3 ACRE HOMESTEAD

BARRED OWLS

2012-02-01T09:51:00.000-05:00

Barred Owls are abundant here in my neck of the woods. While they are always active and wonderful to listen to in the evening they have been extremely active lately. I believe they may be nesting. The one in the picture is one that I took a picture of two days ago. I had an idea that something was watching because the chickens were hiding out. I went about my business doing farm chores and then a Barred Owl called out from the back of the property. It was then that the one in the picture called out and I looked up to see him directly above me. He was about 25 feet from where I was working, just watching. I ran in to grab the camera and it graced me with allowing to take a picture. It was the very next evening while on the phone sitting by a window another one landed on a limb peering in at me. I have plenty of food for them. Moles, voles, squirrels, chickens, rabbits, and my Khaki Campbell Ducks. I have had several of my ducks come up missing in past years about this time of year. I had always thought it was an Owl. I had read they love domestic ducks. It has been in the evening when they came up missing. While the ducks free range during the day they do get locked up at night. Since I have moved here I have created spaces for all the critters to hide if needed. While I have open areas I have created spaces where the farm critters can hide or run under to escape the swoop of a hawk or Owl. While It may not always work out that the Owl or Hawk does not get one it gives them a chance to run and hide. You would be surprised how smart domestic ducks and chickens are and how they know when a predator has moved in. Make no mistake I have plenty of other food for the Owls provided by nature. They like moles, voles, crickets, lizards, squirrels to name a few. My squirrels are well fed and fat :)

If we have a dead tree that will NOT do any damage to the house we leave it standing for the wildlife. I have two that the Owls seem to hang out on and I may eventually find an Owl nest in one of them or both.

2012

2012-01-03T07:38:00.000-05:00

WOW, 2012 is here already. 2011 was a good year for us. Considering what so many other's have gone through we were very fortunate. I hope that 2012 brings good health and prosperity to everyone and the time to enjoy both.

We have made a few changes around the homestead. My turkey hen was captured by a coyote a couple of weeks ago and we made the decision to find Mr. Tom and home with a hen. Gladly we found him a home with a couple from Ocala that had a turkey hen that had just started laying eggs and needed a good tom to fertilize her eggs. Mr. Tom was not only a very gentle turkey that loved to talk and show off but an excellent breeder and I am sure he is very happy with his new hen.

It was good a year for the goats. They all remained healthy and happy. We fenced in another acre of brush in the forest here for them to browse on. I also seeded with perennial rye, wheat and oat grass for all the critters to browse on. It is a winter grass which will go dormant towards the end of April. All the farm animals are enjoying it this winter. I decided to put all the male rabbits down on the ground in the pasture this summer. I have several huge brush piles they like to hide in and have dug burrows in. It seems I misjudged one of them and she had five little bunnies in one of the burrows in the brush pile. I really need to find someone who is OK with processing rabbits and chickens as I really don't like doing it. I will do it but, just prefer not. I did process some of the chickens but ended up finding a home for some of the hens. I find it a waste to process a young hen when she can provide so much food with giving us daily eggs. I shared some of the hens with a neighbor who will enjoy the eggs. I gotta run, the Sun is coming up and it is 21 degrees outside this morning. On mornings like this my goats get a bucket of warm tea molasses. I buy the big container of molasses for Deer at Tractor Supply. It is a gallon for under 8 dollars and my goats love the warm molasses tea on cold mornings. I have all my seeds for my garden this year and going to get started on planning it out and gettting started soon. Have any of you got plans for your 2012 garden as of yet?

I hope everyone will forgive me for not blogging much this year. I seemed to have blog block ;) and will work on blogging more this year.

Happy New Year Everyone!

ONE OF THE HARDEST PART'S OF BEING A SELF SUFFICIENT HOMESTEADER

2011-11-14T09:03:00.000-05:00

One of the hardest things to do when trying to be a self sufficient homesteader and put healthy food on the table that has not been contaminated with chemicals is when it is time to butcher some of the livestock you have raised to do so. It is time to process the chickens. I have 28 happy healthy chickens to process. My first thought is I will give them away or sell them because I can afford to buy meat and don't have to do this. Then I remind myself I have been raising happy healthy meat to supply nutrition to our bodies that has not been loaded up with hormones, antibiotics, etc..... So, it is time to set up the butchering station and get busy processing birds that will supply our bodies with healthy protein, amino acids and other important nutrition. I also have a turkey that I am going to process. If I had some helpers that would be great. I do understand why many farms have farmhands living in small cottages on the farm to help out. It is hard work homesteading and getting all the farm work done even with a farmhand to help out. I will let you all know how it goes. It will take me a couple of day's because I am going to first organize the freezer, get the butchering station ready and then start processing.

My goats at this very moment are hooten and hollering up at the front pasture. I went out to see what is going on and they are talking to the goats that belong to the gentlemen that lives up on the main road. Between my goats and the ones up the road it sounds like a goat riot outside.

GOAT ART

2011-10-30T11:48:00.000-04:00

It is really hard to find things with goats on it. I want a stuffed goat so bad and look everywhere I go hoping to find one. If you love goats check out the following blog at all the wonderful goat art and gifts. She has two sites.

http://www.phils-4-windsartfarm.com/

http://www.phils4windsartfarm.com/

INTRODUCING BOLD RULER

2011-10-09T08:25:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone, I would like to introduce Bold Ruler. He is going to be my herd sire. I wanted one I could raise with the help of my Doe's. He is six weeks old and displays independence and is a protector. Bold Ruler is a Nigerian/Pygmy.

VENOMOUS COTTONMOUTH SNAKE OR HOGNOSE?

2011-10-07T08:45:00.001-04:00

Guest post by Patty my sister. You will notice Southern Yellow Jackets in the pictures. We recently discovered a huge underground nest. That will be another post.

Me and my sister, Barb heard Max her yellow lab barking,it was a aggressive come look what I found bark. I ran to the bedroom window and looked out and saw this cottonmouth in a full strike stance, I warned Barb as she was coming around the corner. We knew it was not a black indigo, which are protected here in Florida, It was very aggressive and his head went flat. Cottonmouth's don't get copper looking color until they get older, so according to what we saw online, It was a young snake. I don't like to kill wildlife but, this snake was dangerous, we figured he was going after one of the many rabbit's that run free on the farm. Don't get around the sista with a machete, she is good, got him on the first shot.

Edited on November 27, 2011

Anonymous left a comment informing me this was a Hognose Snake. We were not sure so we decided to kill it being it was up against the house and we deemed it dangerous. Below is the comment Anon. left and my response. I really appreciate input to help us all learn.

Anonymous said...

I would just like to inform you that the snake pictured is not a cottonmouth.

It is a hognose snake. They tend to have multiple defense mechanisms, one of which is flattening the head and hissing.

If you don't believe me on this, just google hognose snake and look at the images. They come in a wide variety of colors, one of which is the black phase pictured.

As for diet, they prefer toads and possibly frogs, so not the most beneficial snake but not dangerous in any way.

If you were to come across a venomous snake, don't try to kill it with a machete, that is just setting yourself up to getting bit.

Anonymous, thank you so much for your input. We were not really sure what it was but it's stunt of acting like a cobra did cost it it's life. Well and that we thought it was a cottonmouth moccasin and was not going to risk it biting anyone. While I did kill it with a machete, it was being held still with a flat head shovel. Normally we do not kill harmless snakes but, thinking this one was dangerous we made the decision to kill it. I saw one at least two times bigger than the one in the picture dead up on the hwy from being run over. Looked exactly like this one. I do have two snakes book to help me identify them but not all snakes look like the pictures. Again, thank you for your input, I do feel better knowing it was a hognose instead of a cottonmouth.

COYOTE PACK OUT BACK

2011-09-08T07:49:00.001-04:00

Fall is upon us and with the temperatures in the low 60's at night and the high in the 80's I have the windows open. Chi, my poodle was being fidgety about 4 a.m.. I was awake so I went ahead and took him out for a minute. Upon going back to bed I decided to stay awake for a bit and enjoy the sounds of the night in the forest. The whippoorwill's, crickets and other insect noises. Within minutes I heard the most horrific noise. I jumped up and ran to the back door grabbing my gun thinking my turkey's were being attacked. I could not identify the noise till I got outside. It was a pack of coyotes talking to one another. At first I thought to myself there must be twenty of them by the amount of noise. It was probably more like a dozen. I started shouting at them trying to get them to move on. They circled around my property moving on down the road. I listen for a bit and they were still chattering in that high pitch and I could tell they had turned and were moving back. At that moment I heard one of them howl right at the back of the property and that is when I decided to fire off a shot. Aiming towards the ground ahead of me so I would know exactly where the bullet landed I fired off one round. At that moment all the little babies of the forest that were within hearing distance starting crying out. I waited for a few moments listening closely and then I heard them again. They had moved on a bit as I could barely here them. It is scary to think of the coyotes traveling in packs like that. They could do some serious damage to farm animals. I have seen them up close and some of them are as big as my yellow lab Max. A couple of days ago on my way to town I saw one cross over the highway and then four more following. They have become a real problem here in N. Florida. I have seen flyer's posted at the Farmer's Coop and Feed stores put up by those who have been issued a permit by the State to track and hunt the coyote's. The only natural predator of the coyote around here is the Florida Panther and we just do not have enough left to keep these non- native creatures in balance. Being that we have a wildlife trail here on the property I will be paying close attention to make sure they do not move in on my farm animals. It worries me that the coyotes traveling in packs like that would target one of my goats. I have been attaching chicken wire to the field fence to keep critters from going thru the fence and need to finish getting it on the back of the property. Just below is a link to a youtube video I found that was posted of Coyotes making the same noise I heard. I do think it is why Chi was fidgety. When he heard them he started barking and upon hearing the you tube video he started barking again. After hearing this video I can't help but think that they were fixing to move in on either a Turkey or possibly one of my goats.
SOUND OF COYOTES HOWLING BEFORE ATTACK

UPDATE ON THE HOMESTEAD

2011-09-01T10:33:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone, All is well here on our little Homestead. I have already got my Fall garden in and the collards, broccoli, lettuces and beets have all sprouted. I am going to plant some winter peas, carrots and more today. I have posted a video of my Mama Turkey taking a dust bath in the old burn pile in the wood ash. I had pulled all her turkey eggs to hatch in the bator and she refused to stop going broody till I allowed her to raise a chick so I gave her a chicken egg to hatch and she finally came out of the coop when it hatched. She is raising one little chick and doing a wonderful job. I had pulled her eggs because many books stated that Mama Turkeys do not make good Mama's. I am here to tell you in the case of my Turkey Hen that is false. When watching the video you will see her chick. At times she completely covers the chick and the chick does not mind.

I harvested pears again this year from an abandoned piece of property. My pear tree is only three years old and I am looking forward to the day it produces lots of pears. I canned some, froze some and my farm animals love pears. The rabbits and goats get a pear everyday. The Turkeys and chickens love them as well.

I have harvested enough pears to fill these Tractor Supply bags x 12. I also made sure I left some for the wildlife that I am sure visit this abandoned fruit tree. The tree still has probably 150 pears still at the very top of the tree that I cannot reach and giving the tree a good shake they just won't let go as of yet.

In Spring when the elderberries are blooming I made note of a big bush in the woods to go back to at the end of Summer. I did go back this past week and harvested some of the wonderful elderberries and made 8 half pints of Elderberry Jam. Again, I did leave some for the local wildlife to nourish themselves with.

Two days ago while wondering around the forest I found a place where wild passionflower is growing that is spread on about 5 acres and it has produced fruit. Lots of fruit. The fruit is not quite ready yet and as soon as it is I will be harvesting some of the fruit known as Maypops to make some jelly. I need to get a wine making kit and start making my own wine. I will also harvest some of the plants to dry and make tea with. When I go back I will take pictures for you all.

At the moment I have the following herbs drying, Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Stevia, Chocolate Mint and more blackberry leaves.

Sorry I have not posted much on my blog but, I have been so busy. I have decided to buy a timer that I can use to start setting time for all the projects I am working on and need to work on. Going to set the timer twice a week for 15 or 30 minutes to work on my blog. I am reading three different books at the time and trying to keep up with my magazines, Hobby Farming, Grit, Mother Earth News, just to name a few and going to start using the timer to get some of my reading done as well. I am working on becoming better organized with time to get done all I want to work on.

