My point in this?.

Having a pioneer spirit is truly who you are...not what you do, what kinda home you live in or what you have....you do things not because they are being done by others and sounds cool, but because it is deep within your soul to do these things....you prepare not because its a new movement or fad, but because it makes sense...the things going on in our world tells us to be prepared....you feel a deep connection with the earth and critters...you long to live off grid and experience life on a more simple and sustainable level...you couldn't care less about the latest gaming system or latest gadget to make life easier...when you hear someone 'working on their apple product', your mind goes to 'butter and pie'...lol...you spend your days figuring out ways to organize so things are simpler and more efficient...You get excited over seeing a new hen laying her first egg or watching the marvel of a chick hatching from its egg...you have no clue about name brand purses and shoes, you’ve never had a manicure or pedicure ...you live to feel the sun on your face, the dirt on your hands...you look forward to spring and digging the dirt and planting your food rather than getting up and running to the local supermarket and mall...you don’t follow the crowd, or keep up with Joneses….you are true to who you are! Money isn’t the reason you live, it’s not the focal point of your life. Your goals are simple…to be as self sufficient as you can be. 

You have skills many have lost in our modern day. Sewing, cooking from scratch, baking, you know a bit about herbal medicine, animal husbandry, you know how to make do or do without! You know how to grow and raise food, you know how to preserve it. You know how to live without power for an extended period of time. You have the tools necessary to do so.

One of your greatest joys in life is hearing a rooster crow to wake you up rather than waking to the beep of an electronic device...you love hard, laugh alot and live simple...your friends are like you...you have no use for the silliness that others occupy their lives with.....our down time is not spent at the local mall or pining over magazines like better homes and gardens or getting our nails and hair done...or planning our next vacation! Our life is one we don’t need to get away from! 

We spend our time sitting on the swing watching the clouds float by...we dream of our futures, but not of the new boats or bigger house we will own...nope...we dream of how many pigs we can fit in a 30 by 30 pen and how much money it save on meat, or how we can expand that greenhouse next year, or how many more raised beds we need for those 100 tomato plants...

Our lives are different....we are not like those that call theirselves pioneers of today that believe cause you live in a farm house with some land and decorate with antiques and have ancestors that wore pioneer clothing that you somehow were handed down a 'pioneer spirit'....Sorry to say it don't work that way...No one in my family is like me...lol...I am quite unique in the way I live, think and conduct my life...I am looking forward with anticipation of being as self-sufficient as we can be...we go 'chicken' shopping and sometimes "calf shopping"...I haven't been in the mall in 30 years!...I am still living...we are not in debt up past our eyeballs to finance our life...we totally understand the value of a dollar...we save for the big things and pay cash...the way it used to be done...we use the barter system a lot...We believe that society will be at some point forced back to the way it was in the days of old...before the industrial era, before everyone competed with everyone else...a simpler time...not easier...but simpler...I lay my head down at night grateful for my simple, quiet day…this is who I am.

Short update!

I’ve been quiet as of late. It’s not that I don’t have anything to say, I’m just not sure how to put my thoughts in order. So for now I’ll update the farm.

We had more snow and horribly cold temperatures. All the critters seemed to have faired well. By this weekend we will moderate some. 

I’m so ready for spring. It’s been a long winter in more ways than one. I’m looking forward to getting outside in the garden and sunshine. I know it will greatly improve my countenance!

So many spring time plans this year, not sure all will be accomplished but we will give it our best shot! A few plans on the agenda-they are subject to change.

Add onto the greenhouse

Expand the garden 

Build a large goat barn with milking area.

Enclosed the chicken yard

Build water catchment system

Pay off some small debts.

Our goat herd has grown by 9 kids this winter. 5 girls will be staying here. We will be selling off all our bucks but 1 this year. I will find another herd sire. 

We have added to the chicken flock as well. Soon I’ll pull out the incubator and hatch some chicks. 

I’ll be starting seeds soon.

Lots of things going on here just haven’t taken the time to update. Hope all is well on your homestead. 

Until next time…

We can make a difference!

The air was cold as I stepped outside this morning. It was quiet minus the dogs barking. I stopped a moment, took a deep breath. The cool air felt good in my lungs. It was refreshing. I looked around. The sun was shining, the spring grass is starting to come in, some trees have tiny buds on them. I know spring is near. I walked to hen house to let the hens out and to gather the eggs, I thought about how grateful I am to be in this place. Many would love to have what we have. We aren’t rich by a long shot, our struggles are real like others. We work really hard to have what we do. We’ve taken this piece of land that was once dirt rock and trees and turned it into a nice little homestead. It’s not pristine, or perfect. Seems something always needs done. It’s not worthy of Mary Jane’s farm magazine but it’s ours! And we have worked so hard to make it what it is. I am grateful.

As I gathered the eggs I felt a sense of peace. Quickly my mind turned to all the turmoil of the past years, weeks, months and recent days. I still held that sense of peace. 

I haven’t always had peace, life hasn’t been easy. But I have survived. I am outspoken and don’t hesitate to tell you what I think! That’s offensive to some while others appreciate knowing where I stand on any given subject. My peace comes from finally feeling like I have a voice, and like I matter. My peace comes from knowing I have survived thus far and I’m strong! My peace comes from knowing there are others out there like me!

Winter is winding down, coming to its end, I have survived. Spring will soon be here and all the newness of life will emerge, warmth will once again return. My mornings will be spent drinking my coffee on my swing, watching my chickens peck the ground and hearing my goats bleat in the distance. 

My countenance has started to lift and the seasonal depression I go through every fall/winter is starting to fade. I feel more energetic and joyful. It’s hard to find joy right now isn’t it?

All the turmoil we are facing. While some are enjoying it, many of us are struggling with it all. But just know we will be ok! Find your joy and peace wherever you can. Grab those fleeting moments and hug them tight! Embrace the small things and those things most take for granted. Smile often, laugh more! 

Hold that cup of coffee/tea, take in the aroma and thank the universe you are here for such a time as this. We are here, in this time, going through these things because we are suppost to be! We each have a role to play. Know yours. Find peace in that. Never be silenced!

Never quit being you! You are important and your voice matters. The quickest way for evil to take over is to stay silent! Evil is surrounding us, it’s not even trying to hide anymore. It is suppressing minorities, anyone they think is not worthy. Money is at the root of it all. Don’t give up! Stay the course. You matter! 

We are here to be a light in darkness. The beacon that lights the way for those ships lost in the dark. Never quit speaking out against evil. Our little homestead is a safe haven. I’ve always believed that. I always will. We will be a bright spot in the darkest of days that are coming. We will not let evil win in our lives or our hearts. We will speak truth loudly and boldly. We won’t be quiet. Light comes from truth! 

Our homestead will serve a purpose in the years ahead. It brings me peace knowing that. It gives me incentive to keep going and forging ahead. The load is lighter when you know your purpose. 

I want to help people, all people! Not just certain group of people. Not just people with skin like me. Not just people in relationships like me! We all bleed red. Sigh…my heart is burdened by what I see, hear and read. 

I want to make a difference! Be better! It’s ok to angry! We should all be angry at what we are seeing. Speak up let your voice be heard!

This week, work to find your peace, find joy in the small things. Find peace one moment at time! Be grateful every minute of the day. Even in the midst of all this ugliness, there is beauty to be found! Do something good everyday! Put a grocery cart in a cart stall for an elderly person, let someone go before you in the checkout line, pay for the order behind you at Starbucks, compliment someone, if you see someone struggling to walk, help them! We can make a difference one kind act at a time! The universe sees!