Before I go I wanted to mention I am also sprouting seeds to put on salads and in my tortilla snacks. I have been trying to eat more raw/live foods. Sprouting is fun and I enjoy the flavors of all I have tried so far. While I try to buy organic I have also tried sprouting many of the dried beans you can purchase at your local grocery store and all of them have sprouted. I have been successful with the Chick Peas, Black Beans, Brown Lentils to name a few. My favorite is the Mung Beans. I am starting a spicy mix of sprouts today. Also some Sunflowers seed sprouts and Broccoli sprouts for my salads. The pictures are of the Mung Beans and Brown Lentils. I have been harvesting out of the ones you see in the pictures for over a week and they just keep growing. I also share some with my rabbits and chicks. Max, my dog even ate some brown lentil sprouts on his dinner.

DEAR LUCY OVER @ LUCY THE GOAT BLOGSPOT

2011-08-18T10:32:00.002-04:00

I have been having trouble leaving messages at many blogs. For some reason after several attempts I cannot get my message to post. I want to leave a message for Lucy the Goat over at http://lucythegoat.blogspot.com/ Here is the message I wanted to leave for Lucy

Dear Lucy, I am sorry to hear that you have CAE. My Sweetpea has CAE. I rescued her from a wildlife center that had taken her in. She was three months old. I fell in love with her she brings my heart so much JOY. About seven months later I sent one of her goat friends, Peekaboo off to be bred. Sweetpea stressed so badly it caused the CAE to rear it's ugliness. Her brain swelled and down she went. I took her to the Vet and the CAE test came back positive. My Vet suggested I put her down. He wanted me to prepare myself and bring her in the next day and he said he would take care of it. After crying for a whole day I could not do it. I kept Sweetpea in intensive care in the stall for a week giving her pain relief shots, vitamin shots, etc and two Lactiad Ringers a day. On the 5th day my husband gave her a handful of corn knowing how she loves it like candy and shortly after she stood up and has been fine ever since. It has been almost a year.
It is most important for me to make sure they do not stress for any reason. My goat girls live a stress free happy life, browsing for food, getting treats, all the perennial peanut hay they can eat, coastal hay also and lots of goat kisses and hugs from me. I do not breed my goat girls. I know many do as they want the milk and need to sell the kids for some income. I am lucky enough to not worry about needing a return from my goat friends who fill my heart with goat love and joy. If I want another goat I simply purchase a little doe. I hope your owner does not burn the barn down. Lucy, I wish you good health and sending lots of goat hugs and kisses.

SPARKLEBERRY, FARKLEBERRY, HUCKLEBERRY, NATIVE BLUEBERRY

2011-07-12T07:56:00.000-04:00

I have been harvesting Sparkleberries in the early morning and evening trying to avoid the heat. Just in the last week they have become ready for harvesting. While they are just a little bitter for eating right out of the hand they are excellent for baking. My husband loves the Sparkleberry muffins. I also make a Sparkleberry Jam that is yummy.

When we were clearing out a place for us here in the woods I researched all the trees and plants to make sure I was not taking down any native plants in extinction and to know if any produced food. I was very happy to find that our property is covered in Sparkleberry bushes with some of them being small trees. They are a member of the Blueberry family and feed birds and many other wildlife. My chickens love them also. We have deer that travel a path everyday day snacking on the Sparkleberry trees. My goats love them. I even fed some to the rabbits as a treat and they get excited when I give them a handful. Our three acres is covered in these bushes. Many people cut down this food source when they move here not knowing what the plant is. The native Indians made pipes out of the smaller trunks. Here are a couple of links if you wish to learn more about this plant.

http://hernando.fnpschapters.org/plants/sparkleberry.htm

http://www.floridata.com/ref/v/vacc_arb.cfm

http://volusia.org/arboretum/Shrubs/sparkleberry.htm

GOAT COMMERCIALS POSTED BY GOAT BERRIES

2011-07-11T12:50:00.000-04:00

Click on the link to see the goat commercials posted by Goat Berries

http://goatberries.com/2011/07/goat-commercials-galore-from-arbys-to-aflac/

AN UPDATE ON THE HOMESTEAD

2011-07-10T11:14:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone, I am really enjoying my summer this year. Now that we have a pool getting outside to do chores is not so bad when you know you can cool off in the pool. Having a pool is actually motivating me to get outside. In the past this time of year here in Florida I avoided being outside unless it was early morning or later in the evening. Both my husband and I have been getting outside projects done even in the afternoon then taking a dip in the pool. I originally got the pool because I wanted Tim to be able to go for a swim after working in the heat all week. Also because, my Doctor told me with my back and arthritis the only exercise I was able to do was in a pool. I feel so much better since having the pool now that I can exercise everyday and a little sunshine has helped out with my Vitamin D as well. My wish for everyone is that they can have a pool if they want one.

My female Khaki Campbell Duck Hope is sitting on a nest. I will watch her closely because in the past the ducks do not make the best parents. They have a tendency to wonder off from the babies and not keeping a close eye on them.

My Lucky duck that was born in the garbage can is doing well. I decided on the name Lucky because I have learned that creatures have tendency to live up to their names and while I like the name Oscar I did not want a grouchy duck :)

My veggie garden is still producing. It is in need of some clean up work and I am going to start some new seeds for the fall garden. Here in Florida we get several seasonal gardens. I have planted lots of perennial flowers this year. I love the Tickseed varieties. While I have several, my fav is the 'Route 66'. It has flowered all summer and will flower through fall. The chickens love to peck at the tickseed plants so I have them planted out by the road and up the driveway into our homestead. I have pictures but till my Internet is working properly loading pictures can be an all day project. I will get a picture of the 'Route 66' loaded even if it takes all day. I purchased 8 one gallon perennial peanut hay plants yesterday. Going to get a plot of it started for the farm animals. My goats love perennial peanut hay. I also give it to the rabbits. It is a hay that can be given to all animals and has the most vitamins and minerals. It produces a lovely yellow flower this time of year as well. I will go for a drive and get some pictures of the fields in flower. It is a beautiful site.

Tim put new roofs on the goat shelters. We had to raise the roof on the one because Tulip is getting so tall and she was having fun standing on her hind legs and pushing through the roof with her horns and then making sure I saw what she had done and taking pride in her work.....giggling..... She is such a stinker. She is finally broke of the bottle. She still got one bottle a day till she was just a bit over 5 months. Like human kids goat kids are each different and she just was not ready till then. I tried at 4 months but she was not having it. The last several weeks she was given water with vitamins and probiotics added.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week filled with lots of summer fun.

BIRTHDAY, DEATH & GRIEVING

2011-07-05T08:38:00.000-04:00

I have a Birthday approaching and while I appreciate that I have good health, good friends, and loving family it is hard to celebrate without feeling guilty. I find myself feeling guilty about feeling good about my age and turning another year older. It is because my Birthday is so close to my Son's date of death. Even though it has been several years every Summer I find myself reliving that Summer, day by day, week by week of the Summer his death took place. I can remember in detail that Summer's celebrations. The sounds, songs, etc... of that day and week play over and over in my head. If I hear a familiar sounds or songs it starts all over again. Everytime I see a butterfly or dragonfly I think of Mike. Mike used to hang out in my garden with me admiring the hummingbirds, butterflies, and dragonflies. He once held out his hand extending his finger and a Monarch Butterfly landed on his finger. I remember crying when it happened. I cried with joy that he was so beautiful and gentle in his soul that the butterfly recognized it and acknowledged it. Mike was the type of young man that always wanted to help those in need and go out of his way to make others feel good about themselves. Mike was very close to his sister and a week before his death he came to me telling me he did not know why but, something was making him feel uncomfortable inside and that he wanted to make sure his sister and I was taken care of. Mike was a computer geek making two thousand dollars before he turned sixteen on his computer to buy his own car. He had enrolled in a college to further his endeavors in computer science and told me he was going to makes lots of money to make sure his family was taken care of and wanted for nothing. I miss him so much and think of him everyday. I know I will be with him again one day and will do my best to not feel guilty about turning another year older without him. I Love you Michael!!!

OH MY!!! BABY DUCK HATCHES AT BOTTOM OF TRASH

2011-06-21T08:57:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone, My Internet still is not working properly but, I just had to post about what happened yesterday. I have had five hens go broody and the last one had her eggs start hatching over a week ago. Because she prefers to build a nest in Tim's shop after a week of her chicks hatching we set her up in a kennel. That was last Friday. We took the box she had built her nest in which had some old eggs in it including an old duck egg that was originally set in the box just to encourage hens to lay eggs in the box as they like to lay eggs in the shop anywhere they find an open spot. So I tucked a box in a corner to encourage them to use the box with the duck egg. Yesterday Tim and I had gone outside to sit a spell and chat on our swing and within minutes I heard what sounded like a baby chick. Max got up and was looking around the trash that had all been bag up and ready to take to the local trash drop off. In that moment I look around and thought to myself, Hmmmmm, all the Mama Hen's are out back with the baby chicks and the light bulb went on. I jumped up and started digging to the bottom of the trash to the box I disposed of with the old eggs. After removing the trash on top getting to the bottom was a baby duckling just hatched. It had been at the bottom of the trash since last Friday and it has been so hot outside that it allowed it to hatch. The baby duckling is doing fine. I am taking name suggestions.

UPDATE ON GARDEN, GOATS AND A RAT SNAKE

2011-05-30T07:13:00.000-04:00

My garden this year has done well. I planted just as many flowers to invite pollinators into the garden and it is working well. I am harvesting tomato's, several varieties of peppers, bush beans, pole beans, jalapeno, and cucumbers. The butternut squash & spaghetti squash are coming along. Herbs in the garden are rosemary, lavender, hyssop, mints, stevia, lemon verbena, mullein, Clary sage, standard cooking sage, chives, oregano and basil. Flowering in the garden are gladiolus, 5 different types of salvia's, tickseed, zinnia's, rose's, lantana, bog sage, echinacea, coreopsis, hydrangea viola's, petunia's and summer snapdragons to name a few. My pear, apple and Chickasaw plum tree's are on the third year and are finally taking off. Lots of Chickasaw plum's this year. I found a wild sand plum tree last week and made plum jelly with the plum's I collected.

The goats are all doing well. Tulip is being weaned and she is not happy about it. Her cries at her normal feeding time are heartbreaking. I do go out and take her for walks, give her hugs, and she has gotten bottles of water to make sure she stays hydrated in this heat. I have five hens that have gone broody. Whew I am going to have lots of baby chicks running around.

Tim and I did get a Dutchwest wood burning stove and hope to have it installed by winter. It will help subsidize our heating and of course if we ever loose power we will be warm in winter.

My friend gave me a 6 week old Toy Poodle as a gift and I have fallen madly in love with him. I have always had large dogs usually 70 pounds or better and it has been so much fun having a tiny dog to keep by my side.

This past week I went to collect eggs and a 4 foot 1 inch rat snake was in the nesting box. It almost caused me to hurt myself.

I am still here

2011-04-30T08:47:00.000-04:00

Just wanted everyone to know that I am still here. My Internet is not working properly and has not been now for over a month. The only Internet company we have out here in the woods has set a target date of being fixed for June 5th, 2011 but, they did not guarantee that date. The speed I am getting is slower than dial up. The company is having to update all equipment. The problem is that so many people are subscribing to Netflix for the basic monthly fee to watch movies instantly and my phone company is providing boxes for 5 dollars a month for people to hook up to their TVs so they can watch movies instantly on their TV's. Of course, unless you have one of the newer TVs that your computer will plug into. It is more affordable for people to do this than subscribe to expensive cable TV. The end result is that with so many people watching instant movies from Netflix it is draining the system slowing down the Internet speed. I cannot load pictures, watch videos on YouTube or Facebook and most of the time surfing the Internet is annoying because it takes so long for a page to load. I have so many pictures to share but will have to wait till Internet is fixed. I love living so far out but we are at the end of the line for updated and current status Internet updates. I am on Facebook and do check in daily.

I have a new puppy and what a joy. Tulip is doing great. She is a little over 3 months now and is a very happy little goat. My garden is doing wonderful this year and about ready to start harvest some things.

My prayers and blessing go out to of 'The Storm" victims.

ANGEL FOOD CAKE

2011-03-28T09:40:00.001-04:00

Now that spring has arrived I have an abundance of eggs and one of my favorite recipes for eggs is Angel Food Cake. Of course I also like Quiche and would say I love these two recipes equally. My husbands favorite is the Angel Food Cake

12 fresh eggs, 14 if eggs are small or 1 1/2 cups of egg whites.
I beat the egg whites with 1 1/2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar till peaks form
Then add 1 cup of sugar a little at a time till the egg whites take on a glossy sheen.
Then add 1 1/4 teaspoon of salt (pinch)
1 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla ( a couple of cap fulls)
1/2 teaspoon Almond extract (one cap full)

In a seperate small bowl mix the following
1 cup Cake Flour
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

then fold into egg whites a little at a time (1/4 cup at a time)
Pour into Angel food cake pan or you can use glass bread pans as I do. I just give the loaf pans a quick shortening coating. Bake at 375 for 30 to 35 minutes or till it springs back

This recipe is so good that it can be eaten alone or with your favorite fruit, jelly spread, etc.....

Grow 20 Square Feet of Vegetables in 4 Sq Ft of Space with the Phytopod ...

2011-03-18T20:56:00.001-04:00

This is a really cool idea. Of course I will make my own.

BASIC WHITE BREAD

2011-03-17T10:01:00.001-04:00

I have tried many recipes for bread and this is one I like best. I got this recipe off of the side of a very expensive bread machine. Note that at the end of this recipe I will add bread enhancers. You do not have to do this. Bread enhancers are known to make a soft fluffy loaf.

Basic White Bread

1 1/2 cup water
4 1/4 cup flour (bread flour or all purpose)
3 TBSP sugar (you can use brown sugar)
2 TBSP dry milk
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 TBSP butter (soft or melted)
2 tsp Active Dry Yeast

Add to bread machine, set desired crust setting, and basic bread setting.

You can add the following bread enhancers
1 TBSP Vinegar
4 TBSP Gluten

When add gluten you use 1/2 to 1 TBSP per cup of flour
When using vinegar you use equal parts vinegar and yeast.
If you use potato flakes it will be 1/8 to 1/4 cup.

Kim, I hope you like this bread machine recipe as much as I do.
Will post my Pumpkin Bread Recipe tomorrow

Update on Tulip

2011-03-13T15:08:00.001-04:00

Tulip is doing great as you can see in the video. She is 5 1/2 weeks old, weighs 18 lbs and is spoiled rotten.

NEW ZEALAND BUNNIES

2011-03-07T16:30:00.000-05:00

I have New Zealand Bunnies. Angel, the mama doe was an excellent mother. She had a litter of nine and took took excellent care of them. Here are a few pics. They are now 5 weeks old and weaned.

SPRING 2011 HAS ARRIVED

2011-03-06T09:50:00.000-05:00

Spring 2011 has arrived here in North Florida. The Bradford Pear Trees are flowering and my Violets I purchased last year and planted are starting to flower. I collected the first of the flowers to save and make Violet jelly.

DIY WORM BATH USING AN OLD BATH TUB

2011-02-24T08:56:00.001-05:00

A QUICK UPDATE

2011-02-23T19:34:00.000-05:00

My Turkey Hen shared her first egg with me today. 2/23/11.

I have cute and cuddly baby New Zealand bunnies. Born 2/3/11.

Baby Tulip is doing well and spends all day out in the pasture with the goat girls playing and napping. I take Tulip's bottles to her. She still comes in at night for safety reason. :) I have a Great Horned Owl living here in the woods. I have seen it and it is huge. I personally believe it could snatch my baby goat but, Tim doesn't think so. It's wing span is at least 4 foot.

I have hatched out four sets of chicks as of today. Have two more incubators loaded.

Spring Flowers are beginning to share thier beauty.

Hope and Angel are doing well. Tulip enjoys her playdate with Angel's baby Hope

Planted lettuce, cabbage, collards, squash, zuchinni, butternut squash, cosmos, zinnia's, bergotten sage, upright rosemary, flat leaf parsley, tomato and onion sets.

Pictures to come

"Easy Roll" worm compost bin update

2011-02-20T09:01:00.000-05:00

Spindale Dairy Goat Festival & Parade

2011-02-16T12:52:00.000-05:00

FEED, PLAY, NAP, THEN START OVER

2011-02-15T09:02:00.006-05:00

Tulip went outside for the first time yesterday. We finally had two days of sunshine, the ground was dry so out we went. After 7 days of NO sunshine I thought I was living in Seattle. We started on the porch of the cabin. I set her down and off she went right through the railing. Running, Jumping like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer when he first discovered outside and that he could jump in the Christmas cartoon. Tulip is still is drinking a minimum of 40 oz of milk a day. I make a point of feeding her one last time at about 10 p.m..
I must tell you all, Tulip is consuming all my time. We feed, play, nap and then start over again. While napping I get my shower and try to get some household chores done. I can tell you that I am exhausted and sometimes napping close by while Tulip is napping. Tulip is attached to me as she would be her Mama if she had lived. If she gets separated from me she cries out till she finds me. If I holler for her she comes running. We have been going out to visit with the adult goats twice a day. They sniff at her and with each visit they spend more time around her. Peekaboo is the most interested. Of course she is the Alpha Doe so that may be why. Every morning I tuck Tulip in my jacket with her head sticking out and we take Sweetpea and the rest of the herd warm molasses water. They love their warm water after a very cold night. Tulip and I sit next to the bucket of warm water while they all take a long drink of molasses tea. Tulip is so curious about all the farm animals. Last night when I went out to feed I did not take her and I could here her running through the house hollering for me. She finally jumped up on the couch next to the big window overlooking the goat pen and she could see me and she calmed down. Gotta go, it is time for another feeding.

Build a cheap portable Hoop House, Greenhouse: Easiest plans ever!

2011-02-14T08:13:00.001-05:00

A quick and easy way to get a early start on getting seedlings started and outside.

9 lbs 4 oz TULIP'S GROWING LIKE A WEED

2011-02-12T20:08:00.000-05:00

Weighed Tulip again today and she is 9 lbs 4 oz. She was 7 lbs 10 oz on Wednesday. She is still taking 5 - 8 oz bottles a day. She sipped on some water today. Tulip is one happy little goat and very spoiled. She will run as fast as she can from one end of the house to the other and pogo jump as well. When she gets tired she will climb up in my lap get some goat kisses and then go to sleep. I put her in her kennel to finish her nap. She will get up and watch me walk down the hallway to the kitchen to make sure I am not going far.

TOAD IN THE HOLE

2011-02-11T08:04:00.000-05:00

Tulip is doing great. I ran out of goat milk so she is getting whole milk with a dose of Manna Pro Vitamins for goat kids. She really loves licking on magazines. I have hung a cup of goat pellets and hay in her goat house (Kennel). Tulip has made such good friends with Max that if she makes a noise Max runs to make sure she is OK. I gave him a treat this morning for being such a good boy. I made him a Toad In The Hole with the fresh duck egg he retrieved this morning. You ask what is a Toad In The Hole? I take a piece of bread and punch a hole out with my biscuit cutter, a dab of real butter in my frying pan. set the bread and hole piece into frying pan and crack the egg into the hole and fry it all up flipping when each side is toasted. You could discard the hole piece but, why waste it, just toast it separate in the frying pan. Max loves his treats I make him and it reminds him he is a good boy and we appreciate him looking out for us.
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

EARLY FEEDING AND ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

2011-02-10T04:59:00.003-05:00

Up at 4 a.m. this morning to feed Tulip. I put B complex / Thiamine vitamins in her milk this morning. Tulip has all my attention 24 hours a day. Her well being and survival is the most important thing to me at this time. I am making sure to give Max, Sweetpea and everybody else attention as well. Making my hubby Waffles this morning. Tulip sits on the couch beside me as I type this.

Going to answer some of the questions you all have asked.
Yes, I do take Tulip out to visit with the other goats. Because of all the rain we have had I am not putting her on the ground right now. Not unless it is an area where no livestock has been. Her system is not developed enough and not having Mama's antibodies from her milk makes her susceptible to things that could send her immune system spiraling right now. For now she thinks Max is a goat and they are spending alot of time together. I am allowing her to act like a goat, jumping on furniture etc.... As far as going to the bathroom, she is wearing a diaper. Once she has had a bottle, usually within 10 minutes she goes potty. If in her Kennel she does not wear one and if outside playing no diaper as well. Once the rain stops and the Sunshine has had some time to dry up the ground her and I will start spending more time outside. When It is time to introduce her to staying outside I will do it gradually. Going outside and spending hours outside working in the goat area and stall while she explores, knowing I am not far and feeling secure. If I have to take a nap or camp out in the stall in the clean hay to help her adjust I will. I am fortunate enough to have nothing but time for her and help her. My husband Tim is very supportive. Tim has fallen in love with her and is happy she has a good Mama to help her out. It is why Bev called me, because she knows that I would do everything in my power to take care of her and to get her to survive losing her Mama. One of the reasons I carry her everywhere with me is because baby goats never leave their Mama's side. If they get separated they stress. Stress in a goat cause's the body to release an ezymne that allows minor things that their immune systems could usually handle with no stress take over and possibly cause the death of the goat. I am her Mama and she thinks so. She knows I feed her, and make sure that she is OK. If she is hungry she bumps the back of my knees trying to feed. That is when I feed her. She is taking 7 ounces per feeding. I put 9 oz in the bottles and if she bumps me between feeding I hold the bottle down and she takes a drink then continues playing. I have spent time watching Angel and Hope and it is what they do and I am copying the behavior. I think I answered everyone questions. Thank you everyone for all your wonderful comments and keeping up with Hope's progress.

SPOILED ALERT!

2011-02-09T20:16:00.000-05:00

Yep, it official, Tulip is spoiled. Cathy weighed her for me and she is 7 lbs 10 oz.. She is taking 5 bottles a day. I start her feedings between 6:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. and finish the last one between 9 and 10 p.m.. She has been trying to jump up on the couch and finally made it today. Yep, she is spoiled and doing great.

TULIP MEETS MAX

2011-02-09T09:18:00.000-05:00

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE

2011-02-08T08:00:00.002-05:00

Good morning everyone, My new Mom and Aunt Cathy gave me a name. My name is Tulip. I am doing great so far. Thanks to Cathy and Sherry I have some real goat milk to drink. My mom is cutting it in half with whole milk to make it last. Yesterday, we went to Farmer's Coop in Madison to pick up some Jump - Start Plus Oral Microbial Gel to make sure I get a good start on Vialble Cultures, vitamins and minerals. I took a total of five 8 oz bottles yesterday. Starting at 6:30 a.m. and my last one at 9 p.m. before I went into my cozy kennel and slept all night. My Kennel has been fixed up so cozy I go in all by myself to nap and sleep all night. Mom got a picture to show you below. She tried to get some pics of me this a.m. but I was bouncing and running and all the pictures were a blur. Mom will keep you all posted on my progress so check back. Here a couple of pics she was able to get this a.m.. Mom is still adjusting to having a baby to take care of and taking advantage of my nap time to try to get her house back in order. ;)

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

2011-02-07T07:20:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone, My friend Beverly who raises dairy goats called yesterday in need of help. One of her Doe's gave birth to triplets and Mama passed on three days later. Bev noticed the second day something was wrong in that Mama was acting lethargic. The third day she was down but still nursing babies. Bev ran to town and when she came back she went out to the stall and Mama gave her one look and then took her last breath. Mama waited to make sure her caretaker got home to pass the babies on to her. Bev called me to help because she works full-time and it would be difficult to take proper care of all three. I took one of the girls. So far so good. She was on kid milk replacer yesterday. Today she started back on goat milk. I had some in the freezer I thawed for her. Being that Angel, Cathy's goat only has one kid Cathy will be milking the side that Hope is not working. Hope is going to share her milk with my new little one. Cathy tried to introduce the new kid to Angel to see if she would foster her but no luck. We have been told the only way that would happen is if the afterbirth was rubbed on new baby and then it is only a possibility. Anyhow, Please pray for our new one that she does well and make it on the bottle. Here are a few pics of her. Her mother was a Nubian and Father a Blue Eyed Dwarf Nigerian. If anyone local can help out by taking the male let me know and I will contact Bev. DO NOT INQUIRE IF YOUR GOING TO EAT THE BABY!! I have to post that cause many people do eat goat. Please know that goat milk is best for the baby but, you can raise on whole milk if needed with added children's vitamins to milk once a day. Tonia is my goat mentor and has great advice. The first two pics are yesterday when I brought her home. The second two are this morning before the sun came up after feeding and playing. She crawled up in my husband lap so I took advantage of the time to get this post up. Thanks everyone and have a wonderful day.

HOPE AND HER KID COAT

2011-02-06T08:52:00.002-05:00

A couple of pics of Hope on the day of her arrival. It was cold and rainy outside. Once Mama got her cleaned up Cathy and I were worried about Hope being cold. I purchased a kid coat from Texan to keep her warm on the really cold days and night. If you go to Texan's Blog you will see her email on the left hand side with pics of the coats. Just drop her an email. You can get your farm name or whatever embroidered on the back. The kid coats are Made in America and EXCELLENT Quality. Once we put the coat on Hope we could feel her warmth being conserved underneath the coat. While her new little legs were not quite long enough yet, Cathy rolled up the sleeves thinking we needed to slip stitch them but the cuffs stayed in place all night. I am telling you that you cannot appreciate the excellent quality until you get your hands on one of the kids coats. Thank you Texan.
The red in pics is from the heat lamp. I only used the flash once as I personally would find it offensive if I was Angel and a flash kept going off.

Angel with new kid Hope

2011-02-05T12:55:00.002-05:00

Cathy's Angel gave birth yesterday. Her new kids name is Hope.

STOP GMO ALFALFA. PLEASE READ AND ACT

2011-01-29T08:26:00.002-05:00

Please read this article on GMO Alfalfa and you will find a link at the end of the article to send a message to Obama asking him to stop Monsanto from allowing this.
http://www.rodale.com/gmo-alfalfa?page=0%2C1

Thank you

How to Get Cash for Your Gadgets at Gazelle.com

2011-01-27T13:40:00.000-05:00

SPRING CLEANING AND ORGANIZING

2011-01-22T15:42:00.000-05:00

I may not post for a bit after this because, I am spring cleaning. I have noticed a pattern in many older people in that they become hoarders and disorganized and I am working real hard at that not happening to me as I age. I am organizing, cleaning and purging every room, closet and cabinet. After pricing organization supplies I was relieved to find that the Dollar Tree had organization supplies. I did go ahead and spend the money on a Dymo Label Maker.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

WAFFLES FOR BREAKFAST

2011-01-20T20:37:00.000-05:00

We are having Waffles for breakfast tomorrow morning. I make up the waffle mix the night before. Thought I would share my recipe.

WAFFLE RECIPE
1¾ cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 Tbsp sugar

3 eggs

1¾ cups whole milk

½ cup vegetable oil

1 tsp pure vanilla extract (if you are out of vanilla you can still make waffles without it. I add vanilla to just about everything)

Pre heat your waffle iron. Place a cookie-sheet under your waffle maker to help catch any batter overflow during cooking..

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. (If you don't have a sifter just add dry ingredients together and stir with a spoon or fork till mixed.)

Beat eggs thoroughly. Whisk in sugar, milk and oil. (If you do not have a whisk you can beat with a fork)

Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients and mix

gently until combined. Don't over mix. Not over mix is important, if you over mix your waffles can be a little tough. Once mixed I store in a mason jar in the fridge. I take it out of fridge when I first wake up, get my first cup of coffee and then turn the waffle iron to warm up. then all I have to do is pour and serve. Of course I also heat my syrup on low and melt some real butter as well. If you have any leftover you can save for later as a snack. Just warm them up in the toaster.

SWEETPEA IS SO DARN CUTE!

2011-01-20T09:19:00.000-05:00

I snapped some pictures of my Sweetpea and I could not help posting them cause, she is so darn cute.
Sweetpea came to live with us one year ago this Saturday. She was about 3 months old when she was found wondering around downtown Jacksonville. She did not know she was a goat at the time but we taught her how to act like a goat and be happy. We almost lost her this past summer but the Vet and I spent a week with her in intensive care in her stall and she made it and we are grateful for everyday we have her around. She is such a joy.

1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11

2011-01-19T09:04:00.001-05:00

This year we will experience 4 unusual dates.... 1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11 ......... NOW go figure this out.... take the last 2 digits of the year you were born plus the age you will be this year and it WILL EQUAL .... 111

Mine is 60 + 51 = 111, Try it

If anyone was born 2000 or later thier number will be 11

Figuring Life Out - One Thousand Gifts

2011-01-18T08:44:00.002-05:00

An excellent four minutes watching this video. While I get it I am having trouble because I grieve for my son, his wife he would have had and the grandchildren that I also lost when I lost him. My message to everyone is to CHERISH THE MOMENTS!

"The Gift of an Ordinary Day" by Katrina Kenison

2011-01-18T08:08:00.001-05:00

Cherish the ordinary days. While I have started a new chapter in my life I miss my little children that made my ordinary days so blessed and wonderful. I must stop eating that last ice cream sandwhich that is always left behind now;). To all of you with little one's, Cherish these days as they go so fast.

THE GIRLS GET A NEW COMPANION

2011-01-16T12:53:00.003-05:00

My goat girls have a new companion. Introducing Hank Williams , a wether to keep the girls company.
Edited to add that we were told he is a long haired Nigerian. They had two that needed a good home. My girlfriend has the other that is the brother to Hank as a companion for her goats. My girls are loving it and they are letting him know they are bossy, spoiled and in control....I was told Hank is stand offish and not very friendly. Everytime I go out to spend time with them he comes to me rubbing up against me and allows me to pet him.....I think he likes his new home. He may look bigger than he actually is because, I am about 5 feet in the air taking this picture and using a really good lens. I will get his measurements eventually.

Atlanta Weather Update for Jan. 11, 2011

2011-01-16T08:23:00.001-05:00

VERY VERY FUNNY!!!

processed people - they call it 'food'

2011-01-15T14:39:00.000-05:00

DRYING RACK

2011-01-13T14:25:00.002-05:00

For the second day in a row the sun is shining. While it is very windy and cold outside I am happy about the sunshine. I have been using my dryer since the weather has been overcast, cold and wet outside. I came across a really cool drying rack. I sure would like to have one of these HOMEMADE IN THE USA DRYING RACKS. Hmmmmm, I think I will need to get my husband to make me one of these.

I just want to add that I personally think they are to expensive and If I get one it will be because we make one.

WIN a Tunnel Greenhouse for Your Garden 10'x25"x17"

2011-01-12T20:28:00.000-05:00

Another Giveaway, http://blog.i10direct.com/2011/01/win-tunnel-greenhouse-for-your-garden.html

Don't forget to visit Texan's give-away-kid-coat-or-dog-coat. Texan makes homemade in the USA Coats for your kid goat or dog.

1-11-11

2011-01-11T07:50:00.000-05:00

Another dreary overcast, wet and cold day here in Florida. Sure do wish the Sun would come out and play. This is our third day in a row of this type of weather. I have lived in Florida all my life and while we do get some cold days in the winter season never like we have gotten recently. Or shall I say not in my life time. I feel like I have moved up North and while I think that there are many beautiful places up North I live in the South because I could not handle a whole season of this horrible weather. I like the Sunshine and it keeps me in a happy place. I have been popping Vitamin D and watching for any signs of the Sunshine. First sign of the Sun and I am outside to play in it.

Don't forget Texan is having a giveaway over at her TEXAN BLOG for a monogrammed coat for your kid goat or dog. They are adorable.

A GIVEAWAY OVER AT TEXAN'S BLOG

2011-01-10T18:09:00.001-05:00

TEXAN IS HAVING A GIVEAWAY OVER AT HER BLOG. SHE IS GIVING AWAY ONE OF HER ADORABLE LITTLE GOAT COATS. OF COURSE THEY CAN BE USED FOR A DOG AS WELL.

http://texan.blogspot.com/2011/01/give-away-kid-coat-or-dog-coat.html

CHECKING THE THREE P's

2011-01-09T10:53:00.000-05:00

Here in North Florida we have an Ice Storm headed our way. It is already pretty cold outside. I have been checking the 3 P's. Pets, Pipes and Plants. Well I must admit I don't have Plants that can survive our weather. I only plant natives or plants that can handle these temps and come back. The rabbits are all snug in their cages with lots of hay. I built walls around their cages with squares of the hay. The goats have extra hay in all their feeders as well as an extra bale of hay in their stall. I have two extra buckets in the house to run warm water out to all the animals as the buckets freeze over. I am going to make the goats a molasses tea and put in in their stall. Also giving them a shot of Pro Bios from the tube. They love it.

The salve I made turned out to be a bit greasy on my skin so I applied pure peppermint oil to my skin in the affected areas. My skin felt like your mouth does when you eat a peppermint patty. If you ever try this you must test on your skin first as we are all different and it could be a bit much for you and cause a rash. So far no itching. I also have been using Dr. Bonner's Organic Lavender Hemp oil soap to wash with. I lather up and leave it on for a bit before rinsing. I am going to make a new lotion to use tomorrow when the sulfur comes in. I made a roll on stick today that worked well. I mixed 1/4 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of of corn starch, about a 1/4 cup of coconut oil, tea tree oil and peppermint oil. I mixed it up and put into an old deodorant roll on tube I had after washing it and it have been applying after showering. So far I am doing much better with very little itching if any. If I get an itch I apply the rub on stick I made and it is gone.

MITES

2011-01-08T10:22:00.002-05:00

Living in the woods with farm animals can be challenging at times. I recently broke out in what I thought was red bugs from cutting limbs with moss on them but after a couple of weeks instead of going away it has spread and I itch like crazy. I can go to the doctor and get a prescription for a lotion which is very toxic but, I have chosen to take a homeopathic choice first. Not sure where I got into these microscopic critters since I really don't leave home much. Hmmmm, cutting branches, cleaning the chicken coop. etc.....stuff like this just happens sometimes. I made a salve and also using tea tree oil when I itch.
The salve is 1/2 cup of coconut oil, 15 drops of tea tree oil and 8 drops of peppermint oil. I wanted to add Lavender oil but I am out. I rub it on three times a day. I am also using tea tree oil when I itch. I dip a Q-tip into the tea tree oil and apply to the itch and I do get relief. I just started this and will let you know if it works. This can be embarrassing stigma for many people if it happens to them but, hey such is life and the truth sets you free. I thought by posting I could possibly help another if this ever happens to them. If you know of a treatment please share.

I did have the phamacist at CVS order me some powdered sulfur since there was none on the shelf and it comes in Monday. I will be adding 2 teaspoons to the salve for treatment.

RED LENTIL SOUP

2011-01-06T13:03:00.001-05:00

It has been cold and damp outside and I have not had much desire to go outside. I do go out to make sure all my farm animals are taken care of and comfortable and give them some lovin. They fill my soul with warmth and love.

I decided to make a hearty Red Lentil soup.
Diced up carrots, celery and onion.
In a large stock pot I added several tablespoons of Olive Oil then adding 2 cups each of the diced celery, carrots and onions.
Then added two tablespoons of garlic and let it all simmer for about ten minutes.
Then added two 16 oz cans of diced tomato's and two cups of Red Lentils letting them simmer for just a couple of minutes. Then added three cups of chicken stock. (if all you have is bouillon then just add three cups of water and bouillon).
After stirring I added several handfuls of organic spinach, pepper, seasoned salt, and parsley.
It turned out perfect. You can cut the ingredients in half but, I make a large pot so I can freeze some for future meals.

You can add sausage, chicken or whatever you like to this recipe. I like to go meatless a couple of times per week.

If you like depending on your taste you can add oregano or Italian seasoning. The soup was perfect without it so I saved the Italian spices for another recipe. Served with toasted homemade bread and REAL butter.

In the process of dicing up my veggies I went ahead and diced up all my carrots and celery putting what was left in the freezer for the next batch of soup. I buy my carrots and celery at Sam's and to keep the large packages from going bad I go ahead and freeze some. I get three stalks of celery at Sam's for the price of one in the grocery store. I get 5 lbs of carrots for the price of 1 or 2 pounds as well. Many times I use them all fresh but, on occasion when I realize that they have been in the fridge for a bit I go ahead and dice and freeze for future use in soups and stews. I am sure I have mentioned it before but, I split the cost of membership with my sister who lives over an hour away. I just put her name on the membership and she goes in and gets her picture at her local Sam's store.

Tim's brother Paul bought Max a new bone

AMERICAN SANDWICH BREAD RECIPE

2011-01-06T08:14:00.004-05:00

I do have several bread recipes that I use on a regular basis but, I am always on the lookout for a new recipe to try. I found this sandwich bread recipe over at Brown Eyed Baker. I did make one adjustment. I added one tablespoon of vinegar. I use the vinegar as a bread enhancer. I mixed and kneaded this recipe by hand on a rainy day and it did not take long at all. It was so soft and the density was perfect. Just wanted to share this recipe with all of you who like to make your own bread. I think I will make another loaf today for the freezer.

The above recipe is under the link above to Brown Eyed Baker.

The next recipe is for those of you who wish to use your bread maker.

Classic White Bread Machine Recipe ( Recipe from Electric Bread)

Recipe for a regular loaf

3/4 water

2 cups of bread flour. ( I have been out of bread flour and used all purpose flour and it turned out fine)

1 Tbsp of dry milk

1 1/2 Tbsp of sugar

1 tsp salt

1 Tbsp of butter (soft or melted)

1 tsp of fast rise yeast OR 1 1/2 tsp of active dry yeast (Not both one or the other)

I add all dry ingredients and then add my butter and water. Make sure your water is about 110. just warm to the touch so your yeast will activate.

The recipe can be made with the regular, rapid or delayed time bake cycles.

HAPPY BAKING!

Hmmmmmmmmmm

2011-01-05T12:53:00.001-05:00

I have not been posting much but I must admit I am either so busy I cannot get to it or simply not motivated.

I must tell you that when I look at my life I see us as very wealthy. I was recently reminded by someone that we are not. I was stumped and left with my jaw on the ground. Hmmmmm, Yes, while monies have been tight this past year I personally felt like we our rich. After reflecting on what the person said to me I have decided that what Tim and I have is priceless. We sincerely love each other and support each other. We both wake up happy with our lives and while we have to use our imagination and be resourceful at times due to lack of funds we have the faculties to make things happen. We both can cook and eat healthy home cooked meals which leads to good health. We appreciate our family and friends and live in a positive attitude towards life. My point of posting on this is that I hope that all of you take the time to realize that being wealthy is not just about what your bank account shows but the love and attitude you have towards life.

To all my friends and family I love you all and appreciate you all so very much. Cathy, I am especially thankful for the wonderful friendship we have developed this past year.

I have chicken eggs in the incubator and will keep everyone posted on their hatching. Not going to hatch any ducks till it warms up. The goats are doing well. Cathy brought them two blue spruce to snack on yesterday and they are enjoying them. I bread my New Zealand rabbit on the 2nd of Jan. and will also keep everyone updated on her development. I am working on getting some seeds started for the spring garden as well.

Is anyone else starting seed yet?

1-1-11 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011-01-01T08:36:00.000-05:00

1-1-11, Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! May everyone be blessed with prosperity, good health and the time to enjoy them.
Peace, Love, Happiness to all
Barbara

IT IS SNOWING IN NORTH FLORIDA, MADISON COUNTY

2010-12-26T06:45:00.001-05:00

It is snowing here right at this very moment here in North Florida in Lee, Madison County. Still dark out at 6:30 a.m.. Pretty cool to see it here. Being born and raised in Florida it is very rare to see snow. It is coming down heavy, sounds much different than rain. unlike rain it blows every which way.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2010-12-25T06:15:00.000-05:00

Nesting Boxes and Handmade Soaps

2010-12-20T16:18:00.001-05:00

I received my Nesting Boxes that I won over at LIFE ON A SOUTHERN FARM We have not installed them as of yet. Hope to get the nesting boxes up in the next couple of days. It has been very cold and wet here and I have to admit I have been avoiding going outside in the dreary weather. Georgia Farm Women also sent me some of her wonderful homemade soaps with a couple of accessories to relax in the tub. I have been using the the Autumn Afternoon soap and it has a lovely scent, great lather. The soap has left my skin soft and moisturized. Thank you very much Georgia Farm Women and Farmman. I visited LIFE ON A SOUTHERN FARM today and she has some pics of their homemade Christmas gifts. They are very talented. Love the stuffed animals. If you get a chance to stop and visit them you will see many of the products they make on their farm and sell.

The nesting box is the best quality I have seen and affordable for all. They start at 24.95 and up. The one you see pictured here is the 3 hen nesting box and is 59.95.

EXPECTING SINGLE DIGITS HERE IN NORTH FLORIDA

2010-12-13T16:23:00.000-05:00

It is 4:19 p.m. and my outdoor thermometer is reading 32 degrees while the sun is still shining. I am expecting single digits in the morning. Whew, that is cold for Florida. Sunny Miami is expecting a low of 35. I believe that is a record. I don't have long to post because I have to get outside and make sure all the farm animals have a cozy place to get out of this cold wind.

What temperature is it where you are?

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2010-12-12T06:41:00.000-05:00

OMG!!!!

2010-12-10T08:20:00.001-05:00

I was just sitting here wondering how I should break it to family members that due to our budget being so tight I can barely send out Christmas cards let alone gifts for anyone. I was feeling really bad that we cannot afford to get the relatives kids anything, being hard on myself, down in the dumps and as I went over to my gmail account to send out an email to explain to a couple of relatives that no gifts are being sent out, but to know that we are very grateful this Holiday season for our health, family and friends. As I opened my email account I had a email from Life On A Southern Farm telling me my Hens won the Nesting box giveaway. Seriously, I started crying I was so happy. My girls are going to be so happy. Thank you so much Georgia Farm Women and Farmman. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!

Oh, and if your a family member and reading this since I have not contacted anyone yet, I do hope you will understand that while we hope everyone has a WONDERFUL MERRY CHRISTMAS, with good health and prosperity I do hope you understand our not being able to afford gifts this year.

PEACE,
Barbara

p.s. another giveaway, this one is for a handy pair of kitchen tongs.
http://www.mysuburbanhomestead.com/essential-kitchen-gear-sturdy-pair-tongs-giveaway/

A NESTING BOX GIVEAWAY

2010-12-06T10:43:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone, Over at Life On A Southern Farm they are having a giveaway. If you have Hens you will love this giveaway. If you visit them and enter please mention I sent you over. It would be appreciated.

http://georgiafarmwoman.blogspot.com/2010/12/chicken-nesting-box-giveaway.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LifeOnASouthernFarm+%28Life+on+a+Southern+Farm%29

OUR CHRISTMAS TREE & MAX

2010-12-03T19:55:00.001-05:00

Tim and I have been putting up Christmas Decorations. The picture is of the tree inside the house. Yes, It is artificial. Tim and I went to a New Years Celebration one year and they were throwing live Christmas trees on the bonfire and when we witnessed how fast they go up in flames we vowed then to never have one in the house. So we settled for the flame retardant one. Will do some decorating tomorrow.

When we have freezing temperatures we make sure all the cats and our dog Max comes inside to stay warm. The picture below is of Max getting a dog nap in while I was busy cleaning house. Does he look comfortable?

LONG WINTER

2010-12-03T07:47:00.000-05:00

I believe it is going to be a long winter. The last two days we have had freezing temperatures. I have woke up to the farm animals water bowls and buckets being frozen. At sunrise I bring the goats water bucket in and make them a warm Probiotic Power Tea in their bucket to drink though out the day. It is a tea with the Lactid Acid Bacteria, including Lactobacillus acidophillus DDS-1, Inulin and vitamins to help manage stress such as weather changes. Tomorrow they will get a treat of warm Molasses tea.

In the garden that Cathy and I are growing the collards, kale, chard, fennel, dill, cilantro, English Peas, lettuce, carrots, broccoli are doing beautifully in this cold weather. I harvested some kale and chard yesterday to make a bowl of greens to go with our roast. Cathy and I put our winter garden in as a last minute thought and we can tell you our spring garden will be a bit more organized. As many of you know that have been following me for several seasons I have always had a garden. Cathy has more sunshine than I do so we decided to pool our resources together and have a garden together. It is nice having a friend with a similar lifestyle that you pool resources with in these tough economical times.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2010-11-24T07:56:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone, My wish is that everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving! I have been reflecting over this past year and truly thankful for the bounty I have been blessed with. As some of you know I have had some health issues that have kept me from working this past year and we are living off of one income which has been challenging and rewarding at the same time. I have been walking the walk of being frugal, resourceful, and working hard at becoming more sufficient in being self sustaining. I raised our own meat birds for the freezer, butchering them myself utilizing as much of the chicken for dinners and to make my own broth to freeze for soups, gravies, etc.... Raised our Thanksgiving dinner in a freerange environment with no hormones or chemicals and teaching myself to process the bird. Hatching baby chicks and ducklings to sell and making homemade preserves, jams, and jellies also to sell to help supplement our income.
While we do not have any xtra monies and we are stretching our dollar as far as it will go we are so blessed with riches of love, happiness, the ability to appreciate each day and stop to smell the flowers along the way. The important things in life are priceless and I am thankful to be able to recognize that.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

COMFREY SALVE & A GIVEAWAY AT SIMPLE LIFE

2010-11-19T11:58:00.003-05:00

I have been wanting to make a Comfrey Salve but, could not get the Comfrey to grow big enough at my house due to the chickens and turkeys always keeping it plucked to the ground. They plucked at it till they killed it. I took my friend Cathy to visit a local Herb Farm that she had never visited Otooles Herb Farm. While there I found another Comfrey Plant. Wow, they have gotten expensive so to make sure it survived I gave it to Cathy and she has done a wonderful job nurturing her plant and getting it to grow. She graciously shared enough leaves with me to make a Comfrey Salve. Of course, Cathy and I share many things so of course I made her a salve too.

I took about 2 cups of Comfrey leaves chopping them into pieces
I melted 2 cups of coconut oil, removing the pot from the heat and put the leaves into simmer like a tea. After 24 hours I melted the mixtures in a double broiler on low. When the coconut oil turned to liquid form I then strained the mixture through a sieve into small mason jars. I added 10 drops of Tea Tree Oil and allowed to cool.

You can use Olive Oil instead of Coconut Oil. You can also use Beeswax as will be needed if using Olive Oil to get a solid salve. When making a salve use equal parts Comfrey, Oil, Beeswax. Do not Boil the Comfrey as it is known to destroy the beneficial properties of the herb.

Comfrey has many uses and here are a few.

Comfrey is a marvelous herb and is one of the best-known healing herbs of all times. Its very name, symphytum, means to heal.

Comfrey salves, ointments and teas are best known for the topical treatment of burns, skin ulcerations, abrasions, lacerations, flea and insect bites, and just about any skin irritation. A poultice, salve or infusion of the leaves can be applied to bruises, fractures, sprains, and other closed-tissue injuries. Well known and widely used by early herbalists, science now confirms the healing effects of comfrey are attributable to allantoin, a compound shown to speed cell production both inside and outside the body. Comfrey works so fast that many herbalists will add antibacterial herbs such as goldenseal or thyme to comfrey salves to prevent sealing bacteria inside a fast healing wound

Comfrey relieves pain and inflammation caused by injuries and degeneration, especially the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Comfrey creams and oils can be used in arthritic pain relieving massages.

In the picture the Salve still needs to solidify.

Over at Tonia's Blog @ Simple Life she is having a giveaway of organic spices and a wonderful little country sign. Please visit her and enter the giveaway. In case you missed the first link here is another one. http://allnaturalsimplelife.blogspot.com/2010/11/and-here-is-giveaway.html

15 minute Chili

2010-11-18T10:36:00.000-05:00

With the weather being a bit chilly I have been wanting Chili. I made a meatless Chili this morning that takes less than 15 minutes. While in the past I have gone thru the trouble of soaking and cooking red beans, etc... this time I wanted to make a quick and easy Chili. If you desire,you can add ground chuck browning it first with the onions before adding the rest of the ingredients. I dug into the pantry to see what I had on hand as I have been living off of my stocked up pantry to see if I could make Chili and this is what I came up with and it is Yummy.

1 onion coarsely chopped and sauteed in a sliver of butter or oil ( I used butter)
I love garlic in everything so I added some diced up garlic to the above but not necessary

Then Add
1 can on diced petite tomatoes. ( I use Hunts but you can use whatever brand you prefer)
1 can of drained & rinsed black beans
1 can of drained & rinsed red beans
1 can of chili beans in mild sauce undrained
1 can of condensed tomato soup.
2 tablespoon of chili powder. ( you can add more if you like it is all about your taste preference) I use a quality organic chili powder and find I need less than a generic one.
1/2 teaspoon of seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon of pepper
stir and heat till warm and ready to serve

I like to serve my chili with a bit of shredded cheddar cheese on top but you could use whatever cheese you like on top or not. You can also add a smidgen of sour cream on top when serving if you like.

Serve with cornbread.

WATCH OUT PEOPLE

2010-11-13T07:40:00.000-05:00

Watch out people.....if you like to eat real food you or your dealer/I mean farmer may be in trouble: S510 May Mean 10 Years in Prison for Farmers

http://hartkeisonline.com/food-politics/s510-may-mean-10-years-in-prison-for-farmers/

THANK YOU TO ALL VETERANS

2010-11-11T14:10:00.000-05:00

IF YOU HAVE

2010-11-10T16:12:00.000-05:00

CHEESE ANYONE?

2010-11-10T08:12:00.000-05:00

The government going after raw milk was something a lot of people could comfortably ignore -- fringe-y kooks making a lot of noise about milk that could be dangerous.

But start messing with people's $22-per-pound raw-milk Camembert ... well, now you're dealing with serious food for more mainstream foodies.
Yet that's what may be happening. The five-year-old war on raw milk appears to be expanding to include a war on raw cheese.

Read More

EASY COBBLER

2010-11-07T05:59:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone, I wanted to make a cobbler last night and all the recipes I had on hand called for a stick of butter. Well, in my neck of the woods butter is running 3.99 per pound so I decided to alter the recipe and not use butter. It turned out great and sharing the recipe below.

Easy Cobbler

1 cup of flour
1 cup of sugar
2 tsp of baking powder

mix the above stirring in 1 cup of milk. It will have lumps in it.
Spray a baking dish with no stick spray and pour the above mixture into the baking dish. Then pour two cups of fruit with juice on top of that. The Batter will come to the top as it bakes. I used two cups of my pears I had preserved. I also sprinkled a bit of cinnamon in the batter but it is not necessary.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or till golden brown on top. It was DELISH and it felt good to make this dish with out the butter and have it turn out so well. Enjoy!!

NEEEEEAH!

2010-10-31T14:37:00.000-04:00

NEEEEEAH! That is what Sweetpea said this morning when I went out to feed them. She has pulled through and is going to make it. She is running about, playing and eating lots of hay. Yesterday was her last shots and she has not had IV Fluids since Friday. Just thought I would share the great news with you all and Thank you all again. I did give her a dose of Probiotics this morning to get the good bacteria back into her gut since she has been on antibiotics for a week.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

GOOD NEWS ABOUT SWEETPEA

2010-10-29T07:04:00.002-04:00

Hello Everyone, I am not giving up just yet. Yesterday morning Sweetpea's temperature had dropped two degrees and she jumped up when I went out at daybreak and walked over to the area where I store their feed. She then followed me to the stall and ate her entire breakfast with gusto like a goat does. She has not done this since last Friday. I am not giving up yet. We are still administering her medicine and watching her closely.

CAE being the HIV of the goat world means that while Sweetpea has been suffering the past week it is a possibility that we could get her to recover and as long as she has a STRESS FREE environment she could be fine.

Started this post yesterday morning and here we are one week since all this started and Sweetpea seems to be pulling through. She is up eating hay at this moment. For the last two days she has been eating and then chewing on her cud which for anyone who owns goats knows a goat chewing on their cud is a good thing. Her tummy is making all the normal sounds around every 1 to 3 minutes, she is walking around the pasture dropping normal pellets and curious. She just might pull through this. I have not taken her temperature yet this a.m.. I did take the advice of many of you and gave her the Thiamine (B Complex) injection. Actually I just put it into her Ringer (IV Fluids) so she did not have to get stuck with a needle again. Her injection of the B Complex was late yesterday afternoon. As long as Sweetpea is not in pain and trying to make it through this I will not take her fight away. My Vet stated we will know at the one week mark if she is possibly going to make it and it seems against all odds she just might pull through this.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, everyone for your prayers for our Sweetpea.

When Sweetpea went down and I rushed her to my Vet, Dr. Baxley his first question while drawing blood and stool sample was, "What changes have been made in the last week to week and half that may have caused stress?" I had told him I had taken Peekaboo, one of Sweetpea's favorite goat companions away for a day. I write everything and anything that happens with my animals on a calendar and sure enough exactly eight days before Sweetpea went down Peek had been taken away for a bit. Goats being the delicate creatures that they are the stress of taking Peek away Triggered the CAE. When goats experience stress their body releases an enzyme that signals any underlying problems to turn on. If I can get her through this rest assured I will take excellent care of Sweetpea and keep her stress free. Just wanted to share this with you all because keeping our goats stress free and realizing how emotional they are is important to their overall health.

Peace to everyone, wishing everyone a wonderful weekend and thank you again everyone for sending Sweetpea your prayers and thoughts.

BLOOD TEST ARE BACK FOR SWEETPEA

2010-10-27T18:01:00.000-04:00

Sweetpea's blood test are back from the state lab and she has CAE (Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis). It is the HIV of the Goat World. Just wanted to thank everyone for all your prayers and kind words. I am heartbroken and as hard as I have tried to pull myself together, I can't. I love my little goat girl and can't stop crying. As you all know she is receiving proper Vet care and my Vet is giving me meds for her. I am going to give her another day to see if she pulls through but, eventually she could have the same problem in the future. Today she was given her favorite treats and even sick she loved them. We are keeping her comfortable. I spent all morning laying in the hay with her and Peekaboo was right there with me. Max my yellow lab who normally sleeps out front has been sleeping right by the stall for the last two days. Sweetpea is surrounded with love from her human friend as well as the herd, and Max. I will keep you all posted.

PRAYERS FOR SWEETPEA

2010-10-26T10:08:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone, I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend. I woke up Friday morning and Sweetpea was not feeling well. For those of you who own goats you know what I mean about knowing a goat is not feeling well. My goats are very social and love attention and treats. On Friday Sweetpea could not be bothered with anyone. Not being interested in attention and especially her treats means something is wrong. I thought at first she might be bloated simply because it was a possibility because I recently started adding a couple of Timothy Hay and Alfalfa Hay Pellets to their feed. Saturday morning she was worse meaning getting up was difficult and she stumbled around like she was drunk when she was up. I swooped her into my arms and hollered for my sister and off we went to the Vet. After ruling out bloat, parasites, worms, and all the other test that can be run in the Vets office we have sent blood off to the State Lab for test. After a few simple test Dr. Baxley's was able to determine that Sweetpea's brain is swollen. Could be one of many Virus's that cause the brain to swell, Encephalitis, and of course it could be neurological damage from the situation she was rescued from and it is now causing problems. The picture is of Sweetpea resting comfortably this morning after her meds and eating. She is getting a 1000 ml of lactaid ringers which is fluids in the morning along with 3 cc of Baytril and 1 cc of Benamine which is a anti-inflammatory/steroid/pain killer. The Benamine keeps her very comfortable. When the test come back we will know more. Till then she is receiving intensive care from Dr. Baxley providing the best meds available for this situation and Tim, Patty and Myself taking excellent care of her. We have all cried and we are heartbroken over this situation because we LOVE Sweetpea so much. We can tell you that when Patty rescued her and brought her to the farm she has had excellent care, was taught how to play like a goat and we could see and feel the joy she was experiencing doing so. Please pray for our Sweetpea. Thank you!

Sweetpea is on the left and Peekaboo is on the right keeping her company.

DESPERATLY SEEKING A HEN TURKEY

2010-10-20T13:33:00.000-04:00

This past year I wanted to raise my own Turkey's for our Holiday dinner so that we could have a Free Range Organic Turkey for Dinner. If you want to purchase such it is very expensive. Here is a place that sells Free Range Organic Turkeys for Holiday dinner's to give you an idea of how expensive they are. We are butchering two of our Turkey's this weekend. I will still have two Tom's left and desperatly seeking a few Hen's for them. Hen's are very hard to come by. Two of the Tom's I have were supposed to be Hen's. I want Hen's so that I can breed them to raise.

If anyone has any advice on how to tell a Hen Turkey when they are young please do tell. If you know of a place that sells Hen's please tell.

My Buff Orpington Mama Hen decided for some reason to go broody. It is late in the year for it but I let her. She started hatching a couple of nights ago. A large kennel and heat lamp will help her get them thru the chilly nights till they get a bit bigger.

FEELING THE RECESSION

2010-10-16T14:11:00.001-04:00

Tim and I live a very simple frugal life and we always have. Being that we live such a simple life we have not felt the recession like many people until now. Our home is very modest in a very rural area, our cars are paid off, no cable, no cell phones, I cook everything from scratch, even our bread. Yes, we occasionally would purchase store bought bread sometimes. I shop in bulk at Sam's and only purchase sale items from grocery stores. I try to only go to the grocery store once a month, getting our milk every two weeks. I am not working due to a bad back injury and even if I tried to find a part time job they are no where to be found. I sell extra eggs we do not use that my chickens produce and homemade jams, jellies, and preserves to help out. I plant a garden Spring and Fall and can or freeze any extra fruit I can get my hands on. Found some sparkleberries still producing and harvesting them tonight.   I needed something from the store recently and decided to walk through the grocery store and check some prices out. WOW, I was shocked at how high groceries are. I don't know how families are doing it. I do not support the use of products with corn syrup or processed foods but certainly understand why so many people are eating them. It is all they can afford to eat. Hunger is one of the most horrific feelings a person can experience and many parents are feeding their children Dollar Store food items loaded with corn by products in order to keep them from feeling hunger. So many young people do not know how to cook from scratch and this is one reason we need to restore Home Economics in the Public Schools and make sure that those of us who know how to cook share our skills with those who do not. I am a survivalist and we will be fine but I am worried about many families.

I made a Pear Cobbler with some of the Pears I gleaned off of a tree that I had found on vacant property.
It is a simple dish and so delish. My husbandstwo favorite recipes of the Pears so far are the following.

Pear Cobbler
3 cups of pears peeled and sliced, with juice. Juice is a half of a lemon. let stand for about a half hour

Melt one stick of butter, in the over in a a 1 1/2 qt. baking dish

mix 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup flour and 2 teaspoon of baking powder. I was out of baking powder so I used 1
teaspoon of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar. Stir in cup of milk. It will be lumpy.

Pour batter over butter in dish and spoon pears over batter. Bake for 45 mins in a   350 degree oven.
you can use peaches in this recipe instead if that is what you have

Pear Pound Cake

1 1/4 cup of oil, I used Pear Butter instead of Oil
2 cups of sugar
3 eggs beaten

Cream together oil, sugar and then add eggs.

Sift 3 cup of plain flour   (if you don't have a sifter you can still make recipe.)
2 tsp of baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon

Add creamed mixture one cup at a time.
Add:

1 tsp of vanilla
3 cups of grated pears

mix well

Pour into a greased and floured tube pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes and remove from pan. You can eat this plain or make a glaze with powdered sugar, a few drops of water, a couple of drops of vanilla and a drop of lemon juice. stir well and drizzle of bread if desired.

WELCOME HOME PEEKABOO, WELCOME HOME!

2010-10-13T15:32:00.001-04:00

Peekaboo, my Pygmy Goat spent the night at her boyfriends house last night. I have been waiting for her to go into heat so I could breed her with Peanut, a blue eyed Pygmy Goat. Like a book suggested Peanuts owner, Cathy laid an old towel in Peanuts housing to scent the towel and then I brought it home and put it in with my girls and sure enough they went into heat. I took Peek over yesterday and while I witnessed the act several times I choose to let her spend the night. When I picked her up today Peanut was very upset that I was taking her back home. Tigger and Sweetpea was very happy to see Peekaboo. Hopefully Peekaboo will have two kids in March. Peanut normally throws two kids anytime he has been used for breeding.

Someone asked for the Rose Petal Jelly Recipe and here is the one I used.

2 cups fresh rose petals (do not include any green parts in with the snipped petals) I only had about 1 1/2 cups of petals and it turned out fine.

2 cups of boiling hot water
1/4 cup lemon juice
4 cups sugar
3 ozs. liquid pectin

Gather your flowers in the early morning. This is the time that flowers have their best scent
and flavor.
Pour the hot boiling water over the flower petals and allow them to steep for an hour or up to
24 hours. Strain the mixture through a fine screened sieve.
Have your canning jars and lids sterilized and ready for use.
Stir together the lemon juice, sugar, and flower petal juice into a large pot. Bring
to a rolling boil. Add liquid pectin and again return to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes.
Skim off any foam that occurs. Ladle into sterilized jars
and process in boiling water bath for 15 minutes to seal jars.

Makes 4-5 half pints of jelly.

I NEED MORE HONEY!

2010-10-12T07:17:00.000-04:00

I am in need of more Honey. I did purchase some at the grocery store reading all the labels carefully making sure I got the real thing. I am going to purchase some Tupelo Honey from the source link on the right. He has a stand at Riverside Market that I will send my daughter to get me some. While in need of more Honey I found the following info I thought I would share with you all on Honey. I have started baking with it and using it on just about everything. I need gallons of it ; )

Here is some of the info I came across over at Flower Garden Girl
Eating local Honey can build a resistance to allergies.

Cinnamon and Honey

Honey is the only food on the planet that will not

spoil or rot. It will do what some call turning to sugar.

In reality honey is always honey… However, when left in

a cool dark place for a long time it will do what I rather

call “crystallizing”. When this happens I

loosen the lid, boil some water, and sit the honey

container in the hot water,

turn

off the heat and let it liquefy. It is then as good as it

ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. To do

so will kill the enzymes in the honey.

Bet the drug companies won’t like this

one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:

It is found that a mixture of honey and

Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in

most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today

also accept honey as a ‘Ram Ban’ (very effective) medicine

for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without

any side effects for any kind of diseases.

Today’s

science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in

the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic

patients. Weekly World News, a magazine in

Canada , in its issue dated 17 January,1995 has given the

following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and

cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES:

Make a

paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread,

instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for

breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and

saves the patient from heart attack. Also,

those who have already had an attack, if they do this

process daily, they are kept miles away from the next

attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of

breath and strengthens the heart beat. In

America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated

patients successfully and have found that as you age, the

arteries

and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged;

honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and

veins.

ARTHRITIS:

Arthritis

patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot

water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of

cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis

can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the

Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors

treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon

Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast,

they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so

treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of

pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who

could not walk or move around because of arthritis started

walking without pain.

BLADDER

INFECTIONS:

Take two tablespoons of

cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of

lukewarm

water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the

bladder.

CHOLESTEROL:

Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of

Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to

a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of

cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours.

As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken

three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured.

According to information received in the said Journal,

pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of

cholesterol.

COLDS:

Those suffering

from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon

lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for

three days. This process will cure most chronic

cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH:

Honey taken with

cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears

stomach

ulcers from the root.

GAS:

According to the studies done in India and Japan , it

is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder

the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE

SYSTEM:

Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the

immune system and protects the body from bacteria and

viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has

various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use

of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight

bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION:

Cinnamon

powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before

food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA:

A scientist in Spain has

proved that honey contains a natural ‘ Ingredient’ which

kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu..

LONGEVITY:

Tea made with honey and

cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages

of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of

cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make

like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It

keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life

spans also increase and even a 100 year old, starts

performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

PIMPLES:

Three

tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder

paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and

wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for

two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:

Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on

the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types

of skin

infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:

Daily

in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty

stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and

cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken

regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese

person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not

allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the

person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER:

Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed

that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been

cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of

cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one

teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a

day.

FATIGUE:

Recent studies have shown

that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather

than being detrimental to the strength of the body..

Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in

equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who

has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey

taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon

powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at

about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to

decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a

week.

BAD BREATH:

People of

South America , first thing in the morning, gargle with

one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot

water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

It is a Tung Tree

2010-10-04T21:11:00.000-04:00

I went today and took more pictures of the 'What is this?' tree and this evening an anonymous person suggested it might be a Tung Tree. After doing some research that is what it is. It is used to make Tung Oil. Here are a few more photo's.

WHAT IS THIS?

2010-10-02T17:03:00.000-04:00

I discovered a tree today in the forest that I have not been able to identify. Can anyone help me identify this tree? Below are some pictures of the fruit or nut it had on it, what the inside looks like and the leaf of the tree.

I'm Back

2010-10-02T08:07:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone, I have taken the summer off from blogging and I am back. Yes, I did have an affair with Facebook while gone. I am officially bored with Facebook. It was an easy affair because, When I needed to take a break from all the canning, farm chores, etc....It was easy to check in on Facebook. For now I will post some pictures and work my way back into posting on a regular basis. The picture above say's it all. My kitchen has been a mess this entire summer as I have been canning just about everyday. Always taking advantage of whatever was ready to be harvested. Starting with Dandelions to make jelly, then Wild Blackberries. Then so many Tomatoes that they filled my Garden tub along with every laundry basket and green shopping bag I could fill. I was tossing at least ten a day out to the chickens, ducks and turkeys. I made lots of salsa. It was the best salsa I had ever tasted and my husband along with everybody who tasted it agreed. Then Blueberries and figs were ready to be harvested. Pears were next. I harvested pears for a month. In between all of what I mentioned were small harvest of peppers and such from the garden that I would use fresh and freeze some for winter use as well. I did harvest some Rose petals yesterday as well and make a Rose Petal Jelly. Soooo, I have been busy and yesterday for the first time in a long time I was able to see my counter tops in the kitchen. Did I mention that while harvesting and canning everything I could get my hands on along with my regular chores I was hatching out Chicks and ducks to sell. I also kept many new hens as I cannot keep eggs on hand due to the demand from locals who wish to purchase farm fresh free range eggs.

The weather here has finally cooled off and the windows are open. Good thing cause the electric bill was not a pleasant thing to open up. I cried when I opened the last two. I am very conservative and my house is shaded in the summer and from talking to others my bill was low compared to most. I no longer use the dryer at all. I am enjoying using the clothes line. Hanging clothes, then walking away and looking back and seeing the clothes is art in it's own form. I did notice while driving the countryside, many people are using clothes lines again.

KHAKI CAMPBELL DUCKLINGS GET A NEW HOME

2010-08-17T13:52:00.001-04:00

5 of the Khaki Campbell Ducklings get a new home. I will deliver them to their new owner on Saturday. Adam, the new owner has a pond which always makes me happy when the ducks get a pond. While they do not need water they are much happier with a kiddie pool or even better a pond. Here are a few pictures of the ducklings.

DIY SOLAR PANEL--PRODUCE YOUR OWN GREENPOWER

2010-08-16T08:51:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone, I hope everyone had a great weekend. I made Pear Butter and it turned out so good I picked two more pecks of pears to make more.

I found a NEW blog that I want to share. This guy is cool. He has some chickens, a new kid goat and shares his experiences with videos. Go to his BLOG, PRODUCE YOUR GREENPOWER and you will be able to view a video of how he installed his own solar panel and how he hooked up the power supply. At the end of the video you will see a screen that you can click on to get an update of his installation.

JUDGE BANS GM BEETS

2010-08-14T08:02:00.001-04:00

I am doing a happy dance this morning. Finally seems we may have someone in charge that cannot be paid off by Monsanto and realizes the damage that can be done by allowing GM Foods to be grown. See full story HERE. Just when I was feeling it was hopeless and that all officials were under the influence of Monsanto. Today is a good day.

On another note I was talking to a Tomato Farmer yesterday from Jennings that told me they left most of the Tomato harvest in the field to rot because they could not get enough money to pay to have them harvested. He said that while they did harvest some of the bigger varieties they left 40 acres of cherry tomato's to rot. It seems we are paying enough in the store that they should be paid a decent price. I don't know how much they were offered but, this is another reason you should make sure you are growing food and saving seed.

Summer 2010

2010-08-11T12:45:00.000-04:00

I love Blueberries! They are one of my favorite fruits. I picked 16 lbs at Hilda's Organic Blueberry Farm a couple of weeks ago.

Hilda grows several types of fruit. I also picked 14 lbs of figs.

I did get started on my seedlings for my fall garden. Here in Florida the weather is nice enough in the Fall to have another go round at gardening.

As many of you know it has been very hot outside. While I make a point to work in the shade on several occasions when I had to work out in full sun I ended up sick and had to lay down. I decided to take the thermometer one afternoon and put it in the area I was working in in the full sun and this is the temp it stopped at in the full sun.

This summer I did alot of canning. I made 19 pint jars of the best Salsa I have ever had this year from my garden goodies. I have been eating it on everything. Eggs, rice, baked potato, etc...

Also made lots of jams and jellies that included Dandelion, Lavendar, Blackberry, Spiced Blackberry, Blueberry, Peach, Strawberry and Strawberry Fig just to name a few.

GM Foods Found Firmly Planted In The Wild

2010-08-08T07:24:00.000-04:00

GM Canola found firmly planted along the roadsides of North Dakota. See Entire article here at Discovery News

choose2choose.mov

2010-08-05T15:59:00.001-04:00

http://www.choose2choose.com/

FREE LABELS & PRINTABLES

2010-07-28T06:36:00.001-04:00

Here are two links for your label needs.
Free Suzee Que Vintage Labels

Sweet Preservation Canning Labels.
sweetpreservation.com

Other various free printables
Free Printables

GIVE AWAY OF SURVIVAL SEED PACK

2010-07-22T12:25:00.000-04:00

Found a give away of a survival seed pack valued at 39.95 over at NEW LIFE ON A HOMESTEAD.
Thought you all might want to check it out and enter.

BUCKING THE SYSTEM

2010-07-21T07:22:00.002-04:00

Below is a speech given by a Valedictorian that has given me hope that today's youth has not all been brainwashed into only allowing their social minds to function. She has inspired hope in me that we have an upcoming generation that is going to allow their natural minds to function and possibly turn things around.

Valedictorian Against Schooling (IMO a must read & was not written by me)
Dear Editor,

(The following was read as the valedictorian's speech at Coxsackie-Athens High School in recent weeks, creating quite a stir among administrators, to great applause from students and many of their parents)

There is a story of a young, but earnest Zen student who approached his teacher, and asked the Master: "If I work very hard and diligently, how long will it take for me to find Zen?" The Master thought about this, then replied, "Ten years . ." (The student then said, "But what if I work very, very hard and really apply myself to learn fast - How long then?" Replied the Master, "Well, twenty years." "But, if I really, really work at it, how long then?" asked the student. "Thirty years," replied the Master. "But, I do not understand," said the disappointed student. "At each time that I say I will work harder, you say it will take me longer. Why do you say that?" (Replied the Master, "When you have one eye on the goal, you only have one eye on the path."

This is the dilemma I've faced within the American education system. We are so focused on a goal, whether it be passing a test, or graduating as first in the class. However, in this way, we do not really learn. We do whatever it takes to achieve our original objective.

Some of you may be thinking, "Well, if you pass a test, or become valedictorian, didn't you learn something? Well, yes, you learned something, but not all that you could have. Perhaps, you only learned how to memorize names, places, and dates to later on forget in order to clear your mind for the next test. School is not all that it can be. Right now, it is a place for most people to determine that their goal is to get out as soon as possible.

I am now accomplishing that goal. I am graduating. I should look at this as a positive experience, especially being at the top of my class. However, in retrospect, I cannot say that I am any more intelligent than my peers. I can attest that I am only the best at doing what I am told and working the system. Yet, here I stand, and I am supposed to be proud that I have completed this period of indoctrination. I will leave in the fall to go on to the next phase expected of me, in order to receive a paper document that certifies that I am capable of work. But I contest that I am a human being, a thinker, an adventurer - not a worker. A worker is someone who is trapped within repetition - a slave of the system set up before him. But now, I have successfully shown that I was the best slave. I did what I was told to the extreme. While others sat in class and doodled to later become great artists, I sat in class to take notes and become a great test-taker. While others would come to class without their homework done because they were reading about an interest of theirs, I never missed an assignment. While others were creating music and writing lyrics, I decided to do extra credit, even though I never needed it. So, I wonder, why did I even want this position? Sure, I earned it, but what will come of it? When I leave educational institutionalism, will I be successful or forever lost? I have no clue about what I want to do with my life; I have no interests because I saw every subject of study as work, and I excelled at every subject just for the purpose of excelling, not learning.

John Taylor Gatto, a retired school teacher and activist critical of compulsory schooling, asserts, "We could encourage the best qualities of youthfulness - curiosity, adventure, resilience, the capacity for surprising insight simply by being more flexible about time, texts, and tests, by introducing kids into truly competent adults, and by giving each student what autonomy he or she needs in order to take a risk every now and then. But we don't do that." Between these cinderblock walls, we are all expected to be the same. We are trained to ace every standardized test, and those who deviate and see light through a different lens are worthless to the scheme of public education, and therefore viewed with contempt.

H. L. Mencken wrote in The American Mercury for April 1924 that the aim of public education is not to fill the young of the species with knowledge and awaken their intelligence. ... Nothing could be further from the truth. The aim ... is simply to reduce as many individuals as possible to the same safe level, to breed and train a standardized citizenry, to put down dissent and originality. That is its aim in the United States. (Gatto)

To illustrate this idea, doesn't it perturb you to learn about the idea of "critical thinking." Is there really such a thing as "uncritically thinking?" To think is to process information in order to form an opinion. But if we are not critical when processing this information, are we really thinking? Or are we mindlessly accepting other opinions as truth?

This was happening to me, and if it wasn't for the rare occurrence of an avant-garde tenth grade English teacher, Donna Bryan, who allowed me to open my mind and ask questions before accepting textbook doctrine, I would have been doomed. I am now enlightened, but my mind still feels disabled. I must retrain myself and constantly remember how insane this ostensibly sane place really is.

And now here I am in a world guided by fear, a world suppressing the uniqueness that lies inside each of us, a world where we can either acquiesce to the inhuman nonsense of corporatism and materialism or insist on change. We are not enlivened by an educational system that clandestinely sets us up for jobs that could be automated, for work that need not be done, for enslavement without fervency for meaningful achievement. We have no choices in life when money is our motivational force. Our motivational force ought to be passion, but this is lost from the moment we step into a system that trains us, rather than inspires us.

We are more than robotic bookshelves, conditioned to blurt out facts we were taught in school. We are all very special, every human on this planet is so special, so aren't we all deserving of something better, of using our minds for innovation, rather than memorization, for creativity, rather than futile activity, for rumination rather than stagnation? We are not here to get a degree, to then get a job, so we can consume industry-approved placation after placation. There is more, and more still.

The saddest part is that the majority of students don't have the opportunity to reflect as I did. The majority of students are put through the same brainwashing techniques in order to create a complacent labor force working in the interests of large corporations and secretive government, and worst of all, they are completely unaware of it. I will never be able to turn back these 18 years. I can't run away to another country with an education system meant to enlighten rather than condition. This part of my life is over, and I want to make sure that no other child will have his or her potential suppressed by powers meant to exploit and control. We are human beings. We are thinkers, dreamers, explorers, artists, writers, engineers. We are anything we want to be - but only if we have an educational system that supports us rather than holds us down. A tree can grow, but only if its roots are given a healthy foundation.

For those of you out there that must continue to sit in desks and yield to the authoritarian ideologies of instructors, do not be disheartened. You still have the opportunity to stand up, ask questions, be critical, and create your own perspective. Demand a setting that will provide you with intellectual capabilities that allow you to expand your mind instead of directing it. Demand that you be interested in class. Demand that the excuse, "You have to learn this for the test" is not good enough for you. Education is an excellent tool, if used properly, but focus more on learning rather than getting good grades.

For those of you that work within the system that I am condemning, I do not mean to insult; I intend to motivate. You have the power to change the incompetencies of this system. I know that you did not become a teacher or administrator to see your students bored. You cannot accept the authority of the governing bodies that tell you what to teach, how to teach it, and that you will be punished if you do not comply. Our potential is at stake.

For those of you that are now leaving this establishment, I say, do not forget what went on in these classrooms. Do not abandon those that come after you. We are the new future and we are not going to let tradition stand. We will break down the walls of corruption to let a garden of knowledge grow throughout America. Once educated properly, we will have the power to do anything, and best of all, we will only use that power for good, for we will be cultivated and wise. We will not accept anything at face value. We will ask questions, and we will demand truth.

So, here I stand. I am not standing here as valedictorian by myself. I was molded by my environment, by all of my peers who are sitting here watching me. I couldn't have accomplished this without all of you. It was all of you who truly made me the person I am today. It was all of you who were my competition, yet my backbone. In that way, we are all valedictorians.

I am now supposed to say farewell to this institution, those who maintain it, and those who stand with me and behind me, but I hope this farewell is more of a "see you later" when we are all working together to rear a pedagogic movement. But first, let's go get those pieces of paper that tell us that we're smart enough to do so!

Erica Goldson

Athens, NY

BUCKING THE SYSTEM
: )

The End of Small Farms? HR 2749, HR 875, HR 759, NAIS & Monsanto - Shell...

2010-07-20T19:51:00.001-04:00

If you have trouble viewing this video go here to youtube.com
of course if you click on video twice it will automatically take you to the video on you tube

SUMMER CHORES

2010-07-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

I am so busy with summer chores, installing more fence, taking care of farm animals, cleaning stalls, cleaning cages, cleaning the garden and starting new seed for a Fall garden that during my breaks from the heat I come across some new blogs and I thought I would share. Enjoy

Our Plain and Simple Life

Easy Living The Hard Way

MISSING DUCKS

2010-07-11T06:35:00.003-04:00

Yesterday afternoon Tim and I were watching the Ducks be playful and swimming in their pool about 2 p.m. and all was fine. Then Tim went in to get ready for work and I made dinner. Pork chops, jasmine rice, garlic bread, and I breaded eggplant that I picked out of the garden early in the morning. After dinner we look out to notice two of the younger ducks were missing. Went looking for them and nothing. No feathers or other evidence. I walked through the woods and nothing. Something, Don't know what came in and took them. I did find the hole that the weasel may be living in. We will be taking care of that. I cannot allow it to stay and have my livestock for meals. While I was on the other side of our fence looking for the baby ducks I went into the woods where the goats could not see me and they had a fit. All three of them cried very loud and started running around at super fast speeds. Even though I talked to them so they could here me they did not settle back down till I was back on the other side of the fence. I will be on close watch today trying to make sure whatever it was does not come back. I moved the duck pool up closer where Max can keep an eye on them and hopefully deter any predators.

This morning we woke up to find that a predator had dug under the greenhouse and taken Marge, my white Khaki Campbell. We are very upset. Three young ducks in less than 24 hours. Tim working the midnight shift has to get some sleep. Before doing so he walked the woods but could not find any evidence of where or what it might be. He did fill in the hole I mentioned above. I am on my way out to secure the greenhouse by burying doubled over chicken wire and running it up the side. Max normally guards out front but he will be out back protecting ducks, chickens, and turkey's till we get everyone secure. Whatever it is must have babies to take 3 of my ducks in 24 hours. Someone once asked what I do with the baby chicks and ducks I hatch. While I normally sell them to purchase feed for my flock I will be keeping this last batch I hatched till I make sure no more come up missing.

On another note we got our AC bill yesterday and even though I have been turning everything off, even shutting off ceiling fans when not in the room it went up. I have even been using the clothesline. The surcharge that we are charged for getting electric to us and tax was over $120.00 alone. Yep my bill was close to three hundred dollars and I have been conservative. I have turned the ac up another two degrees and will eventually get used to the heat. I did not sleep well last night because I was warm but, I stuck it out knowing I will adjust to the two degrees higher temp. I must mention that my house is shaded most of the day. I can only imagine what the cost is for those who are in full sun all day.

BUTTERCUP SQUASH

2010-07-08T19:56:00.001-04:00

I just cooked my first Buttercup Squash and I am in love with this squash. The sweetest Squash I have ever eaten. I had gotten two of them from an old timer that grows his own food. He stated he has grown this since he was a child and he cuts out the top, scooping the seeds out and bakes it, adding butter when done. That is what I did and it was sooooo yummy! I saved the seed and will be growing it. If you interested in growing Buttercup Squash you can find it @ Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (Rareseeds.com).

My seed that I ordered from Sustainable Seed Company came in today. I like the seed packet design.

This morning while outside I had noticed that a group of chicks that were up front were making a noise that I had not heard before. I went up to check on them talking to them while appoaching. I stopped and noticed that they were all frozen in place. I looked but, could not see anything. I could still here the sound I had not heard before. I took a couple of more steps forward and that is when it took off. It was a Florida weasal. After securing the chicks I came in and look at weasal pictures and sure enough that is what it was. Then I did a search for Weasal sounds and it was the Weasal making the noise.

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

2010-07-08T10:06:00.003-04:00

Yes, I grow heirloom varieties in my garden. Also hybrid's. On one end I had Marketmore Cucumbers and on the other end my heirloom slicers. They are both tasty. I did fertilize when the plants were young. I also planted in a soil that had organic compost added. I try to never let the cucumbers wilt as that is where they get the bitter taste some have. They do not like to go dry. I keep the soil around the cukes moist. I have a berm built around them so that I can use drip irrigation on them. I eat many of my cucumbers fresh with tomato's, on toasted bread as a cucumber sandwich. Sometimes plain, mayo, Italian dressing or sometimes with cream cheese. I also pickle them. I have several methods. The ole fashion pickles and then my version which varies. Sometimes I pickle with vinegar, sugar and a drop of aged balsamic vinegar. Sometimes I add onion slices, etc....I do add a couple of drops of food grade cinnamon oil to all my pickles and several whole cloves. You can get the food grade oils at CVS in the phamacy. You must ask the pharmacist for it. My cinnamon oil was 3.86 for 1 oz.. They also have food grade clove oil but it is almost 18.00 for less than an ounce so I use whole cloves. I love a cucumber anyway it is served. I do have plenty preserved to get me through the cold months. Did you know that a bee has to visit the cucumber flower 8 to 12 times for you to get a cucumber. I planted Hyssop next to my cucumber to make sure the bees were happy. I do not fertilize anything in the garden once it is setting fruit. I do use neem oil if I develop a fungus problem but that is it. If I get a bug problem that gets out of control then the chickens are invited into the garden. I will actually pick up a couple of baby chicks and take them to the spot.

I am hatching my last batch of chicks for the year. The first one pipped at 9:35 this morning. I sold my last two laying hens that were just starting to lay yesterday. People are starting to get that the 15.00 for a 5 to 6 month old laying hen is worth the money. The chances of losing a baby are 50/50 and the cost of feed to get them to 6 months when they start laying eggs makes them worth the 15.00 dollars. Baby chicks are loved by hawks and if you keep them in a coop your food bill can be high. My chickens are in their natural environment living on the edge of the woods and they free range getting locked up at night. When we get the rest of the property fenced in we are going to get two hogs to live free range in the wooded area. They will be butchered when ready and starting over with another. The woods is also the natural living environment for hogs.

I just hatched out another batch of quail as I have an order for 20 to be delivered at 6 weeks and I needed new layers. Also planning on some roasted quail over the holidays.

I just ordered some seed from sustainable seed co. . I ordered seed to grow food for my chickens, ducks, quail and goats to help supplement the food bill. I ordered the following. Red Proso Millet Seed, Cayuse Oats , Dundale Pea , Fordhook Giant Chard Seeds and Hulless Oat. you can grow small patches to large fields of the mentioned. I will start out with small patches using some to feed and also saving seed for the next patch I grow.